Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! – Episode Featuring Ego Nwodim Release Date: May 24, 2025 | Host: Peter Sagal | Guest: Ego Nwodim
NPR's beloved weekly news quiz, Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, returns with another lively episode hosted by Peter Sagal at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago. This episode features a mix of humor, sharp wit, and insightful commentary from panelists Tom Papa, Dulce Sloan, Hari Kondabolu, and special guest Ego Nwodim of Saturday Night Live fame.
Contestant Segment: Olivia Zastro
The show begins with Olivia Zastro from Chicago, a commercial real estate analyst, joining the panel for the "Who's Bill?" quiz. Olivia is tasked with explaining or analyzing two out of three news quotations presented by comedian Bill Curtis.
Notable Discussion: Newark Liberty Airport Chaos
- Peter Sagal (02:58): "A traveler was speaking to New Jersey News 12... nervous about traveling through what airport this weekend?"
- Tom Papa (04:14): “My daughter was coming home from college... she doesn’t have a rabbit anymore.”
The panel humorously discusses the recent turmoil at Newark Liberty Airport, highlighting air traffic control shortages and safety concerns, with Tom Papa sharing a personal anecdote about his daughter’s chaotic flight.
Notable Discussion: Tom Cruise’s Publicity Tour
- Peter Sagal (05:13): “Mr. Cruise is on a publicity spree trying to get you to see what some are calling Hollywood's final action blockbuster.”
- Dulce Sloan (05:55): “Wee Man. Tiny ass man.”
The conversation shifts to Tom Cruise’s relentless promotional efforts for Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, blending satire with genuine curiosity about Cruise's commitment to keeping moviegoers engaged.
Notable Discussion: AI-Generated Summer Reading List
- Bill Curtis (08:06): “I have not written and will not be writing a book called... Called Nightshade Market.”
- Tom Papa (09:00): “But if you had asked AI... they are.”
The panel pokes fun at the Chicago Sun Times' mishap with an AI-generated summer reading list that bizarrely included non-existent books, sparking laughter over fictional titles like "Fourth Wing about dragon sex."
Olivia impressively navigates the quiz, successfully answering her questions and winning the listener’s choice voicemail prize.
Bluff the Listener: Simon from Asheville
Next up is Simon from Asheville, North Carolina, who participates in the "Bluff the Listener" game. He must discern which of three humorous dental mishaps is real.
Notable Story: Smart Toothbrush Exposing Infidelity
- Tom Papa (18:16): “...the private investigator exposed that the husband had started an affair with a work colleague...”
Simon correctly identifies Tom Papa’s tale about a smart toothbrush revealing a secret affair as the true story, showcasing his keen listening skills.
Guest Segment: Ego Nwodim
Ego Nwodim, recognized for her role on Saturday Night Live and Poker Face on Peacock, takes center stage in a special guest segment. Peter Sagal delves into Ego’s background and her character "Ms. Eggy."
Notable Discussion: Ms. Eggy’s Viral Moment
- Ego Wodemin (22:23): “I'm grateful to them.”
Ego shares behind-the-scenes insights about her first performance of Ms. Eggy, where an unexpected audience expletive momentarily derailed the bit. The discussion highlights Ego’s adaptability and humor in live performances.
Notable Game: Who’s Ego Playing For? Ego engages in a trivia game answering questions about infamous guests and cultural references, such as the notorious antics of rock stars Keith Moon and Rod Stewart at Holiday Inns, demonstrating her quick wit and extensive knowledge of pop culture lore.
Listener Limerick Challenge: Annalisea from Harlem
Annalisea from Harlem joins the "Listener Limerick Challenge," where she fills in the missing words from limericks based on current news events.
Notable Limericks:
- Zeppelin Revival:
- Bill Curtis (39:07): “A big blimp with what seems like a metal skin... the Zeppelin.”
- Pickle Lemonade Trend:
- Dulce Sloan (41:32): “This lemonade's great with a pickle.”
Annalisea successfully completes two out of three limericks, securing her victory and earning recognition for her sharp mind and grasp of current events.
Panel Q&A: Hari Kondabolu, Tom Papa, Dulce Sloan
The panel delves into a variety of news topics with their trademark humor:
Notable Discussion: Apple’s Vision Pro VR Headset
- Hari Kondabolu (33:31): “That it made their head hurt, that it made their heart hurt...”
- Dulce Sloan (35:20): “That makes sense. That sounds right.”
The panel critiques Apple’s high-priced Vision Pro VR headset, discussing user experiences and the technological frustrations that early adopters face, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone.
Notable Discussion: Evolutionary Biology of Cats
- Dulce Sloan (35:24): “That’s why we asked you.”
- Tom Papa (36:07): “Queen X is perfect, and if you were to die and nobody come and get you, the cat will eat you.”
A humorous take on a scientific claim about cats being the "perfect predator," sparking playful debates about feline perfection versus dog diversity.
Lightning Fill in the Blank
In the final segment, "Lightning Fill in the Blank," panelists race against the clock to complete news-related sentences swiftly.
Notable Examples:
- Zeppelin Revival:
- Dulce Sloan (39:40): “Zeppelin.”
- FDA Scrutiny on Ozempic:
- Dulce Sloan (44:46): “Ozempic.”
- Prosthetic Leg Roller Coaster Incident:
- Peter Sagal (41:32): “Pickle lemonade...”
Dulce Sloan and Hari Kondabolu lead the charge, correctly filling in multiple blanks and showcasing their quick-thinking abilities under time pressure.
Closing Remarks
Peter Sagal wraps up the episode by congratulating the winners and reflecting on the humorous intersections of current events and pop culture. The energy remains high as the audience is left anticipating the next episode's blend of news and comedy.
Notable Quote:
- Ego Wodem (42:54): “I'm gonna drink myself today if it kills me.”
Ego’s playful remark underscores the show's knack for blending light-hearted humor with engaging content.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Tom Papa (04:14): “My daughter was coming home from college... she doesn’t have a rabbit anymore.”
- Dulce Sloan (05:55): “Wee Man. Tiny ass man.”
- Ego Wodem (22:23): “I'm grateful to them.”
- Hari Kondabolu (33:31): “That it made their head hurt, that it made their heart hurt...”
- Dulce Sloan (35:20): “That makes sense. That sounds right.”
- Tom Papa (36:07): “Queen X is perfect, and if you were to die and nobody come and get you, the cat will eat you.”
- Ego Wodem (42:54): “I'm gonna drink myself today if it kills me.”
Conclusion
This episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! masterfully blends informative content with sharp humor, featuring engaging games, witty panel discussions, and a standout guest performance by Ego Nwodim. Whether tackling AI mishaps, celebrity antics, or quirky news stories, the show ensures listeners are both entertained and enlightened.