SmartLess Presents ClueLess: Episode 129 - "Odd One Out" Featuring Scotty Icenogle, Ali Wentworth, and George Stephanopoulos

Release Date: February 20, 2025

In Episode 129 of SmartLess Presents ClueLess, host Elliott Kalan teams up with his regular contestant Sean Hayes and special guests Scotty Icenogle, Ali Wentworth, and George Stephanopoulos for a captivating session of puzzles and brainteasers centered around the theme "Odd One Out." This episode not only challenges their quick-thinking abilities but also showcases the delightful camaraderie among the participants.

Recap of the Previous Episode

Elliott Kalan opens the episode by revisiting the cliffhanger from the last installment. He presents a puzzle that required reversing the first and last three letters of a six-letter wafer-based treat to reveal a minty alternative.

• Elliott Kalan [02:19]: "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."

Scotty Icenogle swiftly deciphers the puzzle:

• Scotty Icenogle [02:23]: "It's Kit Kat and Tic Tac."

The group applauds Scotty's quick reasoning, humorously noting his supermarket expertise. Sean Hayes jokes about jotting down the answer, emphasizing the playful atmosphere of the show.

Introduction to Today's Main Puzzle: "Odd One Out"

Transitioning seamlessly, Elliott introduces the day's primary challenge—a series of "Odd One Out" puzzles themed around Boyz II Men, the iconic Philly-based band renowned for their use of Roman numerals. The scenario revolves around the band’s tour bus being too cramped, forcing each member and their friends Casey and Jojo to eliminate one item from their belongings to create cohesive categories.

• Elliott Kalan [03:01]: "This Odd One out is a little story about Boyz II Men..."

Puzzle Round: Questions and Responses

1. Nathan’s Items: Tricycle, Bicycle, Car, Truck

   • Scotty Icenogle [04:59]: "It's tricycle because it's an odd number of wheels. Everything else is an even number of wheels."

   Despite Scotty’s accurate reasoning, Elliott reveals the intended answer was "bicycle" because it's the only freestanding vehicle.

2. Wanya’s Items: Windmill, Flower, Camera, Solar Panel

   • Scotty Icenogle [06:35]: "Windmill is the odd one out."

   Scotty correctly identifies "windmill" as it doesn't require light to function, unlike the other objects.

3. Sean’s Items: Grub, Door, Dam, Post

   The conversation becomes lively as participants debate:

   • Scotty Icenogle [07:43]: "Damn is the odd one out because the others are names of food delivery apps."

   Elliott confirms this clever connection, linking "Grubhub," "DoorDash," and "Postmates," while noting the absence of a "Dam" delivery app.

4. Casey’s Items: Socks, Tulip, Skunk, Gasoline

   • George Stephanopoulos [09:25]: "Tulip is the odd one out because it doesn't have a scent."

   The group concurs, recognizing that while socks, skunks, and gasoline emit smells, tulips do not.

5. JoJo’s Items: Buffalo, Airplane, Theater, Pot

   After humorous exchanges and multiple interpretations, Elliott unveils:

   • Elliott Kalan [11:36]: "The pot is the odd one out because the others can be types of wings—buffalo wing, airplane wing, and theater wing."

Mega Clue: Unifying Theme

With the individual answers—bicycle, windmill, dam, tulip, and pot—participants are prompted to find a common thread.

• Ali Wentworth [13:08]: "Things you find in Holland."

Elliott concurs, highlighting that all items are quintessentially associated with the Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, known for its bicycles, windmills, tulips, and iconic pottery.

Cliffhanger Puzzle

As the episode nears its end, Elliott presents a tantalizing cliffhanger to entice listeners for the next episode:

• Elliott Kalan [12:40]: "Which of these does not belong? Sean Hayes, Scotty Icenogle, a hippo, a praying mantis, and a mule."

The participants engage in animated speculation, but the solution remains undisclosed, promising an engaging reveal in the subsequent episode.

Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

Elliott wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to guests Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos for their exceptional participation, commending their puzzle-solving prowess and entertaining banter.

• Elliott Kalan [15:06]: "Thank you for not just being the best, but also the most guests that we've ever had."

Sean Hayes humorously remarks on the consistency of his persona, adding to the light-hearted conclusion.

Elliott humorously reminds listeners to ponder the cliffhanger puzzle until next time, ensuring anticipation for future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Elliott Kalan [02:19]: "Take the six letter name of a popular wafer based treat..."

• Scotty Icenogle [04:59]: "It's tricycle because it's an odd number of wheels..."

• George Stephanopoulos [09:25]: "Tulip is the odd one out because it doesn't have a scent."

• Ali Wentworth [13:08]: "Things you find in Holland."

Conclusion

Episode 129 of SmartLess Presents ClueLess masterfully blends challenging puzzles with engaging interactions among Seth's celebrity guests. The "Odd One Out" theme not only tests their analytical skills but also underscores the importance of teamwork and lateral thinking. As the guests navigate through each puzzle with humor and insight, listeners are both entertained and intellectually stimulated, eagerly awaiting the resolution of the intriguing cliffhanger.