SmartLess Presents ClueLess - Episode 120: "Don’t Be A Ditloid" (Released January 20, 2025)
In episode 120 of SmartLess Presents ClueLess, host Elliott Kaelin teams up with returning contestant Sean Hayes and guest Carrie Aizley for an engaging session filled with puzzles, brainteasers, and lively discussions. This episode, titled “Don’t Be A Ditloid,” delves into the intricacies of ditloids and culminates with a challenging cliffhanger puzzle. Here's a detailed breakdown of the episode's key segments:
1. Introduction and Host Interaction (00:40 - 01:22)
Elliott Kaelin opens the episode with his signature humor, introducing Sean Hayes and Carrie Aizley. The camaraderie between the hosts and guests sets a friendly and competitive tone for the podcast.
- Elliott Kaelin [00:40]: “The following podcast was taped before a live studio audience. That is if you count the voices in my head. This is Clueless.”
- Sean Hayes [00:56]: “I'm clueless.”
- Elliott Kaelin [01:03]: “You just recorded your first number one hit. Congratulations.”
This playful banter not only entertains but also warmly welcomes listeners into the episode's dynamic.
2. The Cliffhanger Puzzle: "What Kind of Sword?" (02:02 - 03:36)
The episode kicks off with the customary unresolved cliffhanger puzzle, challenging listeners to solve a riddle: “What kind of sword is harder to break as it gets longer?”
- Elliott Kaelin [02:13]: “I've been trying to figure this out for hours and hours.”
- Carrie Aizley [02:31]: "So it's not a sword. Sword, obviously."
After a brief and humorous struggle, Elliott reveals the answer:
- Elliott Kaelin [03:14]: “The sword that gets harder to break as it gets longer is a password.”
- Sean Hayes [03:45]: “A piss word.”
This segment highlights the show's knack for wordplay and sets the stage for the main game.
3. Main Game: "Don’t Be A Ditloid" (06:10 - 10:47)
The core of the episode revolves around the game “Don’t Be A Ditloid,” where participants decipher abbreviated phrases. Elliott explains the rules and presents a series of ditloids under the general knowledge category.
- Elliott Kaelin [06:23]: “Ditloids are phrases or facts that have to be deduced by their abbreviations.”
- Example [06:52]: "24H in a D" – 24 hours in a day.
Gameplay Highlights:
-
365 D in a Y
- Answer: 365 days in a year.
- Carrie Aizley [07:18]: “In a year, 305 days in a year.”
-
13 in a BD
- Answer: 13 in a baker's dozen.
- Sean Hayes [07:39]: “13 in a baker's dozen.”
-
7C on E
- Answer: 7 continents on Earth.
- Sean Hayes [07:39]: “Continents on Earth.”
-
26L in the A
- Answer: 26 letters in the Alphabet.
- Carrie Aizley [07:52]: “20.” (Clarification follows.)
-
366D in a
- Answer: 366 days in a leap year.
- Carrie Aizley [08:09]: “Three Sisters Days in a leap year.”
-
7W of the W
- Answer: Seven wonders of the world.
- Sean Hayes [08:09]: “Seven wonders in the world.”
-
12s of the Z
- Answer: 12 signs of the Zodiac.
- Sean Hayes [08:50]: “12 signs of Zodiac.”
-
16O in a P
- Answer: 16 ounces in a pound.
- Sean Hayes [09:07]: “16 ounces in a pound.”
-
4H of the A
- Answer: Four horsemen of the Apocalypse.
- Sean Hayes [09:31]: “Four horsemen of the Apocalypse.”
-
18H on a GC
- Answer: 18 holes on a golf course.
- Sean Hayes [09:47]: “18 holes in the golf course.”
Throughout the game, Sean consistently exhibits his prowess, often leading the correct answers with confidence, while Carrie adds humor and occasional flubs, enhancing the episode’s entertainment value.
4. Mega Clue: Expert-Level Ditloid (10:04 - 11:44)
Transitioning from the main game, Elliott presents a mega clue—a more complex ditloid designed to test even the most seasoned players.
- Elliott Kaelin [10:07]: “8F A2T, O A, P, O, H.”
The clue pertains to a part of the human body and requires deeper analytical thinking. Sean and Carrie engage in a collaborative effort to decode it.
- Sean Hayes [10:36]: “Eight fingers and two thumbs on a pair of hands.”
- Carrie Aizley [11:05]: “Eight fingers.”
Elliott acknowledges their near-miss and reveals the intended answer, highlighting their thoughtful approaches:
- Elliott Kaelin [11:30]: “Eight fingers and two thumbs on a pair of hands.”
This segment underscores the show's ability to escalate difficulty, keeping both participants and listeners engaged.
5. Cliffhanger Puzzle: "Odd One Out" (11:50 - 12:51)
Concluding the episode, Elliott introduces the final cliffhanger puzzle—a quick “Odd One Out” challenge.
- Elliott Kaelin [12:10]: “Which of the following objects doesn't belong and why? Tissue box, toilet paper, wombat poop, fuzzy dice, sugar lumps.”
Sean attempts an amusing guess:
- Sean Hayes [12:51]: “They're all terms of endearment. But especially wombat poop.”
Elliott leaves the audience to ponder the riddle until the next episode, maintaining the show's signature cliffhanger allure.
6. Conclusion and Credits (12:51 - End)
Elliott wraps up the episode with heartfelt thanks to Carrie Aizley, Sean Hayes, and the listeners, reinforcing a sense of community and appreciation.
- Elliott Kaelin [13:31]: “This has been SmartLess presents Clueless. I've been your host, Elliott Kaelin, and I'm gonna make it after all.”
The credits acknowledge the contributions of the production team, ensuring listeners are aware of the collaborative effort behind the scenes.
Notable Quotes:
- Elliott Kaelin [02:10]: “Once again, this has been kind of a trick, this riddle, because the answer is not a physical sword at all.”
- Sean Hayes [09:31]: “Four horsemen of the Apocalypse.”
- Carrie Aizley [11:05]: “Eight fingers.”
- Elliott Kaelin [13:31]: “This has been SmartLess presents Clueless. I've been your host, Elliott Kaelin, and I'm gonna make it after all.”
Final Thoughts:
Episode 120 of SmartLess Presents ClueLess masterfully combines humor, intellect, and camaraderie. Through engaging puzzles and dynamic interactions, Elliott, Sean, and Carrie create an entertaining experience that challenges listeners' wits while providing ample laughs. Whether you're a regular listener or new to the show, this episode offers a delightful blend of brain teasers and heartfelt moments that underscore the enduring appeal of Clueless.