Willie Geist Accidentally Spills the Beans on Wife’s Secret Mahjong Nights

What Happened on the Show

On Friday, August 7, Willie Geist was guest co-hosting Today with Jenna & Sheinelle alongside his good friend Jenna Bush Hager. During the show, Willie casually mentioned that his wife Christina hosts a weekly mahjong night at their house with a group of friends.

Important Callout:
Mahjong is a traditional Chinese tile-based game (kind of like rummy but with tiles) that’s become a popular social activity. Think of it as a fun game night with snacks, chatting, and strategy!

Jenna was totally surprised — her jaw practically dropped! She interrupted Willie right away:

"What? Wait … excuse me?"

The "Girl Code" Moment

Jenna reminded Willie (and everyone watching) that she was the one who introduced Christina to mahjong in the first place! She even taught her the "Charleston" — a special tile-passing move in the game.

Jenna teased Willie:

• "Teeny [Christina’s nickname]? Who introduced you to mahjong? It was me!"
• "Who taught you the Charleston? Call me!"
• She also pointed out: "I live within a 20-minute radius!" — meaning she’s close enough to join!

Willie tried to play it cool:

1. First, he said it was "local" and they hadn’t "expanded out."
2. Then he invited Jenna if she was interested.
3. Finally, he leaned into the joke: "There are hundreds of women! She doesn’t even know most of them. It’s just an open invite."

Savannah Guthrie’s Mahjong Connection

This isn’t the first time mahjong has come up on Today!

• Savannah Guthrie (another Today co-host) and Jenna Bush Hager did a whole segment about mahjong in August 2025.
• Savannah’s mom, Nancy Guthrie, joined in — she shared a video of her original mahjong set, a gift from her late husband Charles, brought back from Singapore.
• Savannah said it became a special bonding activity:
  

  "My mom invited her mahjong ladies over and we all played… now my mom is teaching some of the younger girls how to do mahjong."

Important Callout:
Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing for six months. The investigation is still active. Savannah posted on Instagram (Aug. 1):
"We are begging for help… We will never stop looking for answers — and we will never stop looking for the light."

If you have any info: Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.

Summary

• Willie Geist accidentally revealed his wife Christina hosts weekly mahjong nights.
• Jenna Bush Hager was shocked — she taught Christina how to play!
• Jenna jokingly called out Willie for breaking "girl code" by not inviting her.
• Savannah Guthrie and her mom Nancy also love mahjong — it’s a family tradition.
• Serious note: Nancy Guthrie has been missing since early 2025; the family is still searching for answers.

FAQ

What is mahjong?
Mahjong is a tile-based game from China, usually played by 4 people. It’s like a mix of rummy and poker — you match tiles, make sets, and try to win. It’s also a big social event with friends, snacks, and lots of chatting.

Who is "Teeny"?
"Teeny" is Christina Geist’s nickname — used by close friends like Jenna Bush Hager.

Why was Jenna Bush Hager so surprised?
Because she introduced Christina to mahjong and taught her how to play — but had never been invited to the weekly game nights!

What happened to Nancy Guthrie?
Nancy Guthrie (Savannah’s mom) has been missing for six months. The case is still under investigation. The family is asking for the public’s help.

Did Willie Geist get in trouble?
Not really — it was all in good fun! He and Jenna are longtime friends, and the moment turned into a hilarious on-air joke. He even ended up inviting her to the next game night.

Original article source: People.com