

How To Do Everything
NPR
Half advice show. Half survival guide. Half absurdity-fest. (Wait, how does this work again? We're not numbers people.) Each episode, we answer all your burning questions, from how to survive a public bathroom to how to get close to a panda. When we don't know the answer, which is roughly 92% of the time (again, not numbers people), we bring in overqualified experts to help out. So you'll eventually walk away knowing how to do everything. That's what happens when you're one & a half shows. From the team at Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2024 • 6min
BONUS: Halloween with Amy Sedaris
In this bonus segment, comedian Amy Sedaris shares her quirky take on Halloween celebrations. Known for her comedic flair, she discusses how to spook the neighborhood kids and suggests hilarious decoration ideas. The conversation dives into playful debates on what really qualifies as spooky, offering humorous insights into personal fears. Without skipping a beat, the hosts also tackle the awkwardness of tipping, rounding out a festive and entertaining chat that redefines terror in a charmingly lighthearted way.

Oct 23, 2024 • 24min
Pumpkins, Spiders and Henry Winkler
Henry Winkler, beloved as the Fonz, shares his secrets on how to look cool and effortlessly exudes charm. Fritz Volrath, an expert on spiderwebs from Oxford, discusses their innovative medical uses for wound care. Additionally, Leslie, the inventor of Jenga, recalls the game's journey from family fun in Ghana to global phenomenon. The conversation sparkles with a playful analysis of Halloween treats and quirky anecdotes, blending humor with practical tips for social relaxation and creativity.

9 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 22min
Maury Povich and Sleeping Between the Pretties
Television icon Maury Povich joins to help tackle listener dilemmas with a mix of humor and wisdom. He shares insights from his long career and discusses the quirky art of bed-making, including royal tips and the humor of unusual alarm clocks. Listeners explore when to replace household items for health, along with playful mnemonics. A 29-year-old couple's humorous feud adds lightness, while Maury offers heartfelt advice on love and compatibility. It's a delightful blend of practical tips and royal charm!

Oct 9, 2024 • 18min
Sir Patrick Stewart, Pricklouses and Root Beer
Sir Patrick Stewart, celebrated for his roles in Star Trek and X-Men, joins for a delightful exploration of quirky topics. He shares tips on defoaming root beer and crafts a unique experience around this classic drink. They hilariously dive into medieval insults and discuss the funny notion of British cows mooing in various accents. Plus, Stewart even offers his expertise on questions about cows. Expect a blend of humor, history, and beverage artistry sprinkled throughout their conversation!

Oct 2, 2024 • 23min
Mascots, Cheerleaders and Beethoven
A Finnish police inspector uses Beethoven to keep beaches safe from youth gatherings, transforming the atmosphere. Dive into the quirky world of mascot races, where sausage mascots bring humor and unexpected rivalries to life. Cheerleaders share quick-thinking stories from a high school game, showcasing camaraderie in athletics. Listeners reflect on the emotional impact of shared film moments, highlighting the connection felt through nostalgia and vulnerability. The mascot life is full of delightful mishaps and comical dilemmas that keep everyone entertained!

Sep 25, 2024 • 22min
Nick Offerman, Trapper Keepers and Bee Stings
Nick Offerman, famed for his comedic roles, shares his whimsical wisdom on everything from curing hiccups to the agony of bee stings. He humorously describes a playful visualization technique for hiccups, blending anecdotes and meditation. The conversation shifts to bee sting pain, where Offerman and the hosts explore which body parts hurt most and share amusing personal stories. They even delve into confidence tips inspired by school nostalgia, proving laughter is the best medicine for everyday challenges.

Sep 18, 2024 • 21min
Tom Hanks, Hot Dogs and Chimp Butts
On today's episode, the great Tom Hanks teaches us the art of being adored, and Mike and Ian help a listener who's curious about world fame. Plus, a bottoms-up approach to recognizing your family members.You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org.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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sep 11, 2024 • 23min
The Champ
Every other week on How To Do Everything, we're giving you the best stuff from our first life. Today, from the archives, how to make your friends cry and how to keep your fries warm.You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org.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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sep 4, 2024 • 19min
Haircuts in Space, Tutus, and the Nasal Ranger
Mike and Ian are back. On this episode: how to cut your hair in space, how to clean your tutu, and how to tell if you smell.You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org. 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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org.How To Do Everything is produced by Heena Srivastava. Engineering help from Patrick Murray.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Aug 23, 2024 • 2min
How To Do Everything: Kind of an advice show. Kind of.
On each episode of How To Do Everything, underqualified hosts Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag find overqualified experts to answer all your life questions. How do you survive quicksand? How do you plan the perfect first date? How do you count all the hairs on your head? They can't help you. But they will find someone who can.You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org.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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy