When I first saw a live taping of “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me,” two things surprised me. One was that Carl Kasell was actually present in the flesh. Somehow I had assumed that the guy was beamed in. Or that they’d roll out an old-timey radio on a cart and his voice would simply amble out. The second surprise was how spry Carl is. As his name was announced, he loped athletically onstage, a tall and wiry septuagenarian.

But when Carl sat down in our studio with me to reflect on his long career, I’m pleased to say I was not surprised. He was exactly as genteel, warm and good-natured as you’d expect him to be. To mark the day of his final Morning Edition newscast, we present this special extended version of that interview.

Also, here is his farewell message from his final newscast this morning.

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