SmartLess Presents ClueLess – Episode 128: “Don’t Say Number One!” Release Date: February 17, 2025
Hosts and Guests
- Host: Elliott Kaelin, Emmy-winning writer
- Contestant: Sean Hayes
- Guests: Scotty Icenogle (Sean's husband), Ali Wentworth, and George Stephanopoulos
1. Introduction and Warm-Up (00:00 – 00:58)
Elliott Kaelin opens the episode with a humorous creation myth, blending divine humor with the podcast's puzzle theme:
“In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth... let there be puzzle podcasts. And it was so. This is Clueless.” [00:00]
Sean Hayes joins, adding his witty remarks, establishing a light-hearted and engaging atmosphere:
“I can't believe you write those. It's brilliant.” [00:55]
2. Meet the Guests (00:55 – 01:18)
Elliott introduces the delightful lineup:
“I am here today with Elliot and my husband, Scotty Icenogle, who I love, and our two friends, who we are brilliant and lovely and warm and kind, and I love them very much, Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos.” [00:58]
The guests reciprocate the warm welcome, setting the tone for a friendly competition filled with camaraderie.
3. Cueless Segment: Answering Listener Questions (01:28 – 03:05)
Elliott transitions to the "Cueless" segment, addressing a listener’s query about the previous episode's puzzle:
“When you add two letters, this five-letter word actually becomes shorter. What is it?” [01:47]
Through lively discussion, George and Ally crack the riddle:
“The answer is short. You stepped right into the trap...” [02:28]
This segment showcases the collaborative spirit and quick thinking of the guests.
4. Main Game: Don't Say Number One (03:05 – 16:35)
a. Rules Explanation (03:05 – 04:34)
Elliott unveils the main game, emphasizing its twist on popular survey-based games:
“Don't say number one. If you do, your team's turn is over.” [04:11]
Participants aim to guess survey answers without selecting the top choice, adding a layer of strategy and fun.
b. Round 1: Top Five Pizza Restaurants in the US (04:34 – 06:10)
Sean and Scotty tackle their first survey:
Sean guesses: “Pizza Hut.” [05:24]
Elliott reveals this was indeed the trap, as Pizza Hut was the top answer they were instructed not to say:
“I'm sorry. You stepped right into the trap...” [05:37]
Their humorous reactions highlight the challenge's difficulty.
c. Round 2: Top Five Wine-Producing Countries (06:10 – 07:54)
Ali and George take the stage to guess wine-producing nations, navigating through Elliott's tricky clues:
George suggests: “Italy.” [07:20]
Elliott confirms Italy as the number one producer, once again catching them in the rule:
“It is so obvious that it was number one.” [07:50]
The round underscores the prevalence of obvious choices in such surveys.
d. Round 3: Top Five Dream Jobs (07:54 – 10:35)
Back to Sean and Scotty, they guess attainable dream jobs:
Sean and Scotty's guesses: “Doctor,” “Lawyer,” “Actor.” [08:25 – 09:44]
While some answers land, others like "Actor" don’t make the list, leading to playful frustration:
“Expressing confidence... Such confidence.” [13:05]
Elliott reveals the actual top dream jobs, including “Pilot” as number one, much to Sean’s surprise.
e. Round 4: Top Five Sexiest Men's Uniforms (10:35 – 14:36)
Ali and George engage with another survey, guessing appealing uniforms:
George: “Police uniforms” influenced by personal experiences. [11:43]
Despite their efforts, many guesses miss the mark, leading to laughter and camaraderie.
f. Mega Clue: Top 15 Sexiest Foods (14:36 – 16:35)
The final and most challenging segment allows participants to guess from a broader list:
Sean and Scotty guess: “Sushi,” “Tartare.” [13:17 – 13:22]
George and Ally attempt: “Strawberries,” “Chocolate Sauce.” [13:51 – 14:09]
Elliott reveals the extensive and eclectic list, highlighting favorites like “Chocolate,” “Chili Peppers,” and “Ribeye Steak,” leaving guests amused and amazed.
5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (16:35 – 16:35)
With scores tallying Sean and Scotty leading by one point, Elliott praises all participants:
“All four of you are number one in my heart...” [16:35]
He teases the next episode’s cliffhanger puzzle, building anticipation without revealing the answer.
6. Cliffhanger Puzzle (16:35 – 16:02)
Elliott poses a brain teaser for listeners:
“Take the six-letter name of a popular wafer-based treat, reverse the first three letters, then reverse the last three letters. When you say the new word aloud, it will sound just like a different popular treat, only this time it's minty fresh.” [15:53]
Guests speculate but agree to reveal the answer in the next episode, maintaining suspense.
Notable Quotes:
- Sean Hayes: “I can’t believe you write those. It’s brilliant.” [00:55]
- George Stephanopoulos: “Or ending it all together. Yeah, that’s true.” [01:24]
- Elliott Kaelin: “Don’t say number one. This is a team versus team game...” [04:11]
- Sean Hayes: “So it’s the opposite of Family Feud.” [04:14]
- Elliott Kaelin: “Pizza Hut is number one. I'm sorry. You stepped right into the trap...” [05:37]
- George Stephanopoulos: “I would like to talk to the people that did the survey.” [07:35]
- Elliott Kaelin: “Law enforcement was on there. Also pharmacist.” [10:19]
- Sean Hayes: “But shop doctor makes this list.” [12:11]
- Elliott Kaelin: “Pumpkin seeds. Sweet potatoes. Are you kidding me.” [14:08]
Final Thoughts
Episode 128 of "SmartLess Presents ClueLess" delivers a captivating blend of puzzles, humor, and engaging conversation. Elliott Kaelin masterfully guides the guests through a series of challenging surveys, fostering both competition and cooperation. The dynamic interplay between Sean, Scotty, Ali, and George ensures an entertaining and insightful experience for listeners. As the episode wraps with a tantalizing cliffhanger puzzle, anticipation builds for the next installment, promising more brain-teasing fun.
For more episodes and engaging puzzle challenges, subscribe to "SmartLess Presents ClueLess" on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned and keep your wits sharp!