SmartLess Presents ClueLess
Episode 136: Bizarro Concert Guide (w/ Jeff Max)
Released: March 17, 2025

Summary

In Episode 136 of "SmartLess Presents ClueLess," host Elliott Kaelin teams up with recurring contestant Sean Hayes and special guest Jeff Max to delve into the whimsical world of Bizarro Concert Guides. This episode, lasting approximately 10 minutes, is a delightful exploration of band name inversions and musical puzzles that challenge both the hosts and engaged listeners.

1. Welcome and Guest Introduction ([00:00] - [02:13])

Elliott Kaelin kicks off the episode with a brief nod to their sponsor, Monopoly, before formally welcoming Sean Hayes back to the show. The chemistry among the trio is immediately evident as Sean introduces Jeff Max—a close friend from their theater days in Chicago. Sean humorously remarks, “Sean Hayes: I’m not Clueless. Clueless. It’s clueless or no shoot, I’m clueless. Isn’t that what I usually say?” ([00:34]).

Jeff Max shares anecdotes about his early interactions with Sean, highlighting Sean’s unexpected foray into conducting: “Jeff Max: Even brilliant back then. He took over for the conductor one night, Slade. Last minute I was like, why is it so much better tonight? It’s cause Sean’s conducting.” ([01:51]).

2. Cliffhanger Puzzle Recap ([02:13] - [05:59])

Elliott revisits the previous episode's cliffhanger puzzle: “Could you call me Bob or Rachel. I’ll answer to Caesar or even Buzz, but do not call me Jason. Why?” ([02:34]). The trio engages in a lively brainstorming session, ultimately revealing the answer as "haircuts." The reasoning is humorously dissected, emphasizing that "Jason" refers to the iconic hockey mask, which isn’t a traditional haircut ([03:55]).

Elliott also plugs their sponsor briefly, Monopoly, reiterating its new expansion packs, including "Go to Jail," "Buy Everything," and "Free Parking Jackpot"—adding a playful twist to the game dynamics ([04:25]).

3. Main Game: Bizarro Concert Guide ([06:36] - [12:16])

Transitioning to the main segment, Elliott introduces "Bizarro Concert Guide," a Bizarro World-themed game where band names are the opposites of their real-world counterparts. The concept is playful and intellectually stimulating, encouraging both the hosts and listeners to decode the inverted band names.

Gameplay Highlights:

• First Puzzle Example: Elliott provides an example where "No" would be replaced by its opposite, making listeners deduce the correct band name based on given clues.

• Round-by-Round Band Name Guesses:

  • Lawbreakers → Police ([08:14])
  • Stop Stops → Go Go’s ([08:25])
  • Unappreciative Living → Grateful Dead ([08:51])
  • Black Dots → White Stripes ([09:06])
  • Antidote → Poison ([09:24])
  • Main Drag Girls → Backstreet Boys ([10:13])
  • Private Friend → Public Enemy ([10:30])
  • Non Speaking Tales → Talking Heads ([10:40])
  • Move at a Leisurely Pace → Rush ([11:33])

Sean demonstrates impressive rapid-fire thinking, correctly identifying each band, often peppered with humor:
“Sean Hayes: That was good. Jesus, that was good.” ([10:22])

Jeff Max proves to be a formidable puzzle solver, matching every band accurately, which earns him accolades from Elliott:
“Elliott Kaelin: You both did an amazing job. You got every single one of them. Fantastic teamwork together.” ([11:46])

Mega Clue Question: The episode's climax involves deciphering a mega clue: “Monday through Friday, hot work. Me only.” The trio deciphers this as:

• “Monday through Friday” → Weekend
• “Hot work” → Cold Play
• “Me only” → YouTube

Resulting in the lineup: The Weekend, Coldplay, YouTube ([12:16]).

4. Cliffhanger Puzzle and Wrap-Up ([12:16] - [14:53])

Elliott introduces the episode's cliffhanger puzzle: “Which word does not belong? Drove, never, Murder, school, unkindness.” The puzzle encourages listeners to ponder the odd one out, fostering engagement for the next episode ([13:00]).

In wrapping up, Elliott playfully acknowledges Jeff's prowess and Sean's progress in puzzle-solving:
“Elliott Kaelin: I want to thank Sean Hayes for being more of a B minus. He’s showing improvement.” ([14:14])

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the production team and a final nod to their sponsor, Monopoly, reiterating the innovative expansion packs available ([14:56]).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sean Hayes on Conducting:
  “Sean Hayes: That’s very nice. I came for one show and stayed for four years.” ([02:00])

• Jeff Max on Early Impressions:
  “Jeff Max: He was Danny Zuko in Greece and I was 18 years old or 19 around there. Unbelievable performance.” ([01:38])

• Elliott on Bizarro World:
  “Elliott Kaelin: We’re taking another trip to Bizarro World, the world where everything is the opposite of the world that you know.” ([07:10])

• Sean’s Humor on Listening:
  “Sean Hayes: I don’t remember this one.” ([07:02])

• Elliott on Puzzle Complexity:
  “Elliott Kaelin: So, if you knew it was heads or tails, Talking Heads makes more sense.” ([11:13])

Conclusion

Episode 136 of "SmartLess Presents ClueLess" offers an engaging blend of humor, musical trivia, and intellectual challenge through its Bizarro Concert Guide game. The seamless interplay between Elliott, Sean, and Jeff Max creates a vibrant atmosphere, making complex puzzles accessible and entertaining. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the show, this episode promises a delightful auditory experience that celebrates creativity and camaraderie.

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