About this podcast
NPR's weekly news quiz hosted by Peter Sagal. Have a laugh and test your knowledge with today's funniest comedians and a celebrity guest.
Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, and Wait Wait's perks include bonus episodes, the chance to be a contestant in those bonus episodes(!), and sponsor-free listening.
Episodes
The newest 50 of 300 episodes
- We learn The Lowdown Hoedown with Sterlin Harjo · 47 minThis week, Sterlin Harjo, creator of "Reservation Dogs" and "The Lowdown” explains why he could take us in a fight, and panelists Brain Babylon, Adam Felber, and Joyelle Nicole…
- We take John Turturro to the Cheesecake Factory · 47 minThis week, legendary actor John Turturro shows off his Christopher Walken impression and panelists Hari Kondabolu, Paula Poundstone, and Faith Salie talk Cheesecake Factory and…
- We’ve got our eyes on Jon Husted with Daniel Vosovic · 47 minThis week, we’re live in Kalamazoo with fashion designer and Project Runway alum Daniel Vosovic. Plus, panelists Rachel Coster, Peter Grosz, and Shantira Jackson talk beautiful…
- We welcome the arrival of fall with our coziest guests! · 47 minThis week, guest host Negin Farsad helps us celebrate fall with some of our favorite guests, including Sally Field, Robert Smigel, Caro Claire Burke, and Jason Narducy. Support…
- We celebrate a bomb and dig deep with Margo Price · 48 minThis week, guest host Negin Farsad welcomes singer-songwriter Margo Price to the show. Plus, panelists Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Katie Nolan, and Mo Rocca dig deep into Digger and…
- We ghost some tech bros with David Byrne · 47 minThis week, music legend David Byrne joins us to talk “Theater of the Mind,” hairy arms, and why he’s so good at drawing toes. Plus, Alonzo Bodden and Rachel Coster welcome new…
- A surprise snow day for the White House press corps · 47 minThis week, we’re live in Omaha with legendary volleyball coach John Cook and panelists Josh Gondelman, Faith Salie, and Dulcé Sloan. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy…
- A fond farewell to brunch and also humankind · 47 minThis week, panelists Adam Burke, Shantira Jackson, and Sam Rocha talk about the AI apocalypse, beds full of bees, and the death of brunch. Plus, guest Hernan Diaz discusses his…
- We fold our phones and get roasted by Leslie Jones · 47 minThis week, panelists Negin Farsad, Peter Grosz, and Sureni Weerasekera talk foldable iPhones, $5000 bribes, and the sicekst dashcam vidoes. Then, Leslie Jones joins us to roast…
- Our panel goes on shore leave with Maggie Smith · 47 minThis week, we’re live in Ohio with poet Maggie Smith and panelists Annie Rauwerda, Mo Rocca, and Shane Torres Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts…
- Trade wars, what are they good for? · 47 minThis week, magician Carisa Hendrix joins panelists Peter Grosz, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, and Tig Notaro to talk fire-eating, drag, and cheetos. Support public media with NPR+ and…
- The Wait Wait 2026 summer spectacular, part 2! · 48 minThis week, we extend our summer break with Ken Jennings, Olivia Munn, Father James Martin, and Bobby Lopez! Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts…
- The Wait Wait 2026 summer spectacular, part 1! · 47 minThis week, we celebrate our endless summer with some of our favorite guests, including Jason Benetti, Mychal Threets, Lily King, and Renee Rapp! Support public media with NPR+…
- Falling in love with an octopus, a dog, and Sally Field · 48 minThis week, legendary actor Sally Field joins us to talk about working with an octopus, or not, and introduces the world to her dog, Dashiell Hammett. Plus, panelists Tom Bodett…
- Betting on a graveyard of Cybertrucks with Mary Roach · 47 minThis week, we're live in Sonoma with special guest Mary Roach! Plus panelists Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Tom Papa, and Shane Torres talk gambling, Cybertrucks, and wrinkles…
- A tick-filled odyssey · 48 minThis week, Abbott Elementary's Tyler James Williams joins panelists Josh Gondelman, Hari Kondabolu, and Faith Salie See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and…
- We skip the salad bar and have a banana instead · 47 minThis week, special guest Vicki Peterson joins panelists Alonzo Bodden, Helen Hong, and Dulcé Sloan See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal…
- Love Island and Pre-Teen Punks with Jason Narducy · 48 minThis week, we're live in Milwaukee with musician Jason Narducy. Plus, panelists Alonzo Bodden, Adam Burke, and Negin Farsad talk the World Cup, Love Island, and new rules for…
- Celebrating the 4th with nothing but bangers! · 48 minThis week, we celebrate Independence Day with a collection of absolute bangers, including interviews with John Cusack, Kali Reis, Arden Cho, and Aasif Mandvi See pcm.adswizz.com…
- Reflecting Pools and Construction Zones · 48 minThis week, we talk reflecting pools, hydration breaks, and hot dudes with Emmy Blotnick, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, and Gianmarco Soresi. Plus, Pavement's Stephen Malkmus joins us…
- The World Cup, Trad Wives, and the Wedding of the Century · 47 minThis week, Caro Claire Burke, the author of book of the summer "Yesteryear", joins panelists Karen Chee, Peter Grosz, and Shane O'Neill See pcm.adswizz.com for information about…
- Insult Dogs and Emotional Support Alligators · 47 minThis week, Legendary comedy writer Robert Smigel (and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog) join panelists Josh Gondelman, Shantira Jackson, and Shane Torres See pcm.adswizz.com for…
- The Alzo Era begins in Austin! · 47 minThis week, we're live in Austin with special guest Elana Meyers Taylor; panelists Brain Babylon, Rachel Coster, and Tom Papa; and new judge and scorekeeper Alzo Slade! See…
- Breaking News from Wait Wait: Our new Judge and Scorekeeper is announced! · 11 minThe orange smoke is rising from the chimney of the Studebaker Theater, which can only mean one thing: the time has come to name our new Judge and Scorekeeper! See…
- Our (early) endless summer with Lucy Dacus and more! · 47 minThis week, we celebrate an early start to summer by revisiting our interviews with Tiffany Haddish, Taimane, Becca Mann, and Lucy Dacus! See pcm.adswizz.com for information…
- Brandi Carlile helps us say goodbye to Bill Kurtis! · 47 minThis week, we bid a fond farewell to our beloved Bill Kurtis with Brandi Carlile and panelists Luke Burbank, Negin Farsad, and Paula Poundstone See pcm.adswizz.com for…
- We make Ken Jennings relive the worst moment of his life · 47 minThis week, legendary Jeopardy champion and host Ken Jennings joins panelists Tom Bodett, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, and Faith Salie to talk swearing on air and making up little lies…
- Spirit Airlines, The Book of Mormon, and Grunting · 48 minThis week, Double-EGOT winner Bobby Lopez joins us to talk about the 15th anniversary of Book of Mormon, and panelists Hari Kondabolu, Roxanne Roberts, and Mo Rocca say a tearful…
- We're live in San Diego with Ron Burgundy! · 48 minThis week, San Diego's own Ron Burgundy joins panelists Eugene Cordero, Paula Poundstone, and Alzo Slade to celebrate his friend and mentor Bill Kurtis See pcm.adswizz.com for…
- HTDE: Burritos and Handshakes · 27 minIan and Mike help a caller solve a handshake issue. Plus, how to mourn the loss of a favorite dish. You can email your burning questions to [email protected]. How To Do Everything…
- We go to confessional with Father James Martin · 47 minThis week, the FBI deals with some DUIs and special guest Father James Martin hears the confessions of guest host Tom Papa and panelists Josh Gondelman, Shantira Jackson, and…
- We beef with the pontiff and admire the Stanley Cup · 47 minThis week, Phil Pritchard, NHL's Keeper of the Stanley Cup, joins us to about taking the cup jet-skiing and panelists Alonzo Bodden, Adam Burke, and Dulcé Sloan beef with the…
- HTDE: Crushes and Smells · 18 minThis week: How to tell your crush you like them. Plus, do smells really linger in your nose? You can email your burning questions to [email protected]. How To Do Everything is…
- Wait Wait goes wild on spring break · 47 minThis week, we're celebrating spring break with our friends Rhea Seehorn, Delroy Lindo, Andy Richter, and Jon M. Chu. Plus, the panel gets in on the fun with some of our favorite…
- We become friends and neighbors with Olivia Munn · 48 minOlivia Munn talks casing Steve Martin's house and being the only actor to talk too fast for Aaron Sorkin. Plus, panelists Rachel Coster, Peter Grosz, and Joyelle Nicole Johnson…
- HTDE: Sheets and Blankets · 26 minThis week: Ian and Mike help a couple figure out who exactly is responsible for stealing the covers at night. You can email your burning questions to [email protected]. How To Do…
- We meet America's robo-teachers and take a nap in coach · 47 minThis week, we're live in Savannah with actor and director D.W. Moffett and panelists Adam Burke, Shantira Jackson, and Joyelle Nicole Johnson See pcm.adswizz.com for information…
- We admire dimes and Aasif Mandvi gives breakup advice · 48 minThis week, we talk new dimes and where to spend them, and special guest Aasif Mandvi tells us the best way to get over an ex. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
- HTDE: Crickets and Clowns · 18 minThis week: How to tell the temperature outside without a thermometer. Plus, how clowns trademark their unique looks. Featuring Marlene Zuk and Julie Proctor. You can email your…
- John Cusack rides his Vespa straight into our hearts · 48 minThis week, John Cusack joins us to talk high school reunions, graphic novels, and the secrets to keeping your Vespa's tank full. Plus, panelists Rachel Coster, Adam Felber, and…
- We say "So long!" to Kristi Noem and Benetti plays ball · 48 minThis week, Luke Burbank, Negin Farsad, and Hari Kondabolu offer Kristi Noem some parting words and we quiz the new voice of Sunday Night Baseball, Jason Benetti, on his knowledge…
- HTDE: The Breakfast Rule · 23 minThis week: How the Wait, Wait team decides what jokes are too inappropriate for the airwaves. Plus Mike and Ian help a caller with a personal grammar problem. Featuring author…
- We tackle the SOTU and Olympian Lilly King talks trash · 47 minThis week, we're live in Bloomington, Indiana with Olympic champion Lilly King and panelists Alonzo Bodden, Josh Gondelman, and Faith Salie See pcm.adswizz.com for information…
- We hold our own Olympic Games with our favorite guests · 48 minThis week, we give out our own Olympic gold medals to some of our favorite guests and segments of the past year, with Roy Choi, Cynthia Nixon, Ally the Piper, and more! See…
- HTDE: Curling Stones and Halfpipe Lines · 19 minMore behind the scenes at the Milan Cortina Olympics with unsung heroes of the Winter Games. Mike and Ian talk with a curling legend, find out where those big stones come from…
- Our panel heads to Milan and Arden Cho hunts demons · 48 minThis week, KPop Demon Hunters' Arden Cho joins us to talk about Rumi, the World Series of Poker, and how NOT to behave when you're about to propose. Plus, the Tom Papa, Paula…
- HTDE: Forks and Ice Masters · 19 minThis week: Mike and Ian talk with an Olympic Ice Master, help a listener who keeps meeting people with their same name, and get to the bottom of a mysterious survey glitch. You…
- Librarian Mychal Threets talks rebooting Reading Rainbow and our panel eats goo · 48 minThis week, we're joined by Mychal Threets, the world's most popular librarian, who talks about Library Joy and rebooting Reading Rainbow. Plus, panelists Tom Bodett, Josh…
- HTDE: Torches and Ski Jumps · 23 minMike and Ian are back, just in time for the opening ceremony at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan/Cortina. Olympians and Starfleet Captains share how to carry the torch, fly…
- "Wicked" director Jon M. Chu talks Elphaba-branded Swiffers and we preview "Melania" · 47 min"Wicked" director Jon M. Chu talks Elphaba-branded Swiffers and panelists Negin Farsad, Peter Grosz, and Annie Rauwerda preview "Melania: A Documentary" See pcm.adswizz.com for…
