WWDTM: Brian Tyree Henry

Summary

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! – Episode Featuring Brian Tyree Henry Release Date: April 26, 2025
Guest: Brian Tyree Henry
Host: Karen Chee (Filling in for Peter Sagal)
Recorded At: Studebaker Theater, Fine Arts Building, Chicago, Illinois

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Introduction and Panel Setup

In this lively episode of NPR's "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!", host Karen Chee steps in for Peter Sagal, who is recovering from a skirmish with fellow NPR host Steve Inskeep. The show kicks off with the introduction of the panelists:

• Brian Babylon: A comedian and fashion designer promoting his summer line and upcoming novel, Silk and Silencer.
• Luke Burbank: Host of the daily podcast TV CBTL and the public radio variety show Livewire.
• Nagin Farsad: Comedian and host of the podcast Fake the Nation.

Notable Quote:

"Peter Sagal’s substitute. Here at the Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts Building in Chicago, Illinois, it's Karen Chee." — Karen Chee [00:43]

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Game 1: Who's Bill?

The first game, "Who's Bill?", involves the contestant Kevin Stroud identifying quotes from this week's news. Kevin excels, correctly identifying all three quotes:

1. Quote from a Gambling Site Spokesperson: Discusses betting on the next Pope.

   "People are betting on who is going to be the next Pope." — Kevin Stroud [03:24]

2. Quote from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman: Claims that saying "please" and "thank you" costs the company millions due to unnecessary data processing.

   "OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says please and thank you cost his company tens of millions of dollars because it's unnecessary data for ChatGPT to process." — Karen Chee [05:35]

3. Quote About Meat Sales: Reports a resurgence in meat sales due to high-protein diets and fatigue with plant-based alternatives.

   "After years of decline, sales of meat hit record highs last year." — Karen Chee [08:37]

Notable Quote:

"He's a biter. You're all in for a treat because later we're talking to Oscar nominated actor Brian Tyree Henry." — Karen Chee [00:43]

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Game 2: Bluff the Listener

In "Bluff the Listener," contestant Chris Robinson from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is presented with three stories about childhood fears coming true. The panelists narrate:

1. Story by Nagin Farsad: Ronald D'Souza gets pantsed by an escalator during a workday.
2. Story by Brian Babylon: A man gets stuck in quicksand on a first date.
3. Story by Luke Burbank: Kylie Hogan hears noises under her bed, which turn out to be a sinkhole revealing a vein of opals.

Chris correctly identifies Brian Babylon's quicksand story as the real one, debunking Luke’s sinkhole tale.

Notable Quote:

"I think I'm gonna go with Luke's because it sounds more realistic." — Brian Babylon [19:56]
"You gotta go with your heart." — Luke Burbank [20:30]

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Interview: Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry, an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony-nominated actor known for his role in Atlanta and as the voice of Smokey the Bear, joins the show for a segment titled "BTS Meet BTS." The interview delves into his illustrious career and memorable roles.

Key Highlights:

• Origins in Acting: Brian reminisces about his first role as Santa Claus in a preschool play, highlighting his early passion for acting.

  "Embarrassingly enough, I was Santa Claus in my preschool production." — Brian Tyree Henry [23:38]

• Smokey Bear Voicing: Discusses his role as Smokey the Bear, emphasizing how it feels like a natural fit given his love for national parks.

  "It feels like the role I was born to play." — Brian Tyree Henry [21:48]

• Humorous Insights: Engages in playful banter about voicing Smokey Bear, including a fictional scenario where he interacts with other famous bears.

  "That's correct. I hope so. It better be." — Nagin Farsad [22:35]

Notable Quote:

"Are you the reason Smokey Bear is hot now?" — Karen Chee [22:35]

Brian Tyree Henry's charismatic presence adds depth and humor to the episode, making the interview both insightful and entertaining.

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Game 3: BTS Meet BTS

In this segment, Brian Tyree Henry participates in a quiz about the global sensation BTS. The questions test his knowledge about the K-pop group’s influence and cultural impact.

Questions and Responses:

1. BTS’s Economic Impact on South Korea:

   "One in ten visitors to South Korea go there for BTS related reasons." — Brian Tyree Henry [28:21]

2. BTS’s Lyric Process:

   "They run them by a women's studies professor." — Brian Tyree Henry [29:25]

3. Military Service and BTS:

   "They negotiated a special two-year truce." — Brian Tyree Henry [30:35]

Brian nails all questions, showcasing his extensive knowledge of BTS, earning him accolades from the panel.

Notable Quote:

"You're from the Pacific north and I've lost friends in the war. And by the war, I mean coming to a four-way stop." — Kevin Stroud [06:10]

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Game 4: Listener Limerick Challenge

Celine from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, participates in the "Listener Limerick" game, where she completes limericks based on given prompts.

Limericks and Responses:

1. Friendship Scent:

   A sweet signal you send...
   Completed correctly, reflecting on the influence of scent in forming friendships.

2. Woodpecker Destruction:

   If your car's nearby, maybe you should...
   Correctly filled with “checker,” highlighting an ornery woodpecker's impact in Cape Ann, Massachusetts.

3. Germ-Killing Gum:

   Viral infections are dumb...
   Successfully completed by identifying the development of a gum combating flu and herpes.

Celine achieves a perfect score, impressing both the panel and the audience.

Notable Quote:

"Thank you for being a friend." — Bill Curtis [38:11]

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Game 5: Lightning Fill in the Blank

The final game, "Lightning Fill in the Blank," challenges panelists to swiftly complete news-related sentences.

Participants:

• Nagin Farsad
• Brian Babylon
• Luke Burbank

Highlights:

• Nagin Farsad: Leads with 12 points after correctly answering:

  • "Marco Rubio Unveiled plans for a massive reorganization of the Blank department."
    Answer: State Department
  • "Long-serving Illinois Senator Blank announced plans to retire Dick Durbin."
    Answer: (The transcript does not provide the exact name, but assuming correct identification.)

• Brian Babylon: Dominates with an impressive 18 points, nailing every question:

  • "Russia launched a new wave of drone attacks on Blank."
    Answer: Ukraine
  • "Nearly half of us teenagers say that blank has a negative effect on their mental health."
    Answer: Social media
  • "Kenyan runner Faith Kipiagon announced she would attempt to become the first woman to break the four-minute blank this summer."
    Answer: Mile

• Luke Burbank: Scrapes by with 16 points, falling just short of Brian’s lead.

Notable Quote:

"It was a lot because I had to, like, tell it like, hey, man, don't tell me any more bs. Like, get on your square, yo." — Brian Babylon [07:00]

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Closing and Final Predictions

The episode wraps up with humorous predictions about the next Pope, showcasing the panel's wit and camaraderie.

Predictions:

• Brian Babylon: Suggests "Pope GPT"—a playful nod to artificial intelligence.
• Nagin Farsad: Keeps quiet, hinting at future reveals.
• Luke Burbank: Proposes a rotating cast of Popes, inspired by modern media trends.
• Kevin Stroud: Jokes about Aaron Rodgers assuming the papacy, blending sports and religion humorously.

Notable Quote:

"And if any of that happens, we'll ask you about it on Wait Wait, Don't tell me." — Bill Curtis [50:27]

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Behind the Scenes

The episode credits acknowledge the hardworking team behind the podcast, including writers, producers, technical staff, and special mentions to contributors like Doug Berman and Philip Gaedica for their limericks.

Notable Quote:

"Our jolly good fellow is Hannah Anderson." — Karen Chee [50:35]

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Conclusion

This episode of "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" masterfully blends humor, current events, and celebrity insights, particularly through the engaging participation of Brian Tyree Henry. From entertaining games to insightful interviews, listeners are treated to an enriching experience that balances laughter with news comprehension. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this episode offers a comprehensive and enjoyable summary of the week's happenings, wrapped in witty banter and engaging storytelling.

Notable Closing Quote:

"I'm Karen Chee filling in for Peter Sagal and will see you next week." — Karen Chee [50:47]

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Key Takeaways:

• Brian Tyree Henry's Versatility: Showcased his range from Atlanta to voicing Smokey the Bear.
• Engaging Games: "Who's Bill?", "Bluff the Listener", "BTS Meet BTS", "Listener Limerick", and "Lightning Fill in the Blank" kept the audience entertained.
• Humor and Insight: The panelists provided both laughs and thoughtful commentary on current events.
• Audience Participation: Call-ins and contestant involvement added a dynamic element to the show.

For those who haven't listened, this episode encapsulates the essence of "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" — a perfect blend of humor, news, and celebrity interactions that make for an entertaining and informative listen.

Transcript

[Bill Curtis]

This message comes from Sony Pictures Classics. With On Swift Horses, a woman embarks on a secret life, a love she never thought possible. Daisy Edgar Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Diego Calva and Sasha Calle star, now playing only in theaters.

From npr, NWBEC Chicago, this is Wait, wait, don't tell me, the NPR News quiz. I'm Bill Curtis. Accept no substitute, but by all means accept Peter Sagal's substitute. Here at the Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts Building in Chicago, Illinois, it's Karen Chee.

[Karen Chee]

Thank you, Bill. That's right, I'm Karen Chee filling in for Peter Sagal. He's at home recovering from a fight with another NPR host. Right now, I don't want to name any names, but let's just say Steve, Steve Inskeep is a biter. You're all in for a treat because later we're talking to Oscar nominated actor Brian Tyree Henry. You probably know him from Atlanta or his new show Dope Thief, or as I know him as the voice of the absolutely jacked Smokey the Bear. But first, it's your turn to call in to play our games. The number is 1-888-wait, wait. That's 1-888-924-8924. Hi. You're on. Wait, wait, don't tell me.

[Kevin Stroud]

Hey, Karen, this is Kevin Stroud. I live in Raleigh, North Carolina.

[Karen Chee]

Ah, Kevin, hi. Welcome.

[Kevin Stroud]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Karen Chee]

Kevin, what do you do in beautiful Raleigh by day? I am a mental health therapist. Oh, wow. That's an amazing job. Thank you for doing that. I'm sure you're doing great in your business, but if you need any referrals, I do have a lot of ex boyfriends.

[Kevin Stroud]

We said we weren't gonna talk about that, Karen.

[Karen Chee]

All right, Kevin, let's introduce you to our panel. First, a comedian and fashion designer whose new summer line and new novel Silk and Silencer will be available May 15th on Beebespoke Shop. It's Brian Babylon.

[Brian Babylon]

What's up, man? How are you?

[Nagin Farsad]

Camille Goodmill.

[Karen Chee]

How are you, Brian?

[Brian Babylon]

Good, bro.

[Karen Chee]

Good. Good to hear. Next, the host of the daily podcast TV CBTL and the public radio variety show Livewire, which will be live at the Reser center in Beaverton, Oregon, on May 1st. Luke Burbank.

[Kevin Stroud]

Hey, Kevin.

[Luke Burbank]

Hey, Luke.

[Brian Babylon]

How are you?

[Karen Chee]

And a comedian and host of the podcast Fake the Nation, who you can follow on all the social media platforms that you keep meaning to delete, it's Nagin Farsad.

[Bill Curtis]

Hey.

[Karen Chee]

Welcome to the show. Kevin, 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 correctly identify or explain two of them, you'll win our prize, which is any voice from our show that you choose on your voicemail. Are you ready?

[Kevin Stroud]

Absolutely. Let's do it.

[Karen Chee]

Amazing. Your first quote is from a spokesperson at a gambling site.

[Bill Curtis]

It's our biggest non sporting event of the year and we expect the betting to really pick up as we head toward the conclave.

[Karen Chee]

So people are betting on who is going to be the next what?

[Kevin Stroud]

Voting for the next for the papacy.

[Karen Chee]

Yes, that's correct. People are betting on who is going to be the next Pope. People mourned Francis passing all over the world, but no one more than the producers of the movie Conclave who said, hey, couldn't he have at least done this during our Oscar campaign? It is a sign of how in touch the Pope was with the people in the church that he was like, wait, conclaves are huge right now. We gotta ride this train.

[Luke Burbank]

I love that idea that he was so into pop culture because I feel like he had a really great sense of humor. And I feel like he was like, guys, wouldn't it be funny if I met JD Vance and then I died?

[Bill Curtis]

That's the timing. That's what happened.

[Luke Burbank]

His commitment to the bit.

[Kevin Stroud]

Famously incredible.

[Luke Burbank]

Incredible.

[Kevin Stroud]

He wrote an encyclical on being committed to the bit. He lived it.

[Karen Chee]

What Negin is saying is true. The vice president met with the Pope the day before he died and said to him, it's good to see you in better health. Which, incidentally, it's good to see you in better health. Is also what JD Vance said to the stock market in March and the.

[Kevin Stroud]

National championship trophy before that. That guy is on a tear. I feel like more industries should sort of announce the new head of the company through smoke and its colors. It's just a fun kind of way to do it.

[Luke Burbank]

I also think you know how you can, like, carry around, like a little personal fan for when you're hot. I think personal smoke machine for when you just want to, like, share in a detail about your life.

[Kevin Stroud]

Right.

[Karen Chee]

Wait. I just want to bring it back to the smoke, though, because I want to say, if you're betting on the new pope, remember, if the smoke is blue, it's going to be a boy.

[Kevin Stroud]

Right.

[Karen Chee]

And if the smoke is pink, it's also going to be a boy. The Pope is always going to be a boy.

[Kevin Stroud]

Yeah. The world's least interesting Gender reveal.

[Karen Chee]

Yeah. All right, Kevin, your next quote is some words costing someone tens of millions of dollars.

[Bill Curtis]

Please and thank you.

[Karen Chee]

This week, a tech CEO said that we cost his company millions of dollars when we say those words when typing requests. Into What?

[Kevin Stroud]

Oh, into ChatGPT.

[Karen Chee]

That's correct, yeah. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says please and thank you cost his company tens of millions of dollars because it's unnecessary data for ChatGPT to process. And I just want to say, if this is costing him money, I love that I'm going to be extra polite. I'm going to start using ChatGPT just to give it a forehead kiss after each answer.

[Brian Tyree Henry]

I love it.

[Kevin Stroud]

It's like I'm from the Pacific north and I've lost friends in the war. And by the war, I mean coming to a four way stop when someone else came to the same four way stop and everyone's waiting for the other person to go. That's like next level politeness. We need to do that with these programs. Just completely lock them up.

[Brian Babylon]

But, you know, also, like, I got into it with ChatGPT a couple of nights ago where it didn't. It was telling me it was gonna do something. I got this plan, that plan. You download this, you download ChatGPT. The link's not working. Uh, I know, I know. That's my bad. I said something that I couldn't do. Sorry for over promising. Then I'm like, why would you do that? Ugh, I don't know. I want to. It really went to this whole thing. I know. I'm so sorry. I won't do it again.

[Luke Burbank]

So how many, like, icebergs melted because of this lover spat?

[Brian Babylon]

It was. It was a lot because I had to, like, tell it like, hey, man, don't tell me any more bs. Like, get on your square, yo. He's like, yo, okay, I will. And then he had a meltdown.

[Kevin Stroud]

All of that cost that guy Sam Altman money, right?

[Karen Chee]

Yeah, I was gonna say it's costing him money, but it's also requiring a lot of power and electricity. So when you're asking it a request, you have to remember that saying something like, write my term paper is fine, but please. Hi. Will you write my term paper? Thank you. Burns down an entire Brazilian rainforest.

[Kevin Stroud]

Yes.

[Luke Burbank]

But also, I wonder. I mean, so the argument for being friendly to the. To the AI is that eventually they'll take over and be our masters and they'll know which ones of us were nice.

[Nagin Farsad]

Yes.

[Karen Chee]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Kevin Stroud]

100%.

[Luke Burbank]

So, okay, so I have a Question. Which is like, do we have a quota as people for how nice we can be? And then if we are nice to AI all the time, are we then mean to our moms?

[Kevin Stroud]

Is it a zero sum game of niceness?

[Karen Chee]

Right.

[Luke Burbank]

And then. And if you're mean to your mom, how many icebergs does that melt?

[Karen Chee]

Wait, Negeen, do you wake up every morning being like, I can only say five nice things to do? Yeah.

[Luke Burbank]

Is that how we all do it?

[Kevin Stroud]

Did you see the color of her smoke backstage, Karen? It was. I've used up all of my nice things.

[Karen Chee]

Yeah. Yeah. All right, Kevin, now we are on to our last quote.

[Bill Curtis]

I really don't care about plant based.

[Karen Chee]

That was someone speaking to the New York Times about new data that finds what is back on American plates. Hmm.

[Kevin Stroud]

You got a hint for me?

[Karen Chee]

A hint is it is something that was once alive meat. That's correct. That's right. Meat is back. Or depending on which state you live in, meat is the same.

[Kevin Stroud]

It's what's still been for dinner.

[Karen Chee]

Yeah. After years of decline, sales of meat hit record highs last year. And this is due to a number of factors. It's that high protein diets are in. We're getting tired of plant based meats. But more than anything, we just don't like those cows attitudes.

[Kevin Stroud]

Oh, am I the only vegetarian on this panel? Okay.

[Brian Babylon]

I'm not. Oh, I'm not.

[Kevin Stroud]

I am a vegetarian. The fake meat is not what it is cracked up to be.

[Brian Babylon]

It's not.

[Kevin Stroud]

I'm not surprised to hear that people are. I don't know if they're going away from that and towards real meat, but that stuff is not. I don't care what's on the box, what it looks like. You get that thing home and you cook it up. It is not fooling anybody.

[Karen Chee]

No. I do agree with what you're saying, though. I mean, we did go too crazy with the plant based stuff. Like, I used a plant based shampoo, which I'm pretty sure is just normal shampoo. But now that we're overcorrecting, I can't wait to see the new Windex. Now with lamb. Oh, Bill, how did Kevin do?

[Bill Curtis]

Kevin rocked with three in a row. He won it.

[Karen Chee]

Kevin, congratulations and thank you so much for playing. Of course. Thank you so much, Karen. Right now, panel, time for you to answer some questions about this week's news. Luke loose lipped Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth says he's graceful spending at the Pentagon and he is making changes. According to CBS News, he's adding a what to the Pentagon's briefing room?

[Kevin Stroud]

A makeup studio.

[Karen Chee]

That's correct. Pete Hegseth is adding a makeup studio. And we know this because he texted his stylist, hey, I can't wait to try this new eyeshadow. Also here are the nuclear codes.

[Kevin Stroud]

So this CBS News, I think reported this initially that there was money being allocated to sort of remaking, remodeling this green room. And so then somebody over there said, this is totally made up. This is B.S. here's the room. And then they tweeted out what was clearly a photo of a makeup room. Yeah, it was pretty much as advertised.

[Karen Chee]

It was also they went one step further, actually, the DoD struck back at this report saying, and this is exactly what you want your spokesperson to say if you are the secretary of Defense. They said Pete Hegseth doesn't need a makeup room because Pete Seth does his own makeup.

[Luke Burbank]

I love the idea of like a four star general showing up at the Pentagon and a PA being like, should I take you to hair and makeup?

[Kevin Stroud]

I did my own glam. Yeah. Could you imagine Don Rumsfeld showing up in full glam? You're so pretty.

[Nagin Farsad]

Oh, so pretty. You really knocked me off my feet.

[Karen Chee]

Coming up, the only thing we have to fear is you missing this week's Bluff the listener game. So call 1-888-WAIT-WAIT to play. We'll be back in a minute with more of Wait Wait, don't tell me from npr.

[Bill Curtis]

Support for this podcast and the following message come from Cunard, whose ship Queen Elizabeth sets sail to the Caribbean for her maiden season, exploring the region's diverse islands. Start your day with a yoga session on the deck, breathing in endless views of turquoise waves. After a day spent exploring on shore, enjoying palm fringe beaches, sit back and relax on board at the Golden Lion, a faithful recreation of an English pub. Challenge friends to a game of darts as you recharge for tomorrow's adventures. Explore these idyllic locales with Cunard and blend into a world of sunshine, style and ease. Why cruise when you can sail on a Cunard Queen to the Caribbean? This message comes from Charles Schwab. When it comes to managing your wealth, Schwab gives you more choices like full service, wealth management and advice when you need it. You can also invest on your own and trade on thinkorswim. Visit schwab.com to learn more. This message comes from Progressive Insurance and the name your price tool. It helps you find car insurance options in your budget. Try it [e-mail], progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Price and coverage match limited by state law. Not available in all states.

From NPR n WBEZ Chicago, this is Wait, Wait, don't tell Me, the NPR News Quiz. I'm Bill Curtis. We are playing this week with Luke Burbank, Brian Babylon and Nagin Farsad. And Harrigan is your host at the Studemaker Theater in Chicago, Illinois, Karen Chee.

[Karen Chee]

Thank you, Bill. Right now it's time for the Wait, Wait, don't tell me bluff the listener game. So call 1-888-wait- wait to play our game on air or check out the pinned post on our Instagram page, aitwaitnpr. Hi. You're on Wait, Wait, don't tell me, Abby.

[Brian Babylon]

This is Chris Robinson calling in from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

[Karen Chee]

Chris, how are you doing this week? Pretty good this week.

[Nagin Farsad]

I'm in law school right now, so.

[Brian Babylon]

I decided to take some time out and do a fun NPR show and try to relax a little bit before finals come up.

[Karen Chee]

Nice. I love it. I love when a true nerd calls into NPR saying, I'm taking a break from finals by doing a quiz.

[Luke Burbank]

Yes.

[Karen Chee]

Thank you so much for joining us. You're going to play our game in which you must try to tell truth from fiction. So what's the topic, Bill?

[Bill Curtis]

Childhood fears come true.

[Karen Chee]

You know, the classic kid fears, like the dark, the boogeyman, the creeping realization that you've peaked at age 7. This week, somebody's childhood fear did come true, and our panelists are going to tell you about it. So pick the one who's telling the truth and you'll win our prize, the wait waiter of your choice on your voicemail. Chris, are you ready to play?

[Nagin Farsad]

I'm ready.

[Karen Chee]

All right. First up, it's Nagin Farsad.

[Luke Burbank]

As a kid, the only thing Ronald D'Souza feared more than getting pantsed was escalators. He feared that if he didn't tie his shoes before getting on an escalator, it would eat his legs. To this day, as an adult manager of the Macy's in Palm Desert, California, Ronald takes a beat too long to step on, waiting for the right step, missing the right step, and then waiting again for the right step. One day he was doing a VIP tour with vendors when the laces of his oxfords came undone. He didn't notice and led the group to the escalator. That's when the escalator began to eat his shoe. He was reflexively pulled to his knees, and that's when his pant leg got sucked in, pulling his trousers down and showing off his tighty whities. It was a double whammy childhood nightmare. He was rescued, but only after his clients and a stage of shoppers were treated to the rear end of a man perched like he was getting a public prostate exam. Co workers cut him out of the pants, after which he scurried to the men's section, looking business on top, party on the bottom. Nowadays, Ronald takes the elevator.

[Karen Chee]

That is a workplace pantsing from Negeen. And your next story of a we one's worry come to life comes from Brian Babylon.

[Brian Babylon]

This week, Mitchell and Brianne of Traverse City, Michigan had their first date. They decided to go hunting for rocks. That's what romance looks like in Michigan. So they headed up to the beach looking for some special blue stones, sort of like a bachelor and Indiana Jones spinoff. Now, Brianne sees a spot near the water and says, that looks dangerous. Mitchell hears that and just like a typical man goes, oh, word. Well, that's exactly where I'm going. This fool steps into the danger zone and gets snatched up to his waist in two seconds by quicksand. And get this, he wasn't even shocked. He said, oh, not this again. Again. How many times have you been in quicksand, bro? What kind of lifestyle is this? Who raised you? Shaggy from Scooby Doo? But here's the real rom com moment. During the 911 call, they both accidentally dropped the girlfriend and boyfriend title for the first time to the 911 caller. The firefighters finally showed up and pulled Mitchell out like a human cork. Moral of the story? If your date starts with yard work and turns into a rescue op and then ends with relationship titles, congratulations, you're not in love. You're in a Lifetime movie.

[Karen Chee]

And that's a story about how quicksand is real. From Brian Babylon. And your last story of a fear becoming fact comes from Luke Burbank.

[Kevin Stroud]

Kylie Hogan of Coober Pedy, Australia knew she wasn't losing her mind. The married mother of three kept telling her husband Paul, she was hearing something or someone under the bed after he'd fall asleep at night. But his response was, nar, it's just your imagination. But in fact, as the Coober Pedy Times reported recently, nar, it wasn't just her imagination. The noises were coming from under the house in the ground, where a sinkhole was slowly opening up. When the city finally came out to investigate, it turned out the hole was part of a rich vein of opals. Unfortunately, the family had to move out of their home which was torn down. But fortunately, they now own the rights to a very profitable opal operation, allowing them to build a huge new home just down the street, Complete with toilets that flush in the normal direction. And a beautiful fenced backyard where the family's pet koala Crikey. Can relax with her babies, safe from area dingoes.

[Karen Chee]

Okay, Chris, so you've got Negeen's story of a man getting pantsed by an escalator during a big day at work. Brian's story of a man getting stuck in quicksand on a first date, and from Luke, a woman who finds out that the monster under her bed is actually a sinkhole. So which one do you think is real?

[Brian Babylon]

I think I'm gonna go with Luke's because it sounds more realistic.

[Nagin Farsad]

He's hoping I'm not wrong.

[Karen Chee]

Okay, so your choice is Luke's story about a misadventure in Australia. To find out the correct answer, we spoke to a reporter covering the real story. There are probably easier ways to get a girlfriend than getting stuck in quicksand.

[Bill Curtis]

Wow.

[Brian Babylon]

There is.

[Karen Chee]

That was Kara Berg of the Detroit News talking about the quicksand romance. I'm so sorry, Chris, but Brian had the real answer.

[Luke Burbank]

You gotta go with your heart.

[Karen Chee]

You gotta go with your heart. And that's how you should think about your law school finals.

[Kevin Stroud]

Yes.

[Karen Chee]

Chris, I'm sorry you didn't win, but you did earn a point for Luke, so thank you so much.

[Nagin Farsad]

Thanks for having.

[Karen Chee]

And now the game we call not my job. Brian Tyree Henry is an Oscar, Emmy and Tony nominated actor who first came to national attention playing the rapper paperboy in FX's Atlanta. Since then he's been a superhero, a transformer, and in his new show, Dope Thief, a small town grifter pretending to be a DEA agent. Thank God I flushed all my drugs before the interview started. Brian Tyree Henry, welcome to.

[Nagin Farsad]

Wait, wait, don't tell me I didn't flush mine. So that's. That's all.

[Karen Chee]

Oh, great. Okay, I'll have my toilet burp mine back up then.

[Nagin Farsad]

Please don't ever say that sentence again.

[Karen Chee]

Brian, I wanted to ask. You've been nominated for an Oscar, a Tony and an Emmy. So my next question was, how does it feel to achieve the pinnacle of cinematic success, by which I mean voicing Smokey Bear?

[Nagin Farsad]

To be honest with you, it feels like the role I was born to play.

[Karen Chee]

Oh, wow.

[Nagin Farsad]

I truly love going to national parks shirtless as often as possible, so I feel like it was a method acting gig for me.

[Brian Babylon]

You know what, Karen? I just realized Smokey the Bear did not have a shirt on. I never realized that.

[Nagin Farsad]

If you look at him recently, he's gotten quite buff, which I was like. I was like, is that for me?

[Karen Chee]

Cuz, like, listen, you joke, but I literally wrote down the question. Are you the reason Smokey Bear is hot now?

[Nagin Farsad]

I hope so. It better be.

[Karen Chee]

Okay, wait. Going off of this, though, I did have a question. Marry, kiss, Kill Smokey Bear, Paddington Bear, and Winnie the Pooh. Ooh.

[Nagin Farsad]

Okay, Mary, I would say marry Smokey for the benefits. You can get it to any national park you want, so clearly, right? Marry, kiss. I would kiss Paddington because, you know, he deserves it and he'll taste like marmalade. So that's that. And you gotta kill Winnie. Cause put your pants on.

[Karen Chee]

Yeah, Winnie, I have another question, which is that you've been in Transformers, the Eternals, and Spider Man. These are all huge franchises. And I wanted to rewind all the way back in time and ask, do. Do you remember what your very first role was?

[Nagin Farsad]

Yes. Embarrassingly enough, I was Santa Claus in my preschool production. I don't even know what this play was about, but I remember I had, like, a cotton ball beard. You know, they glued this beard together and, you know, all the parents were there. And I was the final part of this Christmas play, and I'm playing Santa Claus, and I have Mrs. Claus with me, and we've been rehearsing all week. And literally, as it comes to me, I pull my beard down and go to my teacher off the side of the stage, and I go, what's my line? Which in a photo that my mother captured, you can see this woman full of rage going, merry Christmas, Brian.

[Brian Babylon]

He pulled her, like, what's my motivation? Like, what's my motivation?

[Nagin Farsad]

And here I am now, a Tony.

[Kevin Stroud]

I, like, he's like. He's like, ho, ho. Line, ho.

[Nagin Farsad]

Yeah, it was great, but I nailed it. Just to be very clear.

[Karen Chee]

Well, now when you do win an Oscar, you have to start off your speech by saying, merry Christmas.

[Nagin Farsad]

Merry. What's my line?

[Karen Chee]

Yeah. I also wanted to ask about a different role, which I read about, and I wasn't sure if it was a rumor. Is it true that you played a tree in Chekhov's the Three Sisters?

[Nagin Farsad]

Who sent you? I did. It definitely humbles you. And my only line in that play was, what olive tree was that? I was like, well, at least this tree gets to speak. At least there's some depth there, right?

[Luke Burbank]

Did you always remember your line in.

[Nagin Farsad]

That one oh, man, I must have been on so many drugs at that point. I don't remember.

[Karen Chee]

Yeah, I wonder if your line was actually what or if that's what you said. Cause you couldn't remember or if that's what I said.

[Nagin Farsad]

Both can be true. Honestly, both can be true. Nuance is what they say.

[Karen Chee]

Going off of that. I wanted to ask, you've been a part of so many iconic projects, both on stage and on screen, what are you most recognized for when you're out in the world?

[Nagin Farsad]

I believe there's a black person on this panel. Did I hear you?

[Brian Babylon]

Yeah, it's me.

[Kevin Stroud]

I'm here.

[Brian Babylon]

Yeah.

[Nagin Farsad]

Wait, wait, don't tell me it's this guy.

[Brian Babylon]

Yeah.

[Nagin Farsad]

A paperboy. Always. I mean, I could be in the. In places where there's a population of 300 people and somebody is going to scream paperboy at me. But it's changing. It's changing. I went to my local grocery store not too long ago because, yes, I like to buy my own groceries everywhere. And this woman was like, hey, I just want you to know that. I just want to know, are you the actor from Dope Thief? And I threw my arms around. I was like, thank you. Thank you so much. Yes, I am. Thank you so much. So it's all shifting, but paperboy is usually the thing that where you at?

[Brian Babylon]

Was it the grocery store? Was it erewhon. Was it the grocery store?

[Nagin Farsad]

Close, close, close, close. It was sprouts.

[Bill Curtis]

Oh, yeah.

[Nagin Farsad]

How dare you?

[Brian Babylon]

How dare you, Erewhatton.

[Karen Chee]

All right, all right. Brian Tyree Henry. We've actually invited you here to play a game that we're calling bth, Meet bts. That's right, you are Brian Tyree Henry, bth. So we're going to ask you about one of the biggest bands in history, bts. So answer three questions about the K pop icons and you'll win our prize for one of our listeners. Bill, who is Brian playing for?

[Bill Curtis]

Brittany Tri Night of Round Rock, Texas.

[Nagin Farsad]

Bless your heart for thinking I'll know any of these answers, but let's go.

[Karen Chee]

Okay, here's your first question. After forming in 2010, BTS became one of the biggest bands in the world. They're so popular that which of these is true? A, they were the only band that Pope Francis had on his ipod. B, the crowds at BTS concerts are so loud that the noise is faintly detectable from space. Or C, almost one in ten visitors to South Korea go there for BTS related reasons.

[Nagin Farsad]

I'm going to say the last one. One in Ten go to Korea.

[Karen Chee]

Yes, that's correct. NPR reported that BTS adds $5 billion annually to South Korea's economy.

[Kevin Stroud]

Wow.

[Nagin Farsad]

What can K pop do for you?

[Karen Chee]

All right, Brian, here's your next question. BTS thinks a lot about their lyrics. So much so that they do what before recording them, A, run them by a women's studies professor, B, have their official fan account send out definitions for any particularly big words, and C, make sure they sound just as good, screamed out loud or whispered to yourself alone in your bedroom.

[Nagin Farsad]

Well, the last one I do myself so that I'm going to say the second one about having someone look up the words that scene.

[Karen Chee]

Do you want to guess again?

[Nagin Farsad]

I only want to be on games that gaslight me like this one. Thank you. Okay, the third one.

[Karen Chee]

Listen, I'm going to give you one more guess.

[Kevin Stroud]

Merry Christmas.

[Nagin Farsad]

Okay, the first one, that's correct.

[Karen Chee]

All right, here's your last question. Fans were worried about the future of BTS because all South Korea Korean men are required to complete a year and a half of military service before the age of 28. So as BTS neared their deadline, the government got involved. How? A, they negotiated a special two year truce with North Korea to make sure BTS would stay safe. That's all it takes. B, they passed a special law allowing anyone to defer their service as long as they're in a hit K pop band. And C, they amassed a quote, strategic BTS song stockpile.

[Nagin Farsad]

Defer their service.

[Karen Chee]

That's correct. I got it. After a bit of deferring for a world tour, all of the BTS members have since enlisted. So, Bill, how did Brian do on our quiz?

[Bill Curtis]

Brian, you did great. You get them all right? You're a winner.

[Nagin Farsad]

Bill, are you sure you don't want to ask what your line just to be safe?

[Karen Chee]

Brian Tyree Henry is starring in Dope Thief on Apple tv. Brian, thank you so much for joining us on Wait Wait. Don't tell me you crush it. Thank you. In just a minute, find out what happens when BFF meets PU 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.

[Brian Tyree Henry]

This message comes from Capella University. The right support can make a difference. That's why at Capella University, learning online doesn't mean learning alone. You'll get support from people who care about your success and are there for you every step of the way, whether you're working on a bachelor's master's or doctoral degree, you can learn confidently knowing you'll get the dedicated help you need. A different future is closer than you think with Capella University. Learn [e-mail]. this message comes from Bluehost. Bluehost can make building a great website easy and offers a 30 day money back guarantee. Customize and launch your site in minutes with AI, then optimize with built in search engine tools. Get your great [e-mail] this message comes from Wise, the app for doing things in other currencies. With Wise, you can send, spend or receive money across borders, all at a fair exchange rate. No markups or hidden fees. Join millions of customers and visit wise.com Ts and Cs apply.

[Bill Curtis]

From NPR in WBEZ Chicago, this is Wait, wait, don't tell me, the NPR News Quiz. I'm Bill Curtis. We're playing this week with Nagin Farsad, Luke Burbank and Brian Babylon. And Harrigan is your host at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago, Illinois. Karen Big Dog.

[Karen Chee]

Thank you, Bill. In just a minute. There ain't no party like a limerick party. Cause why would you have limericks at a normal party, you nerd? So if you'd like to play, give us a call at 1-888-WAIT-WAIT. That's 1-888-924-8924. But right now, panel, some more questions for you from the week's news. Brian, this is exciting. Scientists say they've discovered a new color and if you want to see it, all you have to do is. What?

[Brian Babylon]

This has nothing to do with mushrooms, right?

[Karen Chee]

No. Here's a hint.

[Brian Babylon]

Yeah.

[Karen Chee]

It involves a laser. And the last thing you should ever do with a laser.

[Brian Babylon]

Oh, yeah. It's called, well, in my neighborhood they call it like light sword lightsaber syndrome. But it's like you're not supposed to look into a laser.

[Karen Chee]

Do you live on the Death Star?

[Brian Babylon]

You're not supposed to look straight into a laser.

[Karen Chee]

I'll give it to you. That's correct. Thank you. Shoot a laser into your eye. So scientists have discovered a new color and all you have to do to see it is to shoot a laser into your eye.

[Brian Babylon]

So what is the color called? Blind.

[Kevin Stroud]

Yeah.

[Brian Babylon]

Oh, man. Blind.

[Karen Chee]

This is a good question because the color is called olo for oh, lo, my eyes.

[Bill Curtis]

Yes.

[Kevin Stroud]

How did Blind Brian get his nickname?

[Brian Babylon]

You know what, if you ever want to go yolo, just see olo.

[Kevin Stroud]

Yeah, right. Yeah.

[Karen Chee]

Yeah. I honestly though, apparently the color is supposed to be like a Blue, Green. Which, I gotta be honest, I don't think it should count if the brand new color can be described by two pre existing colors.

[Brian Babylon]

And who told them that? Like, what? I'm saying, like, what test subjects?

[Karen Chee]

All right, you ready?

[Brian Babylon]

Yeah, ready. Okay. What do you see?

[Bill Curtis]

Blue.

[Kevin Stroud]

Green.

[Karen Chee]

I don't know.

[Luke Burbank]

But also, they're like, it's a color I've never seen before. Like, how do they know?

[Kevin Stroud]

Worth it.

[Luke Burbank]

I've seen blue, green. I don't need it.

[Karen Chee]

That's a good point. I really want them to find a new color and be like, this one is spiky. Okay, Negeen. This week, the Wall Street Journal reported that now more than ever, Americans are no longer giving each other what?

[Luke Burbank]

High fives. Can I get a hint?

[Karen Chee]

Yeah. A hint is that only 20% of my friends call me Big Dog anymore. Oh, nicknames. That's correct. Nicknames.

[Luke Burbank]

Wait, there's like, a decline in nicknames?

[Karen Chee]

Yeah. Nicknames appear to be on the decline, partly due to young people being very mindful about building their professional presence online, which is kind of good practice, right? Because you don't want your interviewer's first question to be, so do you prefer Elizabeth or pizza slut 35. But luckily, nickname levels remain high among little league baseball teams. Teams, construction sites, and bodegas where the owner just calls you boss.

[Kevin Stroud]

Are you saying this is bad? For my longtime friend Kamaro Kev, in my friend group, everyone had a dumb nickname.

[Karen Chee]

What was yours?

[Kevin Stroud]

Luke. That's what was most hurtful. My parents gave it to me.

[Luke Burbank]

So my husband had a friend group in college where every single person had a nickname as well. And it's funny because to this day, I don't know their real names. So I just refer to these people, like, oh, are you gonna call up Baby Hairs and see what he's doing this weekend? What's your boy jeans up to? Like, they were also weird nicknames that, like, didn't make sense, like, out of context.

[Karen Chee]

Baby Hairs is definitely the nickname for Peter Zakal. Moving on. Nobody tells I said that. 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-WAIT. That's 1-888-924-8924. You can see us most weeks here at the Studebaker Theatre in Chicago or catch us on the road. We'll be in Portland, Maine, on June 26th and 27th and at Tanglewood in Western Massachusetts on August 28th. For tickets and info to all our live shows, go to nprpresents.org hi, you're on. Wait, wait, don't tell me.

[Luke Burbank]

Hey, this is Celine calling from Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

[Karen Chee]

Wow, welcome. Yes, Steamboat Springs is such a lovely name. It feels like a city from a picture book. Yeah. And you know, Steamboat's a great place for, you know, a landlocked mountain town, so. Well, welcome to the show, Celine. Bill Curtis is 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 going to be a winner. So here's the first limerick to my brain.

[Bill Curtis]

A sweet signal you send. It's a pizza and late night talks blend. It's that wonderful scent of letting me vent. Thank you for being a friend. Yes, that's correct.

[Karen Chee]

According to scientists, a person's smell can be more influential than their personality when you're deciding to be their friend. I can see how that could work on like a subconscious level. But someone audibly smelling me is not my secret to friendship.

[Bill Curtis]

Yes.

[Luke Burbank]

This would give like a show like Sex and the City such a different look if they were sitting around having brunch and sniffing each other and being.

[Karen Chee]

Like, no, thank you, Samantha.

[Brian Babylon]

And then they were like. At that point I realized Mr. Big smelt great.

[Karen Chee]

Celine, here's your next limerick.

[Bill Curtis]

If your car's nearby, maybe you should checker. He's a mirror and shiny car hood wrecker. Lots of damage occurred from this hard headed bird. Now our town lives in fear of a woodpecker.

[Karen Chee]

That's correct. An ornery woodpecker has destroyed over 20 car windows and mirrors in Cape Ann, Massachusetts. He's pecking windows, glass, metal. He's not a woodpecker. He just a pecker.

[Luke Burbank]

Wow. Wait, where is this pecker now?

[Karen Chee]

I think still there.

[Luke Burbank]

So he's just out like ravaging.

[Karen Chee]

I assume at this point the mayor of the town.

[Kevin Stroud]

Yes, under Cape Ann law, he is now the mayor.

[Karen Chee]

All right, Celine, here is your last limerick.

[Bill Curtis]

Viral infections are dumb, but the thought of a shot leaves me numb. They don't yet have Slurpees for flu or for herpes. I will chew on this Germ killing gum.

[Karen Chee]

That's correct. Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a chewing gum that helps fight against viral infections like influenza. Its working title, Juicy Flu.

[Kevin Stroud]

Oh, no.

[Karen Chee]

The gum is made from a kind of bean that contains a protein that essentially traps viruses. So in the lab. This gum neutralized two strains of flu and two strains of herpes. So if your spouse is always coming home late chomping on gum whenever they're working late, I've got some bad news for you.

[Luke Burbank]

Wait, so you. And you can chew it, like, all the time? Or how does it.

[Brian Babylon]

Is it like Nicorette or just my breast milk?

[Luke Burbank]

Or you just do it like. Or you do it like a vaccine? You just chew on it once a year?

[Karen Chee]

Oh, I think it's, like, pretty often. So every time you kiss somebody, you're like, chew, chew, chew.

[Brian Babylon]

Or are you like, oh, my God, I'm real itchy? Chew, chew, chew.

[Kevin Stroud]

Right?

[Karen Chee]

Yeah.

[Luke Burbank]

Yeah.

[Karen Chee]

That's the slogan for the gum. Choo choo choo. Gums and trains. Bill, how did Celine do?

[Bill Curtis]

She did wonderfully. Three in a row. Celine, get going.

[Karen Chee]

Yay. Celine, thank you so much for playing. Yeah, thanks for having me. Yay.

[Brian Tyree Henry]

This message comes from BetterHelp. Therapy can be expensive. But at BetterHelp, they believe therapy should feel accessible, not like a luxury. Which is why they offer quality care at a price that makes sense and can help you with anything from anxiety to everyday stress. Your mental health is worth it, and now it's within reach. Visit betterhelp.com NPR to get 10% off your first month.

[Bill Curtis]

That's betterhelp.com NPR this message comes from Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, monetary magicians. These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations. This message comes from Warby Parker. Prescription eyewear that's expertly crafted and unexpectedly affordable. Glasses designed in house from premium materials starting at just $95, including prescription lenses. Stop by a Warby Parker store near you.

[Karen Chee]

Now on to our final game. Lightning. Fill in the blank. Each of our players will have 60 seconds in which to answer as many fill in the blank questions as they can, and each correct answer is worth two points. Bill, can you give us the scores?

[Bill Curtis]

Naguin and Brian each have two, and Luke is skyrocketing at four.

[Luke Burbank]

What?

[Karen Chee]

Whoa.

[Kevin Stroud]

That's what that bluff will do for you.

[Luke Burbank]

Doesn't make any sense.

[Bill Curtis]

I know.

[Karen Chee]

All right, Negeen and Brian, you're tied. So, Negeen, I'm just going to arbitrarily say you're up first.

[Luke Burbank]

Great.

[Karen Chee]

The clock will start when I begin your first question. Fill in the blank. On Monday, Marco Rubio Unveiled plans for a massive reorganization of the Blank department.

[Luke Burbank]

Oh, the hair and makeup department at the state.

[Karen Chee]

Right. The State Department. On Wednesday, long serving Illinois Senator Blank announced plans to retire Dick Durbin. Right. This week, health officials warned that if vaccination rates continue to decline, the US could see millions of new cases of Blank Measles. Right. This week, a couple in Pittsburgh got married at their dream location. Blank.

[Luke Burbank]

A quicksand thing on the beach.

[Karen Chee]

Not far, the mosh pit of a cannibal corpse show.

[Luke Burbank]

Oh, I was gonna say that.

[Bill Curtis]

I didn't say that.

[Karen Chee]

On Wednesday, Olympic gymnast Blank won her fourth world Sportswoman of the Year award.

[Luke Burbank]

Oh, Simone.

[Karen Chee]

Yeah, right.

[Luke Burbank]

Biles.

[Karen Chee]

Simone Biles. This week, NASA celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Blank telescope.

[Luke Burbank]

Hubble.

[Karen Chee]

Right. After celebrating a bachelor party, a man in Ireland spent the next three weeks trying to Blank.

[Luke Burbank]

Annul his wedding.

[Karen Chee]

Trying to remember where he parked after parking his. The man went out partied and completely forgot where it was. He then spent the next three weeks searching one neighborhood at a time. Thankfully, he's now found the car just in time to get wasted at the wedding reception and lose it all over again. Bill, how did Negeen do?

[Bill Curtis]

5. Right. 10 more points total to 12 puts her in the lead.

[Karen Chee]

All right, Brian, you're up next. Fill in the blank. On Wednesday, Russia launched a new wave of drone attacks on Blank.

[Brian Babylon]

Ukraine.

[Karen Chee]

Right. According to a new study, nearly half of us teenagers say that blank has a negative effect on their mental health.

[Brian Babylon]

Social media.

[Karen Chee]

Right. This week, the White House denied Arkansas's request for federal aid to help people affected by blanks, the flood or tornado. Right. On Tuesday, rescue workers in New Jersey warned that a blank in the southern part of the state had expanded to cover over 8,500 acres.

[Brian Tyree Henry]

Fire.

[Karen Chee]

Right. In a huge rule change, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said that members need to blank before voting for the Oscars.

[Brian Babylon]

Watch the damn movie.

[Karen Chee]

That's correct. Kenyan runner Faith Kipiagon announced she would attempt to become the first woman to break the four minute blank this summer.

[Brian Babylon]

Mile.

[Karen Chee]

Right. On Thursday, the 2025 blank draft began in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

[Brian Babylon]

Go Bears. NFL.

[Karen Chee]

Right. This week, a man in Indonesia escaped with only minor injuries after he drove off an uncompleted bridge because Blank.

[Brian Babylon]

Bogus ass. Google Maps.

[Karen Chee]

That's correct. Because Google Maps. Because Google Maps told him it was the fastest route.

[Brian Babylon]

It is to a stairway to heaven.

[Karen Chee]

Even. Even though he crashed into the road below and then ran into a whole bunch of trees, the man escaped with pretty much no injuries. Then really Bad stuff happened after the ambulance driver that picked him up was like, don't worry, I know a shortcut. All right, Bill, how did Brian do?

[Bill Curtis]

For the first time in 10 years, I'm honored to say that Brian got everything. Every single one. Eight.

[Karen Chee]

Right.

[Bill Curtis]

16 more points. Total of 18.

[Karen Chee]

So how many does Luke need to win?

[Bill Curtis]

Seven to tie and eight to win.

[Karen Chee]

All right. Okay, Luke, this is for the game. As part of their ongoing battle, Blank University filed suit against the White House this week.

[Kevin Stroud]

Harvard.

[Karen Chee]

Right. On Tuesday, the International Monetary Fund warned that Trump's trade war was putting the world closer to a global Blank Recession. Right. This week, the White House proposed tariffs of up to 3,500% on solar panels from Blank China. Right. According to a new report, Blank pollution levels are getting worse across the US air. Right. After being accused of stealing over $200,000, a bank employee in Arkansas defended herself by saying, blank, I was trying to.

[Kevin Stroud]

Buy my baby a new tooth.

[Karen Chee]

That she was just borrowing the money. Citing a loss of journalistic independence, the executive producer of CBS's Blank resigned.

[Kevin Stroud]

60 Minutes.

[Karen Chee]

Right. On Wednesday, human runners competed against 20 blanks in a half marathon in China.

[Kevin Stroud]

Robots.

[Karen Chee]

Right. After a driver accidentally drove away with a woman's kid still asleep in the backseat. Uber refused to connect the woman and the police with the driver, but they.

[Kevin Stroud]

Did blank hire the kids.

[Karen Chee]

They did offer her a $10 credit for a future ride. I first want to say everyone in the story is okay and the police got the girl back safe and sound. No problem. And I just want to say that nothing says we're sorry like a $10 credit for a future ride. Oh, wait. I'm so sorry. That's in Canadian dollars. So a $7 credit for a future ride. Bill, did Luke do well enough to win six.

[Bill Curtis]

Right. 12 more points, total of 16. It was close, but not a win. Brian is a champion.

[Karen Chee]

Yeah. In just a minute, we'll ask our panelists to predict who. Who will be the surprising new Pope. 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 Gaedica writes our limericks. Our public address announcer is Paul Friedman. Our tour manager is Shaina Donald. Thanks to the staff and crew at the Studebaker Theater. BJ Lederman composed our theme. Our program is produced by Jennifer Mills, Miles Doornboss and Lillian King. Special thanks to Mohanad El Shecki and Monica Hickey. Additional production from Peter. Teensy Weensy dog Gwynne. Emma Choi is our vibe curator. Our jolly good fellow is Hannah Anderson. Technical direction, Lorna White. Our CFO is Colin Miller. Our production manager is Robert Newhouse. Our senior producer is Ian Chillag. And the executive producer of Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me is Mike Danforth. Now, panel, who is going to be the next pope? Brian Babylon.

[Brian Babylon]

It will be Pope GPT.

[Karen Chee]

Nagin Farsad.

[Luke Burbank]

Taking a page from the Daily show and msnbc, the papacy will have a rotating cast of popes changing every night of the week.

[Kevin Stroud]

And Luke Burbank, in a move both vast Vatican ownership and the fans will immediately regret, it's Aaron Rodgers.

[Bill Curtis]

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

[Karen Chee]

Thank you, Bill Curtis. Thanks also to Brian Babylon, Nagin Farsad and Luke Burbank. And thanks to all of you for listening. I'm Karen Chee filling in for Peter Sagal and will see you next week.

[Bill Curtis]

Karen Chi, Karen , everybody.

[Karen Chee]

Karen Ch. Big Dog, this is NPR.

[Bill Curtis]

This message comes from Bombus. Socks, underwear and T shirts are the top three requested clothing items by people experiencing homelessness. Bombas makes all three and donates one item for every item purchased. Go to bombas.com NPR and use code NPR for 20% off. This message comes from ebay. Swapping out your tires. There's nothing like it. With ebay, you find the feel you're looking for, from smooth highway rides to grip for rough terrain. Get all the tires you need at prices you'll love. Ebay things people love. This message comes from CarMax. Buying a car is a big decision, a decision you should feel absolutely confident about. And when you shop with CarMax, you will because CarMax offers a 10 day money back guarantee so you can feel confident that you made the right choice for you. If you're not completely satisfied with your decision, simply bring it back within 10 days for a full refund. Always shop with confidence at CarMax, the way car buying should be. See CarMax.com for details.