Podcast Summary: The Wirecutter Show – "A Few of Our Favorite (Wirecutter) Things"
Release Date: December 25, 2024
Host/Author: The New York Times
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Introduction
In the year-end special episode titled "A Few of Our Favorite (Wirecutter) Things", co-hosts Kyra Blackwell, Christine Cyr Clisset, and Rosie Guerin, along with producer Rosie Guerin, reflect on the best Wirecutter recommendations of 2024. The episode serves as both a celebration of the Wirecutter team's favorite product picks and a showcase of how these products have positively impacted their lives.
Staff Recommendations
The core of the episode features various Wirecutter staff members sharing their personal favorite product picks from the Wirecutter recommendations. Each testimonial highlights the practical benefits and personal stories associated with the products.
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Mel Plout – Portable Space Heater (Vornado Runner-Up Pick) [Timestamp: 15:30]
- Mel Plout, a staff writer covering pets, praises the Vornado portable space heater for its efficiency in keeping her home warm during the frigid winters of Lincoln, Nebraska. She shares a lighthearted anecdote about how the heater has become a "marriage saver" by allowing her and her wife to enjoy personalized heating in different parts of the house without conflict.
- Quote: “This little thing has been a lifesaver, especially over the past few weeks. But it's also been a little bit of a marriage saver...” [15:45]
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Angela Amundsen – Sterilite Laundry Baskets [Timestamp: 18:10]
- Angela Amundsen, the supervising editor of style, recommends the Sterilite stacked laundry baskets for their ability to organize laundry space efficiently. She contrasts them with her previous chaotic system of IKEA plastic bags, highlighting the aesthetic and functional improvements.
- Quote: “If you are looking for a new system to kind of help you wrangle, then I highly recommend you give these a shot.” [18:25]
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Annemarie Conti – Garmin Forerunner Watch [Timestamp: 20:05]
- Annemarie Conti, deputy editor, shares her experience gifting a Garmin Forerunner watch to her ultra-marathoner husband. She emphasizes the watch’s features like heart rate monitoring and GPS mapping, which are invaluable for serious runners.
- Quote: “This watch is really great for runners because it does heart rate monitoring, it tracks their speed, it helps them map their routes...” [20:20]
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Jackie Reeve – Donner Concert Ukulele [Timestamp: 22:15]
- Jackie Reeve, senior staff writer covering bedding and home linens, discusses purchasing a Donner Concert Ukulele for her daughter. She attributes the instrument to rekindling her daughter's passion for music through after-school activities.
- Quote: “She is now back in private guitar lessons with a teacher who teaches Guitar and ukulele. So that purchase helped spark her love of music again...” [22:30]
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Brent Butterworth – JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker [Timestamp: 24:50]
- Brent Butterworth, senior staff writer covering audio products, extols the JBL Go 4 Bluetooth speaker for its portability and sound quality. He notes its versatility and durability, mentioning its IPX7 waterproof rating and impressive performance even among audiophiles.
- Quote: “This one sounds really satisfying. It's IPX7 rated, which means it's waterproof and dustproof. I even had it at a luncheon with a bunch of audiophiles, and they were all pretty blown away.” [25:10]
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Katie Okamoto – HEY Metan Table Lamp [Timestamp: 27:00]
- Katie Okamoto, sustainability editor, highlights the HEY Metan Table Lamp for its minimalist design and functionality. She appreciates the lamp’s aesthetic appeal and its ability to personalize her small apartment space.
- Quote: “It feels like it really makes my space feel like mine, and I am really thankful that I could do that for myself.” [27:15]
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Zoe – Harper Wild Bliss Triangle Bralette [Timestamp: 29:00]
- Zoe, senior staff writer covering style and accessories, enthusiastically recommends the Harper Wild Bliss Triangle Bralette. She details its comfort, support without underwires, and flattering fit, emphasizing its role as her go-to everyday bra.
- Quote: “It's the only bra I wear when I'm not actively testing other bras. It's been a game changer for me.” [29:20]
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Liam – Gordon Multi Tool [Timestamp: 32:50]
- Liam, writer, discusses the Gordon Multi Tool as an affordable and practical alternative to pricier multi-tools like Leatherman. He appreciates its functionality and compactness, making it a convenient addition to his everyday carry.
- Quote: “Because the Gordon actually feels like a deal, all those extra tools now feel kind of fun and delightful instead of indulgent.” [33:10]
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Elisa – Turtle Travel Pillow [Timestamp: 35:00]
- Elisa, senior staff writer, shares her experience with the Turtle Travel Pillow. Despite initial embarrassment over its design, she found it significantly improved her ability to sleep on long flights, enhancing her overall travel comfort.
- Quote: “The first time I used it I slept for like three straight hours, which is unheard of for me on an airplane.” [35:15]
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Alex Asseman – Comfort Colors 1717 T-Shirt [Timestamp: 37:30]
- Alex Asseman, lead editor on the Discovery team, recommends the Comfort Colors 1717 T-Shirt for its quality and affordability. He praises the shirts' durability, comfort, and the vintage feel achieved through garment dyeing.
- Quote: “They immediately became a new favorite. These 100% cotton shirts are really thick and beefy, so they drape well and have a nice weight to them.” [37:45]
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Kathleen Squires – New York Times Premium Custom Birthday Book [Timestamp: 39:00]
- Kathleen Squires, staff writer on the kitchen team, talks about gifting the New York Times Premium Custom Birthday Book. She describes it as a personalized and meaningful gift that captured historical moments corresponding to her friend's birthdays.
- Quote: “It's a beautifully bound collection of front pages from the New York Times for every year of the birthdays in her entire life.” [39:10]
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Julia Bush – Super Shoes [Timestamp: 40:30]
- Julia Bush, social and community team lead, shares her positive experience with Super Shoes – running shoes featuring a carbon plate and stacked sole. She notes a significant improvement in her running speed and overall enjoyment.
- Quote: “They ended up shaving almost 45 seconds off my mile time... it was so fun to feel like I was flying around Prospect Park.” [40:45]
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Claire Wilcox – Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 [Timestamp: 42:00]
- Claire Wilcox, travel and outdoors writer, recommends the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. Living in Oahu, she values its waterproof and long-lasting formula, suitable for extensive sun exposure.
- Quote: “It goes on really easily. It doesn't smell, it doesn't get into my eyes. It also doesn't leave too much of a white cast.” [42:15]
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John Chase – Channel Master Flatenna TV Antenna [Timestamp: 43:30]
- John Chase, smart home editor, endorses the Channel Master Flatenna TV Antenna for its ability to receive over-the-air signals in New York City without the need for cable subscriptions.
- Quote: “I was able to watch the Yankees lose the World Series. So thanks, Channel Master.” [43:45]
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Lauren Dragon – White Bark Workwear Full Crossback Apron [Timestamp: 44:30]
- Lauren Dragon, senior staff writer covering headphones and hearing aids, appreciates the White Bark Workwear Full Crossback Apron for its breathability and practicality in the kitchen, especially during baking.
- Quote: “It's so soft. I love that it has a lot of little pockets, so there's like a place for a Sharpie and my phone.” [44:45]
Hosts’ Favorite Picks
After hearing from their colleagues, the hosts—Kyra, Christine, and Rosie—share their own favorite Wirecutter-approved products from the year.
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Kyra Blackwell – Moccamaster Coffee Maker [Timestamp: 46:00]
- Kyra cannot stop raving about the Technivorm Moccamaster coffee maker. She highlights its ability to produce high-quality drip coffee comparable to pour-over methods, streamlining her household's morning routine.
- Quote: “It makes coffee that tastes just as good as a pour-over that you've spent a ton of time being finicky over.” [46:15]
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Christine Cyr Clisset – Silk Pillowcases [Timestamp: 47:15]
- Christine shares her enduring love for silk pillowcases, specifically the Lily Silk brand. She emphasizes their benefits for her curly hair, reducing breakage and preventing morning frizz.
- Quote: “It just protects my edges, so my hair isn't breaking off. And I wake up and I don't have a bird's nest on my head.” [47:30]
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Rosie Guerin – Viscosoft Memory Foam Mattress Topper [Timestamp: 48:30]
- Rosie discusses the Viscosoft 3-inch memory foam mattress topper, which transformed her parents' pullout couch into a comfortable sleeping space. She appreciates its ability to add luxury and improved sleep quality without significant investment.
- Quote: “It felt like sort of a foreign environment, but this mattress topper was really, really nice. It felt a little luxe, like sleeping on it.” [48:45]
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to the Wirecutter team and listeners for their support throughout the year. The hosts express their hope that their recommendations have made listeners' lives better and look forward to bringing more expert advice in the upcoming year.
- Closing Quote: “We really couldn't have done this without you guys, and I hope that we actually helped you somewhat this year. That's my biggest wish.” [50:00]
Listeners are encouraged to check the show notes for links to all the featured products and to stay tuned for more recommendations in 2025.
Key Takeaways
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Personal Impact: The episode underscores how carefully selected products can significantly enhance daily living, as evidenced by diverse testimonials from the Wirecutter team.
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Diverse Recommendations: From kitchen gadgets and tech accessories to personal care and home organization tools, the recommendations cater to a wide range of needs and preferences.
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Community and Connection: Sharing personal stories of product use fosters a sense of community among listeners, illustrating the practical benefits of Wirecutter’s recommendations.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Mel Plout: “This little thing has been a lifesaver...” [15:45]
- Angela Amundsen: “If you are looking for a new system to kind of help you wrangle...” [18:25]
- Annemarie Conti: “This watch is really great for runners...” [20:20]
- Jackie Reeve: “That purchase helped spark her love of music again...” [22:30]
- Brent Butterworth: “It's IPX7 rated, which means it's waterproof and dustproof...” [25:10]
- Katie Okamoto: “It feels like it really makes my space feel like mine...” [27:15]
- Zoe: “It's been a game changer for me.” [29:20]
- Liam: “Because the Gordon actually feels like a deal...” [33:10]
- Elisa: “The first time I used it I slept for like three straight hours...” [35:15]
- Alex Asseman: “They immediately became a new favorite...” [37:45]
- Kathleen Squires: “It's a beautifully bound collection of front pages...” [39:10]
- Julia Bush: “They ended up shaving almost 45 seconds off my mile time...” [40:45]
- Claire Wilcox: “It goes on really easily. It doesn't smell...” [42:15]
- John Chase: “I was able to watch the Yankees lose the World Series. So thanks, Channel Master.” [43:45]
- Lauren Dragon: “It's so soft. I love that it has a lot of little pockets...” [44:45]
- Kyra Blackwell: “It makes coffee that tastes just as good as a pour-over...” [46:15]
- Christine Cyr Clisset: “It just protects my edges, so my hair isn't breaking off...” [47:30]
- Rosie Guerin: “It felt like sort of a foreign environment, but this mattress topper was really, really nice.” [48:45]
- Kyra Blackwell (Closing): “I hope that we actually helped you somewhat this year.” [50:00]
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of "A Few of Our Favorite (Wirecutter) Things", showcasing a variety of product recommendations backed by personal experiences from the Wirecutter team. Whether you're seeking to upgrade your home, enhance personal comfort, or find the perfect gift, this episode offers insightful guidance grounded in real-world use.