SmartLess Presents ClueLess: Episode 112 - "Bot Bops" (w/ Scotty Icenogle) Summary

Release Date: December 23, 2024
Host: Elliott Kalan
Contestants: Sean Hayes and Scotty Icenogle

Introduction & Birthday Shout-Out (00:31 - 01:52)

Elliott Kalan kicks off the episode with a heartfelt birthday shout-out to Nancy, humorously wishing her the gift of a last name this year. The playful banter sets a warm and festive tone for the episode.

Elliott Kalan [00:31]: "Before we start today's show, I'd like to give a birthday shout out to Nancy. Happy birthday, Nancy. Maybe this year you'll get the thing you've always wanted. A last name."

Sean Hayes joins the conversation, adding his own quirky humor about the show’s title.

Sean Hayes [00:55]: "Clueless. That's Clueless."

Recap of Last Episode's Cliffhanger Puzzle (02:03 - 04:25)

Elliott revisits the cliffhanger puzzle from the previous episode, challenging listeners to decipher a seemingly incorrect rendition of the Alphabet song.

Elliott Kalan [02:29]: "Last episode, cliffhanger was a riddle that went like this. My daughter's been singing the Alphabet song a lot, but I think she's learned it wrong. Here's what? She keeps singing A, B, B, B, B, B, B, B, B, C, D, E, K. What is she actually listing in this song?"

Sean and his husband, Scotty, dive into solving the puzzle. They brainstorm various interpretations, struggling initially to connect the sequence of letters to a coherent answer. The tension builds as they consider numeric labels and potential codes.

Sean Hayes [02:31]: "Can I sing it back again? A, B, B, B, B, B, B, B, B, C, D, E, K. Right?"

Despite their efforts, Sean and Scotty find the puzzle challenging. Elliott eventually reveals the clever solution:

Elliott Kalan [03:51]: "My fictional daughter is singing are the 13 official vitamins according to the FDA. Vitamins A, C, D, K and the eight B vitamins."

Sean expresses surprise at the complexity of the B vitamins, acknowledging the educational twist of the puzzle.

Sean Hayes [04:07]: "Had no idea there was a regular just B. I didn't know there was a regular just B."

Main Game: Bot Bops Holiday Edition (06:13 - 11:04)

Elliott introduces the episode’s main feature: the Bot Bops Holiday Edition. In this game, a digital assistant presents modified versions of classic holiday songs, and contestants must identify them.

Elliott Kalan [06:13]: "Our main game, botbops Holiday Edition Bot Bops. In this game, we'll be using modern technology to make classic songs less disgustingly human."

Sean and Scotty compete to recognize the songs first, aiming to score points by correctly identifying each "bop." The competitive spirit is high as they listen to the bot's digital renditions.

1. First Bop:

   • Bot Voice [07:34]: "Come, they told me. Pa ram pum pum pom A newborn king to see."
   • Sean Hayes [07:41]: "The Little Drummer Boy."

   The correct answer earns Sean a point, but Scotty anticipates the response time advantage.

   Sean Hayes [08:06]: "My God, I feel like I'm in the squid game with that voice."

2. Second Bop:

   • Bot Voice [08:19]: "I do not care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I do not need to hang my stocking."
   • Sean Hayes [08:26]: "All I want for Christmas is you."

   Sean nails another correct answer, refocusing on the game's rhythm.

3. Third Bop:

   • Bot Voice [08:53]: "My God. I thought you were someone to rely on me I guess I was a shoulder to cry on..."
   • Sean Hayes [09:20]: "Last Christmas."

   Scotty scores a point, keeping the competition evenly matched.

4. Fourth Bop:

   • Bot Voice [09:37]: "He led them down the streets of town. Right to the traffic cop."
   • Sean Hayes [09:42]: "Frosty the Snowman."

   Sean secures another point, increasing his lead.

5. Final Bop (Tie Breaker):

   • Bot Voice [10:26]: "The fire is slowly dying and dear, we're still goodbyeing Let us know."
   • Sean Hayes [10:35]: "Let it Snow."

   Despite Sean's quick response, the game ends in a close score of 3 to 2, highlighting the spirited competition.

Mega Clue & Cliffhanger Puzzle (11:04 - 14:15)

As the game concludes, Elliott presents the Mega Clue, prompting both contestants and listeners to identify the common theme among the songs showcased during the game.

Mega Clue Voice [11:41]: "Mega Clue question."

Elliott Kalan [11:55]: "As a special holiday gift for this, the most joyous time of the season, this might be the easiest Mega Clue ever. So all you have to do is tell me, what theme do those songs have in common?"

Scotty quickly identifies the theme:

Scotty [11:55]: "They're Christmas."

Elliott confirms the answer, solidifying the festive nature of the episode.

Following the Mega Clue, Elliott introduces the cliffhanger puzzle designed to keep the holiday spirit alive post-episode.

Elliott Kalan [12:26]: "This year, I'm celebrating Christmas by going on Twitter, doing my times tables, blowing kisses, and finding buried treasure. What connects all these activities that makes them appropriate for the Christmas season?"

Sean and Scotty engage in a playful discussion to unravel the puzzle's connection, eventually deducing that the activities are all related to the concept of "gifts."

Sean Hayes [13:30]: "The charity work is called gifts. Giving gifts. That's my charity work."

Conclusion & Final Remarks (14:05 - 15:36)

Elliott wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to Scotty for being an excellent guest and teasing future episodes.

Elliott Kalan [14:05]: "Thank you, Scotty, for being a great guest and for not telling Sean the truth about Santa."

He also extends thanks to Sean for his participation and hints at upcoming content.

Elliott Kalan [15:36]: "Remember to follow, subscribe, rate and review the show. It really helps. That's all for now. We will see you again for more."

The episode concludes with production credits and an unexpected voiceover from the Mega Clue Voice, leaving listeners intrigued for future puzzles.

Key Takeaways:

• Engaging Puzzles: The episode featured intellectually stimulating puzzles that blended humor and holiday cheer.

• Competitive Spirit: Sean and Scotty's friendly rivalry kept the listeners entertained, emphasizing quick thinking and knowledge of classic holiday songs.

• Festive Themes: All content was centered around Christmas, enhancing the seasonal vibe and making it relatable for holiday listeners.

• Interactive Elements: The inclusion of Cliffhanger Puzzles and Mega Clues encouraged audience participation beyond the episode.

This episode of SmartLess Presents ClueLess successfully combines wit, competition, and holiday spirit, making it a delightful listen for fans of puzzles and festive entertainment alike.