WWDTM: Becca Mann

Summary

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! — Becca Mann (Oct 4, 2025)

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode of NPR’s "Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me!" is hosted by Negin Farsad, filling in for Peter Sagal. The show features its usual panel of comedians and newsmakers, witty analysis of the week’s headlines, and a special spotlight on open-water swimming phenom and author Becca Mann as the "Not My Job" celebrity guest. The tone is sharp, irreverent, and bursting with playful banter while keeping listeners updated on quirky news and humanizing their remarkable guest.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Panel Introduction and Warm-Up (00:21–02:35)

• Host: Negin Farsad filling in for Peter Sagal
• Panelists: Adam Felber, Shantira Jackson, Hari Kondabolu
• Jokes about Peter Sagal being stuck at a crafting convention due to the government shutdown.
• Light banter with the first caller, a high school civics/economics teacher (Stu from Amsterdam, NY).

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"Who’s Bill This Time?" — News Quiz (02:39–12:12)

• Quote 1: "No fat generals." (03:01)
  • Context: (Fictional) U.S. Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump criticized the appearance of military officers at a conference, lampooned by the panel as fixating on hotness rather than actual national defense.
  • Notable Joke: “The United States shall have the deadliest, bravest, most bangable fighting force in the world.” — Negin Farsad [04:01]
  • Panel riffs on food mascots with military ranks (e.g., Colonel Sanders, General Mills, Cap’n Crunch).
• Quote 2: "Good Lord, we're screwed." (05:38)
  • Context: Actress Emily Blunt on "Tilly Norwood," a new AI actress.
  • Panel discusses job security in entertainment with the rise of AI actors.
  • Notable Joke: “I didn’t realize she was fake until after I made her my celebrity hall pass.” — Negin Farsad [07:01]
• Quote 3: "Clean socks only, no holes." (07:26)
  • Context: UK startups introducing mandatory shoe removal at work for efficiency and comfort.
  • Panel muses on workplace foot etiquette and OnlyFans jokes.
  • Notable Joke: “If you are going to show feet, you shouldn’t have to do it for free.” — Shantira Jackson [08:17]

Stu scores 3/3, earns the listener voicemail prize.

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Panel Questions on Recent News (09:15–11:37)

• UK NHS on marrying first cousins: Discussion about controversial health guidance and British cultural jokes.
  • Notable Joke: “I know that my favorite part of any wedding is the father-slash-uncle-daughter dance.” — Negin Farsad [10:32]
  • “Keep it casual—just be cousins with benefits.” — Negin Farsad [11:03]

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Bluff the Listener — TV Innovations (13:44–20:17)

Caller: Kurt from Clemson, SC (sports TV producer) Stories:

1. AI TV Friends ("Watch Pals") — Adam Felber: AI characters offer real-time commentary as TV companions.
2. Alternate TV Endings ("Make it Better") — Shantira Jackson: Plugin to customize TV show endings; deletes dud episodes.
3. Free TV With Mandatory Ads (“Telly”) — Hari Kondabolu: Company offers a free TV in exchange for always-on ads and intensive viewer surveillance.

• Kurt picks Hari’s story, and it’s TRUE.
  • Verified by Emma Roth from The Verge, who lived with a Telly TV. [19:27]

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"Not My Job" — Becca Mann Interview (20:32–30:42)

Becca’s Swimming Career and Mental Side of Long-Distance (21:06–22:01)

• Host on Motivation: "I fully don’t understand why you do what you do." — Negin Farsad [21:11]
• Becca: Open ocean itself isn’t scary—her mind is: “It’s like I’m in a sensory deprivation tank ... it can sometimes spiral out of control.” [21:34]
• Quote: "So, like, your thoughts are more terrifying than sharks?” — Negin Farsad [21:50]
  • Becca: “Definitely. Sharks—at least you know what you’re getting there.” [21:54]

Physical Side Effects of Open-Water Swimming (22:05–22:44)

• Swelling from saltwater, nostrils swollen shut after 9 hours, uvula so swollen she couldn't swallow.
• Notable Moment: "My uvula was hanging onto the back of my tongue... It was disgusting." — Becca Mann [22:29]

Motivation, Hiatus, and Return to Competition (23:11–23:54)

• After narrowly missing an Olympic team, took 5 years off; returned, rejoined nat’l team within 5 months.
• Panel support: “Baddie behavior.” — Shantira Jackson [23:41]
• Becca now focused on enjoying swimming without a fixed end-goal.

Logistics and Encounters in the Ocean (24:02–24:41)

• Accompanied by nearby kayak and boat for safety; forced to self-feed with liquid "feeds."
• Her mom supported (and got seasick).

Favorite Wildlife Encounters (24:54–25:22)

• Saw black tip and white tip reef sharks, calls them “beautiful creatures ... peaceful.”
• Panel joke: “Girl, what are you doing in my house?” (on shark seeing her) — Shantira Jackson [25:14]

Relationship with Water Outside Racing (25:43–26:12)

• Loves swimming for pleasure; enjoys bringing friends into the ocean.
• “If anything happens, I’ll make sure I’m the one who drowns or gets eaten.” — Becca Mann [26:14]

Casual Dominance in Hotel Pools (26:29–26:39)

• Admits to occasionally showing off in hotel pools “depending on the mood.”

Not My Job Quiz: Weird Aquarium Stories (26:57–30:21)

• San Antonio Aquarium: Octopus tried to drag a kid, shark stolen in stroller, sharks needed Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It” to mate.
• Becca scores 2/3 and wins the game for listener Ryan Campbell.

Becca’s Closing Remark (30:33)

• “I think we should call the audience the true winner, though.” — Becca Mann

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Panel & Listener Games

Listener Limerick Challenge (32:13–41:47)

• Fashion trends for personal space.
• Wine for pets ("Mutley's Estate").
• Surplus octopus in England’s fish markets.
• Notable Panelism: “Dogs act drunk all the time. They’re always hungry and always like, ‘I love you, man.’” — Hari Kondabolu [39:54]

Additional Panel News (33:10–36:40)

• San Francisco’s dog problems traced to owners’ behaviors, not dogs.
• Wedding guest orders pizza during reception; panelists largely approve if pizza shared.
• Table saw for kids (tool toy).

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Lightning Fill in the Blank (42:48–48:34)

• Panelists race through current events questions such as government shutdowns, prescription drug initiatives, odd court rulings, and animal news.
• Ends in a tie between Adam Felber and Hari Kondabolu.

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Best Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The United States shall have the deadliest, bravest, most bangable fighting force in the entire world.” — Negin Farsad [04:01]
• “If you are going to show feet, you shouldn’t have to do it for free.” — Shantira Jackson [08:17]
• Becca Mann on open water: “Sometimes my mind spirals out of control. That’s the only thing that really scares me.” [21:34]
• On wedding pizza: “If you give me a slice, we good?” — Shantira Jackson [35:15]
• On feet at work: “Subscribe to my OnlyFans, Verse Corporation.” — Shantira Jackson [08:30]
• On cousin marriages: “Just be cousins with benefits.” — Negin Farsad [11:03]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------|:-------------:| | Show/NPR panel intro | 00:21 | | Who’s Bill This Time? News Quiz | 02:39–12:12 | | Bluff the Listener | 13:44–20:17 | | Not My Job: Becca Mann Interview | 20:32–30:42 | | Listener Limerick Challenge | 32:13–41:47 | | Panel Q&A & Lightning Fill-in-Blank | 42:48–48:34 |

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Closing Banter (49:42–End)

• Panel jokes about potential military reforms (calendar of hot generals, banning snacks-for-sadness, returning silly white hats in the Navy).
• Host thanks panel, crew, and listeners; show closes with signature humorous tone.

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Overall, this episode blends sharp cultural commentary and offbeat humor with an inspiring and surprisingly candid interview segment from elite swimmer Becca Mann, making for an entertaining and newsy listen.

Transcript

[A]

Support for npr. And the following message come from Boll and Branch. Turn your bed into a sanctuary this fall with their buttery, breathable bedding. Enjoy 15% off your first set of sheets. @bo l l and branch.com with code NPR exclusions apply.

[B]

From NPR and WPEZ Chicago, this is. Wait, wait, don't tell me the NPR News quiz. Fun fact about my voice. This is me on helium. I'm Bill Curtis. And filling in for Peter Sagal, here is your host at the Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts Building in Chicago, Illinois, Nagin Farsad.

[C]

Hey, thank you, Phil. And thanks, everyone. I'm filling in for Peter Sagal because thanks to the shutdown, he still at his crafting convention in Sheboygan. Now, we have a great show for you today. We're going to be joined by record setting open water swimmer Becca Mann. That's right. And just to make her feel at home, we're gonna make sure our show is also infested with great white sharks. But first, it's your turn to brave the phone lines. Give us a call to play our games. The number is 1-888-WAIT, WAIT. That's 1-888-924-8924. Now let's welcome our first list. Hi. You're on. Wait, wait, don't tell me. Hi, this is Stu from Amsterdam, New York. Hi, Stu. What do you do in Amsterdam? I teach high school, civics and economics. Ah. So do you, like, do you have any finance tips for me?

[B]

Absolutely.

[C]

I work in public radio on occasion, so I might need them.

[B]

Substitute teaching is quite lucrative.

[C]

All right. Now, Stu, let's introduce you to our panel. First, his band, Super Spreader, is playing the Village arts Theater on October 10th with special guest Lisa Loeb. It's Adam Felber. How you doing, Stu?

[B]

Hey, Adam.

[C]

Next, a writer for Clean Slate. Now on Amazon prime, it's Shantira Jackson. Hi, Stu.

[B]

Hello, Shantira.

[C]

And a comedian recording his next stand up special in Chicago at the den Theater on November 15th. It's Hari Kondabolu.

[B]

Hello, Stu. Hello, Hari.

[C]

All right, so welcome to the show, Stu. We're excited to have you. You're going to play who's Bill this time? Bill Curtis is going to read you three quotes from this week's news. If you can identify two of them, you'll win our prize, which is any voice from our show on your voicemail. Are you ready?

[B]

Let's go.

[C]

All right, here is your first quote from Pete Hegseth.

[B]

No fat generals.

[C]

That was Secretary of whatever it's called now, Pete Hegseth, speaking to a room full of whom at a big meeting in Virginia this week.

[B]

That would be generals.

[C]

That's right. So when hundreds of generals and admirals from all over the world were suddenly summoned to the US for this meeting, no one had any idea why it was happening. And now that it's over, we still have no idea why this is happening. Hegseth and President Trump both spoke to the group, and they had lots to say about the general's appearance, calling out, quote, fat generals and beardos. Taking his cue from Sigma Phi Delta, Hagseth then took out a Sharpie and started circling all the generals.

[D]

There was a 300 pound admiral who was like, but I'm cool, right?

[C]

It's weird, right? How obsessed with, like, with the generals being hot, right? They're like, the United States shall have the deadliest, bravest, most bangable fighting force in the entire world.

[D]

Yeah. Hegseth read no fat generals directly off his dating profile.

[E]

We have a history of fat military men, though. Colonel Sanders.

[C]

That's true. Yeah.

[E]

I'm assuming. General. So was a little chubby. General Mills. Oh, very good.

[D]

Captain Crunch was not particularly spelt.

[F]

Not spelt?

[C]

Wait, was Cap' N Crunch the parakeet?

[F]

No, Captain Crunch is the cereal man.

[C]

Oh, okay. Who is the parakeet?

[E]

You talking about Toucan Sam?

[C]

Yeah, that's okay. Never mind. Sorry. Is Toucan Sam not military?

[F]

Well, he has a big beak, so he might not make it.

[D]

He's not officer class, that's for sure.

[C]

Well, disregarding that, Fat General's is an incredible name for a Chinese chain restaurant. Oh, yes. Many military folks made the point that these guys literally have more important things to be doing. Right. Like at this very moment, Portland, Oregon is completely undefended.

[F]

From. From what? Having too much granola? I don't know.

[C]

Ye. They're famous doughnuts. I'm not sure. All right, Stu, here's your next quote from actress Emily Blunt.

[B]

Good Lord, we're screwed.

[C]

Blunt was talking about Tilly Norwood, the next great Hollywood actor who just happens to be entirely. What?

[B]

Oh, geez, I don't know if I know this one.

[C]

AI that's right.

[B]

Good guess. That's a guess. Yeah.

[C]

That was a good one.

[F]

That's a good guess.

[C]

Really good. That was the correct answer. This week, a technology creator unveiled Tilly Norwood, an AI actress that we may soon see in starring roles. If you're wondering what she looks like, imagine a woman. Yes, that's basically it.

[G]

All Right.

[C]

But honestly, can you imagine going for a role and your agent telling you that Tilly Norwood is already attached to the project and you're like, well, I know. You're like, well, drag and drop her into another email then.

[F]

You know, I don't even know if I would be. I don't really feel worried because it's a teenage white girl and I am almost a 40 year old black lesbian and we're not going to compete.

[C]

Oh, so they don't.

[F]

I'm safe.

[C]

So they don't put you up for those roles.

[F]

I feel safe.

[C]

Oh, I see.

[F]

I feel safe.

[D]

I feel like I could lose a few roles.

[C]

Well, I can't wait to see the paparazzi photos of her dating a MacBook Pro. But I'm so mad because I did. I didn't realize she was fake until after I made her my celebrity hall pass.

[E]

Wait, if there's gonna be no more actors, who's gonna wait tables?

[F]

I think that's the only thing they'll let us keep doing.

[C]

All right. Stu, are you still there?

[B]

I am still here. Yes, ma'.

[C]

Am. Okay, here's your last question.

[B]

Quote, clean socks only, no holes.

[C]

Those are the slated rules of a company in the uk, One of many workplaces now instituting a policy that people remove their what when they arrive at the office.

[B]

Their shoes.

[C]

That's right, their shoes. More and more startups are enacting no shoe policies to optimize efficiency. Now, I would certainly be more productive if I had to glue my eyes to my laptop to keep from seeing whatever is going on with Kevin's toes.

[F]

First of all, I don't want to see any man's foot ever. Especially at work.

[C]

This is a very pro lesbian policy.

[F]

Yeah, I don't want to see a man's feet at all. And then I also think that if you are going to show feet, you shouldn't have to do it for free.

[C]

So.

[F]

It costs money.

[D]

100% fair.

[F]

It costs money, baby.

[C]

So.

[F]

All right. I'm not showing my toes to corporate.

[C]

Yeah, yeah. Subscribe to my only fans Verse Corporation.

[F]

Absolutely.

[E]

Remember when we used to work from home and didn't have to wear pants? This feels like they're piecemealing our freedom back. I don't like it.

[C]

Right? All the comforts of home. How embarrassing would it be to get called into hr and they're like, and this little piggy got furloughed. I'm so sorry, man. Bill, how did Stu do it?

[B]

Takes a teacher to lead us. That's 3, 0 for Stu, you're a win.

[C]

Well done, Stu. Congratulations, Stu. Thanks for calling in. Thank you very much. Bye. Something to me, baby, baby.

[F]

Smooth till I don't care.

[C]

Right now, panel, I have some questions for you about this week's news. Adam. The UK's National Health Service made headlines this week when they officially encouraged people to look at the benefits of marrying whom.

[D]

Um, their moms.

[C]

Oh, my God, you're so close.

[D]

Really? I've spent some time in England.

[C]

It's actually less close than Mom.

[D]

They're stepmoms.

[C]

That's just normal.

[D]

They're cousins.

[C]

They're first cousins. That's right.

[D]

Oh, wow.

[C]

Okay. Yeah. I wanted you to get an applause, but it is really gross. According to some people who clearly want to marry their cousins, cousin marriage can be, quote, linked to stronger extended family support and economic benefits. Well, they definitely save on the wedding because you only need one side of the aisle for the ceremony. Fair.

[F]

Am I gonna get in trouble for saying this feels very British? Yeah.

[E]

Who released the study? The royal family.

[B]

This is totally the royal family.

[C]

Yeah. They got centuries in on that. And I know that my favorite part of any wedding is the father slash uncle daughter dance.

[F]

The only thing I want to do with my cousins is take a walk away from the family on Thanksgiving. Like, that's the best. Like, you see your cousins and you're like, do you want to go talk about this family? And then you go outside and do the cul de sac together.

[C]

Right?

[F]

That's true. Cousins.

[D]

But this is that.

[C]

And in this scenario, that's your meet and queue. No, I'm so sorry. Okay, look, look, look. If marrying your cousin seems wrong, we get it. Keep it casual. Just be cousins with benefits. Oh, that's.

[D]

That's worse.

[F]

That's worse.

[C]

I know. Sorry.

[E]

For kings and queens, for you and.

[C]

Me, it's the same inevitability.

[E]

I promise you this.

[B]

Someday you fall in love.

[C]

All right, coming up, a totally bingeable bluff. The listener game. Call 1-88-8, wait wait to play. We'll be back in a minute with more of wait, wait, don't tell me. From NPR.

[A]

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[H]

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[B]

From NPR and WBC Chicago, this is Wait, Wait, Don't TELL Me the NPR News Quiz. I'm Bill Curtis and we are playing this week with Hari Kondavolu, Adam Felber and Shantira Jackson. And Harrigan is your host at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago, Illinois, Nagin Farsad.

[C]

Thanks, Phil. Right now, right now it's time for the Wait, wait, don't tell me. Bluff the listener game. Call 1-888-WAIT-WAIT to play. Hi. You're on. Wait, Wait, Don't TELL me.

[B]

Hi, this is Kirk from Clemson, South Carolina.

[C]

Hey, Kurt, what are you doing Clemson?

[D]

I am a sports broadcast TV director and producer.

[C]

Oh. So is this like a forgive me for literally knowing nothing about your field. Is there is this like a good time for sports? Yeah.

[D]

Well, before I worked here, I worked at a PBS and NPR station, so I would say yes, it's a great.

[G]

Time for Sports Fair.

[C]

Ooh, Burr, that's funny. Well, it's so nice to have you on with us, Kurt. You're going to play the game where you tell the truth from fiction. What's the topic? Bill?

[B]

The biggest thing to happen to TV since color.

[C]

Every so often there's a huge leap in television technology. There was color, then hd, then collagen injections after we all saw what we look like in hd. Now our panelists are going to tell you the next great leap. Pick the one who's telling the truth and you'll win the wait waiter of your choice on your voicemail. Voices such as this voice that you're hearing right now. Are you ready to play?

[D]

I'm ready.

[C]

Let's go. Awesome. First up, it's Adam Felber.

[D]

For the geek who has everything, there's a new TV feature that supplies the one thing they may not have Friends. Last week, Amazon prime showcased Watch Pals, a new feature that allows you to turn on a variety of AI friends who will watch content with you and kibbutz about what you're seeing. There's Nelson, the film nerd who will pepper your viewing with trivia like, oh, hey, that's the guy from the Sopranos. There's Eddie, who will watch sports and root for your team, yelling biased commentary like no way, that was a foul. Are you blind, ref? And then there's Muntz, your funny buddy who roasts and jokes his way through the movie at the demo While watching John Wick 3, Muntz somehow fixated on fat shaming Laurence Fishburne's Bowery King character, saying things like Bowery King? More like Burger King. Yes, just like your friends, the AI is not always funny. Amazon spokesperson Audrey Wecht says that Watch Pals are not intended to replace real friendships, but enhance them. Although it could end a few friendships, especially if you happen to be watching a movie with your buddy Laurence Fishburne.

[C]

All right, a new AI friend for your TV viewing from Adam Felber. Your next story of tune up for television comes from Shantira Jackson.

[F]

With more and more Americans cutting the cable cord, a cable service in Omaha, Nebraska is trying to win back people by offering a new TV plugin called Make It Better that allows you to change the endings of your favorite television shows to the endings that you prefer. Do you wish the lady in Fleabag made out with that priest? With Make It Better, they make out for a long time. There's also a feature that just deletes all the episodes that are bad, making Lost exactly four seasons long. The plugin is still in its beta stage, but a nationwide rollout is expected in the summer of 2026.

[C]

All right, so a new service change TV show plots from Shantira Jackson, and your last story of a boob tube noob comes from Hari Kondabolu.

[E]

Do you want a 55 inch TV but don't want to pay for it? Historically, the only way to do this was armed robbery, but not anymore, thanks to Telly. No, Telly isn't just the silly thing British people call television. Telly is a company that sends you a free TV in exchange for watching ads via an ever present 10 inch display that stays on screen at all times. It's like Times Square in A box. Even when you turn off the tv, the ads stay on the screen forever reminding you that hims offers erectile dysfunction.

[F]

Pills.

[E]

And capitalism will never let you sleep. Tele also monitors your audio and and video content, channels you watch, and duration of your watching. Even telly is like, Jesus Christ, dude. You're watching way too much. Naked and afraid. It's just a nice free TV with an incredibly threatening aura that is constantly watching you, like the government. But don't worry, you don't have to watch the tv. Just kidding. You do. If you don't watch it enough, telly charges you a thing thousand dollars. Even worse than the TV with mandatory ads. Paying for a TV with mandatory ads.

[C]

Okay, Kurt, you've got an AI friend to watch TV with. From Adam Felber. Make It Better. A new service that will change TV show plots. From Shantira Jackson and from Hari Kondabalu. A free TV that forces you to watch tv. Which one is real?

[D]

I gotta go with Hari's telly tv, I think.

[C]

Okay. And to find out the correct answer, we spoke with someone who actually tried this new innovation.

[G]

Telly requires you to use the TV as the main TV in your home, and you're gonna have to live with ads.

[F]

Yes, booze.

[C]

Also, this audience is like, we don't watch tv. We only listen to radio. That was Emma Roth, reporter for the Verge, who lived with a telly. Congratulations, Kurt. You got that right and you earned a point for Hari. And you've won our prize, the voice of your choice on your voicemail. Congratulations and thank you so much for playing with us today. Thank you.

[B]

Took myself down to the TV store Replaced the set I'd smashed on the floor Like a lover's quarrel Guess I lost my head I pounded on that sucker till I knew it was dead.

[C]

And now the game we call not my job. Becca Mann is one of the most impressive swimmers in the world. In 2019, she became the first person to swim the 40 mile channel, crossing three Hawaiian Islands. This was just four years after winning her second national championship in the open water 10K. She's also the author of two books. One a sports memoir and the other a dystopian young adult novel. Clearly, someone got her a pen that writes underwater. Becca Mann, welcome to Wait. Wait, Don't Tell me.

[G]

Thank you for having me. I'm really excited to be here.

[C]

So. Okay. I, like, fully don't understand why you do what you do. So I just. A lot of people don't.

[G]

You're in the majority there. I'm not even quite sure.

[C]

Well, so I have so many questions is. Let's just start with, like, do you ever get freaked out by the open ocean?

[G]

Not the open ocean itself. I sometimes get freaked out by my mind just because it's so. Like I'm in a sensory deprivation tank, it feels like sometimes. And it can sometimes spiral out of control. So that's honestly the only thing that really scares me about open water.

[C]

So, like, your thoughts are more terrifying than sharks?

[G]

Definitely sharks. At least you know what you're getting there.

[C]

Oh, my gosh, I hope you do therapy. So, you know, one of the things that I thought about, like, when thinking about these adventures that you go on, is that you're in the water for a really, really, really long time. So what are some of the weird kind of physical side effects of this kind of swimming?

[G]

So when you're in saltwater, you will start swelling. So like, about nine hours in, my nostrils were swollen together. And then when I got out of the water, my uvula was hanging onto the back of my tongue and I couldn't swallow for the rest of the day. It was disgusting.

[C]

Oh, God. This is where I pretend to really know what a uvula is.

[G]

Hangs in the back of my. Of your throat.

[C]

Oh, got you. Either way, I sense that this is bad. This again, kind of conjures the question of, like, why do you do this to yourself? But what is your, like, what's your big goal now? I mean, you've already done so much. Is there another, like, a record you want to set?

[G]

Yeah, so I actually took. After that swim, I took five years off of swimming. That was like the last thing that I wanted to do with my career because I just narrowly missed my third Olympic team and I didn't want to end on a failure. So I love swimming and I figured, why not just see how long I can love swimming for in one period. And then after that, took five years off and I was just really missing swimming. So I got back into it a year ago and then made the national team again after five months of training. So I'm hopeful.

[F]

Baddie behavior.

[G]

So now I'm just kind of taking it six months by six months and seeing what happens from there. And as long as I keep enjoying getting into the pool every day to train, I'm going to keep sticking with it.

[E]

When you're in the open water, are there people that are, like, watching you or tracking you in some ways? You're not. You're not completely by yourself, right?

[G]

Yeah. So there was a kayak that was probably like 5 to 10ft away from me the whole time. And then a boat that would stay like 200 meters ahead. And then every like 20 minutes I'd swim up to the boat and my mom was actually on the boat and she was violently seasick the whole time. She was not happy, never doing this again. And she'd throw me a feed. We call them feeds. They're basically just like liquid fuel. So like a Gatorade with like some sort of energy gel melted into it. So yeah, I wasn't fully alone. Even though like I couldn't touch the boat, nobody was allowed to touch me because then you're disqualified if that happens. But there were people nearby in case I needed help or anything.

[F]

Okay, so there were people nearby. My question is, what's the most incredible thing you've seen in the open ocean? Because I won't be going. I need to live vicariously through you.

[G]

I think I've seen three sharks and I really love sharks. All of them were. It was two black tip reef sharks and then one white tip reef shark. And I think that they're just such beautiful creatures. All of them were like very peaceful. And yeah, I love all the animals.

[F]

They're probably surprised to see you. Yeah. Girl, what are you doing in my house?

[C]

Oh yeah, they have, they have a real, they have a real reputation for being peaceful. So that's.

[G]

Those ones in particular. I met some nice ones.

[C]

Well, so speaking of like fish, have you ever like had a relationship with a fish in the style of my octopus teacher?

[G]

I can't say that I have.

[C]

I mean, are you open to that?

[G]

I'm open to everything. We'll see. Well, keyword life takes me.

[C]

So like when you're I guess, ever relaxing, if that happens for you, like you're on a girls weekend at the beach, are you just in the water because you feel like you have to be in it at all times? Like what is your relationship with water when you're not racing in it?

[G]

Yeah, I love the water. I especially love when I can convince my non swimming friends to go in the ocean with me. I feel like that's the sign of like a true friendship. If I can convince people to like go swimming in the ocean with me because that's where I'm the happiest and I love sharing that with people.

[C]

And how do you convince them?

[G]

I tell them that if anything happens, I'll make sure that they're safe and I'm the one who drowns or gets eaten. So like there's Such a small chance of that happening, and I think it reassures them. So that's usually my line.

[C]

Do you ever, like, swim in a hotel pool and just, like, casually do laps but also smoke everybody and show off?

[G]

Definitely, I think, depending on what kind of mood I'm in.

[C]

Oh, Becca, man. Well, we've actually asked you here to play a game we're calling tanks for joining us. So you know all about.

[G]

Oh, no.

[C]

Oh, no is right. You know all about open water. So we're going to ask you about closed water aquariums. Answer two out of three questions correctly, and you'll win our prize for one of our listeners, the voice of any of us on their voicemail. Bill, who is Becca playing for?

[B]

Ryan Campbell of Houston, Texas.

[C]

All right, all right.

[G]

I won't let you down, Ryan, I hope.

[C]

Here's your first question. The San Antonio Aquarium has a touch tank which can provide guests with unique experiences. Like, which of these is it A, an archerfish spitting water directly into your boyfriend's eye? Is it B, an Octopus Grabbing your 6 year old by the arm and trying to climb out of the tank to get the rest of her? Or is it C, the can you handle a lionfish sting challenge?

[G]

I'm gonna say C just because I don't know if the aquarium would be able to get away with the first two.

[C]

Oh, it is B. They got away with an octopus grabbing a kid.

[G]

Don't worry, don't worry.

[C]

The kid is fine. And it only took three adults armed with ice cream packs to make the octopus let go. All right, here's your next question. The San Antonio aquarium had another situation in 2018.

[F]

Oh, boy.

[C]

When one of their sharks went missing. Fortunately, they were able to track it down quickly because security footage showed. What was it? A, One shark was hiding on the bottom of its tank while another shark buried it in the sand. Was it B, the shark jumping a barrier into the beluga whale tank where it was now playing with a whale like they were best friends? Or was it C? Two people lifting the shark out of its tank, putting it in a baby stroller, and walking out of the aquarium?

[G]

Okay, I feel like it be.

[C]

Could.

[G]

It could be any of these three things.

[C]

Okay.

[G]

C seems like it would be the most fun, so I'm gonna go with C. You're right.

[C]

It is C. Oh, my God. I can't believe you got that. Police recovered the shark from the guy who wanted it for the, quote, extensive aquarium habitat in his garage. I really see a lot of myself in that guy. All right, here's your last question. According to a 2017 interview, when the sharks at one aquarium wouldn't mate, the staff solved the issue by doing what was it A, piping salt N Peppa's push it into the enclosure? Was it B, putting jasmine oil into their water as an aphrodisiac or was it C, putting lipstick on the female shot?

[G]

What is it? Okay, what's the audience thinking? A, A, okay. I can't say no to that. Then it has to be A. Oh, my God.

[C]

That's right. Push. It is a cross species. Sexy song. Wow. Bill, how did Becca do on our quiz?

[B]

Well, she did swim a very long way. So we're going to call her a winner. Two out of three.

[C]

Yeah. All right.

[G]

I think we should call the audience the true winner, though.

[C]

Well, Becca Mann is a champion open water swimmer and a writer. Becca Mann, thank you so much for joining us on Wait Wait, don't tell me.

[G]

Thank you for having me. This was so much fun.

[C]

In just a minute, why you better take away your dog's car keys right now. That's in our Listener Limerick challenge. Call 1-888-WAIT-WAIT to join us on air. We'll be back in a minute with more of Wait, wait, Don't Tell me from npr.

[H]

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[A]

Support for this podcast and the following message come from Lisa. Lisa isn't just about sleep. It's about impact. They donate thousands of mattresses each year to those in need, while also partnering with organizations like Clean Hub to help remove harmful plastic waste from Oceans. Visit Leesa.com for 20% off mattresses, plus get an extra $50 off with promo code NPR. That's L E-E-S A.com promo code NPR.

[B]

From NPR and WBEZ Chicago, this is Wait, Wait, don't tell Me, the NPR News Quiz. I'm Bill Curtis. We are playing this week with Adam Felber, Hari Kondavolu and Shantira Jackson. And here again is your host at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago, Illinois, Naguin Far Saad.

[C]

Hey, thanks, Bill. In just a minute, the game that somehow didn't realize the thing that was fun about limericks is they were dirty. It's the Listener Limerick Challenge. If you'd like to play, give us a call at 1-888-WAIT-WAIT. That's 1-888-924-89-24. But now, panel, I have more questions for you from this week's news. Adam. According to the Wall Street Journal, the famously dog friendly city of San Francisco has decided it still loves dogs, but it can't.

[D]

When they dress up as fighter pilots.

[C]

That's so cute. In my mind. I'll give you a hint. The problem is at the other end of the leash.

[D]

Dog owners.

[C]

That's right, dog owners. The Wall Street Journal gave a huge list of examples of dogs behaving badly and dog owners doing nothing about it. And if you're about to correct me and say, it's not a dog owner, it's a dog, mommy, you're part of the problem. Now, some examples include a dog pooping on the floor of a Target, a stranger's dog licking the face of a man doing sit ups at the gym, and a black lab who grabbed a croissant right out of a man's hand outside the coffee shop. After which, and this is true, the barista said, oh, yeah, that's the dog that always steals croissants.

[F]

I'll be honest. I'm not trying to victim Flame here, but if a dog licked me at the gym, that'd be really cute. Like, you're down there, he expects you to play with him.

[D]

And the store is called Target.

[C]

Yeah. All right, Hari. People are debating the etiquette of a wedding guest's decision to do what during a friend's wedding reception.

[E]

Take off their shoes.

[C]

Here, I'll give you a hint.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

She made it fancy by springing for the stuffed crust.

[E]

Ordering pizza.

[C]

That's right.

[E]

During the wedding.

[C]

Yes. So a guest at a wedding who felt the food was taking too long took matters into her own hands and ordered a pizza for her and her date. And people are divided. Why? I mean, on the arch, she had checked the right box where it said fish, steak, or piss off the bride.

[F]

I kind of love it. I kind of love it.

[C]

Like, if it was your wedding, would you be, like, okay with it?

[F]

If you give me a slice, we good?

[C]

And my understanding of the story is that they didn't get enough pizza for everybody.

[F]

That's fine as long as you give it to the brat. I don't care about the groom eating.

[C]

So then. Wow.

[F]

So then he can combine food. Okay, I'm not mad at it. I'll just go on record and say that I'm not mad, but it's also not my wedding.

[D]

You're also not the bride.

[F]

I'm not the bride.

[C]

Shantira, a toy company is making headlines after unveiling what new tool for kids.

[F]

Sledgehammer.

[C]

Oh, hey, you're. Yeah, like his hammer, right? Like a sound b with the sledgehammer. You know what? Because you're in the general world, I'm going to give it to you. A table saw. Oh. It's called the chop saw. What a great way to help your kid say how old he is when he's four and a half.

[F]

Is it really functional or is it just like, does it actually cut wood?

[C]

No, I mean, they say it's totally safe for kids.

[E]

Who's they? The National Chainsaw Association.

[D]

I mean, I'm not a scientist, but anything that cuts wood can cut kids.

[C]

Well. And look, I mean, if you guys are concerned about, you know, their fingers or something, don't worry. Those are just baby fingers. The adult fingers will come in. Coming up, it's lightning. Fill in the blank. But first, it's the game where you have to listen for the rhyme. If you'd like to play on air, call or leave a message at 1-888-WAIT, that's 1-888-924-8924. You can see us most weeks here at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago or come see us on the road. We'll be in Honolulu next week, October 9th and 10th, and in Costa Mesa, California on November 6th. For tickets and info about all our live shows, go to nprpresents.org hi, you're on. Wait, wait, don't tell me. Hi, this is Lauren from Stoughton, Massachusetts. Lauren, hello. What's going on in Stoughton, Massachusetts? I mean, there's not much to it.

[G]

I think everybody might know Stoughton as the home of the only Ikea in Massachusetts. So everyone has to make a pilgrimage there at least once.

[C]

You should really be working for the Stoughton Tourism Bureau with this kind of chatter. It's amazing. Well, welcome to the show, Lauren. Bill Curtis to is going going to read you three news related limericks with the last word or phrase missing from each. If you can fill in that last word or phrase correctly on two limericks, you're a winner. Here's your first limerick.

[B]

My new outfit's like spraying some mace. If you're close, it will get you in your face with hoops and balloons. I take up Extra room. I now have lots more personal space. Space it is.

[C]

That's right. Space. Personal space. This season, designers are all about garments that scream, stay back. Reviewers see the trend as a statement about bodily autonomy and clothing as armor. These clothes sound perfect because, honestly, I'm so tired of doing windmill arms at the club. All right, here's your next limerick.

[B]

My cat likes to drown his regrets, and my dog wants to drink to forget. So we go to a bar that will serve Pinot Noir. I am getting some wine for my pets. Pet it is.

[C]

That's right, pets. Finally, you can give your dog the Eucharist, because there is now wine for pets. New Zealand company Mutley's Estate released a collection of wines with adorable punny names. Things like champon and pinot. No, no, no, no, no. Bad dog. Bad.

[E]

This is why there's dogs pooping in targets.

[C]

They're drunk. They're drunk.

[F]

Yeah.

[D]

Dogs act. Act drunk all the time. Drunk and high all the time. Anyway, they're, like, always hungry, and they're.

[F]

Always like, I love you, man.

[C]

I love you, man. I love you so much.

[D]

They don't need help in this department.

[C]

All right, here's your last limerick.

[B]

In our nets, their eight arms make a lot of fuss. Now, these cephalopods feed a lot of us. Many fish got their wishes to stay off our dishes because Britain's run over by octopus.

[C]

That's right. Oh, my God. So impressed. Octopus. Brixham, one of the largest fish markets in England has been invaded by octopuses. Instead of their usual haul of lobsters and crabs, fishermen are pulling up nets full of octopus. Luckily, octopus is a lucrative catch and a crucial ingredient in English dishes like Big Wiggly Salad. It doesn't make me want to eat them either. Like, now that I am seeing them in this, you know, overpopulated life, like, they're trying to do something, you know.

[F]

I would still eat them.

[E]

Have you eaten octopus? I've never had octopus before.

[F]

I'm from Florida. I done had just about everything.

[D]

Prison section right next to manatees.

[F]

We don't touch manatees. That's the only animal that we don't kill in Florida.

[C]

Bill, how did Lauren do?

[B]

Lauren ripped three in a row. She's good.

[C]

Oh, my God. Congratulations, Lauren.

[G]

Thanks so much.

[C]

Thanks so much for joining us. Foreign.

[H]

This message comes from Netsuite. What does the future hold for business? Can someone invent a crystal ball? Until then, over 42,000 businesses have future proofed their business with Netsuite by Oracle, the number one cloud erp, bringing accounting, financial management, inventory and HR into one platform. With real time insights and forecasting, you're able to peer into the future and seize new opportunities. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at netsuite.com story.

[A]

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[C]

Learn [e-mail] now on our final game, Lightning Fill in the Blank. Each player will have 60 seconds to answer as many fill in the blank questions as they can. Each correct answer is worth two points. Bill, can you give us the scores?

[B]

I can indeed. Hari has three, Shantira has two, and Adam has three.

[C]

All right, Shantira, you're in third place. That means you're up first. The clock will start when I begin your first question. Fill in the blank. On Wednesday, the White House warned that mass federal layoffs were imminent due to.

[F]

The blank, the government shutdown.

[C]

Right. On Tuesday, President Trump announced he was creating a website called TrumpRx to sell discount blanks prescriptions. Right. According to a new study, children who are infected twice double their risk of long blank.

[F]

Covid.

[C]

Right. Following an explosion, a high rise and blank partially collapsed Brooklyn in the Bronx. I'll give it to you. This week, a court in India ruled that doctors in that country would now be required to blank do a little.

[F]

Dance.

[C]

Improve their handwriting. Best known for her work studying chimpanzees, conservationist Blank passed away at the age of 50.

[F]

Jane Goodall.

[C]

Right. This week, rescue workers in Ireland successfully saved a young child who got stuck inside blank.

[F]

A chimney?

[C]

No, a claw machine.

[F]

Oh, that's way more fun.

[C]

According to reports, the kid climbed up the slot where prizes come out and got stuck inside the machine. His parents had to call 911 to get him out. But, you know, before they did, the husband was like, quick, get me a quarter. I've got this. Bill. How did Shantira do?

[B]

Bill? Well, Shantira 5. Right. 10 more points. Settle at 12. You are in the lead.

[F]

I'm in the lead.

[C]

You're in the lead now. Okay, Hari, you're up next. Fill in the blank. On Wednesday, the Israeli navy intercepted an aid boat attempting to reach blank.

[B]

Gaza.

[C]

Right. According to a new report, almost 25% of adults in the US struggled with their Blank health last year.

[E]

Brain health.

[C]

I'll give it to you. Mental health. After learning the troops had arrived in Portland, activists said they'd organize an emergency Blank protest. An emergency naked bike ride.

[E]

Oh, yeah, Protest.

[C]

That's Portland.

[E]

That is a Portland protest.

[C]

I'll give it to you.

[B]

Thank you.

[C]

Here we go. Here we go. Following a bankruptcy filing, door to door magazine seller Blank said the past winners of their sweepstakes wouldn't be paid.

[E]

Publishers Clearing House.

[C]

Right. On Sunday, it was announced that Bad Bunny would perform at the Blank halftime show.

[E]

Super Bowl.

[C]

Right. After evading police for eight weeks, a robber in Colorado was finally caught when.

[E]

He blanked pooped in a target.

[C]

That'll do it. Walked right by a TV news crew doing a story about him. The man was accused of committing multiple robberies over the past few weeks and had managed to completely elude police capture until he walked right past a news crew that just happened to be filming a segment about him. It's amazing that even if they're on the run from the law, some people can't resist being like, oh, my God, you're talking about me. Bill, how did Hari do?

[B]

He had five rights, 10 more points. Thirteen puts him in the lead. What?

[C]

All right, all right. And then. And Bill, how many does Adam need to win?

[B]

5 to tie and 6 to win.

[C]

Okay, Adam, this is for the game. On Sunday, Eric Adams announced he was bowing out of the mayoral race in New York. Right. On Wednesday, it was revealed that the Blank would start making top ranking officials sign NDAs.

[D]

Pentagon.

[C]

Right. This week, retail giant Blank said it would remove artificial dyes from their house brand products.

[D]

Walmart.

[C]

Right. On Thursday, the U.S. meteorological Service said they were monitoring two blanks moving toward Bermuda.

[D]

Hurricanes.

[C]

Right. This week, a woman in Florida gave birth and then five days later, Blanked while holding the baby.

[D]

Gave birth?

[C]

What?

[F]

Give it to him.

[C]

Give it to him.

[D]

Slow twin?

[C]

No, she won a Mortal Kombat tournament. On Tuesday, a grizzly named Chunk was announced as the winner of Blank Week.

[D]

Fat Bear Week.

[C]

Right. This week, a man in Virginia is calling it a miracle that he had a heart attack while driving and crashing into Blank. An ambulance, a cardiologist's house. The doctor immediately rushed out and administered cpr, saving the man's life. It was an amazing moment of heroism, which was slightly undercut when the doctor found out the guy wasn't in network. Yeah. Bill, did Adam do well enough to win?

[B]

Well, after a close reading, he got five. Right. 10 more points, total of 13 gives him a tie with Hari.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

How about that? Shall we cheer for that?

[C]

All right. Congratulations.

[E]

I am stunned.

[C]

In just a minute we'll ask our panelists to predict now that he's banned fat generals, what's the next improvement Pete Hegseth will make to the military? But first, let me tell you that Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. Is a production of NPR and WBEZ Chicago in association with Urgent Haircut Productions. Doug Berman, benevolent overlord Philip Gautica writes our limericks. Our public address announcer is Paul Friedman. Our tour manager is Shayna Donald. Thanks to the staff and crew at the Studebaker Theater. BJ Lady Lederman composed our theme. Our program is produced by Jennifer Mills, Miles Doornboss and Lillian King. Special thanks to Vinnie Thomas and Monica Hickey. Peter Gwynn is our full time controller. Emma Choi is our visual host. Technical direction Lorna White. Our CFO is Colin Miller. Our production manager is Robert Newhouse. Our senior producer is Ian Chillag. The executive producer of Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me is Mike Danforth. Now, panelists, how will Pete Hegseth improve the military?

[D]

Next, Adam Felber, once slimmed down, Hegsgath will have the general's pose for his own personal calendar. Quote I like General February. He seems so down to earth.

[C]

Shantira Jackson, he's gonna ban giving a.

[F]

Little treat when you're sad because happiness only comes from war.

[C]

Now.

[E]

Hari Kondabolu, make the Navy bring back those silly ass white hat.

[B]

And if any of that happens, panel, we'll ask you about it on Wait, Wait, don't Tell me.

[C]

Thank you, Bill Curtis. Thanks also to Adam Felber, Shintira Jackson and Hari Kondabolu. And thanks to all of you for listening. I'm Nikine Carson filling in for Peter Sagal. And we'll see you next week. Foreign this is npr.

[A]

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[H]

From NPR sponsor Rosetta Stone, an expert in language learning for 30 years. Right now, NPR listeners can get Rosetta Stone's Life membership to 25 different languages for 50% off. Learn more at rosettastone.com NPR this message comes from Schwab. Everyone has moments when they could have done better. Same goes for where you invest. Level up and invest smarter with Schwab. Get market insights, education and human help when you need it.