Who Smarted? – "Trusty Trivia: YO-YOS!!!" (September 25, 2025)

Overview

This episode of "Who Smarted?" is a lively and engaging installment from the Trusty Trivia Thursday series, centered around the fascinating world of yo-yos. Perfect for curious kids, the episode whirls through the rich history, iconic moves, and cultural impact of yo-yos. Through a blend of humor, interactive trivia, and memorable facts, the hosts entertain and educate, encouraging listeners to become yo-yo pros.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shout-Outs and Listener Engagement

• [00:51] The host kicks off with a warm "spinning shout out" to three fans in Sweden, spotlighting how the podcast builds community and embraces its audience:
  • "Now, let's unwind into some trivia. A spinning shout-out to Naomi, Elsie and Sophie in Habu, Sweden. We hear you love listening every night at bedtime and especially love the theme song, the exciting stories and the cool facts. Sounds like the perfect recipe for smarting." — Host [00:57]

2. Yo-Yo History

• The first trivia question invites listeners to guess the origin of the yo-yo:
  • Choices: A) France, B) The Philippines, C) Ancient Greece
• Correct Answer Revealed:
  • "Did you say C? You are going way back. Yo-yo's date back to ancient Greece where they were made of wood, metal, or terracotta and they've been spinning through history for over 2,500 years." — Host [01:14]

3. Yo-Yo Tricks – The Sleeper

• The next question tests knowledge of classic yo-yo tricks:
  • "What is the name of the yo-yo trick where it spins in place at the bottom of the string?"
  • Choices: A) The Napping Noodle, B) The Sleeper, C) The Loop de Loo
• Correct Answer Revealed:
  • "If you picked B, you are tricktastic. The Sleeper is a classic yo-yo move where the toy spins at the end of string before zipping back to your hand." — Host [01:30]

4. Yo-Yos Go Mainstream

• The final trivia asks about the company that made yo-yos famous in the US:
  • "What major toy company helped popularize the yo-yo in the US during the 20th century?"
  • Choices: A) Duncan, B) Yomart, C) Strings R Us
• Correct Answer Revealed:
  • "Did you go with A? That is on point. The Duncan Toy Company made Yo Yos a household hit in the 1920s and even hosted national contests." — Host [01:43]

5. Encouragement and Further Exploration

• The host wraps up by celebrating listeners’ participation:
  • "You're a Yo yo pro, Smarty Pants. Join us next Thursday for more up and down trivia adventures." — Host [01:52]
• Listeners are encouraged to dig deeper:
  • "And if you want to learn more about Yo Yos, check out our Yo Yos episode in the who Smarted archives." — Host [01:55]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Yo-yo's date back to ancient Greece where they were made of wood, metal, or terracotta and they've been spinning through history for over 2,500 years." — Host [01:14]
• "The Sleeper is a classic yo-yo move where the toy spins at the end of string before zipping back to your hand." — Host [01:30]
• "The Duncan Toy Company made Yo Yos a household hit in the 1920s and even hosted national contests." — Host [01:43]
• "You're a Yo yo pro, Smarty Pants." — Host [01:52]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:51] – Shout-outs and episode introduction
• [01:10] – Trivia: Yo-yo’s ancient Greek origins
• [01:27] – Trivia: The Sleeper yo-yo trick
• [01:40] – Trivia: Duncan Toy Company’s role in mainstream popularity
• [01:52] – Watch for the next trivia adventure & extra learning resources

Tone & Style

True to "Who Smarted?" style, the episode uses playful language, humor, and enthusiastic encouragement. The host’s upbeat delivery keeps learning fun, while trivia questions create a sense of friendly competition and accomplishment for young listeners.

Recap

This episode spins through yo-yo history, legendary tricks, and toy trivia with energy and wit, fostering both fun and learning for kids and families. Kids come away entertained—and maybe even inspired to try some yo-yo tricks for themselves!