The Wirecutter Show

• A Game Night Survival Guide

  When the holidays roll around, many of us romanticize the idea of a cozy game night—only to remember the part where someone has to read the rules, explain them, and keep the vibes going while everyone tries not to flip a table. If you’ve ever sighed at the sight of a board game box (or struggled through a four-hour strategy game you didn’t sign up for), this episode is for you.James Austin, Wirecutter’s staff writer covering games and hobbies, shares how to host a game night that actually stays fun, how to pick games that match your group’s vibe, and which games work best for kids, adults, mixed-age families, multilingual gatherings, or friends who are already a few drinks in. If you crosswords and other NYT games, check out Puzzle Mania! from The New York Times Games editor Joel Fagliano. James’s favorite resources to learn new games: If you don’t want to read the rules, Watch It Played and Good Time Society have videos explaining how to play many board gamesBoardGameGeek can tell you how to play a game your interested inBoard Game Arena is a great resource for playing digital versions of board gamesPagat.com explains the rules to every card game Games for kidsRhino Hero (age 5+) and Rhino Hero: Super Battle (age 5+)First Orchard (age 2+) Games for mixed-age groups or familiesA Fake Artist Goes to New York - especially good for avoiding awkward conversationsThe Gang - cooperative but silent playThe Crew - no talking!Sushi Go! - adorable and easy to playMonikers - great for big groupsAnomia - a great starter gameDixit - a visual game without reading, good for kids and non-english speakersCarcassonne - interactive and easy to understandCoup - quick to play Party Games for adults (including boozy groups)Codenames - match words by meaningWavelength - opinion-based funAnomia - lots of shouting! Strategy gamesCatan - the original “Euro” style gameBohnanza - if you like the interactive trading of CatanBrass: Birmingham - if you want a complex strategy game with a lot going on Games you can play with just a deck of cardsOh Hell! - James’ family-favorite, trick-taking game Two-player favoritesSplendor - can be played with more than two as wellStar Realms - build decks of cards that become more powerful as you play  Games for solo playFinal Girl - a horror-movie themed gameSherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective - solve challenging mysteries just like a famous detective James loves: The Stormlight Ring by Thorum (his wedding ring) Additional reading:18 Best Board Games of 2025Board Games We Love for Kids and FamiliesThe 8 Best Two-Player Board Games of 2025The 4 Best Solo Board Games of 2025The 5 Best Party Games of 2025The 6 Best Card Games of 2025  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

  --------  

  36:19

  --------

  36:19
• Gift Guide 2025: What to Get the Hardest People On Your List

  Gift giving can be challenging when you're shopping for people who seem to already have everything they need (or who are just super hard to please). Hannah Morrill, Wirecutter’s gift editor, walks us through how to approach selecting presents for these trickiest recipients.  Hannah also answers listener questions with dozens of specific gift recommendations. If you’d like to receive hand-picked gift recommendations right to your inbox, subscribe to Wirecutter’s gifting newsletter, The Gift!  Products we recommend:For a professional sailor who loves to travel: MyDaVinci Custom House PortraitsCadence CapsulesCotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle Del Día For a sister who loves crafted and personalized things AnnMariaJewelry Hammered Handwriting Cuffcustom Funko Pop figurines An upgrade to an everyday staple that anyone would love: Zojirushi SM-KHE Heritage Brand items for a couple who can afford the bestPendleton Block Plaid Organic Cotton Fringed ThrowFalcon Enamelware 3-Pint JugL.L.Bean Boat and ToteShaker-Style Parlor Broom by Larry AntonukFaribault Mill Monhegan Cotton Throw (formerly known as the Brahms Mount Monhegan throw) For co-workers you want to impress without breaking the bankStandard Baggu BagBaggu Go Pouch SetStanley The IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler (20 ounces)TravelCard Plus travel chargerTusk Siam Passport CoverLuxardo Original Maraschino CherriesFallot Dijon Mustard PailPeregrino Anchovy Stuffed Olives Hannah’s favorite new gift items Block Design Reversible Glass VaseSakura Cray-Pas 16 colorsTiny Vinyl Additional reading:54 Gifts for People Who Have Everything 2025My 16 Favorite Gifts for the Hard-to-PleaseYou Asked, We Answered: 19 Gift Ideas for Older Adults34 Best Gifts for Co-Workers of 2025The 61 Best Gifts Under $100 for 2025The Wirecutter Show: Gifts for the Hard to Please   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

  --------  

  22:06

  --------

  22:06
• How to Nail the Perfect Cookie with NYT Cooking’s Vaughn Vreeland

  Holiday baking season is here, and nobody knows how to bake a delicious cookie better than Vaughn Vreeland, host of NYT Cooking’s Bake Time and author of the book, Cookies. In this episode, Vaughn breaks down the gear you actually need, and shares clever fixes for common cookie problems—from his best advice to using browned butter in a recipe to reducing sugar without sacrificing flavor. He also walks us through his best tricks for better texture, picture-perfect tops, and the surprising savory ingredients that make sweet cookies even better. This episode covers:  The essential gear every baker needs. Vaughn recommends a strong silicone spatula (“spoonula”), a cookie scoop, a rimmed baking sheet, a kitchen scale, and a cooling rack that fits inside the sheet pan are all key tools to make the baking process easier.Nice-to-have upgrades that actually make a difference. Vaughn says that offset spatulas, ring molds for perfectly round cookies, and oven thermometers improve consistency and confidence.How to troubleshoot flat or spreading cookies. Chilling the dough (always after scooping), adjusting sugar ratios, refreshing your baking soda/powder, and avoiding overcrowded pans can help with this common problem.How to reduce sugar without ruining texture. According to Vaughn, water is the secret ingredient in cookies. If you’re going to reduce the sugar, and possibly some of the fat, a splash of water can help rebalance the dough.Savory ingredients that level up cookies. Miso, olive oil, gochujang caramel, and other surprising add-ins create depth, balance sweetness, and make flavors pop.Lightning-round fixes for common cookie issues. Hard? Overbaked. Cakey? Too much flour. Burning on the bottom? Your oven might run hot.The best advice for any cookie baker. Mistakes happen—but baking should stay fun. And if all else fails, at least you’ll have a cookie at the end of the day. Wirecutter picks for baking cookies: Our favorite silicone baking mat: Silpat Nonstick Silicone Baking MatOur favorite spatula: GIR Mini Flip Silicone SpatulaOur favorite cookie scoops: Norpro Grip-EZ 2-Tablespoon Stainless ScoopOur favorite kitchen scale: Escali Primo Digital ScaleOur favorite baking sheet: Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half SheetOur favorite offset spatula: Ateco 4.5-Inch Offset Spatula 1385Our favorite cooling rack: Sur La Table Stainless Steel Cooling GridOur favorite hand mixer: KitchenAid 7-Speed Hand Mixer Other products Vaughn recommends: Cookie ring molds: Cookie Cutter SetAn oven thermometer NYT Cooking Cookie Recipes Vaughn mentioned: Cookie Week 2025 Recipes (including Mortadella Cookies)Eggnog SnickerdoodlesMexican Hot Chocolate CookiesGingerbread Latte CookiesChewy Brownie CookiesAdobo Chocolate Chip CookiesGochujang Caramel Cookies Additional reading:The 11 Best Spatulas of 2025The Best Holiday Cookie Baking Gear for 2025The 4 Best Kitchen Scales of 2025The 3 Best Baking Sheets of 2025The 11 Best Spatulas of 2025The 7 Best Butters of 2025 More VaughnVaugn’s new book: Cookies: The Best Recipes for a Perfect, Anytime TreatBake Time Newsletter from NYT CookingNYT Cooking on YouTubeVaughn’s InstagramVaughn's Facebook  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

  --------  

  31:24

  --------

  31:24
• Gift Guide 2025: What Our Experts Are Giving This Year

  Wirecutter’s staff tests thousands of products every year, and of that mountain of items a few always stick out as the best of the best. To close out 2025, we asked our experts to share the things they loved most–and what they think would make great holiday gifts.  Whether you’re still finishing up your holiday shopping or you’re just here to soak up some end-of-year delight, this roundup is full of recommendations straight from the people who test stuff for a living.  If you’d like to receive hand-picked gift recommendations right to your inbox, subscribe to Wirecutter’s gifting newsletter, The Gift! Products we reccommend: Annemarie Conte enjoys the Yummi 12” Handcrafted Taper Candles Jackie Reeve used The Company Store Company Cotton Voile Quilt to keep cozy after surgeryJames Austin gave his groomsmen gemstone dice as a personalized gamer giftAmy Kravetz gave her kid the Swatch Flik Flak Watch for a dose of nostalgiaTrey French takes the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System on every hikeBrent Butterworth loves the Sangean WR-15 tabletop radio with a bluetooth receiver for everyday, ad-free audio at his deskJennifer Hunter says the TWP Next Morning Shirt is a splurge-worthy wardrobe upgradeJon Chase added an Amazon Echo Dot to his child’s room for on-demand music and hasn’t looked backRachel Cericola thinks every nature lover deserves the Birdbuddy Pro bird feederCatherine Kast enjoys the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Scraper & Chopper for making everyday kitchen tasks a little easierThom Dunn’s kitchen renovation was postponed by loving the Cosori Original Air Fryer Toaster OvenEllen Lee loves the OMY Hair Chalk for a fun dash of color in anyone’s hairLiam McCabe has found numerous uses for the handy Calculated Industries AirShim Inflatable Pry Bar & Leveling ToolNicola Fumo says Prada lip balm in a metal tube is instantly giveable (and refillable!)Kaitlyn Wells uses the dracula-themed Ototo Gracula Garlic Crusher to help chop garlic without painMel Plaut is sharpening all their knives (utility & kitchen) with the Spyderco Tri-Angle SharpmakerKathleen Squires keeps every holiday roast perfectly cooked with the ThermoPro TP971 TempSpike Plus Additional Reading: This Tiny Airbag Has the Power to Lift an Entire FridgeThese Candles Made Me a Candle Person. Now I Eat My Cheerios by Candlelight.The Best 53 Christmas Gifts for Everyone on Your List I Test Kitchen Tools for a Living. This $12 Staple Is the One Item I’ll Never Give Up.  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

  --------  

  20:57

  --------

  20:57
• Mel Robbins' Expert Advice for Surviving the Holidays With Peace and Sanity

  At Wirecutter, we have tons of advice about the practical side of the holiday season: giving gifts, preparing meals, hosting friends and family. But the emotional side of holiday gatherings can be even tougher. So, we invited Mel Robbins, host of The Mel Robbins Podcast, and author of The Let Them Theory, to walk us through her tools for keeping your cool through heated, holiday moments.  With the holidays approaching, we ask Mel to help us navigate the harder parts of the season: tricky family dynamics, lingering childhood patterns, fraught conversations, and the pressure that comes with hosting and showing up for everyone else. Mel walks us through how to stay grounded, protect your energy, and hold firm to your boundaries—even when you’re sitting across the table from the people who test them most.  This episode covers:  Breaking down The Let Them Theory. Mel walks through “let them” as a very literal tool—letting people have their opinions, their judgments, their disappointment, their expectations—and how the “let me” half shifts you back into control of your own reactions.Managing holiday expectations. She talks about how the holidays are about enjoying yourself and showing up as you are, not who you’re going to impress.Why family dynamics are hard to change—and why accepting that lowers your stress. She explains that people change when they are ready, and that wishing someone were different can entrench them further.What to do when someone crosses a line or won’t back down. Mel says that the best way to exit an escalating conflict is to become the most boring person in the world, or “gray rock”. Don’t fuel the fire, don’t become part of the scene that’s being caused.The difference between acceptance and enabling harmful behavior. Mel explains when “let them” no longer applies—specifically when someone’s views deny your identity or safety—and how boundaries shift accordingly. Mel Loves:Her custom belt buckle with a photo of her children. You can see it in this photo of her for Time Magazine. She recommends finding a seller you like on etsy! Additional reading:The 3 Best Meditation Apps of 2025 5 Cheap(ish) Things to Improve Your Self-Care Routine The Best Personalized Photo GiftsSamin Nosrat’s Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Dinner Party More Mel: InstagramTikTokYouTubeWebsitePodcastThe Let Them Theory  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

  --------  

  27:29

  --------

  27:29

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About The Wirecutter Show

The Wirecutter Show: Podcasts in Family