The Wirecutter Show

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the way people use the internet, gather information, shop online, and interact with products at home. If you’ve ever wondered what chatbots (like Gemini or Claude) are truly good for and how to use them smartly, this episode is essential.  Our guest Kevin Roose, a New York Times tech columnist and co-host of the NYT podcast Hard Fork, has spent years reporting on AI and constantly uses these tools. Kevin shares strategies to make chatbots work better for you and reveals which tools he finds best for different purposes.   We also discuss how average people use AI today, what to watch out for regarding kids and AI, and how companies are gaming the system to rank higher in AI search results.  This episode covers: Optimizing your chatbot experience with custom instructions: By default, chatbots like Claude and ChatGPT can be prone to excessive flattery. To fix this, access your chatbot’s settings and instruct how you want the model to address you. Kevin shares this example of custom instructions he gave Claude:"Claude should talk to me informally like a wise and trusted friend. I don't like preamble, just get to the point. I appreciate honest feedback and don't like sycophancy, but I also appreciate praise when warranted. I am not always right, but neither is Claude. I value Claude's perspective and appreciate being pushed to consider views I may not have considered. Don't end every response with a follow-up question." AI productivity tools to try: Kevin uses NotebookLM to collect research for the book he’s writing. He relies on Cora to summarize personal emails and draft responses for important messages. And he uses Super Whisper to dictate emails and writing.How to use different chatbots for different tasks: Kevin turns to Claude for creative work, coding, and “matters of the heart” when he needs advice. He prefers Google’s Gemini for research and Perplexity Comet as an AI-powered browser. He uses ChatGPT less frequently (mostly for reporting), because the New York Times company is suing OpenAI and Microsoft over alleged copyright violations. Products we mention:Matic robot vacuum (read our first impressions here)The best robot vacuum: Roborock Q7 M5+The best pre-lit artificial Christmas tree: National Tree Company 7.5-foot Feel Real Downswept Douglas Fir Additional reading:The Matic Is a Whole Different Kind of Robot VacuumI Got Early Access to Amazon’s New Gen AI Alexa+I Think We Can Safely Call Google’s Gemini for Home a FiascoI Tested 9 AI-Powered Scheduling Assistants. My Favorite Is the One With the Least AI. More Kevin:Hard ForkKevin’s websiteKevin’s Instagram  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

The holidays are here, and that means it's time to tackle the hardest shopping challenge of all: finding the perfect gift(s) for the children in your life. In this episode, we skip the parental guessing games and go straight to the experts! Rosie sits down with three brutally honest critics—Dior (8), Robinson (11), and Chloe (6)—to get the definitive, unfiltered word on what kids really want this year. Listen as they enthusiastically share their current wish lists and, more importantly, evaluate a handful of Wirecutter's tried-and-true, age-appropriate recommendations. Their hilarious, insightful, and sometimes merciless critiques will help you cut through the noise, avoid the toys that will be forgotten by New Year's, and confidently pick a gift that will be a genuine hit. If you’d like to receive hand-picked gift recommendations right to your inbox, subscribe to Wirecutter’s gifting newsletter, The Gift!    Dior, Age 8 Items on Dior's Personal Wishlist:A nail kitNike shoesDog toys and dog-themed toysReborn baby doll Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:Wacom Intuos S drawing tabletVans Classic Slip-OnsCuisinart ICE-21P1 ice cream makerLava Lamp OriginalLevain Bakery Signature Cookie AssortmentWarmies Capybara stuffy toy  Robinson, Age 11 Items on Robinson's Personal Wishlist:Pokemon video games and cardsLEGOsDungeons & Dragons merch and itemsManga (specifically Shonen)Books Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:Bearaby Nappling weighted blanketBrother CS7000X sewing machineLego Traditional Chess Set 40719Arteza Acrylic Paint (Set of 24)Planet (board game)Lego Creator 3in1 Birdhouse 31143  Chloe, Age 6Items on Chloe's Personal Wishlist:Remote control snakeSleeping bag (unicorn theme!)Barbie doll housePanda toy that comes with a baby bottle, toilet, and diaper Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:L.L.Bean Sonic Snow TubeRazor RipRider 360 tricycle (or consider a two-wheeled bicycle)Magna-Tiles Downhill Duo 40-Piece SetKikkerland Postcard Paint BookLego Animal Crossing Isabelle’s House Visit 77049 Additional reading:43 Best Holiday Gifts for 6-Year-Olds of 202546 Best Gifts for 8-Year-Olds of 202531 Best Gifts for 9-Year-Olds of 202534 Best Gifts for 10-Year-Olds of 2025The 42 Best Holiday Gifts for TweensThe 59 Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids in 2025The 4 Best Kids Craft Subscription Boxes for 202511 Best Lego Sets for Kids 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

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

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

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