Podcast Summary: Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Episode: WWDTM: Amanda Seyfried, mxmtoon, and more!
Release Date: July 5, 2025
Host: Peter Sagal
Produced by: NPR and WBEZ Chicago

Celebrating America's 249th Birthday

In this special Fourth of July episode, Peter Sagal and the panel celebrate the United States' 249th anniversary by revisiting memorable moments and engaging with beloved guests from previous episodes. The festivities are marked by lively discussions, humorous anecdotes, and entertaining quiz games tailored to each guest's unique background.

Lauren Graham: From Gilmore Girls to Z Suite

Lauren Graham, best known for her role as Lorelai Gilmore in Gilmore Girls, joins the show to discuss her latest project, Z Suite, where she portrays a middle-aged professional navigating the challenges of working with today's youth.

• Z Suite Insights:

  • Peter Sagal (00:44): "I watched the first episodes of Z Suite and are there actual young people writing this show? Because I have to say, not being a young person myself, the young people seem like lunatics to me."
  • Lauren Graham (01:48): "We consulted with actual young advertising people and obviously it is making fun of all of us. So it's not being overly critical of anyone because it's overly critical of everyone."

• Gilmore Girls Fandom:

  • Celebrating the 25th anniversary, Graham discusses the enduring legacy and the efforts to create fan conventions.
  • Peter Sagal (03:50): "Gilmore Girls is so beloved that there are two fan conventions this year in Connecticut alone."

• Quiz Segment: "Gilmore Girl Meet Girls with Gills"

  • Focused on mermaid-themed questions related to iconic TV references.
  • Lauren Graham (08:49): Correctly answers why mermaids were removed from a Disneyland attraction by choosing option B: "Visitors kept jumping in the water and trying to hit on the mermaids."
  • Lauren Graham achieves 2 out of 3 correct answers, winning the prize.

Notable Quote:

Lauren Graham (05:35): "People view me as their cool mom. And I don't, you know, that's not bad."

Roy Wood Jr.: Comedy, Life Lessons, and Ghostly Tales

Roy Wood Jr., comedian and host of CNN's Have I Got News For You, shares insights from his stand-up career and personal experiences, including his formative years working at Golden Corral.

• Stand-Up Journey:

  • Roy Wood Jr. (15:10): "I was in a restaurant with a staff of about 40 to 50... it's hands down the best life school I ever got."

• Personal Stories:

  • Discusses the challenges of balancing his comedic aspirations with real-life responsibilities.
  • Roy Wood Jr. (17:22): "I didn't want to emotionally invest in it."

• Quiz Segment: "Have I Got Booze for You"

  • Focused on ghost and haunting trivia.
  • Roy Wood Jr. answers all three questions correctly, scoring 2 out of 3 and winning the prize.

Notable Quote:

Roy Wood Jr. (16:50): "Most adults... have a vested interest in you being okay."

Amanda Seyfried: Acting, Music, and Unforgettable Roles

Amanda Seyfried, acclaimed actress known for roles in Mean Girls, Mamma Mia!, and The Dropout, delves into her diverse career, including her portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes and her burgeoning music career as mxmtoon.

• Acting Highlights:

  • Discusses her Emmy-winning role in The Dropout and the challenges of embodying a controversial figure.
  • Amanda Seyfried (26:50): "I'm not a good dancer. I really am not."

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • Shares experiences from filming Mamma Mia!, highlighting both the fun and emotional moments.
  • Amanda Seyfried (25:07): "My grandmother got drunk that night, and it was a memory that I will never hold close..."

• Music Career:

  • Talks about her transition from acting to music, the inspiration behind her songs, and her viral success on YouTube.
  • Amanda Seyfried (44:36): "I was posting my videos of myself playing the ukulele..."

• Quiz Segment: "Mean Girl Meet Nice Guys"

  • Focused on trivia about genuinely nice individuals.
  • Amanda Seyfried answers 2 out of 3 questions correctly, securing the prize.

Notable Quote:

Amanda Seyfried (23:39): "I can see that logic."

Jim Gaffigan: The Skinny on Comedy and Life

Jim Gaffigan, renowned comedian and actor, discusses his latest comedy special, personal weight loss journey, and memorable experiences, including a noteworthy trip to the Vatican with fellow comedians.

• Comedy Special:

  • Jim Gaffigan (33:49): "I feel there's a certain impostor syndrome because I, you know, I used an appetite suppressant..."

• Vatican Visit:

  • Shares humorous insights about the experience of meeting Pope Francis and the ambiance among comedians.
  • Jim Gaffigan (34:07): "They feel like it was just a gathering of every kid who couldn't behave in church."

• SNL and Acting:

  • Reflects on his role as Tim Walz on Saturday Night Live and the dynamics of playing a Midwestern vice presidential candidate.

• Quiz Segment: "Wait Gift Guide"

  • Focused on holiday gift-related trivia.
  • Jim Gaffigan answers all three questions correctly, achieving a perfect score and winning the prize.

Notable Quote:

Jim Gaffigan (34:07): "With the appetite suppressant, I'm just kind of... I'm less consuming, like a dog."

mxmtoon: From Viral Videos to Heartfelt Music

mxmtoon, musician and YouTube sensation, discusses her rise to fame through viral ukulele videos and her evolution into a respected songwriter.

• Music Journey:

  • Explains how her father created her online handle and her transition from posting cartoons to performing music.
  • mxmtoon (43:06): "My dad is actually the person who created the handle..."

• Artistic Inspiration:

  • Talks about her musical influences and the timeless quality of her songs tailored for Gen Z audiences.
  • mxmtoon (45:07): "Maybe Kermit the Frog, I think, is the only person that comes to mind, really. He's just the best."

• Quiz Segment: "mxm Tune Meet Toon M and Ms."

  • Focused on trivia about M&M mascots.
  • mxmtoon answers 2 out of 3 questions correctly, earning the prize.

Notable Quote:

mxmtoon (44:21): "And I saw that number kind of slowly creep up and then get exponentially bigger. And then suddenly I wasn't going to college and I was a full-time musician. So wow is where I'm at."

Humor and Engagement Throughout the Episode

The episode masterfully blends humor with insightful conversations, making it engaging for both longtime fans and new listeners. Each guest brings their unique flavor to the show, enriched by interactive quiz segments that highlight their knowledge and personalities.

Notable Moments:

• Lauren Graham's witty take on mermaid trivia and her reflections on fandom.
• Roy Wood Jr.'s humorous anecdotes about his time at Golden Corral and his beliefs in the supernatural.
• Amanda Seyfried's candid admissions about dancing and her dual career in acting and music.
• Jim Gaffigan's comedic insights into weight loss and his perfect quiz performance.
• mxmtoon’s charming discussion about her viral fame and musical inspirations.

Conclusion

This episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! serves as a vibrant celebration of America's longstanding history, enriched by heartfelt conversations and laughter with a stellar lineup of guests. Through engaging discussions and entertaining games, listeners are treated to a multifaceted exploration of each guest's career and personal stories, all wrapped in the show's signature wit and charm.

Produced by:
Jennifer Mills, Miles Doornboss, and Lillian King
Executive Producer: Mike Danforth
Special Thanks to: Monica Hickey, Doug Berman, and the entire production team

**Listen to more episodes of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! available on NPR.