Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

WWDTM: Andy Richter

December 6, 2025

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  • The episode of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! features special guest Andy Richter discussing his experience on *Dancing with the Stars*, where he was dubbed the "People's Princess." 
  • The show included a fundraising appeal for NPR, noting that the organization is operating without federal support for the first time in its 50-year history. 
  • The news quiz segments covered topics including the Secretary of Transportation advising against wearing pajamas while flying, the concept of solar geoengineering, and the introduction of auto-tune technology in karaoke bars. 

Segments

NPR Funding Appeal
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(00:00:18)
  • Key Takeaway: NPR began operating without any federal support for the first time in its over 50-year history as of October 1st.
  • Summary: Host Peter Sagal made an appeal for listener donations to support NPR following the cessation of federal funding. Listeners who sign up for NPR Plus receive perks, including an exclusive quiz game for WaitWait Plus members.
Show Introduction and Guest Welcome
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(00:01:41)
  • Key Takeaway: Alzo Slade is filling in for Bill Curtis, who is reportedly on a vision quest in the desert.
  • Summary: The show, originating from NPR and WBEZ Chicago, is live in Phoenix, Arizona. Special guest Andy Richter is introduced, noted for his participation in Dancing with the Stars where he was called the “People’s Princess.”
Listener Contestant Interaction
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(00:02:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Listener Liz from Chicago reported that the temperature in her city was four degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Summary: The first contestant, Liz from Chicago, joined the show while the hosts were enjoying the sunny weather in Phoenix. The panelists introduced were Shantira Jackson, Luke Burbank, and Alonzo Bowden.
Who’s Alzo This Time Game
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(00:04:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy urged Americans to stop dressing in slippers and pajamas while flying during the upcoming holiday travel season.
  • Summary: The first quote concerned the Secretary of Transportation’s call for better dress standards on airplanes, which panelists joked would be impractical for necessary in-flight action. The second quote addressed the movement, funded by billionaires like Bill Gates, to use solar geoengineering to block out the sun to slow global warming. The third quote revealed that new upscale karaoke bars are incorporating auto-tune technology into the singing experience.
Bluff the Listener Game Setup
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(00:16:27)
  • Key Takeaway: Listener Nick Smith works as a staff scientist in the Nuclear Engineering and Nonproliferation Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory, focusing on radioactive waste disposal.
  • Summary: Nick, from Los Alamos, New Mexico, is playing the game where he must distinguish a true story from two fakes related to courtroom chaos. The panelist stories involved a Missouri judge obsessed with Elvis Presley, an umpire whose past bad calls were scrutinized in a property dispute, and a dog bailiff involved in a bribery scandal.
Bluff the Listener Game Reveal
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(00:21:24)
  • Key Takeaway: The true story involved a Missouri circuit judge, Matthew E.P. Thornhill, being forced off the bench due to his uncontrollable enthusiasm for Elvis Presley, including wearing wigs and referencing his songs.
  • Summary: The judge’s enthusiasm led to disciplinary action, resulting in a six-month suspension before his retirement. The expert consulted confirmed the reality of the Elvis-obsessed judge’s situation.
Andy Richter Interview: DWTS
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(00:22:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Andy Richter initially resisted joining Dancing with the Stars but agreed when he had less work, later regretting the decision as the start date approached.
  • Summary: Richter’s dance experience before the show was limited to dancing at parties, and his wedding dance was intentionally the shortest song possible. His partner, Emma Slater, successfully engaged him by incorporating TikTok creation into their daily rehearsals, which quickly garnered millions of views.
Andy Richter Game: Gotta Dance
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(00:29:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Gene Kelly’s secrets to success included having his pants custom-made one size too small to accentuate his physique, and hosting cutthroat charades games that could last 24 hours.
  • Summary: Richter correctly answered all three questions about Gene Kelly, earning a perfect score. One question revealed Kelly told Michael Crawford he got the part in Hello Dolly because, “We’re looking for an attractive idiot.”
Fill in the Blank Game Scoring
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(00:46:14)
  • Key Takeaway: Alonzo Bowden and Luke Burbank are tied for the lead with 14 points each going into the final round, while Shantira Jackson trails by one point.
  • Summary: The final game, ‘Lightning Fill in the Blank,’ awards two points per correct answer. Alonzo missed a question about a Namibian politician changing his name from Adolf Hitler Uunona to Adolf Hitler Williams, while Luke missed questions about the Supreme Court ruling on Texas’s map and the country involved in a GOP special election.
Final Game Wrap-up and Scores
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(00:49:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Shantira Jackson needed six correct answers in the final round to win but only achieved five, resulting in Alonzo Bowden and Luke Burbank tying for the overall lead.
  • Summary: Shantira missed a question about the sound effect chosen for a new bathroom noise-masking device (artillery fire). The panelists then offered predictions for the top song on next year’s Spotify Wrapped.