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
46 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 21min
What Our Experts Are Giving This Year (Encore)
Discover the best gift recommendations straight from product testing experts! From Yummi taper candles that elevate family meals to a cozy Company Cotton Voile quilt perfect for recovery, there's something for everyone. James suggests gemstone dice for a personal touch, while Amy highlights a nostalgic Swatch watch for kids. Hikers will love the portable Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system, and Brent raves about the Sangean WR-15 radio for clean, ad-free sound. Plus, find out why an Echo Dot is a game-changer in a child's room!
20 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 13min
Gift Guide 2025: It's Not Too Late to Get Something Great!
Samantha Schoech, senior staff writer on Wirecutter's gifting team, shares her expertise on last-minute gifts. She highlights common pitfalls like panic buying and overspending when shopping at the last minute. Sam suggests thoughtful, budget-friendly options like olive oil and fancy chocolates that can be found at grocery stores. She also recommends subscription gifts for immediate delivery, emphasizing the importance of presentation to make gifts feel special. Tune in for her top picks that ship fast and universally-loved gifts!
80 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 33min
Tips for Using AI Smarter with Hard Fork's Kevin Roose
Kevin Roose, a New York Times tech columnist and co-host of the Hard Fork podcast, shares insightful strategies for effectively using AI tools like chatbots. He discusses the emotional connections people have developed with AI and its growing presence in everyday life, especially among teenagers. Kevin reveals his favorite chatbots, emphasizing the importance of custom instructions to receive more honest interactions, and explains how AI is transforming online shopping and product discovery. Get ready to optimize your digital experience!
7 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 18min
Gift Guide 2025: Kids Tell Us What They Want
Get ready for the ultimate gift guide straight from the source: kids! Dior, Robinson, and Chloe share their wish lists packed with unique items like dog toys, Pokemon games, and stylish shoes. Their candid critiques of popular gift picks, including drawing tablets and weighted blankets, provide hilarious insights into what truly delights young shoppers. Discover what’s hot and what’s not this holiday season, as they help you pick gifts guaranteed to be hits and avoid the duds. Tune in for laughter and some surprisingly solid advice!
25 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 36min
A Game Night Survival Guide
Join James Austin, a Wirecutter staff writer specializing in games and hobbies, for a fun and enlightening discussion on hosting unforgettable game nights. He shares tips on picking the right games for your group vibe, keeping the atmosphere light, and even navigating mixed-age gatherings. Discover kid-friendly options like Rhino Hero and strategic favorites for adults such as Codenames. Plus, learn how to avoid awkward conversations with games designed to keep everyone engaged and entertained!
36 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 22min
Gift Guide 2025: What to Get the Hardest People On Your List
Hannah Morrill, Wirecutter’s supervising editor for gifts, shares her expertise on selecting perfect presents for hard-to-shop-for loved ones. She discusses thoughtful gift choices by tapping into recent conversations and personal interests. Hannah recommends unique items like custom boat portraits for sailors and personalized Funko Pop figures for crafty sisters. She also highlights quality gifts from heritage brands for unpretentious friends and budget-friendly options for large teams. Plus, discover her new favorite gift picks!
Dec 3, 2025 • 31min
How to Nail the Perfect Cookie with NYT Cooking’s Vaughn Vreeland
Join Vaughn Vreeland, host of NYT Cooking’s Bake Time and cookie guru, as he shares his secrets to baking perfect cookies. Discover essential tools like a silicone spatula and cookie scoop, as well as clever upgrades that enhance your baking. Learn how to troubleshoot common issues like spread and flat cookies, plus tips on reducing sugar without sacrificing texture. Vaughn also reveals surprising savory ingredients, like miso, to elevate your cookie game. Get ready to bake with confidence!
105 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 21min
Gift Guide 2025: What Our Experts Are Giving This Year
The experts share their favorite gifts from 2025, perfect for holiday shopping. Yummi taper candles add ambiance to meals, while a cozy Company Cotton Voile quilt aids recovery. Gemstone dice make memorable groomsmen gifts, and the Swatch Flik Flak watch helps kids learn time. For hikers, the Sawyer Squeeze offers reliable water filtration. A Sangean WR-15 radio combines nostalgia with modern features. Plus, discover kitchen must-haves like the OXO bench scraper and fun gifts like the OMY hair chalk!
23 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 27min
Mel Robbins' Expert Advice for Surviving the Holidays With Peace and Sanity
Holiday gatherings can ignite big emotions, and Mel Robbins shares her insights on navigating them. She introduces the Let Them Theory, emphasizing acceptance of others while reclaiming your reactions. Conversations about tricky family dynamics reveal the importance of managing expectations and accepting limits. Mel offers strategies for defusing conflict, like the gray rock technique, and stresses the importance of boundaries when opinions threaten your identity. Plus, she shares her favorite travel keepsake, a custom belt buckle reflecting her family.
17 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 35min
Secrets to Better Pie Making
Lesley Stockton, a senior kitchen gear writer for Wirecutter, shares her extensive pie-making expertise. She simplifies pie-baking fears with practical tips like accepting imperfections and mastering core techniques. Lesley recommends a tapered rolling pin for perfect dough and explains why baking sheets are essential. She reveals her go-to pate brisée recipe and suggests nontraditional pies, like a double-crust plum or buttermilk pie. With solutions for common challenges, Lesley empowers every baker to create beautiful, tasty pies!
