Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me!
Episode: Paul Giamatti, Laufey, and More!
Date: November 29, 2025
Host: Peter Sagal
Announcer: Bill Curtis
Panelists & Guests: Paul Giamatti, Laufey, James Gunn, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Dulce Sloan, Hari Kondabolu, Tom Papa
Overview
This special Thanksgiving edition of NPR's news quiz show takes a look back at some of the year’s most memorable moments, featuring celebrity guests and hilarious segments. Host Peter Sagal and his panel share gratitude—and lots of laughs—with highlights from interviews and games involving actor Paul Giamatti, musical phenom Laufey, director James Gunn, and Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad. The episode blends insightful conversations with signature Wait Wait games, all in the show’s sharp, playful tone.
Highlights by Guest & Segment
Paul Giamatti: Illusions, Comedy, and Leftovers
Main Segment: 01:24–12:14
Notable Quotes:
- “I know literally nothing about wine. Nothing.” – Paul Giamatti (01:54)
- “Not me, man.” – Paul Giamatti (03:30)
- “My feet were blue for about six months.” – Paul Giamatti (05:52)
Bluff the Listener: Dental Mishaps
Segment: 14:33–20:34
- Features panelists Dulce Sloan, Hari Kondabolu, Tom Papa with humorous fake and real stories of dental faux pas.
- Correct answer: A smart toothbrush app outs a man’s Friday morning affair when his dental hygiene patterns change (Tom Papa’s story, 18:30).
Notable Moment:
- Peter Sagal: “When a digital toothbrush says someone brushed their teeth at 10:48am when they were supposed to be at work at 9, they're probably naked.” (19:30)
Laufey: Musical Rebellion & Twin Hijinks
Main Segment: 22:16–31:27
-
Defining Her Sound
- Peter Sagal: “How do you define your sound?”
- Laufey: “I’m Laufey. That’s all you need to know.” (22:16)
-
Musical Upbringing
- Laufey credits her Chinese mother and classical training, but calls her new album “my first act of rebellion.”
- She laughs about being told as a child she sounded like “a divorced French 40-year-old woman.” (23:54)
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On Being 'Odd' & Twin Life
- Laufey embraces her uniqueness: “I was odd and I am odd. I think it worked out for the better.” (24:14)
- She reveals her identical twin Junia is her creative director, with anecdotes about mix-ups and secret swaps, though insists: “Well, I sing... She has a degree in international relations.” (27:06)
-
Barbra Streisand Collaboration
- Laufey recalls her disbelief: “I thought my manager was pranking me.” (25:02)
-
Game: Daylight Savings Time Trivia
- Laufey, playing for a listener, faces questions on the history (and annoyance) of daylight savings:
- Learns Ben Franklin was joking when he first proposed it (28:47).
- On why Iceland doesn't have DST: “It’s just so annoying.” (30:41)
- Bill Curtis: “She’s a winner!” (30:56)
Notable Quotes:
- “I’m Laufey. That’s all you need to know.” – Laufey (22:16)
- “I was odd and I am odd. I think it worked out for the better.” – Laufey (24:14)
James Gunn: Superheroes, Dogs & T-shirt Guns
Main Segment: 34:08–41:31
Notable Quotes:
- “Ozu doesn’t know anything. He barely knows where he was two seconds ago...Every time Crypto’s on screen, he attacks the screen.” – James Gunn (37:05)
Ibtihaj Muhammad: Competition, Fencing & Perfectionism
Main Segment: 43:15–51:05
Notable Quotes:
- “From the road, you could see fencers in the school cafeteria. And my mom was like, I don’t know what it is, but they’re covered, so I want you to do it.” – Ibtihaj Muhammad (44:08)
- “Everything has to be perfect. And I really struggle when things aren’t exactly the way that they’re supposed to be.” – Ibtihaj Muhammad (45:34)
Additional Fun and Memorable Moments
- Audience delight at stories of accidental blue feet, toothbrush espionage, and Laufey’s “twin sister swap” mystery.
- Running theme of “things we’re thankful for,” punctuated with quick-witted asides and playful banter.
- Peter Sagal’s ongoing gags about awkward Thanksgiving moments and subtle jabs at odd historical trivia.
- Testimonials from listeners during games, highlighting the show’s blend of genuine engagement and absurdist fun.
Timestamps of Key Segments
- Paul Giamatti Interview: 01:24–12:14
- Bluff the Listener: Dentistry Gone Wrong: 14:33–20:34
- Laufey Interview: 22:16–31:27
- James Gunn Interview: 34:08–41:31
- Ibtihaj Muhammad Interview: 43:15–51:05
In Summary
This Thanksgiving edition of “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” delivers the show’s trademark quick humor, sharp celebrity interviews, and oddball trivia by reliving its most popular recent moments. From Paul Giamatti's confessions and Laufey’s quirky artistry to James Gunn’s superhero dog and Ibtihaj Muhammad's fierce competitiveness, the episode is packed with quotable jokes and heartwarming stories. It’s a perfect sampler platter for both longtime fans and new listeners, celebrating what makes public radio—and this show—such a joy.
