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108 - It’s A Numbers Game (w/ Scotty Icenogle)

SmartLess Presents ClueLess

Published: Mon Dec 09 2024

On this episode of ClueLess, host Elliott Kalan and constant contestant Sean Hayes invite Sean’s husband Scotty Icenogle to play a round of It’s A Numbers Game, and this time it’s all about movies! We give you a simple math problem in the form of famous films with the numbers removed, can you solve the clues faster than Sean and Scotty? Even if so, never forget the small matter of this episode’s MegaClue! New episodes every Monday and Thursday. Puzzles in this episode are by Matthew Broussard and Josh Richmond.

Summary

Episode 108 - It’s A Numbers Game (w/ Scotty Icenogle)
Release Date: December 9, 2024
SmartLess Presents Clueless hosted by Elliott Kalan continues its engaging exploration of puzzles and brainteasers in this biweekly episode. Titled "It’s A Numbers Game," the episode features Elliott alongside his regular contestants, Sean Hayes and Scotty Icenogle, delving into a unique blend of movie-themed arithmetic challenges.

Introduction and Setup

Elliott Kalan opens the episode with his characteristic humor, introducing Sean Hayes as the "AI Me" and playfully hinting at the possibility of Sean recording another podcast in the background. The banter quickly brings Scotty into the conversation, setting a lighthearted tone for the episode. Elliott transitions smoothly into the main content by referencing the "cliffhanger puzzle" from the previous episode.

Recap of the Cliffhanger Puzzle

At [02:17], Elliott revisits the cliffhanger puzzle, a riddle designed to engage listeners until the next episode. The previous puzzle involved identifying which object did not belong in a list related to "The Wizard of Oz." The answers and the ensuing humorous debate between Sean and Scotty highlight the show's interactive and entertaining nature.

Introduction to "It's A Numbers Game Cinemath Edition"

At [05:53], Elliott introduces the day's main game: "It's A Numbers Game Cinemath Edition." This segment blends movie titles with basic arithmetic, challenging Sean and Scotty to solve equations where the numbers are embedded within movie titles, omitting the actual numbers. Elliott explains the rules clearly:

Elliott Kalan ([06:31]): "I'm going to give you a simple math equation, but instead of saying the numbers in the equation, I'm going to name movie titles that have those numbers in them, but I'm going to leave the numbers out of the titles."

An example is provided to ensure understanding, and Sean expresses his excitement:

Sean Hayes ([07:09]): "Got it. Ready to go. I'm so excited."

The Numbers Game Challenges

Throughout the episode, Elliott presents a series of movie-based math puzzles. Each puzzle involves identifying specific numbers from movie titles and performing arithmetic operations. The interactions between Elliott, Sean, and Scotty are marked by playful competition and humor.

  1. First Clue ([07:15] - [08:12]):

    • Puzzle: "Mile times, Lock, Stock and Smoking Barrels."
    • Solution: Elliott reveals the answer as "16" from "16 Candles."
    • Notable Quote:

      Elliott Kalan ([08:05]): "I'm going to give you one point for 16 candles."

  2. Second Clue ([08:21] - [08:45]):

    • Puzzle: "Weddings and a funeral. Times. Years in Tibet."
    • Solution: "28" from "28 Days."
    • Notable Quote:

      Elliott Kalan ([08:35]): "That's exactly right. Two points. You got the full two points on that one."

  3. Third Clue ([08:45] - [09:19]):

    • Puzzle: "Things I hate about you. Plus shades of gray."
    • Solution: "60" from "Gone in 60 Seconds."
    • Notable Quote:

      Elliott Kalan ([09:15]): "I'm gonna give you half credit. You could've said gone in 60 seconds."

  4. Fourth Clue ([09:30] - [10:16]):

    • Puzzle: "Our party people minus oceans."
    • Solution: "13" from "13 Going on 30."
    • Notable Quote:

      Elliott Kalan ([10:16]): "One of the top Jennifers. It's a Number clue."

  5. Fifth Clue ([10:16] - [12:00]):

    • Puzzle: "District plus years a slave."
    • Solution: "21" from "21 Jump Street."
    • Notable Quote:

      Elliott Kalan ([10:40]): "21 Jump Street. That's great."

  6. Sixth Clue ([10:42] - [11:59]):

    • Puzzle: "The Year Old Virgin minus the sense 6th."
    • Solution: "34" from "Miracle on 34th Street."
    • Notable Quote:

      Elliott Kalan ([11:06]): "You're right, on 34th Street."

  7. Seventh Clue ([11:50] - [12:30]):

    • Puzzle: "The Taking of Pelham Minus Catch."
    • Solution: "101" from "101 Dalmatians."
    • Notable Quote:

      Elliott Kalan ([11:55]): "101 Dalmatians. You got it."

  8. Eighth Clue ([12:30] - [13:05]):

    • Puzzle: "The Magnificent times Days of the Condor plus Degrees of separation."
    • Solution: "27" from "27 Dresses."
    • Notable Quote:

      Elliott Kalan ([13:05]): "27 dresses. I think it still holds the record for most dresses in a movie."

Scoring and Mega Clue

By [13:02], Sean and Scotty have accumulated a total of 13.5 points out of 16 possible, earning them a solid "B" grade. Elliott then introduces the "Mega Clue," a final challenge requiring the sum of all the numbers from the puzzles:

Elliott Kalan ([13:35]): "I want you to add up all these numbers... If you can think of one [movie title], I'll give you an extra point."

Scotty successfully calculates the total as "300" and identifies the corresponding movie:

Scotty ([14:18]): "300."

Elliott praises their achievement:

Elliott Kalan ([14:26]): "Sean, Scotty, you should feel very proud of yourselves today."

Conclusion and Cliffhanger Puzzle

As the episode winds down, Elliott presents the new cliffhanger puzzle to keep listeners engaged until the next episode:

Elliott Kalan ([15:03]): "Here's an impression I've been working on. First I'm angry, then I'm tart, then I'm cowardly, then I'm jealous, then I'm sad, then I'm psychic, then I'm verbose. What am I?"

The contestants ponder the riddle, adding an element of anticipation and interactivity for the audience.

Notable Quotes

  • Elliott Kalan ([00:41]): "I've seen a lot of puzzles in my time, but there's no greater puzzle than the human heart."
  • Sean Hayes ([01:30]): "This is AI Me. Because the real me is in the bathroom."
  • Elliott Kalan ([05:53]): "It's a Numbers Game Cinemath Edition. Well, It's a numbers game. Kind of sexy at the end there."
  • Elliott Kalan ([09:15]): "I'm gonna give you half credit. You could've said gone in 60 seconds."
  • Elliott Kalan ([14:26]): "Sean, Scotty, you should feel very proud of yourselves today."

Final Thoughts

Episode 108 of SmartLess Presents Clueless successfully combines humor, intellect, and the charm of its hosts to deliver an entertaining and intellectually stimulating experience. The "Numbers Game Cinemath Edition" not only challenges the contestants but also encourages listeners to engage with movie trivia and arithmetic in a fun, interactive way. With its blend of puzzles, witty banter, and insightful commentary, this episode stands out as a testament to the show's unique approach to podcasting.

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next episode, especially curious about the resolution of the newly introduced cliffhanger puzzle.

No transcript available.