Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Episode Summary

Title: Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
Host: Peter Sagal
Guests: GWAR members Mike Bishop and Mike Dirks, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Actor Josh Gad, Taxidermist Amber Maykut, Singer-Songwriter Kara Jackson
Release Date: May 17, 2025

Josh Gad: From Olaf to Memoir

Peter Sagal opens the episode with a heartfelt conversation with actor Josh Gad, best known for voicing Olaf the Snowman in Disney's Frozen. Josh discusses his newly released memoir, "Gad We Trust," sharing insights into his multifaceted career and personal reflections.

Memoir Insights and Recognition:

• Josh Gad (02:00): "It was just sitting there and typing all the words was intimidating because I had to come up with them. And as it started to expand, it just felt like, okay, this may be a story worth telling."
• Peter Sagal (02:18): "What are you most recognized for?"
• Josh Gad (02:37): "I regret the voice of Olaf because it leads to children recognizing me everywhere. But I'm grateful so many love Olaf."

Behind the Scenes of Fame: Josh shares amusing anecdotes about being recognized in unexpected places, such as grocery stores, and the challenges of balancing fame with personal privacy. He humorously recounts an encounter with director David O. Russell, who failed to recognize him in his Olaf persona:

• Josh Gad (05:46): "David O. Russell, brilliant director... He didn't recognize any of them. I said, 'I'm Olaf,' and he was baffled."

Dreams Realized: Josh reminisces about his early aspirations to work at Disney, particularly his desire to host the Jungle Cruise. Years later, through perseverance, he fulfilled that dream:

• Josh Gad (07:54): "I got to live out my dream, really."

Interactive Quiz: Posh Lads: Josh participates in the "Posh Lads" quiz segment, answering questions about British traditions and posh anecdotes. His successes in the quiz highlight his quick wit and broad knowledge base.

Amber Maykut: Taxidermy with a Celebrity Twist

Amber Maykut, known as the "Taxidermist to the Stars," shares her unique craft of anthropomorphic taxidermy, transforming deceased animals into lifelike, whimsical pieces that reflect human characteristics.

Crafting Unique Pieces:

• Amber Maykut (16:01): "A lot of what I do is called anthropomorphic taxidermy, so it's kind of giving life, human characteristics or activities to the taxidermy."

She describes creating a raccoon dressed as a cowboy for Justin Long and Kate Bosworth, emphasizing the blend of artistry and personal touch that makes her work stand out:

• Amber Maykut (16:51): "That one is probably one of my best sellers that went viral online."

Techniques and Materials: Amber delves into the meticulous process involved in creating anatomically correct models, highlighting the combination of taxidermy supplies, sculpting, and artistry required to bring her creations to life.

Interactive Quiz: They're Alive: Amber engages in the "They're Alive" quiz game, which focuses on humorous and bizarre incidents involving animals entering homes. Her accurate answers showcase her expertise in the field of taxidermy and animal behavior.

Gretchen Whitmer: Michigan's Governor and Author

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joins the show to discuss her latest book, "True Gretsch," and delves into the personal stories behind her unique nicknames, including the affectionate moniker "Big Gretch."

Embracing Nicknames:

• Gretchen Whitmer (22:13): "Big Gretch, when it first came to be during the pandemic, I was not sure what to make of it. But now it's my favorite nickname."

She shares the origin of her nickname, bestowed by Detroit rapper G Mac, and its transformation into a symbol of her connection with the people of Detroit:

• Gretchen Whitmer (22:58): "They love you. This is a nice thing. Now it's my favorite nickname, Big Gretsch."

Personal Anecdotes: Gretchen recounts her challenging youth, including a high school incident that significantly impacted her trajectory:

• Gretchen Whitmer (24:35): "I was practicing my State of the State last year and I ran into one of the podiums. All my front teeth."

Interactive Quiz: Check Out These Not So Great Lakes: Governor Whitmer participates in a trivia game about minor bodies of water, impressively answering questions about peculiar anecdotes involving lakes and puddles. Her correct responses demonstrate her well-rounded knowledge and quick thinking.

GWAR: The Extraterrestrial Heavy Metal Phenoms

Members Mike Bishop and Mike Dirks of the legendary shock rock band GWAR discuss their theatrical performances and elaborate costumes, providing a behind-the-scenes look at what makes their shows uniquely captivating.

Band Dynamics and Characters:

• Mike Dirks (34:22): "Originally I was Beefcake the Mighty, who was the bass player. Now I am the Berserker Blothar."

• Negeen (34:06): "We are extraterrestrial war gods banished to Earth for our crimes in outer space."

Unique Performances: They describe the extreme nature of their costumes and stage antics, noting the meticulous detail and creativity that set them apart from other heavy metal bands:

• Negeen (34:28): "These costumes are not just like Kiss, for example. We've got enormous headpieces and huge full-body costumes."

Interactive Quiz: GWAR Meet Jaguar: GWAR members tackle a quiz focused on Jaguars, both the animal and the NFL team, demonstrating their extensive knowledge and humor-filled camaraderie.

Kara Jackson: From T-Ball to Poetry Laureate

Singer-songwriter Kara Jackson reflects on her journey from playing T-ball under Peter Sagal's coaching to becoming an acclaimed youth poet laureate. She discusses her music, including her hit song "Head Blues," and her experiences performing internationally.

Early Days and Inspirations: Kara fondly remembers her time on the T-ball team, highlighting the importance of supportive coaching and teamwork:

• Kara Jackson (43:09): "I was really good at T-ball, I've gotta say. I was just really tall."

Poetic Endeavors: As the third National Youth Poet Laureate, Kara shares her process of creating and reflecting on her early poems, balancing nostalgia with pride:

• Kara Jackson (44:05): "It's a chance for me to treat my younger self with care and appreciate what I was doing at that age."

Musical Achievements: Kara discusses her song "Head Blues," which humorously tackles past relationships, and its positive reception, even performing it for the US Ambassador in London:

• Kara Jackson (46:28): "I had to perform at the US Ambassador in London, and I did that song for the US Ambassador, and she was really cool with it."

Interactive Quiz: Yes Fun Party: Kara engages in a lively quiz about extravagant parties, demonstrating her sharp mind and playful spirit by correctly answering most questions.

Conclusion

The episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! masterfully blends humor, trivia, and engaging conversations with a diverse lineup of guests. From the comedic anecdotes of Josh Gad to the artistic insights of Amber Maykut, the inspiring journey of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the theatrical grandeur of GWAR, and the poetic talents of Kara Jackson, the show offers a rich tapestry of stories and personalities. Each segment is thoughtfully structured, providing listeners with laughter, knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted lives of the guests.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Gad (02:37): "I will get recognized in like grocery stores just being like, hi, is milk over there?"
• Gretchen Whitmer (22:13): "This is a nice thing. Now it's my favorite nickname, Big Gretsch."
• Amber Maykut (16:51): "That one is probably one of my best sellers that went viral online."
• Mike Dirks (34:22): "Originally I was Beefcake the Mighty, who was the bass player. Now I am the Berserker Blothar."
• Kara Jackson (43:37): "I think I'm still chasing that high, honestly."

Listeners who missed the episode will find it a delightful mix of entertainment and informative discussions, encapsulating the essence of NPR's beloved news quiz show.