The Wirecutter Show
The New York Times
The Wirecutter Show is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Each week, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speak with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries. From which stand-mixer will last you a lifetime, to the best way to travel with pets, to figuring out if your smart lock is spying on you, The Wirecutter Show gives you straightforward solutions based on years of rigorous and independent product testing by more than 140 Wirecutter journalists.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
Episodes
Mentioned books
29 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 20min
How To Maximize Credit Card Points for Travel
Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy and author of How to Win at Travel, shares his secrets for maximizing travel with credit card points. He emphasizes the importance of paying down debt to truly benefit from rewards. Listeners learn about the workings of rewards programs, from interchange fees to the strategies for picking the right credit cards based on spending habits. Brian also delves into the value of transferable points and reveals how to effectively use award tickets as a flexible travel backup.
51 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 35min
Secrets to Cheap Travel from NYT’s Frugal Traveler
Elaine Glusac, a seasoned travel journalist and author of The Frugal Traveler column at The New York Times, shares invaluable budget travel strategies. She reveals the best times to book flights and effective tools like Google Flights for tracking deals. Elaine emphasizes the importance of flexibility with travel dates and directly negotiating with rental hosts for better prices. Additionally, she discusses navigating Black Friday travel sales and how to leverage favorable exchange rates abroad, equipping listeners with savvy tips for frugal adventures.
Oct 3, 2025 • 1min
Send Us Your Cookie Questions!
Get ready to bake! A celebrated cookie expert joins to tackle your burning cookie queries. Curious about essential baking tools? Want a show-stopping cookie recipe? They invite you to send in your voice memos with questions. The episode promises delightful insights and expert advice from the new cookbook author. Don’t miss the chance to level up your cookie game!
11 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 32min
Samin Nosrat's Kitchen Favorites
Samin Nosrat, the beloved chef behind Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, chats about her latest cookbook, Good Things. She shares how to maximize a tiny kitchen using efficient restaurant tricks and essential tools like the Y peeler and carbon steel pan. Samin emphasizes the power of condiments—think chili crisp and preserved lemon paste—to elevate simple meals. She also discusses rethinking entertaining to reduce stress, focusing on connection with guests rather than perfection in dishes.
22 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 18min
This Travel Device Could Save Your Life
Maria Adelmann, a Wirecutter travel writer specializing in travel safety, shares vital insights on carbon monoxide risks while traveling. She explains the alarming lack of CO detectors in many temporary lodgings and emphasizes the benefits of carrying a portable CO detector for peace of mind. Maria discusses how CO poisoning symptoms can mimic common illnesses, making it easy to misdiagnose. Additionally, she provides guidance on detector placement and recommends specific models, ensuring travelers are equipped to stay safe.
22 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 39min
The Insider's Guide to Better Bed Sheets (Encore)
Jackie Reeve, Wirecutter’s bedding reporter and textile expert, dives deep into the world of bed sheets. She reveals the differences between percale and sateen weaves, emphasizing the importance of fabric feel over inflated thread counts. Jackie clarifies misconceptions around 'Egyptian cotton' and shares essential certifications to look for, like Oeko-Tex. She highlights why washing sheets before judging them is crucial and warns about common marketing traps. Plus, discover tips on when to snag the best deals for your next sheet purchase!
Sep 18, 2025 • 17min
Is the New iPhone Worth It?
Brenda Stolyar, a senior staff writer at Wirecutter, dives into the intricacies of the newly launched iPhone 17 lineup and iOS 26. She reveals that the iPhone Air, Apple's thinnest model yet, comes with trade-offs in durability and battery life. The new zoom camera feature might wow some, but most users won't see major differences in daily shots. Brenda also shares her findings on battery performance, noting that the Air drains faster. Finally, she discusses the exciting updates brought by iOS 26, enhancing the overall experience with a fresh design.
13 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 31min
Goodbye, Dead Butt Syndrome!
Arriana Vasquez, a home office writer at Wirecutter, shares her expertise on keeping active while working from home. She delves into the health risks of prolonged sitting, likening it to 'the new smoking' and introducing the concept of 'dead butt syndrome.' Arriana discusses practical solutions like movement snacks and effective office gear, including standing desks and walking pads, to combat sedentary lifestyles. Listeners will find actionable advice to enhance their work setups and promote daily movement effortlessly.
18 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 34min
Wirecutter's Guide to Shopping at Trader Joe's
Antara Sinha, an associate staff writer at Wirecutter with a background from Bon Appetit and Food and Wine, dives into the enchanting world of Trader Joe's. She highlights 18 must-try items after tasting over 70, explains how Trader Joe's keeps prices low with clever strategies, and uncovers the reasons behind product disappearances. Antara shares insider tips on maximizing seasonal offerings and finding alternatives at local markets, all while exploring the store's unique charm that keeps shoppers coming back for more.
17 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 16min
Is an E-Bike the Answer to Your Commuting Woes?
Chris Ryan, Senior Editor and bike expert at Wirecutter, delves into the world of e-bikes, showcasing their potential as a smart commuting option. He explains how e-bikes can provide a sweat-free ride and serve as an affordable car alternative. Listeners learn about the vital differences between regular and cargo e-bikes, maintenance quirks, and the importance of purchasing from local bike shops. Chris also warns against the dangers of cheap batteries and emphasizes the need for certified safety components, making it clear that informed choices matter in e-bike ownership.
