Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! – Episode Summary: "WWDTM: Laufey" Release Date: July 26, 2025

NPR's beloved weekly news quiz, Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, hosted by Peter Sagal at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago, delivers its signature blend of humor and current events. This episode, featuring guest Levy—a Grammy-winning Icelandic pop jazz musician—offers a lively mix of games, insightful commentary, and entertaining banter among the panelists: Peter Gross, Adam Burke, and Joyell Nicole Johnson.

1. Opening Remarks and Contestant Interaction

The show kicks off with Peter Sagal welcoming Shannon from Flagstaff, Arizona, who shares her recent job offer as a nurse at a local hospital. The panel congratulates her, highlighting the positive vibes of moving to a cooler climate away from Phoenix's heat.

Notable Quote:

• Shannon (01:31): "I just moved here like two weeks ago from Phoenix and I'm not moving back."

2. Introducing the Panelists and First Contestant Game

Peter introduces the panel:

• Adam Burke, a comedian performing in Arlington Heights.
• Joyell Nicole Johnson, a comedian with her album Yell Joy available at Blonde Medicine.
• Peter Gross, an actor and writer appearing at Chicago's IO Theater.

The first game, "Bluff the Listener," challenges contestant Shannon to identify correct news voices. She successfully deciphers quotes from Congressman Jim McGovern and a discussion about toupees becoming socially acceptable, winning the chance to use a show voice for her voicemail.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Curtis (03:04): "They're scared. Bleepless over those files."
• Joyell Nicole Johnson (04:18): "Now that I want to know."

3. Highlighting Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy

The panel discusses the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, emphasizing his impact on heavy metal and reality TV. They humorously recount his notorious stage antics, including biting the head off a bat and a dove.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Sagal (07:09): "He basically invented heavy metal as we know it."
• Joyell Nicole Johnson (08:18): "He was an inspiration to me because I drink a lot..."

4. Second Contestant Game: "Bluff the Listener" with Serenity

Serenity from Arlington, Virginia, participates in the next round of "Bluff the Listener," focusing on the Tour de France. She correctly identifies the true story about the workers tasked with altering offensive graffiti along the race route, earning the prize.

Notable Quote:

• Bill Curtis (05:14): "Own obituary, born 1948, died whenever he bit the head off a bat."

5. Guest Interview: Levy’s Musical Journey

Levy, the guest of the episode, shares her impressive musical background, including soloing with the Icelandic Symphony at 15 and winning a Grammy by 26. She discusses her upcoming album A Matter of Time, hinting at personal artistic rebellion through the inclusion of swear words in her music.

Notable Quotes:

• Levy (22:36): "I learn cello and piano growing up and definitely had to practice every day."
• Levy (23:04): "I just let my heart."

6. Interactive Segment: Daylight Savings Time Quiz

Levy participates in a quiz about daylight savings time, answering questions about its history and Iceland’s decision to abolish it. Her correct answers highlight societal adaptations and practical concerns influencing time-related policies.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Sagal (29:14): "The state of Connecticut made it illegal."

7. Final Contestant Game: "Lightning Fill in the Blank"

The panel engages in a rapid-fire fill-in-the-blank game, testing quick recall and humor. Adam Burke emerges as the leader with multiple correct answers, humorously addressing topics from presidential policies to quirky personal anecdotes.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Burke (34:09): "He not wrong."
• Peter Sagal (48:40): "He would powder his butt."

8. Listener Limerick Challenge

Maria from Council Bluffs participates in the Listener Limerick Challenge, completing humorous limericks about quirky trends like coffee served in buckets and the peculiarities of office air. Her perfect score underscores her sharp wit and familiarity with current events.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Curtis (38:59): "This coffee trend's big in Nantucket."
• Peter Sagal (39:17): "Coffee shops around the country are selling iced lattes served in an actual bucket."

9. Concluding Remarks and Future Trends

In the final segment, the panel humorously speculates on the next male beauty trend following the waning stigma around toupees. Suggestions range from "Going to Friggin Therapy" to playful takes on self-care for dads, reflecting the show's blend of humor and cultural commentary.

Notable Quotes:

• Joyell Nicole Johnson (50:24): "When you become a dad, you have to go to freaking therapy."
• Adam Burke (50:47): "In the footsteps of Tom Brady center and powder their butts and go to freaking therapy."

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Humor Amidst Current Events: The episode adeptly balances current news with humor, making complex topics like political maneuvers and cultural shifts more accessible and entertaining.

• Engaging Panel Dynamics: The chemistry among the panelists—Peter Gross, Adam Burke, and Joyell Nicole Johnson—adds depth to discussions, enhancing the listener's experience through their unique perspectives and comedic timing.

• Interactive Listener Participation: Games like "Bluff the Listener" and the "Listener Limerick Challenge" actively engage listeners, making the show both participatory and informative.

• Spotlight on Cultural Icons: The discussion of Ozzy Osbourne's legacy underscores the show's knack for blending reverence with humor, honoring influential figures while keeping the tone light-hearted.

• Guest Feature: Levy's interview provides an inspiring narrative of artistic growth and personal expression, offering listeners insight into the creative process of a young Grammy-winning musician.

Conclusion

This episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! expertly weaves humor with current events, interactive games, and insightful interviews. Whether you're a long-time listener or tuning in for the first time, the show's engaging format and dynamic panelists ensure a delightful and informative experience.