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

Celebrating the 4th with nothing but bangers!

Jul 4, 202647 minSummary

This episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! celebrates America's 250th birthday by looking back at highlights from the past year. Host Peter Sagal and guest host Alzo Slade guide the audience through a series of lighthearted conversations and trivia challenges with a variety of guests. Actor John Cusack stops by to discuss his career, his deep ties to Chicago, his unique way of getting around the city on a Vespa, and his recent foray into writing a graphic novel titled Momo. Following the conversation, he competes in a game called Say Nothing, answering questions about historical faux pas. The episode also features Arden Cho, voice of the hit Netflix animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, who shares stories about her surprising background as a competitive card player. Later, actor Aasif Mandvi discusses his early experiences as a performer in murder mystery dinner parties and his new series, The Miniature Wife. Throughout the program, the hosts maintain a comedic focus on current events, including strange sports trends and historical oddities, keeping the spirit of the news quiz festive and irreverent for the holiday season.

Reflecting Pools and Construction Zones

Jun 27, 202647 minSummary

In this episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, host Peter Sagal and the panel explore a variety of bizarre news stories and pop culture phenomena. The discussion kicks off with the national drama surrounding the renovation of the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., which drew attention for its unexpected transformation into an algae-filled mess. The hosts also tackle the introduction of hydration breaks in major sporting events, as well as the unlikely internet stardom of the British podium technician who has gained fame for setting up resignation speeches for various prime ministers. The show features a playful quiz for a listener contestant and a humorous exploration of a study suggesting that husbands who compliment their wives on game shows tend to have more successful marriages. Later, indie rock icon Stephen Malkmus, leader of the band Pavement, joins the panel for an interview. Malkmus shares insights into his transition from a legendary 90s rocker to a Chicago resident, discussing everything from his thoughts on tour riders to his experience with local construction mishaps. The episode balances sharp wit with lighthearted banter, showcasing the panel’s unique take on current events.

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

Jun 20, 202646 minSummary

In this episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, host Peter Sagal and his panel explore an eclectic mix of pop culture, technology trends, and human behavior. The show kicks off by discussing the influx of international soccer fans visiting the United States for the World Cup, who have been notably impressed—and amused—by American culture, ranging from the gargantuan size of our trucks to the unique ubiquity of ranch dressing. The conversation shifts to celebrity gossip, specifically reports regarding Taylor Swift potentially planning a massive wedding at Madison Square Garden. The panel humorously breaks down the logistics of hosting a thousand guests in a twenty-thousand-seat arena. Additionally, the group discusses a recent NPR report on the rising trend of parents using smartphone technology to track the locations of their adult children, prompting a witty debate about privacy and generational boundaries. Finally, the episode features an engaging interview with author Carol Claire Burke, whose hit debut novel, Yester, explores the life of a social media influencer transported to the 1850s. Burke discusses the inspirations behind her book and shares her experiences with the publishing industry.

Insult Dogs and Emotional Support Alligators

Jun 13, 202647 minSummary

In this episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, host Peter Sagal and guest host Alzo Slade navigate a lively news quiz with panelists Shantira Jackson, Shane Torres, and Josh Gondelman. The conversation covers a wide range of quirky headlines, including the recent surge of interest in New York Knicks fans, a study linking the decline in birth rates to the distraction of smartphones, and the lack of innovation in the snack industry. The episode also features special guest Robert Smigel, the comedic mastermind behind Triumph the Insult Comic Dog. Smigel discusses his transition from a failed dental student to a comedy legend and introduces his new podcast, Humor Me, which offers comedic advice to people navigating awkward social situations. In a game segment, Smigel puts his knowledge of service animals to the test, shedding light on stories about emotional support alligators and over-eager service dogs. The panel rounds out the show by discussing the end of traditional three-meal-a-day structures and John Travolta’s bold fashion experiment with berets, highlighting the lighter side of current events.

The Alzo Era begins in Austin!

Jun 6, 202647 minSummary

The latest episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! marks a significant milestone as the show broadcasts from the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas. The program proudly inaugurates the "Alzo era," officially welcoming Alzo Slade as the show's new judge and scorekeeper. Host Peter Sagal leads the panel—featuring Brian Babylon, Rachel Coster, and Tom Papa—through a lively news quiz. The group discusses recent headlines, including the unusual lineup for America’s upcoming 250th birthday celebration and the rising trend of moviegoers flocking to theaters to see films directed by young YouTube creators. The panel also hilariously analyzes the recent sports trend of fans taking their shirts off at baseball games to help boost team momentum. The show concludes with a special appearance by Alana Myers Taylor, the most decorated American bobsledder in history. She shares insights into the challenging world of monobob racing, her unique experience competing alongside her husband, and the transition from Olympic glory to family life in Austin. The episode serves as a high-energy return to live performance, filled with humor and remarkable stories from their special guest.

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

Jun 4, 202611 minSummary

In this special episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, host Peter Sagal announces a significant transition for the beloved news quiz show. Following the retirement of long-time judge and scorekeeper Bill Kurtis, the program officially introduces Alzo Slade as his successor. Sagal highlights Slade’s extensive background as a stand-up comedian, journalist, and former philosophy professor, noting that he is a familiar face to listeners who has previously stepped in as a guest panelist and fill-in judge. To introduce the audience to Slade’s eclectic life and career, the show hosts a special game with a listener contestant titled Not Alzo Slade. Through this quiz, listeners learn about Slade’s surprising past, including his experience winning a collegiate beauty pageant, his time working as a photographer for Prince, and his refusal to wrestle a bear while reporting for Vice. Reflecting on his new role, Slade expresses deep respect for Kurtis’s legendary legacy while looking forward to bringing his own energy to the show. The episode serves as a celebratory welcome for the new judge ahead of his official debut in Austin, Texas.

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

May 30, 202646 minSummary

In this episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, host Peter Sagal and announcer Bill Kurtis take a break from the news to revisit a collection of memorable conversations from the past year. The episode highlights engaging segments with several guests, starting with an extended look at an interview with actor and comedian Tiffany Haddish, who recounts her early career as an "energy producer" at social events and shares her unique perspective on finding inspiration in the microscopic world. The hosts also catch up with musician Taimane, a virtuoso of the ukulele. Taimane discusses her upbringing, her early start busking in Waikiki, and her talent for reimagining classical and rock music on her signature instrument. Additionally, the episode revisits a conversation with competitive swimmer Becca Mann. She details the grueling physical realities of long-distance open-water swimming, her experiences interacting with marine life, and her journey back to the sport after a five-year hiatus. Between these interviews, the panel keeps the energy high with humorous insights on curious news items, such as the surprising reason airplanes still carry ashtrays in their lavatories.

Brandi Carlile helps us say goodbye to Bill Kurtis!

May 23, 202647 minSummary

In this episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, host Peter Sagal leads a memorable installment featuring the show's long-time scorekeeper and legendary broadcaster, Bill Kurtis. The program celebrates Kurtis’s tenure with a mix of lighthearted humor, news-based trivia, and a special guest appearance. The panelists—Negin Farsad, Luke Burbank, and Paula Poundstone—navigate a series of humorous news stories, including the rise of bean consumption as an economic indicator and the trend of television shows centering on older populations. The group also engages in the classic Bluff the Listener game, where panelists share unusual stories about corporate and medical mix-ups caused by minor typographical errors, ultimately focusing on a urologist mistaken for a ufologist. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile joins the show for the Not My Job segment. She shares stories from her upbringing in rural Washington, her lifelong fandom and eventual friendship with Elton John, and her resilient path to musical stardom. Carlile also puts her knowledge to the test in a game focused on bizarre product returns, capping off the episode with wit and charm before the show concludes its tribute to Kurtis.

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

Mar 28, 202646 minSummary

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 minSummary

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.