Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! – Episode Summary: "Governor Whitmer"
NPR's "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" is a beloved weekly news quiz show that blends humor with current events. Hosted by Peter Sagal and featuring a panel of comedians and celebrity guests, this episode titled "Governor Whitmer" delves into a variety of amusing and insightful discussions centered around Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Introduction
The episode kicks off at the Fox Theater in Detroit, Michigan, with Peter Sagal warmly welcoming listeners and hinting at the spotlight on Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Setting a jovial tone, Peter encourages audience participation, inviting listeners to call in and join the fun.
Listener Contestant: Charlie from Cleveland
Timestamp: [00:00 - 08:28]
Charlie from Cleveland, Ohio, joins the show, engaging in playful banter about Midwestern rivalries. Host Peter Sagal introduces the panelists:
- Josh Gondelman: Comedian with a stand-up special, People Pleaser.
- Hari Kondabolu: Comedian and upcoming headliner.
- Roxanne Roberts: Style reporter for the Washington Post.
Notable Quotes:
- Peter Sagal [02:58]: "Hot Frosty, that's its real name, is just one of a new series of holiday movies coming out this season that are surprisingly what a sexual."
- Charlie [04:44]: "I don't like a jacked snowman because regular snowman is my body type."
Charlie participates in the quiz, answering questions about quirky news stories like sexy Christmas movies and unconventional parenting trends during college weekends. His humorous take adds a lively dynamic to the segment.
Panel Quiz Segment
Timestamp: [08:36 - 25:49]
The panelists tackle questions about this week's news:
-
Sunscreen Health Risks:
- Josh Gondelman [09:01]: Jokes about never using sunscreen.
- Peter Sagal [09:26]: "Experts in microbiology are warning that going shopping in vintage or thrift shops carries the risk of contracting athlete's foot, ringworm, and even gastrointestinal diseases."
-
Lindt Chocolate Lawsuit:
- Peter Sagal [10:09]: "They admitted it's not expertly crafted with the finest ingredients."
- Charlie [11:14]: "Whoa. Lind Chocolate uses toxic metal. They should just rebrand as Lindt Biscuit."
The discussion highlights absurdity in consumer culture and corporate disclaimers, with the panelists offering sharp and witty insights.
Listener Game: Bluff the Listener – Argentina Edition
Timestamp: [13:51 - 19:10]
Chuck from Indianapolis engages in the game "Bluff the Listener," where panelists present outlandish news stories about Argentina. The options include:
- Josh Gondelman: President Javier Milei annexes Antarctica to combat climate change.
- Roxanne Roberts: Billionaire Miguel Garzon attempts to redesign the Argentine flag to feature Lionel Messi.
- Hari Kondabolu: Argentina repeals a law making the president the godparent of every seventh child to prevent werewolf transformations.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Gondelman [15:10]: "Werewolves are not known for bureaucracy."
- Charlie [19:42]: "The legend of the seventh son being a werewolf is still the lion in South America."
Ultimately, Hari Kondabolu's bizarre werewolf law is revealed as the true story, showcasing the panel's ability to blend humor with fabricated tales.
Interview with Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Timestamp: [20:07 - 35:10]
Governor Gretchen Whitmer joins the show, bringing a mix of humility and humor. Peter Sagal delves into Whitmer's nicknames and personal anecdotes.
Key Topics:
-
Nickname "Big Gretch":
- Gretchen Whitmer [21:07]: Explains the origin of her nickname, initially hesitant but grew to embrace it after encouragement from a Detroit rapper.
- Peter Sagal [22:18]: Recites the chorus inspired by the nickname: "Throw the buffs on her face because that's Big Gretch. We ain't about to stress we got Big Gretch."
-
Gravity Gretchen:
- Gretchen Whitmer [23:26]: Shares a childhood story about her clumsiness earning her the nickname "Gravity Gretchen," leading to resilience and academic success.
-
High School Incident:
- Gretchen Whitmer [24:44]: Recounts a pivotal moment in high school where passing out from drinking motivated her to turn her life around.
Notable Quotes:
- Gretchen Whitmer [24:34]: "I felt most bad about my dad because he just paid for braces to fix the gap between those front."
The interview blends personal stories with humorous exchanges, highlighting Whitmer's relatability and leadership qualities.
Governor Whitmer’s News Quiz: Not So Great Lakes
Timestamp: [27:27 - 30:34]
Governor Whitmer participates in a quiz focused on minor bodies of water humorously termed "Not So Great Lakes." Questions include:
-
Samson the Hot Tub Bear:
- Governor Whitmer [28:35]: Correctly identifies the peculiar story of a bear infatuated with hot tubs.
-
Japanese Official and Puddles:
- Governor Whitmer [29:23]: Accurately recalls the incident where a Japanese official faced public backlash for being carried over a puddle.
-
Fleisch Hacker Public Pool:
- Governor Whitmer [30:19]: Correctly answers about the massive, now-defunct public pool overwhelmed by seawater.
Her flawless performance underscores her quick wit and broad knowledge base.
Final Quiz Segments: Lightning Fill in the Blank & Gamer
Timestamp: [35:10 - 50:44]
The final segments feature rapid-fire questions testing panelists' and guests' knowledge on various topics:
-
Lightning Fill in the Blank:
- Roxanne Roberts: Secures a lead with correct answers about historical recognitions and company mishaps.
- Hari Kondabolu: Answers accurately about societal and legal updates.
- Josh Gondelman: Provides humorous yet incorrect answers, adding levity to the competition.
-
Final Games and Winner Announcement:
- Roxanne Roberts emerges as the episode's quiz champion, demonstrating sharp recall and composure under pressure.
Closing Remarks and Future Trends in Holiday Films
As the episode winds down, Peter Sagal invites the panel to speculate on future trends in holiday movies, sparking creative and humorous ideas:
- Josh Gondelman: "Fast and Furious Christmas movies."
- Roxanne Roberts: "All I Want for Christmas is a Divorce."
- Charlie: "Themed Oscar bait movies like Christopher Nolan's Elfenheimer."
The discussion underscores the show's blend of current events with imaginative and comedic perspectives.
Conclusion
"Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" masterfully combines humor with insightful commentary on current events. This episode, centered around Governor Whitmer, offers a blend of lighthearted quizzes, engaging panel discussions, and a heartfelt interview, making it both entertaining and informative for listeners.
Notable Quotes Recap:
- Peter Sagal [22:12]: "Chocolate in your cheap apology."
- Gretchen Whitmer [21:18]: "Big Gretch sounds like Gretch. It's not pretty."
- Hari Kondabolu [17:51]: "He thinks of a cross between Elon Musk and the Phillies fanatic."
Listeners are left with a blend of laughter, knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for Michigan's Governor Whitmer's personality and leadership.
For those who haven't tuned in, this episode is a quintessential example of how "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" turns news into entertainment, making current events accessible and amusing for all.