Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Episode Summary: Featuring James Gunn
Release Date: July 19, 2025
Host: Peter Sagal
Guests: James Gunn, Adam Burke, Bobcat Goldthwait, Paula Poundstone
Location: Studebaker Theater, Fine Arts Building, Chicago, Illinois

1. Introduction and Opening Remarks

The episode kicks off with host Peter Sagal addressing current events, notably the controversial Congressional decision to defund public broadcasting. Expressing disappointment that "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" wasn’t specifically mentioned in the debates, Sagal humorously urges listeners to support the show by calling the provided number.

Notable Quote:

"We have been unworthy of public support for more than a quarter century. We want recognition."
– Peter Sagal [00:49]

2. Listener Engagement – News Quotes Contest

The first segment involves a listener contest where Bill Curtis reads three news-related quotes. Contestants must identify or explain two out of the three to win a prize.

• First Quote:
  "When I saw the news about coffee, I thought maybe this is Yaupon's Mummet in the Sun."
  Explored the rise of Yaupon as a coffee alternative due to tariffs increasing coffee prices.

Notable Interaction:

Bobcat Goldthwait: "I'm envious of coffee drinkers. I've never been a coffee drinker."
– Bobcat Goldthwait [04:17]

• Second Quote:
  "People love as many of them as possible. If space were no issue, we'd add another couple in the center console."
  Discussed the surprising prominence of cup holders in modern car design.

• Third Quote:
  "I'm a grown man to go by myself, people are gonna look at me a little weird."
  Highlighted the launch of "Chuck's Arcade," an adult-themed extension of the familiar Chuck E. Cheese chain.

Listener Pat successfully identified all three quotes, winning the prize.

3. "Bluff the Listener" Game: Secrets of the Bard

In this game, listener Timothy from Cocoa Beach challenges the panelists to identify true or fabricated "secrets" about William Shakespeare.

• Adam Burke: Suggested Shakespeare was a cannabis enthusiast, referencing supposed evidence like cannabis residue in pipe fragments.
• Paula Poundstone: Claimed Shakespeare originally wrote "Hamlet" as a musical with songs like "To be or not to be."
• Bobcat Goldthwait: Proposed Shakespeare invented modern drag competitions to cast female roles in his plays.

The correct answer was Adam’s theory about Shakespeare and cannabis, earning Pat a point.

Notable Quote:

"Shakespeare was a pothead."
– James Gunn [16:45]

4. Interview with James Gunn

James Gunn, renowned writer and director known for "Guardians of the Galaxy" and the new "Superman" film, joins the show for an engaging conversation.

Highlights:

• Early Creativity:
  Gunn reminisces about creating bloody stop-motion animations with his brothers as a child.
  "There was a theme."
  – James Gunn [22:15]

• Handling Fame:
  Gunn discusses his experiences at Comic-Con and his approach to managing fan interactions, emphasizing empathy and understanding from his own youth.
  "I try to be as present as possible with those people while that's happening."
  – James Gunn [24:08]

• "Superman" Insights:
  The conversation delves into the lighthearted and whimsical elements of Gunn's "Superman," including the introduction of Krypto the Superdog.
  "He's a maniac."
  – James Gunn on Krypto [26:40]

• Humor and Creativity:
  Gunn shares humorous anecdotes about his CGI dog, Ozu, and the unexpected surge in dog adoptions linked to the film.

Notable Quote:

"He just softly moves to the other side of the table."
– James Gunn on Ozu [26:22]

During a game segment titled "Meet the T-Shirt Gunn," Gunn correctly answers trivia about the quirky history of T-shirt guns, showcasing his quick wit and knowledge.

5. Listener Limerick Challenge with Andrew Kissack

Listener Andrew from Pittsburgh participates in a limerick challenge, completing rhyming ends to humorous verses about modern trends like witchcraft on Etsy and minimalist "monk mode" lifestyles.

Notable Quote:

"It's toxic to always be happy."
– Peter Sagal on Toxic Positivity [43:15]

6. "Lightning Fill in the Blank" Game

The final game involves rapid-fire fill-in-the-blank questions covering various news topics. Panelists demonstrate their quick thinking:

• Bobcat Goldthwait:
  Answered numerous blanks correctly, including identifying Elon Musk in a political context and recognizing Los Angeles as the location of Yellowstone’s new geological formation.

• Paula Poundstone:
  Filled in blanks related to celebrity news and quirky events, maintaining a strong performance throughout.

• Adam Burke:
  Emerges victorious by leading the quiz with the highest score, demonstrating sharp recall of current events.

Notable Quote:

"He has the luck of the Irish."
– Bill Curtis on Adam Burke’s Performance [50:02]

7. Closing Remarks and Future Predictions

In the closing segment, panelists humorously speculate on future waking aids post-caffeine and Yaupon, ranging from existential dread to "Infused carnation instant breakfast."

Notable Quote:

"Adam Burke, just good old fashioned existential."
– Bobcat Goldthwait [51:11]

Peter Sagal wraps up the show by thanking the guests and panelists, highlighting the production team, and acknowledging the studio audience, ensuring listeners are left with a mix of laughter and thoughtful commentary.

Conclusion

This episode of "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" seamlessly blends humor, insightful discussions, and engaging games, all while spotlighting the creative prowess of guest James Gunn. From quirky coffee alternatives to the intricate humor surrounding public figures and pop culture, the show offers a rich tapestry of content that entertains and informs, making it a must-listen for both regular fans and newcomers alike.