Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! – Thanksgiving Edition Summary

Released: November 30, 2024 | Host: Peter Sagal | Produced by NPR

Introduction

In the Thanksgiving Edition of NPR's beloved news quiz, "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!", host Peter Sagal delivers a heartwarming and humorous episode filled with engaging quizzes, insightful interviews, and delightful interactions with guests. Recorded at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago's Fine Arts Building, this episode celebrates gratitude and the enduring legacy of the show, which has entertained audiences for over 25 years.

Celebrating Achievements: Eric Weinmeyer’s Everest Climb

Guest Spotlight: Eric Weinmeyer (00:42 - 07:24)

The episode opens with the introduction of Eric Weinmeyer, the first blind person to summit Mount Everest. Eric shares his unique experience of being misrepresented in a viral local newscast, where his sexual orientation was mistakenly highlighted over his monumental achievement.

Notable Discussion Points:

• Viral Misrepresentation: Eric recounts how a local news segment focused on incorrectly labeling him as gay instead of highlighting his blindness and Everest climb. (01:58)

  Eric Weinmeyer: "They made, like I said, your career and your life has been documented in documentaries and in one feature film about you going up to the top of Everest. That must have been a little odd, having a movie made about you while you're still here."

• Climbing Challenges: Eric discusses the meticulous preparations and support from his team during the ascent, emphasizing that he relied heavily on his guides and Sherpas to navigate the treacherous Khumbu Icefall. (04:05)

• Philosophy of Climbing: Rather than seeking visual beauty, Eric finds solace and inspiration in the sounds and sensations experienced during the climb, describing the summit as a profound auditory experience. (04:57)

  Eric Weinmeyer: "It's sort of like you've been swallowed by sky, and it's this scary, infinite, beautiful, powerful sound of vibrations just moving through the universe."

Quote with Timestamp:

Peter Sagal (02:05): "Nothing funny about being gay or being blind, but I don't know how the two look the same on a script."

Thanksgiving Quiz Games and Triumphs

Game Segment: Mountain Climber Meets Social Climber (07:34 - 11:35)

Eric Weinmeyer participates in a quiz game that tests his knowledge on recent social climbers. He successfully answers two out of three questions, showcasing his wit and intelligence while winning a prize for a listener’s voicemail.

Quote with Timestamp:

Eric Weinmeyer (11:29): "I'm so excited. I feel like I just summited the seven summits all over again."

From the Gym to the Olympics: Mary Tyson Lapin’s Journey

Guest Spotlight: Mary Tyson Lapin – Olympic Weightlifter (15:53 - 29:12)

Mary Tyson Lapin joins the show to discuss her impressive journey from a rookie to an Olympian weightlifter representing the United States at the Paris Games.

Notable Discussion Points:

• Olympic Experiences: Mary shares her experiences during the Olympic Games, including the soaking rain during the opening ceremonies and an unexpected encounter with LeBron James. (25:36)

  Mary Tyson Lapin: "We had all those like AI generated images before the Olympics where the sunset was beautiful and everyone was cheering and like we saw the Eiffel Tower and everything. And then we get there and it was gray."

• Training and Challenges: She delves into the rigorous training required for weightlifting and the unique atmosphere of weightlifting gyms compared to regular fitness centers. (23:29)

  Mary Tyson Lapin: "There's... obviously there's a little bit more to it than that, but at the end of the day, it's a very, like, simple sport."

• Media Appearances: Mary humorously recounts her stint coaching Snoop Dogg on weightlifting, highlighting the playful side of her athletic career. (27:16)

  Mary Tyson Lapin: "We started with a broomstick... We started with a broomstick."

Quote with Timestamp:

Peter Sagal (24:07): "Does anybody like, for example, oh my God, you're an Olympic weightlifter. Could you pick that up and they..."

Artistic Ingenuity: Lyndon Barrois’ Gum Wrapper Sculptures

Guest Spotlight: Lyndon Barrois – Sculptor and Animator (35:06 - 43:13)

Lyndon Barrois, a unique artist renowned for creating intricate sculptures from discarded gum wrappers, shares his creative process and artistic journey.

Notable Discussion Points:

• Creative Beginnings: Lyndon discusses how his childhood in New Orleans inspired his use of recycled materials, particularly gum wrappers, to create detailed miniature sculptures. (35:31)

  Lyndon Barrois: "If I sculpted it with the paper side out, I can color it. And boom, the light switch went off and, you know, here I am."

• Professional Career: Balancing his passion for sculpture with his professional work in animation and special effects for major Hollywood films, Lyndon highlights his contributions to iconic movies like "The Matrix" and "Happy Feet." (37:27)

  Lyndon Barrois: "I've done everything from the Matrix trilogy to Happy Feet. The CG creature effects in those films, the character, the ones that are brought to life..."

• Sculpture Masterpieces: Discussing his standout piece, "Karate Dog," Lyndon reveals the intricate details and the humorous critique it has received for the dog's limited karate moves. (38:13)

  Peter Sagal: "We refer, of course, to Karate Dog. Were you aware, because we looked into this, that Karate Dog, of course, a classic. But there are some people who are unhappy with Karate Dog because despite the title, the dog only does karate twice."

Quote with Timestamp:

Lyndon Barrois (35:49): "They've got me here."

Celebrity Interactions: Maya Hawke’s Multifaceted Career

Guest Spotlight: Maya Hawke – Actress and Singer-Songwriter (44:31 - 52:06)

Maya Hawke, known for her role in "Stranger Things," discusses her dual career in acting and music. Engaging in a lively quiz segment about birdwatching, Maya showcases her quick thinking and playful nature.

Notable Discussion Points:

• Balancing Careers: Maya reflects on managing her pursuits in both acting and music, humorously acknowledging the challenges of excelling in multiple disciplines. (44:37)

  Maya Hawke: "It's like you try to do one thing well and then you're like, hey, look, I can do another thing badly."

• "Stranger Things" Experience: She shares her experiences filming in the ever-popular series and the unexpected encounters with fans and celebrities like LeBron James. (45:56)

  Maya Hawke: "I was in the background and someone took you... I was like, like looking at him."

• New Projects: Maya discusses her upcoming movie "Wildcat" and her new album "Chaos Angel," offering insights into her creative inspirations and future endeavors. (46:55)

Quiz Segment: Bird Watching (48:25 - 52:06)

Maya participates in a birdwatching-themed quiz, answering questions about urban birds' quirky behaviors with impressive accuracy, further endearing her to listeners.

Quote with Timestamp:

Maya Hawke (49:20): "I love crow story. Crows are amazing and they do amazing things. And so I'm gonna have to go with because of my extensive crow research. With B, thwarting a neighbor's recycling."

Behind the Scenes: Show Production and Acknowledgments

Production Insights and Special Mentions (43:26 - 53:07)

Peter Sagal concludes the episode by acknowledging the dedicated team behind the show's success, from producers to technical directors. He expresses gratitude to guests and listeners alike, reinforcing the community spirit that defines "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!"

Final Remarks:

Peter Sagal: "This was too much fun. It really was. Was take care."

Conclusion

The Thanksgiving Edition of "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" masterfully blends humor, heartfelt stories, and intellectual challenges. From celebrating groundbreaking achievements and Olympic dreams to exploring artistic creativity and celebrity tales, the episode offers something for everyone. With memorable quotes and engaging segments, Peter Sagal ensures that listeners are both entertained and informed, making it a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving playlist.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Weinmeyer (02:05): "Nothing funny about being gay or being blind, but I don't know how the two look the same on a script."

• Peter Sagal (24:07): "Does anybody like, for example, oh my God, you're an Olympic weightlifter. Could you pick that up and they..."

• Lyndon Barrois (35:49): "They've got me here."

• Maya Hawke (49:20): "I love crow story. Crows are amazing and they do amazing things."

Listeners' Takeaway

"Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! – Thanksgiving Edition" delivers a blend of laughter, inspiration, and community spirit. Whether learning about Eric Weinmeyer's extraordinary climb, Mary Tyson Lapin’s Olympic journey, Lyndon Barrois’ artistic ingenuity, or Maya Hawke’s versatile talents, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of stories that embody the essence of Thanksgiving gratitude and celebration.