Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

WWDTM: Allyson Felix

20 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week's show was recorded in Chicago, with guest host Karen Chee, Not My Job guest Allyson Felix and panelists Shantira Jackson, Hari Kondabolu, a...

WWDTM: Sam Sanders & Zach Stafford

13 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Wait Wait is live in Chicago with special guests Sam Sanders and Zach Stafford and panelists Tom Papa, Paula Poundstone, and Emmy BlotnickL...

WWDTM: Happy Independence Day!

06 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we celebrate the 4th of July with some of our favorite guests!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Pri...

WWDTM: Christian McBride

29 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're live in Philly with jazz legend Christian McBride. He talks about the secret power all bassists possess and translates Philly slang f...

WWDTM: Erik Weihenmayer

22 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Erik Weihenmayer was the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest, but may be best known for a viral news blooper in 2006. He joins us to talk about a...

WWDTM: Michelle Williams

15 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, actor and singer Michelle Williams talks growing up in the church, auditioning for Destiny's Child, and how to get an NPR audi...

WWDTM: Charlamagne tha God

08 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Charlamagne the God talks his new book, growing up a nerd, and loving Judy Blume. Plus panelists, Shane O'Neill, Alzo Slade, and Karen Chee...

WWDTM: Summer Is (Almost) Here Edition!

01 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we celebrate the return of summer with some of our favorite guests, including Bob Seger, Dakota Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, John Wilson, a...

WWDTM: J. Kenji López-Alt

25 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're live in Seattle with food genius J. Kenji López-Alt to talk about food, science, food-science, and the magic of Winnie the Pooh onsi...

WWDTM: Maya Hawke

18 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Actor and singer Maya Hawke joins us to talk Stranger Things, childhood songs, and folk music beefs with panelists Adam Burke, Faith Salie, and Negin ...

WWDTM: Chappell Roan

11 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Queer pop icon Chappell Roan joins panelists Tom Papa, Brian Babylon, and Meredith Scardino to talk drag personas, the life changing magic of Ke$ha, a...

WWDTM: Lyndon Barrois, Sr.

04 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, artist Lyndon Barrois Sr. joins us to talk about his beautifully detailed gum wrapper sculptures, working in movies, and why he's Hollywood...

WWDTM: Renée Elise Goldsberry

27 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Renée Elise Goldsberry won a Tony and Grammy for her role in Hamilton, and currently stars in Netflix's Girls5Eva. She joins panelists Jason Isbell, ...

WWDTM: Judith Butler

20 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Judith Butler joins panelists Roy Blount, Jr., Maz Jobrani, and Faith Salie to talk about gender, performativity, and their dream of becomi...

WWDTM: Bill Cowher

13 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're live in Pittsburgh this week, where Steelers legend Bill Cowher joins panelists Negin Farsad, Mo Rocca, and Maeve Higgins to talk winning the Su...

WWDTM: Chris Pine

06 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Chris Pine joins us to talk his new movie Poolman, imitating William Shatner, and where he ranks on the list of Hollywood Chrises.Learn mor...

WWDTM: Spring Break Edition!

31 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate Spring Break, we hit the beach with some of our favorite guests, including John Stamos, Malala Yousafzai, Kaila Mullady, David Axelrod, a...

WWDTM: Laurene Powell Jobs

23 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Philanthropist and Founder and President of Emerson Collective Laurene Powell Jobs joins Helen Hong, Hari Kondabolu, and Adam Felber to tell us the re...

WWDTM: David Alan Grier

16 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

David Alan Grier joins Paula Poundstone, Mo Rocca, and Adam Burke to talk his new movie, announcing at the Oscars, and why you didn't see him in Forre...

WWDTM: Claudia Goldin

09 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Claudia Goldin is one of the world's leading economists, a Nobel Prize winner, and a time Person of the Year. She joins Josh Gondelman, Roxanne Robert...

WWDTM: Danny Brown

02 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Danny Brown helped redefine Detroit's rap scene with XXX, then moved to Austin in 2021 to do it all again. He joins panelists Alzo Slade, Karen Chee, ...

WWDTM: Hail to the Chief Editon

24 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate Presidents' Day, we're revisiting interviews that would EASILY win the popular vote, including Ray Romano, Rosie Perez, Steve Earle, and ...

WWDTM: Sleater-Kinney

17 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker, of the legendary rock band Sleater-Kinney, join guest host Tom Papa, Dulcé Sloan, Amy Dickinson, and Hari Kondabo...

WWDTM: Lena Waithe

10 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, A Thousand and One producer and Emmy winner Lena Waithe joins panelists Adam Burke, Negin Farsad, and Maz Jobrani to talk Blockbuster, Jenn...

WWDTM: Kristen Kish

03 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Top Chef's Kristen Kish joins Josh Gondelman, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, and Brian Babylon to talk bivalves, airballs, and cheese curds. Get a...

WWDTM: Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen

27 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen joins Dulcé Sloan, Tom Papa, and Shane O'Neill to talk the economy, how she prepared to smoke weed for the...

WWDTM: David Oyelowo

20 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Actor David Oyelowo joins panelists Faith Salie, Helen Hong, and Tom Bodett to talk being mistaken for MLK, how a crush led to his acting career, and ...

WWDTM: Jason Isbell

13 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jason Isbell joins panelists Maeve Higgins, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, and Peter Grosz to talk backhanded compliments from John Mayer, praise from Bruce ...

WWDTM: Now With Real Journalists!

06 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's the new year, and we're bringing you new interviews with Rachel Maddow and Bob Woodruff, plus a never-before-heard Bluff the Listener game!Learn ...

WWDTM: 25th Anniversary Spectacular Part IX - Best of 2023

30 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate the holidays, we hand out the greatest gift of all: interviews with Geena Davis, Weird Al, Karen Allen, and 5th generation lobsterman Jac...

WWDTM: Molly Seidel

23 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Olympic marathoner Molly Seidel joins panelists Shantira Jackson, Bobcat Goldthwait, and Roxanne Roberts to talk joints, Instacart, and working out li...

Wait Wait Wayback Machine: December 2003

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Host Peter Sagal and producer Miles Doornbos challenge a Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me listener with questions about news events from our actual show —...

WWDTM: Bethenny Frankel

16 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're back at Carnegie Hall, and joined by business mogul, philanthropist, and reality TV royalty Bethenny Frankel! She talks with Peter and panelists...

Extended cut: Dakota Johnson on her new doc, childhood, and curating a sex museum

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're giving you a chance to hear an episode that we'd usually share with our Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me+ supporters! It's an extended cut of ou...

WWDTM: Fred Schneider

09 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The B-52's Fred Schneider joins panelists Eugene Cordero, Luke Burbank, and Paula Poundstone to talk Christmas albums, thrown ham, and singing "Love S...

WWDTM: Dakota Johnson

02 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dakota Johnson, whose new documentary is The Disappearance of Shere Hite, joins panelists Adam Felber, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, and Alonzo Bodden to ta...

WWDTM: 25th Year Spectacular Part VIII!

25 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our deep dive into our 25-year history continues with appearances from Jane Curtin, Adam Savage, Hannah Kearney, Muffet McGraw, and more!Learn more ab...

WWDTM: Stephen Smith

18 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

L.L. Bean CEO Stephen Smith joins Hari Kondabolu, Maeve Higgins, and Roy Blount, Jr. on stage in Maine to talk about jelly beans.Learn more about spon...

WWDTM: John Stamos

11 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

John Stamos joins panelists Emmy Blotnick, Skyler Higley, and Tom Bodett to talk about his new memoir, his feud with Tony Danza, and more!Learn more a...

WWDTM: Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant

04 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Rae-Wynn Grant is a bear expert and one of the new hosts of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. She joins panelists Adam Burke, Maeve Higgins, and Tom...

WWDTM: Bernie Taupin

28 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Bernie Taupin joins guest host Peter Grosz and panelists Alonzo Bodden, Zainab Johnson, and Paula Poundstone to talk about his new memoir S...

WWDTM: James Patterson

21 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

James Patterson, the best selling author in the world, joins panelists Alzo Slade, Faith Salie, and Matt Rogers to talk about feuds, fights, outlines,...

WWDTM: 25th Year Spectacular Part VII!

14 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're celebrating 25 years on the air with another dive into our archive. Enjoy interviews with John Goodman, Sam Waterston, Jenny Slate, and a never-...

WWDTM: Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar

07 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar joins panelists Shantira Jackson, Maz Jobrani, and Roy Blount, Jr, to talk about how being named Miss Idaho prepa...

WWDTM: Bob and Erin Odenkirk

30 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're live in LA with comedy legend Bob Odenkirk, and his daughter Erin. They talk their new book of poems, growing up with a dad on TV, an...

WWDTM: John Wilson

23 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

John Wilson is the creator of the Emmy-nominated How To With John Wilson, and joins us to talk about being paid in Wite-Out and the best place in New ...

WWDTM: Secretary Clinton

16 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Secretary Clinton joins us this week to talk about the Clinton Global Initiative's wild afterparties and whether or not she's seen Pete Davidson's tat...

WWDTM: Martinus Evans

09 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Martinus Evans is a fitness influencer and the founder of the radically inclusive Slow AF Run Club. He may be proudly slow, but can he answer our ques...

WWDTM: Bob Seger

02 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bob Seger is an Ann Arbor legend, a Rock-and-Roll Hall of Famer who also happens to be one of the best selling artists of all time. He made it big wit...

WWDTM: Mark Ronson

26 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Ronson is the Grammy and Oscar-winning producer behind the score and soundtrack for Barbie. He joins guest host Negin Farsad and panelists Shanti...

WWDTM: 25th Year Spectacular Part VI!

19 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our deep dive into our 25 year history continues with appearances from Brian May, Esperanza Spalding, Cyndi Lauper and more!Learn more about sponsor m...

WWDTM: 25th Year Spectacular Part V!

12 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we continue our 25 year retrospective with appearances from Donny Osmond, Kristen Bell + Dax Shepard, Ina Garten, and more!Learn more about...

WWDTM: Maggie Smith

05 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Maggie Smith is one of the world's most beloved poets. She joins us to talk about her new memoir, how she owes her fame to Starbucks, and why her mom ...

WWDTM: Randall Park

29 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For some, being a triple-threat actor/writer/comedian is enough, but not for Randall Park, who decided to add "director" to the list with his debut fi...

WWDTM: Damian Lillard

22 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Damian Lillard joins us in Portland to talk about his storied career, from Dame Time, to rap battles, to owning a Toyota Dealership. He's assisted by ...

WWDTM: Patti LuPone

15 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Patti LuPone joins panelists Emmy Blotnick, Adam Felber, and Joyelle Nicole Johnson to talk birds, Broadway, and the proper way to swipe a cell phone....

WWDTM: 25th Year Spectacular Part IV!

08 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're diving back into the archives for Part IV of our 25th Year Spectacular! We've got interviews with George Takei, Martha Stewart, and M...

WWDTM: Aleeza Ben Shalom

01 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Aleeza Ben Shalom is the star of Netflix's Jewish Matchmaking, and she joins panelists Adam Burke, Brian Babylon, and Roxanne Roberts to talk about ho...

WWDTM: Karen Allen

24 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're back in Tanglewood and joined by the amazing Karen Allen, who plays the iconic Marion Ravenwood in the Indiana Jones movies. She joins Karen Che...

WWDTM: James Marsden

17 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

James Marsden joins panelists Adam Felber, Karen Chee, and Faith Salie to talk Jury Duty, playing yourself, and what it's like to be the Baxter in a r...

WWDTM: Radhika Jones

10 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones joins us to talk about Rupert Murdoch, Little House on the Prairie, and the rules of...

WWDTM: The First Quarter Century, pt. III

03 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We continue our look back at 25 years of shows with Keegan Michael-Key, Regina King, and Susan OrleanSupport NPR by signing up for Wait Wait... Don't ...

WWDTM: John Goodman

27 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're back in New Orleans with the legendary John Goodman! He talks leaving L.A., The Big Lebowski, and being the voice of the St. Louis airport.Suppo...

WWDTM: Golda Rosheuvel

20 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Golda Rosheuvel was so captivating as Bridgerton's Queen Charlotte that Netflix made a show all about her. She joins Luke Burbank, Negin Farsad, and A...

WWDTM: Gabrielle Dennis

13 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's show, The Big Door Prize's Gabrielle Dennis joins panelists Paula Poundstone, Alonzo Bodden, and Adam Felber to talk about living to yo...

WWDTM: Ray Romano

06 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ray Romano joins panelists Tom Papa, Matt Rogers, and Helen Hong to talk about the secret to marriage, rewatching yourself on TV 15 years later, and h...

WWDTM: Brad Paisley

29 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brad Paisley joins us live in Nashville to talk about getting recognized for insurance commercials, his skill at writing impromptu jingles for chili, ...

WWDTM: Weird Al Yankovic

22 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Weird Al joins panelists Josh Gondelman, Robby Hoffman, and Tom Bodett to talk about his new (mostly real) biopic, and what he would've done if Prince...

WWDTM: Kaila Mullady

15 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kaila Mullady started beatboxing in 5th grade to impress a boy, and since then has become a two-time world champion. But, can she answer questions abo...

WWDTM: Everyone & Goodbyes

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Emma and some of her co-hosts say goodbye to the greatest podcast the world has ever seen.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com...

WWDTM: The First Quarter Century

08 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We celebrate our 25th anniversary with Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Ed Helms, Bonnie Raitt, and more!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices...

WWDTM: Michelle Rodriguez

01 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, action star Michelle Rodriguez joins us to talk about The Fast & The Furious, Dungeons & Dragons, and her personal state sloga...

WWDTM: David Axelrod

25 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, we head to Tucson to talk politics with David Axelrod, the former consultant who helped get President Obama elected.Support NP...

WWDTM: Sam Waterston

18 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, guest host Karen Chee talks with legendary actor Sam Waterston about Law & Order, how to look good in a stovepipe hat, and whe...

Nick Kroll

11 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Kroll is a brilliant comedian and one of the minds behind Big Mouth and History of the World, Part II. We Rick Roll Nick Kroll, that is, ask him ...

The Wait Wait Anthology: Reality TV Edition

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of The Wait Wait Anthology, we bring the drama and dive deep into the world of reality TV. From The Bachelor to The Kardashians, we le...

Malala Yousafzai on winning the Nobel Peace Prize while in chemistry class

04 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

At the age of 17, Malala Yousafzai became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and now a documentary she executive produced is nominated ...

Best of the First 25 Years

25 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We celebrate our 25th anniversary with Mikeael Shiffrin, Leonard Nimoy, Mae Jemison, Stephen Colbert, John Hodgman, and Ozzie Smith.Learn more about s...

Everyone & Spotify Stalking

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian Dulcé Sloan and Emma give your playlists the side eye. Plus we ask Pitchfork Editor-in-Chief Puja Patel if you should be self conscious abou...

Rosie Perez

18 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rosie Perez is a cultural icon, from Do The Right Thing to White Men Can't Jump to her new role on Showtime's Your Honor. She's the best part of any p...

Geena Davis

11 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Geena Davis went from being an Oscar-winning actor to a skilled archer to an activist to an author, and she's now executive producer of CBS' Mission U...

The Wait Wait Anthology: Cats Edition

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Introducing The Wait Wait Anthology, a deep dive into the Wait Wait archives hosted by Bill KurtisLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastcho...

Billy Porter

04 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Billy Porter is an absolute legend. With a career that started in his teens, he's now 3/4ths of the way to an EGOT. He's also a style icon, who's alwa...

Natasha Lyonne

28 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Natasha Lyonne is an actor, writer, and director with one of the most recognizable voices in the world. She stars in the new series Poker Face, so we ...

Everyone & Mistaken Identity

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Guest hosts Karen Chee and Josh Gondelman dive head first into alternate universes. Plus we get to the bottom of the Masters tournament mistaken ident...

Secretary of State Antony Blinken

21 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Secretary of State Antony Blinken takes some time out from his busy schedule to tell panelists Dulcé Sloan, Eugene Cordaro, and Tom Bodett about his ...

George Saunders

14 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Celebrated short story author George Saunders joins us to answer three questions about court stories. With panelists Paula Poundstone, Peter Grosz and...

Mariska Hargitay

07 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mariska Hargitay, star of Law and Order, SVU, answers three questions about Sweet Valley High, the location depicted in the teen book series. We also ...

The Man Bill-hind the Voice!

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Peter sits down with our very own judge and scorekeeper, Bill Kurtis, to learn about the legendary anchorman's life and career.Learn more about sponso...

Best of Not My Job December 2022

31 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we revisit our times with Ralph Macchio, Eleanor Holmes Norton, the hosts of the podcast "Ear Hustle" Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor, ...

Sarah Polley

24 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Actor and director Sarah Polley plays our game called "Sarah Polley, wanna cracker?" Three questions about parrots. Joining her are panelists Roxanne ...

Everyone & Improv Nerds

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Emma and Vice columnist Alzo Slade try to solve the improv coolness crisis with the help of comedy icon Colin Mochrie. Plus: Emma tries her best to an...

Andrew Bird

17 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Singer-songwriter and world class whistler Andrew Bird plays our game called, "Put Your Lips Together and Blow" Three questions about referees. Joinin...

Gayle King

10 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Host of CBS Mornings, Gayle King plays our game called, "Gayle King, meet the real Gale Kings" three questions about meteorologists. She is joined by ...

How to Become a Listener Contestant with Peter, Miles, and Sofie

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wanted to become a listener contestant on Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me? Host Peter Sagal and producers Miles Doornbos and Sofie Hernandez-...

Dana Carvey

03 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me," we are back with a brand new show from the Studebaker Theatre in Chicago featuring panelists Josh Gondelman,...

WWDTM Best of NMJ Thanksgiving

26 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nathan Lane, Puja Patel, Darryl "Cornbread" McCray, and Jeremy O. Harris are featured in this Thanksgiving edition.Sign up for Wait Wait... Don't Tell...

Everyone & Giant Puzzles

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian Maeve Higgins and Emma build the world's largest puzzle.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Pol...

Freddie Johnson

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we come to you from the Palace Theatre in Louisville, Kentucky with panelists Paula Poundstone, Adam Burke, and Alzo Slade. Our guest is Fre...

Craig Robinson

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Craig Robinson, star of the Office and host of Peacock's Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward, plays our game about Craigslist. Joining him are panel...