Hosts of 'Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!' discuss the Wait, Wait Wayback Machine quiz game and encourage listeners to sign up for plus membership. They share a funny encounter with a dedicated fan, talk about holiday baking, and reflect on the history of the podcast. They play a guessing game to figure out the name of a former senator who shares his name with a famous musician. They discuss Senator Paul Simon's accomplishments and a joke made by Madeline Albright. A caller expresses gratitude for the show and they mention sponsor messages from Airbnb and the Sundance Institute.
The podcast discusses special treats and bonus content available to Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me+ supporters, highlighting an extended interview and the Wait Wait Wayback Machine quiz game.
Ann, a devoted fan of the show and a Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me+ listener, shares her excitement about attending live shows and her passion for baking during the holiday season before participating in the Wait Back Machine quiz game.
Deep dives
The Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me podcast celebrates its season of giving
The podcast episode kicks off with hosts Peter Siegel and producer Miles Dormbos discussing their season of giving and the special treats they are offering to their listeners. They mention the extended interview that was shared with all listeners as a bonus episode, which is usually exclusive to their plus supporters. They also promote their Wait, Wait, Wayback Machine quiz game, enticing listeners to sign up for Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me plus to access more bonus content and become potential contestants.
Ann Edmonds Aguirre, a dedicated Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me listener and talented baker, participates in the quiz game
Ann, a devoted fan of the show, is introduced as a Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me plus listener from Dallas, Texas. She shares her excitement about attending live shows in various cities and her passion for baking during the holiday season. The hosts playfully engage with Ann, discussing the variety of baked goods she creates and who gets to enjoy them. Ann reveals that she works in college counseling and is a big admirer of Peter. They then proceed to play the Wait Back Machine quiz game.
The Wait Back Machine quiz game tests Ann's knowledge of news events from December 2003
In this segment, Peter Saggle quizzes Ann on news events that occurred on the show 20 years ago in December 2003. The game includes quotes from former Senator Paul Simon, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and columnist Richard Cohen discussing namesake mix-ups, the capture of Osama bin Laden, and the rise of socialite Paris Hilton. Ann impressively answers all the questions correctly and concludes her participation in the game on a high note.
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 — but the catch is they're shows that aired 20 years ago!
The Wait Wait Wayback Machine is normally a bonus episode that only Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me+ supporters can hear and play. Today, we're making it available for everyone.
If you want a chance to play the Wait Wait Wayback Machine, sign up for Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org!