As I write this, I’m watching the first of two episodes of the half hour version of the game show. The man who cuts the FOX Toledo News team’s hair, Matthew Gonzales of Matthew Vincente Salon was holding one of the cases tonight.

Because they make contestants sign a contract promising they won’t reveal what happens until it airs, I don’t know whether he gets selected as an actual contestant or wins any money yet. Even though the show airs on this station. We’ll all find out tomorrow evening at 6  together.

It’s been fun learning some of the behind-the-scenes secrets of how they do the show.

I learned from Matthew that auditions are brutally quick and thorough. They even sent producers to interview his family and friends. A little like an F.B.I. background check.

They put contestants through almost a boot camp of what to say, how to behave, how to open the case, even how to clap properly. They practice closing the little plexiglas box when they indicate “No Deal”. It doesn’t just happen like it appears to when you watch the show.

My favorite insider secret, which we discuss in tonight’s Talk Back interview segment, First at Ten, is the unusual method used to keep the men on the show from sweating through their shirts when they get nervous or excited under the hot studio lights.

Feminine pads under their arms. No kidding.