Quick Read
- Tiffany Haddish appeared as a guest on NPR’s ‘Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!’ in November 2025.
- She discussed her early career struggles and unique side jobs, including working as an ‘energy producer’ at events.
- Haddish revealed she bought a microscope with her first major paycheck—emphasizing her curiosity and humility.
- Her blend of humor and honesty resonated with both the live audience and listeners nationwide.
Tiffany Haddish Brings Her Energy to ‘Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!’
In the November 15, 2025 episode of NPR’s beloved news quiz show, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, comedian and actor Tiffany Haddish took the stage at Chicago’s Studebaker Theater, not just as a star, but as a testament to perseverance, reinvention, and relentless optimism. The audience, already warmed up by the witty banter of host Peter Sagal and his panelists, erupted as Haddish was introduced—her presence promising a blend of hilarity and candor.
The Many Hats of Tiffany Haddish
Haddish’s story is one of grit—a journey marked by unglamorous side hustles and a refusal to let setbacks define her. Before her breakout role in 2017’s Girls Trip, she spent decades navigating the comedy circuit, often supplementing her income with jobs that ranged from sous-chef to professional babysitter. But perhaps the most unusual title she’s ever held? “Energy producer” at bar and bat mitzvahs.
“My job was to produce amazing energy at the party,” Haddish explained, correcting Sagal’s suggestion that she was a mere ‘hype woman.’ Her self-description captures the essence of her career: not just performing, but lifting others—making sure every guest, even the most reluctant, found themselves dancing and smiling. It’s a role she’s never really left behind, whether she’s on stage, in a film, or speaking to a packed theater.
Resilience, Humor, and a Microscope
Haddish’s rise wasn’t meteoric—it was incremental, sometimes grueling, and always honest. Even as she juggled gigs, she held onto a vision of success. When asked about the first thing she bought after her career took off, Haddish didn’t name a luxury car or a mansion. Instead, she grinned and revealed: “I bought a microscope. A $359 microscope that takes pictures of bacteria. I wanted to see what God had created up close.”
Her answer, met with laughter, is vintage Haddish: practical, curious, a little quirky, and deeply human. It’s a reminder that success, for her, isn’t about showing off, but staying connected to the awe and wonder that fueled her in the first place.
On the Power of Joy and Community
Throughout the show, Haddish’s stories landed with both humor and heart. She recounted how, as an energy producer, she could get even the most reserved guests—grandparents included—up and dancing. “It’s never too late,” she told Sagal, offering to energize his own (long past) bar mitzvah. The laughter in the room was more than just appreciation for a punchline; it was recognition of a universal truth: joy is contagious, and sometimes, we all need someone to help us find it.
Her experience extends beyond the stage and the big screen. Haddish shared how she even hired the same company she once worked for to help produce energy at her own bat mitzvah, ensuring her celebration was just as vibrant as those she’d once led herself. The anecdote, sprinkled with references to celebrity guests and meaningful rituals, underscored her belief in honoring where she’s come from, even as she celebrates where she is now.
Breaking Barriers, One Laugh at a Time
Haddish’s career is marked by breaking boundaries, not just for herself but for others. In her “Not My Job” segment, she gamely answered questions about female-led comic strips, showcasing both her wit and her commitment to highlighting women’s stories in comedy. Her success—two New York Times bestsellers, Emmy and Grammy awards, and now, her own show, Tiffany Haddish Goes Off—serves as inspiration for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated.
And yet, she remains grounded. Whether reminiscing about difficult years or reveling in her current achievements, Haddish brings her signature blend of vulnerability and strength. She’s quick to credit those who helped her, and equally quick to laugh at herself—a quality that resonates with listeners and fans alike.
Lessons from the Stage and Life
What stands out most in Haddish’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! appearance isn’t just her humor, but her philosophy: that energy, joy, and perseverance are choices we make, and that sharing those gifts can transform not just our own lives, but the lives of those around us.
As the episode wound down, and the audience’s laughter faded into applause, it was clear Haddish had done more than entertain. She had, as always, produced energy—reminding everyone that the path to success is rarely linear, but always worth dancing down.
Assessment: Tiffany Haddish’s journey, as revealed on NPR’s ‘Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!’, highlights the vital role of perseverance and adaptability in creative careers. Her willingness to embrace unconventional jobs, remain authentic, and prioritize community energy over personal glory is a blueprint for resilience in the entertainment industry—and beyond.