Podcast Summary
NPR Plus, Clinton Global Initiative: NPR Plus subscribers get exclusive content like DNC coverage and popular podcasts, while Hillary Clinton discussed her excitement for the in-person Clinton Global Initiative, emphasizing its global impact solutions.
NPR's podcast subscribers who want to support the organization and enjoy exclusive content, including coverage of the Democratic National Convention and new episodes of popular podcasts like "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me" and "How to Do Everything," should consider signing up for the NPR Plus bundle. Former First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton made a guest appearance on "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me" and shared her excitement about attending the Clinton Global Initiative, which is taking place in person after the pandemic. The event brings together people with diverse interests and passions to discuss and implement solutions to global issues. Clinton also mentioned her amusement at the common misconception that her husband, President Bill Clinton, was the more public figure in their relationship. A lighthearted moment during the interview involved Clinton's reaction to her nine-year-old granddaughter's confusion about her husband's identity in a selfie. Overall, the podcast episode showcased the unique blend of serious and lighthearted topics that NPR is known for.
CGI in Film Industry: CGI enables impossible stunts and illusions, demonstrated by Hillary Clinton's knowledge of its use in movies like 'Blade Trinity' and 'Cats', where it helped Wesley Snipes keep his eyes open, Steven Seagal walk, and fix animation errors.
CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) plays a significant role in the film industry, enabling actors to perform impossible stunts and creating illusions that enhance movies. During a game on the radio show "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me," former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton answered questions about CGI in films, demonstrating her knowledge of its use in movies like "Blade Trinity" and "Cats." CGI has been used to make Wesley Snipes' character keep his eyes open in "Blade Trinity" and to depict Steven Seagal walking in a recent film. Additionally, a graphic artist working on the movie "Cats" was tasked with swapping out the animation on James Corden, who had accidentally been rendered throughout the movie as a dog, or removing all of the CGI cat butts that a previous team had put on all the actors. Clinton won the quiz, but the prize for being the voice on someone's answering machine was not awarded to her. The Clinton Global Initiative is taking place in 2023, and Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton was a guest on the show.
Chris Pine's acting to directing transition: Actor Chris Pine shared the joys and challenges of transitioning from acting to directing in his debut film 'Pullman'. Despite the difficulties, he cherished working with a talented cast.
Actor Chris Pine shared his experiences of transitioning from acting to directing in his debut film "Pullman," expressing the joy of working with an incredible cast despite the challenges. He grew up in LA with a father who advised him against entering the entertainment industry due to its difficulties. Pine's first major role was in "Princess Diaries," and he later played Captain Kirk in the "Star Trek" reboot. When asked about his inspiration for the Captain Kirk character, he mentioned J.J. Abrams' direction to avoid imitating William Shatner too much. The interview ended with a light-hearted discussion about the Hollywood Chrises and a game involving air fresheners for a listener named Chris Owens. During the game, Pine correctly answered that pine-scented air fresheners can attract bears and that a pumpkin spice air freshener once caused a school evacuation.
Air freshener alternatives in rideshare: People prefer less extreme alternatives to dealing with air fresheners in rideshare vehicles, such as natural air fresheners or open windows, rather than classifying Febreze as a controlled substance or using edible air fresheners.
People are looking for alternatives to deal with the prevalence of air fresheners, particularly in rideshare vehicles. The audience favors this option over more extreme measures like classifying Febreze as a controlled substance or using edible air fresheners. Meanwhile, in entertainment news, actor Zazie Beets, known for her roles in Atlanta and Deadpool 2, shared stories about her experiences at LaGuardia High School and her hobbies, which include making health products like kombucha and body butter. During the pandemic, she picked up new hobbies such as returning text messages and rocking in the fetal position. In a game, Zazie answered questions about Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts for a listener's voicemail as a prize.
Rolling Stones drummer's quirks: Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts was known for his dedication to his passions, illustrated by his habit of sketching hotel beds on tour and collecting classic cars without a driver's license.
Charlie Watts, the Rolling Stones' drummer, had unique habits both on and off the stage. While touring, he sketched every hotel bed he slept in, filling an entire wing of his house with these drawings. Off stage, he had an unusual way of collecting classic cars – he never got his driver's license and instead just admired them in his garage. Despite these quirks, Watts was known for his sharp appearance and once famously punched Mick Jagger in the face when Jagger demanded him under the influence of alcohol. These stories illustrate Watts' dedication to his passions and his no-nonsense attitude.
Actor's unusual quiz experience: Actor David Oyelowo shared an amusing story about playing a quiz game in a French lawn bowling tradition, which required him to kiss a statue of Fanny when losing, and he answered all questions correctly.
Actor David Oyelowo shared a story from his past about having a crush on a pastor's daughter, which still affects her negatively. He also discussed his realization of his acting talent and his experience with unusual rolling games, such as bowling with a signature move that allows him to slide down the lane and a quiz about a French lawn bowling tradition. The quiz revealed that being shut out in a Petanque match is called "etre Fanny," and the losing team is required to kiss a statue or image of a woman named Fanny. Oyelowo answered all three questions correctly in the quiz. The interview also touched on his new film, "Role Play," currently streaming on Prime.
Economic Indicators and International Stories: Listening to podcasts like The Indicator and State of the World can provide insights into economic trends and international events, offering a broader perspective on the world.
The world is full of fascinating stories and indicators that shape our lives in various ways. During The Indicator podcast from Planet Money, they discuss economic indicators in the news, such as job numbers, spending, and food costs. Meanwhile, the State of the World podcast from NPR takes listeners to different parts of the globe to explore international stories. In a lighter note, Natasha Lyonne, an acclaimed actor known for her roles in Russian Doll and Orange is the New Black, shared her experiences, including being expelled from a prestigious school for selling pot and her love for New York interactions. Her new show, Poker Face, pays homage to classic detective shows, and she revealed her fascination with Philip Marlowe-style characters. In a fun game called "Poking Faces," Natasha answered questions related to Botox and its history, revealing that before it was called Botox, the disease caused by the substance was called "sausage poisoning."
Botulism toxicity and benefits: Botulism, a deadly neurotoxin, is used in Botox injections for cosmetic purposes and depression relief, despite its toxicity. Originating from sausages, it's valued enough for a million-dollar insurance policy.
Botulism, the neurotoxin used in Botox injections, is an extremely toxic substance. It's so toxic, in fact, that it's measured in mouse units or the amount needed to kill one mouse. But despite its deadly nature, Botox has beneficial uses, including cosmetic effects and the ability to alleviate depression by making it harder to frown. And with a price tag requiring at least one million dollars of life insurance to purchase a bottle, it's clear that this substance is both deadly and valuable. Another interesting tidbit from the discussion was that botulism was first studied in Germany due to their high consumption of sausage, where the disease was commonly found. So the next time you're enjoying a sausage, remember the history behind it and the fascinating substance that keeps it preserved.