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)

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.

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.

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])

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

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

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.

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

Keep on wowing—and laughing!