SmartLess Presents ClueLess: Episode 130 - Linkuistics (w/ Scotty Icenogle)
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Introduction
In episode 130 of SmartLess Presents ClueLess, host Elliott Kalan teams up once again with his constant contestant, Sean Hayes, and introduces the delightful Scotty Icenogle as a guest. The episode kicks off with the trio engaging in their signature playful banter, setting the stage for a series of intriguing puzzles and competitive games designed to test their wits and wordsmithing skills.
Recap of Last Episode's Cliffhanger Puzzle
Elliott begins by revisiting the cliffhanger from the previous episode, reminding listeners of the puzzling question posed:
"Which one doesn't belong? Sean Hayes, Scotty Icenogle, a hippo, a praying mantis, and a mule."
— [01:40] Elliott Kalan
The discussion that follows sees Sean and Scotty debating the odd one out, initially considering dietary habits. Sean humorously speculates about ordering a "praying mantis burger," reflecting the show's lighthearted tone.
Sean Hayes: "I'd like to see that. Actually, I'm gonna go to In N Out and order a praying mantis burger."
— [03:14]
Ultimately, they conclude that the mule is the odd one out, as it doesn't fit into the carnivore classification that the other animals fall under.
Scotty Icenogle: "It's a mule."
— [02:58]
Main Game: Lingqistics
The heart of the episode is the Lingqistics game—a challenging word chain competition where participants must link two-word phrases by using the second word of the previous phrase as the first word of the next. Elliott explains the rules succinctly:
"You take half a word or phrase and you try to complete it. Lingqistics is beginning when you hear the drum beat."
— [04:04] Elliott Kalan
An illustrative example is provided with the phrase "water" and the letter "B," leading to "water bed." The game proceeds with a series of rapid-fire rounds:
-
Hot D
Sean: "Hot dog."
— [05:40] -
Dog H
Sean: "House."
— [06:00] -
House P
Sean: "House party."
— [06:21] -
Party A
Sean: "Party animal."
— [06:32] -
Animal P
Sean: "Animal Planet."
— [06:58] -
Planet H
Sean: "Planet Hollywood."
— [07:07] -
Hollywood S
Scotty: "Hollywood sign."
— [07:37] -
Sign O
Scotty: Struggles but eventually guesses "Sign off."
— [08:35] Sean: "Sign off."
The game continues with alternating turns, showcasing Sean's prowess and Scotty's tenacity. Notably, their scores remain tightly knit, culminating in a 7-7 tie, emphasizing the competitive yet friendly nature of their interactions.
Elliott Kalan: "Looking at the score, we have here an intense tie. It is seven to seven."
— [12:18]
Mega Clue Challenge
Following the Lingqistics game, Elliott introduces the Mega Clue Challenge—a mini game where Sean and Scotty must create a chain of words connecting "bad" back to "hot" within three phrases or fewer. The challenge is timed, adding an element of pressure.
Sean's Approach:
- Bad Egg
- Egg White
- White Hot
Sean Hayes: "Bad egg. Egg white. White Hot."
— [14:24]
Scotty's Strategy:
- Bad Blood
- Blood Red
- Red Hot
Scotty Icenogle: "Bad blood. Blood red. Red hot."
— [14:41]
Both participants successfully complete the challenge, resulting in a complete tie, much to the amusement and approval of Elliott.
Elliott Kalan: "What perfectly matched men you are for each other."
— [14:49]
Cliffhanger Puzzle
As always, Elliott concludes the episode with a tantalizing cliffhanger puzzle, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment.
"It's in celery, but not cabbage. It's in rice krispies, but not corn flakes. And it's in a piece of cake, but not the cake itself. What is it?"
— [15:33] Elliott Kalan
Sean and Scotty engage in a brief contemplation of the riddle but ultimately agree to leave the answer for the next episode, maintaining the show's engaging and suspenseful format.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with playful exchanges and gratitude towards Scotty for his support, Sean for his competitive spirit, and Elliott for his witty hosting. The trio reflects on their tied scores and hints at future challenges, ensuring listeners are hooked for what's to come.
Elliott Kalan: "No puzzles were harmed in the making of this episode."
— [16:34]
Listeners are encouraged to follow, subscribe, and engage with the podcast to stay updated on future episodes filled with puzzles, laughter, and camaraderie.
Notable Quotes:
-
Sean Hayes on ordering unique burgers: "I'd like to see that. Actually, I'm gonna go to In N Out and order a praying mantis burger."
— [03:14] -
Scotty Icenogle on his guess: "It's a mule."
— [02:58] -
Elliott Kalan on the intense game: "Looking at the score, we have here an intense tie. It is seven to seven."
— [12:18] -
Sean Hayes on the Mega Clue: "Bad egg. Egg white. White Hot."
— [14:24] -
Scotty Icenogle on his chain: "Bad blood. Blood red. Red hot."
— [14:41] -
Elliott Kalan concluding thoughts: "No puzzles were harmed in the making of this episode."
— [16:34]
Final Thoughts
Episode 130 of SmartLess Presents ClueLess masterfully balances intellectual stimulation with humor and heartfelt interactions. The Lingqistics game and Mega Clue Challenge highlight the participants' linguistic agility, while the ongoing cliffhanger fosters a sense of anticipation and community among listeners. Whether you're a puzzle enthusiast or simply enjoy witty banter, this episode offers a compelling and entertaining experience.