The clock reads 08:59 at Sofienberg in Oslo. The autumn sun is shining, but the air is cold. Inside a hallway and four floors up, a front door stands ajar.
Moments later, she peeks out into the hallway. As the host of ”Maskorama” on NRK, we are used to seeing her with evening makeup, styled hair, and fantastic suits and dresses. This morning, she is bare-faced, dressed in a tank top and jeans.
The radio is humming in the background. It is tuned to P3, the radio channel where most of us first became acquainted with the woman with the fresh morning voice.
From Hamarøy to Marienlyst
Silje Therese Reiten Nordnes is her full name, she was born in 1984 and will soon turn 40. She grew up in Hamarøy in Nordland with her mother, father, and three brothers.
She describes herself as a somewhat “student council-like” type involved in planning and organizing. Hamarøy was not the center of the world, so when something finally happened, Silje was in on it. A course in disco dancing? Yes! A course in improvisational theater? Of course! A football referee? Yep! Air rifle shooting? Sure thing!
– Growing up in Hamarøy is a huge stone in my foundation. I have strong roots there, and I constantly travel back. It was safe and nice, but I also dreamed of moving to Oslo to start in radio. I started listening to P3 when I was eight years old, and I loved the music, the people, and the humor.
<img loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" itemprop="image" title="MINI-SKI: – This picture of my mom and me is possibly from my first ski trip.” alt=”MINI-SKI: – This picture of my mom and me is possibly from my first ski trip.” src=” srcset=” 4000w, 2048w, 1920w, 640w, 480w, 320w”/>
MINI-SKI: – This picture of my mom and me is possibly from my first ski trip.
Photo: Private
– I remember running into my room after dinner and turning on the radio to listen to “Karate”. If dinner was late, I wouldn’t get to listen to the program that day. That’s how it was back then, she laughs.
– A friend and I often went home during the breaks to have lunch and listen to “Mamarazzi” with Anne Lindmo and Nina Martin – it was legendary! When I listened to P3, I thought: “Could this be something for me?” But it’s a long way from Hamarøy to Marienlyst. The needle’s eye is narrow, so why would I get a place there?
Read also: Silje Nordnes: – It’s one of the worst things I’ve done
<img loading="lazy" width="924" height="890" itemprop="image" title="SKIFELLESSKAP: Silje was actively skiing in her childhood and youth. She loved the community but didn’t like the competitions.” alt=”SKIFELLESSKAP: Silje was actively skiing in her childhood and youth. She loved the community but didn’t like the competitions.” src=” srcset=” 4000w, 2048w, 1920w, 640w, 480w, 320w”/>
SKIFELLESSKAP: Sil
Worried and Adventurous
Silje took a long time to warm up to the idea of getting into radio, but the dream was there – along with other dreams: She wanted to become a doctor for Doctors Without Borders or work with aid in the Red Cross. She shelved the medical dream and instead took a bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies at the University of Oslo.
– I considered studying journalism in Volda, but I didn’t even dare to apply. A bit of a defensive attitude, perhaps, but I didn’t have the courage to pursue that dream.
– It was too big, and I wasn’t ready. Later, I took the “Big 5” personality test. It shows that I score very high on worry and anxiety. I am very little impulsive, but I am also adventurous. This is a kind of odd combination, and these traits are in conflict with each other all the time, she explains.
– Because I’m a worried type who often thinks “worst-case scenario” and overthinks things before I do anything, it’s easy to end up doing nothing. But if I do nothing, I start to get bored. I have to defy my worries to feel good. And I’ve been defying them my whole life.
– When I went on exchange to Ecuador at 16, it wasn’t an impulsive act. It was carefully considered. In hindsight, I’ve thought that at 16, I didn’t have many worries in my life, but maybe I should have, she says with a laugh.
– Yes, because five days after I left for Ecuador, it was September 11th… and I was a bit cut off from the world with an internet connection that was so unstable it would crash when it rained. I was quite blissfully unaware, but my parents were at home in Hamarøy, having sent their 16-year-old out into the big world, she explains:
– Ecuador is far from the USA, but there were strong anti-American feelings there, with good reason, and because I was white, I was seen as American, a gringo. There was a quarantine-like atmosphere, and there were periods when we couldn’t travel around, but I still remember it as an amazing year.
Read also: (+) Only as an adult did I understand what my mother had done to me
<img loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1499" itemprop="image" title="GRUNNMUR: – All the different chapters in my life are quite equal in terms of what they have meant to me. Growing up in Hamarøy, my years in Latin American studies at Blindern, journalism studies in Volda, and my time at P3 and NRK are big stones in my foundation.” alt=”GRUNNMUR: – All the different chapters in my life are quite equal in terms of what they have meant to me. Growing up in Hamarøy, my years in Latin American studies at Blindern, journalism studies in Volda, and my time at P3 and NRK are big stones in my foundation.” src=” srcset=” 4000w, 2048w, 1920w, 640w, 480w, 320w”/>
GRUNNMUR: – All the different chapters in my life are quite equal in terms of what they have meant to me. Growing up in Hamarøy, my years in Latin American studies at Blindern, journalism studies in Volda, and my time at P3 and NRK are big stones in my foundation.
Fear and Expectation Pressure
Moving from Hamarøy to Latin America is intense, but according to Silje, it does not compare to moving from Hamarøy to Oslo.
– I wasn’t prepared for how big a divide it would be when I moved here. I thought, “We’re still in Norway,” but it was quite a transition. I went from having a place where I knew everyone to coming to Oslo and being a “nobody,” really nobody.
<img loading="lazy" width="924" height="822" itemprop="image" title="KONTRASTER: Moving from Hamarøy to Latin America is intense, but according to Silje, it does not compare to moving from Hamarøy to Oslo.” alt=”KONTRASTER: Moving from Hamarøy to Latin America is intense, but according to Silje, it does not compare to moving from Hamarøy to Oslo.” src=” srcset=” 4000w, 2048w, 1920w, 640w, 480w, 320w”/>
KONTRASTER: Moving from Hamarøy to Latin America is intense, but according to Silje, it does not compare to moving from Hamarøy to Oslo.
Photo: Astrid Waller
– That became a picture of something that was entirely true. I felt pressure of expectation, perhaps most of all, a pressure I put on myself, and a fear of not surviving. The first six months in Oslo were like a state of shock. My way of dealing with things has always been to sit tight. Read books, watch TV, and wait for it to pass.
While Silje was sitting tight, a group began to crystallize at Blindern. Silje found someone to have coffee with and someone to study for exams with, and then she started at Radio Nova. After that, everything was different. Eventually, she felt that Oslo was home.
– I still feel that Oslo feels big and impersonal, and sometimes a bit superficial. I’ve lived in this apartment for seven years, and I barely know any of the people living in my building. When I’ve been home in Hamarøy for a while, the differences become very clear to me.
<img loading="lazy" width="924" height="918" itemprop="image" title="RØD FARE: For Silje, winter is high season for tailored dresses, sparkling suits, and high heels one moment, and cross-country skiing and hiking backpacks the next.” alt=”RØD FARE: For Silje, winter is high season for tailored dresses, sparkling suits, and high heels one moment, and cross-country skiing and hiking backpacks the next.” src=” srcset=” 4000w, 2048w, 1920w, 640w, 480w, 320w”/>
RØD FARE: For Silje, winter is high season for tailored dresses, sparkling suits, and high heels one moment, and cross-country skiing and hiking backpacks the next.
Photo: Astrid Waller
Volunteer Friend at the Red Cross
The two meet once a week. They have coffee and talk, go for walks, or visit a café or restaurant.
– I’m there for her, and it’s up to her what she wants and has the energy to do. I find it very educational and rewarding, and above all, really nice.
Silje mentions that she spends a lot of time on social media, scrolling and scrolling. The day before this interview, she watched a video about the concept of “self-care.”
– The term has apparently evolved to mean something different than it was originally intended to be. The person who first used “self-care” used it to explain that in order to develop yourself and become a better person, you need to take care of the surroundings around you – not just yourself.
– Now, the term is mostly used in reference to face masks and foot baths. “Self-care” has become a consumer project. “I need to have those running shoes to take care of myself.” “I need that Stanley cup to drink water.” What the hell? Silje says, exasperated.
– Can’t we just have a glass of water from the tap?
Participated in “Kompani Lauritzen”
If she is to feel good, she has to be part of something bigger than herself, in a way.
– I’m focused on, and enjoy, challenging myself and doing new things. I’ve become increasingly aware of this as I’ve grown older; that I must not stop doing that.
So last year, when the question came up about whether she would participate in the reality series “Kompani Lauritzen” on TV 2, she didn’t say no, even though deep down, she might have wanted to.
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ROOMMATE: Silje’s roommate is named Hunter and is a three-year-old Siberian cat.
Photo: Private
– My motivation for participating was to learn something about myself and to put myself through the experience they had arranged. It is said that “everyone should become a better version of themselves” in Kompani Lauritzen, but it’s more about getting to know yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, she believes.
At first, she was overwhelmed by the lack of control, all the people, the cameras, and the fear of not being good enough.
– It was very scary to be seen so exposed and to be evaluated as a human being every minute of the day. But I understood that receiving direct feedback on what was good and what wasn’t was not about my worth as a person. It’s not dangerous to have weaknesses – everyone has them – but we have to accept them and move on. Not be so hard on ourselves.
– Do you like such feedback?
– Yes, I like clear and constructive feedback, but it can also be a bit scary.
– What about unconstructive feedback and comments?
– I’m not really interested in that, no, she says with a laugh.
– I can really take that to heart, but it depends a bit on the timing. I’m quite conscious of it during periods when I’m in “season,” like the time before and after “Maskorama.” Then I have to stop going into the comments sections and Jodel. The closer I get to the premiere, the more vulnerable I become.
– It’s about building up tension and nerves. I have to be careful with my focus and what I give space to. I’ve learned that in practice. I’ve sat in the makeup room before a “Maskorama” finale and scrolled through Facebook. And then I’ve gone into the comment section.
Silje shakes her head.
– There were a lot of positive comments, but there were also some nasty ones, and of course, I took those with me into the finale. Afterwards, I was mostly annoyed with myself – why can’t I let that slide?
Read also: Silje Nordnes: – Afraid of losing control
<img loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" itemprop="image" title="MIDNIGHT SUN: Silje Nordnes is fishing and drinking rosé wine in the middle of the night!” alt=”MIDNIGHT SUN: Silje Nordnes is fishing and drinking rosé wine in the middle of the night!” src=” srcset=” 4000w, 2048w, 1920w, 640w, 480w, 320w”/>
MIDNIGHT SUN: Silje Nordnes is fishing and drinking rosé wine in the middle of the night!
Photo: Private
The Adventurous Spirit Lives On
Some say that worries decrease with age, but Silje has experienced that worries have rather grown larger and more numerous.
– Everyone says: “As you get older, you become more secure.” I don’t entirely agree with that. There are surely some people who become more secure as the years go by, and they are lucky, but I don’t think those of us who don’t feel that way should be hard and discontented just because we can’t be secure and satisfied with ourselves, whether we are 40, 50, or 60. We are different.
She has thought that it’s because she has allowed negative thoughts and worries to control her, so when she said yes to “Kompani Lauritzen,” it was clear to her that she was grasping the bull by the horns.
– I came out on the other side and not only survived but also had a very good experience. It meant a lot to me. Even though I’m a worried person, I need my adventurous spirit to live on.
<img loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" itemprop="image" title="CHRISTMAS AGAIN: – Here are Ronny, Markus, and I at the P3 morning Christmas breakfast in 2018.” alt=”CHRISTMAS AGAIN: – Here are Ronny, Markus, and I at the P3 morning Christmas breakfast in 2018.” src=” srcset=” 4000w, 2048w, 1920w, 640w, 480w, 320w”/>
CHRISTMAS AGAIN: – Here are Ronny, Markus, and I at the P3 morning Christmas breakfast in 2018.
Photo: NRK
40 Years and Free as a Bird
On November 28th, Silje Nordnes will turn 40. As a teenager, she thought it was terrible to have a birthday so late in the year. While her friends were getting into nightclubs and getting their driver’s licenses, she was always lagging a bit behind.
– Now it’s just an advantage that many of my friends have turned 40. They don’t mention any major existential crises, but rather that it’s really nice to get a lot of attention, and that they are grateful for how many people they have in their lives. But I’m a little worried. There’s that eternal Agnes in “Fucking Åmål” fear that no one will come, or that no one will care – and it’s like that every year. It’s completely irrational, but that feeling always creeps in, says Silje with a laugh.
– Would you be happy if someone surprised you with a party then?
– Nooooo, I’m probably not so fond of surprises. I really love having control, and if others take control, I’m unsure whether my basic needs will be met.
– Which are?
– To ensure I’ve gotten enough food, that those I care about are invited, and that I look good. I can’t come to my own birthday party and not feel that I look good or haven’t eaten – that would create a bad vibe.
– On “Maskorama”, I have left how I look to three incredibly skilled ladies who work with styling, makeup, and hair. Even though I like to have control, I trust professionals, and they have taught me that it becomes much more fun if we amp it up a bit.
Read also: (+) I thought I had found the woman of my life. Then I met her ex
<img loading="lazy" width="924" height="792" itemprop="image" title="BIRKEN: Silje happily crossed the finish line during the Birkebeinerrennet earlier this year.” alt=”BIRKEN: Silje happily crossed the finish line during the Birkebeinerrennet earlier this year.” src=” srcset=” 4000w, 2048w
Skiing and Dresses
For Silje, winter is the high season for tailored dresses, sparkling suits, and high heels one moment, and cross-country skiing and hiking backpacks the next. Silje loves the life she has right now and actually just dreams of continuing like this.
<img loading="lazy" width="334" height="500" itemprop="image" title="ON AN ADVENTURE: – Even though I am a worried person, my adventurous spirit must live on, says Silje Nordnes. This Christmas, she is going on an adventure to Nepal with a friend. Top from Iben” alt=”ON AN ADVENTURE: – Even though I am a worried person, my adventurous spirit must live on, says Silje Nordnes. This Christmas, she is going on an adventure to Nepal with a friend. Top from Iben” src=” srcset=” 4000w, 2048w, 1920w, 640w, 480w, 320w”/>
ON AN ADVENTURE: – Even though I am a worried person, my adventurous spirit must live on, says Silje Nordnes. This Christmas, she is going on an adventure to Nepal with a friend. Top from Iben
Photo: Astrid Waller
– I like the mix of working on “Maskorama” and the podcast “Skiklubben,” and that I get to challenge myself with other projects, and not least that I get to push myself. I have friends who constantly invite me to things that I don’t dare or am comfortable with.
– The other day, a friend asked me if I wanted to join on a mountain trip to Nepal this Christmas. My first thought was: “No, I can’t do that. I don’t know if I can make it, if I’m fit enough. Besides, it’s high, and it’s cold. Should I be away from my family at Christmas?” All those thoughts and worries came rushing in. I thought for a moment and just said: “Screw it!”
– Are you going?!
– Yes, I have to! says Silje, laughing.
– And now that the decision is made, I just feel excited.
This article was first published on 11/09 2024.
Her last experience on “Kompani Lauritzen,” she is embracing new challenges and journeys with an open heart.
– Adventure is a big part of my life, whether it’s through travel or new experiences. I’ve learned that stepping out of my comfort zone is where I truly grow. Even if I worry and second guess myself, the thrill of trying something new often outweighs that fear, she shares with enthusiasm.
Silje reflects on her passion for both fashion and outdoor activities, highlighting the balance she strives to maintain. “I love dressing up and going to events as much as I enjoy hitting the trails and immersing myself in nature. It’s a beautiful contrast that keeps my life colorful and exciting,” she adds, her eyes sparkling with joy.
<img loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" itemprop="image" title="Nepal Adventure: Silje is prepping for her exciting trip to Nepal.” alt=”Nepal Adventure: Silje is prepping for her exciting trip to Nepal.” srcset=”4000w, 2048w, 1920w, 640w, 480w, 320w”/>
NEPAL ADVENTURE: Silje is prepping for her exciting trip to Nepal.
Photo: Private
This Christmas, she plans to venture to Nepal with a friend, eager to embrace the beautiful landscapes and cultural richness the country has to offer. “It’s a trip I’ve dreamed of for a long time. I am excited about the challenge and the beauty that awaits,” she remarks, her determination palpable.
With each passing year and experience, Silje continues to evolve, navigating the complexities of life with courage and grace. As she approaches her milestone birthday, she embraces the wisdom that comes with age while cherishing the adventurous spirit that has been her guiding light.
– As I step into my 40s, I want to carry that adventurous energy with me. Life is full of opportunities, and I’m ready to seize them, whether it’s through work or personal experiences. Bring it on, she concludes with a radiant smile.