Laugh Out Loud with NPR's Wait Wait

Introduction to Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!

Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! is a popular American quiz show and podcast that has been entertaining audiences for over two decades. Produced by NPR, the show is known for its light-hearted and humorous take on current events, politics, and pop culture. On July 19, 2025, the show went live in Chicago, featuring host Peter Sagal, special guest James Gunn, and panelists Paula Poundstone, Adam Burke, and Bobcat Goldthwait.

About the Host and Panelists

Peter Sagal, the host of Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!, is a renowned American playwright, author, and radio host. He has been hosting the show since 1998 and has become a household name in the world of comedy and entertainment. The panelists for the July 19, 2025, episode included Paula Poundstone, a comedian and actress known for her witty humor and satirical commentary; Adam Burke, a comedian and writer who has appeared on several TV shows and podcasts; and Bobcat Goldthwait, an actor, comedian, and director who has been active in the entertainment industry since the 1980s.

Special Guest James Gunn

The special guest for the July 19, 2025, episode of Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! was James Gunn, an American film director, writer, and producer. Gunn is best known for directing the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and has also worked on several other notable films, including Slither and Super. His appearance on the show was highly anticipated, and fans were excited to see him bring his unique brand of humor and wit to the podcast.

The Live Show in Chicago

The live show in Chicago was a huge success, with a packed audience and a lively atmosphere. The show featured a range of games and challenges, including the popular "Bluff the Listener" segment, where panelists have to come up with fake news stories and try to convince the other panelists that they are true. The show also included a "Not My Job" segment, where James Gunn had to answer questions about a topic he was not familiar with.

Games and Challenges

The games and challenges on Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! are a key part of the show's appeal. They are designed to be light-hearted and humorous, and often feature current events, politics, and pop culture as topics. The show's writers and producers work hard to come up with clever and entertaining questions and challenges that will keep the audience laughing and engaged. Some of the other games and challenges featured on the show include "Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank," where panelists have to come up with answers to a series of questions as quickly as possible, and "Who's Bill This Time?", where panelists have to identify a famous person or character based on a brief description.

Background and History of Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!

Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! was first launched in 1998 and has since become one of the most popular podcasts and radio shows in the United States. The show was created by Peter Sagal and Doug Berman, and is produced by NPR. Over the years, the show has featured a range of hosts and panelists, including Carl Kasell, who was the original host of the show. Today, Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! is broadcast on over 600 radio stations across the United States and is available as a podcast on a range of platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Impact and Popularity

Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! has had a significant impact on the world of comedy and entertainment. The show has won numerous awards, including several Peabody Awards, and has been praised for its light-hearted and humorous take on current events and politics. The show's popularity has also led to the creation of several spin-off shows and podcasts, including the popular "How I Built This" podcast, which features interviews with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In conclusion, the July 19, 2025, episode of Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! was a hilarious and entertaining show that featured a range of games and challenges, as well as a special guest appearance by James Gunn. The show's host, Peter Sagal, and panelists, Paula Poundstone, Adam Burke, and Bobcat Goldthwait, brought their unique brand of humor and wit to the podcast, making it a must-listen for fans of comedy and entertainment. Key takeaways from the show include the importance of light-hearted and humorous commentary on current events and politics, as well as the need for entertaining and engaging games and challenges that keep the audience laughing and engaged. Overall, Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! is a must-listen podcast and radio show that is sure to continue entertaining audiences for years to come.