How To Do Everything

"Study Break" is back again Feb 12, 2025

Welcome (back) to How To Do Everything's "study break". This Friday at 12 PM CT, we will drop a Zoom link in this Google document. We use the same Google doc, so bookmark it if you would like. The first 10 (or 11?) people in the waiting room will be welcomed in, and we'll all hang out.
You can bring "how to" questions, you can bring fun facts about yourself, you can bring spirited debates. But if you try to argue that the cheese curd is a superior form of the mozzarella stick, Heena may blacklist you.
See you soon!
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Introducing "Study Break" Jan 29, 2025

Welcome to How To Do Everything's "study break". This Friday at 12 PM CT, we will drop a Zoom link in this Google document. The first ten people in the waiting room will be welcomed in, and we'll hang out. Come with your questions for the How To Do Everything team, or come with nothing at all. Just don't make it weird.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt Jan 15, 2025

On our season finale, when a young listener has a question on behalf of her fifth grade class, we call up an old friend/chimp butt expert to help her out. And Saturday Night Live's James Austin Johnson walks us through his hilarious Donald Trump impression to tend to a listener's curiosities. Plus, Mike and Ian are stressed about some (cryptic) hate mail, so they call Patton Oswalt for some words of encouragement.
You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org. And not to fear, we will be returning for season two. Follow @waitwaitnpr on Instagram for updates on how to stay in touch in the meantime.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Pee-Rex Jan 08, 2025

Today from the archives, a chance to win a free t-shirt if you have a sharp ear for dinosaur moans. And we help a listener with a question about public bathrooms. Plus, why both "Nathaniel" and "Phyllis Isabel Gertrude" are statistically awful names for a child.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Don't Get in the Fridge, with Jesse Eisenberg Jan 01, 2025

Ringing in 2025: Mike and Ian knock out a New Year's resolution with the help of filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg, and a listener calls in to settle a high-stakes bet on the sturdiness of honeybees. Also, the world's northernmost towns are in the middle of months-long darkness. To learn how to survive it, we call an astrophysicist who spent six months in complete Antarctic darkness.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Moo-ey Christmas! Dec 25, 2024

From the archives: When cows need help, Ian and Mike create a Christmas miracle, with the help of some adorable reinforcements.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

A Holiday Special with the NFL's Gerald McCoy and the NPR's Peter Sagal Dec 18, 2024

On this week's archive episode, Mike and Ian learn about a unique Catalonian Christmas tradition that celebrates nature's calling. And when a listener calls into question her boyfriend's family traditions, Peter Sagal steps in to give a final ruling. Plus, NFL defensive tackle Gerald McCoy on how to show someone that you care.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

The Perfect Christmas Present with James Patterson and Gillian Flynn Dec 11, 2024

On today's episode, Charlie needs help writing a children's book for his wife. So, Mike and Ian call up some of the greatest minds in modern literature, Gillian Flynn and James Patterson. Plus, a slippery way to stay warm on your run and a cool trick to avoid saying "you guys".
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Hollywood's Mommy Problems Dec 04, 2024

On today's archive episode, when one listener wonders how TV shows get a hold of actors' childhood photos, Mike and Ian ring up a Hollywood mom. Plus, one listener needs help keeping his Velcro bag quiet, so we call in the military.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

The Friendliest Sound in the World, with Olympic medalist Molly Seidel Nov 27, 2024

This week on How To Do Everything, a listener calls in asking how to avoid startling innocent pedestrians when she goes on runs. So Mike and Ian recruit the help of an Olympic marathoner and one of Hollywood's most iconic composers. Plus, an update from you (party people) on the "you guys" fast.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Fiddlin', Gruntin', Snorin', and Carlin' with David Axelrod Nov 20, 2024

This week from the archives, how to instantly summon 40 worms from the ground. Plus, former Obama advisor David Axelrod addresses listener concerns about engaging with their despised family over the Thanksgiving table. And, when a listener asks how to make his name more memorable, the guys recruit an expert of musical mnemonics.
Also! We've loved hearing from so many of you about joining our "You Guys" fast. This is an archive episode, and we'll have an update for you... fellow humans next week. In the meantime, 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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Yes We Pecan, with Martha Stewart Nov 13, 2024

Two roommates disagree about how to pronounce "pecan," so Mike and Ian call up Martha Stewart–and others–to help. Plus, an Italian town in the shadow of the Alps spent three months of the year without sunlight, until Mayor Pierfranco Midali decided to make his own sun.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White and Robert Neuhaus.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Bear Grylls stays (disgustingly) hydrated Nov 06, 2024

This week from the archives, all things wilderness survival. Mike and Ian take a trip to Denali National Park in Alaska to learn how to survive a bear attack. And when a listener asks how to quench thirst if they're stranded in the desert, another kind of Bear (Grylls) walks them through it. Plus, how to discover a new species with the help of some bloodsuckers.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Josh Gad defeats earworms, and we make a pitch to Pete Buttigieg Oct 30, 2024

This week on the show, when a mother can't get her four-year-old's favorite song out of her head, Mike and Ian call up Broadway's beloved Josh Gad to help. Plus, Ian has a formal request for the Secretary of Transportation, and the guys find a tip to quell those pesky election mailers.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

BONUS: Halloween with Amy Sedaris Oct 28, 2024

On this Halloween bonus episode of How To Do Everything, comedian Amy Sedaris tells Mike and Ian how to terrify the neighborhood children, and they bring in Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Judge and Scorekeeper Bill Kurtis for help.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Pumpkins, Spiders and Henry Winkler Oct 23, 2024

This week from the archives, a teenage math wiz helps Mike and Ian optimize the Reese's chocolate pumpkin, and a tip on the spookiest (and most strategic) way to heal an open wound. Plus, when one listener wants to know how to look cool, the guys call up the Fonz himself.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Maury Povich and Sleeping Between the Pretties Oct 16, 2024

This week Mike and Ian recruit television icon Maury Povich to help a listener reveal some hard truths, and we create some helpful (and unhelpful) reminders for when you should replace your household items. Plus, when a married couple calls in with a 29-year-old feud, the guys recruit some royal help.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Sir Patrick Stewart, Pricklouses and Root Beer Oct 09, 2024

On today's episode, how to defoam your root beer and how to insult someone, medieval-style. Plus, one listener has a question about British cows, and Sir Patrick Stewart offers his services.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Mascots, Cheerleaders and Beethoven Oct 02, 2024

This week, Mike and Ian help a caller who's curious about mascot races – with the help of a talking sausage. A police inspector in Finland reveals his creative hack for keeping beaches safe. And a high school cheerleading squad saves the day.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Nick Offerman, Trapper Keepers and Bee Stings Sep 25, 2024

This week, we bring you the best of How To Do Everything's first life. Nick Offerman cures your hiccups, our intern downvotes our segments, and we learn the most painful place to get a bee sting. Plus, one listener wants help looking cool for school.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Tom Hanks, Hot Dogs and Chimp Butts Sep 18, 2024

On today's episode, the great Tom Hanks teaches us the art of being adored, and Mike and Ian help a listener who's curious about world fame. Plus, a bottoms-up approach to recognizing your family members.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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. Technical direction from Lorna White.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

The Champ Sep 11, 2024

Every other week on How To Do Everything, we're giving you the best stuff from our first life. Today, from the archives, how to make your friends cry and how to keep your fries warm.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 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.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Haircuts in Space, Tutus, and the Nasal Ranger Sep 04, 2024

Mike and Ian are back. On this episode: how to cut your hair in space, how to clean your tutu, and how to tell if you smell.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org.
How To Do Everything is produced by Heena Srivastava. Engineering help from Patrick Murray.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

How To Do Everything: Kind of an advice show. Kind of. Aug 23, 2024

On each episode of How To Do Everything, underqualified hosts Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag find overqualified experts to answer all your life questions. How do you survive quicksand? How do you plan the perfect first date? How do you count all the hairs on your head? They can't help you. But they will find someone who can.
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 exclusive games, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Sign up and support NPR at plus.npr.org.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected