Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

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.
00:00
00:00

Episode's summary

In this episode of 'Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me', host Negin Farsad and guests navigate a series of weekly news quotes, covering topics from Donald Trump's comments on Iran to the 'Costco door' home renovation trend. The program also explores stories of eccentric billionaires and features an interview with country musician Margot Price regarding her career and connection to John Prine. The episode continues with discussions on customizable car speakers in Australia and a new Halloween trend called 'trick-or-reading.' The show concludes with the Listener Limerick Challenge, the fast-paced Lightning Fill in the Blank game, and promotional segments for Life Kit and Fresh Air.

Chapters

Click on a chapter to go directly to that moment

Highlights

Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. That's a very small price to pay.

00:02:47 · The host presents a quote from Donald Trump regarding potential threats from Iran.

It's called a Costco door, and it lets you take all your purchases from your garage and shove them right into your pantry.

00:07:05 · The segment discusses a new home renovation trend involving specialized doors for bulk shopping.

Billionaires, they're just like us. They purchase daily necessities like groceries, gas, and elections.

00:15:20 · Joyelle Nicole Johnson begins her story for the 'Bluff the Listener' game.

The new Mazda just launched in Australia plays preset messages like, look up from your phone or please proceed first, but you can type in anything for it to say.

00:33:14 · The panel discusses a new feature in electric Mazdas that allows drivers to send custom text messages to pedestrians.

They're calling it, and this is true, trick-or-reading.

00:34:42 · The host introduces a new Halloween trend where houses give out books instead of candy.

Episodes

1194-

We celebrate a bomb and dig deep with Margo Price

In this episode of 'Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me', host Negin Farsad and guests navigate a series of weekly news quotes, covering topics from Donald Trump's comments on Iran to the 'Costco door' home renovation trend. The program also explores stories of eccentric billionaires and features an interview with country musician Margot Price regarding her career and connection to John Prine. The episode continues with discussions on customizable car speakers in Australia and a new Halloween trend called 'trick-or-reading.' The show concludes with the Listener Limerick Challenge, the fast-paced Lightning Fill in the Blank game, and promotional segments for Life Kit and Fresh Air.

10 Oct 2026
1193-

We ghost some tech bros with David Byrne

In this episode of Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me, host Peter Sagal and judge Alzo Slade lead the panel through news-based quizzes including 'Who's Alzo' and 'The Bluff.' The show covers a variety of topics ranging from tech bros and political blunders to unusual parking garage trends in Europe. The episode also features an interview with musician David Byrne regarding his immersive theater and career history, followed by the Listener Limerick Challenge and the Lightning Fill in the Blank game. Topics include bizarre Halloween pizza toppings, 'attention infidelity,' and sharks swimming through flooded New Jersey streets.

03 Oct 2026
1192-

A surprise snow day for the White House press corps

Recorded in Omaha, Nebraska, this episode of Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me features host Peter Sagal and a panel of comedians navigating news-based quizzes including 'Who's Alzo?' and 'Bump, Set, Spike'. The show covers diverse topics ranging from White House press access and the rise of 'cat dads' to long-term ambitions like 20-year to-do lists and aging cheese. The episode also explores modern etiquette debates regarding job interviews, a humorous look at an emo-themed Wendy's album, and global news stories involving overdue library magazines and smuggling French butter. The program concludes with the 'Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank' game and credits.

26 Sep 2026
1191-

A fond farewell to brunch and also humankind

Host Peter Sagal and the panel dive into a variety of news topics, ranging from AI concerns and the decline of brunch to the social labor of 'mankeeping.' The episode features games like 'Bluff the Listener' regarding TV purchases, a 'True or False' look at QVC mishaps, and a comedic quiz about toilet paper. The show also includes an interview with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hernan Diaz about his new novel, 'Ply,' and explores viral fan theories and skincare trends. The episode concludes with the high-energy 'Lightning Fill in the Blank' trivia game and announcements for upcoming NPR programs.

19 Sep 2026
1190-

We fold our phones and get roasted by Leslie Jones

Host Peter Sagal and a panel of comedians dive into the week's news, covering everything from Apple's new foldable phone to political promises in Dallas. The episode features various game rounds including 'Who's Alzo', 'Bluff the Listener', and 'All This Is Banana', alongside an interview with comedian Leslie Jones about her comedy origins and her show 'Roast My Rental'. The show concludes with listener limericks covering topics like brain-implanted cockroaches and a rapid-fire 'Lightning Fill in the Blank' quiz round, ending with humorous predictions about the future of foldable technology.

12 Sep 2026