Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

NPR

Summary

Spend your weekend catching up on the week’s most bizarre and fascinating headlines with Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, NPR’s long-running, irreverent news quiz. Hosted by the sharp-witted Peter Sagal, the program transforms the chaotic cycle of current events into an hour of laughter, trivia, and spirited debate. Each week, a rotating panel of comedians and journalists joins the host to poke fun at everything from peculiar political mishaps and emerging social trends to the strange habits of the rich and famous. The show is famous for its lively chemistry and recurring segments that challenge both the panelists and guest contestants. Whether the team is dissecting the logistics of a massive celebrity wedding, debating the privacy implications of new technology, or exploring the oddities of the snack industry, no topic is off-limits. You will also hear from a diverse array of special guests—ranging from iconic indie rockers and Hollywood actors to champion athletes—who stop by to share personal stories and test their knowledge in the fan-favorite Not My Job challenge. Beyond the biting satire, the show serves as a warm, community-driven space that captures the pulse of American culture. With a recent, exciting transition to a new era featuring Alzo Slade as the judge and scorekeeper, the show remains as fresh and funny as ever. If you appreciate a clever take on the world’s weirdest stories, this is the perfect companion for your week.

Updated Jul 5, 2026

Episodes

Celebrating the 4th with nothing but bangers!

Jul 4, 202647 min

Relive the year's best moments with John Cusack, Arden Cho, and Aasif Mandvi in a star-studded retrospective.

Reflecting Pools and Construction Zones

Jun 27, 202647 min

The White House reflects on a green pond, FIFA mandates hydration breaks, and a hot podium guy steals the spotlight.

The World Cup, Trad Wives, and the Wedding of the Century

Jun 20, 202646 min

Foreign soccer fans hit America, Taylor Swift considers a stadium wedding, and parents track their adult children.

Insult Dogs and Emotional Support Alligators

Jun 13, 202647 min

Triumph the Insult Comic Dog creator Robert Smigel joins the show to discuss comedy advice and emotional support pets.

The Alzo Era begins in Austin!

Jun 6, 202647 min

The Alzo era officially kicks off in Austin as the show welcomes its new judge and scorekeeper.

Breaking News from Wait Wait: Our new Judge and Scorekeeper is announced!

Jun 4, 202611 min

Comedian Alzo Slade officially joins the team as the new judge and scorekeeper in this special introduction episode.

Our (early) endless summer with Lucy Dacus and more!

May 30, 202646 min

Tiffany Haddish shares her past as an energy producer while Lucy Dacus and other guests highlight our summer favorites.

Brandi Carlile helps us say goodbye to Bill Kurtis!

May 23, 202647 min

Legendary news anchor Bill Kurtis steps down after twelve iconic years while singer Brandi Carlile stops by to visit.

We meet America's robo-teachers and take a nap in coach

Mar 28, 202646 min

This week, the team brings the show to Savannah for a lively installment of the weekly news quiz. Host Peter Sagal is joined by actor and director D.W. Moffett, who tests his knowledge of current events alongside panelists Adam Burke, Shantira Jackson, and Joyelle Nicole Johnson. The group dives into the week's most bizarre headlines, featuring a look at the rising role of artificial intelligence in the classroom and the peculiar experiences of long-haul travel. Listeners can expect the usual mix of sharp wit, comedic commentary, and playful competition as the panelists navigate tricky questions about the people, places, and events making news. It is a hilarious hour that balances insightful cultural observations with the lighthearted absurdity that fans of the show have come to expect.

We admire dimes and Aasif Mandvi gives breakup advice

Mar 21, 202647 min

In this episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, the team tackles the lighter side of current events with their signature wit. The hosts dive into the buzz surrounding the release of new dimes, sparking a humorous conversation about the utility of small change and where one might actually spend it in today's economy. The program then shifts gears as actor and comedian Aasif Mandvi joins the show as the featured guest. Mandvi brings his unique perspective to the stage, offering listeners his personal, practical, and comedic take on the best ways to navigate the emotional challenges of a breakup. Packed with sharp observations and playful banter, this installment offers a perfect blend of topical satire and relatable life advice, ensuring listeners remain entertained throughout the entire discussion.

HTDE: Crickets and Clowns

Mar 18, 202617 min

In this episode of How To Do Everything, hosts Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag tackle two very distinct and practical challenges. First, they provide listeners with a clever method for gauging the outdoor temperature without relying on a traditional thermometer. Following this, the show shifts to the quirky world of professional performance by exploring the legal intricacies of how clowns trademark their unique makeup and costumes to protect their artistic identities. The hosts are joined by experts Marlene Zuk and Julie Proctor, who help break down the science of nature and the business of entertainment. Listeners can expect an engaging, humorous, and informative discussion that covers everything from insect behavior to intellectual property law. It is a lighthearted journey through obscure knowledge that demonstrates how to handle life’s unusual questions with ease and curiosity.

John Cusack rides his Vespa straight into our hearts

Mar 14, 202647 min

In this episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, the show welcomes actor John Cusack for a lively conversation that covers everything from the nostalgia of high school reunions to his interest in graphic novels. Cusack also offers a lighthearted guide to maintaining his signature Vespa. Alongside the guest interview, the show features the returning panel of Rachel Coster, Adam Felber, and Joyelle Nicole Johnson. The group takes a metaphorical trip on spring break, bringing their signature wit and humor to the week’s news stories. Listeners can expect the usual blend of sharp topical commentary, hilarious games, and insightful banter between the host and the panelists as they navigate current events. It is a fun-filled installment that highlights Cusack’s charm while providing plenty of comedic relief through the panelists' take on the headlines.

We say "So long!" to Kristi Noem and Benetti plays ball

Mar 7, 202647 min

In this installment of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, host Luke Burbank is joined by panelists Negin Farsad and Hari Kondabolu for a witty look at the week’s most intriguing news headlines. The team offers a humorous send-off to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, dissecting her recent political developments with their signature sharp commentary. Shifting from the world of politics to the diamond, the show welcomes special guest Jason Benetti, the new voice of Sunday Night Baseball. The conversation turns playful as Benetti faces a unique challenge, testing his expertise on the whimsical subject of confetti. Listeners can expect a fast-paced blend of current events, clever banter, and lighthearted trivia, making for an entertaining hour that highlights the lighter side of the news cycle.

HTDE: The Breakfast Rule

Mar 4, 202623 min

In this episode of How To Do Everything, hosts Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag pull back the curtain on the creative process behind the scenes of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! The duo explores the delicate art of comedy writing by detailing how the team determines which jokes cross the line and are ultimately deemed too inappropriate for public broadcast. Beyond the inner workings of the show, Mike and Ian shift gears to offer practical advice to a listener struggling with a specific grammar dilemma. The episode also features an appearance by author Keith Houston, who brings his unique expertise to the conversation. Listeners can expect a blend of behind-the-scenes insights, humorous problem-solving, and engaging dialogue as the hosts tackle both professional challenges and listener quandaries with their signature wit and curiosity.

We tackle the SOTU and Olympian Lilly King talks trash

Feb 28, 202647 min

This week on Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, the show travels to Bloomington, Indiana, for a lively session of news-based comedy and trivia. Host Peter Sagal and the team are joined by panelists Alonzo Bodden, Josh Gondelman, and Faith Salie to dissect the week’s top headlines, including a humorous breakdown of the latest State of the Union address. The highlight of the episode features a special guest appearance by Olympic gold medalist swimmer Lilly King. She takes center stage to discuss her celebrated career, her legendary approach to friendly competition, and her infamous knack for trash talk in the pool. Listeners can expect the usual mix of sharp political wit, playful banter, and challenging games as the panel navigates current events with their signature comedic flair. It is a fast-paced and entertaining look at the news through an irreverent lens.

We hold our own Olympic Games with our favorite guests

Feb 21, 202647 min

In this installment of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, the hosts celebrate the spirit of athletic competition by hosting their own unique Olympic Games. Rather than sticking to traditional sports, the team reflects on the past year by awarding metaphorical gold medals to their most memorable guests and standout segments. Listeners can expect a lively recap featuring appearances from acclaimed chef Roy Choi, actress Cynthia Nixon, and the viral musical sensation Ally the Piper. The episode serves as a lighthearted retrospective, blending comedy with the show’s signature trivia style. By revisiting these fan-favorite moments, the panel creates an entertaining highlight reel that captures the best of the program's recent interviews. It is a perfect opportunity for long-time followers to enjoy a curated selection of the show's most humorous and engaging highlights from the previous season.

HTDE: Curling Stones and Halfpipe Lines

Feb 18, 202619 min

In this installment of How To Do Everything, hosts Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag take listeners behind the scenes of the Winter Games in Milan Cortina. Shifting the focus away from the main stage, the episode highlights the unsung heroes who make elite winter sports possible. The hosts sit down with a curling legend to explore the unique craft behind the sport, specifically investigating where those massive, iconic stones originate. The conversation also features an insightful look at the technical side of snowboarding, introducing a specialized expert whose essential work ensures that athletes can navigate halfpipe lines safely. For those curious about the hidden machinery and vital contributors behind Olympic competition, this episode offers a fascinating, lighthearted perspective on the expertise required to pull off such a complex global event.

Our panel heads to Milan and Arden Cho hunts demons

Feb 14, 202647 min

This week on Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, the panel travels to Milan as they welcome special guest Arden Cho, star of the K-Pop Demon Hunters. Cho shares insights into the world of Rumi, provides a look at the intensity of the World Series of Poker, and offers some humorous, cautionary advice on how to handle a marriage proposal. Meanwhile, the comedy panel, featuring Tom Papa, Paula Poundstone, and Beth Stelling, brings plenty of laughs as they dive into a series of wild scenarios. The group recounts stories about shutting down the El Paso airport and delivers some surprising, tongue-in-cheek confessions about cheating at the Olympic Games. Listeners can expect a fast-paced episode filled with witty banter, pop culture commentary, and the show’s signature comedic take on current events and personal revelations.

HTDE: Forks and Ice Masters

Feb 11, 202618 min

In this episode of How To Do Everything, hosts Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag return to tackle an eclectic mix of listener questions and curious scenarios. The conversation kicks off with a fascinating look at the world of competitive athletics, as the duo interviews an Olympic Ice Master to uncover the intricate science behind creating the perfect skating surface. The hosts then pivot to a relatable human dilemma, offering guidance to a listener who finds themselves repeatedly encountering strangers with their exact same name. To round out the episode, Mike and Ian investigate a bizarre and mysterious survey glitch, analyzing the situation with their signature blend of curiosity and humor. Listeners can expect an engaging, lighthearted exploration of life's strange anomalies, delivered with the expert wit and practical problem-solving that listeners have come to expect from the program.

Librarian Mychal Threets talks rebooting Reading Rainbow and our panel eats goo

Feb 7, 202647 min

In this episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, the show welcomes the internet’s favorite librarian, Mychal Threets. During a warm and insightful conversation, Threets shares his infectious philosophy of Library Joy and discusses the exciting efforts to reboot the beloved classic Reading Rainbow for a new generation. Listeners can expect a delightful blend of heartfelt storytelling and the show's signature humor. The lighthearted fun continues as panelists Tom Bodett, Josh Gondelman, and Tig Notaro join the fray. In anticipation of the big game, the group takes on a messy and hilarious challenge involving the consumption of various types of goo. Between the inspiring discussion about literacy and the chaotic antics of the panel, this episode offers a perfect balance of substance and entertainment that fans of the show have come to expect.

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