Who Smarted? Trusty Trivia: RAMEN!!!

Date: November 20, 2025
Host: Atomic Entertainment / Starglow Media

Episode Overview

This energetic, kid-friendly “Trusty Trivia Thursday” episode from the “Who Smarted?” podcast dives into the steamy world of ramen! Designed for kids and families, this quick hit of trivia and noodle fun shares slurpable facts about ramen’s origins, its delicious namesake, and its traditional toppings—all while keeping the tone humorous and interactive.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction & Shout-Outs

• The host greets “smarty pants and smarty families,” kicking things off with a burst of energy and a “brothtastic” shout-out to a fan, Ellie from Exeter, NH.
• Ellie is celebrated for her love of the show and for even having a Who Smarted-themed birthday party, referred to as a “smart-abration.”
  • [01:00] Quote: "Now that's what we call a smartabration!"

Trivia Segment: Slurping Up Ramen Facts

Q1: What country is most associated with popularizing ramen?

• Choices: A) Japan, B) Italy, C) Noodlevania
• Correct Answer: Japan
• Fun feedback for getting it right:
  • [01:27] Quote: "Did you say A? You're soy smart! Japan is famous for ramen with regional varieties and toppings galore."

Q2: What does the word 'ramen' actually mean in Japanese?

• Choices: A) Wiggly soup, B) Pulled noodles, C) Super yummy soup
• Correct Answer: Pulled noodles
• Explanation: The term “ramen” originates from Chinese words for pulled noodles, alluding to the hand-pulling noodle-making technique.
  • [01:54] Quote: "If you picked B, you're really using your noodle. Ramen comes from the Chinese words for pulled noodles, referring to the traditional hand-pulling technique that gives them their springy, slurpable shape."

Q3: Which topping is NOT typically found in traditional ramen?

• Choices: A) Soft boiled egg, B) Sliced pork, C) Gummy bears
• Correct Answer: Gummy bears
• Humorous commentary on the choice:
  • [02:15] Quote: "Did you go with C? You've got good taste. Unless you're starting a candy ramen trend, gummy bears are not a traditional topping. Yet."

Wrap-Up & Invitation to Explore

• Congratulates listeners for “slurping up those facts like a pro.”
• Teases further learning by recommending listeners check out the full ‘Ramen’ episode in the Who Smarted archives.
  • [02:25] Quote: "Join us next week for more delicious trivia. Oh, and if you want to learn more, check out our Ramen episode in the whosmarted Archives."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:00] "Now that's what we call a smartabration!" — Host, on Ellie's Who Smarted-themed birthday
• [01:27] "Did you say A? You're soy smart! Japan is famous for ramen with regional varieties and toppings galore." — Host, after the first trivia answer
• [01:54] "If you picked B, you're really using your noodle." — Host, after the second trivia answer
• [02:15] "Did you go with C? You've got good taste. Unless you're starting a candy ramen trend, gummy bears are not a traditional topping. Yet." — Host, after the third trivia answer
• [02:25] "Join us next week for more delicious trivia. Oh, and if you want to learn more, check out our Ramen episode in the whosmarted Archives." — Host, inviting continued exploration

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:57] — Episode intro, shout-out to Ellie, and 'smartabration'
• [01:15] — Question 1: Country most associated with ramen
• [01:54] — Question 2: Meaning of ‘ramen’
• [02:15] — Question 3: Unusual ramen topper
• [02:25] — Wrap-up and invitation to explore further

Tone and Delivery

• Upbeat, pun-filled, and highly interactive
• Directly addresses the young listeners as “smarty pants” and keeps them engaged with playful trivia and jokes
• Maintains a warm, inclusive, and encouraging environment throughout

Summary

This “Trusty Trivia Thursday” episode on ramen combines fast-paced questions, fun noodle facts, and kid-friendly humor, making it both educational and delightful. Through a sequence of interactive trivia, listeners quickly learn where ramen rose to fame, what its name means, and what not to put on your noodles! Parents and teachers can count on “Who Smarted?” to spark curiosity and prompt deeper conversation—while kids will just call it fun.