SmartLess Presents ClueLess – Episode 162: "Linkuistics" (w/ Jeff Max) Release Date: June 30, 2025

Hosted by Emmy-winning writer Elliott Kaelin, Episode 162 of "SmartLess Presents ClueLess" features Sean Hayes and returning guest Jeff Max as they dive into a series of engaging puzzles and the main game, "Linguistics." This episode is packed with witty banter, strategic gameplay, and intriguing challenges that keep listeners entertained from start to finish.

Introduction and Welcome

The episode kicks off with Elliott Kaelin greeting the listeners and introducing Sean Hayes and Jeff Max as the contestants. Elliott sets a playful tone by presenting the initial puzzle designed to tease the audience:

"You're a farmer with a small boat who has to transport a chicken, a fox, and a sack of corn across a river. How many trips across the river will it take before you realize you need to get a new job?"
— Elliott Kaelin [00:24]

Sean Hayes humorously remarks on the puzzle, expressing his enthusiasm:

"That's the best one yet. Clueless."
— Sean Hayes [00:40]

Celebrity Names Cliffhanger

Elliott revisits the previous episode's cliffhanger, which centered around deciphering the name of the fifth child in a list of celebrity-inspired names. The names provided were Meryl, Taylor, Winona, and Tilda, with the options for the fifth child being Frasier, Ethan, or Adele.

Sean and Elliott engage in a lively discussion to unravel the riddle, eventually arriving at the correct answer:

"The answer is Frasier because each child's first name begins with the first letter of the days of the week."
— Elliott Kaelin [03:24]

Sean celebrates the correct guess with enthusiasm:

"Yay."
— Sean Hayes [03:26]

Main Game: Linguistics

The heart of the episode features the main game, "Linguistics," where Sean and Jeff engage in a competitive word chain challenge. Elliott outlines the rules clearly, emphasizing the fast-paced nature of the game:

"Linguistics is a competitive game that will test your ability to keep a word chain going."
— Elliott Kaelin [06:21]

Gameplay Highlights:

• Round 1: Sean quickly identifies "Shot Glass" correctly, earning the first point.

  "Shot. Glass."
  — Sean Hayes [08:35]

• Round 3: Jeff impressively navigates "Glass Ceiling," showcasing his sharp word association skills.

  "Glass ceiling."
  — Jeff Max [09:07]

• Round 5: Sean connects "Dance Card" seamlessly, demonstrating his quick thinking.

  "Dance Card. Very good."
  — Elliott Kaelin [12:08]

Throughout the game, the contestants display a mix of competitive spirit and camaraderie, leading to a tied score as they approach the final challenge.

Mega Clue Challenge

With the main game tied, Elliott introduces the "Mega Clue," a 60-second rapid-fire challenge where both participants must link the words "screen" and "shot" using three intermediary words or fewer.

"Here’s the mega clue... Can you create your own chain of words connecting the final word of this chain, screen, back to the starting word shot, using three new words or less?"
— Elliott Kaelin [14:25]

Contestant Attempts:

• Sean's Attempt:

  "Screen time. Time. Clock. Tequila shot."
  — Sean Hayes [16:04]

• Jeff's Attempt:

  "Screenshot."
  — Jeff Max [16:47]

Despite their efforts, neither contestant successfully completes the challenge within the time limit, resulting in a tie.

Awards and Winners

Elliott transitions to the award segment, humorously acknowledging both contestants for their performances. Jeff Max is awarded "Best Contestant in a Single Episode," while Sean Hayes receives "Best Contestant Who's in Every Episode."

"The award for best contestant in a single episode of clueless goes to Jeff Max."
— Elliott Kaelin [18:14]

"The award for best contestant who's in every episode of clueless goes to Sean Hayes."
— Elliott Kaelin [18:21]

Cliffhanger for Next Episode

Elliott leaves listeners intrigued with a teaser for the next episode's cliffhanger puzzle:

"I am playing a game on the table in front of me are a movie that failed, a change in direction and water that heads downhill. So what game am I playing again?"
— Elliott Kaelin [17:05]

Listeners are encouraged to tune in next time to uncover the solution.

Notable Quotes

• "The gloves are off."
  — Sean Hayes [04:00]

• "There's something really life-affirming about that, you know? Don't you think so, Sean?"
  — Elliott Kaelin [16:59]

• "That's the pure tension and aggression."
  — Elliott Kaelin [11:07]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Elliott thanking the guests and listeners, highlighting the fun and competitive spirit of the show. Both Sean and Jeff receive heartfelt acknowledgments, reinforcing the friendly rivalry that defines "ClueLess."

Episode 162 of "SmartLess Presents ClueLess" masterfully blends challenging puzzles with engaging interactions, making it a must-listen for fans of brainteasers and witty banter. Sean Hayes and Jeff Max showcase their puzzle-solving prowess, while Elliott Kaelin ensures a smooth and entertaining flow throughout the episode.