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We make Ken Jennings relive the worst moment of his life

By: NPR
16 May 2026 at 04:00
This week, legendary Jeopardy champion and host Ken Jennings joins panelists Tom Bodett, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, and Faith Salie to talk swearing on air and making up little lies to tell Alex Trebek


Correction: This episode incorrectly says that H&R Block owns the copyright for GIFs and that CompuServe, which H&R Block purchased in 1980, had owned the patent for the GIF. In fact, CompuServe invented the GIF, but another company, Unisys, owned the patent on the underlying technology, which expired in 2003.



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HTDE: Burritos and Handshakes

By: NPR
29 April 2026 at 03:00
Ian and Mike help a caller solve a handshake issue. Plus, how to mourn the loss of a favorite dish.


You can email your burning questions toΒ howto@npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes ofΒ Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me!Β featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR atΒ plus.npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White.

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We beef with the pontiff and admire the Stanley Cup

By: NPR
18 April 2026 at 04:00
This week, Phil Pritchard, NHL's Keeper of the Stanley Cup, joins us to about taking the cup jet-skiing and panelists Alonzo Bodden, Adam Burke, and DulcΓ© Sloan beef with the Pope and get misdiagnosed.Β 

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HTDE: Crushes and Smells

By: NPR
15 April 2026 at 03:00
This week: How to tell your crush you like them. Plus, do smells really linger in your nose?


You can email your burning questions toΒ howto@npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes ofΒ Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me!Β featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR atΒ plus.npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White.

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Wait Wait goes wild on spring break

By: NPR
11 April 2026 at 04:00
This week, we're celebrating spring break with our friends Rhea Seehorn, Delroy Lindo, Andy Richter, and Jon M. Chu. Plus, the panel gets in on the fun with some of our favorite questions from this past year.Β 

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HTDE: Sheets and Blankets

By: NPR
1 April 2026 at 03:00
This week: Ian and Mike help a couple figure out who exactly is responsible for stealing the covers at night.

You can email your burning questions toΒ howto@npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes ofΒ Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me!Β featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR atΒ plus.npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White.

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HTDE: Crickets and Clowns

By: NPR
18 March 2026 at 03:00
This week: How to tell the temperature outside without a thermometer. Plus, how clowns trademark their unique looks.


FeaturingΒ Marlene ZukΒ andΒ Julie Proctor.

You can email your burning questions toΒ howto@npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes ofΒ Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me!Β featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR atΒ plus.npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White.

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John Cusack rides his Vespa straight into our hearts

By: NPR
14 March 2026 at 04:00
This week, John Cusack joins us to talk high school reunions, graphic novels, and the secrets to keeping your Vespa's tank full. Plus, panelists Rachel Coster, Adam Felber, and Joyelle Nicole Johnson go on spring break

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HTDE: The Breakfast Rule

By: NPR
4 March 2026 at 14:00
This week: How theΒ Wait, WaitΒ team decides what jokes are too inappropriate for the airwaves. Plus Mike and Ian help a caller with a personal grammar problem.

Featuring authorΒ Keith Houston.

You can email your burning questions toΒ howto@npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes ofΒ Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me!Β featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR atΒ plus.npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White.

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HTDE: Curling Stones and Halfpipe Lines

By: NPR
18 February 2026 at 03:00

More behind the scenes at the Milan Cortina Olympics with unsung heroes of the Winter Games. Mike and Ian talk with a curling legend, find out where those big stones come from and meet a guy snowboarders couldn't land without.

You can email your burning questions toΒ howto@npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes ofΒ Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me!Β featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR atΒ plus.npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White.

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Our panel heads to Milan and Arden Cho hunts demons

By: NPR
14 February 2026 at 04:00
This week, KPop Demon Hunters' Arden Cho joins us to talk about Rumi, the World Series of Poker, and how NOT to behave when you're about to propose. Plus, the Tom Papa, Paula Poundstone, and Beth Stelling shut down El Paso's airport and confess to cheating at the Olympics.Β 

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HTDE: Forks and Ice Masters

By: NPR
11 February 2026 at 03:00
This week: Mike and Ian talk with an Olympic Ice Master, help a listener who keeps meeting people with their same name, and get to the bottom of a mysterious survey glitch.

You can email your burning questions toΒ howto@npr.org.

How To Do EverythingΒ is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes ofΒ Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me!Β featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR atΒ plus.npr.org.

Β 

How To Do EverythingΒ is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White.

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Librarian Mychal Threets talks rebooting Reading Rainbow and our panel eats goo

By: NPR
7 February 2026 at 04:00
This week, we're joined by Mychal Threets, the world's most popular librarian, who talks about Library Joy and rebooting Reading Rainbow. Plus, panelists Tom Bodett, Josh Gondelman, and Tig Notaro prepare for the big game by eating goo

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HTDE: Torches and Ski Jumps

By: NPR
4 February 2026 at 03:00
Mike and Ian are back, just in time for the opening ceremony at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan/Cortina. Olympians and Starfleet Captains share how to carry the torch, fly through the air, and mentally prepare for the big games.


You can email your burning questions toΒ howto@npr.org.


How To Do EverythingΒ won’t live in this feed forever. If you like what you hear, scoot on over to their very ownΒ feedΒ and give them a follow.
How To Do EverythingΒ is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes ofΒ Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me!Β featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR atΒ plus.npr.org.

Β 

How To Do EverythingΒ is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson and Heena Srivastava. Technical direction from Lorna White.

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We ask Peter about the guest who's most surprised him, plus other listener questions

By: NPR
15 December 2025 at 22:41
It's another Peter AMA (Ask Me Anything)! Wait Wait visual host Emma Choi puts your questions to the big man himself -- Peter Sagal. If he had to listen to one song for the rest of his life what would it be? What actor would Peter cast to play him in a Wait Wait movie? What does Peter listen to when he runs? We get answers to those and other questions, including one about Peter's role in the making of "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights"?!?!?Β 

This normally would be a bonus episode just for Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!+ listeners. With this being the season of giving, we're sharing this one with everyone! To hear part 2 of Peter's AMA, make sure you're signed up forΒ Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!+. You also getΒ regular episodes sponsor-free and support the work of NPR. For more details, go toΒ plus.npr.org/waitwait.Β 

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HTDE: One-Liners and Free Throws

By: NPR
10 December 2025 at 03:00
Ian and Mike help a listener lighten the mood with her clients, help another listener mess with an opponent’s free throw shot, and Peter Sagal shares his secret for falling asleep on an airplane.


You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org.


How To Do Everything won’t live in this feed forever. If you like what you hear, scoot on over to their very own feed and give them a follow.

How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org.

Β 

How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson and Heena Srivastava. Technical direction from Lorna White.

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WWDTM: Andy Richter

By: NPR
6 December 2025 at 04:00
We're live in Phoenix with special guest Andy Richter and panelists Alonzo Bodden, Luke Burbank, and Shantira Jackson!

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HTDE: Carsickness And Traffic Jams

By: NPR
26 November 2025 at 03:00

Ian and Mike look to the skies to help a listener solve her problem with motion sickness. Plus, a survivor of the longest recorded traffic jam in history shares how she got through it.

You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org.

How To Do Everything won’t live in this feed forever. If you like what you hear, scoot on over to their very own feed and give them a follow.

How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org.

Β 

How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson and Heena Srivastava. Technical direction from Lorna White.


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HTDE: Broadway Musicals And Best In Show

By: NPR
12 November 2025 at 03:00

This week: A Broadway star tells us how he finished the New York Marathon and then performed in two shows back to back, a wife seeks advice on how best to shave her hairy companion, plus, are the lyrics to Bye Bye Birdie what we think they are?

You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org.How To Do Everything won’t live in this feed forever. If you like what you hear, scoot on over to their very own feed and give them a follow.

How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org.

Β 

How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Heena Srivastava and Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White.


******

And if you’d like us to be your out of office emergency contact, use this copy:

β€œI am OOO from (INSERT DATES HERE). For any urgent concerns, please email Mike and Ian at howto@npr.org. Please bear in mind that Mike and Ian don’t know anything about anything and their help may in fact make your urgent concern worse, but they did promise to answer any email they get from this out of office message.”


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WWDTM: Roy Choi

By: NPR
8 November 2025 at 04:05
This week, we're live in Orange County with Roy Choi and panelists Tom Papa, Negin Farsad, and Karen Chee

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HTDE: Motivation, Secret Messages, and Stealing Your Thunder

By: NPR
29 October 2025 at 03:00

This week: Filmmaker Alice Wu shares a clever trick to help you finally finish that thing you’ve been working on, why teenagers are taking over the comments sections of old podcast episodes, and the origins of the phrase β€œsteal your thunder”. Plus we continue in our quest to be your out of office emergency contact.

You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org.

How To Do Everything won’t live in this feed forever. If you like what you hear, scoot on over to their very own feed and give them a follow.

How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org.

How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Heena Srivastava and Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White.

******

(Once again) after listening:

β€œI am OOO from (INSERT DATES HERE). For any urgent concerns, please email Mike and Ian at howto@npr.org. Please bear in mind that Mike and Ian don’t know anything about anything and their help may in fact make your urgent concern worse, but they did promise to answer any email they get from this out of office message.”


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HTDE: Earthquakes, Dentists, and How To Talk To Your Dog

By: NPR
15 October 2025 at 03:00

On today’s episode: a bold new way to help out when an earthquake hits, and Mike and Ian help out a listener with the help of a friendly dentist and a dog named Stella. Plus, our continuing commitment to be your Out of Office emergency contact turns into a surprise birthday celebration.

You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org.

How To Do Everything is available without sponsor messages for supporters of Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me+, who also get bonus episodes of Wait Wait Don't…Tell Me! featuring show outtakes, extended guest interviews, and a chance to play an exclusive WW+ quiz game with Peter! Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org.

Β 

How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Schuyler Swenson. Technical direction from Lorna White.


******

(Once again) after listening:

β€œI am OOO from (INSERT DATES HERE). For any urgent concerns, please email Mike and Ian at howto@npr.org. Please bear in mind that Mike and Ian don’t know anything about anything and their help may in fact make your urgent concern worse, but they did promise to answer any email they get from this out of office message.”


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WWDTM: Taimane

By: NPR
11 October 2025 at 22:52
This week, we're live in Honolulu with panelists Joyelle Nicole Johnson, Peter Grosz, and Paula Poundstone. Plus, special guest Taimane!

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