Robo Dino Chicken! (11/3/25)

Summary

Wow in the World – “Robo Dino Chicken!” (November 3, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this playful and educational episode of "Wow in the World," hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz embark on a wild science-filled adventure inspired by cutting-edge paleontology and robotics research. The main theme centers on a real-life robotic dinosaur built by scientists to explore why ancient dinos like the Caudipteryx developed wings—even before they could fly! The episode is a blend of wacky, imaginative pranks, genuine scientific discussion, and a closer look at how science can answer age-old questions with inventive new methods.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mindy’s Giant Robo Dino Prank (01:32–07:34)

• Mindy has built a 10-foot-tall robotic dinosaur in her "Laboratory of Bad Ideas," with the help of Reggie and, unwittingly, Guy Raz.
• The robot is part of a plan to prank their friend Dennis, but also inspired by a real scientific study.
• Notable moment: The robot’s first attempt at moving is unpredictable and comically out-of-control, setting the tone for the playful episode.
  • "Yes, of course it's not safe, Guy Raz." – Mindy (03:40)

2. Real Science: Why Did Dinosaurs Get Wings? (07:34–10:37)

• The episode shifts to real recent research from Seoul National University in South Korea.
• Scientists there built a turkey-sized robot modeled after the Caudipteryx, a small, feathered dinosaur from 125 million years ago, to test how wings might have helped.
  • "Their robot was based on a dinosaur called the Caudipteryx." – Mindy (05:08)
  • Guy Raz and Mindy review classic theories for why dinosaurs might have developed wings:
    1. Agility and Hunting: Wings helped dinosaurs make sharp turns and jump higher when chasing prey.
    2. Egg Care: Wings were used to keep eggs warm during incubation.
    3. Attracting Mates: Colorful or large wings helped dinosaurs attract a mate, similar to how peacocks do today.
  • "There are three possible theories for why dinosaurs developed wings." – Mindy (09:22)

3. The New "Flush Pursuit" Theory (10:37–13:44)

• Mindy explains the latest theory: dinosaurs developed wings to scare insects out of the grass—an approach called "flush pursuit," used by some modern birds.
  • "Flush pursuit. I think I've heard about that before. Mindy, isn't that a hunting strategy that some birds use to catch insects?" – Guy Raz (11:49)
  • The scientists tested the theory by rolling their robot with and without wings through grass filled with locusts; more insects jumped when the robot’s wings were unfurled.
• Demonstration: Mindy has Reggie act out the bird behavior, making science engaging and relatable for young listeners.
  • "Here, I'll show you. Hey, Reg, can you demonstrate? So, first the bird spreads its wings..." – Mindy (12:13)

4. Prank in Action & Application of the Theory (13:44–15:44)

• Mindy puts the flush pursuit theory to the test—on Dennis instead of insects—using her giant robo-dino-chicken to startle him.
  • "You see, these researchers from the University of Seoul think that dinosaurs might have developed wings for this same reason? To scare bugs out of the grass?" – Guy Raz (13:11)
• The prank works; Dennis is thoroughly surprised!
• The hosts confirm the scientific experiment was successful for both robots (the research one and Mindy’s oversized prankster):
  • "When they used the flush pursuit hunting technique, they found that tons more locusts jumped out of the grass compared to when the robo dinosaur's wings were tucked in." – Mindy (15:01)
• Science Takeaway: The research supports the possibility that early winged dinosaurs weren’t just agile or incubating eggs, but may have used wings to become better hunters by flushing out prey like bugs.

5. Wrapping up with Dennis (15:44–17:15)

• Mindy and Guy Raz reveal the prank to Dennis, who isn’t scared for long and quickly offers enthusiastic feedback.
  • "You know I'm a very popular pranky... But I have a few recommendations for you." – Dennis (16:49)
• The episode ends on a light note, with Dennis suggesting the robo-dino needs a hat and more style.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pranking Robotics Introduction:
  • "What you're looking at here could be the latest and greatest in pranking robotics." – Mindy (03:21)
  • "Pranking robotics?" – Guy Raz (03:29)
• Classic Mindy Chaos:
  • "Yes, of course it's not safe, Guy Raz." – Mindy (03:40)
• Clear Science Communication:
  • "A theory is a guess that scientists have before they start to conduct research to see if the guess is actually correct." – Guy Raz (09:28)
  • "Dinosaurs may have used their wings to keep their eggs warm." – Mindy (09:49)
• Explanation of Flush Pursuit:
  • "Flush pursuit. ...They spread their wings super wide, and then they slowly walk through some tall grass, and then they catch all the insects that come jumping out." – Mindy (11:49)
  • "It's like trying to control a sneeze." – Mindy (12:07)
• Summary of Findings:
  • "When they used the flush pursuit hunting technique, they found that tons more locusts jumped out of the grass compared to when the robo dinosaur's wings were tucked in." – Mindy (15:01)
• Endearingly Silly:
  • "First, Mr. Robot Dinosaur needs a hat." – Dennis (17:01)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:32–03:09 – Introduction to the giant robo dino prank in Mindy’s lab
• 03:37–04:50 – First (disastrous) test run of the robot
• 05:02–07:34 – Mindy introduces the real scientific inspiration
• 07:34–09:55 – Review of classic wing-evolution theories
• 10:37–13:44 – Explanation and demonstration of the flush pursuit theory
• 13:44–15:44 – Pranking Dennis and drawing the link to the research study
• 15:44–17:15 – Wrapping up with Dennis (the “pranky”) and his feedback

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Episode Tone & Style

True to "Wow in the World," the tone is fast-paced, playful, and full of slapstick humor—but always rooted in real-world scientific discovery. The hosts use silly banter, imaginative scenarios, and quick explanations to make the science digestible and fun for kids and grown-ups alike.

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Takeaway

This episode seamlessly weaves together comedy and credible science, using hijinks with a giant robo-dino-chicken to illustrate real research on how and why ancient dinosaurs may have evolved wings before flight. It's a wow-moment-rich journey into the golden age of paleontology, robotics, and creative scientific problem-solving.

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For curious listeners who want more: The episode encourages learning beyond the show, inviting kids to use their “wownoculars”—aka curiosity—to keep asking why and exploring the "wow" in their own worlds.

Transcript

[A]

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.

[B]

Hey Wowzer Fams. Mindy and Guy Raz here. And before we start the show, did you hear that we are on YouTube.

[A]

That's right, Mindy Wowzer Fams. You can find full episodes of wow in the World and more of your favorite Tinkercast podcasts on our YouTube channel, WowTube.

[B]

Plus on WowTube, you can also watch me explode some watermelons and test out Bonkerball's experiments in the laboratory of bad ideas.

[A]

Or you can dance along with Dennis for music videos featuring music from WEW on the weekend.

[B]

There is so much in store made just for you on WowTube. Visit Tinkercast.com YouTube to watch. Now that's Tinkercast.com YouTube proceeded. 3, 2, 1. The bubble form of nature of magnificent proportion.

[C]

I don't know what you've been told. We're in a golden age. So many discoveries that are jumping off the page.

[B]

I'm so glad I have this laboratory of bad ideas to test out all of these bad ideas we have. Reg. Oh, hey, can you hand me that left handed monkey wrench over there? Thanks, buddy. Okay, just a couple of more twists this way and that should do it. That's fine. I didn't need that part anyway.

[A]

Mandy, are you in there? My baby carrots just sprouted and they're so cute.

[B]

You gotta see them.

[A]

Hello?

[C]

Coming.

[B]

Okay, quick Reg, throw a sheet over this thing. We can't let Guy Raz see it yet. Okay, Mindy, almost there.

[C]

Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk.

[B]

Opening the door.

[C]

Guy Razzie.

[A]

What took you so long, Mindy? And why are you so sweaty?

[B]

Oh, the sweat. Yeah, I was.

[C]

Huh.

[B]

So what's up?

[A]

Well, you know those baby carrots I planted last year?

[B]

Oh yeah, how can I forget?

[A]

Well, they finally sprouted. Look at these things.

[C]

Ooh, they're so cute.

[B]

I just squeeze them. Hey Reg, come here. Look at these little baby carrots. No, Reggie, the sheet concealing the super secret robot project that I don't want Guy Raz to see is still attached to yours.

[C]

Feet.

[A]

What in the.

[B]

Okay, Kyraz, before you say anything, it's not what it looks like.

[A]

Really? Because it looks like you've created some sort of 10 foot tall robotic dinosaur in your laboratory of bad ideas.

[B]

Okay, then it's exactly what it looks like.

[A]

What even is this thing?

[B]

Okay, Kairoz, what you're looking at here could be the latest and greatest in pranking robotics.

[A]

Pranking robotics?

[B]

Uh huh. It's a new field of robotics that I invented. Here, want to see this thing in action?

[A]

I'm not sure, Mindy. Is it safe?

[B]

Yes, of course it's not safe, Guy Raz. Here, let me just get out the remote control here and extending the antenna slide.

[C]

What?

[B]

I added that sound effect and now we just have to push on the button in 3, 2, 1.

[A]

Mindy, is it supposed to be moving towards us?

[C]

No, not exactly.

[B]

Let me just get this thing under control here real quick. Maybe it's this button. As usual, I've got everything out of control.

[C]

Is it this? But.

[A]

That was a close one.

[B]

Okay, now I don't want you to worry, Guy Raz. Still working out a few kinks. The real prank will go much smoother than that.

[A]

Okay, the real prank?

[B]

Yeah, it's the whole reason I built this thing. It was inspired by a new scientific study from researchers at Seoul National University in South.

[A]

They built a giant 10 foot tall robotic pranking dinosaur.

[B]

Well, not exactly a pranking dino. See, Guy Raz, their robot was based on a dinosaur called the Caudipteryx.

[A]

The Caudipteryx? Wasn't that the dinosaur about the size of a turkey?

[B]

Yeah, a tiny little turkey sized carnivore that lived about 125 million years ago.

[A]

Uh huh. So if that robot was about the size of a turkey, then why is your robo dinosaur so much bigger? Bigger?

[B]

That's because our prank victim is a little bit bigger than what those researchers from Seoul were after.

[A]

What are you talking about, Mindy?

[B]

Well, the researchers in Seoul were using their robo dino to prank locusts.

[A]

Locusts? Like the insects? Why were they pranking locusts?

[B]

I'll tell you in a second, Guy Raz. But first I have to get this robot ready for our pranking victim.

[A]

And who might be?

[B]

Well, Dennis, who else?

[A]

Oh no, Mindy, you know what happened last time you pranked Dennis?

[B]

Yeah, he loved it. Exactly.

[A]

And he kept on trying to get pranked all week. He never stopped giving us suggestions on how to prank him. Better next time.

[B]

Well, this time will be different, Guy Raz. I'm almost maybe sure of it. All we have to do is get this giant robot dino quietly over to Dennis house, sneak it up behind him, and then bam. Spook his socks off.

[A]

Are you sure this is a good idea, Mindy?

[B]

Yes, of course. I'm not sure this is a good idea, Guy Raz. All right, I'm Booting up the robo dino again.

[A]

Oh, no.

[B]

Now, everyone stand back. Here we go. In 3, 2, 1.

[C]

See?

[B]

Totally fine. Mostly fine. Come on, everyone, we've got a prank.

[A]

All right.

[B]

Okay, now I just gotta wheel this big boy out of the lab here. Push, push, push, push. Ow. Opening the door.

[A]

Mindy, this thing is not gonna fit out the door.

[B]

Okay, come on. Easy, easy.

[C]

Whoa.

[B]

There we go.

[A]

So, Mindy, remind me again about the scientific study that this robot's based on.

[B]

Oh, yeah, I forgot to show you the best part of the robot.

[A]

You did?

[B]

Yeah. Check this out. I just need to press this button here, and voila. Oh, boy.

[C]

Indeed. Wait. Ah, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[B]

Ah, man, now I gotta fix another wall.

[A]

Mindy, are those wings coming out of the side of your robot?

[B]

Yeah, they sure are, Guy Raz.

[A]

Where did they even come from?

[B]

Oh, they were tucked into its side, kind of like a chicken. You know chickens are direct descendants of dinosaurs, right?

[A]

Right. In fact, dinosaurs were some of the first animals to develop feathers.

[B]

That's right, Feathers and wings.

[A]

Wait, is that why you have two massive flaps hanging off the side of your giant robot dino chicken?

[B]

Yes, and one of them is currently stuck in the side of my gingerbread mansion. Let me just retract those back in here real quick.

[A]

So what do these wings have to do with the scientific study, Mindy?

[B]

Well, for the longest time, scientists haven't been able to figure out why dinosaurs developed wings in the first place.

[A]

They haven't?

[B]

Nope. But there are some theories.

[A]

Well, like what?

[B]

I'll tell you on the way to Dennis house. Come on, hop on the robo dino, and I'll drive us there.

[A]

Huh?

[B]

Here, let me give you a little boost here.

[A]

Well.

[B]

There we go. Okay, now make room for Mandy. All right, everyone on board?

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Okay, next stop, Dennis's house. Giddy up.

[A]

Whoa.

[C]

Whoa.

[B]

Okay, Guy Raz. So there are three possible theories for why dinosaurs developed wings.

[A]

And a theory is a guess that scientists have before they start to conduct research to see if the guess is actually correct.

[B]

Exactly. Okay, so theory number one. Dinosaurs developed wings to help them make sharper turns and jump higher, which would have helped them when they were hunting prey.

[A]

Okay, and what's the second theory, Mindy?

[B]

Theory number two. That dinosaurs may have used their wings to keep their eggs warm.

[A]

And presumably, keeping their eggs warm because it helped the baby dinos inside develop and grow.

[B]

Exact oritos. Keeping their eggs at a warmish temperature was extremely important to their survival as a species.

[A]

Got it.

[B]

And theory number three. Dinosaurs May have used their wings to attract a mate.

[A]

Huh. I guess it's sort of like how male peacocks use their colorful wings to attract a female mate.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

So what does this have to do with this robotic dinosaur we're riding?

[B]

Well, those scientists from the University of Seoul have suggested a new theory as to why the dino got its wings.

[A]

And what is it?

[B]

Oh, I'll tell you in a second. Looks like we've made it to Dennis House. All right, everyone, time to dismount. All right, Reg, hand me my wownoculars.

[A]

Your wownoculars?

[B]

Yeah, they're just like regular binoculars, only wowr.

[A]

Uh huh.

[B]

Let me just see what our good friend Dennis is up to here. Focus, focus, focus. Dennis, where are you? There he is. Snooping in the backyard, just as I had expected. Let me just bring up the audio here.

[C]

Ta da da de ta da dee ta. Oh my. Prize winning azaleas. You're my best friends. But don't tell Mindy or Reggie or Mother. Well, obviously don't tell Guy Raz.

[A]

Huh?

[B]

All right, looks like we're all set for our prank. Guy Raz.

[C]

Wait.

[A]

Mindy, first you need to tell me about this new theory that researchers came up with to explain how the dino got its wings.

[B]

Oh, right. Two words. Flush pursuit.

[A]

Flush pursuit. I think I've heard about that before. Mindy, isn't that a hunting strategy that some birds use to catch insects?

[B]

Yeah, exactly. They spread their wings super wide, and then they slowly walk through some tall grass, and then they catch all the insects that come jumping out.

[A]

Aha.

[B]

Here, I'll show you. Hey, Reg, can you demonstrate? So, first the bird spreads its wings as far as they can go. Perfect. Just like that, Reg. And then they slowly walk through the tall grass where they usually do their hunting. Use that patch of grass over there, Reg. And here's the coolest part. Insects like locusts, when they see large animals approaching, them automatically jump up in the air. They can't help themselves. It's like trying to control a sneeze. Okay, so the bird uses this to its advantage. It makes itself look as big as possible, and it waits for these insects to jump out of the grass and then snatch them up as a tasty treat. Look, there's one right now. Get it, Reg. Ah, way to go, buddy.

[C]

You got it.

[B]

How'd it taste? Needs a little salt.

[A]

Wait, so these researchers from the University of Seoul think that dinosaurs might have developed wings for this same reason? To scare bugs out of the grass?

[C]

Exactly.

[A]

And so now you're trying to See if this bug scaring theory also works on Dennis.

[B]

Ah, you're picking up what I'm putting down, guy Raz. Okay, let me just put on my. Wow. Noculars here. Looks like Dennis is finishing up his morning snoop. Hmm.

[C]

What's Grandma G Horse doing? Is she giving Colonel Toots Thunderpaw a bath on a Tuesday? That's unusual. I better write it down in my snooping journal. What?

[A]

In the snooping journal?

[B]

Okay, it's now or never. Time to deploy the rope. Robo Dino.

[C]

Also known as Colonel Toot Thunderpaw, also known as Toot Magooot.

[B]

Okay, we're in position. Now it's time to unfurl the wings.

[C]

And usually is on Wednesdays. So the question is, what was that? Ah, a giant robot dinosaur. Mother, your horoscope was right.

[B]

Got him.

[A]

Well, I suppose you could call that a success.

[B]

Oh yeah. Major successful scientific prank.

[A]

Were the researchers from the University of Seoul as successful with their robotic dinosaur?

[B]

Oh yeah. They ran a bunch of tests with their turkey sized robotic dinosaur where they rolled it through a patch of grass with a bunch of locust insects hiding in it.

[A]

Okay, and what do they find?

[B]

And they, they found that when they rolled the robot through the grass with its wings extended out.

[A]

Like in a flush pursuit.

[B]

Exactly. When they used the flush pursuit hunting technique, they found that tons more locusts jumped out of the grass compared to when the robo dinosaur's wings were tucked in.

[C]

Huh.

[A]

So it's definitely possible that this is one of the reasons that dinosaurs developed wings. It made them better hunters.

[B]

That's right. And not only because it made them more agile and able to jump higher, but because they could use their wings to flush out insects from tall grasses like a lot of modern day birds do.

[C]

Huh.

[A]

But we don't know for sure, right?

[B]

Well, yeah, I mean, these dinosaurs lived like 125 million years ago, so there's no way to know for certain, but it's a pretty fun theory.

[A]

Well, we should probably go tell Dennis that this was all a prank and that there isn't a 10 foot tall robotic dinosaur chasing after him.

[B]

Yeah, let me just plug into the loudspeaker on the robo dino Testing.

[C]

Roar.

[B]

Dennis. Hello? You can come out now.

[C]

Hello, Mr. Robot Dinosaur. Did you just say something?

[B]

It's okay, Dennis, it's just me.

[C]

Wow, Mr. Robot Dinosaur, you sound a lot like my friend Mindy.

[B]

It is me. Dennis. Look over here.

[C]

Oh, hey, Mindy. I was just talking about you with Mr. Robot Dinosaur.

[B]

How'd you like the prank, Dennis?

[C]

Prank? What prank?

[A]

It was a prank, Dennis. We were using this giant robot to get a scare out of you, and.

[B]

It worked like a charm.

[C]

What? You mean Mr. Ten Foot Robot Dinosaur here isn't trying to eat me? No. Oh, a prank. Ha ha ha. You know I'm a very popular pranky.

[B]

Told you he'd love it.

[C]

Guy Raz, people love pranking me because I have the best reactions. But I have a few recommendations for you.

[A]

And I told you he'd have a few suggestions.

[C]

First, Mr. Robot Dinosaur needs a hat.

[A]

See you later, Dennis.

[C]

Robot Dinosaurs made protection. Plus, I think it would look very handsome.

[B]

Wow in the World. We'll be right back, Grown Ups. This message is for you. Hey, Grown Ups. Mindy here from wow in the World, the number one podcast for curious kids and their grownups. That's you. And we are so excited to bring the wows of the world to your home with our brand new wow in the World stem toys from Wondery Kids and Themes and Cosmos. Channel your inner astronomer with our wow in the World telescope kit. Or zoom in on the tiny wows of nature with our wow in the World microscope and biology kit. You can even tinker like real scientists with our 100 experiments that wow kit. And with every wow in the World stem toy, you unlock access to exclusive audio content from me and my buddy, Guy Raz. There are so many ways to wow. So whether you're shopping for a kid who loves science or one who doesn't just yet, our wow in the World stem toys are the perfect gift for your curious kid. Grown ups. Visit tinkercast.comtoys to shop the wow. Now that's it. Back to the show, wow in the World. Hi, thanks for calling wow in the World. After the beep, get ready to record.

[D]

Hi, Guy Raz and Mindy. Hi, Dennis and Reggie.

[C]

Howdy.

[D]

My name is Colleen and I live in Richmond, Vermont. And my wow in the world is that cats can use their whiskers to detect if they can fit through space. I love your show. Hi, my name is Guy Raz. My name is Jasper. I live in Atlanta. My Wow in the world is at Lunama when we live for one week. Bye. Hello, My name is Leah and I live in Carrolton, Texas. And my wow in the world is that not all people dream and color. Say hi, Grandma G Force for me.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[D]

I'm Mindy and Guy Raz and Richie. I'm Kaden and I'm nine years old. I live in Florida, Arizona. And my wow in the World is that a Pineapple is actually a bunch of berries, but to get hi Mindy and Guy Raz. My name is noka and I'm 10 years old. I live in Albany, California. My wow in the world is that pigs could be trained to play video games. Bye Mindy and Guy Raz. I love your show. Hello, my name is Wyatt and I live in Vienna, Virginia and my wow in the world is that your fingertips grow at the same speed as continents move and hello Reggie and hi Dennis.

[C]

Ahoy there.

[D]

Hi, my name is Hannah, I live in Germany and I'm nine years old. My wow in the world is that if you put a green, red and blue light together, you have a white light.

[C]

Bye.

[D]

Hi Mindy and Guy Raz. I'm nine and my name is Jack and I live in Jupiter, Florida. My wow in the world is that plasma is the fourth state of matter. Bye. Love your show. Hi Mindy and Guy Raz. My name is William and I live in Naperville, Illinois. My wow in the world is that buffalo birds lay their eggs in other birds nests. Hello, my name is Evelyn, I live in Williston, Vermont and my wow in the world is a Mars year is 687 days, not 365. Thank you. Say hi to Reggie and Thomas Fingerling for me.

[C]

Bye.

[D]

End of messages.

[B]

Grown Ups if you like wow in the World, you can listen early and ad free right now on Wondery.

[A]

Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids plus on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.

[B]

And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail].

[A]

Wow in the world is written by Mindy Thomas and Tom Van Kalken with help from me, Guy Raz.

[B]

Original sound design and music editing is done by Tyler Thole with help from our supervising producer, Jed Anderson. You can also hear Jed Anderson in the voices of Dennis, Thomas, Fingerling, Reggie and many of the other silly characters that you hear on our show. And Lizzie Freilich can also be heard as some of the silly characters on our show.

[A]

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[B]

Our theme song was composed and performed by three time Grammy nominees.

[C]

The pop ups.

[B]

Find them at thepopups.com Special thanks to.

[A]

Kit Ballinger, Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kenny Curtis, Kristin Yang, Twee Mac, Erica Medina, Henry Moskal, Jodi Nussbaum, Ali Paxima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Joanna Weber, Anna Zagorski and all of the other tinkerers at Tinkercast HQ.

[B]

And to keep the wow rolling after you finish this episode, visit [e-mail] There you can become a member of the World Organization of wowzers to get year round mailings and weekly activities. Shop our wow. Shop, get tickets for upcoming events, find our best selling books and learn about some of the other amazing podcasts from Tinkercast Grown Ups.

[A]

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[B]

If you're a kid with a big WOW to share with us, call us at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW for a chance to be featured at the end of our show or at an upcoming episode of 2 what's in a wow?

[A]

Thanks again for listening. We're here every Monday or you can check out two what's and a wow every Friday right here in the wow in the World podcast feed.

[B]

And don't forget we WOW on the weekend with Dennis Saturday and Sunday.

[A]

Keep on wowing.

[C]

Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow in the World.

[B]

Wow in the World was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.