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.

  • 35 minutes 32 seconds
    The Vibrator Episode (Encore)

    Buying a vibrator can be tricky without a great recommendation. This week, we’re reairing our episode on why vibrators are still so taboo—and how to pick one you’ll love.

     

    Bianca Alba, Wirecutter’s longtime sex toy writer, talks us through the societal double standards around sexuality and how vibrators can help with sexual health. We cover the different types of vibrators you can choose from, how to decide between the options, and why you shouldn’t give up on one if you don’t love it at first. 

     

    We also get to the bottom of whether size really matters, the best lube to use, and whether it’s ever a good idea to buy a vibe for your partner.

     

    This episode covers: 

    • Vibrators as essential tools for inclusive pleasure: Vibrators are highly effective at closing the "orgasm gap," as roughly 75% of people with vulvas require clitoral stimulation—which vibrators provide efficiently—to reach orgasm.
    • Why investing in quality materials matters: Look for toys made of medical-grade silicone from reputable brands. Cheap "knock-offs" from mass-market retailers often use porous materials that can harbor bacteria or off-gas harmful chemicals.
    • How the Hitachi Magic Wand became the “Gold Standard”: This vibrator comes highly recommended for its power and versatility, despite originally being marketed as a back massager.
    • Practicing patience and exploration: Don’t dismiss a new device after one try; the body often needs time to acclimate to different sensations. Factors like stress and hormonal cycles can also impact how effective a toy feels on a given day.
    • How Wirecutter tests sex toys: Our recommendations are based on diverse testing groups—spanning different ages (20s to 70s) and physical abilities—to ensure the toys work for various sensitivities and life stages.

     

    Products we recommend:

     

    Additional reading:

     

    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

     

    Wirecutter Social and Website

    Instagram: /wirecutter

    Threads: /@wirecutter

    Twitter: /wirecutter

    Facebook: /thewirecutter

    TikTok: /wirecutter

    LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

    Website: 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


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    11 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 34 minutes 34 seconds
    Our Favorite Boxed Chocolates Will Blow Your Mind

    We’re demystifying what separates luxury boxed chocolates from standard supermarket candy. Gabriella Gershenson, Wirecutter’s taste test editor and author of our boxed chocolates guide, explains what ingredients to look for on labels, the textures that separate the great from merely mediocre, and why good chocolates cost so much. 

     

    Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves a classic toffee or an adventurous eater seeking mind-bending flavors, this episode serves as a masterclass in how to choose the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day and beyond.

     

    This episode covers:

    • Ingredients to look for: High-quality chocolate should consist of cocoa butter and/or cocoa mass, and sugar. Avoid boxes containing vegetable oils or artificial flavorings, which compromise both texture and taste.
    • What makes a great boxed chocolate: The coating should be uniform with a visual sheen and the texture should have a pleasing “snap” (a sign of proper tempering). The filling should accurately match the description in the box's key—if it says "hazelnut," it should taste like an actual hazelnut, not synthetic.
    • Why premium boxed chocolates are expensive: Luxury chocolates are expensive ($50–$90+) due to fluctuating global cacao prices, small-batch production, and the use of skilled manual labor rather than factory automation.
    • What to get if gifting to people with food restrictions: There are now far more options than ever for vegans and people with nut allergies. Our testers even preferred many vegan chocolates (often nut-based) over traditional dairy versions.
    • Gourmet bars make a great budget gift: If you don’t want to spend $50 to $90 on boxed chocolates, high-end artisanal bar chocolates make a great, affordable alternative.

     

    Products we recommend:

    • Recchiuti Confections Black Box 16: With perfectly executed flavors and an eye-popping array of shapes and textures, the Recchiuti Black Box chocolates were our tasters’ all-around top choice.
    • Valerie Confections Baby Grand Assortment: The toffees, caramels, and truffles from Valerie Confections are deceptively simple, combining classic fillings with beautiful technique—and some unexpected flavor combinations.
    • Stick With Me Sweets 12 pc Bonbon Box: This New York–based chocolatier harnesses flavors in full force within delicate hand-painted shells. A vegan box and a nut-free box are also available.
    • Ragged Coast Milk & Dark Chocolate Truffles: The Maine-based chocolatier woos with sophisticated fillings, single-origin chocolate, and a focus on local and organic ingredients.
    • Melissa Coppel Bonbons: Melissa Coppel’s marbled bonbons and hand-dipped chocolates are impressively well crafted, with layered fillings that reminded us of a plated dessert.
    • Melissa Coppel Vegan Bonbons 12 Piece: Melissa Coppel’s vegan chocolates are as impressively crafted as the originals, with memorable and dynamic flavor combinations.
    • Richart Initiation: The two-tiered Richart Initiation box offers a chocolate experience that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is palate-teasing.
    • Dandelion Chocolate Single-Origin Truffle Collection: Dandelion Chocolate’s truffles, crafted by the San Francisco bean-to-bar chocolate maker, demonstrate the subtlety and distinct terroir of excellent single-origin chocolate.
    • Chocolat Moderne Vegan Victory: The selection of filled chocolates from Chocolat Moderne features cordials, marzipans, jellies, caramels, and other festive fillings in dark and vegan milk chocolate shells.
    • La Maison du Chocolat Fruit Naturally Gift Box: The French chocolatier La Maison du Chocolat infuses smooth vegan ganache with vivid fruit flavors in this elegant selection.
    • Amore di Mona Assorted Mignardise Red Gift Box: The Amori di Mona chocolates are elegantly executed, with subtle flavors and complex texture. Vegan and free of common allergens, these are a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

     

    Additional reading:

     

    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

     

    Wirecutter Social and Website

    Instagram: /wirecutter

    Threads: /@wirecutter

    Twitter: /wirecutter

    Facebook: /thewirecutter

    TikTok: /wirecutter

    LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

    Website: 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


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    4 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 1 minute 41 seconds
    Send Us Your Worst Smell Scenarios

    We’re working on an episode about the worst household smells and we want to hear from you! What smells are you plagued by? What odors have you tried and failed to remove? Tell us about them and our experts will offer their best advice. 

     

    Record a voice memo on your smart phone telling us about your smell scenario and email it to us at [email protected]. Don’t forget to tell us your name and where you’re calling from. We may answer your question on the show!

    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

     

    Wirecutter Social and Website

    Instagram: /wirecutter

    Threads: /@wirecutter

    Twitter: /wirecutter

    Facebook: /thewirecutter

    TikTok: /wirecutter

    LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

    Website: 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


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    29 January 2026, 2:00 pm
  • 30 minutes 47 seconds
    How a Good Recovery Routine Can Help You Stick With Your Workouts

    Your workout shouldn’t stop after you’ve finished your cardio or weightlifting session. What you do right afterward can make the difference between feeling good for the rest of the day or dragging with soreness and fatigue. 

     

    We brought in two experts to break down what recovery really means, why it matters, and how to approach it without overcomplicating things. First, Dr. Leada Malek, a licensed physical therapist, explains what’s happening in your body after a workout, why your nervous system needs time to calm down, and which recovery habits actually help you feel better between sessions. 

     

    Next, Seth Berkman, Wirecutter’s fitness gear expert, walks us through the tools he’s tested that can support recovery at home: what’s worth using, what’s optional, and where you can save your money.

     

    By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to recover in a way that supports your workouts, fits into your routine, and helps you feel better—not just immediately after exercise, but in the days that follow.

     

    This episode covers: 

    • What “recovery” actually means—and why it’s not just stretching. Recovery is about giving your body time to come down from the stress of exercise. Dr. Malek explains that after a workout, your heart rate, nervous system, and muscles are still in overdrive. Recovery helps dial all of that back so you feel less sore, less fatigued, and more prepared for your next workout—not just physically, but neurologically too.
    • Why cooling down helps you feel better, even if it doesn’t “prevent” injury. A proper cool down won’t magically stop injuries, but it can make your muscles feel more comfortable after exercise and plays a big role in how you feel 24 to 48 hours later.
    • Static vs. dynamic stretching—and when each one makes sense. Dynamic stretching works better before workouts because it helps warm you up, increase coordination, and boost blood flow. Static stretching—holding a stretch for 30 seconds or more—can be useful after workouts to reduce stiffness and help you feel less sore in the days that follow.
    • How to build a simple recovery toolkit. Seth walks through recovery tools that can help—like mats, foam rollers, massage sticks, and optional gadgets—and explains which ones are actually useful, which are optional, and how to think about cost versus benefit.
    • The truth about massage guns. Tools like the Therabody Theragun have grown in popularity, and they’re not cheap. But research shows the benefits of massage guns may be mostly psychological.

     

    Products we recommend: 

     

    Additional reading:

     

    More from Dr. Leada Malek here.

    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

     

    Wirecutter Social and Website

    Instagram: /wirecutter

    Threads: /@wirecutter

    Twitter: /wirecutter

    Facebook: /thewirecutter

    TikTok: /wirecutter

    LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

    Website: 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


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    28 January 2026, 10:00 am
  • 32 minutes 57 seconds
    The Ultimate Guide to Winter Moisturizing

    Winter is brutal on skin and most moisturizer advice online is either oversimplified, wildly inconsistent, or driven by marketing.

     

    So we brought in Jenn Sullivan, senior editor of Wirecutter’s beauty team, to explain what moisturizers actually do, and how to use them in a way that makes a real difference. Jenn breaks down the ingredients that matter, the mistakes that leave skin feeling drier, and why timing and consistency matter more than price tags or hype. 

     

    By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer sense of how to choose a moisturizer—and how to make the one you already own work better for you.

     

    This episode covers: 

    • What moisturizer actually does. Jenn explains that moisturizers aren’t adding water into your skin so much as helping your skin hold onto the water it already has. Their main job is to support and protect the skin barrier, which naturally loses moisture throughout the day—especially in cold, dry weather or after washing.
    • Why timing matters more than quantity when you apply moisturizer. Moisturizer works best when skin still has some water on it. Jenn explains why applying it shortly after washing—when skin is slightly damp, not dripping—helps lock in hydration more effectively.
    • The real difference between face moisturizer and body lotion. Jenn breaks down how much of the distinction comes down to texture, sensitivity, and marketing. In many cases, a well-formulated body moisturizer can work just fine on the face. But it depends on your skin.
    • Why oils and petroleum jelly don’t hydrate on their own. Jenn explains that oils and petrolatum don’t add moisture—they prevent water loss. Used correctly, they can be helpful; but used alone on dry skin won’t fix the problem.
    • When an expensive moisturizer might make sense—and when it won’t. Higher price tags can reflect formulation, texture, or packaging, but Jenn explains why cost alone doesn’t determine effectiveness—and why many affordable options work just as well.

     

    Products we recommend:

     

    Additional reading:

     

    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

     

    Wirecutter Social and Website

    Instagram: /wirecutter

    Threads: /@wirecutter

    Twitter: /wirecutter

    Facebook: /thewirecutter

    TikTok: /wirecutter

    LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

    Website: 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


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    21 January 2026, 10:00 am
  • 31 minutes 41 seconds
    Inside Wirecutter's Mystery Pallet Adventure

    January is peak return season. Maybe you got holiday gifts that weren’t quite right, or you’re just clearing out the things you over-ordered. But where does all that stuff actually go?

     

    In this episode, Deputy Editor Annemarie Conte walks us through her investigation into the hidden world of returns. For her reporting, she bought a 450-pound, six-foot-tall pallet of returned goods to see what really happens to the items people send back. She explains how the secondary market works, why so many returned goods never make it back on shelves, and the pure chaos she found inside her return pallet.

     

    This episode covers: 

    • Why returns don’t always go back on shelves. Items may be reshelved, sent to clearance, or liquidated for pennies on the dollar. Annemarie describes what actually happens inside return centers, including Amazon’s claim that all returns are inspected—something her pallet contents cast doubt on. 
    • The size and growth of the secondary market. Nearly 16% of retail sales were returned in 2025—about $849.9 billion worth of goods. Annemarie walks through how these items trickle down into liquidation warehouses, bin stores, flea markets, and discount shops. 
    • What a pallet of returned goods actually looks like. Annemarie explains how she bought a 450-pound pallet of returns containing 430 packages and 582 individual items, including 68 pounds of pure trash. She breaks down the categories of what ends up on pallets—unclaimed mail, overstock, returned goods—and why so much of it is “excess” that never gets resold. 
    • How fraud shows up in the returns pipeline. From boxes filled with rocks to pallets layered  with junk on the bottom, Annemarie explains how both retailers and resellers get scammed—and why the whole ecosystem is vulnerable to bad actors.
    • How to be a more thoughtful online shopper. Annemarie shares simple ways to reduce unnecessary returns like reading product descriptions closely, checking one-star reviews, and pausing before buying multiples just to try them on. She also emphasizes that some categories (like plus-size clothing) still require online shopping, and returns aren’t a moral failure.

     

    Additional reading:

     

    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

     

    Wirecutter Social and Website

    Instagram: /wirecutter

    Threads: /@wirecutter

    Twitter: /wirecutter

    Facebook: /thewirecutter

    TikTok: /wirecutter

    LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

    Website: 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


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    14 January 2026, 10:00 am
  • 31 minutes 50 seconds
    The True Cost of Recovering from the LA Wildfires, Part 3

    In the final installment of this series, we examine the longer-term costs–the time, the money, and the emotional toll–that finding your feet after a natural disaster can take. 

     

    Mike and his family are still displaced. The possibility of a future natural disaster looms over them, on top of the financial predicament of being stuck in the “insurance gap”--where their insurance payout isn’t enough to rebuild their home. 

     

    Gregory has moved back into his house, but he’s still dealing with insurance claims, survivor’s guilt, and the existential question of whether he and his wife should stay in Altadena. 

     

    The past year has taught Mike and Gregory that they have to advocate for themselves in ways that they never would have imagined before the fires. 

     

    If you haven’t listened to parts one and two of this series, we recommend doing that before listening to part three. 

     

    Actionable steps you can take from this episode:

    • Make sure you have enough insurance. Estimates show that as high as almost two out of three homeowners across the country are underinsured. Check with your insurance agent annually to make sure you have enough coverage.
    • Take extensive notes. After a disaster, keep careful records of conversations, emails, and other communication with insurance adjusters, government agencies, banks, and other entities. This will help you verify information.
    • Meet in person if you can. It can be more effective to meet with insurance adjusters and aid organizations in person, rather than conducting meetings over the phone or video call.
    • Get ready for negotiation. After an emergency, you may need to negotiate with your insurance company, and ask the same questions and make the same claims repeatedly.
    • Be forceful but kind. Even when negotiating, remember that you want to stay on good terms with the people you’re dealing with, if you can.

     

    You can find out more about Gregory Han on his website and on Instagram @typefiend

     

    Additional reading:

     

    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

     

    Wirecutter Social and Website

    Instagram: /wirecutter

    Threads: /@wirecutter

    Twitter: /wirecutter

    Facebook: /thewirecutter

    TikTok: /wirecutter

    LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

    Website: 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


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    12 January 2026, 10:00 am
  • 34 minutes 7 seconds
    The True Cost of Recovering from the LA Wildfires, Part 2

    In the second part of our series, we learn more about what’s happened to Wirecutter writers Mike Cohen and Gregory Han in the year since the LA wildfires. And how they both wish they’d better understood their insurance policies before the fires.  

     

    Mike and Gregory both found temporary housing after the fires, but they soon needed to start replacing the things they use daily. And to do that, they had to produce exhaustive lists of their belongings to their insurance companies for reimbursement. For Mike, this was particularly daunting, as everything he owned had burned. 

     

    Both Mike and Gregory wish they had better documented their belongings before the fires, because this would have made it easier to prove what they owned. 

     

    This episode also covers the struggles Gregory faced to convince his insurance company that his home needed professional cleaning (called remediation) to remove toxic ash and other pollutants. 

     

    We recommend listening to part one before this episode. Part three of the series publishes on Monday, January 12. 

     

    Actionable steps you can take from this episode:

    • Document your stuff. After a disaster, insurance companies often require an itemized list of lost or damaged possessions. This task will be made much easier if you’ve documented what you own. Take a video as you walk through your home, from room to room. Open every cabinet and drawer, and capture brands and models. Don’t forget the attic, garage, or basement. Do this every few years, or any time you’ve had a major life change when new stuff enters your home.
    • Digitize your documents. After a disaster, you’ll likely need official documents to prove who you are and where you lived. Scan or photograph passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and other important documents. Find more tips on digitizing documents here.
    • Read your insurance policy. Knowing what your policy covers will help you navigate insurance claims in the face of a disaster.
    • Assess your home for potential disasters. Research your climate risks and make a list of potential home modifications–such as cutting back trees, installing gutter guards, or even putting on a new roof.
    • Make sure you have the right type of insurance. Most home insurance policies include fire coverage, but depending on where you live you may want additional coverage for floods, earthquakes, or other disasters.

     

    You can find out more about Gregory Han on his website and on Instagram @typefiend

     

    Additional reading:

     

    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

     

    Wirecutter Social and Website

    Instagram: /wirecutter

    Threads: /@wirecutter

    Twitter: /wirecutter

    Facebook: /thewirecutter

    TikTok: /wirecutter

    LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

    Website: 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


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    9 January 2026, 10:00 am
  • 35 minutes 29 seconds
    The True Cost of Recovering from the LA Wildfires, Part 1

    Exactly one year ago, on January 7, 2025, the Palisades and Eaton Fires erupted, eventually burning down more than 16,000 structures and killing at least 31 people, becoming among the most destructive and deadly wildfires in California’s history. 

     

    Two Wirecutter writers, Gregory Han and Mike Cohen, lived through the Eaton fire. Both lived in Altadena, just outside Los Angeles. Gregory’s home was damaged, while Mike’s burned to the ground. They collaborated on an article sharing their biggest lessons of recovery, which Wirecutter published last July, as part of our emergency preparation coverage. 

     

    Now, in a special podcast series, we’re sharing the biggest lessons they’ve learned from the past year–—and what they can teach you about how to prepare for a disaster. 

     

    Unfortunately, climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent, more intense, and more unpredictable. In the last year alone, we’ve seen cataclysmic floods in the Texas Hill Country, deadly tornadoes in many parts of the U.S., and increasing flash floods across the country, just to name a few. No one is completely insulated from these types of events. 

     

    In this first episode, we’ll introduce you to Gregory and Mike, and why they think it’s imperative to invest in your community before a disaster. 

     

    Look for part two of this series on Friday January 9, and part three on Monday January 12.

     

    Actionable steps you can take from this episode:

    • Invest in your community before a disaster. Information can be hard to come by during and in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. This is when knowing your neighbors can be invaluable. Both Gregory and Mike relied on neighbors and others in their community for information before, during, and after the fires. They’ve continued to share resources with this community as they’ve worked toward recovery over the past year.
    • Create an easy way to communicate with your neighbors. This could be a text chain or a group chat–through something like WhatsApp or GroupMe. Maybe you’re already involved with a group that may eventually help in an emergency. Mike’s neighborhood thread started as a group of local dog owners before the fire. 
    • Join a volunteer organization in your community. After the fires, Gregory joined a group to do brush cleanup, which has helped deepen his connection with the people who live close to him.

     

    You can find out more about Gregory Han on his website and on Instagram @typefiend

     

    Additional reading:

     

    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

     

    Wirecutter Social and Website

    Instagram: /wirecutter

    Threads: /@wirecutter

    Twitter: /wirecutter

    Facebook: /thewirecutter

    TikTok: /wirecutter

    LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

    Website: 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


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    7 January 2026, 10:00 am
  • 35 minutes 11 seconds
    Journaling Through Life's Plot Twists with Suleika Jaouad (Encore)

    In this episode, our guest is Suleika Jaouad, author of The Book of Alchemy and creator of The Isolation Journals Substack. We delve into how journaling can help you unlock creative potential and navigate life’s challenges. 

     

    Suleika shares her personal journey with journaling as a lifeline during her battle with leukemia and a pathway to "creative alchemy" – transforming difficult experiences into meaningful expression. She highlights the benefits of journaling on mental health, and how it has changed her life.

     

    The discussion also explores practical aspects of journaling, from overcoming the fear of a blank page to maintaining consistency through accountability and prompts. Suleika shares her preferred tools—a fountain pen and quality paper—and the rituals that help her stay consistent. 

     

    Plus, Wirecutter writer Arriana Vasquez tells us about digital notebooks, an innovative way to modernize the writing experience without sacrificing the tactile pleasure of it. 

     

    Listeners will gain actionable insights into starting and sustaining a journaling practice.

     

    Products we recommend:

     

    Suleika’s favorites: 

     

    More Suleika Jaouad

     

    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

     

    Wirecutter Social and Website

    Instagram: /wirecutter

    Threads: /@wirecutter

    Twitter: /wirecutter

    Facebook: /thewirecutter

    TikTok: /wirecutter

    LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

    Website: 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


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    31 December 2025, 10:00 am
  • 20 minutes 59 seconds
    What Our Experts Are Giving This Year (Encore)

    In case you missed our bonus episode, we are re-airing it! 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 recommend: 

     

    Additional reading:

     

    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

     

    Wirecutter Social and Website

    Instagram: /wirecutter

    Threads: /@wirecutter

    Twitter: /wirecutter

    Facebook: /thewirecutter

    TikTok: /wirecutter

    LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

    Website: 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


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 December 2025, 10:00 am
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