Dust off the Britannica, and brush up on those Pop-Up Video reruns. When all else fails, let the tunes clue you in. You’ll need it because Ask Me Another, a rambunctious new show from NPR that challenges contestants with an hour of puzzles, word games and trivia is back. AMA is hosted by comedian Ophira Eisenberg and airs Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. on 90.9 and 88.9 FM.
KRCU listeners first had the chance to listen to Ask Me Another as a pilot radio program over the summer. The show received positive reviews from public radio listeners across the country and now has been given the go-ahead to become a weekly series. During November and December, KRCU will rebroadcast the programs that aired over the summer with new programs beginning in January 2013.
Ask Me Another’s improvisational mix of banter, brains, and music shines brightly in funny, unexpected moments. Host Ophira Eisenberg guides listeners through each episode as she puts questions to a rotating band of puzzle gurus, audience members and “mystery” guests.
Contestants test their wits and wiles in front of the crowd during games like This, That or the Other, and Replacement Math. Try a couple:
- Which of the three categories does Mimolette belong to? (This) cheese, (That) dance moves, or (the Other) characters from Moby Dick?
- Jay-Z’s problems, plus Three Dog Night’s ‘Loneliest Number’?
- How about the Dalmatians, plus the Luftballoons, divided by Ali Baba’s thieves? (Okay, okay, we’ll give you the answers.*)
With a background in comedy, improvisation and storytelling, Eisenberg effortlessly incorporates each mystery guest into the show with a cheekiness that disregards formalities and levels the playing field.
Featured guests include author/humorist John Hodgman, Tony Award-winner Nikki M. James, and blogger and media personality Meghan McCain. The resulting ambiance resembles the casual intimacy of game night at a friend’s house: one where scores are forgotten in favor of hilarious gaffes and fortuitous postulations. Each show also features a spontaneous soundtrack from computer programmer-turned-Internet phenomenon Jonathan Coulton.
Tune in Saturdays at 11:00 a.m., right after Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! on KRCU.
*Answers: This, That or the Other: No, Mimolette did not harpoon a famous whale. It is a cheese (This). Replacement Math: 100; 5.