WWDTM: Andy Richter - Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Transcript

Announcer (0:00)

Support for this podcast and the following message come from the University of Kansas Health System, where even the smallest acts transform lives. Every moment, every life uplifted makes them who they are. Learn more@kansashealthsystem.com hey, it's Peter Sagal.

Peter Sagal (0:17)

A quick word before we get to the show. Now, all week you may have been hearing appeals around giving Tuesday, you know, that day of generosity where people get to feel good about themselves. Well, maybe last, but I hope not. Here's another one from me because as of October 1st, NPR is now operating without any federal support for the first time in our more than 50 year history. So, yeah, it's a big challenge, but it's one we can take on together. Listeners have already been stepping up to donate, like Mary from Minnesota who says, I love listening to Wait, Wait, don't tell me to help me calm down. From all the news I hear during the week, Mary, we make the show for the same reason. Or Maria from Washington state who says, Wait, wait, don't tell me is my life force.

Panelist 1 - Shantira Jackson (1:06)

Ooh.

Peter Sagal (1:07)

So you know, you can be like Mary and Maria and help keep the NPR life force going. You can do that by signing up for npr. It's a simple recurring donation that gets you perks to NPR's podcasts and bonus episodes like our exclusive quiz game for Wait, Wait plus listeners. Now, if you've already joined, thank you. Thank you so much. If not, go to plus.NPR.org thanks again for your support. Now onto the life force that is our show.

Alzo Slade (1:39)

From NPR and WBEZ Chicago, this is Wait, Wait, don't TELL me, the NPR News quiz. Hey there, Arizona. I'm Alzo Slade filling in for Bill Curtis, who is somewhere in the desert on a vision quest. And here's your host at the Arizona Financial Theater in Phoenix, Arizona, Peter Sagal.

Peter Sagal (1:59)

Thank you, Alzo. Thank you, everybody.

Peter Sagal (2:03)

Thank you, Phoenix. It is so wonderful to be back here. Now, you know how they say you should dance as if no one is watching? Andy Richter just danced while everyone in the world was watching him on Dancing with the Stars. Later on, we're going to ask him about becoming, as one judge put it, the people's princess. Right. Now it's your turn to compete. Give us a call. The number is 1-888-WAIT-WAIT. That's 1-888-924-8924. Let's welcome our first listener contestant. Hi. You're on. Wait, Wait, don't tell me.

Panelist 1 - Shantira Jackson (2:33)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! – Andy Richter (Dec 6, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this lively episode of NPR’s Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, host Peter Sagal brings the show to Phoenix, Arizona, with guest announcer Alzo Slade, the return of beloved comedian Andy Richter, and panelists Shantira Jackson, Luke Burbank, and Alonzo Bodden. The episode blends sharp humor with news quizzes, cultural commentary, and a candid interview with Andy Richter about his memorable stint on "Dancing with the Stars." The show delivers its signature blend of current events, irreverent takes, and playful competition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening and Contestant Quiz ([02:03]–[13:12])

Cold vs. Warm Climates:
The panel jokes about the frigid temperatures in Chicago (4°F) compared to sunny Phoenix, setting the playful, bantering tone of the show.
Interview with Contestant Liz (Chicago):
Liz faces the "Who's Alzo This Time?" quiz, answering questions pulled from recent news stories with panelists riffing after each.
- Dress Code for Air Travel ([04:03]–[06:11])
  - Sean Duffy urges Americans to upgrade airplane attire, blaming sloppy clothes for bad travel behavior.
  - Alonzo: "I can't fight in a tuxedo. You get on a plane, you gotta be ready for action." ([05:03])
  - Jokes about the “golden age of air travel” and how improbable dressing-up on budget airlines would be.
- Billionaires and Blocking the Sun ([06:14]–[08:53])
  - Panel discusses solar geoengineering (blocking sun rays to fight climate change), funded by Bill Gates and likened to Bond villainy.
  - Peter: "All we have to do to save our only planet is like build windmills and bicycle more. And we're all like, nah, let’s kill the sun." ([07:29])
  - Panel jokes about how soon sunlight itself might be available by subscription.
- Autotune in Karaoke ([08:58]–[11:21])
  - New upscale karaoke bars adding autotune.
  - Luke: "Here's what I want to hear: 'Just a small town girl...' and then cut to 'Don’t stop believin’' and then get off the stage." ([10:28])
  - Panel riffs on luxury karaoke and the “dangers” of editing songs.
Liz is congratulated for a perfect quiz score. ([11:23])

Panelist News Quiz Highlights ([11:47]–[13:12])

Trump Dozes Off ([11:47]–[12:45])
- President Trump falls asleep during a meeting while criticizing the media for saying he looks tired.
- Peter: “No disrespect, but the man looks like, what if a CPAP machine came to life?” ([12:03])

Bluff the Listener Game ([15:19]–[21:41])

Contestant Nick (Los Alamos):
- Reveals his job in nuclear non-proliferation, prompting jokes about hiding launch codes.
- The topic: "I Object"—news of courtroom chaos.
  - Story Options:
    - Shantira: Judge in Missouri ousted for excessive Elvis Presley references.
    - Alonzo: Little League umpire called out in court for blown calls.
    - Luke: Canine bailiff Rudy involved in a bribery scandal (given treats to intimidate witnesses).
Answer & Reveal:
Nick picks Shantira’s Elvis judge story and wins. Authenticity confirmed by a real legal expert. ([21:12])

Andy Richter Interview: “Not My Job” ([21:52]–[32:18])

Dancing with the Stars Experience ([22:18]–[29:19])
- Andy discusses his unexpected, initially reluctant participation:
  - “No, quite the opposite [never wanted to do it]…and then I didn’t work very much for a little while and it seemed to kind of a good idea.” ([22:41])
  - His preparation, learning with Emma Slater, and TikTok training.
  - “I was lucky enough to get Emma Slater, who is an angel and really an amazingly talented person, an amazing choreographer.” ([24:34])
  - Admits to awkwardness and jokes about his lackluster dancing:
    - “You make it sound like...I mean, you weren’t entirely—yeah, I moved from one point to the other, and there was footwork that I had to remember.” ([26:28])
    - “I was a rhino in a gazelle contest. I’m never gonna be a gazelle.” ([28:39])
- The charm, he jokes, may be in his expressive reactions as his partner performs.
- Ends on a modest note, but celebrates growth:
  - “By the end...with each new week’s dance, I would learn it in one rehearsal...” ([27:40])
“Not My Job” Quiz: All About Gene Kelly ([29:19]–[31:49])
- Andy aces the quiz, aided by panel banter.
  - Notable fact: Gene Kelly’s pants were intentionally tight to accentuate his behind. ([30:05])
- Panel has fun with anecdotes about Hollywood parties and charades.

News & Culture Roundup: Panel Questions ([34:15]–[39:02])

Paperwork Parties ([34:40]):
- New trend: “admin nights” where friends gather to do paperwork together.
- Luke: “I think that’s called the office.” ([35:54])
Bacon and Babies ([36:12]):
- Study suggests that a mother-smelling bacon during pregnancy leads to obesity in offspring.
- Shantira: “Do not take bacon away from pregnant women. They need it.” ([37:16])
Japanese Human Washing Machine ([37:44]):
- New spa appliance in Japan allegedly cleans you in 15 min with micro-bubbles.

Listener Limerick Challenge ([39:31]–[44:08])

Stressful Houseplants ([40:03]):
- Too many houseplants elevate stress.
- Peter: “If you’re seeing plants everywhere you look...you realize you blacked out and woke up naked in the woods.” ([40:54])
Lion Roar Accents ([41:16]):
- Lions from different regions roar with different accents.
Ugly Dogs Trending ([42:10]):
- Increasing popularity of so-called “ugly dogs”; referenced as “pop-eyed goblins” and “dogs that got left in the microwave.”
- Shantira: “I feel like a cat wrote this.” ([43:17])

Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank ([45:54]–[51:16])

Fast-paced news roundup, with panelists racing against the clock.
Memorable joke:
- On a Namibian politician changing his unfortunate birth name:
  - Peter: “…he is excited to run for re-election under his new legal name, Adolf Hitler Williams.” ([47:36])

Spotify Wrapped & Show Close ([52:06]–[52:52])

Panelists predict hot songs for next year’s Spotify Wrapped:
- Shantira: “Anything Beyoncé. Daniel, please give us Act 3.” ([52:06])
- Luke: “For some reason, ‘Hit the Road, Jack.’” ([52:10])
- Alonzo: “I don’t know what it is, but the conservatives will not approve of the song.” ([52:16])
Peter Sagal thanks panelists, guest Andy Richter, the Phoenix audience, and closes with trademark gratitude and warmth.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“I can’t fight in a tuxedo. You get on a plane, you gotta be ready for action.” – Alonzo Bowden ([05:03])
“All we have to do to save our only planet is like build windmills and bicycle more. And we’re all like, nah, let’s kill the sun.” – Peter Sagal ([07:29])
“I was a rhino in a gazelle contest. I’m never gonna be a gazelle.” – Andy Richter on Dancing with the Stars ([28:39])
“I think that’s called the office.” – Luke Burbank on paperwork parties ([35:54])
“No disrespect, but the man looks like, what if a CPAP machine came to life?” – Peter Sagal on President Trump falling asleep ([12:03])
“I feel like a cat wrote this.” – Shantira Jackson on ugly dog trend ([43:17])

Key Timestamps

02:03 – Show proper begins, opening banter and panel introductions
04:03 – “Who’s Alzo This Time?” quiz news stories
11:47 – Panelist lightning round begins
15:19 – Bluff the Listener game
21:52 – Andy Richter “Not My Job” interview
34:40 – Panel tackles “paperwork party” trend
39:31 – Listener limerick challenge
45:54 – Lightning fill-in-the-blank round
52:06 – Predictions for next year’s Spotify Wrapped

Tone & Style

The episode is fast-paced, clever, and packed with good-natured teasing and topical satire. The tone is conversational, with the panel and guest Andy Richter excelling at off-the-cuff wit, culturally aware jokes, and warmth. All the humor rides the line between absurdity and sharply observed social commentary—a hallmark of Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me!

For anyone new to the show or this episode, expect laugh-out-loud moments, surprising news stories, and Andy Richter’s charming, self-deprecating reflection on reality TV fame.