WeWow on the Weekend

Summary

Podcast Summary: WeWow on the Weekend (May 23, 2026)

Podcast: Wow in the World
Hosts: Dennis (with Reggie the Giant Pigeon). Featuring Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Episode Theme: Listener engagement, laughter, and a behind-the-scenes relisten to a classic Wow in the World episode about the science of "flow" and video games.

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Episode Overview

This WeWow on the Weekend episode, hosted by Dennis and Reggie, is a fun, interactive "mini-sode" where they read listener reviews, field fan questions, and revisit a classic Wow in the World episode titled "The Zen of Video Games." The central scientific takeaway? Activities that bring us into a "flow state"—like the right kind of video games—can help manage stress and lower anxiety, whether you're nine or ninety.

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Main Segments & Key Insights

1. Celebrate Wow in the World’s 9th Birthday!

• [00:00–02:16] Mindy opens with a birthday shoutout for the podcast, thanking listeners for nine years of scientific fun and curiosity.
• She plugs the World Organization of Wowzers and shares bonus details for members.

2. Dennis and Reggie’s Weekend Kickoff

• [02:16–03:31] Dennis introduces the show with signature musical silliness, joking with Reggie about what’s “up” (the sky), blending humor with science facts (“the planet is round, so if you travel long enough, the sky is technically in every direction”).

3. Listener Review Segment: “Reading Reviewsies”

• [03:31–07:17]
  • Dennis theatrically reads reviews, including:
    • Funny Criticism:
      • “Dennis, you yapped too much. Nobody ordered a Yappuccino!”
        —From user Cellacat
      • Dennis’ retort: “I yapped just the right amount. Right, Reggie? …Well, I didn’t order a sass presso.” (04:42)
    • Request for Pigeon Translator:
      • User wants to understand Reggie better; Dennis attempts to revive his “Pigeon Translator,” with comic misfires (outputs French and Latin).
    • Cartwheel Challenge:
      • User promises Dennis “one billion star emojis” if he can do a cartwheel; Dennis half-delivers: “So Tanley, you owe me half a billion star emojis.” (07:17)

4. Inside Tinkercast Studios: Relistening to “The Zen of Video Games”

• [07:41–29:36]
  • Set-Up:
    • Dennis introduces the selected Wow in the World episode, humorously noting title confusion (“Gaming Your Way to Zen” vs. “The Zen of Video Games”).
  • Wow in the World Segment Content:
    • Guy Raz’s Stress:
      • Preparing for a dinner with his etiquette professor, Professor Montague, Guy Raz is stressed—cue jokes about alphabetized bean collections and stress-relief methods.
      • Mindy offers unusual support, e.g., a Mindy-faced stress ball, or TV in her gingerbread mansion.
      • Memorable exchange:
        • “Mindy, is your face on the stress ball?”
        • “Oh, you know it. I mean, what’s more relaxing than this mug?” —Mindy (11:43–11:46)
    • Failed Relaxation Attempts:
      • They joke about guided meditation apps and “Petflix”—a parody streaming service.
      • Mindy suggests going to the “Flow Retreat” after seeing an ad promising “relaxification.”
    • Journey to the Flow Retreat:
      • Wild ride on the “motor pickle” (a pickle-shaped bike), leading to a forest “arcade” disguised as a relaxation center.
      • Notable moment:
        • “Mindy, I thought you turned the motor pickle into relish last week.”
        • “I did, and it was delicious. But I grew another one.” —Mindy (18:00–18:04)
    • Relaxation Through Video Games — The Science:
      • At the “Flow Retreat” (which looks like an arcade), they’re handed a pamphlet explaining the science:
        • Dr. Kate Sweeney, psychologist at UC Riverside, found that a state of “mental flow” (being “in the zone”) can reduce anxiety.
        • Experiment: Students, deliberately stressed out, played different versions of Tetris.
        • Notable results: The group playing a version that matched their skill level best reached the flow state and had lower anxiety.
      • Memorable quote:
        • “Mental flow is like…the state of mind when you’re fully immersed in whatever you’re doing. It’s basically just a fancy scientific way of saying being in the zone.” —Mindy (22:08–22:23)
      • Goldilocks analogy:
        • "So one was too slow, one was too fast, and one was just right." —Mindy (26:49–26:57)
      • The scientific takeaway: Any engaging activity can foster flow and help relax, not just video games.
        • “Any activity that brings on a state of flow has the potential to lower anxiety and help relieve stress.” —Guy Raz (28:03–28:11)
    • Ending Antics:
      • Mindy wins a “scientific study” from an arcade claw machine.
      • Guy Raz contemplates returning to his high-score days, concluding with “I think it might be time for the return of High Raz!” (29:07–29:14)

5. Dennis Wraps Up and Listener Call to Action

• [29:36–30:59]
  • Dennis is hyped about the science of flow:
    • “I love how playing video games can put you into a flow state. And being in a flow state can help you be calm. It’s so amazing, I can’t even stand it, Reggie!” (29:36–29:46)
  • He encourages listeners to try out the arcade “zen” for themselves, read more reviews, and call in their own questions.

6. Special WOWzer Shoutouts

• [31:10–32:56]
  • Mindy and Guy Raz give shoutouts to listener families supporting the show.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I yapped just the right amount. Right, Reggie? …Well, I didn’t order a sass presso.” —Dennis (04:42)
• “Mindy, is your face on the stress ball?”
  “Oh, you know it. I mean, what’s more relaxing than this mug?” —Mindy (11:43–11:46)
• “Mental flow is like…the state of mind when you’re fully immersed in whatever you’re doing. It’s basically just a fancy scientific way of saying being in the zone.” —Mindy (22:08–22:23)
• “So one was too slow, one was too fast, and one was just right.” —Mindy, on the Tetris study (26:49–26:57)
• “Any activity that brings on a state of flow has the potential to lower anxiety and help relieve stress.” —Guy Raz (28:03–28:11)
• “I love how playing video games can put you into a flow state. And being in a flow state can help you be calm.” —Dennis (29:36–29:46)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:00–02:16: Mindy’s intro, birthday thanks, and WOWzers membership info
• 03:31–07:17: Listener review/“reviewsie” segment
• 07:41–29:36: Wow in the World “Zen of Video Games” relisten
• 21:32–28:11: Discussion of Dr. Kate Sweeney’s scientific findings
• 31:10–32:56: Listener family shoutouts

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Takeaways for Curious Kids & Families

• Science isn’t just about facts—it’s about fun, laughter, and new discoveries every day.
• Feeling stressed? “Flow activities”—where you’re truly in the zone—can help, whether it’s video games, inventing, building, or even alphabetizing beans.
• The Wow in the World community is built on curiosity and kindness; listener voices and questions help drive each episode.
• Kids are encouraged to send in questions and reviews, making the show an interactive, ever-evolving adventure.

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In the Spirit of the Episode

• Try this at home:
  Find an activity that fully absorbs you (drawing, puzzles, coding, skateboarding…) and see how you feel afterwards!
• Stay curious, keep laughing, and remember—what brings you wow can also help you chillax!

Transcript

[Mindy]

Hey, Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, Happy Wow. Birthday. That's right. Wow in the world is officially nine years old. And if I had to guess, a lot of you are nine years old too. Or maybe you were nine. Or maybe you're not quite nine years old yet. Anyhoo, whether you started listening nine years ago or nine days ago, we want to thank you for spending time with us. That's right, Reg. If you want to help keep us wowing, tell your friends and your family about us or leave us a reviewsie. Grownups, you can also support our show by gifting a membership to the world organization of Wowzers to a kid in your life. Oh, good idea, Reg. We should tell them what it is. So with your wow. Membership, you'll get a birthday card in the mail when it's your birthday. Plus quarterly mailings, exclusive access to members only activities and events. And from now until the end of the month, we'll be adding an extra, extra bonus wow. Surprise in your welcome kit. Just a little something to show how grateful we are that you have chosen to wow with us Grown ups. To sign up for a membership today, visit Tinkercast.com Wow. That's Tinkercast.com Wow. And now a quick ad break and then we'll get on with the show.

[Narrator/Ad Voice]

Who's that walking through the woods?

[Dennis]

Wyatt Yoshi.

[Narrator/Ad Voice]

Here to explore a world of curious creatures with you. Discovered a creature you haven't seen before. Why don't you get Yoshi to see what it tastes like? Hmm, soapy. No wonder this creature blows giant bubbles so big they can carry you. You can even jump from one bubble to another and reach new areas. There are plenty more surprises to disc Bowser Jr. What are you doing out here? You can jump into adventure with Yoshi and the mysterious book. Available now only on Nintendo Switch 2. Game rated E for everyone.

[Dennis]

We wow on the weekend. We wow on the weekend. We 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. Wee wow on the weekend. Yeah. Wee wow on the weekend. Laugh waw on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend. Hello and welcome to Wee Wow on the Weeknd. I'm your host Dennis and that's my co host, Reggie the giant pigeon. This is the show where we chit chat and answer questions from our fans and and listen to Tinkercast podcasts. So Reggie, what's up the sky? What kind of answer Is that I'm asking how you are, Reggie. Ah, you're just being a little sassy. I asked what was up and you said the sky. Cause the sky is up, you little sassafras. But actually, Reggie, the planet is round, so if you travel long enough, the sky is technically in every direction.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah.

[Mindy]

Huh.

[Dennis]

Wait. Okay, I'll do one. You ask me what's up. Just do it. Oh, what's up? Um, airplanes. Oh, wait, no, actually, that's not right either, because technically, some airplanes are on the ground waiting to be flown, so I need to say passing airplanes. Okay, ask me again, Reggie. Fine, whatever. We'll move on. Let's get into our first segment, reading reviewsies. Ahem. I'm reading reviewsies for me and for you. Z's. We've got us some doozies, so let's read reviewsies. This is the part where people write us comments on Apple podcasts or Spotify or whatever, and I print a bunch out and I read them aloud. This first reviewsie comes to us from username Cellacat. The title reads, this is for Dennis. Oh, that's me. And the message says, dennis, you yapped too much. Nobody ordered a Yappuccino. What? Me, yap too much?

[Mindy]

Never.

[Dennis]

I yapped just the right amount. Right, Reggie? And what's a Yappuccino? Is it good? Can I have one? Oh, you think Stella Cat's being sassy? More sass on my show. Well, I didn't order a sass presso. How many stars did Cel give us? Two. That's not enough solacat, but it's okay. You can just send me three more stars in the mail. Okay, next question. This next reviewsy comes to us from username H, B K J, F, F, E, A, B. Yeah, this looks like another case of someone falling asleep on their keyboard while picking a username. Okay, the title says, I love your show, and the message says, can you ask me to make a pidgin translator? I can understand Reggie, but I still give him 9 million star emoji. Wow, 9 million. Nice job, Reggie. Okay, and this devoted listener needs a pigeon translator. Yeah, I know they said to ask them to make a translator, but they don't need to make one. I have my old pigeon translator around here somewhere. Let's see, where is it? Translator, where are you? Oh, here it is. Little dusty. Let me blow it off. Yeah, don't you remember? This is my old pidgin translator from when I first learned to speak pidgin. Let's see if it still Works. Turning it on. Ooh, looks like it's still working. Let's try it. Say something into the translator, Reggie. Oh, whoops, it's translating back into pigeon. Stop it. Okay, let's try this. Say something now, Reggie.

[Mindy]

Pissed.

[Theodore Pulsink]

Un du trois.

[Dennis]

Nope, that's translating into French. Hold on. Try now. Su magnus columba.

[Mindy]

Latin.

[Dennis]

No, never mind. This thing's broken, mama. Next question. This last reviewsy comes to us from username Tanley wowintheworld. The title says, I love your show. And the message says, dennis, if you can do a cartwheel, I will give you one billion star emoji. One billion star emoji. That's so many star emoji.

[Mindy]

What?

[Dennis]

I can so do a cartwheel, Reggie. Well, I have to try. You know what they say, you miss 100% of the carts you don't wheel or something. Okay, here I go. One, two, three. Well, I'd say that was half a cartwheel. So Tanley, you owe me half a billion star emojis. Okay, I think that's just about enough reviewsies for now. Thanks for all your reviewsies, listeners. Keep em coming. If you leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, I just might read it on Wee Wow on the weekend. Five stars or more, please. 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 today we're listening to wow in the World, season three, episode five called the Zen of video games. Hey, Reggie, want to hear a fun fact? This episode is also sometimes called Gaming your way to Zen. Why? Because I think someone at Tinkercast Studios maybe couldn't decide on which title was better, and then maybe I forgot and I accidentally used both.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Dennis]

Me? No, I didn't say it was me. Oh, I did. Well, whatever, whatever. Let's just listen to the game of Video Zen or whatever this one's called. Okay, here we go. And play.

[Mindy]

Wee wow will be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you. That's it. Now back to the show.

[Dennis]

Wow in the world.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, let's see here. Adzuki beans. They should definitely be the first, shouldn't you? Yes, you should. And then. Ah, yes, the cannellini beans. Get over here, guys. There you go. Okay. Oh, how are we doing for time? Hey, Zoodle, what's the.

[Mindy]

The time is currently 11:00am why does

[Guy Raz]

this only work when Mindy's not here? Right on cue. Mindy Guy Razzie.

[Mindy]

Hey, whatcha doing in here?

[Guy Raz]

Were your ears burning?

[Mindy]

Yeah, how did you know? I was trying to see inside them with this candle and almost got a little too close.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy.

[Mindy]

Oh, it's fine, Guy Raz. The candle was made out of my own earwax.

[Guy Raz]

Ugh.

[Mindy]

Anywho, I was over there trying out my new binoculars by looking through your windows, Mindy, and I couldn't help but notice you pacing over here. What's got your noodle on a strudel, little buddy?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, Mindy, it's a disaster. I have a very important guest coming over for dinner tonight and my house is a complete mess.

[Mindy]

Uh, Guy Raz, this is by far the cleanest room I've been in in at least two weeks.

[Guy Raz]

Well, that's very kind of you, Mindy, but you don't have to humor me. Just take a look. My legume collection isn't even alphabetized.

[Mindy]

Your what?

[Guy Raz]

My legume collection.

[Mindy]

Oh, right, your fancy beans.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, they're not just beans.

[Mindy]

So who's the lucky leprechaun that gets to share a seven course ancient grains degle stacion with the one and only Guy Raz?

[Dennis]

Huh?

[Guy Raz]

Huh?

[Mindy]

Huh?

[Guy Raz]

Professor Montague.

[Mindy]

Professor Montague. Professor Montague. Oh, yeah, your old etiquette professor from college.

[Guy Raz]

That's right. That's right. She's the one who gave me my graduation elbow patches. She taught me the difference between an oval soup spoon and a cream soup spoon. She even helped me refine my Southern drawl. Although it does tend to come out a bit when I get anxious. Excuse me.

[Mindy]

Oh, man. So you're saying that this is the professor that turned you into the NPR tote bag carrying New Yorker reading four eyed wonder kid you are today?

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. This is such a big deal, Mindy.

[Mindy]

Whew. Okay, look, all you need to do is just chillax a little bit. Here. It's near somewhere. Oh, here it is. Here. It's a stress ball.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, is your face on the stress ball?

[Mindy]

Oh, you know it. I mean, what's more relaxing than this mug I'm pointing at my face?

[Guy Raz]

Thanks. I appreciate the offer, but I don't think it's going to work. I've already tried all my usual stress reduction techniques. I've gotten my eight hours of sleep. I've drunk all of my chamomile tea. I even tried using my meditation app. Okay, time to relax.

[Theodore Pulsink]

Welcome to Mobile Device Guided Meditation. I'm your guru, Theodore Pulsink.

[Guy Raz]

Hello, Theodore. Hello, Guy Raz.

[Theodore Pulsink]

Focus on your body and breathe in and out.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, did I turn all my air purifiers on for all this breathing? Did I answer all those emails?

[Theodore Pulsink]

Don't think about that. Colors manifest as images now. Oh, lovely. We're at the beach.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, I hope it's a protected beach.

[Theodore Pulsink]

It is. The sun is out.

[Guy Raz]

I should have probably brought some of my sunblock with me.

[Theodore Pulsink]

A sea breeze tussles your hair playfully, and on our next breath, the world falls away.

[Guy Raz]

Come to think of it, Mindy, I think those techniques just made me more stressed out.

[Mindy]

Well, you know what chills me out when I'm stressed?

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy]

Some good old fashioned TV.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, I haven't owned a TV for 10 years.

[Mindy]

Yeah, but there is a giant home theater somewhere in my gingerbread mansion. What do you say?

[Guy Raz]

Hmm. Well, do you have any new episodes of Date or Bait?

[Mindy]

I'm pretty sure it's streaming on petflix. Let me see here.

[Guy Raz]

Petflix?

[Mindy]

Yeah, it's that app that streams just animal videos. You know, like your typical cats playing pianos, monkeys riding Segways, that kind of thing.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy]

Let me see here. Dramas, comedies, documentaries. Oh, here it is. Date or bait? All 23 seasons.

[Guy Raz]

Well, maybe a little time off from organizing my legume collection would help me clear my head.

[Mindy]

Okay, so it's settled. You'll stop alphabetizing your beans.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, they are very rare and expensive legumes.

[Mindy]

Chicken, please spare pee the details. You get it. It's a play on beans. Well, I'm gonna get out of here. You coming?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, yeah, hold on. Let me just put these legumes away.

[Mindy]

Wait, are you covering up those beans with tiny blankets? Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Well, of course. I don't want them to get cold, do I? Sweet type. Sweet beans. I mean, dreams.

[Mindy]

What in the.

[Guy Raz]

All right, Mindy, let's go.

[Mindy]

Okay, next up, find numbing television.

[Guy Raz]

Is there any other kind?

[Mindy]

Well, if there is, I don't want to know about it.

[Guy Raz]

Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk.

[Mindy]

And kick. Ooh. Yay. All right, now, where did I leave that theater? Hmm?

[Guy Raz]

You don't remember where you left your giant home movie theater?

[Mindy]

I mean, I remember where I left it last week, but then I did some shuffling around on Thursday, and let me just. Oh, there it is. All right. Guy Raz, do you have your ticket?

[Guy Raz]

A ticket?

[Mindy]

Nah, just joking. Popcorn.

[Guy Raz]

Have you got any kale chips?

[Mindy]

Kale chips? Let me see here.

[Guy Raz]

No, I'm fine, thanks.

[Mindy]

Suit yourself. Now, where should we sit? This place is always so empty.

[Guy Raz]

Well, that's because it's in your house. Mindy.

[Mindy]

Oh, yeah. Oh, look, the commercials are starting up. Come on, sit down.

[Guy Raz]

Commercials? I thought we were just watching tv.

[Mindy]

We are now. You sit down. Stay here. I'm gonna go get an unhealthy amount of popcorn. Be right back.

[Flow Retreat Announcer]

Are you stressed out by visitors to your home, for example? I don't know an etiquette professor.

[Guy Raz]

I am.

[Flow Retreat Announcer]

And have you tried all the herbal teas, stress balls, and meditation apps you can handle?

[Guy Raz]

I have.

[Flow Retreat Announcer]

Well, maybe it's time you visit us at the FLO retreat.

[Guy Raz]

Maybe it is.

[Flow Retreat Announcer]

Of course it is. Here at flo, we approach stress relief scientifically, using the latest in relaxification to help you unwind.

[Guy Raz]

That sounds perfect. Hey, Mindy. Hey, Guy Razzie, I think I found out exactly what I need to unwind.

[Mindy]

I thought we were watching Danny Bay.

[Guy Raz]

I think I found something even better. Check it out.

[Flow Retreat Announcer]

For the prevention of tension and to finally be. Hey, heebie jeebie freebie. Join us at flow retreat today.

[Mindy]

Oh, yeah. Why didn't I think of that? I've got free coupons for this place.

[Guy Raz]

Really?

[Mindy]

Yeah. Reggie won them in a video game competition during his esports phase.

[Guy Raz]

Is there anything that bird can't do?

[Mindy]

Um, well, build a nest.

[Guy Raz]

It's kind of weird that they'd be giving away tickets to a relaxation spot a video game competition, isn't it?

[Mindy]

Hey, gamers need to relax too, Guy. Raz, have you seen Reggie play Fort Nightingale? Talk about an angry bird.

[Guy Raz]

That is true, Mindy.

[Mindy]

Okay, let me just finish this popcorn and then we can head out.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, you can just leave it here. You don't have to.

[Mindy]

Good to go.

[Guy Raz]

So how are we getting there, Mindy? I mean, the wow machine. Are we gonna take Reggie power walking?

[Mindy]

Well, the wow machine is in the wash. Reggie is visiting his parents, and power walking is for Wednesdays.

[Guy Raz]

Uh huh.

[Mindy]

Which means.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, no.

[Mindy]

Behold the all new and improved motor pickle.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, I thought you turned the motor pickle into relish last week.

[Mindy]

I did, and it was delicious. But I grew another one. Here, check it out. This bad boy has a 500cc engine. That means cucumber calories and multicolored streamers on the handles.

[Guy Raz]

I can see that.

[Mindy]

So what are you waiting for?

[Dennis]

Come on.

[Mindy]

I even built you a sidecar.

[Guy Raz]

Okay. Ugh, Mindy, it's all wet in here.

[Mindy]

Oh, yeah, that's mustard.

[Guy Raz]

Ugh.

[Mindy]

Helmet. Here we go. This should be it.

[Guy Raz]

Are you sure? Mindy, we're in the middle of a forest.

[Mindy]

Yeah, it says right here on the coupon located in a Tranquil forest. Down the dirt path past the rock that holds no moss.

[Guy Raz]

They couldn't have given a street address.

[Mindy]

Oh, look, there's the rock with no moss. Oh, and there's the dirt path. Oh, Guy Raz, this is dolphinitely the right place.

[Guy Raz]

Well, all right, let's do it.

[Mindy]

All right, let me just lock up the motor pickle here, and let's go

[Guy Raz]

walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk. You know what, Mindy? Getting out to nature was such a great idea. I feel more relaxed already.

[Mindy]

I know what you mean. There's something about the birds, the running river, the eight bit music.

[Guy Raz]

The what?

[Mindy]

The video game music.

[Guy Raz]

I hear it too, Mindy. But where is it coming from?

[Mindy]

Ooh, look over there. The Flow retreat. Huh. Guess this is it.

[Guy Raz]

This is. Looks more like an arcade than it does a meditation retreat.

[Mindy]

Come on, let's check it out. Racia.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, I'm not gonna run. Run, run.

[Dennis]

Ha ha.

[Guy Raz]

Snooze, you lose.

[Mindy]

Mindy, what in the.

[Dennis]

Guy Raz, that's not fair.

[Mindy]

Wait for me.

[Guy Raz]

Ha ha.

[Dennis]

Winner. Winner.

[Guy Raz]

Ethically sourced eggs for dinner.

[Mindy]

Run, run, run, run, run, run. Well, looks like somebody's been eating their compees.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, wait right here, Mindia. I'm gonna go find out if we're actually in the right place.

[Mindy]

All right.

[Dennis]

Hi there. Welcome to the Flow Retreat. Tokens and lockers are to the right.

[Guy Raz]

Hi. Yeah. Are we at. I thought this was a relaxation retreat.

[Dennis]

It is, sir. A relaxation retreat using the latest in scientific studies too.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, I've seen the ad, but this place looks just like an arcade.

[Dennis]

Well, that's exactly where the scientific study comes in.

[Guy Raz]

Scientific study? What do you mean?

[Dennis]

It's all explained, sir, Right here in our introductory pamphlet.

[Guy Raz]

Pamphlets. I love pamphlets.

[Mindy]

Guys, what are you going for? So what's the scoop on this place? Guy Raz just got laser tagged three times.

[Guy Raz]

Well, it looks like this is actually the place, Mindy. They said it's all explained right here in this pamphlet.

[Mindy]

You love pamphlets.

[Guy Raz]

I know. Okay, let's see here. A guide to relaxation based on the scientific work of Kate Sweeney, a psychologist at the University of California, Riverside.

[Mindy]

A psychologist? You mean a scientist that studies the ways that people think? Right?

[Guy Raz]

Exactly, Mindy. So it says here that they use video games to induce a state of mental flow, which in turn helps to reduce levels of anxiety.

[Mindy]

Oh, yeah, I know a thing or two about mental flow.

[Guy Raz]

Really?

[Mindy]

Yeah. Mental flow is like the mental state of mind that a person gets into when they're fully immersed in whatever they're Doing, Huh? I mean, it's basically just a fancy scientific way of saying being in the zone.

[Guy Raz]

Ah, I get it, Mindy. Kind of like when you're inventing something.

[Mindy]

Yeah, or when you're alphabetizing your fancy bean collection. You get into this mental flow and hours can pass by and you don't even notice.

[Guy Raz]

And so this researcher from the University of California found out that you can enter this state of flow by playing video games.

[Mindy]

I guess. I mean, it sounds like it. What else does it say in that pamphlet?

[Guy Raz]

Well, not much. It just goes on to talk about cleaning your chakra with air hockey and aligning your chi with table tennis.

[Mindy]

Hmm. Well, I don't know. You want to walk around a little bit, maybe play some. Some games, see if it helps you relax?

[Guy Raz]

Well, I couldn't hurt Mindy.

[Mindy]

All right, what do you want to play first? Looks like there's time of version two down there. And I see a line for smack a mole. Always promising. Ooh, and there's a claw machine. Can we, can we, can we, can we?

[Guy Raz]

Well, usually I'd say no, but in the spirit of self care and relaxification, let's do it. Mindy.

[Mindy]

Yes. Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run. Okay, Guy Raz, stand back and prepare to be amazed. Cause this buttery little claw is about to pick up the cutest little scientific study. What?

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, look. All the prizes in this claw machine game are scientific studies.

[Mindy]

Why?

[Guy Raz]

Wait a minute.

[Mindy]

What?

[Guy Raz]

Exploring the benefits of flow during uncertain waiting periods. Mindy, I think that might be.

[Mindy]

Oh, that's Kate Sweeney's study from the University of California. Jackpot.

[Guy Raz]

You gotta get that one. Mindy, we need that study.

[Mindy]

Oh, I'm gonna get it, little buddy. Put a couple of tokens in this bad boy and watch mama go to work. Let's do this. Okay, concentrating. A little to the left. Just a nudge forward. Move it back a smidge.

[Guy Raz]

Come on, Mindy, you can do it.

[Mindy]

Okay. Claws opening. It's latching on.

[Guy Raz]

Look, look, Mindy, it's got it. Come on.

[Mindy]

We got it.

[Guy Raz]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Mindy]

Scientific study. Scientific study.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, Mindy, I never doubted you for a second. All right, let me just get it out of the machine here, see what it says.

[Mindy]

Guy Raz, how did they find out that playing video games could put you in a state of flow?

[Guy Raz]

Okay, so the researchers gathered 309 college students and told them that their peers would be rating how good looking they are.

[Mindy]

Man, that doesn't sound very nice.

[Guy Raz]

I know, but apparently it's a really effective way to get people stressed out.

[Mindy]

Oh, I get it. So they didn't really do this. They just said they were going to do this to get the participants in the study all stressed out. I got it.

[Guy Raz]

And then after that, the Researchers split the 309 college students into three different groups. And each group played Tetris, but at different difficulty levels.

[Mindy]

Oh, I've played Tetris before. It's that game where you have all of the falling blocks and different shapes and you gotta make straight lines to get points.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, that's right. I was actually the high score leader back in high school.

[Mindy]

Really?

[Guy Raz]

Yep. They used to call me hi, Raz, because of all my high scores.

[Mindy]

Ooh, you must have been a pretty popular guy, Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Anyway, they split the group up into three difficulties. One of the groups played a super easy peasy version of the game, which, as you can guess, was super boring. And then the next group played an extremely challenging, super duper fast version of the game, which was just super duper frustrating. And then the last group played a classic version of the game where it adapts to the skill level of whoever is playing. And as the researchers found out, it got them into that state of flow.

[Mindy]

Aha. So one was too slow, one was too fast, and one was just right.

[Guy Raz]

That's it, Mindy.

[Mindy]

Well, you know what they should have called the study, right?

[Guy Raz]

What's that, Mindy?

[Mindy]

Goldilocks and the falling squares. Ha ha.

[Guy Raz]

Nice one.

[Mindy]

So what did these researchers find out?

[Guy Raz]

Well, it says here that while all the participants experienced some degree of worry,

[Mindy]

the third group, the one that had the skill level that was just right.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah. Well, they reported higher levels of positive emotions and slightly lower levels of negative

[Mindy]

emotions, suggesting that the video game that brought on a greater sense of flow actually lowered their levels of stress.

[Guy Raz]

Correctamundo, Mindy.

[Mindy]

Ah, that's so.

[Guy Raz]

Wow. But that's not all, Mindy. The study goes on to say that this doesn't just work for video games.

[Mindy]

What?

[Guy Raz]

This doesn't just work for video games.

[Mindy]

Say that into my good ear.

[Guy Raz]

This doesn't just work for video games.

[Mindy]

Yeah, okay, I got it, I got it, I got it, I got it. So you're saying that as long as it brings us to that state of flow, that we can do other things to help us chillax, too.

[Guy Raz]

Any activity that brings on a state of flow has the potential to lower anxiety and help relieve stress.

[Mindy]

So that means that my inventing and building stuff and your alphabetizing your fancy beans could also be used to put your mind into a State of flow and help you to be less stressed out too.

[Guy Raz]

That's exactly right, Mindy. You don't have to use screens at all.

[Mindy]

But since we are here in an arcade and we are looking to help you chillax, did you want to hit up that Tetris machine in the corner over there or. Yes?

[Dennis]

Hmm.

[Guy Raz]

I don't know. How much time think do you do we have before Professor Montague arrives?

[Mindy]

Who?

[Guy Raz]

Professor Montague. The professor who taught me my P's and Q's.

[Mindy]

Oh right, that Professor Montague. The one that's coming over for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Don't remind me.

[Mindy]

Psh. Come on guy Raz, you got plenty of time. Well, come on, I can hear the snack a moles calling your name.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, well, okay Mindy, you've convinced me. I think it might be time for the return of High Raz.

[Mindy]

Woo hoo. Yes, yes, yes.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, step aside Mindy, because here we

[Mindy]

come. On little buddy, you can do it. Come on. Go go, go go. Right, that one. That one right there.

[Dennis]

Wow, that was so good. Oh yeah. I love how playing video games can put you into a flow state. And being in a flow state can help you be calm. It's so amazing. I can't even stand it, Reggie. I can't calm down. I'm too amazed. Well then let's go to the arcade right now and try this zen video game flow state thing for ourselves. I'm so amazed and excited. Alright, let's wrap up the show. First, thanks to all you listeners out there for tuning in to Wee Wow on the weekend. You have a question for me, call and leave me a message at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW. That's 1-8887-WOW-WOW. I just might answer your question on Wee Wow on the weekend. Okay, should we do the goodbye song? Here we go. That's the end of the show. I need to go and play a bunch of arcade games and maybe get a high score on Snooper Smash Bros. But I'll do another show tomorrow. But for now, that's the end of the show. Bye.

[Guy Raz]

Before we get into the credits for today's episode, we want to give some special shout outs and say a huge thank you to some of the wowzers whose families are powering the WOW this year.

[Mindy]

We broke the names up into two batches and here is our second batch of names. We are so grateful for your support.

[Guy Raz]

Dekayla from California, Avani and Avir, also from California, Martin and Matias from Utah, Penny James and Anna Louise from North Carolina, Lenox and Langston from Arkansas Fiona,

[Mindy]

Bram and Callum from Wisconsin Samuel and Victoria from Louisiana Erin and Eden from California Milos from California Jonah and Elijah

[Guy Raz]

from New Jersey Naya, Nuran, Sumitra and Bivash from New York Noah, Hudson and Ella from Pennsylvania Evan and Emma from North Carolina Wesley from Virginia Ashcon and Kayvon from New Mexico Lily and James

[Mindy]

from Georgia Beckett, Harper, Tim and Annie from Texas Josiah, Elijah and Dad from Texas Ellie and Daniel from Michigan Alex and Eli from Colorado Ethan and Eli

[Guy Raz]

from Wisconsin Kira and Corinne from Illinois Jack and Nick from Florida Odin, Lyra and Newton from California Stella and Molly

[Mindy]

from Illinois Carolyn and Theo from Missouri Owen and Riley from Canada Clark and Finley from Virginia Ani and Nia from Massachusetts Orly and Beckon from California Theo

[Guy Raz]

and Mira from Virginia Sebastian and Oliver from Michigan Charlotte and Dean from New York Campbell from Massachusetts Nate and Sophie

[Mindy]

from Home Webby and a belated happy birthday to Sanderling from Gilly and Ranger

[Guy Raz]

from the bottom of our hearts and

[Mindy]

the tops of our brains, thank you.