Wow in the World — An Attitude of Gratitude

Podcast: Wow in the World
Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Release Date: December 15, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode explores the science and life benefits of gratitude, told through the show’s trademark playful narrative. Mindy, Guy Raz, Grandma G Force, Reggie, Thomas Fingerling, and special guest “Gratitudie” Judy (President of the International Coalition of Grandmas for Gratitude) stage an intervention to help Grandma G Force become more appreciative. Along the way, the team breaks down a fascinating scientific study connecting gratitude to longevity, and highlights the importance of thankfulness in everyday life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Gratitude Intervention

• Setting: The group gathers at Grandma G Force’s house for an intervention, concerned about her lack of gratitude.

  • Mindy and Guy gently confront Grandma G Force about her reluctance to say “thank you” or show appreciation.
    • Guy Raz: “Grandma G Force, Mindy and I are afraid that you might be incapable of expressing gratitude or thankfulness.” (03:14)
  • Grandma G Force seems defensive and confused about gratitude:
    • Grandma G Force: “I do not know what appreciated means.” (05:43)
    • Judy (Gratitudie): “Oh, my.” (05:46)

• Comic relief: Much of the early segment is fueled by quirky quarrels and jokes, showing Grandma G Force’s resistance to becoming more grateful.

2. Introducing the Science: Can Gratitude Help You Live Longer?

• Scientific Study Breakdown:
  • Guy and Mindy introduce a real, long-term study involving nearly 50,000 nurses that began in 1976.
    • Guy Raz: “A group of scientists from Harvard University and the University of British Columbia wanted to know if people who often feel thankful live longer.” (08:40)
  • The study asked nurses about their levels of gratitude decades later and followed up to see patterns in longevity.
  • The more grateful nurses tended to live longer on average.
    • Mindy Thomas: “There might be a connection between feeling thankful or grateful and living a long life.” (12:10)
• Important Caveat:
  • Mindy and Guy clarify the difference between correlation and causation:
    • Mindy: “While this study shows a possible link between gratitude and a long life, it doesn't prove that gratitude directly makes you live longer.” (12:58)
    • Guy: “The scientists think it’s important to do more studies with different kinds of people to see if the results are the same.” (13:09)
• Message: Being grateful is a good habit for well-being, even if we can’t say for sure it affects lifespan.

3. Grandmas for Gratitude & The Power of the "Magic Word"

• Special guest Judy, president of the “International Coalition of Grandmas for Gratitude,” attempts to recruit Grandma G Force.
  • Judy: “We are a group of grateful grandmas committed to spreading the good word on... gratitude, also known as the magic word.” (04:39)
• Resistance and Acceptance:
  • Grandma G Force jokes about joining and finally, in her own unique style, tries expressing gratitude.
  • Grandma G Force: “I am grateful to have you for my granddaughter.” (14:23)
  • Group Hug ensues—a sweet, heartfelt moment.

4. Takeaways and Real-Life Applications

• Encouragement to Practice Gratitude:
  • Mindy: “It’s not a bad idea to take some time every day to be grateful for all the good things in our lives.” (13:19)
  • Guy Raz: “You know, a little gratitude never hurt anyone.” (13:26)
• Everyone shares what they’re grateful for, mixing humor and sincerity:
  • Guy Raz: “I'm grateful for all the adventure you bring into my life, even if it’s often disguised as chaos.” (15:12)
  • Thomas Fingerling riffs on “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.” (11:03, 15:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You should be grateful that this old lady wants you to join her old lady club. Now say thank you.” — Reggie (05:01)
• “Are you telling me that if I start being thankful for stuff, I get to fight with Fingerling for another hundred years?” — Grandma G Force (08:03)
• “Well, not so fast, Gratitude Judy. While this study shows a possible link between gratitude and a long life, it doesn't prove that gratitude directly makes you live longer.” — Mindy Thomas (12:56)
• Grandma G Force’s heartfelt moment: “I am grateful to have you for my granddaughter. Now get over here and give your Grandma G Force a hug.” (14:23)
• “I’m grateful to have you as my best friend in the whole wide world. Oh, and Reggie too.” — Mindy Thomas (15:04)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:52 | Intervention begins at Grandma G Force’s house | | 03:14 | Hosts address Grandma G Force’s gratitude deficiency | | 04:39 | Judy introduces the Grandmas for Gratitude | | 08:40 | Introduction of the Harvard study on gratitude and longevity | | 12:10 | Main finding: grateful nurses tend to live longer | | 12:58 | Explaining correlation vs. causation | | 14:23 | Grandma G Force finally expresses gratitude to Mindy | | 15:04 | Hosts and characters share what makes them feel grateful |

Tone & Style

As always, the episode blends science, heart, and humor, using fun character banter and silly skits to explore the topic.

Conclusion — Why It Matters

By making science approachable and hilarious, this episode teaches listeners about the potential connection between gratitude and longevity, all while reminding them that saying “thank you” makes us all happier and stronger—both in science and in everyday life.

Listener Engagement

• The episode ends with “wow in the world” calls from kids sharing their own “wows” about nature and science (15:52), reinforcing the spirit of curiosity and gratitude.

Overall Takeaway:
Gratitude is more than just the “magic word”—it’s a habit that can make us feel better, strengthen our relationships, and maybe even help us live longer. Saying “thank you” and truly appreciating life's small joys is a WOW-worthy superpower!