The Wirecutter Show

The Wirecutter Show

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  • Typical duration

    32 min

    per episode

  • If it hooks

    49%

    finish an episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

The Wirecutter Show episodes

  • Setting Digital Boundaries with Kids At Any Age

    Many parents and caregivers struggle to manage their kids’ use of technology. Whether it’s an elementary schooler binging YouTube shorts or a teen dealing with social media-induced anxiety, the struggles are real. In a recent Wirecutter reader survey, only 9% of parents said they felt confident managing their kids' tech use, and many felt overwhelmed by screen addiction and "brain rot" content.
     

    This week, Wirecutter writers Signe Brewster and Ellen Lee walk us through their comprehensive guide on how and when to introduce different types of technology across every age. They discuss why tech addiction is often a broader societal issue (rather than an individual parenting failure), how to establish healthy digital habits early on, the pros and cons of location tracking, and practical tools to help older kids self-regulate before heading off on their own.


    This episode covers: 

    • Early tech for young kids: Experts recommend minimizing screens before age 2. When introducing media, stick to high-quality content and apps that have "walled gardens" where kids can safely make their own choices.
    • Avoiding "dark patterns": How to spot predatory app designs that manipulate young kids into playing longer.
    • How to approach location tracking: While tracking devices like AirTags and smartwatches offer peace of mind, they can inadvertently signal to kids that the world is unsafe or normalize constant surveillance. Experts suggest using tracking during transitional periods or as a temporary safety tool.
    • Determining phone readiness: There is no single "magic age" for a first smartphone. Readiness depends on your child's maturity, independence, and specific daily needs.
    • Social media and self-regulation: Navigating algorithmic feeds and FOMO can be a real challenge for teens. But tools exist for helping manage screen time, including self-regulation apps like Clearspace and physical focus devices like The Brick.

     

    Products we recommend: 

    • A device that blocks your most distracting apps: Brick
    • PBS Kids Apps (for curated, high-quality preschool content)
    • Common Sense Media (for age-appropriateness ratings and reviews).
    • Signe loves: NÜDL bike helmets
    • Ellen loves: Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches


    Additional reading:

    • A Step-by-Step Tech Guide for Parents Who Live in the Real World
    • 10 Tips for Managing (and Reducing) Your Kid’s Screen Time
    • The Best Ways to Track Your Kid (And Why You Might Not Want To) 
    • 6 Parents on How They Handle Tech
    • “I Don’t Want to Spend Time Scrolling”: 7 Kids on How They Use Tech
    • The 3 Best Parental-Control Apps to Manage Screen Time (and Keep Your Kid Safer Online) of 2026

     

    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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

    35 min
  • How Adaptive Beauty Tools Make Makeup Easier for Everyone

    Applying mascara or eyeliner can be difficult even when you don't have a disability. For people with arthritis, tremors, low vision, or other mobility issues, beauty routines can feel nearly impossible.

     

    This episode, Wirecutter beauty writer Ayanna Redwood-Crawford explains how accessible makeup tools can make those routines easier for everyone. She shares what makes a makeup tool genuinely accessible, why universal design benefits more than just the people it was created for, and how some brands have made products easier to use without sacrificing their formulas or affordability.
     

    This episode covers: 

    • Why accessible makeup is useful for everyone. Products designed for people with arthritis, tremors, or low vision can also help beginners, parents with their hands full, or anyone who finds makeup tools difficult to use. Testers appreciated products that were easier to grip and control, and many of them also had great formulas and finishes.
    • What makes a makeup tool genuinely accessible. It’s not enough for a product to be labeled adaptive. Look for tools that address specific challenges, like gripping a mascara tube, controlling a brush, or applying makeup with limited hand movement. 
    • Why makeup doesn’t always have to be perfectly precise. Look for products that simplify tricky steps, like eyeliners with  built-in wing stamps or buildable multisticks for color control and flexibility.

     

    Products we recommend: 

    • Affordable grips that fit most makeup and tools: Lyforx Foam Grip Tubing
    • A multiuse circular brush with a contoured handle: Kohl Kreatives Medium Circle
    • An easy-to-hold eyeshadow brush: Guide Beauty Blend & Crease Brush
    • An ergonomic, flattering mascara: Tilt Lashscape Mascara
    • A handy eyeliner that’s easier to apply: SheGlam Get Foxy Eye Stamp & Liner Pen
    • A user-friendly tinted lip balm: Tilt Grip Stick Hydrating Lip Treatment
    • A versatile 3-in-1 makeup stick:  E.L.F. Cosmetics Monochromatic Multi Stick
    • A lighted makeup mirror for people with low vision: Fancii Vera Vanity with 10x Lara Mirror

     

    Additional reading:

    • The Best Accessible Beauty Tools and Makeup

     

    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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

    20 min
  • Vegetables Don't Have to Be Boring

    We all know we should eat more veggies, but sometimes life gets in the way. Maybe you're too busy for endless chopping, stumped by an unfamiliar root vegetable, or juggling guests or family members with conflicting dietary restrictions. 

     

    This episode, Tanya Sichynsky, editor for the Food and Cooking sections at The New York Times, and author of The Veggie newsletter and YouTube show, discusses her new cookbook, Veg Everything. She shares her approachable, plant-forward philosophy on cooking vegetables—not as a punishment or boring side dish, but as a versatile, flavor-packed centerpiece.
     

    Tanya walks us through the essential pantry staples that make veggie-centric meals fast and effortless, how to make seasonal swaps in recipes, and clever ways to reinvent leftover veggies into frittatas, pasta sauces, or savory pancakes. 
     

    This episode covers: 

    • Stocking a flavor-boosting pantry: Certain ingredients can instantly transform a single fresh vegetable into a complete, satisfying meal. Tanya keeps canned lentils, beans, tahini, dates, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, and pre-crisped garlic or shallots in her pantry.
    • Veggies for breakfast: It’s easier to get enough vegetables in your day if you start in the morning. Stack your first meal with plenty of plants with smoothies, frittata and more.
    • RSVP-worthy showstoppers: How to make impressive, centerpiece vegetarian dishes for entertaining.
    • The leftover framework: Think about integrating veggie leftovers into different “formats” like pancakes, toasts, pastas, and more. 

     

    Products we recommend: 

    • Tanya loves her ripstop cargo pants from Kapital

     

    Additional reading:

    • The Veggie's Editor Dishes on Her Favorite Kitchen Tools
    • Packable Beach and Picnic Recipes 
    • 10 Best Veggie Burgers of 2026


     

    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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

    38 min
  • Pickles! (Live From The Minnesota State Fair!)

    Pickles are a polarizing subject. Some people want a cold, crunchy dill straight from the fridge, while others swear by a sour pickle or a sweet, spicy relish. And if you've ever wondered whether you can make better pickles at home, there's a whole world of canning and fermentation to explore.
     

    In this episode recorded live at the Minnesota State Fair, Wirecutter kitchen writer Maki Yazawa starts by explaining how Wirecutter’s team tested 47 store-bought pickles and what they were looking for. Then,  Minnesota State Fair pickle judge Mary Bartz, and last year’s overall canning winner Teresa Craig, talk about what makes a prize-winning pickle. They discuss how to safely can and ferment pickles at home, and the resources Mary recommends for getting started, including the National Center for Food Preservation and the book So Easy to Preserve. Plus, they tell us some of the most unusual pickled creations they’ve ever encountered. 

     

    This episode covers: 

    • How to choose the right pickle for what you're eating. The shape and style matter: Maki recommends crinkle-cut chips for burgers, slender pickles for subs, and sour pickles for snacking on a hot day.
    • Why fresh produce is the key to crunchy homemade pickles. Teresa says the fresher your cucumbers and other vegetables are, the better the texture of the finished product.
    • How to safely make pickles at home. Mary explains why acidity, processing time and temperature, proper headspace, clean jars, and a reliable seal all matter for preventing dangerous bacterial growth.
    • The difference between water-bath and pressure canning. Water-bath canning works for acidic foods like pickles, while pressure canning is necessary for lower-acid foods such as corn and green beans because it reaches a higher temperature.

     

    Products we recommend: 

    • Teresa likes: The Ball Electric Water-Bath Canner and Easy Fermenter Lids

     

    Additional reading:

    • The Best Pickles
    • You Had Thoughts About Our Pickle Picks. So We Tasted More Pickles.


     

    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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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 min
  • How to Finally Find A Bra You Won’t Hate

    Finding a bra that fits well can feel like an impossible combination of measurements, brands, cup sizes, and personal preferences. Even knowing your usual size doesn't guarantee that a bra will feel comfortable or provide the support you need.
     

    This episode, Wirecutter senior staff writer Zoe Vanderweide breaks down what a bra is actually supposed to do, and how to tell when one fits properly. After testing more than 35 bras, she explains why the band matters more than the straps for support, why bra sizes aren't standardized across brands, and how to shop when your breasts don't fit neatly into a standard size. Plus, how to make your bras last longer.
     

    This episode covers:

    • Why the right bra can do much more than provide support. Bras can change the shape of your breasts, provide nipple coverage, smooth asymmetry, make clothes fit better, or minimize a larger bust.
    • Why you should know your measurements—and then try multiple sizes. We recommends measuring yourself, checking a brand's size chart, and ordering a couple sizes because there's no substitute for actually trying a bra on.
    • Why you shouldn't wear the same bra two days in a row. Letting the elastane in a bra's band rest between wears helps it regain its shape and prevents it from stretching out prematurely.
    • How to wash a bra without destroying it. You don't need to wash a bra after every wear; when you do, use a gentle wash cycle in a mesh bag and air-dry.

     

    Products we recommend: 

    • For people who fall between standard cup sizes: ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra
    • For larger breasts that hate underwires: Evelyn Bobbie Defy Bra
    • For a sexy, lacy bra for smaller busts: Journelle Anais Plunge Bra
    • For a sexy, supportive bra for larger busts: Panache Allure Full Cup Bra
    • For a modern, minimalist sexy bra for small to medium breasts: Negative Sieve Non-Wire Bra
    • For comfortable casual wear around the house or on errands: Harper Wilde Bliss Triangle Bralette
    • For smoothing lumps and bumps on the back: Wacoal Back Appeal Underwire Bra
    • For an affordable, versatile everyday bra: Harper Wilde Base T-Shirt Bra
    • Zoe loves: Her new diamond art kit
       

    Additional reading:

    • The Best, Most Comfortable Bras
    • The Best Nursing Bras
    • The 6 Best Sports Bras of 2026
    • Sorry, You Really Can’t Wear Your Favorite Bra Every Single Day
    • How to Wash Bras

     

    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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

    40 min
  • So, You Want to Start Composting

    Before you dump your veggie peels and coffee grounds into the trash, consider the many reasons to compost. Keeping food waste out of landfills reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while nutrient-rich compost helps sequester carbon and rejuvenates soil. You’ll also likely need to empty your regular trash less frequently. For many people, the biggest barrier to composting is simply getting started.

     

    In this episode, Wirecutter sustainability editor Katie Okamoto shares practical tips for collecting kitchen food scraps, navigating composting options without municipal pickup, and understanding what actually belongs in your bin—including why you might want to skip those biodegradable liner bags.

     

    Plus, Wirecutter staff members break down their own real-world setups. They share how to manage commercial pickup services, why "compostable" plastics don't work in backyard bins, and strategies for keeping odors at bay.

     

    This episode covers:

    • Composting options for every space: If you don't have municipal green-bin pickup, you can use private commercial services, drop off scraps at community gardens or farmer's markets, or even try the "cardboard box method" to compost slowly inside your home.
    • Backyard composting 101: A successful pile requires a balance of "greens" (fresh food waste) and "browns" (dry leaves, paper, or cardboard).
    • Strategies for collecting food scraps: You don't need a specialized bin. Wide-mouthed mixing bowls or restaurant Cambro bins work well.
    • The freezer scrap method: Keeping a squishable storage bag in your freezer to collect veggie peels and eggshells eliminates odors, saves counter space, and makes it easy to tote scraps to a drop-off site.

     

    Products we recommend: 

    • A simple mixing bowl: Cuisinart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids
    • A plastic-free tin: Epica Countertop Compost Bin
    • A great bag for the freezer: Baggu Standard Bag
    • A bigger bin: Cambro Square Food Storage Container 

     

    Additional reading:

    • Kitchen Compost Bins We Love in 2026 
    • How to Start Composting
    • Do You Really Need Compostable Bags for Your Food Scraps?
    • I Saved More Than 2,000 Pounds of Food Waste From the Landfill With This Simple Composter
    • At-Home Food Recyclers Are Often Billed as Eco-Saviors. We Don’t Buy It.

     

    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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

    26 min
  • The Best Bidet for Every Budget (Encore)

    Using a bidet may seem a little intimidating to some, but to others it's a way of life. 

     

    In this episode, we’re reairing  a conversation with Wirecutter senior staff writer and bidet-convert Doug Mahoney. He explains why these modern fixtures that wash your bum are a game-changer for hygiene. You’ll learn about how they work, what to look for when buying one, and some of Wirecutter’s top recommendations.

     

    This episode covers:

    • How to choose between cold and warm-water bidets: They each have their pros and cons. Cold ones are the cheapest and easiest to install, while warm ones are more expensive and offer a luxury experience.
    • What to know about installation: If you can install a regular toilet seat, you can install a cold-water bidet. Warm water bidets are a little trickier, and require access to an outlet. You’ll also want to make sure your toilet has an accessible water shutoff valve.
    • Why it’s worth paying for a reliable brand: Given a bidet is a plumbing fixture, you should buy from a trusted brand, like Toto or Brondell. These companies tend to have reliable products that will last–and that will be less likely to cause leaks and other issues.
    • Why bidets are great for everyone (including those with accessibility issues): A good bidet can make anyone feel cleaner, and they’re particularly helpful for people who have mobility issues – whether that’s a potty training kid, someone recovering from surgery, or an older adult who wants to live longer independently.
    •  

      Products we recommend: 

      • The best bidet: Toto S5 Washlet
      • A cheaper version of our new favorite: Toto S2 
      • A great cold water model that replaces your toilet seat: Brondell EcoSeat S101 Non-Electric Bidet Seat
      • A great cold water model to use with an existing toilet seat: Bio Bidet SlimEdge Attachment
      •  

        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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

        35 min
      • The Best Time to Buy a Mattress (and How to Get a Deal)

        Buying a mattress can often be a boring, expensive task. And the mattress industry doesn't make it easy: Prices are constantly changing, brands use confusing terminology, and permanent “sales” can make it hard to know what's a real discount.

         

        In this episode, Wirecutter senior staff writer Elise Czajkowski explains when to look for deals and how to negotiate a better price when you're ready to buy. She shares why you should always ask for an additional discount, how to negotiate with a store or online chatbot, and why one popular online shopping trick—abandoning your cart—may not work for mattresses.

         

        This episode covers:

        • Why you should never pay full price for a mattress. Those constant website “sales” are often just the regular price in disguise; the biggest discounts tend to come around major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Presidents Day.
        • What you need to know before you buy. The best way to avoid buying a mattress you hate is to understand how you sleep (your sleep position) and firmness preference before you start shopping.
        • How to get the best discounts. You can sometimes get better deals at stores that sell multiple brands. Go in person and ask your salesperson for 10% off, even if the mattress is already on sale.
        • How to negotiate when you're buying a mattress online. Instead of assuming the listed price is final, try the site's chatbot and simply ask for a better deal.
        •  

          Additional reading:

          • Why You Should Never Pay Full Price for a Mattress
          • 38 Best Mattresses of 2026 
          •  

            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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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 min
          • Are You Using Conditioner All Wrong?

            It’s easy to overlook the conditioner sitting in your shower. But the right conditioner can do so much for your hair, like add moisture and shine, reduce frizz, and make hair easier to detangle. Yet the wrong one can leave your hair greasy or weighed down.

             

            In this episode, Wirecutter beauty writer Amanda Rosenthal explains how conditioner actually works and how to choose one based on your hair type and texture. She also clears up some common conditioner confusion, including who needs to use one, how to apply it, and whether “hair masks” are worth the extra money. 

             

            This episode covers: 

            • Why your hair type matters when choosing a conditioner. Rich conditioners can leave fine hair greasy and weighed down, while thicker or curlier hair may need heavier conditioning ingredients.
            • How to tell if you actually need conditioner. Dullness, frizz, difficulty detangling, and brittle-feeling hair are all signs that you should use conditioner.
            • Why you shouldn't put conditioner on your scalp. Your scalp already produces its own oils, so applying conditioner there can contribute to buildup and interfere with scalp health. Start at least three inches from your roots instead.
            •  

              Products we recommend: 

              • Best for medium and thick hair: Tresemmé Silky Smooth Conditioner
              • Best for tight curls and coils: Pattern Beauty Intensive Conditioner
              • Best for dry, damaged hair: Redken All Soft Conditioner
              • Best for sensitive skin and scalps: CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Conditioner
              • Best for fine hair: Living Proof Full Conditioner
              • Amanda loves: All-Clad D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan with Lid
              •  

                Additional reading:

                • The Best Hair Conditioners of 2026 
                • The 6 Best Shampoos of 2026
                • I’m a Beauty Writer. And a Snob. But I Don’t Hate a 3-in-1 Shower Product.
                • Find Your Perfect Shampoo (podcast episode)
                •  

                  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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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 min
                • Is Trader Joe’s Skin Care Actually Good?

                  Trader Joe's is beloved for its quirky snacks and frozen meals, but its beauty aisle has quietly become a hotspot for budget-friendly skincare and viral "dupes". 

                   

                  This week, beauty writer Neha Tandon shares the results of her extensive hands-on testing of Trader Joe’s moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and sunscreens. She reveals which $10-and-under products are high-performing gems and which popular items missed the mark.

                   

                  This episode covers:

                  • The $4 Holy Grail: Why the Rose Facial Toner is a highly versatile, multi-use must-have for refreshing skin, setting makeup, and even reviving curly hair. 
                  • A $7 designer "dupe": How the single-ingredient Marula Facial Oil performs just as beautifully as luxury versions costing six times as much. 
                  • The absolute misses: Why Neha suggests skipping the "Pine-Sol-esque" tea tree oil cleansing pads and the snotty-textured Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum.  
                  • Better alternatives: Superior options for exfoliating pads and vitamin C serums if you want to upgrade your skincare routine.
                  •  

                    Products we recommend: 

                    • Rose Water Facial Toner 
                    • Marula Facial Oil
                    • Retinol Night Serum
                    • Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40
                    • Instead of Trader Joe's Natural Facial Cleansing Pads, try Pacifica Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads
                    • Instead of Trader Joe's Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum, try Timeless Skin Care 20% C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
                    •  

                      Additional reading:

                      • We Tested All the Skin-Care Products at Trader Joe’s to Find the Best 
                      • This Trader Joe’s Sunscreen May Be Even Better Than Its Much Pricier Counterpart
                      • The 7 Best Retinol Products of 2026 
                      • The 5 Best Exfoliants of 2026
                      •  

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

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                        The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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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                        16 min

                      About The Wirecutter Show

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                      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.

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