Behind the scenes with Peter Sagal and Emma Choi

Podcast Summary

• Exclusive Subscriber Content: Wait Wait Don't Tell Me Hosts Share Origins: Wait Wait Don't Tell Me Plus subscribers gain access to exclusive content, including bonus episodes and behind-the-scenes insights from hosts Peter Sagal and Emma Choi.

  Planet Oat oat milk offers a rich and creamy experience with added calcium, vitamins A and D, and unsweetened varieties contain no sugar. NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me hosts Peter Sagal and Emma Choi answered listener questions in a special bonus episode, available to subscribers. They discussed their origins on the show - Peter's start came through a friend's connection, while Emma humorously described herself as having hatched nine months after Peter's audition. The subscriber revenue helped fund Zoom tasers as a joke. The episode showcased the hosts' chemistry and provided insights for fans of both shows. If you're interested in exclusive content and bonus episodes, consider subscribing to Wait Wait Don't Tell Me Plus at plus.npr.org/waitwait.

• Embracing unexpected strengths in PowerPoint presentations: Unexpected talents can lead to innovative solutions and improved work processes. Embrace new ideas and the potential for both successes and mishaps in the workplace.

  Confidence and creativity can come from unexpected places, even in the form of PowerPoint presentations during a pandemic. Emma, a former intern, showcased her unique strengths by creating impressive PowerPoint presentations for celebrity guests on Wait Wait, which significantly improved their work process. This innovative approach, inspired by PowerPoint parties, showcased her confidence and creativity, leading to the creation of engaging and memorable content. Despite the unconventional method, her colleagues appreciated her efforts and the positive impact on their show. However, even the most confident individuals can experience embarrassing moments, as Peter did during a Zoom taping with Ashley Gray when he unexpectedly had to excuse himself due to a chia smoothie incident. Overall, this conversation highlights the importance of embracing new ideas and the potential for unexpected successes and mishaps in the workplace.

• Unexpected experiences during recording shows: Recording shows can bring unplanned events and unique experiences, such as loud distractions, energetic routines, and unusual food discoveries.

  Recording shows, whether it's for "Wait Wait" or otherwise, can come with unexpected experiences. For instance, Peter and Emma shared stories of unplanned events during taping, such as Peter's roommate's loud sex session and Emma's energetic post-recording routine. Additionally, the topic of strange foods arose, with Peter and Emma reminiscing about their participation in "Sandwich Monday," a segment where they intentionally sought out and joked about the weirdest food finds. A notable example was a faux turkey made entirely of hot dogs. Though these incidents were unrelated, they serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of recording shows and the unique experiences that come with the territory.

• Unexpected food experiences lead to memorable moments: Unexpected experiences, even if not enjoyable, can lead to unique memories and interesting discoveries

  Unexpected experiences can lead to interesting discoveries, even if they don't turn out to be delicious or desirable. The speaker shared two stories from their past involving unusual food experiences. The first was making a hot dog turkey for Thanksgiving, which while gross, resulted in a unique and memorable photograph. The second was trying hard Mountain Dew for the first time, which tasted terrible and left a lasting impression. Despite these experiences not being positive, the speaker found pride in the memories created. Additionally, the speaker mentioned their lack of rebellious tendencies as a child and expressed openness to having a crossover episode with a friend named Peter.

• Exploring the Unique Dynamics of Friendships and Unexpected Discoveries: Friendships offer unique experiences and dynamics, and unexpected discoveries can lead to satisfying outcomes, whether in friendships or interviews.

  Friendships, like best friends, are unique and personal. While they may seem equal from an outside perspective, the dynamics and experiences shared between individuals can vary greatly. The discussion also touched upon unexpected discoveries, whether in friendships or interviews, and how they can lead to satisfying experiences. Regarding the Apple Card conversation, the friends discussed the potential rewards and benefits of the card, and the possibility of engineering solutions to global issues like climate change was introduced through the topic of solar geoengineering. The conversation also included a reflection on past interviews, highlighting instances where guests were more or less entertaining than expected. Overall, the conversation showcased the importance of cherishing personal connections and the unexpected discoveries that can come from various experiences.

• Improvising humor in unexpected situations: Adaptability and a positive attitude are crucial when handling unexpected challenges. Humor can help build strong connections and lighten the mood in serious situations.

  A good sense of humor and improvisational skills can be essential in unexpected situations, even when dealing with serious matters. This was exemplified during a job interview for a bear conflict manager, where the interviewee and the interviewer found themselves improvising and riffing off each other, leading to a strong connection. The importance of humor was further emphasized when they discussed the unexpected challenge of interpreting awkward phrases for a deaf audience during a comedy show. Despite the unusual circumstances, the team found humor in the situation and continued to come up with increasingly awkward phrases for the sign language interpreters to translate. This demonstrates the power of adaptability and a positive attitude in handling unexpected challenges.

• FCC's Regulation of Broadcast Content and Potential Consequences: The FCC can fine broadcasters millions for using certain words, but societal norms evolve and what's offensive changes.

  The use of certain words, even if common and seemingly harmless, can result in hefty fines for broadcasters. This was demonstrated when NPR was threatened with a potential $50,000,000 fine for the repeated use of the word "crap" during a fundraising segment. This incident highlights the power the FCC holds in regulating broadcast content and the potential financial consequences for broadcasters who push boundaries. Additionally, societal norms and acceptable language continue to evolve, and what was once considered offensive may now be considered suitable for all audiences. As for the hypothetical superheroes we would be, Peter would be the Power Pointer, using PowerPoint presentations to outsmart villains with information, while Emma would be Ant Man, harnessing her natural abilities without seeking the power bestowed upon her.

• The Origin of Peter's Superpower: Wait Wait Don't Tell Me plus subscribers gained exclusive insights into Peter's superpower origin, with Peter believing it should have come from Karl Castle instead of Doug Berman, and his decision to use his power to be small being appreciated.

  Learning from this episode of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me is the discussion about the origin of Peter's superpower. Peter revealed that he received a suit that granted him the ability to shrink or grow, which was assumed to be given by Doug Berman. However, Peter mentioned that he believes it should have been bestowed upon him by Karl Castle instead. Despite the confusion, Peter's decision to use his power to be small was appreciated by Emma Chio and the rest of the panel. This conversation was part of an exclusive content for Wait Wait Don't Tell Me plus subscribers. Additionally, the episode included the hosts sharing some behind-the-scenes moments, answering listener questions, and promoting NPR sponsors such as Bombas and Capella University. The episode also previewed the original documentary series, Embedded, which explores moments and stories that resonate and change the way listeners think about their lives. In summary, this episode of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me provided exclusive content for subscribers, answered listener questions, and promoted NPR sponsors while also highlighting the importance of origins and the power of storytelling through the discussion about Peter's superpower and the preview of Embedded.