Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

NPR's weekly current events quiz. Have a laugh and test your news knowledge while figuring out what's real and what we've made up.

Rank #1: Elaine Welteroth.
Elaine Welteroth, journalist, joins us along with panelists Paula Poundstone, Roxanne Roberts, and Joel Kim Booster.

Rank #2: Jennifer Lee.
Jennifer Lee, head of Walt Disney Animation Studios, joins us along with panelists Mo Rocca, Roxanne Roberts, and Adam Burke.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Pop Culture Happy Hour is a fun and freewheeling chat about the latest movies, television, books, and music.

Rank #1: Parasite.
Even if you've seen a lot of movies about class struggle, you can bet you've never seen one like Parasite. From director Bong Joon-ho, it tells the story of two families, one with a lot of money and one that's just struggling to get by. Parasite won the top prize, the Palme d'Or, at this year's Cannes Film Festival, and it's South Korea's entry into this year's Oscars race.

Rank #2: Avengers: Infinity War and What's Making Us Happy.
The Avengers try to keep a space-tyrant from performing cosmic genocide. The film doubles down on character interactions both familiar and unfamiliar. Guest: Code Switch co-host Gene Demby.

All Songs Considered

Hosts/nerds Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton are your friendly music buddies with the week's best new music discoveries, including conversations with emerging artists, icons and more. Hear songs that can completely change your day, with humor, heart and (sometimes) a whole lot of noise. Directions for use: Morning commute, the gym, or alone time. (If rash persists, discontinue use.)

Rank #1: New Music Friday: Sep. 20.
Our shortlist of the best albums out this week includes Brittany Howard's masterpiece, Jaime, sad bangers from Tove Lo, a profoundly beautiful, debut solo LP from Mountain Man's Molly Sarlé and more.

Rank #2: Hobo Johnson's Journey From Homelessness To A Major Label Contract.
On the day before his album came out, Hobo Johnson joined me to play DJ. We discussed the making of his album and played some of the music that has inspired him over the years. I think you'll be surprised by some of his picks.

StoryCorps

Stories of the human heart. A candid, unscripted conversation between two people about what's really important in life: love, loss, family, friendship. When the world seems out of hand, tune in to StoryCorps and be reminded of the things that matter most.

Rank #1: Second Chances.
In our very last episode of the season, two stories about relationships that start off rocky and the reunions that lead to second chances.

Rank #2: StoryCorps 537: Never Say Goodbye.
A special announcement from our podcast team about some exciting changes ahead. Plus, a StoryCorps classic: the love story of Danny and Annie Perasa.

Live from the Poundstone Institute

Paula Poundstone is on a quest to gather all of the world's knowledge. Or, as she puts it, "to get less stupid, one topic at a time." Follow her search as she looks to scientists, researchers, and experts for evidence about everything from what music cats like to the fluid dynamics of spilling coffee. "Every week, we'll keep looking for knowledge," says Paula, "because we know we left it somewhere."

Rank #1: How Long Are You Gonna Be In There?.
We learn from a professor who actually teaches a class about identifying B.S., and we talk to a researcher who made a fascinating discovery about... pee. Plus: late night legend Jay Leno joins us to take our personality test.

Rank #2: Do I Need A Bath?.
We learn all about Forest Bathing, which is a real thing, and it could improve your health. Also, we learn why having a messy desk might be a sign of genius. Plus: Saturday Night Live legend Dana Carvey joins us to take our personality test (and to do some really great impressions).

Fresh Air

Fresh Air from WHYY, the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programs. Hosted by Terry Gross, the show features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.

Rank #1: Grief, Guilt & An Ex-Husband's Secret Addiction.
Eilene Zimmerman didn't learn of her ex-husband's addiction to cocaine and opioids until after his drug-related death. Her memoir, 'Smacked,' explores how her former spouse, a wealthy, high-powered attorney, hid his addiction and depression from her and their two children. "This had happened in front of us, and we hadn't recognized it," she says. Also, Maureen Corrigan reviews Emma Copley Eisenberg's new book, 'The Third Rainbow Girl,' which centers on the 1980 murders of two young hitchhikers.

Rank #2: Coronavirus, Animal Infections & The Next Pandemic.
Science writer David Quammen talks about the new virus in China, what we learned from SARS, and how viruses travel from animal to animal to humans. "When there's an animal host, then it becomes much, much more difficult to eradicate or even control an infectious virus," Quammen says.Also, Ken Tucker reviews the new album, 'Have We Met,' by the Canadian band Destroyer.

Car Talk

America's funniest auto mechanics take calls from weary car owners all over the country, and crack wise while they diagnose Dodges and dismiss Diahatsus. You don't have to know anything about cars to love this one hour weekly laugh fest.

Rank #1: #2007: The Pavlovian Dope Slap.
This week on The Best of Car Talk, Cathy thinks she may have found Mr. Right, but he may not live to see their wedding day if he kills her Sentra's clutch. Can a rigorous training program save Cathy's car, and the relationship? Elsewhere, Nicki gets a primer in how to shop for a used truck, including wardrobe tips. Also, Kate needs to slow down her neighbor who's zooming around their small island in his Malibu; Arleigh's car is afflicted by the "Elvis Idle"; and after Melissa cranked the heater to dry some wet clothes on her dashboard, she was shocked to discover her blower motor had died. Is there any chance this was just a coincidence? Find out, this week on The Best of Car Talk.

Rank #2: #2006: Brotherhood of Cheapeskatism.
This week on the Best of Car Talk, meet Tommy's new best friend, Paul. After the screws holding Paul's gas pedal fell through the rusted floor of his '78 Datsun, Paul eschewed a body shop and found a cheap fix at his local cobbler. Now he needs a podiatrist to help with the limp his brilliant solution gave him. Elsewhere, neat freak Doug thinks his wife is a slob when it comes to cars, so he's considering buying a stick shift so she can't drive it. Also, Kathy's sister's boss suggested putting mothballs in her VW Bus's gas tank to improve mileage; Donna's husband was told to leave his car running an extra 15 minutes in really cold weather to charge the battery, but can't remember to shut it off; and on Stump the Chumps, did Dr. Paul find a new car and a new girlfriend, after his life turned into a country song? All this and more, this week on the Best of Car Talk.

Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

Bullseye from NPR is your curated guide to culture. Jesse Thorn hosts in-depth interviews with brilliant creators, culture picks from our favorite critics and irreverent original comedy. Bullseye has been featured in Time, The New York Times, GQ and McSweeney's, which called it "the kind of show people listen to in a more perfect world." (Formerly known as The Sound of Young America.)

Rank #1: Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Lin-Manuel Miranda is the star and creator of the biggest musical this century has seen: Hamilton. These days, he's got another show on Broadway: Freestyle Love Supreme. It's an improvised hip-hop performance where the performers get their prompts from the audience. He's also starring in the new HBO show His Dark Materials. It's a fantasy series based on the book by the same name. Lin-Manuel Miranda talks about how his career has changed since Hamilton. We'll also talk about the time he turned down a part in a Marvel movie.

Rank #2: Bonus: Remembering Monty Python's Terry Jones.
This past week, we lost a talented comic genius: Terry Jones. He was one of the founding members of the legendary British sketch comedy group Monty Python. He co-directed Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and directed both Monty Python's Life of Brian and Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. Terry was also a well respected medieval historian – in fact, he wrote two books on poet Geoffrey Chaucer. Later in his career, he became a prolific children's book author. His books were always a bit surreal, witty and charming. He was a hero to many comedy nerds obsessed with Monty Python. We're taking a moment to remember Terry Jones. When he joined Bullseye (then The Sound Of Young America) nearly 14 years ago he talked about his years with the Pythons. Plus, what it was like when he was given the opportunity to re-edit his cult classic The Saga of Erik the Viking.

Code Switch

Ever find yourself in a conversation about race and identity where you just get...stuck? Code Switch can help. We're all journalists of color, and this isn't just the work we do. It's the lives we lead. Sometimes, we'll make you laugh. Other times, you'll get uncomfortable. But we'll always be unflinchingly honest and empathetic. Come mix it up with us.

Rank #1: Political Prisoners?.
In "Prison City" Wisconsin, white elected officials are representing voting districts made up mostly of prisoners. Those prisoners are disproportionately black and brown. Oh, and they can't actually vote.

Rank #2: The Original Blexit.
How is it that the party of Lincoln became anathema to black voters? It's a messy story, exemplified in the doomed friendship between Richard Nixon and his fellow Republican, Jackie Robinson.

Tiny Desk Concerts - Audio

Tiny Desk Concerts from NPR Music feature your favorite musicians performing at All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen's desk in the NPR office. Hear Wilco, Adele, Passion Pit, Tinariwen, Miguel, The xx and many more. This is the audio version of the podcast. A video version is also available.

Rank #1: H.E.R..
The singer stuns in her second appearance at the Tiny Desk, showcasing not only her vocal mastery, but her skills as a captivating multi-instrumentalist.

Rank #2: Mac Miller.
Mac Miller reflects on his journey's peaks and valleys in a boisterous set of songs from Swimming, featuring special guest Thundercat on "What's the Use?"

Tiny Desk Concerts - Video

Tiny Desk Concerts from NPR's All Songs Considered features your favorite musicians performing at Bob Boilen's desk in the NPR Music office. Watch videos from Passion Pit, The xx, Wilco, Adele, Phoenix, Tinariwen, tUnE-yArDs and many more.

Rank #1: Lizzo.
Backed by a band assembled just for this occasion, the breakthrough pop icon performs three joyfully showy songs from Cuz I Love You.

Rank #2: H.E.R..
The singer stuns in her second appearance at the Tiny Desk, showcasing not only her vocal mastery, but her skills as a captivating multi-instrumentalist.

Snap Judgment

Mixes real stories with killer beats to produce cinematic, and dramatic radio. Hosted by Glynn Washington.

Rank #1: Campfire Tales IV - Primal .
BOO! Get the NEW Spooked Podcast now at SpookedPodcast.org.  Border Bogeyman Rocky Elmore used to work down by the border during long pitch-black nights in the desert. It was so dark you never knew who or what was out there. Rocky’s previous story with Snap Judgment was The Phantom Border Patrol Agent. For more stories of natural and supernatural happenings on the border, be sure to check out Rocky’s book, Out On Foot: Nightly Patrols and Ghostly Tales of A U.S. Border Patrol Agent and his website, RockyElmore.com Tooki Man Trekking in Indonesia, Ian and Stuart wander off the beaten path.  There, a broken man tells them he knows the way to magic . . . The Trail of Polaroids After arriving home from work, Douglas Leach saw a Polaroid lying on his front step. He picked it up. He shouldn't have. . . Past Life Detective Detective Bob Snow could never have imagined that the toughest case of his entire career, would be an investigation into his own past....life.  Check out Bob Snow’s books here.  Season 8 Episode 19

Rank #2: Head Games .
The human mind can play tricks on you... A father of five and devout Mormon is dragged into a world that upends everything he knows to be true. And a young man comes to terms with his mother’s profound mental illness. STORIES "Tracy: My Ride-or-Die" When Adult ISH host Nyge Turner turned 17, he became the caretaker for his ride-or-die: Tracy. His mom. This story was produced by YR Media's Adult ISH podcast (Mom ISH episode). Adult ISH is a culture, advice, and storytelling show about #adulting, that is produced entirely by folks who are "almost adults." It’s distributed by PRX’s Radiotopia. Be sure to subscribe and listen here! "A Short Stay In Hell" A father of five and devout Mormon is dragged into a world that upends everything he knows to be true. This story comes to us from Believable, a new podcast from Narratively about how our stories define who we are. Each episode dives into a personal, eye-opening story where narratives conflict and different perspectives about the truth collide.

It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders

A talk show with a heart. Each week, Sam interviews people in the culture who deserve your attention. Plus weekly wraps of the news with other journalists. Join Sam as he makes sense of the world through conversation.

Rank #1: Coming Out.
To mark National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, Sam examines the history, meaning and future of coming out with University of Nevada, Las Vegas professor Marcia Gallo and E. Patrick Johnson of Northwestern University. He also shares coming out stories from listeners and swaps stories with NPR film critic Bob Mondello. Tweet @NPRItsBeenaMin with feels or email samsanders@npr.org.

Rank #2: Why 'Friends' Remains So Successful — And So Divisive — Even In 2019.
The NBC sitcom 'Friends' has been around for 25 years, and its popularity endures. Netflix says 'Friends' was the second most popular show on its streaming platform this year, based on minutes watched, and the show has also struck a chord with a younger generation. What is it about 'Friends' that resonates with viewers, and what does it say about us? Sam Sanders spoke to listeners, reporters and a critic to find out what it is that people love — and despise — about Chandler, Joey, Monica, Phoebe, Rachel and Ross.

Invisibilia

Unseeable forces control human behavior and shape our ideas, beliefs, and assumptions. Invisibilia—Latin for invisible things—fuses narrative storytelling with science that will make you see your own life differently.

Rank #1: Emotions.
A thief knocks down your door and you are flooded with fear. Your baby smiles up at you and you are filled with love. It feels like this is how emotions work: something happens, and we instinctively respond. How could it be any other way? Well, the latest research in psychology and neuroscience shows that's not in fact how emotions work. We offer you a truly mind-blowing alternative explanation for how an emotion gets made. And we do it through a bizarre lawsuit, in which a child dies in a car accident, and the child's parents get sued by the man driving the other car.

Rank #2: The Personality Myth.
In America personality is often seen as destiny. Whether you're a famous CEO like Steve Jobs or a serial criminal like Hannibal Lecter, most of us think that our position in life has a lot to do with our personality. This episode looks more closely at this belief. We start at a Court House where lines of people who are getting married describe the personality of the person with whom they are to be joined for life. Then travel to a prison in Ohio where a woman has struck up a work relationship with a prisoner who it turns out did something far worse than she imagined. Finally Lulu talks to a scientist to come up with a complete catalogue of all the things about us that actually do stay stable over the course of our lives. They look at everything from cells to memories until ultimately they come up with a list — but it's a really short list.

How To Do Everything

We're half advice show, half survival guide. We answer all your questions, from how to find a date, to how to find water in the desert.

Rank #1: Corn, Refs, and Ikea.
How to get your corn off the cob, ref an NFL game, name your modern Swedish furniture, and more!

Rank #2: Planet, Money.
How much money is there on the planet? We investigate.