Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Episode: Sterling K. Brown
Host: Peter Sagal
Release Date: April 5, 2025

Introduction and Show Setup

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! kicked off with host Peter Sagal welcoming the audience from the Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts Building in Chicago, Illinois. Sagal introduced the day's panelists—Josh Gondelman, Nageen Farsad, and Tig Notaro—and set the stage for a lively episode filled with quizzes, games, and humor. The episode featured comedian Tig Notaro alongside regular panelists, promising an engaging mix of perspectives and laughs.

First Contestant: Alexis Breitnicker

The show welcomed its first contestant, Alexis Breitnicker from Cummington, Massachusetts ([00:45]). Alexis, a mother of ten-year-old twins and the head of a nonprofit organization focused on building affordable housing and supporting small businesses, participated in the initial quiz segment. The challenge involved identifying quotes from recent news events, with the opportunity to win a personalized voicemail message from a voice of her choice.

Notable Quote:

"It's such an old fashioned term, but a beautiful term. Groceries. It says a bag with different things in it." – President Trump ([03:06])

Alexis successfully identified President Trump's announcement of record-high tariffs, humorously connecting it to everyday items like groceries. Her quick wit and accurate responses set a positive tone for the episode.

Panelists' Discussions and Banter

Throughout the episode, the panelists engaged in spirited discussions and humorous exchanges. They delved into topics such as economic instability affecting personal finances, the potential privatization of weather forecasting, and the implications of political decisions on everyday life.

Notable Interaction:

Tig Notaro: "We need all the things."

Peter Sagal: "Well, Alexis, let me introduce you to our panel today. First, he's a comedian..."

[Laugh track] ([02:07])

The playful banter between the host and panelists added a layer of relatability and humor, keeping listeners entertained while navigating through complex topics.

Bluff the Listener: Jason Laughlin

The next contestant, Jason Laughlin from Des Moines, Iowa, participated in the "Bluff the Listener" game ([13:34]). Jason faced a challenge where he had to discern between true and fabricated stories about trends resurfacing from teenage years.

Key Highlights:

• Josh Gondelman described adults reenacting teenage behaviors in Bemidji, Minnesota, leading to humorous scenarios like "sticky hand-based economies."
• Tig Notaro shared a quirky tale about senior citizens in Florida adopting youthful antics such as mooning during pickleball games.
• Nageen Farsad humorously discussed the resurgence of braces among adults, turning dental trends into comedic anecdotes.

Jason successfully identified Tig Notaro's story about adults mooning in a retirement community as the true account, earning her a point and contributing to the lighthearted atmosphere of the show.

Guest Appearance: Sterling K. Brown

The highlight of the episode was the guest appearance by Sterling K. Brown, renowned actor and star of the new series Paradise ([20:00]).

Interview Insights: Sterling shared his experiences transitioning from an economics major and intern at the Federal Reserve to a celebrated acting career. He humorously recounted how his stint at the Federal Reserve was less thrilling than his acting endeavors.

Notable Quote:

"The biggest blind spot in all is that we all sort of delude ourselves into thinking that we have some degree of control over what happens next. And really all we have control over is our response to what happens next." ([24:26])

Sterling also discussed his podcast with his wife, Ryan Michelle Bathe, titled We Don't Always Agree, highlighting the authenticity and challenges of maintaining a long-term relationship.

During the interview, Sterling participated in trivia games about Jimmy Buffett's retirement communities, showcasing his quick thinking and engaging personality. He correctly answered two out of three questions, contributing to the competitive yet friendly environment.

Listener Games: Limerick Challenge and Lightning Fill in the Blank

The episode featured interactive games encouraging listener participation:

• Listener Limerick Challenge:
  Sharon Coleman from Standardsville, Virginia, joined the show to complete news-related limericks. She successfully filled in missing phrases, earning points for her accurate and humorous completions.

• Lightning Fill in the Blank:
  The final game tested panelists' quick recall of recent news events by having them complete sentences with missing words or phrases.
  Nageen Farsad led the round, accurately answering six out of six prompts, securing her position as the episode's top scorer.

Notable Interaction:

Sterling K. Brown: "I just try to keep staying my life as possible."

Peter Sagal: "Yeah, said the guy with a podcast." ([25:38])

Sterling's candid and humorous responses during the games highlighted his down-to-earth nature and ability to effortlessly blend humor with insightful commentary.

Conclusion

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! wrapped up with a playful discussion about potential new holidays, showcasing the panelists' creative and humorous spirits. Host Peter Sagal thanked Sterling K. Brown and the regular panelists for their contributions, leaving the audience with laughter and anticipation for future episodes.

The episode successfully balanced humor with insightful discussions, featuring celebrity appearances and interactive listener segments that engaged both live and remote audiences. Sterling K. Brown's appearance added star power and depth, enriching the show's dynamic and entertaining nature.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• President Trump on Tariffs:
  "It's such an old fashioned term, but a beautiful term. Groceries. It says a bag with different things in it." ([03:06])

• Sterling K. Brown on Control:
  "The biggest blind spot in all is that we all sort of delude ourselves into thinking that we have some degree of control over what happens next. And really all we have control over is our response to what happens next." ([24:26])

• Panelist Tig Notaro on Mooning:
  "What if they're out clubbing and come to the cabinet meeting at like 10am the next morning. They all fall asleep when he's talking." ([39:10])

These quotes encapsulate the blend of humor and thought-provoking dialogue that characterizes Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, making it both entertaining and intellectually engaging for listeners.