TWEOTT S3E7 - “Reindeer Droppings & Secret Santa: A Festive Wrong End of the Table Special”

The Wrong End of the Table

The Wrong End of the Table is a spirited, freewheeling podcast helmed by the dynamic voices of Leah Panopa, Dean Morris, and Andy Clay—plus the ever-mischievous Magic Mike, who chimes in from, quite literally, the “wrong end of the table.” In Season 3 Episode 7, the hosts whisk you away on a journey of holiday hilarity, nostalgic memories, and lively debates. From the moment the episode begins, you’ll sense the festive energy in the air as they discuss everything from decorating Christmas trees to the aroma of fresh pine, whisking you right into the holiday spirit.

There’s no shortage of laughs as the group playfully bickers over whether it’s more meaningful to hand-make presents or simply grab something off the shelf—especially as Andy proudly shares how he once painted personalized art for his daughters, leaving the others to either poke fun at his silhouettes or reminisce about their own family traditions. Meanwhile, Dean reveals a comical holiday tradition of his own, involving “reindeer droppings” on the deck to convince his kids that Santa’s sleigh really did land at their house. It’s these lighthearted, relatable stories that make you feel like you’re right there in the studio, unwrapping stocking stuffers and giggling over eggnog.

Yet the episode doesn’t shy away from weightier topics: the crew dives into a spirited conversation about whether police officers in New Zealand should be routinely armed, balancing serious concerns and personal anecdotes along the way. They also tackle the question of whether students should join protest marches during school hours—leading to witty banter on civic engagement, the role of education, and the nature of youth activism. Even amid these heavier discussions, the hosts maintain a warm, inviting vibe, weaving comedic one-liners and personal reflections into every heated debate.

Of course, no holiday special would be complete without Secret Santa reveals, and the final moments of the show capture that quintessential mix of surprise and delight. Magic Mike is handed his own present, the others unwrap everything from scratch-off Lotto tickets to cassettes of classic tunes, and there’s a glimmer of genuine gratitude beneath the playful teasing. With its fusion of laughter, tradition, and a dash of controversy, The Wrong End of the Table makes for a perfect festive listen—reminding us that whether we’re opening stockings, singing carols, or debating the issues of the day, the best part of the season is coming together around the table (no matter which end you’re sitting on).

Host: Leah Panapa
Costhost: Dean Morris
Addition host: Andrew Clay
Addition host: Glen Levy
Producer: Mike Nesbitt
The youtube video version is available from the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWrongEndoftheTable