SmartLess Presents ClueLess: Episode 156 - The Sort ‘Em Consortium (w/ Jeff Max) Release Date: May 26, 2025
Introduction and Guest Welcome
In Episode 156 of SmartLess Presents ClueLess, host Elliott Kalan, an Emmy-winning writer, welcomes special guests Sean Hayes and longtime friend Jeff Max to dive into another session of mind-bending puzzles and engaging discussions. Right from the start, Elliott sets the stage for a challenging yet entertaining episode, promising that "the puzzles in today's show will break you" (00:40).
Recap of Last Episode's Cliffhanger Puzzle
Elliott kicks off the episode by revisiting the cliffhanger puzzle from the previous show, which posed the question:
"I'm at a buffet. Whereas the English would say, buffet. I'm at a buffet. If I've already had ham, eggs, and fries, logically, which food should I eat next?" (02:10)
Sean Hayes and Jeff Max engage in a lively discussion to solve the puzzle, ultimately determining that the next food item should have six letters, leading them to settle on "salads." Elliott confirms their correct reasoning, emphasizing that the puzzle was a test of pattern recognition based on word lengths rather than the foods' nutritional balance (03:09 - 04:06).
Main Game: The Sort ‘Em Consortium – Battle of the Bettys
The core of the episode centers around the main game titled "The Sort ‘Em Consortium," reimagined as "Battle of the Bettys." Elliott presents the challenge:
"I’m going to give you six names, and it's your job to put them in chronological order of when they first appeared on this earth." (06:22)
The six Bettys featured are:
- Betty Rubble (from The Flintstones)
- Betty Draper (from Mad Men)
- Betty White (the beloved actress)
- Betty Ford Center (the renowned addiction treatment center)
- Betty Rizzo (from Grease)
- Bette Davis (the iconic actress)
Sean and Jeff work collaboratively to arrange these Bettys by their inception dates. Their dynamic interaction showcases their problem-solving skills and chemistry. Notable moments include Sean’s playful banter and Jeff’s insightful contributions:
After a thoughtful exchange, they successfully order the Bettys:
- Bette Davis (1908)
- Betty White (1922)
- Betty Rubble (1959)
- Betty Rizzo (1978)
- Betty Ford Center (1982)
- Betty Draper (2007)
Elliott praises their teamwork, highlighting their accurate sequencing despite minor discrepancies in the years (11:35 - 12:38).
Final Round: Mega Clue
Transitioning to the final segment, Elliott introduces the "Mega Clue" round—a rapid-fire guessing game. He provides up to five clues about another famous Betty, challenging Sean and Jeff to identify her with minimal hints. The first clue is simple:
- Clue 1: "I am a fictional character." (13:03)
Jeff quickly deduces the answer:
Elliott confirms Jeff’s swift and accurate response, adding a humorous note about Betty Crocker's fictional status and teasing a future discussion about Little Debbie (14:08 - 14:20).
Cliffhanger Puzzle: Samesies Challenge
Before concluding, Elliott introduces the episode's cliffhanger puzzle—a "Samesies" challenge requiring listeners to find the common thread between seemingly unrelated words. The puzzle presented is:
"Pack, mall, rug. What brings these words together?" (14:57 - 15:10)
Listeners are left to ponder this intriguing puzzle until the next episode, encouraging ongoing engagement and anticipation (15:22).
Conclusion and Credits
Elliott wraps up the episode with heartfelt thanks to Jeff Max for being a great guest and to Sean Hayes for his consistent participation. He also acknowledges the dedicated production team behind the scenes, ensuring listeners are aware of the collaborative effort that makes each episode possible (16:03).
Notable Quotes:
- Elliott Kalan: “Before we begin today's episode, it's time for Clueless annual pledge break. That's when I pledge that the puzzles in today's show will break you.” (00:40)
- Sean Hayes: “Wouldn't be the first time.” (01:07)
- Jeff Max: “Betty Crocker.” (13:54)
- Elliott Kalan: “You got the order exactly right. Great work together.” (12:39)
Final Thoughts
Episode 156 of SmartLess Presents ClueLess masterfully blends intellectual challenges with lighthearted banter, making it a captivating listen for puzzle enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Elliott Kalan, along with Sean Hayes and Jeff Max, deliver an episode that is both entertaining and mentally stimulating, ensuring listeners are eagerly awaiting the next installment.