SmartLess Presents ClueLess: Episode 143 - "Stuck In The App Store" with Jeff Max
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Elliott Kaelin, the Emmy-winning writer and host of SmartLess Presents ClueLess, teams up once again with guest contestant Sean Hayes and returning participant Jeff Max in Episode 143, titled "Stuck In The App Store." This episode delves into engaging puzzles and brainteasers, challenging listeners to outthink the contestants while providing entertaining banter and insightful discussions.
Introduction
The episode kicks off with Elliott Kaelin humorously dispelling the notion of being in an airplane, setting a light-hearted tone. He introduces Sean Hayes with a playful nod to Hayes' self-declared motto, “E Pluribus Shawnum,” leading to a chuckle-worthy exchange about its meaning.
- Elliott Kaelin [00:24]: "This is Clueless. Clueless. Welcome to SmartLess presents Clueless, the only podcast with Sean Hayes, aside from the other one."
- Sean Hayes [01:03]: "Your motto means out of many, Sean."
Recap and Cliffhanger from Previous Episode
Elliott revisits the cliffhanger from the last episode, where listeners were tasked with identifying the odd one out among a set of games: Go Fish, Scrabble, Catan, Minecraft, and Frogger. Sean and Jeff provide their initial theories, believing all options are games, but Elliott reveals the correct answer.
- Elliott Kaelin [02:56]: “The answer is Minecraft. All the others, they are all games, but all the others have an animal in their names. Fish in Go Fish, Crab in Scrabble, Cat in Catan, and Frog in Frogger.”
This revelation leads to humorous exchanges, emphasizing the playful competition among the participants.
Puzzle Game: "Stuck In The App Store"
The core of the episode centers around the debut of a new puzzle titled "Stuck In The App Store." Elliott outlines the game's rules: listeners must solve ten clues, each answer containing the sequence of letters "app" in order.
Puzzle Rules and Explanation
- Elliott Kaelin [07:04]: “I’m going to give you 10 clues, and the answer to each one is a word or phrase that contains the word app. The letters a, p, and p appear in that order somewhere in the correct answer.”
The 10 Clues and Answers
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Clue: Type of singing without musical accompaniment.
- Sean Hayes [08:03]: “A cappella.”
- Elliott Kaelin [08:05]: “You got that right.”
-
Clue: A modern woman during the jazz age.
- Jeff Max [08:20]: “Flapper.”
- Elliott Kaelin [08:25]: “Yes, you got it.”
-
Clue: You might order it at Starbucks to cool down.
- Sean Hayes [08:36]: “Frappuccino.”
- Elliott Kaelin [08:37]: “Yes, Frappuccino.”
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Clue: The singing family from The Sound of Music.
- Jeff Max [08:44]: “The Von Trapp.”
- Elliott Kaelin [08:46]: “Yes, Von Trapp.”
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Clue: The nephew of a mystery-solving dog.
- Sean Hayes [08:54]: “Scrappy Doo.”
- Elliott Kaelin [08:56]: “Yes, exactly. Scrappy Doo.”
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Clue: A green pod that's often stir-fried.
- Sean Hayes [09:05]: “Sugar snap peas.”
- Elliott Kaelin [09:31]: “Yes, Snap pea.”
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Clue: The celebration after a show closes wrap party.
- Jeff Max [09:43]: “Good.”
-
Clue: A kind of laundry detergent that's not a liquid.
- Jeff Max [09:57]: “Pods.”
- Elliott Kaelin [10:13]: “Yes, soap powder.”
-
Clue: A Japanese beer brand.
- Sean Hayes [10:35]: “Sapporo.”
- Elliott Kaelin [10:58]: “The answer is Sapporo.”
-
Clue: A place you might swim back and forth.
- Sean Hayes [11:20]: “Lap pool.”
- Elliott Kaelin [11:21]: “Yes, Lap pool.”
Throughout the puzzle, Elliott commends the contestants' quick thinking, highlighting moments of humor and camaraderie.
- Elliott Kaelin [11:32]: “Damn, you guys did amazing. Well, he did, but I decided to give them some credit.”
Mega Clue Challenge
Moving beyond the standard puzzle, Elliott introduces the "Mega Clue," a more complex challenge requiring the replacement of five words in a headline with different words containing "app" without altering the meaning.
Mega Clue Details
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Headline: "Cheerful tree fruit horrified by anxious mc."
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Objective: Replace five words with alternatives containing "app."
Process and Interaction:
- Sean Hayes [12:33]: “Happy Apple.”
- Elliott Kaelin [12:44]: “Appalled by apprehensive.”
- Final Answer: "Happy Apple. Appalled by apprehensive rapper."
Elliott appreciates the teamwork, acknowledging both Sean and Jeff's contributions.
- Elliott Kaelin [14:03]: “But again, it's a team. It was a team effort.”
Cliffhanger Puzzle
Elliott concludes the main segment with a tantalizing cliffhanger puzzle, setting the stage for future engagement.
- Cliffhanger Riddle: "Chef Alton Brown, author Charles Dickens, and singer Ella Fitzgerald are going on vacation together in Palm Springs. But they have room for one more person in their yurt. Who would join them and why?"
This open-ended question encourages listeners to ponder and anticipate the next episode's reveal.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with humorous farewells and acknowledgments, maintaining the show's signature blend of wit and intellect.
- Elliott Kaelin [15:44]: “Until next time, this has been Smartless presents Clueless and I've been your host, Elliott Kaelin, saying, oh.”
Sean and Jeff also share light-hearted moments, reinforcing the friendly competition and collaborative spirit that define the podcast.
Notable Quotes:
- Sean Hayes [02:19]: “Yeah, the only Catan I know is Chris Catan from SNL.”
- Elliott Kaelin [07:54]: “Are you ready?”
- Sean Hayes [08:03]: “A cappella. Well, that was easy.”
- Sean Hayes [10:35]: “Oh, yeah, I know it.”
- Elliott Kaelin [14:23]: “Listens at home, did you do as well as Sean and Jeff as a team? If so, you deserve some applause.”
Final Thoughts
Episode 143 of SmartLess Presents ClueLess offers a delightful mix of challenging puzzles, engaging discussions, and humorous exchanges. Elliott Kaelin adeptly balances intellectual stimulation with entertainment, while Sean Hayes and Jeff Max contribute dynamic interactions that enhance the listening experience. Whether you're a puzzle enthusiast or simply seeking an enjoyable biweekly listen, this episode delivers on all fronts, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment.