The Wirecutter Show – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Send Us Your Worst Smell Scenarios
Release Date: January 29, 2026
Hosts: Christine Cyr Clisset, Caira Blackwell
Producer: Rosie Guerin
Podcast: The Wirecutter Show (The New York Times)

Overview

In this participatory episode, the hosts of The Wirecutter Show rally listeners to share their most challenging, lingering, or outright nauseating smell dilemmas—be it at home, in the car, or on personal belongings. Promising an upcoming deep dive into defeating the toughest odors, the team seeks real-world “smell scenarios” directly from their audience to discuss—and solve—on air, using the expertise of “Wirecutter’s odor squad.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Universal Struggle with Mystery Odors

• Christine Cyr Clisset (00:09): Opens with a relatable frustration: “When there is, like, a mystery smell in my apartment or my car and I can’t figure out where it’s coming from and what is causing the stink. It's bad.”
• The conversation quickly establishes that untraceable or persistent bad smells are a universal annoyance—often the bane of an otherwise pleasant environment.

Episode Preview: Tackling Real-Life Smell Problems

• Rosie Guerin (00:20): “I do have some good news for you. We are going to be working on an episode that's all about terrible smells and how to remove them.”
• The hosts frame the upcoming show as both “disgust[ing]” but ultimately “helpful,” suggesting a balance between humor and practical advice.

Listener Engagement: Call for Smell Stories

• The hosts invite listeners to participate by submitting their most challenging odor situations, specifically highlighting problem areas:
  • Stinky trash cans
  • Laundry that never smells clean
  • Mildewy undertones in bathrooms
  • Bad car odors (including cigarette and cat pee smells)
  • Smelly shoes
• Caira Blackwell (00:49): “We want all of the worst smells… Send us your most challenging smell questions and we will have our odor squad… tell you how to get rid of them.”

How to Participate

• Listeners are encouraged to record a short voice memo sharing:
  • Their name
  • Location
  • A description of their smell scenario
• Submissions are to be sent to the show’s email.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Rosie Guerin (00:03):
  “Rosie, do you know what I really, really hate?”
  (this playful exchange sets the episode’s lighthearted and relatable tone)

• Christine Cyr Clisset (00:09):
  “When there is, like, a mystery smell in my apartment or my car and I can't figure out where it's coming from and what is causing the stink. It’s bad.”

• Rosie Guerin (00:20):
  “We are going to be working on an episode that's all about terrible smells and how to remove them. Perfect. This is perfect.”

• Caira Blackwell (00:49):
  “We want all of the worst smells… stinky trash cans, laundry that just doesn't smell, clean bathrooms with a mildewy undertone, maybe even smell in your car.”

• Rosie Guerin (01:11):
  “Just tell us your name, where you live, and all about your smelly stuff. Email it to us…”

• Sign-off with humor (01:26):
  “Smell you later.” (both hosts sign off with this pun, maintaining a playful spirit)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• 00:03 — Introduction and admission of “mystery smells” as a common frustration
• 00:20 — Preview of the upcoming episode focused on eliminating persistent odors
• 00:33 — List of problematic household and car smells for listener inspiration
• 00:49 — Call for submissions: descriptions of the worst smells and persistent odor problems
• 01:11 — Step-by-step instructions for submitting stories (voice memo, details, email)
• 01:26 — Closing reminders and humorous sign-off (“Smell you later”)

Episode Tone & Style

The exchange is lively, candid, and peppered with dry humor—making an unsavory topic feel approachable and even fun. The hosts position themselves not just as experts but as fellow participants in the universal battle against bad smells, inviting empathy and trust from listeners.

Summary:
This episode sets the stage for a forthcoming, solution-focused dive into the world of persistent odors, crowdsourcing “smell scenarios” from real listeners. The Wirecutter Show team combines humor and expertise, promising actionable advice and expertly tested solutions for the worst smells life throws your way. Listeners are encouraged to engage by sharing their own stories, adding to the sense of community and shared curiosity.