Episode Overview

Podcast: SmartLess Presents ClueLess
Episode Title: 179 - Halloween (Mini Episode)
Release Date: October 27, 2025
Host: Elliott Kalan (joined by producer Devin Tory Bryant)
Episode Length: 11–12 minutes

This Halloween “fun size” episode—delivered in the usual bite-sized ClueLess format—features puzzle master Elliott Kalan and producer Devin Tory Bryant as they guide listeners through Halloween-themed trivia and word games. The show revolves around clever monster/celebrity "mashups," playful banter, Halloween trivia, and comedic takes on spooky season traditions. The energetic hosts create a light, comedic, and interactive experience, inviting listeners to puzzle along.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the (Playful) Scene

• [01:13] Elliott humorously opens by describing waking up among zoo animals, leading straight into the Halloween theme.
• The hosts joke about classic cartoon references (the “wrong turn at Albuquerque,” Pismo Beach, and the Coachella Carrot Festival) before focusing on the intimate, listener-driven format of this mini-episode.

Halloween as the "Greatest Holiday"

• [02:28] Devin asserts Halloween’s top holiday status, riffing that, uniquely, "a maniac with a bloody chainsaw means candy... this is the only day where a maniac with a bloody chainsaw means candy."
  • Quote, [02:41]: “Any other day of the year, if a maniac with a bloody chainsaw jumped out at you, it would be bad news. This is the only day where a maniac with a bloody chainsaw means candy.” – Devin Tory Bryant

Spooky Music Trivia

• [02:56] Trivia Question: “Which of the following songs did BBC Radio ban upon its release because the lyrics were seem to be too morbid?”
  • Choices: Thriller (Michael Jackson), Monster Mash (Bobby Boris Pickett), Paranoid (Black Sabbath), Sympathy for the Devil (Rolling Stones)
  • Playful ghost/cow “moo-sic” puns
  • Answer revealed: Monster Mash
  • Quote, [04:54]: “But the song the BBC banned was actually Monster Mash by Bobby Boris Picket.” – Devin Tory Bryant

Haunted House History

• [03:57] Elliott introduces the world’s oldest haunted house attraction: "ye Haunted Cottage" in England (110 years old).
  • The hosts banter about its resemblance to a poorly-heated NYC apartment.
  • Quote, [04:14]: “Accurately recreating the horror of my first New York City apartment. I'll Never forget you, 543 E. Fifth St. You or your terrible heating system.” – Devin Tory Bryant

Main Game: Celebrity Monster Mashups (Puzzles)

Game Explanation

• [05:25] Elliott preps listeners for the main word game:
  • Famous Halloween monsters + pop culture celebrities = “terrifying abominations”
  • All clues are pun-based mashups.

Examples Given:

• [05:45] If the clue is about a mischievous imp who wrote a hip-hop musical about Alexander Hamilton, the answer is “Goblin Manuel Miranda” (or "Gremlin Manuel Miranda").

Round One

1. [06:01] “This actor, writer, director is really gone girl. He’s given up hunting for goodwill and has started hunting for blood.”
   • Answer: “Ben Draculafleck” (Ben Affleck + Dracula)
2. [06:35] “A mad scientist brings to life a monster cobbled together from characters from the movies Pitch Perfect, True Grit, Bumblebee, Sinners, and Hawkeye.”
   • Answer: “Hailey Frankensteinfeld” (Hailee Steinfeld + Frankenstein)
3. [07:07] “This comedy star has announced his engagement... to the creature from the previous question.”
   • Answer: “Danny McBride of Frankensteinfeld” (Danny McBride + Bride of Frankenstein + Steinfeld)
   • Quote, [07:26]: “It was two. It was two. Not just Bride of Frankenstein. Bride of Frankensteinfeld. Danny McBride of Frankensteinfeld.” – Devin Tory Bryant

Round Two (Post-break, [09:07])

1. [09:15] “When the moon is full, this lycanthropic classical composer transforms into an infernal hound on the piano...”
   • Answer: “Werewolfgang Amadeus Mozart” (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart + werewolf)
   • Quote, [09:48]: “Werewolf Gang Amadeus Mozart. I would have also accepted Wolf Man Amadeus Mozart.” – Devin Tory Bryant
2. [10:10] “If you threw a party and invited everyone you knew, you’d see... the undead corpse of this Golden Girls actress.”
   • Answer: “Zombie Arthur” (Bea Arthur + zombie)
3. [10:49] “After relocating to California, this vampire finds himself thirsty not for blood, but love in the city of Compton...”
   • Answer: “Nosferatupac Shakur” (Nosferatu + Tupac Shakur)
   • Quote, [11:14]: “Nosferatu Pakistan Shakur.” – Devin Tory Bryant

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Playful banter on cartoon references and Halloween traditions
  • “It’s very hard to get to Pismo Beach without making that turn.” – Devin, [02:06]
• On not getting the right answer:
  • “Just tell everyone that your costume this year is listener who didn’t get the answer right now.” – Devin, [05:17]
• Halloween game enthusiasm:
  • “Now, that is the first round of what is officially my favorite game we’ve ever done.” – Devin, [07:33]
• Closing Halloween wisdom:
  • “Halloween only comes once a year, but nobody can stop you putting a face on a pumpkin anytime you feel like it.” – Elliott, [12:17]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:13] – Fun Halloween/zoo open, banter begins
• [02:28] – Declaring Halloween the “greatest holiday”
• [02:56] – Halloween music banned-by-BBC trivia
• [03:57] – Oldest haunted house and fun personal anecdotes
• [05:25] – Introduction of monster mashup word game
• [06:01 – 07:33] – Celebrity Monster Mashups: Round One
• [09:07] – Return from break, Monster Mashups: Round Two
• [10:10] – Golden Girls/zombie mashup
• [10:49] – Nosferatu/Tupac mashup
• [11:28] – Lighthearted wrap-up and Halloween advice

Closing Thoughts

The episode is a lively celebration of Halloween’s quirks, blending interactive puzzle games, clever wordplay, and light-hearted trivia. Elliott and Devin’s banter keeps the energy high and the mood silly, using witty quips and cultural references to engage listeners of all ages. Whether you love Halloween, word games, or just enjoy cheerful podcasts, this episode provides a festive, fun-size experience.

For New Listeners

You don’t need any previous knowledge to enjoy this mini-episode, but puzzle lovers and pop culture fans will appreciate the mashup challenges. The hosts encourage playful participation, so feel free to guess along—even if you end up as the "listener who didn’t get the answer right."