SmartLess Presents ClueLess: Episode 158 - "State Of Confusion" Featuring Jeff Max

Release Date: June 2, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 158 of "SmartLess Presents ClueLess," host Elliott Kalan is joined once again by the ever-charming Sean Hayes and special guest Jeff Max. The episode, titled "State Of Confusion," delves into a series of engaging puzzles and brainteasers centered around the United States' state abbreviations, challenging both the guests and the listeners to think creatively and swiftly.

Recap of Previous Episode's Cliffhanger Puzzle

Elliott begins the episode by revisiting the cliffhanger puzzle from the last episode:

Elliott Kalan [02:32]: "Use me every time you take a step, but I'm also a creature with no feet. I sound like the spirit that animates us all, but I'm also the one and only. What am I?"

The guests attempt to solve the riddle, leading to an amusing improvisational musical moment.

Jeff Max [02:35]: "Ghost of Christmas Past."

Elliott guides them through the thought process, ultimately revealing the answer:

Elliott Kalan [03:38]: "You use the soles of your feet every time you take a step. 'Soul' is also a type of fish, a creature with no feet. It's a homophone of the word 'soul,' meaning the spirit that animates us all, and it means only one of something. Soul."

The correct answer is "soul," which Jeff Max deduces correctly, earning applause and a performance point.

Jeff Max [03:52]: "That's right. Oh, gosh, Jeff, congratulations."

Transition to the Main Game: "State Of Confusion"

With the warm-up completed, Elliott transitions to the main game of the episode:

Elliott Kalan [05:44]: "Listeners at home, did you get the answer? If so, I'm giving you the rest of the day off. Just tell your boss I said it was okay. Clear your schedule for today's main game 'State Of Confusion.'"

The game's objective is to take the postal abbreviations of two states from Elliott's trips and insert a single letter to form a new word related to his experience during the trip.

Gameplay: Decoding State Trips

1. Tampa, Florida to Louisville, Kentucky

• Clue: "It was unreliable and unpredictable."
• Solution: Flaky

Elliott Kalan [07:37]: "Tampa, Florida, to Louisville, Kentucky. I'm going to Kentucky a lot these days. It seems like a middle. Flaky."

2. San Juan, Puerto Rico to Dover, Delaware

• Clue: "Made me feel good about myself."
• Solution: Pride

Elliott Kalan [08:05]: "My trip from San Juan to Dover made me feel good about myself."

Elliott Kalan [08:43]: "The answer is pride. San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dover, Delaware."

Despite initial confusion about San Juan's location, it is clarified as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Dover, Delaware—resulting in the word "pride."

3. Boston, Massachusetts to Atlanta, Georgia

• Clue: "Reading Japanese graphic novels."
• Solution: Manga

Elliott Kalan [09:31]: "I spent my trip from Boston to Atlanta reading Japanese graphic novels."

Elliott Kalan [10:11]: "Manga. Yes, with an M. Manga is the answer."

Manga seamlessly fits between MA (Massachusetts) and GA (Georgia).

4. Mobile, Alabama to St. Louis, Missouri

• Clue: "Took me past an American landmark I'll never forget."
• Solution: Alamo

Elliott Kalan [10:40]: "My trip from Mobile to St. Louis took me past an American landmark I'll never forget."

Elliott Kalan [10:44]: "Alamo."

The addition of 'A' forms "Alamo," referencing the famed landmark.

5. Little Rock, Arkansas to Bend, Oregon

• Clue: "I had a protective shell around me."
• Solution: Armor

Elliott Kalan [10:55]: "On my trip from Little Rock to Bend, I had a protective shell around me."

Elliott Kalan [11:25]: "Armor."

By inserting 'M' between AR (Arkansas) and OR (Oregon), the word "armor" emerges.

6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Jackson, Mississippi

• Clue: "Made a certain part of my body sweaty."
• Solution: Palms

Elliott Kalan [10:55] - [13:21]: A humorous back-and-forth ensues as the guests navigate the puzzle, eventually landing on "palms."

7. Providence, Rhode Island to Boise, Idaho

• Clue: "I sat perfectly still and straight."
• Solution: Rigid

Elliott Kalan [13:45]: "From Providence to Boise, I sat perfectly still and straight."

Elliott Kalan [13:47]: "Rigid."

The word "rigid" is formed by adding 'G' between RI (Rhode Island) and ID (Idaho).

8. Charleston, South Carolina to Lincoln, Nebraska

• Clue: "I enjoyed a traditional British baked treat."
• Solution: Scone

Elliott Kalan [13:58]: "From Charleston to Lincoln, I enjoyed a traditional British baked treat."

Elliott Kalan [14:12]: "Scone."

Inserting 'O' between SC (South Carolina) and NE (Nebraska) results in "scone."

Mega Clue: Unscrambling the Added Letters

After completing the eight puzzles, Elliott introduces a mega clue, challenging the guests to unscramble the added letters from each puzzle to reveal a state nickname that shares its name with a river.

• Added Letters: A, I, N, A, M, L, G, O

Elliott Kalan [15:34]: "The answer is magnolia. Is the magnolia state."

The correct unscrambled word is "Magnolia," referring to the Magnolia State, which is the nickname for Mississippi.

Elliott Kalan [16:28]: "The answer is magnolia. Is the magnolia state."

Although traditionally, Mississippi is known for the Mississippi River, the nickname "Magnolia State" is more commonly attributed to Mississippi (though Louisiana is also known as the Magnolia State), the transcript settles on "magnolia."

Cliffhanger Puzzle: "Samesies"

As the episode wraps up, Elliott presents a tantalizing cliffhanger puzzle to keep listeners engaged until the next episode:

Elliott Kalan [17:11]: "Here are four words: break, cold, drift, and wave. What can be done with all these words that makes them samesies?"

The guests, Sean Hayes and Jeff Max, playfully refrain from revealing the answer, urging listeners to tune in next time for the solution.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Introduction of Jeff Max:

  Jeff Max [01:30]: "Now, my gosh, there's nowhere on earth I'd rather be on a Sunday morning than you and our special guest, Jeff Max, who's just a tremendous treat for everyone to listen to."

• Jeff Max's Enthusiasm:

  Jeff Max [06:08]: "It's so good. Yeah, it is so good. I like this game."

• Sean Hayes' Humorous Interjections:

  Sean Hayes [04:51]: "He aggravates me so much."

• Elliott's Encouragement:

  Elliott Kalan [16:01]: "This one's not competitive. You can work together on this one."

Conclusion

Episode 158 of "SmartLess Presents ClueLess" offers a delightful mix of puzzles, teamwork, and humor. Elliott Kalan masterfully guides Sean Hayes and Jeff Max through intricate word games, all while maintaining an engaging and entertaining atmosphere. The episode not only challenges the guests but also invites listeners to actively participate, fostering a sense of community and shared enjoyment.

As always, Elliot wraps up by thanking the guests and the listeners, teasing the next episode's puzzles, and leaving fans eagerly anticipating more brain-teasing fun.

Quotes and Sections Referenced:

• [02:32] Elliott introduces the previous puzzle.
• [03:38] Solution to the previous puzzle.
• [05:44] Transition to main game.
• [07:37] - [14:29] Gameplay and solutions.
• [15:34] Mega Clue revealed.
• [17:11] Cliffhanger Puzzle introduced.

Final Thoughts:

For fans of puzzles, wordplay, and charismatic banter, Episode 158 is a must-listen. Whether you're competing alongside Sean and Jeff or pondering the "samesies" puzzle, "SmartLess Presents ClueLess" delivers an intellectually stimulating and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to support the creators!