Cloudy With a Chance of Laughter with Elmo from Sesame Street

Summary

Wow in the World: "Cloudy With a Chance of Laughter with Elmo from Sesame Street"

Release Date: November 24, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Special Guest: Elmo (Sesame Street)

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Episode Overview

This delightful, science-filled episode focuses on the science of laughter—how it lightens your mood, strengthens friendships, and even offers physical health benefits! Hosts Mindy and Guy are joined by the ever-cheerful Elmo from Sesame Street for a Funny Friday filled with jokes, fun, and "wow-worthy" facts about why laughter really is the best medicine.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Elmo Introduces the Science of Baby Laughter

[01:22]

• Elmo shares a "wow" fact: babies can laugh before they can even talk!

  “Did you know that little babies can laugh before they can talk? Yeah, that means baby Elmo was giggling before he could say mama and daddy!”
  — Elmo ([01:29])

2. Guy Raz’s Bad Day and Comic Relief

[03:17–05:37]

• Guy describes his "worst day ever"—the cereal is missing blueberries, his socks slip down, a bird poops on his head, and eat cereal with a fork—but Mindy and Elmo’s jokes turn his mood around.

• Elmo interjects with classic, kid-friendly jokes that prompt laughter, even from a grumpy Guy.

  “Why did the banana go to the doctor? Because it wasn’t peeling very well!”
  — Elmo ([04:54])

3. The Power of Jokes: Funny Friday in the Park

[06:15–07:12]

• Mindy and Guy discover Elmo leading a Funny Friday joke session in the park and get invited to join in.

• Guy resists at first, focused on his stressful day, but laughter starts to change his outlook.

  “Hey why don’t you join Elmo for Funny Friday? We’ve got lots more jokes!”
  — Elmo ([07:14])

4. The Science Behind Laughter

[08:09–11:17]

• Mindy explains what happens in your body when you laugh, referencing a recent study from Current Biology:

  • Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, “feel-good chemical confetti cannons.”
  • Reduces cortisol, the “stress chemical.”
  • It’s a good exercise for your heart and lungs.
  • Sharing laughter strengthens friendships—laughter is “the glue” of relationships.

  “According to a recent study... when we laugh, our brains release these feel-good chemicals called endorphins, sort of like a confetti cannon of good feelings.”
  — Mindy ([08:43])

  “Sharing laughter can also make you feel closer to the other people you’re laughing with…laughter is kind of like glue that helps to hold friendships together.”
  — Mindy ([09:51])

5. Guy Raz Gives Laughter a Try

[11:21–16:50]

• Inspired, Guy steps up to the "Funny Friday" stage to share his own silly story about his disastrous day, transforming each mishap into a joke.

• The audience—including Elmo and Mindy—laugh with Guy, illustrating how laughter can turn a bad day around.

  “I learned from a friend that finding things to laugh about even on a really bad day might actually help to make it not so bad after all. Really!”
  — Guy Raz ([13:02])

  “A day so bad my socks wanted to run away—that’s a bad day!”
  — Guy Raz ([14:06])

6. Elmo’s Parting Joke and Message

[17:11]

• Elmo closes with a classic joke:

  "How does the alphabet say goodbye? AB-see you later!"
  — Elmo ([17:14])

7. Listener "Wow" Hotline

[19:01–22:16]

• Kids from around the world call in to share their own "wow" facts about hummingbirds, the sun, pandas, and more.
• Elmo and Guy banter playfully with each caller’s fact, showing the joy of sharing discoveries and laughter together.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Laughter Before Words:

  “That means baby Elmo was giggling before he could say mama and daddy!”
  — Elmo ([01:29])

• On the Healing Power of Laughing at Yourself:

  “Sometimes finding ways to laugh about all the things that go wrong can actually make it all feel a little better, especially when we can laugh together.”
  — Guy Raz ([13:02])

• On the Science of Laughter:

  “When we laugh, our brains release these feel-good chemicals called endorphins, sort of like a confetti cannon of good feelings.”
  — Mindy ([08:43])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:22] — Elmo’s baby laughter fact
• [03:17] — Guy’s bad day begins
• [04:54] — Elmo’s “banana” joke
• [06:15] — Elmo invites everyone to Funny Friday
• [08:09–11:17] — Mindy explains the science behind laughter
• [13:02] — Guy shares how laughter helps with a bad day
• [14:06–16:50] — Guy’s funny story about his bad day
• [17:14] — Elmo’s “AB-see you later” joke
• [19:01–22:16] — Kids’ “wow” facts and listener hotline

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Tone & Language

• Light-hearted, playful, and full of classic "Sesame Street"/kid-centric humor
• Scientific facts blended seamlessly with jokes and silly storytelling
• Warm and encouraging—inviting listeners to share their own laughter and discoveries

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Summary

This episode is a feel-good journey through the ups and downs of a rough day, magically transformed by the power of laughter and friendship. With Elmo's silly jokes and Mindy's scientific insights, listeners learn why laughter isn’t just fun—it’s healthy, helpful, and an important part of human connection. "Wow in the World" once again proves that science and humor are a perfect match for curious minds of all ages.

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For More WOW Moments

• Join the "Wow Hotline" to share your own facts: 1-888-7WOWWOW
• Visit Tinkercast.com for activities, memberships, and more wow-worthy content

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Keep on wowing—and laughing!

Transcript

[Guy Raz]

Grown ups wondery subscribers can listen to wow in the world early and ad free right now join wondery in the wondery app or wondery kids plus on.

[Mindy Thomas]

Apple podcasts hey wowzer fams mindy here and before we start the show did you know that you could be part of our attempt to set a guinness world record that's right reg we are attempting to be the record title holder for the most submissions to a fact hotline and it's all thanks to you wowzers so many of you have already called to share your wows with us and since we started our wow hotline back in twenty seventeen we've received calls from over fourteen thousand wowzers and now we're just a few thousand callers away from reaching our goal so we need your help wowzers to be part of our guinness world record attempt ask your grownups to call us at one eight eight eight seven wow wow so so that you can share a wow fact with us if you're looking for some inspiration we asked our special guest this week elmo to share his wow here take a listen hi thanks for calling wow in the world after the beep get ready to record hi mindy hi.

[Elmo]

Guy raz elmo is calling all the way from sesame street to share a special wow in the world about laughter did you know that little babies can laugh before they can talk yeah that means baby elmo was giggling before he could say mama and daddy you know laughing makes elmo really happy and elmo hopes that his well in the world made you happy too bye bye elmo.

[Mindy Thomas]

Loves you end of messages thanks for sharing your wow elmo to join elmo and to be part of our guinness world record attempt just ask your grownups to give us a call at at one eight eight eight seven wow wow and share your wow fact with us once again that's one eight eight eight seven wow wow that's it and now let's get back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

Proceeded three two one.

[Caller]

The bubble horn adventure.

[Guy Raz]

Of magnificent proportion i don't know what.

[Elmo]

You in a golden age so many discoveries that are jumping off the page while in the world wild.

[Guy Raz]

Houston.

[Elmo]

Ah.

[Mindy Thomas]

Nature doesn't it feel good to be out here in nature guy raz i guess you guess guy raz you love.

[Guy Raz]

Nature well yeah i do love nature mindy but did that bird just use.

[Mindy Thomas]

You as a potty yeah it did ugh gross okay here let me help you wipe it off there guy raz.

[Guy Raz]

There we go you know mindy i've been having a bad day since the minute i woke up this morning which.

[Mindy Thomas]

Is why i wanted to get you out here in nature to help you feel better is it working yet ugh.

[Guy Raz]

Maybe you should ask the chewed gum i just stepped in ooh what flavor.

[Mindy Thomas]

Mindy what i'm not gonna eat it.

[Guy Raz]

Good because eating it could make you.

[Mindy Thomas]

S okay so tell me what's going on with this bad day just start from the beginning okay well it all.

[Guy Raz]

Started this morning when i went to pour my dried breakfast cereal into a bowl ah and discovered that someone had eaten all of the dried blueberries in the box i mean who would do.

[Mindy Thomas]

Such a thing uh that might have been me mindy i'm sorry i promise to replace all of your dried blueberries when we get home okay thanks so what else you got well then i.

[Guy Raz]

Wrote a letter to the author of my favorite vegetarian cookbook and instead of signing it best regards i wrote.

[Elmo]

No.

[Guy Raz]

Beef regards instead ooh yeah that's not good no yikes and as soon as i got out on this trail with.

[Mindy Thomas]

You ah nature doesn't it feel good to be out here in nature guy raz.

[Guy Raz]

My socks started slipping off my heels and are now under my feet all bunched up and did i mention that when i went to eat my cereal i could only find a fork do you know how hard it is to eat cereal with a fork oh and you'll never believe what i found in my jar of lima beans why.

[Elmo]

Did the banana go to the doctor why because it wasn't peeling very well.

[Guy Raz]

Oh and mindy i just remembered someone put a red crayon in the pocket of my pants and they went through the washer and the dryer and all my my clothes are all mindy why are you laughing at me it wasn't.

[Mindy Thomas]

Peeling well mindy oh sorry what were.

[Elmo]

You saying guy raz mindy i'm trying.

[Guy Raz]

To tell you all the reasons that this is the worst day of my life and you're laughing oh i'm not.

[Mindy Thomas]

Laughing at you guy raz i'm laughing at a joke that that monster over there just said wait is that elmo.

[Elmo]

Okay elmo's got another one what did the bee say to the flower i don't know what hi honey.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hi honey ah this little monster just cracks me.

[Guy Raz]

Up but who is he this one.

[Elmo]

Is elmo's favorite what do you call a dancing lamb what a ballerina elmo.

[Guy Raz]

Toast there's another one what is going on over there mindy i don't know.

[Mindy Thomas]

But whatever it is i want to be part of it come on guy raz let's go see wait up mindy.

[Elmo]

Does the bumblebee get to school how it takes the school buzz oh hey elmo sees his friend mindy hi mindy.

[Guy Raz]

Hi elmo mindy you know that funny.

[Elmo]

Monster okay everybody elmo will be right.

[Guy Raz]

Back with more jokes mindy he's walking.

[Mindy Thomas]

Over here now okay be cool guy raz oh hi elmo what a great.

[Elmo]

Surprise i'm so happy to see you oh elmo's happy to see you too oh hey who's mindy's friend oh this.

[Mindy Thomas]

Is my buddy guy raz guy raz.

[Guy Raz]

Meet elmo hi elmo oh hello guy raz so what are you doing here in the park we heard you and your friends all laughing well we're laughing.

[Elmo]

Because it's funny friday oh that's when elmo and his friends get together to.

[Mindy Thomas]

Tell jokes funny fridays i love it.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah your jokes even got me to laugh and i've been having the worst.

[Elmo]

Day well elmo's happy that his jokes made your bad day a little better hey why don't you join elmo for funny friday we've got lots more jokes.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yes yes a thousand times yes i.

[Guy Raz]

Don'T know elmo i'm only halfway through telling mindy about all the things that are making this the worst day of my life you see i'm pretty busy feeling stressed out by all of this and i just don't know if i have the time to break from well.

[Mindy Thomas]

You did take a little break to laugh at the school buzz joke guy raz so maybe more funny friday is just what you need to turn your.

[Elmo]

Frown upside down hey elmo are you.

[Guy Raz]

Ready to tell more funny friday jokes.

[Elmo]

Elmo'S ready mindy guy raz are you coming come on guy raz it'll be.

[Mindy Thomas]

Good for you good for me elmo.

[Elmo]

You'Re wrong coming elmo hopes to see you there guy raz see you mindy.

[Guy Raz]

See ya elmo wait mindy what do you mean when you said going to funny friday would be good for me.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay so guy ra what if i told you that there were actually some scientific benefits to laughing scientific benefits yeah like scientific reasons that what elmo and i are saying is true that joining.

[Guy Raz]

In for jokes and laughter would be good for me exactly i don't know.

[Mindy Thomas]

Mindy guy raz have you ever considered what is happening inside your body when you laugh at something funny well i.

[Guy Raz]

Guess not i mean i know that sometimes i produce a loud high pitched uncontrollable sound on the outside but on.

[Mindy Thomas]

The inside well according to a recent study in the scientific journal current biology on the inside when we laugh our brains release these feel good chemicals called endorphins sort of like a confetti cannon.

[Guy Raz]

Of good feelings interesting a confetti cannon of feel good chemicals releasing inside my.

[Mindy Thomas]

Body and at the same time when you laugh your feelings of stress go down because your body makes less cortisol cortisol is known as the stress stress.

[Guy Raz]

Chemical well i have been feeling pretty stressed today because of everything going wrong i mean did i mention that when i reached for my tennis ball i discovered that someone had replaced it with a ball of bright yellow yarn ah.

[Mindy Thomas]

So that's where i put my bright yellow yarn i was looking for that thanks buddy mindy okay now back to the scientific benefits of laughter right where were we well did you know that laughing is a really great exercise for your heart and your lungs i never.

[Guy Raz]

Thought about it before but i suppose that would happen from having to breathe harder to catch my breath when something.

[Mindy Thomas]

Is really making me laugh you got it and on top of making your body feel good sharing laughter can also make you feel closer to the other people you're laughing with tell me more okay so think about it when you laugh with friends like me you feel closer to them right yeah i guess i do well scientists have discovered that when people share laughter it helps them to build stronger friendships and relationships in other words laughter is kind of like a like a glue that helps to hold friendships together oh like that time.

[Guy Raz]

You glued our shirts together so we wouldn't get separated at the baseball game but when i wanted to go grab a veggie dog you had fallen asleep in your seat and because we were glued together i couldn't get up until you woke up from your nap and by that time the game was over and the veggie dogs were all sold out is it like that kind of.

[Mindy Thomas]

Glue uh not exactly see that was actual glue guy raz but what's really important here is that there are real scientific benefits to allowing a little more laughter into your life okay okay so.

[Guy Raz]

What you're telling me is that according to science laughter can help us to feel less stressed and more joyful yep and laughter is also good exercise for our hearts and lungs you know it and laughter can also make us feel closer to the people we laugh with.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yes yes yes yes and yes okay.

[Guy Raz]

I'M sold hooray thank you thank you.

[Elmo]

You'Ve been a great crowd okay who's next let's keep the laughs going um not me oh no elmo needs someone.

[Mindy Thomas]

To go up and say something to keep everyone laughing guy raz does anybody.

[Elmo]

Out there have a funny story to make elmo laugh oh no who's gonna.

[Guy Raz]

Do it oh i do pick me guy raz guy raz yes i have a funny story to share you do.

[Elmo]

Guy raz come on up here and tell us your funny story yeah guy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Raz what are you doing really it's.

[Guy Raz]

Funny friday mindy i'm gonna make the.

[Mindy Thomas]

People laugh i don't know what you're planning to say when you get up there but good luck guy raz you got this buddy okay everybody clap your.

[Elmo]

Hands for elmo's new friend guy raz.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you thank you very much and let's give it up for our funny friday host elmo we love you elmo.

[Elmo]

Elmo.

[Guy Raz]

Okay so the funny story i'm about to tell it didn't start out funny at all at least not for me anyway it's the same the story of a day where everything and i mean everything seemed to go wrong it was a really really bad day but.

[Elmo]

Guy elmo doesn't understand how are bad.

[Guy Raz]

Days funny well elmo that's what i thought too but i learned from a friend that finding things to laugh about even on a really bad day might actually help to make it not so bad after all really yeah i mean we all have bad days right yeah that's true we do and sometimes finding ways to laugh about all the things that go wrong can actually make it all feel a little better especially when we can laugh together yeah guy raz you're right it does so with that i would like to invite all of you to laugh with me as i tell you all about my horrible disastrous upside down terrible day where everything and i mean everything went wrong until now you ever wake up in the morning and think today is going to be a great day and then the universe is like that's what you think well that's exactly what happened to me today a day so bad that even my socks wanted to run away that is.

[Mindy Thomas]

A bad day i'll say it started.

[Guy Raz]

Off fine of course bad days often do and that's because a bad day likes to jump out at you just when you least expect it like a like a bird in a ninja suit and before you know it your head is covered in sneak attack bird poop.

[Mindy Thomas]

That really did happen and you want.

[Guy Raz]

To run away from that bird as fast as you can but instead you find yourself stuck in place by the big wad of chewing gum you just stepped in while wearing your new sneakers and at this point you realize that the gum you stepped in is the least of your worries because your socks have slipped off your heels and are now hiding under your feet it's like socks this is not the time for a game of hide and seek.

[Elmo]

Oh socks come out come out wherever you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Are you're doing great guy raz and.

[Guy Raz]

Just when you think it can't get any worse you sit down with a bowl of your favorite blueberry cereal only to discover that all of your spoons have gone missing and you have to eat it with a fork have you ever tried scooping up milk with a fork and on top of that all of the blueberries in your cereal have disappeared poof vanished into your best friend's belly.

[Mindy Thomas]

That'S me i'm the best friend.

[Guy Raz]

So you decide that maybe what you need is to meet a friend for a game of tennis but then you reach for your tennis ball and you discover that someone has replaced it with a ball of yarn which is completely fine if you're a tennis playing cat.

[Elmo]

A cat playing tennis now that's funny.

[Guy Raz]

And it's in that moment that you realize that somehow some way this day has gone from horribly bad to hilarious.

[Elmo]

Guy raz is so funny he's making.

[Guy Raz]

Everyone laugh so now it's the end of the day and you're standing in front of a crowd of new friends with a few leftover bird droppings on your head gum on your shoe and an unraveling tennis ball being chased by a cat and all you can do is laugh and invite new friends to join you and and suddenly you stop and realize that wow this might just be the best day ever aw.

[Elmo]

Yay.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you thank you thank you and thank you my friend mindy here who showed me the science of laughter and my new friend elmo for helping me to find something to laugh about even on what i thought was going to be the worst day ever aw thanks.

[Mindy Thomas]

For the laugh sky raz and elmo.

[Elmo]

Elmo has one last jump before we.

[Guy Raz]

Go oh sure elmo what is it.

[Elmo]

Okay okay how does the alphabet say goodbye how av see you later ab see you later goodbye everybody see you.

[Guy Raz]

Later elmo bye bye elmo now get out there and make jokes and make.

[Mindy Thomas]

New friends and give them all something to laugh about.

[Elmo]

Wow in the world we'll be right back grown ups this.

[Mindy Thomas]

Message is for you hey grown ups it's mindy and guy raz here from.

[Guy Raz]

Wow in the world mindy and i have some brand new wow in the world toys out in the world just in time for the holidays made for.

[Mindy Thomas]

The kids who love science and for the ones who don't yet from our.

[Guy Raz]

One hundred experiments that wowkit to the telescope and astronomy kit our wow in the world toys help your wowzer learn about their world through play plus you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Can hear exclusive audio content from me and guy raz to help your wowzer discover even more wows grown ups give.

[Guy Raz]

The gift of wow and wonder this holiday season with our latest wow in the world toys designed with your curious wowzer in mind you can shop our.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow in the world toys at tinkercast dot com toys that's tinkercast dot com toys.

[Elmo]

That'S it back to the show wow in the world.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hi thanks for calling wow in the world after the beep get ready to record.

[Caller]

Hi mindy and gara my name is madison and i live in denver colorado my wow in the world is that hummingbirds can fly forwards backwards and upside down isn't that bonkerballs hi mindy and guy raz my name is ellis and i live in nashville tennessee my wow in the world is that you can fit over one million planet earth inside of our sun that's a pretty bonker ball as well definitely say hi to reggie dennis hi and the sleigh cats for me have a braintastic day bye i'm mindy and guy was my name is lake and i am six years old and my wow in the world is that the world record for flying upside down was four hours and thirty eight minutes with that dramat force say hi to dennis and reggie too ahoy there dennis i know your status man hi mindy garage my name's eleanor i live in berlin maryland and my wow in the world is that pandas have a special thumb that is a wrist bone that grew longer and bigger so that it helps them handle bamboo like a thumb say hi to reggie dennis thomas fingerling and grandma g force for me bye.

[Elmo]

Hi there oh yeah hello my name.

[Caller]

Is jackson i live in colorado and my wow in the world is dash venus is the hottest planet solar system not mercury despite that mercury is the closest to the sun bye hi mindy and guide raz i'm donnish from dunsalem and did you know that the border between the us and canada is the biggest border in the world that's bunker balls say hi to reggie dennis thomas fingerling and drama fe g force oh snap bye hi mindy and guy raz my name is sophia i live in newmarket ontario canada and i am eight years old my wow in the world is that jupiter is named after the roman king of gods who is also the god of sky and thunder say hi to grandma geforce for me bo yay dennis howdy thomas fingerling ooh cool dude and ratchie love your show bye bye hi my name is moira and i'm six years old and i live in miami my mom the way is that mosquitoes could lay eggs in still water isn't that wow amazing say hi to everybody for me and dennis this is something for you i know you're.

[Elmo]

Static man what no i'm not static.

[Guy Raz]

Man we just look al and sound.

[Mindy Thomas]

Alike bye end of messages hey wowzers just want to throw a big special thanks to our friends at sesame workshop and our very special guest elmo for joining us on today's episode thanks for listening to this episode of wow in the world if you're a kid with a big wow to share with us call our wow hotline at at one eight eight eight seven wow wow for a chance to be featured at the end of the show or an upcoming episode of two what's in a wow.

[Guy Raz]

And while you're at it why don't you head over to apple podcasts and tell us what wows you about our show by leaving a review you just might hear your reviewsy read by dennis on wewow on the weekend oh and.

[Mindy Thomas]

Don'T forget to visit us at tinkercast dot com and become a member of the winner world organization of wowzers with that you'll get year round mailings weekly activities birthday cards and more on tinkercast.

[Guy Raz]

Dot com comma you can also shop our wow shop get tickets for upcoming live events find our books and learn about all the other amazing podcasts from.

[Mindy Thomas]

Tinkercast once again that's tinkercast dot com.

[Guy Raz]

Wow in the world is written by mindy thomas and tom van kalken with.

[Mindy Thomas]

Contributions from me guy raz original sound design and music editing is done by tyler thole with help from our senior production director jed anderson you can also hear jed anderson in the voices of dennis thomas fingerling reggie and many of the other silly characters you hear on.

[Guy Raz]

Our show jessica bode keeps our facts straight as our fact checker and meredith halpern ranzer powers the wow at tinkercast.

[Mindy Thomas]

Our theme song was composed of and performed by three time grammy nominees the pop ups find them at thepopups dot.

[Guy Raz]

Com special thanks to our team including kit ballinger rebecca caban doctor natasha crandall kenny curtis kristen yang thuy mac erica medina henry moskul jody nussbaum ali paxsima linda rothenberg steph sosa anna zagorski and all of the other tinkerers at tinkercast.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hq grown ups you can you can follow wow in the world on facebook instagram and twitter owintheworld and our email address is hello in tinkercast dot com.

[Guy Raz]

Thanks for listening find episodes of wow in the world every monday two what's in a wow every friday and we wow on the weekends with dennis every saturday and sunday right here in the wow in the world podcast feed until then keep on wowing.

[Elmo]

Wow in the world was made by tinkercast and sent.

[Mindy Thomas]

To you by wondery grown ups if you like wow in the world you can listen early and ad free right.

[Guy Raz]

Now on wondery join wondery in the wondery app or on wondery kids on apple podcasts prime members can listen ad free on amazon music and before you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Go tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey at wondery dot com survey.