Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Episode Summary
Episode: WWDTM: Eric Idle, Bridget Everett + Jeff Hiller, and more!
Release Date: March 29, 2025

Introduction

In this vibrant Spring Break edition of NPR's "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!", host Peter Sagal engages with a stellar lineup of guests, including Eric Idle of Monty Python fame, Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride, Emmy-nominated actress Diane Lane, and the dynamic duo Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller from HBO's "Somebody Somewhere." The episode is peppered with humor, insightful discussions, and entertaining games that test the guests' knowledge, providing listeners with both laughter and enlightenment.

Eric Idle of Monty Python

Timestamp: 00:43 - 12:18

Discussion Highlights: Eric Idle reminisces about Monty Python's surprising rise to fame in the United States, contrasting it with the initial modest reception in the UK. He shares anecdotes about the band's interactions with fans and their influence on pop culture.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Idle (01:21): "I loved my time in Chicago. I'm married to a Chicago woman and I have lots of Chicago relatives. So I love Chicago."
• Eric Idle (02:45): "We became what I call mock and roll."
• Peter Sagal (07:13): "Always look in the Bright side of Life... replace 'My Way'—definitely an improvement."
• Eric Idle (08:01): "I think it's wrong. Quite wrong, but still."

Key Points:

• Monty Python's US Reception: Eric discusses how Monty Python's work found unexpected popularity in the US, particularly with the airing of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," which led to "Python mania" in places like New York and Canada.
• Financial Support from Rock Stars: Idle reveals that prominent British rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Genesis financed "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," humorously noting he continues to pay them from the success of "Spamalot."
• Legendary Parties: He recounts a memorable party in London where members of the "Star Wars" cast and The Rolling Stones attended, inadvertently disrupting a "Star Wars" scene and leading to humorous repercussions.
• Elvis Presley's Admiration: Idle shares a touching story from Linda Thompson, Elvis's girlfriend, about Elvis engaging with Monty Python sketches late at night.

Games:

• Spam Quiz (08:20 - 11:36): Eric participates in a trivia game about spam, correctly answering all three questions and winning the prize for a listener’s voicemail message.

Christian McBride, Grammy-Winning Bassist

Timestamp: 15:02 - 21:56

Discussion Highlights: Christian McBride delves into his passion for jazz, his early inspirations, and the nuances of being a renowned bassist in a genre that often doesn't garner mainstream attention.

Notable Quotes:

• Christian McBride (15:23): "Being a famous jazz bass player is being like a famous plumber because I might not get invited to the party, but you need me."
• Christian McBride (16:35): "It was quite extraordinary. So we became what I call mock and roll."
• Peter Sagal (17:39): "That one visit was my great uncle."
• Christian McBride (19:03): "Who cares?"

Key Points:

• Early Inspirations: McBride credits his great uncle Howard for igniting his love for jazz by immersing him in the genre during his formative years.
• Career and Identity: He reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a jazz musician, highlighting the necessity of bass players in ensembles despite their often understated public profiles.
• Cultural References: McBride explains the regional variations of the term "john" and shares humorous insights into local vernaculars.

Games:

• Bass Pro Quiz (19:37 - 21:56): Christian demonstrates his knowledge of Bass Pro Shops, correctly answering two out of three questions, thereby winning the prize for a listener’s voicemail message.

Diane Lane, Emmy-Nominated Actress

Timestamp: 23:28 - 31:06

Discussion Highlights: Diane Lane discusses her role as Slim Keith in FX's "Feud: Capote vs. the Swans," touching on her experiences in the entertainment industry, her personal anecdotes, and the challenges of portraying real-life personalities.

Notable Quotes:

• Diane Lane (24:18): "I don't feel safe suddenly."
• Diane Lane (25:03): "I was much more two ears, one mouth around Lord Larry, I can imagine."
• Diane Lane (26:55): "I don't feel safe suddenly."

Key Points:

• Role Preparation: Lane shares her approach to embodying Slim Keith, emphasizing the importance of understanding the social dynamics of the 60s and 70s New York society depicted in the series.
• Personal Insights: She humorously reflects on her introverted nature and the discomfort it brings when dealing with large fan gatherings like Comic Con.
• Series Promotion: Lane discusses the impact of "Feud" and her excitement about its availability on Hulu, highlighting its critical acclaim and her Emmy nomination.

Games:

• Swan vs. Swan Quiz (27:09 - 31:06): Diane engages in a trivia game about swans, correctly answering two out of three questions and earning the prize for a listener’s voicemail message.

Bridget Everett & Jeff Hiller of HBO's "Somebody Somewhere"

Timestamp: 33:03 - 47:27

Discussion Highlights: Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller discuss their experiences working together on "Somebody Somewhere," the creative process behind the show, and their personal lives, blending humor with heartfelt reflections.

Notable Quotes:

• Bridget Everett (33:38): "With everything going on in the world, we were just, like, kind of reinvigorated to sing the songs again."
• Jeff Hiller (34:35): "I got the part of Annie in the musical Annie... ended up being a really horrible mashup of Annie and Oliver."
• Bridget Everett (43:08): "People, thank you."
• Jeff Hiller (45:01): "I just got a face for murder."

Key Points:

• Band Reunion: Everett explains the revival of Bikini Kill, attributing it to a renewed sense of purpose amid global events and the physical joy of performing their songs again.
• Early Career Anecdotes: Hiller recounts his challenging first role in a musical parody combining "Annie" and "Oliver!", highlighting the unorthodox and humorous nature of the experience.
• Balancing Fame and Privacy: They discuss navigating fame, particularly Everett's experience in Manhattan, Kansas, and Hiller's friendship with members of Nirvana and Foo Fighters.
• Personal Insights: The duo opens up about their personal lives, including family time and maintaining friendships in the hectic world of entertainment.

Games:

• Nobody Nowhere Quiz (46:00 - 47:27): Bridget and Jeff participate in a trivia game about desolate places, expertly answering all three questions and securing the prize for a listener’s voicemail message.

Conclusion

This episode of "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" masterfully blends humor with insightful conversations, offering listeners a delightful mix of nostalgia, behind-the-scenes stories, and engaging trivia. From Eric Idle's reflections on Monty Python's legacy to Christian McBride's deep dive into the world of jazz, Diane Lane's portrayal of Slim Keith, and the comedic camaraderie of Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller, each segment is enriched with memorable quotes and entertaining anecdotes. The episode wraps up with the successful participation of all guests in their respective games, earning them special prizes and leaving the audience both informed and thoroughly entertained.

Note: All timestamped quotes correspond to the provided transcript and serve to highlight key moments within each discussion.