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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 Apple Podcasts.
Mindy Thomas
Hey Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, are you looking for another podcast that will wow the animal fans in your world? Wait, you are a fan of animals? Well then I've got just the podcast for you. Introducing Flip and Mosi Hosted by two space space alien travel guides, Flip and Mosey, this intergalactic musical podcast brings animal conservation into your family's conversations. So get this after their spaceship got stranded here on Earth, Flip and Mosi found that they had to wait like 3,000 light years just for a tow ship to come. So they decided to spend that time exploring our big blue beautiful planet and all of the amazing creatures who call the Earth home. And with every animal they meet flying, Flip and Mosi get one step closer to learning how to be an Earthling. Listen to Flip and Mosey Wherever you get your podcasts. Just search Flippin Mosey in your favorite podcast player and don't forget to subscribe. That's it. And now let's get back to the show.
Unknown
Hey grown ups. Looking for the family movie of the Summer? Smurfs, in theaters July 18, is an adventure that will blue you away. When Papa Smurf is taken by evil wizards, Smurfette, voiced by Rihanna, leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to rescue him. With the help of some new friends, the Smurfs must work together and harness new magical powers to save not only Papa Smurf, but also the universe. Smurfs features a star studded cast including Rihanna, John Goodman, Nick Offerman, Amy Sedaris, Sandra O, Octavia Spencer, and many more familiar voices. Smurfs is filled with original new music from Tyla, DJ Khaled, Cardi B and Rihanna with her chart topping hit from the movie Friend of Mine. With a unique new animation style, all star cast and rocking soundtrack, Smurfs is the must see family movie of the summer. Don't miss Smurfs. Only in theaters starting July 18th. Hey grown ups. It may be summer, but learning doesn't have to stop. Whether you're keeping up a light homeschool curriculum through the break or just want to help your child catch up, stay sharp or get a head start on school. IXL can help. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits perfectly into your homeschool routine even during summer. It offers interactive practice across math, language arts, science and social studies and adapts to your child's learning level to provide them with just the right challenge. At Tinkercast, we love learning all year long, so we appreciate the flexibility of IXL to give homeschool families the ability to learn whenever is best for them. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and WOW in the world listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com wow visit ixl.com wow to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.
Proceed in three, two, one.
Reggie
The Buddies are an adventure of magnificent proportion. 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 W the world wow. In the world wow. In the world W In the world. Houston.
Mindy Thomas
How much longer, Reg? So close. I hope it's baked all the way through. Oh, I don't know how long you're supposed to bake a clam cake for Reggie, especially one this size.
Reggie
Oh, coming.
Mindy Thomas
Hey, Reg, keep an eye on the oven for me.
Reggie
Walk, walk, walk, walk.
Mindy Thomas
Opening the door.
Guy Raz
Hey, Mindy.
Reggie
Hey, Rozzy.
Mindy Thomas
What are you doing here?
Guy Raz
Uh, you just called me, remember? You said you needed help delivering something.
Mindy Thomas
Oh, yeah.
Guy Raz
So what was it that you need help delivering?
Mindy Thomas
Oh, a birthday cake.
Guy Raz
A birthday cake?
Mindy Thomas
Yeah, and it should be coming out of the oven any second now. Hey, Reg, how's it looking in there?
Guy Raz
Whose birthday is it?
Mindy Thomas
I don't know. Reggie and I just got the order in this morning.
Guy Raz
Got an order? And what are you talking about, Mindy?
Mindy Thomas
Oh, okay, so Reggie and I started a cake to go business this morning. We're calling it Cake it til you make it.
Guy Raz
Uh huh.
Mindy Thomas
Oh, sounds like the cake's done, Mindy.
Guy Raz
What's it smell? It smells like fish.
Mindy Thomas
Oh, it's not fish Guy Raz. It's clams. Ah, smell that clammy goodness.
Guy Raz
Mindy, why are there clams in your birthday cake?
Mindy Thomas
I don't know. It's what the client asked for. Here, look at this.
Guy Raz
Order form an extra large clam and squid cake with enough room for 400 candles.
Mindy Thomas
Yep, that's why we need your help delivering this cake, Guy Raz. Now get in here and help Reggie and I move it into the ice cream truck.
Guy Raz
All right.
Mindy Thomas
Okay, now I need everyone to grab a corner. Got it? Got it. Now on three, everybody lift.
Guy Raz
Okay, three.
Reggie
Mindy. Mindy, this thing weighs a ton.
Mindy Thomas
Yeah, we used a lot of clamps. Okay, everyone Shimmy toward the door. Shimmy, shimmy, shimmy, shimmy. Opening the door with my foot. Got it. Okay, now just tilt it on its side a bit to get it through this door.
Reggie
Wait, what? I'm getting clam juice all over me. Why is it leaking?
Mindy Thomas
Almost there, Guy Raz. Right there. Let me just unlock the ice cream truck here.
Reggie
Great.
Mindy Thomas
Now set it down in the back.
Guy Raz
Okay.
Mindy Thomas
Besides cake. Uh, Guy Raz?
Guy Raz
Yeah.
Mindy Thomas
Smells like you've been bathing in clam juice, Mindy. No time to change, Guy Raz. We gotta get going to this birthday party. Everyone hop in.
Guy Raz
Fine.
Mindy Thomas
All right. Everyone strapped in?
Guy Raz
No.
Mindy Thomas
Great. Cause here, hold on a second. Okay, let me just double check where we're going again. Guy Raz. Here, you take the wheel. All right. It says the cake is going to the aquarium, and it's for a Greenland shark's 400th birthday.
Reggie
Huh.
Guy Raz
A Greenland shark?
Mindy Thomas
Yeah. Why? Do you know him?
Guy Raz
Well, not personally, Mindy, but I have heard about them before.
Mindy Thomas
Have you heard about them living to 400 years old?
Guy Raz
Well, actually, yes. Greenland sharks are some of the longest living animals on the planet. They live just off the coast of Greenland.
Mindy Thomas
Oh, well, that makes sense.
Guy Raz
But the thing is, nobody really knows why these Greenland sharks live for so long.
Mindy Thomas
Until now, apparently.
Guy Raz
What?
Mindy Thomas
There's a new leading theory, according to this order form here.
Guy Raz
Really?
Mindy Thomas
Yeah, straight from the Leibniz Institute in Aging in Germany. And according to this order form, we're supposed to present the cake right after the gift. Which PS may help explain how the Greenland shark is able to live for so long.
Guy Raz
Wow. Sounds like quite the party.
Mindy Thomas
Oh, yeah. It's gonna be a real rager. Right, Reg? Okay, now, Guy Razi, you're going to have to change for this party. Here, put this on.
Guy Raz
What is this thing?
Mindy Thomas
What does it look like? Guy Raz?
Guy Raz
It looks like a big fluffy onesie.
Reggie
Oh, yeah.
Mindy Thomas
That's because it is a big, fluffy onesie.
Reggie
Well, why do I need a big fluffy onesie? It's 73 degrees outside.
Mindy Thomas
Yeah, but the location that's hosting this party is super duper cold.
Guy Raz
Really?
Reggie
Why?
Mindy Thomas
Well, because the Greenland shark lives in water that's about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. So they've cranked the AC in this place way up. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
Guy Raz
Okay, Mindy, if you say so.
Mindy Thomas
I do say so. Look, I even got one for me and Reg. Here you go, Reg.
Unknown
Okay.
Mindy Thomas
Give me the wheel, Guy Raz.
Guy Raz
All right, one leg in.
Reggie
Ah.
Guy Raz
The other leg in. And zipping up.
Thomas Fingerling
How do I look?
Guy Raz
Mindy.
Reggie
Aw.
Mindy Thomas
Like an adorable little fluffy marshmallow.
Guy Raz
Uh huh. Perfect.
Mindy Thomas
Just in time, too. I think we're here.
Guy Raz
Well, what makes you say that?
Mindy Thomas
Uh, the big banner outside that says Happy 400th Birthday. How many other people do you know celebrating a 400th birthday today? Guy Raz?
Reggie
Indeed.
Mindy Thomas
Okay, opening the back of the ice cream truck. Careful with this cake, everyone. We don't want clam juice going everywhere. Okay, lift on three.
Reggie
Sorry.
Mindy Thomas
Made a little spill.
Reggie
Mindy.
Mindy Thomas
Okay, everyone, through these doors. Over here. Quickly, Mindy.
Reggie
This thing weighs a ton. Walk, walk, walk.
Mindy Thomas
Opening the.
Reggie
Hello.
Unknown
Welcome to the party.
Reggie
Hi.
Unknown
Oh, my. What is that? Well, that must be the clam cake.
Mindy Thomas
Yeah, we're cake it till you make it. Where do you want the cake?
Reggie
Just.
Unknown
Just put it down on that table over there, away from the guests, please.
Reggie
Great idea.
Unknown
Oh, that's terrible.
Mindy Thomas
And then you want us to bring it to the stage after the present?
Unknown
Yes, that's.
Mindy Thomas
That's right. I'll let you know.
Unknown
Now, please get that thing out of my face.
Guy Raz
With pleasure. Come on, Mindy.
Mindy Thomas
All right, Guy Raz.
Reggie
Walk, walk, walk, walk.
Mindy Thomas
Almost there.
Reggie
And down.
Mindy Thomas
That was quite the workout.
Guy Raz
You can say that again.
Mindy Thomas
That was quite the workout. This is a party.
Guy Raz
Yeah, look at all these old animals, Mindy. We got a Galapagos tortoise chilling over there by the punch. They can live up to 200 years old.
Mindy Thomas
Oh, yeah, and look over there by the balloons. That's an ocean Quahog. They can live up to at least 220 years old.
Guy Raz
Wow.
Mindy Thomas
What's that? Reggie says he recognizes one of his college roommates. Which one? Reg, the parrot over there in the corner. Oh, yeah, I see him.
Guy Raz
How old is he?
Mindy Thomas
It would be rude to ask Guy Raz, but some parrots can live up to 80 years, which is super long for a bird.
Guy Raz
Wow. This is a real who's who of old animals.
Thomas Fingerling
What? I don't feel that old.
Guy Raz
Thomas Fingerling.
Thomas Fingerling
Hey there, feller. Hey, Mandy.
Mindy Thomas
Thomas Fingerling. What are you even doing here?
Thomas Fingerling
What am I doing here? What are you doing here? I heard this was a real who's who of old animals.
Mindy Thomas
Yeah, adults only, Grandma. G Force, you're here too?
Reggie
Hi.
Guy Raz
No, we're here to drop off the birthday cake.
Thomas Fingerling
Ooh, birthday cake, eh? What is it? Chocolate? Marble? Carrot? Quiet. I said carrot, not parrot.
Mindy Thomas
Uh, no, it's a clam cake.
Guy Raz
I know it sounds a little weird, but it is this Greenland shark's favorite food.
Thomas Fingerling
Weird. Sounds delicious to me. Could I have a slice maybe?
Reggie
Me too.
Mindy Thomas
Let Me? Add it. I love me some clams. Okay, you'll both get a slice. But first, you'll have to wait until after the presents.
Thomas Fingerling
Right?
Mindy Thomas
Now, where is that Greenland shark anyway? I gotta wish him a happy birthday.
Guy Raz
I think it's over there in the tank. Mindy.
Reggie
Oh, yeah, I see him. Hey, buddy. Hey, Greenland shark. Happy 400th birthday.
Guy Raz
Look, Mindy, somewhere someone's coming to the microphone. I think this party might be getting started.
Unknown
Hello, everyone, and welcome to this special shark's 400th birthday. Now, before we can get into that stinky cake over there in the corner, we have a little present for you, buddy. Can we bring in the present, please? Yes. It's beautiful, isn't it? What in the.
Guy Raz
Mindy, what is that?
Mindy Thomas
It looks like a book, but it's.
Guy Raz
As tall as a person.
Unknown
What we have here is your entire genome printed out into one single book.
Mindy Thomas
Genome isn't a genome like the body's instruction manual?
Guy Raz
Exactly. It's the building blocks inside every living creature that tells it how to grow.
Unknown
Now, I know we've already given out this same gift to a couple of you out there in the audience. Galapagos tortoise. I know we gave you your genome sequence back in 2018, but this one is special. I was just getting to that. This G dome is special because it's the longest one we've ever written down. Anyway, shall we bring up the cake? Where did that pigeon and lady go?
Mindy Thomas
Reggie, that's our cue. Come on, Guy Raz, one last lift. We gotta bring the cake up to the stage.
Guy Raz
You got it, Mindy.
Mindy Thomas
Okay, on three.
Guy Raz
All right.
Reggie
One. Mindy, stop doing that. Doing what? Easy, easy. Jesus.
Mindy Thomas
Coming through, coming through.
Reggie
How much farther, Mindy? Almost there, Chiron. And down.
Unknown
Okay, who's ready to sing Happy Birthday?
Reggie
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
Mindy Thomas
What?
Unknown
Why are you yelling?
Mindy Thomas
We have to do the candles.
Guy Raz
The candles? Mindy, this shark is 400 years old. Are you.
Mindy Thomas
Are you telling me you brought 400 birthday candles specifically for this cake? Yes, absolutely I did.
Reggie
Here, Wrench, catch.
Mindy Thomas
Why don't you get us start lighting those candles? This might take a minute.
Unknown
Right. Okay. Okay, everyone, we're going to take a quick break here as we get the cake set up. Be back soon.
Guy Raz
So, Mindy, what are we gonna do while Reggie gets his candle set up?
Mindy Thomas
Well, I want to take a look at this genome book. Guy Raz. I want to find out how this Greenland shark got to be 400 years old.
Guy Raz
You think the secret to its long life is in this book?
Mindy Thomas
Yep. Let's take a look. Opening the book.
Reggie
Huh?
Guy Raz
What is it, Mindy?
Mindy Thomas
I think they might have had a misprint guy. Raz.
Guy Raz
Why?
Mindy Thomas
Well, all I see are the same four letters repeated over and over and over again in some random order.
Guy Raz
Well, I think it's right. I mean, that's what DNA is.
Mindy Thomas
DNA is just a bunch of random letters?
Guy Raz
Well, kind of. Each of those letters represents a base, kind of like a building block. And all of those bases strung together in a very specific order is what makes DNA strands.
Mindy Thomas
Ah. So if those bases or building blocks are the letters, a DNA strand is sort of like a sentence.
Guy Raz
Yeah. Or a collection of sentences.
Mindy Thomas
So we're reading a DNA strand right now.
Guy Raz
Exactly. And see how some of them are clustered together. Well, those are genes.
Mindy Thomas
Oh. And genes are sort of like special sentences in the body that give very specific instructions on how certain parts of the body should grow.
Guy Raz
Yeah, like what color hair you should have or what color your eyes should be.
Mindy Thomas
And. And maybe even instructions on how long you should live.
Guy Raz
Maybe. I mean, isn't that what those scientists from Germany were looking for?
Mindy Thomas
Yeah. Look, they've highlighted some of these genes over here. Check it out.
Guy Raz
Yeah. Looks like there's a note attached to it too.
Reggie
What does it say?
Guy Raz
It says jumping genes.
Mindy Thomas
Jumping genes. Isn't that what Fingerling always says when we surprise him?
Guy Raz
No, Mindy, jumping genes are genes that are able to make move around within the DNA.
Mindy Thomas
All like cutting and pasting in a document.
Guy Raz
Exactly. It looks like almost 70% of the genes inside the Greenland shark are these jumping genes.
Mindy Thomas
What does that mean?
Guy Raz
Well, usually when an animal has a lot of these jumping genes, it's actually a bad thing.
Mindy Thomas
And why is that?
Guy Raz
Because all that jumping around, all that cutting and pasting can really confuse things.
Mindy Thomas
Ah, I get it. Like, if you start taking the instruction manual and mix up all the steps, it might be hard to follow.
Guy Raz
Exactly, but it looks like the Greenland shark might have found a way to use this to its advantage and help.
Mindy Thomas
It live for hundreds of years.
Guy Raz
Maybe.
Mindy Thomas
Hey, look over here. There's another note attached to this other group of genes.
Reggie
Huh?
Guy Raz
This one says super fix it genes.
Mindy Thomas
Super fix it genes?
Guy Raz
Yeah. According to this note here, it says that these genes help repair DNA once it gets all frayed and old.
Reggie
What?
Guy Raz
Well, it turns out a lot of these long living animals here have these super fix it genes.
Mindy Thomas
So these animals are able to live for so much longer than everyone else because they have these genes that go around and repair their DNA as it gets old. It could be so maybe that's how this Greenland shark reached its 400th birthday. A combination of these jumping genes and these super fix it genes.
Guy Raz
Yeah, that's certainly what those scientists from Germany are thinking.
Unknown
What in tarnations is going on in here? Well, are you reading through the genome?
Mindy Thomas
No. Maybe.
Unknown
Are we almost done with those candles?
Mindy Thomas
Uh, let me see here.
Reggie
Hey, Reg, how we doing with those candles?
Mindy Thomas
We're almost done. Oh, good.
Unknown
We need to cut this cake asap. Some of these animals are getting antsy.
Reggie
Reg, hurry it up.
Mindy Thomas
All right, we're ready to go.
Unknown
All right, everyone, we're ready for the cake. After me. Happy birthday to you.
Reggie
Wait, Indy, how is this shark gonna.
Guy Raz
Blow out all these candles? I mean, he's a shark.
Mindy Thomas
Guess we're about to find out.
Unknown
Happy birthday to you.
Reggie
Lindy, I'm soaking wet.
Mindy Thomas
Ah, yeah, me too, buddy. Didn't realize we were in the splash zone.
Unknown
Now, who wants the first slice of the cake?
Thomas Fingerling
Me. Me, Me. I want it.
Mindy Thomas
You'll have to get through me first finger lane.
Thomas Fingerling
Oh, yeah?
Reggie
Yeah.
Thomas Fingerling
Let go of me.
Mindy Thomas
Well, wouldn't be a 400th birthday without a couple of octogenarians fighting over some clam cake.
Guy Raz
Oh, boy. I think it might be time to get out.
Reggie
Wow. In the world. We'll be right back, Grown ups, this.
Mindy Thomas
Message is for you.
Unknown
Hey, grown ups, do you know you'll be out and about this summer, but still want to keep up your reading habit? You can do it all with Audible. Audible has over 1 million audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible originals, with more added all the time. Find the genres you love or discover new ones. Explore best sellers, new releases, rare titles you haven't heard of before, and exclusive originals, all that members can listen to as much as they want at Tinkercast. Our podcasts inspire listeners to use their imagination and follow their curiosity in a way that works differently from watching or reading. So we love that. Audible is dedicated to offering so many ways to listen to engaging stories and information. Listening can lead to positive change in your moods, your habits, and ultimately your well being. So get started. Now. There's more to imagine when you listen. Sign up for a free 30 day Audible trial and your first audiobook is free. Visit audible.com wow. Hey, grown ups. Summer is here and the possibilities for summer adventures are endless. But unfortunately, so is your shopping list. The good news is that summer of dashpass on DoorDash is back to keep more cash in your wallet this summer, starting June 26 and running through July 30, Summer of DashPass has deals on all of the summer essentials you're already ordering meals from local restaurants, groceries, picnic supplies, sunscreen, water wings, you name it. Plus $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders. Don't let errands get in the way of your fun summer plans. Do your shopping on DoorDash and save big during the summer of DashPass. Check daily for massive summer savings on restaurants, groceries and brands. From June 26th through July 30th. Order on DoorDash and save big during summer of DashPass. Sign up today. DashPass benefits apply only to eligible orders. Terms apply. Hey, grown ups. If you're planning on taking a family trip to Orlando this summer to be transported to magical universes, well, you should know there's one portal you don't want to miss. Your portal to the original universe. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where they have flying dragons, too. It's about science where no spells are required. Walk beneath a towering Falcon 9 booster, touch a real moon rock, and come face to face with space shuttle Atlantis. Plus, take a Behind the Gates bus tour for an exclusive look at NASA's legendary launch sites and the future of space exploration. Visitors also have the chance to meet an astronaut. Talk about a core memory in the making. And get this. Our friends at Kennedy Space center have offered our listeners $7 off admission. Just use code WOW at checkout. With missions to Mars, rocket launches and deep space exploration, no trip to Orlando is complete without landing at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Discover something real.
Reggie
That's it.
Mindy Thomas
Back to the show.
Reggie
Wow in the World.
Mindy Thomas
Hi, thanks for calling wow in the World. After the beep, get ready to record.
Reggie
Hi, Mindy and Guyra.
G
My name is Alaina. I'm from Vendelli, Ohio. My wow in the world is that approximately 90,000 nanometers is equivalent to the thickness of a human hair. Bye. Say hi to Redne and Dennis.
Guy Raz
Ahoy there.
G
Hi, my name is Alexander and I live in Mexico City. And my wow in the world is that there are inhabitable planets outside of our solar system. Hello, my name is Eleanor and I live in Oakland, California. My wow in the world is that newborn Tasmanian devils are the size of raisins. Cool, right? Hey, mini angry raws. My name is Cameron from Kaysville, Utah. And my wow in the world is that it can actually rain frogs and fish. Bye, Mindy and Guy Raz. Hi, my name is Lila. I live in Beverly, Massachusetts. And my wow in the world is sometimes when it's gonna rain, the leaves will turn upside down. Love your show. Say hi to Ready for me. Bye. Hi. My name is Will and I live in San Diego and my wow in the world is that giraffes have the same number of bones in their neck as people do. Bye. Hi Mindy and Guy Raz. My name is Celine, I live in Jackson, New Jersey. My wow in the world is that animals spit to survive. One animal is the archerfish and it spit to catch insects that are flying in the air. Bye Mindy and Guy Raz. Love your show. Also say hi to Grandma G Force, Reggie and Dennis and everybody else.
Guy Raz
Hi there.
G
Hi, my name is Richard and I live in Bloomfield, New Jersey. And my wow in the world is that if you make a spider web as thick as a person's finger, it can hold back a jet airplane. Bye. Say hi wedgie for me. Hi Mindy and Guy Raz. My name is Yael and I live in Vancouver bc. My wow in the world that In Indonesia the Kawaii volcano produces lava that shines blue at night. This is because sulfur spews out with the lava and when the sulfur burns it gives off an eerie electric blue color. Say hi to Reggie and Dennis and Thomas Fingerling and Grandma G Force.
Reggie
Bye. Bye.
G
I love your show.
Mindy Thomas
End of Messages Grown Ups if you like WOW in the World, you can listen early and ad free right now on Wondery.
Guy Raz
Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.
Mindy Thomas
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 1-888-7-WOW. For a chance to be featured at the end of the show or an upcoming episode of 2 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.
Mindy Thomas
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.
Guy Raz
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.
Mindy Thomas
Once again, that's Tinkercast Wow in the.
Guy Raz
World is written by Mindy Thomas and Tom Van Kalken with contributions from Me Guy Raz.
Mindy Thomas
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 our show. This episode also features the voice talents of Lizzie Froehlich. Thanks Lizzie.
Guy Raz
Jessica Boddy keeps our facts straight as our fact checker and Meredith Halpern Ranzer powers the wow at Tinkercast.
Mindy Thomas
Our theme song was composed and performed by three time Grammy nominees the Pop Ups. Find them at thepopups.com Special thanks to.
Guy Raz
Our team including Kit Ballenger, Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kenny Curtis, Kristin Yang, Thuy Mack, Erica Medina, Henry Moskal, Jodi Nussbaum, Ali Paxsima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Anna Zagorski, and and all of the other tinkerers at Tinkercast hq.
Mindy Thomas
Grown Ups. You can follow wow in the World on Facebook, instagram and twitter owintheworld and our email address is hellotinkercast.com thanks for listening.
Guy Raz
Find episodes of wow in the world every Monday 2 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. Until then, keep on wowing.
Reggie
Wow in the World was made by.
Unknown
Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.
Wow in the World – Episode Summary: "Happy 400th Birthday, Greenland Shark!"
Released on July 14, 2025, by Tinkercast | Wondery, "Wow in the World" is the #1 science podcast for kids and their grown-ups. Hosted by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, this episode delves into the fascinating world of the Greenland shark, celebrating its remarkable 400th birthday. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.
The episode kicks off with Mindy Thomas and her assistant Reggie embarking on an unconventional mission: delivering a specialized birthday cake to commemorate the 400th birthday of a Greenland shark at an aquarium.
Mindy Thomas introduces their new venture, "Cake it til you make it," a cake-to-go business specializing in extraordinary orders. (04:23)
The cake in question is an "extra large clam and squid cake with enough room for 400 candles," as detailed on the order form. (05:32)
Guy Raz expresses confusion upon smelling the cake: "Mindy, why are there clams in your birthday cake?" (05:26)
Mindy clarifies, "It's not fish, Guy Raz. It's clams. Ah, smell that clammy goodness." (05:17)
As Mindy and Reggie prepare to transport the clam cake, they encounter several hurdles:
The heavy cake requires careful handling to prevent spills, leading to a humorous exchange about clam juice leaking everywhere. (06:26)
To ensure the cake remains fresh, they decide to transport it in an ice cream truck, navigating the logistical challenges of moving such a large and unusual cake. (06:40)
Upon reaching the aquarium, the hosts are greeted by a gathering of other long-lived animals celebrating the Greenland shark's 400th birthday.
Mindy points out the diverse assembly: "Look at all these old animals, Mindy. We got a Galapagos tortoise chilling over there by the punch." (11:19)
Guy Raz adds, "What's that? Reggie says he recognizes one of his college roommates. Which one? Reg, the parrot over there in the corner." (11:37)
The party features animals renowned for their longevity, such as Galapagos tortoises, ocean Quahogs, and parrots, each with impressive lifespans.
A pivotal moment occurs when a present is introduced—a comprehensive printed genome of the Greenland shark.
The presenter reveals, "What we have here is your entire genome printed out into one single book." (13:44)
Mindy and Guy Raz delve into the genome, discovering an abundance of "jumping genes" and "super fix it genes." (17:23)
Guy Raz explains, "Jumping genes are genes that are able to make move around within the DNA." (17:26)
Mindy relates, "So if those bases or building blocks are the letters, a DNA strand is sort of like a sentence." (16:35)
These genetic elements are theorized to contribute to the shark's extraordinary lifespan. The "jumping genes" typically cause genetic instability, but in the Greenland shark, they may be harnessed beneficially. Meanwhile, "super fix it genes" are responsible for repairing DNA, preventing the typical degradation associated with aging.
Mindy concludes, "So these animals are able to live for so much longer than everyone else because they have these genes that go around and repair their DNA as it gets old. Maybe that's how this Greenland shark reached its 400th birthday." (18:53)
As Mindy and Guy Raz assist in setting up the cake for the grand birthday moment, comedic chaos ensues:
The cake, adorned with 400 candles, is brought to the stage amidst laughter and minor mishaps. (15:08)
Guy Raz questions the feasibility: "The candles? Mindy, this shark is 400 years old. Are you...?" (15:25)
The shark participates by blowing out the candles, though the exact mechanism remains humorous and fantastical. (20:00)
Through the episode's narrative, listeners gain insights into:
Genetic Mechanisms of Aging: Understanding how jumping genes and super fix it genes interplay to enhance longevity in certain species.
Importance of Scientific Research: Highlighting the role of institutions like the Leibniz Institute in Aging in uncovering the secrets behind long-lived animals.
Interdisciplinary Fascination: Bridging storytelling with scientific exploration to engage both children and adults in the wonders of biology and genetics.
Mindy Thomas: "Wait, Mindy, how's it looking in there?" (04:08)
Guy Raz: "Well, not personally, Mindy, but I have heard about them before." (07:32)
Mindy Thomas: "That's because it is a big, fluffy onesie." (08:34)
Guy Raz: "Maybe that's how this Greenland shark reached its 400th birthday." (18:53)
Mindy Thomas: "So, Mindy, what are we gonna do while Reggie gets his candle set up?" (15:43)
"Happy 400th Birthday, Greenland Shark!" is a captivating episode that blends humor, adventure, and scientific inquiry. Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz take listeners on a whimsical journey to celebrate an extraordinary creature, unraveling the genetic mysteries that allow the Greenland shark to defy the conventional limits of aging. This episode not only entertains but also educates, inspiring curiosity and awe about the natural world.
For those who haven't listened yet, this episode of "Wow in the World" offers a perfect blend of storytelling and science, making complex biological concepts accessible and engaging for all ages.