The Wirecutter Show
The New York Times
The Wirecutter Show is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Each week, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speak with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries. From which stand-mixer will last you a lifetime, to the best way to travel with pets, to figuring out if your smart lock is spying on you, The Wirecutter Show gives you straightforward solutions based on years of rigorous and independent product testing by more than 140 Wirecutter journalists.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 8, 2026 • 35min
The Beginner's Guide to Car Camping
Trey French, Wirecutter outdoor writer who has spent hundreds of nights testing gear, walks through getting started with car camping. He covers why driving in lowers the risk and stress. Short takes on prioritizing sleep, shelter, and food. Practical tips on pads, tents, simple cooking setups, lighting, and small upgrades that make campsites comfy.
11 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 34min
Tinned Fish is Finally Having the Moment It Deserves
Marguerite Preston, Wirecutter editorial director who led a 100+ can tasting, guides listeners through the tinned fish trend. She explains why oil-packed tins often taste better. She recommends approachable species like trout, tuna, and salmon. She shares serving ideas for impressive fish boards and where to find curated cans online.
13 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 20min
The Window-Smashing Tool That Could Save Your Life
Jen Gushue, Wirecutter editor who led hands-on testing with first responders, breaks down car window breakers. She walks through real-world tests on different glass types. Learn how to identify tempered versus laminated glass. Hear which compact spring-loaded tools work and which specialized cutters are needed for reinforced windows.
13 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 37min
The Truth About Counterfeit Beauty Products Online
Rose Maura-Laurie, a Wirecutter senior staff writer who investigated counterfeit beauty and skincare sales, shares findings from her six-month probe. She discusses how fake products circulate on big marketplaces, why third-party sellers are risky, and what shopping signals to check to avoid suspect cosmetics. Short, practical guidance on spotting and avoiding counterfeits wraps up the conversation.
19 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 31min
Essential Tools To Stay Organized While Caring for Aging Parents
Rachel Cericola, a senior tech writer specializing in smart-home tools for aging in place, shares practical tech and systems to keep caregiving organized. Topics include shared calendars and daily hubs, smart pill dispensers and medication alerts, communication tools like shared docs and smart displays, plus secure digital faxing and budgeting software. Short, actionable tech recommendations for coordinating care and reducing stress.
31 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 20min
Is The New $600 MacBook Neo Actually A Good Deal?
Brenda Stolyar, senior staff writer covering smartphones, tablets, and wearables, breaks down Apple’s new $600 iPhone 17e and MacBook Neo. She discusses what Apple cut to reach the price. Short takes cover the 17e’s camera and display compromises, the Neo’s A‑series chip and fixed 8GB RAM, and why Apple is leaning into more affordable hardware now.
31 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 34min
A Room-By-Room Guide to Aging in Your Own Home
Doug Mahoney, a Wirecutter home-improvement writer who researches aging-in-place solutions, walks a room-by-room path to safer, more usable homes. He highlights fall prevention, targeted grab-bar placement, bathroom and entryway fixes, smart-home conveniences, and low-cost upgrades you can add gradually. Practical, focused, and approachable guidance for making a home work longer for its residents.
7 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 37min
How to Get Rid of Every Gross Smell in Your Home
Caroline Mullen, a staff writer who specializes in cleaning and organization, shares practical fixes for stubborn household smells. She covers when ventilation beats masking, why cleaning trumps air fresheners, laundry hacks for sweaty gear, machine and upholstery deep-cleaning, pet and trash odor control, and when to call a pro for embedded smells.
20 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 30min
Do SAD Lamps Actually Work?
Nancy Redd, a senior staff writer who tests consumer health products, talks about seasonal affective disorder and how light therapy works. She explains 10,000 lux, why morning timing and UV filters matter, and who should be cautious. The conversation covers testing criteria and Wirecutter’s top lamp picks, plus practical ways to try light therapy before committing.
8 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 15min
A Beginner's Guide to Buying Better Coffee Beans
Sum Ngai, co-founder of Coffee Project New York and certified Q-grader, shares approachable coffee expertise. He breaks down how tasting notes map to flavor, why whole beans beat pre-ground, and when to brew after roast. Short, practical guidance on reading labels, roast levels, and choosing beans by profile.
