Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

This week, special guest Rhea Seehorn joins panelists Josh Gondelman, Hari Kondabolu, and Paula Poundstone Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2025

It's another Peter AMA (Ask Me Anything)! Wait Wait visual host Emma Choi puts your questions to the big man himself -- Peter Sagal. If he had to listen to one song for the rest of his life what would it be? What actor would Peter cast to play him in a Wait Wait movie? What does Peter listen to when he runs? We get answers to those and other questions, including one about Peter's role in the making of "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights"?!?!?  This normally would be a bonus episode just for Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!+ listeners. With this being the season of giving, we're sharing this one with everyone! To hear part 2 of Peter's AMA, make sure you're signed up for Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!+. You also get regular episodes sponsor-free and support the work of NPR. For more details, go to plus.npr.org/waitwait.  Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2025

This week, special guest Lucy Dacus joins panelists Tom Bodett, Adam Burke, and Helen Hong Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2025

Ian and Mike help a listener lighten the mood with her clients, help another listener mess with an opponent’s free throw shot, and Peter Sagal shares his secret for falling asleep on an airplane. You can email your burning questions to [email protected]. How To Do Everything won’t live in this feed forever. If you like what you hear, scoot on over to their very own feed and give them a follow. How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org.   How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson and Heena Srivastava. Technical direction from Lorna White. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

We're live in Phoenix with special guest Andy Richter and panelists Alonzo Bodden, Luke Burbank, and Shantira Jackson! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2025

This week, we celebrate Thanksgiving with some of the segments we're most grateful for Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2025

Ian and Mike look to the skies to help a listener solve her problem with motion sickness. Plus, a survivor of the longest recorded traffic jam in history shares how she got through it. You can email your burning questions to [email protected] To Do Everything won’t live in this feed forever. If you like what you hear, scoot on over to their very own feed and give them a follow. How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org. How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson and Heena Srivastava. Technical direction from Lorna White. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

This week, Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper join Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Zach Zimmerman, and Faith Salie Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2025

This week, Tiffany Haddish joins panelists Brian Babylon, Paula Poundstone, and Roxanne Roberts Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2025

This week: A Broadway star tells us how he finished the New York Marathon and then performed in two shows back to back, a wife seeks advice on how best to shave her hairy companion, plus, are the lyrics to Bye Bye Birdie what we think they are? You can email your burning questions to [email protected] To Do Everything won’t live in this feed forever. If you like what you hear, scoot on over to their very own feed and give them a follow. How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org. How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Heena Srivastava and Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White. ****** And if you’d like us to be your out of office emergency contact, use this copy:“I am OOO from (INSERT DATES HERE). For any urgent concerns, please email Mike and Ian at [email protected]. Please bear in mind that Mike and Ian don’t know anything about anything and their help may in fact make your urgent concern worse, but they did promise to answer any email they get from this out of office message.” Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2025

This week, we're live in Orange County with Roy Choi and panelists Tom Papa, Negin Farsad, and Karen Chee Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2025

This week, Julia Fox joins panelists Alonzo Bodden, Adam Burke, and Josh Gondelman Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2025

This week: Filmmaker Alice Wu shares a clever trick to help you finally finish that thing you’ve been working on, why teenagers are taking over the comments sections of old podcast episodes, and the origins of the phrase “steal your thunder”. Plus we continue in our quest to be your out of office emergency contact. You can email your burning questions to [email protected] To Do Everything won’t live in this feed forever. If you like what you hear, scoot on over to their very own feed and give them a follow. How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org.How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Heena Srivastava and Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White. ******(Once again) after listening:“I am OOO from (INSERT DATES HERE). For any urgent concerns, please email Mike and Ian at [email protected]. Please bear in mind that Mike and Ian don’t know anything about anything and their help may in fact make your urgent concern worse, but they did promise to answer any email they get from this out of office message.” Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

This week, bagpipe superstar Ally the Piper joins panelists Hari Kondabolu, Faith Salie, and Alex Edelman Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2025

This week, we nurse our sunburns while revisiting some of our favorite moments from this year Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2025

On today’s episode: a bold new way to help out when an earthquake hits, and Mike and Ian help out a listener with the help of a friendly dentist and a dog named Stella. Plus, our continuing commitment to be your Out of Office emergency contact turns into a surprise birthday celebration. You can email your burning questions to [email protected]. How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org. How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White. ******(Once again) after listening:“I am OOO from (INSERT DATES HERE). For any urgent concerns, please email Mike and Ian at [email protected]. Please bear in mind that Mike and Ian don’t know anything about anything and their help may in fact make your urgent concern worse, but they did promise to answer any email they get from this out of office message.” Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2025

This week, we're live in Honolulu with panelists Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Peter Grosz, and Paula Poundstone. Plus, special guest Taimane! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2025

This week, special guest Becca Mann joins guest host Negin Farsad and panelists Shantira Jackson, Hari Kondabolu, and Adam Felber Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2025

On today’s episode, how to get rid of Google’s AI summaries, and we help a listener who wants to exercise in her car during a long commute–with an assist from a very overqualified exerciser and a very overqualified driver. Plus we talk about a possible connection between pizza and war with The Washington Post’s Tim Carman. You can check out Tim’s piece here and Juan's training routine here. And you can email your burning questions to [email protected]. How To Do Everything won’t live in this feed forever. If you like what you hear, scoot on over to their very own feed and give them a follow. How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org. How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Heena Srivastava. Technical direction from Lorna White. ****** (Once again) after listening: “I am OOO from (INSERT DATES HERE). For any urgent concerns, please email Mike and Ian at [email protected]. Please bear in mind that Mike and Ian don’t know anything about anything and their help may in fact make your urgent concern worse, but they did promise to answer any email they get from this out of office message.” Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2025

This week, special guest Cynthia Nixon joins panelists Negin Farsad, KC Shornima, and Adam Burke Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2025

This week, we're live in St. Louis with Cardinals' play-by-play announcer Chip Caray and panelists Rachel Coster, Dulcé Sloan, and Adam Felber Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2025

Today, Mike and Ian recruit the help of legendary Taste-Tester-Turned-Public-Radio-Host Peter Sagal to rate a new, unorthodox approach to making lasagna. Plus, a listener calls in claiming he’s physically incapable of burping, so the guys ask a medical professional to help him out. You can email your burning questions to [email protected]. How To Do Everything won’t live in this feed forever. If you like what you hear, scoot on over to their very own feed and give them a follow. How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org. How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Heena Srivastava. Technical direction from Lorna White. ****** (Once again) after listening: “I am OOO from (INSERT DATES HERE). For any urgent concerns, please email Mike and Ian at [email protected]. Please bear in mind that Mike and Ian don’t know anything about anything and their help may in fact make your urgent concern worse, but they did promise to answer any email they get from this out of office message.” Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2025

This week, special guest Bob Costas joins panelists Emmy Blotnick, Brian Babylon, and Peter Grosz. Plus, Oscar-and-Grammy-winner Rhymefest steps in for Bill! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2025

This week, special guest Reneé Rapp joins panelists Alonzo Bodden, Shane O'Neill, and Amy Dickinson in Chicago Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2025

We are so back! How To Do Everything returns for a packed second season. This episode, one listener asks Mike and Ian how to write the perfect “out of office” message. So, they confer with the highest language authority in the land, U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón. Comedians Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon join the show to answer your couple’s advice questions, some stranger than others. Plus, a fashion tip for your post-Labor Day needs. You can email your burning questions to [email protected].  How To Do Everything won’t live in this feed forever. If you like what you hear, scoot on over to their very own feed and give them a follow. How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org. How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Heena Srivastava. Technical direction from Lorna White. ******After listening: “I am OOO from (INSERT DATES HERE). For any urgent concerns, please email Mike and Ian at [email protected]. Please bear in mind that Mike and Ian don’t know anything about anything and their help may in fact make your urgent concern worse, but they did promise to answer any email they get from this out of office message.” Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2025

This week, we're live at Tanglewood with special guest Paul Giamatti and panelists Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Tom Bodett, and Mo Rocca! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2025

This week, our summer break continues with visits from our coolest guests, including Sterling K. Brown, Nathan Lane, Brian Tyree Henry, and Vanessa Bayer! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2025

This week, we desperately cling to the end of summer with some of our favorite guests, including Lewis Black, Mo Wagner, Rose Matafeo, and some never-before-heard segements with Atlas Obscura! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2025

This week, special guest Pedro Pascal joins panelists Brian Babylon, Negin Farsad, and Roy Blount Jr. and guest host Tom Papa! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2025

This week, special guest Heather Gay joins panelists Shantira Jackson, Shane O'Neill, and Luke Burbank in Salt Lake City Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2025

This week, special guest Laufey joins panelists Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Peter Grosz, and Adam Burke Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

This week, special guest James Gunn joins panelists Adam Burke, Bobcat Goldthwait, and Paula Poundstone Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2025

Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit donate.npr.org now. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

This week, we're live in Iowa with coach Jan Jensen and panelists Emmy Blotnick, Hari Kondabolu, and Faith Salie Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2025

This week, we celebrate the 4th of July with some of our favorite guests, including Amanda Seyfried, mxmtoon, Jim Gaffigan, Roy Wood, jr., and Lauren Graham! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2025

This week, we're live in Portland with special guest Anna Kendrick and panelists Paula Poundstone, Karen Chee, and Josh Gondelman Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2025

This week, special guest Ibtihaj Muhammad joins Hari Kondabolu, Rachel Coster, and new panelist Jeff Hiller! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2025

This week, Abbott Elementary's Chris Perfetti joins panelists Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Alonzo Bodden, and Luke Burbank Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2025

This week, NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon joins panelists Zach Zimmerman, Adam Burke, and Negin Farsad Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

This week, we're live in Boston with special guest Jim Rice and panelists Maz Jobrani, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, and Adam Felber Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

This week, special guest Ego Nwodim joins panelists Tom Papa, Dulceé Sloan, and Hari Kondabolu Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2025

This week, we celebrate the arrival of spring with special guests Josh Gad, Gretchen Whitmer, GWAR, Kara Jackson, and Amber Maykut! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2025

This week, special guest Nathan Lane joins panelists Shantira Jackson, Luke Burbank, and Roy Blount, Jr. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2025

This week, special guest Natasha Rothwell joins panelists Hari Kondabolu, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, and Peter Grosz Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2025

This week, special guest Brian Tyree Henry joins panelists Brian Babylon, Negin Farsad, and Luke Burbank Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

This week, we're live in Durham with special guest Lewis Black and panelists Dulcé Sloan, Alonzo Bodden, and Adam Burke Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2025

This week, special guest Austan Goolsbee joins panelists Peter Grosz, Rachel Koster, and Shane O'Neill Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

The White Lotus season finale dropped this weekend, and we have questions. And trauma. Maybe you do too? This week, How To Do Everything's "study break" is hosting acclaimed actor Jason Isaacs AKA acclaimed Lorazepam addict Timothy Ratliff. How to join: save this Google document. At 12:30 PM ET tomorrow April 11th, we'll drop a Zoom link. The first 10 people to click on it will be in a Zoom call with Mike, Ian, Heena and Timothy Ratliff/Lucius Malfoy/Jason Isaacs. That gives you tonight to catch up on the show. We WILL discuss spoilers. So come studied and with questions! In the meantime, please send us your "how to" questions! From "how do you parallel park?" to "how do you escape quicksand?" no question is too boring, outlandish or unusual. We can't make the show without you, so don't be shy! Email us at [email protected]. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

This week, special guest Sterling K. Brown joins panelists Tig Notaro, Negin Farsad, and Josh Gondelman Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2025

This week, we invite everyone to take a much needed break and listen to interviews with Eric Idle, Bridget Everett + Jeff Hiller, Diane Lane, and more! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025