Wow in the World: "Mummified Bees!"

Episode Date: January 26, 2026
Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Podcast by Tinkercast

Episode Overview

In this lively and laughter-filled adventure, Mindy, Guy Raz, Dennis, and Grandma G Force visit a "bee museum" to explore a brand new exhibition of 3,000-year-old mummified bees found off the coast of Portugal. The episode weaves together wacky hijinks and science facts to reveal why these bees became mummified, what researchers learned from their remains, and why bees are such important and resilient creatures.

Main Discussion Points and Insights

1. Road Trip to the Museum & Setting the Scene (01:45–04:40)

• The gang piles into Mindy's ice cream truck early in the morning for a surprise field trip to the "The Hive," a museum shaped like a giant beehive.
• Comedy and chaos: Thomas Fingerling urgently needs the bathroom, Dennis falls into a shallow moat of honey, and Grandma G Force is ready for a swim, all setting the tone for a zany group visit.

2. Introduction to the Mummified Bees Exhibition (04:40–07:54)

• Mindy explains her excitement about the new exhibit after hearing about it on the "Buzzing Bee Podcast."
• Initial confusion about "mummies" vs. "mommies" and a humorous misunderstanding about bees from England called "mums."

Memorable exchange:

• Mindy: "No, no, no, not mommies, Guy Raz, mummies."
• Dennis: "Oh, like moms, but from England?" (04:07)

3. The Science: Discovery of Mummified Bees (07:58–10:53)

• Guy Raz reads the exhibition introduction: In 2019, researchers in Portugal found subterranean sarcophagi of perfectly preserved, 3,000-year-old bees.
• The bees’ preservation is thanks to waterproof, cocoon-like structures made by the queen bee.

Key Science Takeaways:

• These rare, solitary bees emerged only once a year when a particular plant bloomed and spent the rest of the time protected in their cocoons.
• The material felt "smooth like silk...and a little like linen." (10:26)

Dennis comic relief: He tries to eat the replica material, mistaking it for a "very soggy looking potato chip." (10:35)

4. The Mystery: How Did the Bees Die? (11:00–13:41)

• The group watches a documentary in the museum theater, voiced dramatically.
• Scientists initially theorized possible causes: starvation during a food shortage from flood/drought, but this was disproven when abundant pollen was discovered in the cave.
• Final hypothesis: A sudden, dramatic weather shift—probably a rapid temperature drop—led to the bees' demise.

Quote:
Narrator (Documentary): "The researchers now believe that a sudden drop in [temperature] was responsible for the death of the colony." (13:07)

• Despite this ancient disaster, “there are still more than 25 species of bees living in Portugal today… and they're not going anywhere anytime soon. And that's something to buzz about.” (13:18)

5. The Exhibition Highlight: Seeing Mummified Bees Up Close (13:47–15:44)

• The gang visits an exhibit featuring a real 3,000-year-old bee encased in its cocoon, which Dennis thinks "looks like a giant cocoa puff." (14:13)
• Dennis is disappointed not to see a traditional “mummy” with bandages or “a curse.”
• They discover an exhibit using X-ray microcomputed tomography, letting scientists and visitors view the inside of the cocoons without breaking them open.

Quote:
Guy Raz (reading): "By using a machine called an X-ray microcomputed tomography, scientists were able to make three-dimensional scans of the mummies without destroying their protective cocoons." (15:17)

• The technology allows for stunning internal images and helps reveal more about bee evolution and ancient ecosystems.

6. Wrapping Up & Comic Escapades (15:44–16:35)

• Grandma G Force gets in trouble with museum security for her wild antics by the honey moat.
• Thomas Fingerling returns post-bathroom-break, lamenting missing the whole exhibit.
• General chaos wraps up the trip as the group decides to leave quickly.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Dennis: "Does that make them Portubes?" (09:06) (On Portuguese bees)
• Mindy: "It's like she's knitting each bee a little blanket or sleeping bag to sleep in." (09:51) (Describing the queen bee’s cocoons)
• Dennis: "Tastes horrible." (10:36) (After trying to eat the replica cocoon)
• Narrator: "Despite this weather event, there are still more than 25 species of bees living in Portugal today." (13:18)
• Guy Raz: "By using a machine called an X-ray microcomputed tomography, scientists were able to make three-dimensional scans of the mummies without destroying their protective cocoons." (15:17)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:45 – Arrival at the bee museum
• 04:40 – Introduction to the mummified bees exhibition
• 07:58 – Exhibit introduction read by Guy Raz; scientist discovery of mummified bees
• 09:51 – Explanation of bees’ life cycle and cocoons
• 10:26 – Discussion and tactile exploration of the cocoon material
• 11:00 – Museum group watches the documentary movie on the mummified bees
• 13:07 – Discussion of the sudden weather shift theory
• 13:47 – Viewing the actual mummified bees and cocoon in the exhibit
• 15:17 – Description of the X-ray microcomputed tomography used to scan bees’ cocoons

Episode Tone & Style

• The signature "Wow in the World" mix of silly humor and accessible, enthusiastic science education is present throughout.
• Interplay between Mindy, Guy Raz, and their friends is energetic and brimming with kid-friendly jokes and “bonkerballs” banter.
• Explanations are vivid and memorable, drawing clear connections between the science and everyday experiences (like favorite foods and blankets).
• The show continues inspiring curiosity, empathy for insects, and respect for scientific discovery—all with feeling and fun.

Closing Thoughts

This episode seamlessly blends scientific exploration with comedic characters and lighthearted misadventures, making ancient bee mummies fascinating for kids and families. Listeners will come away buzzing with new knowledge about bee history, mummification, and innovative scientific methods—plus several giggles thanks to the group’s antics.

WOW in the World Rating: Fun, fascinating, and totally bonkerballs!