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Mindy Thomas
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Guy Raz
Hey, Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, did you know that you can now play two what's in a wow on your wrist? That's right, Reg. Two what's in a wow is now available on the Samsung Galaxy Watch for kids. Here's the scoop. When you download the two what's in a wow app on Google Play, a new daily 2 what's in a wow game will be pushed to the app at a different time every day, excluding school hours, of course. So now you can guess the wows from the what's wherever you are. Plus, don't forget to add the free wow in the World seasonal watch face. So Guy, Raz, Reggie, and I can all hang out with you on your watch. That's two what's in a wow now available to download on your Wear OS watch for free on Google Play. You can learn more@tinkercast.com watch that's tinkercast.com watch.
Dennis
Proceeded three, two, one mission.
Guy Raz
Get ready for an adventure of magnificent proportion.
Grandma G Force
I don't know what you've been told we're in a golden age so many discoveries that are jumping off the page While in the World While in the World While in the World While in the World While in the world.
Dennis
Houston.
Guy Raz
Okay, let's get this hung here. Hey, hey, Reg, hand me a piece of tape, will ya?
Thomas Fingerling
Is this all really necessary, Mindy? I mean, the balloons, the banners, the crackers, the spinach dip.
Guy Raz
Oh, that's not spinach dip, Guy Raz. It's toothpaste.
Thomas Fingerling
What?
Guy Raz
And I don't know if it's necessary. I've never hosted an intervention before. Oh, and quick question. Are we supposed to yell Surprise when they come In Definitely not. Okay, so let's not think of this as an intervention. Let's think of this as a party for Thomas Fingerling and Grandma G force with all of their nearest and dearest friends, where we tell them how their behavior is affecting our lives and that we think we can help them to get better.
Thomas Fingerling
That's exactly what an intervention is, Mindy.
Guy Raz
Oh, I hear someone coming.
Thomas Fingerling
Okay, okay, hit the lights, Mindy.
Guy Raz
On it.
Thomas Fingerling
Hiya, Mandy. I didn't actually mean to hit the lights.
Guy Raz
You should be more specific next time.
Thomas Fingerling
Here they come.
Grandma G Force
Intervention surprise. Oh, a surprise intervention for me?
Guy Raz
Dennis, what are you doing here?
Grandma G Force
You asked me to come over.
Guy Raz
Yeah, like two hours ago.
Grandma G Force
Yeah, well, I was watching from my house, and you did not look ready to Surprise. Surprised me with an intervention two hours ago.
Guy Raz
This intervention party isn't for you, Dennis.
Grandma G Force
What? Who's it for?
Thomas Fingerling
It's for G Force and Fingerling.
Grandma G Force
Oh, come on, no fair. I want a surprise intervention party.
Guy Raz
Well, you're not the one who's up all night causing all the noise and havoc outside.
Thomas Fingerling
I could be, Dennis. I can hear your snoring from my micro house.
Grandma G Force
Exactly. Havoc, Dennis. Fine. Why are we having a surprise intervention party for grandma GeForce and Tommy anyway?
Guy Raz
Because they're up all night long, Dennis. They were playing racquetball against my gingerbread mansion at 2 in the morning last night.
Thomas Fingerling
And not just that. The night before, G Force was mowing her lawn at 3:00 in the morning.
Grandma G Force
Oh, yikes.
Guy Raz
Not to mention the techno polka music that Thomas Fingerling's been playing until the early hours of the morning.
Grandma G Force
Uh.
Thomas Fingerling
Ugh.
Guy Raz
Come on. Whoa.
Thomas Fingerling
And we think they might have a sleeping disorder called insomnia.
Grandma G Force
In what?
Thomas Fingerling
Mia Insomnia. And if you have it, it means that your body has a hard time falling and then staying asleep.
Guy Raz
We think it might be the reason for all of these recent late night activities.
Thomas Fingerling
But we have a plan.
Guy Raz
Hence the reason we're hosting this intervention surprise party that you're totally about ruin.
Thomas Fingerling
Oops. Quick, quick. Someone else is coming.
Guy Raz
Ooh. Everyone take cover.
Grandma G Force
Surprise intervention.
Guy Raz
Oh, my, my. I am so surprised. Grandma G Force, Thomas Fingerling. Why don't you two take a seat right here? Pass.
Dennis
Well, can I at least have some of this toothpaste dip first?
Guy Raz
You can have some d. But right now, Guy Raz has something important that he'd like to say to you. All right, Guy Raz.
Thomas Fingerling
Oh, right, the speech. I have it right here. Hold on.
Guy Raz
Oh, Reggie, hit the music.
Thomas Fingerling
Dear G Force and Thomas Fingerling we are here today because we care about you and want to help.
Guy Raz
That's right.
Grandma G Force
And I'm here because I thought this party was for me.
Guy Raz
Shh.
Thomas Fingerling
Dennis, we want you to know that you don't have to face this alone. We believe we may have found a solution to help you find the rest and peace you deserve.
Grandma G Force
Yay. Wow.
Dennis
I don't get it.
Guy Raz
Me too. Thomas Fingerling, we think that both you and Grandma G Force might have a sleeping disorder called insomnia.
Grandma G Force
Yeah, it means you have trouble falling asleep.
Thomas Fingerling
That's right.
Dennis
Well, now that you mention it, I have been having trouble finding the old sandman lately.
Guy Raz
Yeah. Hmm. And my bedtime of 5:30pm is but a distant memory.
Thomas Fingerling
Well, don't worry, you two. That's why we're here.
Guy Raz
Yeah, we think we might have something that'll help you.
Grandma G Force
Ooh. What's in the bag? Presents. I love presents. This is the best intervention I've ever been to.
Guy Raz
Here you go. One for you, Grandma G Force. And one for you, Thomas Fingerling. Here you go, Dennis, Reggie. Everyone take one.
Grandma G Force
Yay.
Guy Raz
Okay, everyone open. I already did.
Dennis
So did I. Ah.
Guy Raz
We were supposed to open these all together.
Grandma G Force
Okay, I'll go next. Oh, a bracelet. Cool.
Thomas Fingerling
Not just any bracelet, Dennis. This is a fitness tracker.
Grandma G Force
Ah, I don't know what that is.
Thomas Fingerling
Oh, well, it's really simple. You put the fitness tracker on your wrist like this, and then you link it up to your phone like this. Connected.
Grandma G Force
Okay.
Thomas Fingerling
And then it tracks all of your activities throughout the day.
Guy Raz
Yeah, look. Jumping, jumping.
Reggie
Jumping.
Guy Raz
See? 5% of my daily activity goal is completed. Wow. I'm amazing.
Grandma G Force
Whoa. Whoa. Look at all these excellent activities. I can track hopscotch, tag, running man.
Dennis
So how's this pretty little bracelet meant to help me sleep at night?
Thomas Fingerling
Well, according to the latest sleep research, exercise, if done correctly, can help you get your sleeping back on track.
Guy Raz
So we thought that if we all helped with getting you two some exercise during the day, then it might just help with your sleeping at night.
Thomas Fingerling
And that would help with our sleeping at night, too.
Dennis
Well, I hear. I hate to disappoint you, but the only exercise I'm interested in is eggs with a size of bacon.
Thomas Fingerling
What?
Guy Raz
Get the man his bacon.
Thomas Fingerling
Yeah.
Guy Raz
Okay, nobody is getting any bacon.
Grandma G Force
What about me?
Thomas Fingerling
No rats.
Guy Raz
Instead, we're all going to exercise in my newest state of the art home gym.
Grandma G Force
Ooh, fancy.
Guy Raz
Come on, everyone. It's just in the shed. Out.
Thomas Fingerling
Okay, leap away, Mindy.
Guy Raz
Let me just open the door here. Ah, here we are. Okay, everyone, welcome to my home gym host jam.
Thomas Fingerling
Uh, Mindy?
Guy Raz
Yes, Guy Razzie?
Thomas Fingerling
What is this place?
Guy Raz
Well, what do you mean? It's my home gym.
Thomas Fingerling
Well, it looks like a video game arcade, Mindy.
Guy Raz
Yeah, See, I tried the whole treadmill and dumbbell thing at first, but it really wasn't working for me. So I started adding some machines that really got my heart pumping.
Thomas Fingerling
Like whack a mole.
Guy Raz
I'm all gonna get you mock whack. Hey, I missed one. Oh yeah, that one's intense.
Thomas Fingerling
Okay, so where are we gonna be taking G Force and Fingerling first?
Guy Raz
Well, I would like to crash bumper cars. No, there's no bumper cars here, Grandma GeForce. Well. Huh? Ah.
Grandma G Force
What about the claw game? I want to win a stuffed Reggie.
Guy Raz
No, we're not here to play the claw machine, Dennis. What we need is something that's really gonna get our hearts pumping so that we can all hit our activity and exercise goals.
Thomas Fingerling
What about this basketball shooting game, Mindy? Yeah, that's pretty active.
Guy Raz
Woohoo. Oh snap. Close, Guy Raz. But it's just not quite. We need something more like Bingo.
Thomas Fingerling
What? Which one? Mindy, Dance your pants off.
Guy Raz
That one.
Thomas Fingerling
Dance Pants Revolution.
Guy Raz
That's right. Whoa.
Dennis
I love that game. Dance Pants Revolution is how I learned to do the cracked knuckle shuffle.
Guy Raz
Perfect. Come on everyone.
Grandma G Force
I still don't understand how this arcade is gonna help Tommy and Grandma G Force sleep at night.
Guy Raz
Okay, well first of all, Dennis, this is not an arcade. It is a home gym. And second of all, it's the exercise that we're going to do here that's going to help them get a better night's sleep.
Thomas Fingerling
You see, exercise and sleep are kind of like like two gears working together with each cog working in sync with the other.
Guy Raz
Exercise makes you tired. Phew. And in turn helps you sleep.
Thomas Fingerling
And sleep helps your body recover and do more exercise.
Guy Raz
Phew. A system in perfect balance.
Thomas Fingerling
But. But for those with a sleeping disorder.
Guy Raz
They might be extra sensitive to any changes in this exercise sleeping cycle.
Thomas Fingerling
And even the slightest change can throw off this delicate balance and bring those cogs grinding to a halt.
Reggie
Oh, damn.
Thomas Fingerling
So by doing just the right amount of exercise at the right time, were hoping to get GeForce and Fingerling's gears back in sync.
Guy Raz
Dabs. I wanna play first.
Dennis
No way, dude. I'm playing first.
Guy Raz
Okay, this is a two player game, so you can both go first. Fine. Okay, let me just put in the tokens here.
Dennis
Dance your powers off.
Guy Raz
There we go. And now we just gotta hit start. Oh.
Thomas Fingerling
So Mindy, how long do you think all this is gonna take?
Guy Raz
Not too long, Guy Raz, you actually don't need to do a ton of exercise to get a good night of sleep. In fact, if you overdo it, you might actually make it harder for yourself to fall asleep.
Thomas Fingerling
What do you mean?
Guy Raz
Okay, so scientists have discovered that too much exercise can actually increase a thing in your body called cortisol.
Grandma G Force
Oh, cortisol. I think that's the fungal cream Mother uses.
Guy Raz
What?
Thomas Fingerling
Gross. No, Dennis, cortisol is the chemical that your body creates when it's stressed out.
Guy Raz
Exactly. And having too much cortisol in your body can actually make it harder for you to fall asleep.
Grandma G Force
So why are we exercising then? I'm so confused.
Guy Raz
Because, Dennis, if you're able to do just the right amount of exercise, meaning.
Thomas Fingerling
Not too much and not too little.
Guy Raz
Then exercise can actually help to get rid of cortisol in your body and help you to get a good night of sleep.
Thomas Fingerling
Which is why we're all wearing these fitness trackers.
Guy Raz
Exact oritos, Guy Raz. Once we hit that just the right amount of exercise, our little fitness trackers here are gonna ding to let us know. Just like that. Looks like Grandma G Force and Thomas Fingerling just hit their exercise goals.
Grandma G Force
Yay.
Guy Raz
Well, you're gonna have to do better than that, Fingerling.
Dennis
Oh, yeah? Well. Oh, I need to sit down.
Guy Raz
Okay, who's next?
Grandma G Force
Oh, hey, hey.
Guy Raz
All right, Dennis, why don't you and Reggie get up there, okay? Putting in the tokens.
Dennis
Dance your pants off.
Guy Raz
All right, it's all good to go.
Grandma G Force
Okay, Reggie, are you ready to dance your pants off? Here we go.
Guy Raz
Now, when we get up there, Guy Ra, we gotta remember our high score. We gotta see if we can beat it tomorrow.
Thomas Fingerling
Tomorrow?
Guy Raz
Yeah.
Thomas Fingerling
What do you mean, tomorrow?
Guy Raz
Well, we're all gonna be coming back here to do this again tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that and the day after that and the day after that and the day after that. What?
Thomas Fingerling
Mindy, why do we have to keep coming back to your arcade home gym? Right, your home gym. Arcade, whatever. Why do we have to keep coming back every day?
Guy Raz
Oh, well, that's because scientists have found that the most important thing to improve how well you sleep is actually consistency.
Thomas Fingerling
Ah, you mean building a routine.
Guy Raz
Exactly. I mean, if you really want to get a good night of sleep, you can't just exercise once and call it a day. You gotta build a habit. Doing the same kinds of exercises around the same time every single day. Looks like it's Our turn.
Grandma G Force
Did. Did I win?
Guy Raz
Ooh, not even close, Dennis. Now scooch over. It's Guy Raz in my turn.
Grandma G Force
Okay, fine.
Guy Raz
All right. One, two, three. Tokens in.
Dennis
Dance your panties off.
Thomas Fingerling
Oh, boy.
Guy Raz
Ready, Guy Raz?
Thomas Fingerling
As I'll ever be.
Reggie
Good.
Guy Raz
Cause here we go.
Grandma G Force
Oh.
Guy Raz
Shuffle, change. Shuffle, change. Shuffle, change. And kick. And R and shift. Hard score. Booyah. Way to go, Guy Raz. New high score. Up high.
Thomas Fingerling
Uh, middle sh.
Guy Raz
What?
Grandma G Force
Ugh.
Reggie
Aw, look at them.
Guy Raz
Guy Raz, Thomas Fingerling and Grandma G Force fell asleep on the skeeball machine.
Thomas Fingerling
Well, it looks like your arcade exercise regime is working, Mindy. I think they're both out like a light.
Guy Raz
Yeah, but there's only one way to find out if it'll stick, and that's to come back tomorrow to do this all over again.
Thomas Fingerling
That's right.
Guy Raz
Consistency is key to a good night's sleep.
Grandma G Force
Wait, we're coming back here tomorrow?
Guy Raz
Yep. And the day after that, and the day after that, and the day after that, and the day after that, and the day after that.
Grandma G Force
Oh, Mindy, I wasn't even keeping track of my high score. Reggie, do you remember what we got? Yes, I know you beat me, but by how much? Yes, I know it was a lot, but how much exactly, Reggie? Because I need to know so I can do better next time.
Reggie
Wow in the World. We'll be right back, grown ups. This message is for you. That's it. Back to the show.
Grandma G Force
Wow in the World.
Guy Raz
Hi, thanks for calling wow in the World. After the beep, get ready to record.
Reggie
Hi, my name is Guy Raz. My name is Claire and I'm from Austin, Texas. And my wow in the world is that camels have really long eyelashes. So when this. When a sandstorm comes, it blocks the sand from getting in their eyes. Say hi, Reggie. Dennis DemogForce. Thomas Fingerling.
Dennis
Neat.
Reggie
And Static man for me.
Guy Raz
Bye.
Reggie
Love your show. Hi, Mindy and Guy Raz. I'm Mina and I'm from New Mexico. I'm 12 years old. My wow in the world is that a type of fish called the cave angelfish can actually walk on land. Say hi to Reggie, Grandma G Force, and the sleigh cats for me.
Guy Raz
Bye.
Reggie
Love your show. Hi, Mindy and Guy Raz. My name is Isabella and my name is Teresa, and we live in Mountain View, California. And our wow is that when a seagull steps in from a wormhole, it stomps its feet so the worms think it's raining. And when then the worms come out, the seagull is in for a tasty feast. Say hi to Reggie. Grandma G Force.
Guy Raz
Oh, well, well.
Reggie
And the very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very annoying Dennis. Thank you. Hi Kai. Wash and Minnie and Raji. You guys are the best. My name is Jolie. I live in Chicago. My wow in the world is that flamingos are born gray and they become pink because of shrimp and ounces that they eat. I love your podcast. Say hi to Lucky for me, my wow in the world is that lizards fall out of the tree when it gets cold out.
Guy Raz
Also my name is.
Reggie
Also my name is Kylie and I live in New York. Bye. Hi, my name is Oliver and my wow in the world is that kiwis can stick their bill into the ground and sense vibrations and sounds. And Dennis, I know you're static man.
Guy Raz
Oh no.
Reggie
Hi, my name is Cola and my wow is that crickets use their wings to make a chirping sound and then to the say is isn't that Vonga Wolf? Can you say it isn't that vulnerable? Isn't that longer? Okay, okay.
Guy Raz
End of messages. Grown ups. If you like wow in the World, you can listen early and ad free right now on Wondery.
Thomas Fingerling
Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids plus on Apple Podcasts Prime. Members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.
Guy Raz
And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey@wondery.com survey. 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 1-888-FOR a chance to be featured at the end of the show or an upcoming episode of 2 what's in a wow?
Thomas Fingerling
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.
Guy Raz
Oh, and don't forget to Visit us@tinkercast.com and become a member of the world organization of Wowzers. With that you'll get year round mailings, weekly activities, birthday cards and more on.
Thomas Fingerling
Tinkercast.Com 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 Tinkercast.
Guy Raz
Once again, that's Tinkercast.com wow in the.
Thomas Fingerling
World is written by Mindy Thomas and Tom Van Kalken with contributions from Me Guy Raz.
Guy Raz
Original sound design and music editing is done by 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 our show.
Thomas Fingerling
Jessica Bode keeps our facts straight as our fact checker and Meredith Halpern Ranzer powers the wow at Tinkercast.
Guy Raz
Our theme song was composed and performed by three time Grammy nominees. The pop ups. Find them@thepopups.com Special thanks to our team.
Thomas Fingerling
Including Kit Ballinger, Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kenny Curtis, Kristin Yang Thuy, Matt, Erica Medina, Henry Moskal, Jodi Nussbaum, Ali Paxsima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Tyler Thol, Anna Zagorski and all of the other tinkerers at Tinkercast HQ Grown Ups.
Guy Raz
You can follow wow in the World on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter owintheworld and our email address is hello in tinkercast.com thanks for listening.
Thomas Fingerling
Find episodes of wow in the World every Monday. Two what's in a wow? Every 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.
Reggie
Wow in the World was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.
Wow in the World: Exercise Yourself to Sleep Episode Release Date: February 17, 2025
In this engaging episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz delve into the fascinating connection between exercise and sleep. Tailored for both kids and their grown-up listeners, the episode combines storytelling with scientific insights to explore how physical activity can influence sleep quality, particularly addressing issues like insomnia.
The core of the episode revolves around a playful skit where Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas stage an intervention for two characters, Thomas Fingerling and Grandma G Force, who are struggling with insomnia. This creative approach serves as a narrative device to introduce and explain the science behind sleep disorders and the beneficial role of exercise.
The episode kicks off with an animated scenario where Guy Raz attempts to host an intervention party for Thomas Fingerling and Grandma G Force. The chaos and humor in the setup highlight the disruptive effects of insomnia on daily life.
This whimsical introduction sets the tone for an entertaining yet informative discussion on sleep and health.
As the intervention unfolds, it becomes clear that both Thomas Fingerling and Grandma G Force are experiencing sleepless nights due to insomnia—a condition where individuals find it hard to fall or stay asleep.
This line succinctly captures the crux of their sleeplessness, framing the narrative around a common yet often misunderstood health issue.
To combat insomnia, the hosts introduce fitness trackers as tools to monitor and encourage physical activity. The idea is that regular exercise can help regulate sleep patterns by balancing cortisol levels—a hormone associated with stress.
These statements emphasize the delicate balance required when using exercise as a remedy for sleep disorders, highlighting the importance of moderation and consistency.
A key scientific insight shared in the episode is the impact of cortisol on sleep. Excessive exercise can elevate cortisol levels, making it harder to fall asleep, whereas the right amount of physical activity can help reduce cortisol, promoting better sleep.
These explanations provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the physiological mechanisms linking exercise and sleep.
The importance of maintaining a consistent exercise routine is underscored as pivotal for improving sleep quality.
This discussion reinforces the idea that habitual physical activity, rather than sporadic exertion, is key to reaping the sleep-related benefits of exercise.
Following the skit, the episode features a segment where listeners share their own "wows"—interesting scientific facts they've discovered. This interactive portion fosters a sense of community and encourages young listeners to engage actively with scientific exploration.
These contributions exemplify the show's mission to inspire curiosity and wonder about the natural world among its audience.
The episode wraps up by reiterating the significance of integrating regular, moderate exercise into daily routines to enhance sleep quality. Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz emphasize that establishing consistent habits is essential for overcoming sleep disorders like insomnia.
The playful banter underscores the commitment needed to maintain healthy sleep patterns through sustained physical activity.
Wow in the World masterfully blends entertainment with education, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for young listeners and their families. By using relatable narratives and interactive elements, the episode effectively conveys the importance of exercise in managing sleep health, encouraging listeners to adopt healthy habits that can lead to better sleep and overall well-being.
For more episodes and to stay updated with the latest in science, technology, and innovation, tune in to Wow in the World every Monday.