SmartLess Presents ClueLess: Episode 110 – "Tone Note" (w/ Reyna Larson) Summary
Release Date: December 16, 2024
Introduction
In the 110th episode of SmartLess Presents ClueLess, host Elliott Kalan teams up once again with his habitual contestant Sean Hayes, and welcomes special guest Reyna Larson, an accomplished restaurateur from Ray and Al's in Michigan. The episode, titled "Tone Note," delves into intriguing puzzles, engaging banter, and the unique dynamics between the hosts and their guest.
Opening Banter: Ghosts and Fears
Elliott kicks off the episode with some light-hearted conversation about ghosts, jokingly addressing the audience's perennial fascination with the supernatural. At [02:47], Elliott asks Reyna, “Do you believe in ghosts? And more importantly, do you think ghosts believe in you?” Sean humorously replies, “I don’t believe in ghosts. I don’t believe in ghosting. I don’t believe in ghosts” ([02:57]), prompting Reyna to share her cautious stance: “If you offered me to go into this very creepy house alone at night, I'd be like, oh, my God, no.”
Cliffhanger Puzzle Reveal: NSYNC to CSNY
The episode transitions to the recurring segment where Elliott reveals the answer to the previous episode's cliffhanger puzzle. The puzzle had hinted at deriving a famous supergroup’s initials from NSYNC by removing one 'N' and rearranging the letters. At [03:46], Sean speculates, “Crosby, Stills and Nash and something Y,” leading to the confirmation: “Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young” ([03:55]). Sean humorously admits he didn’t look it up, saying, “I rest assured I never learned how to spell Google” ([04:24]), highlighting the playful competitive spirit between him and Reyna.
Main Game: "Tone Note" – An Anagram Challenge
Elliott introduces the main game of the episode, “Tone Note,” an anagram-based puzzle where contestants decode two-word phrases by rearranging letters. Sean and Reyna engage enthusiastically as Elliott provides creative clues.
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A Reef Singing a Christmas Song ([08:21])
- Clue: "A reef singing a Christmas song."
- Answer: Coral Carol
- Notable Quote: Reyna swiftly answers, “Coral Carol,” earning applause from Elliott.
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An Inexpensive Fuzzy Fruit ([08:56])
- Clue: "An inexpensive fuzzy fruit."
- Answer: Cheap Peach
- Notable Quote: Reyna cracks under pressure initially, but with Sean’s hint, she triumphantly declares, “Cheap Peach.”
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A Very Manly Chocolate Coffee ([09:28])
- Clue: "A very manly chocolate coffee."
- Answer: Macho Mocha
- Notable Quote: Reyna answers confidently, “Macho Mocha,” which Elliott praises as an “amazing feat.”
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A Fruit that Grows in Clusters and Also Receives Messages ([10:03])
- Clue: "A fruit that grows in clusters and also receives messages."
- Answer: Grape Pager
- Notable Quote: Sean suggests “Grapes,” prompting Reyna to cleverly add, “Grape Pager,” with Elliott commending their teamwork.
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A Crazy Toyota Minivan ([10:49])
- Clue: "A crazy Toyota minivan."
- Answer: Insane Sienna
- Notable Quote: Reyna nails the answer, “Insane Sienna,” after a brief deliberation, showcasing her anagram prowess.
Mega Clue: Linking the Answers
After solving the individual puzzles, Elliott introduces the "Mega Clue" at [12:11], challenging contestants to identify the common theme among the answers: Coral Carol, Cheap Peach, Macho Mocha, Grape Pager, and Insane Sienna. Sean quickly deduces, “They're all the colors of the rainbow” ([12:37]). Elliott humorously adds, “They are the colors of the rainbow... out of a dollar store,” acknowledging the creativity behind the color names.
Cliffhanger Puzzle Teaser: Next Episode's Challenge
Before wrapping up, Elliott presents a teaser for the next episode’s cliffhanger puzzle: “Name a famous company whose name has two antlers, two horns and eight hooves.” The contestants playfully debate the answer, with Reyna guessing “14” as the number of texts Sean might send her about it. This intriguing riddle is set to be unveiled in the subsequent episode, promising another engaging challenge for listeners.
Conclusion
Elliott closes the episode by thanking Sean and Reyna for their participation, complimenting Reyna on her multifaceted talents as a restaurateur and anagram expert. The episode wraps up with credits, highlighting the production team and encouraging listeners to subscribe and engage with the podcast.
Notable Quotes:
- Elliott Kalan @03:15: “Don't wanna know. That's the safest option.”
- Sean Hayes @04:09: “Just for clarification, I want people to know that, like, I'm not the brightest bulb.”
- Reyna Larson @11:30: “I’m going to say mocha. Macho.”
Conclusion
Episode 110 of SmartLess Presents ClueLess masterfully blends clever puzzles with engaging conversations, making it a delightful listen for both regular fans and newcomers. The collaborative spirit between Elliott, Sean, and Reyna, coupled with the inventive "Tone Note" game, ensures a memorable and intellectually stimulating experience. Stay tuned for the next episode to uncover the answer to the intriguing cliffhanger puzzle!