WeWow on the Weekend: Reviewsies, Dogs, and Social Intelligence!

Summary

Podcast Summary: Wow in the World - WeWow on the Weekend: Reviewsies, Dogs, and Social Intelligence! Episode Release: July 25, 2026
Hosts: Mindy Thomas, Guy Raz, Dennis, Reggie

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Episode Overview

This lively episode of WeWow on the Weekend serves up a fun mix for young listeners—with host Dennis reading listener reviews (a new “Reviewsies” segment), and a deep dive into a classic Wow in the World episode exploring the fascinating social intelligence of dogs compared to humans. Kids (and their grown-ups) will laugh, learn, and maybe see their own review read on air!

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Key Discussion Points

1. Reviewsies Segment (03:00-05:45)

• Dennis introduces “Reviewsies,” a spirited new segment where he reads podcast reviews sent in by listeners on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• He shares a few memorable reviews, injecting humor and reacting to star ratings.
• Memorable Reviews:
  • From Cat.1234567891011: “Nice. Cool.” ★★★★★ (03:51)
  • From Fiona: “The best show ever… I love Dennis so much.” But—only one star! Dennis responds dramatically: “Oh! What an emotional rollercoaster of a reviewsie. I need to sit down. Oh, right. I’m already sitting.” (04:23)
  • From The Gymnast of the West: “11 out of 10… You should make an episode about the science of stress.” Dennis refers listeners to an earlier episode, “Gaming Your Way to Zen,” about video games and relaxation, with a classic Dennis-Reggie disagreement on the correct episode title (04:50).

2. Inside Tinkercast Studios—Dogs and Humans (05:45-17:13)

• Dennis introduces a flashback to season 1, episode 9, "Dogs and Humans,” explaining it’s about an unexpected similarity between dogs and people: social intelligence.
• Main hosts Mindy and Guy Raz take over for this segment.

Main Takeaways from the Segment:

• The Social Link Between Dogs & Humans

  • Guy Raz explains, “The reason why dogs and humans are such good pals might have something to do with evolution.” (11:21)
  • Discussion about “survival of the friendliest”: how humans evolved to be social for collective survival (12:33).

• Species 101

  • Simple breakdown for kids: “A species is a similar group of living things that create more of that same species...cats are a species... plants... our nearest relatives, chimpanzees...” (13:11)

• Are Chimps as Friendly as Us?

  • Mindy asks if chimps are as friendly as humans (14:04)
  • Guy Raz sets up the big reveal: “Our closest animal relatives in terms of friendliness might be... dogs.” (14:19)

• University of Arizona Study

  • Explains a real scientific study where dogs and chimps were given brain games; dogs responded to human cues more like two-year-old human children than chimps did (14:55).
  • “The scientists would hide a toy in a room… The dogs would stand up and walk to that part of the room and find the toys. But when it came to the chimps… they would just sit on their bottoms and do nothing.” (15:17)

• Eye Contact and Social Intelligence

  • Both dogs and small children excelled at making eye contact, a sign of social intelligence (15:49).
  • “Dogs, like humans, probably evolved… to become friendly. As you said, survival of the friendliest.” (15:51)

• Why Does it Matter?

  • This research could help us understand human social development “and why it’s easier for some humans to be friendly, but sometimes harder for other humans” (16:18).
  • Might even help explain quirks like hiccups, blushing, or why our feet fall asleep—Mindy rattles off a silly list of “mysteries” yet to be solved (16:55).

3. Listener Wrap-up and Goodbye Song (17:13–End)

• Dennis asks, “Do you think I have as much social intelligence as a dog?”
• Ends by urging listeners to call in with questions and promising another fun episode soon.
• “That’s the end of the show. I have to go watch videos of dogs on the internet.” (18:24)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dennis, upon reading a 1-star review that’s full of praise:
  “What an emotional roller coaster of a reviewsie. I need to sit down. Oh, right. I’m already sitting.” (04:23)
• Mindy, launching into classic wordplay:
  “What kind of dog loves to take a bath? A shampoodle!” (10:28)
• Guy Raz, on dog–human friendship:
  “Even on a bad day, Mindy, your dog will still love you.” (11:12)
• Mindy, with her classic silliness:
  “So, survival of the friendliest.” (12:29)
• Guy Raz, summing up the science:
  “Dogs, like humans, probably evolved or changed over millions of years to become friendly. As you said, survival of the friendliest.” (15:51)
• Mindy, listing life’s silliest mysteries:
  “Why we get the hiccups. Or why our feet fall asleep when we sit on the toilet for too long. Or why we toot.” (16:55)
• Dennis closing:
  “That’s the end of the show. I have to go watch videos of dogs on the internet.” (18:24)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:00 – Reviewsies segment begins
• 05:45 – Inside Tinkercast Studios/Throwback episode intro
• 10:16 – Main science segment, “Dogs and Humans” begins
• 14:19 – The big reveal: dogs have social intelligence like toddlers
• 15:28 – Study findings: dogs vs. chimps vs. kids in social brain games
• 16:11 – “Survival of the friendliest” implications for humans
• 17:13 – Wrap-Up: Dennis back on the mic
• 18:24 – Goodbye song and conclusion

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The Wow Factor

This episode turns listener participation into laughs and learning, then delivers a memorable science story perfect for kids and parents alike. You'll never look at your dog—or toddler—the same way again!

Transcript

[A]

Hey, Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, do you want to help us spread the word about WOW in the world?

[B]

Yay.

[A]

Then just leave us a review in your podcast player. Your reviews help us to bring our podcast to new ears. That's right, Reg. Dennis even reads some of these reviewsies on wewow on the weekend. So who knows? You might just hear your review on the show. And if you're looking for even more ways to support WOW in the world, tell your friends if you know someone who you think would enjoy. If you enjoy this podcast, send them your favorite episode or tell them about something you learned or made you laugh while listening. Thanks for listening and for helping us spread the wow. And now a quick ad break and then back to the show. Decaf.

[B]

In Donkey Kong Bonanza, you can smash through almost anything. Giant watermelon, easy, solid rock. Say less. Explore the underground world by smashing to the planet's core as Donkey Kong and Pauline. Hold up. Are you hearing karts?

[C]

All right.

[B]

Race against your friends in Mario Kart world. Drive off walls, off the road and over dinosaur.

[A]

Sweet.

[B]

You can power up your play on Nintendo Switch. Two additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode, game system, and some accessories sold separately. Games rated E to E10 pl

[C]

wee wow on the weekend. Wee wow on the weekend. Wee wow on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend. Talking, laughing. Me and Reggie singing, laughing. And then we. Oh, wait, no, I said laughing twice. Whatever. We wow on the weekend. Yeah, we wow on the weekend. We wow on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend. Hello and welcome to Wee Wow on the Weekend. I'm your host, Dennis, and Reggie's also a host as well. Also, we're down in my mother's basement just hanging out, being cool. Reggie, I am so cool. Yeah. Huh. Remember the time I accidentally crashed my bike into the bushes by the library and I got a scrape and I hardly even cried? I crashed because I was wearing sunglasses and I couldn't see, which was cool. Oh, whatever. We need to move on because today we have a brand new segment. I know. I call it Reading Reviewsies. Reviewsies. You know, the comments people write on Apple podcasts or Spotify or whatever, and they give us stars. Yeah, I printed a bunch out and I'm going to read them. I'm reading reviewsies for me and for you, Z. We've got us some doozies, so let's read Review Z's. Okay, let's see what we got here. This Reviewsy comes from Cat. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. 1. The title says nice and the message says cool. Huh? That's a really short reviewsy. Oh, and they gave us five stars. Thanks, Kat. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. 1. Next comment. Okay, this next reviewsie comes from username Fiona. The title reads, the best show ever. Thank you, Fiona. And the message says, I have watched all your episodes twice. They are so great. I love Dennis so much. Thank you. I am extremely lovable. Let's see, Hummingbird. How many stars? What? One star. Oh, why? Oh, what an emotional roller coaster of a reviewsie. I need to sit down. Oh, right. I'm already sitting down. Right, right, right, right, right. Okay, next comment. This next one's from username. The Gymnast of the West. Ooh, mysterious. The title says 11 out of 10. The message reads. Yeah, fireworks emoji. I love your podcast. You should make an episode about the science of stress. Well, Gymnast of the west, as it happens, there's an episode of WOW in the world called Gaming youg Way to Zen. Reggie. Nuh. It's not called the Zen of Video Games. It's called Gaming your Way to Zen. Yes, it is. Look, Season three, Episode five, the Zen of Video Games. Huh? Okay, whatever. You're right. Anyway, in the episode, Guy Raz and Mindy enter a relaxing state of flow by playing video games. Thank you, Gymnasts of the West. And thank you everyone, for your reviewsies. Keep em coming. Oh, right. If you leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, I just might read it. Five stars or more, please. What? It only goes up to five stars?

[D]

Sheesh.

[C]

I feel like we should be able to squeeze in a sixth or seventh star, you know. Okay, next up is a little segment I like to call Inside Tinkercast Studios. Inside Tinkercast Studios. This is the part where we revisit an episode of one of my favorite Tinkercast shows. And this weekend, we're revisiting episodes from the very first season of wow in the world. Today we're doing a from episode nine called Dogs and Humans. In this episode, Mindy and Guy Raz discuss a striking similarity between dogs and humans. No, Reggie, we don't smell the same. Well, I don't want to spoil the surprise. Let's just play the episode. Okay, here we go. And play.

[A]

Wee. Wow will be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you.

[E]

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[A]

Hey Wowzer fams Mindy here is your family looking for some new podcasts to check out on your next family road trip? Well, I have got some that I think might just wow your entire family. So let's say you got some animal lovers you've gotta meet Flip and Mosi. Flip and Mosi are travel vlogging aliens who are discovering Earth and its amazing creatures for the first time. And along the way they learn what it takes to be an Earthling. Or maybe you're someone who loves to solve mysteries. With who when wow. Mystery Edition you can join Karlie Q on her time traveling adventures and discover the truth behind history's biggest mysteries like the Loch Ness Monster, what happened to Amelia Earhart? And if you've got someone who prefers bouncing down the road to a beat, we are turning the tables on your favorite fables with Once Upon a Beat. In this hip hop twist on classic stories, Grammy winner DJ Fuch adds some rhythm and rhyme to tales as old as time. Once Upon a Beat will have your whole family tapping their feet. You can find Flip and Mosey who win wow. Mystery Edition and Once Upon a Beat. Wherever you find your podcasts, just search them in your favorite podcast app and hit the follow button so you don't miss out. Happy travels. And now a quick ad break and then we'll get on with the show. Hey grownups. Mindy here. And it should come as no surprise that I love talking to people. I do it every Friday on two. What's in a People who Wow Edition? And I've gotta tell you about something else designed to bring the joy of conversation back to kids. It's called Pinwheel Home and it's a modern take on the landline phone. The Pinwheel Home is just like the phones you remember, except it Connects using your WI fi and plugs into a regular wall outlet. Plus, adults approve all contacts so you don't get strangers or spam calls. And calls to other Pinwheel homes are free, so you can talk to all your friends. Pinwheel Home lets kids safely connect with their friends and family. Plus, it builds conversation skills and promotes independence. Visit pinwheel.com wow. To learn more. That's P-I N W H E-E-L.com wow. To learn more. That's it. Now back to the show.

[C]

What in the world?

[A]

Hey, Guy Raz.

[D]

Hello, Mindy.

[A]

How's it going, buddy?

[D]

It's going well. Thanks.

[A]

So I've got a serious question for you.

[D]

Okay.

[A]

What kind of dog loves to take baths?

[D]

Well, actually.

[A]

Okay, Guy Raz, it's a joke. What kind of dog loves to take a bath? A shampoodle.

[B]

Huh?

[A]

Okay, moving right along.

[D]

Well, actually, Mindy, that brings me to a science story.

[A]

Ooh, I love stories. What do you have?

[D]

Well, you know that old saying about humans and dogs?

[A]

Oh, yeah. Never eat a dog unless it's in a bunny. But something like, never eat a dog if it can run, like, away from you. I don't know, Guy Raz. I don't know what the saying is.

[D]

Actually, the old saying I was think about, Mindy, is dogs are man's best friends.

[A]

Never heard that one.

[D]

We call dogs our best friends because, you know, they're loyal and loving no matter what. Even on a bad day.

[A]

Or a bun.

[D]

You know, even on a bad day, Mindy, your dog will still love you.

[A]

Yeah, and it'll show you that love by slobbering all over your face and eating your shoes.

[D]

But, Mindy, the reason why dogs and humans are such good pals might have something to do with evolution.

[A]

Oh, evolution. So, like the way we've changed over millions of years?

[D]

Exactly. We humans have changed over time. We've had to learn how to cooperate with each other in order to make sure that we survive.

[A]

Oh, we know all about cooperation, Guy Raz. Do you remember that one time I asked you to put your cell phone in the aquarium so that I could talk to the fish? And you didn't want to do it, but you did it anyway because you're a good friend and also because you fell into it. That was cooperation.

[D]

Yeah, exactly. And, you know, long, long before humans had cities or horses or supermarkets or.

[A]

Or airports or taco trucks.

[D]

Yeah, right, right. Long before we had all of those things, Mindy, we had to find food out in the wild. And over time, we Figured out that if we were going to make it on this planet, we had to work together. So some people would look for food, other people to live, other people would cook the food. Basically, we had to become friendly.

[A]

So, survival of the friendliest.

[D]

Exactly. Humans had to become friendly because, as any kid knows, Mindy, by being friendly, you are more likely to get what you want.

[A]

Okay, I think I've got this. So say I want you to give me 100 bucks. I might say something to you like, Guy Raz, you're looking so dashing today, I hardly even recognized it was you. Uh, yeah, no, that's not it.

[D]

Anyway, Mindy, friendliness is how early humans were, in one sense able to become the most dominant species on planet Earth.

[A]

Okay, and just to be sure, when you say species, you mean groups of living creatures, right?

[D]

Yeah, but not just creatures, Mindy. A species is a similar group of living things that. That create more of that same species. So, for example, cats are a species. So are horses and tigers, but so are plants and flowers like the water hyacinth. And even things like garlic and fruit flies. And of course, our nearest relatives, chimpanzees, knew it.

[A]

Guy Raz, I took one look at your toes last summer and knew that your great grandma had to have been a chimpanzee.

[D]

Uh, well, we're not really relatives in that sense. We actually broke away from chimpanzees about 7 million years ago. So not like in our family. But yes, we humans are distant relatives of chimps. We are different, of course, very different than chimps. But out of all the species on Earth, they are the closest ones to us.

[A]

Wait a minute. So does this mean that chimps are also friendly in the same way that humans are?

[D]

Well, it's interesting you ask, Mindy, because when it comes to friendliness, our closest animal relatives might be.

[A]

Ooh, ooh, pygmy.

[D]

You wanna take a guess?

[A]

Is it man's best friend?

[D]

That's exactly right, Mindy.

[C]

Dogs.

[A]

So how do we even know this?

[D]

Well, Mindy, scientists at the University of Arizona recently discovered that dogs and two year old humans show similar patterns of something called social intelligence.

[A]

Okay, so I don't want to sound socially unintelligent, Guy Raz, but what exactly does that mean?

[D]

Well, it means that among all creatures, dogs seem to be able to understand what's going on around them in ways that are similar to a two year old kid.

[A]

Wow. So how do we even know this?

[D]

Well, the scientists at the University of Arizona took a group of chimps and a Group of dogs, and they gave them some brain games to play. So for example, the scientists would hide a toy in a room and then they'd start to look in the direction of the toy or even point their fingers to the part of the room where the toys were hidden. And lo and behold, the dogs would stand up and walk to that part of the room and find the toys. But when it came to the chimps, Mindy, they would, they would just sit on their bottoms and do nothing.

[A]

Wow, that's crazy town. So then what did the two year olds do?

[D]

Mindy? Those little humans did exactly the same thing the dogs did. And what's more is that the scientists found that dogs and the kids were better than the chimps at making eye contact, at looking right into the eyes of the scientists.

[A]

Such manners. So why is this a big deal?

[D]

Well, it's a big deal because making eye contact is an example of that term I mentioned earlier, Intelligence. And it suggests, Mindy, that dogs, like humans, probably evolved or changed over millions of years to become friendly. As you said, survival of the friendliest.

[A]

That's so cool. So, Guy Raz, now that we know about dogs, what does this discovery mean for us humans?

[D]

Well, Mindy, it's possible that we might be able to better understand when and how humans develop certain behaviors and why. It's easier for some humans to be friendly, but sometimes harder for other humans to be friendly. We know that at around nine months, human babies start to understand what's going on around them. They start to notice how other people around them behave. And if we can get an even better understanding of how dogs have figured this out, it could help us crack the code about certain mysteries related to human human behavior that we don't yet understand.

[A]

Yeah, like why we get the hiccups. Or why we can't sneeze with our eyes open. Or why we see in 3D. Or why we get bored. Or why our feet fall asleep when we sit on the toilet for too long. Or why we toot. Or why we daydream. Or why our cheeks turn red when we're embarrassed. Gosh.

[C]

Oh, wow. Cool. That was great. Dogs have as much social intelligence as two year old humans. Reggie, do you think I have as much social intelligence as a dog? Because one time on the Internet I saw a video of a dog that could ride a skateboard. What? Skateboarding isn't social intelligence? Oh, well, another time on the Internet I saw a video of a dog popping bubbles with a raccoon. Is that social intelligence? Well, okay, maybe it's not social intelligence, but it was definitely adorable infectiousness. Well, that will just about do it for TODAY listeners. If you have a question for me, remember to call and leave me a message at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW. That's 1-888-7-WWOW. I just might answer your question on Wee Wow on the weekend. Okay, let's do the goodbye song. That's the end of the show. I have to go watch videos of dogs on the Internet. But I'll do another show tomorrow. But for now, that's the end of the show.

[D]

Eh?

[C]

Eh.

[E]

Bye.