Rocket Dreams: An Artemis Adventure (7/21/25)

Summary

Wow in the World
Episode: Rocket Dreams: An Artemis Adventure
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz

---

Introduction

In the "Rocket Dreams: An Artemis Adventure" episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz embark on an imaginative journey to explore NASA's Artemis program. Through a captivating dream sequence, they delve into the latest advancements in lunar exploration, the technologies enabling human return to the Moon, and the broader implications for future space missions, including the prospect of Mars exploration.

---

Exploring the Artemis Program

The episode centers around NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence by 2026. Guy Raz introduces the Space Launch System (SLS) as the cornerstone of this mission.

Guy Raz [10:30]: "Humans could be back on the moon as early as 2026."

Mindy questions the feasibility and logistics of reaching the Moon, prompting Raz to explain the capabilities of the SLS.

Guy Raz [10:59]: "We'll get there with the Space Launch System Rocket, or the SLS for short."

Space Launch System (SLS)
The SLS is highlighted as the most powerful rocket ever built, designed specifically for deep space exploration. It boasts impressive specifications:

• Thrust: 9.5 million pounds
• Speed: Top speeds of 24,500 mph
• Cost: Approximately $23 billion per launch

Mindy Thomas [12:07]: "It's taller than the Statue of Liberty and almost as powerful, too."

---

Orion Spacecraft: The Lunar Shuttler

Transitioning from the rocket, the discussion moves to the Orion spacecraft, which serves as the crew module for Artemis missions. Unlike previous spacecraft, Orion is partially reusable, reducing space debris and increasing mission efficiency.

Guy Raz [14:10]: "The Orion spacecraft is different. It's partially reusable."

This innovation ensures that astronauts can journey to the Moon and return safely, paving the way for more frequent and sustainable missions.

---

Establishing the Artemis Base Camp

A significant milestone of the Artemis program is the establishment of the Artemis Base Camp on the lunar surface. This permanent base aims to support long-term human presence and scientific research.

Guy Raz [16:12]: "The Artemis Base Camp gives the NASA astronauts a place to live and work on the moon."

Key Features:

• Lunar Cabin: Provides living quarters for astronauts.
• Rover and Mobile Home: Facilitates transportation and mobility across the moon's surface.
• Utilities: Continuous sunlight at high elevations powers the base, while cold traps preserve critical resources.

---

Harnessing Moon Water

One of the most exciting aspects discussed is the discovery and utilization of moon water. Found in the moon's dark, cold regions, water ice is a vital resource for sustaining human life and enabling further space exploration.

Guy Raz [18:09]: "This dark area of the moon contains something called cold traps. Cold traps that may hold water and ice left behind from comets and meteorites."

Applications of Moon Water:

• Life Support: Provides drinking water for astronauts.
• Rocket Fuel: Can be converted into hydrogen and oxygen for fueling spacecraft.
• Scientific Research: Offers insights into the history and composition of the moon.

Mindy Thomas [18:58]: "And the astronauts can gather the ice and water from these cold traps and use that water instead of having to bring up a bunch of water from the Earth."

---

Preparing for Mars Exploration

The Artemis program serves as a crucial stepping stone for future missions to Mars. By establishing a sustainable lunar presence, NASA aims to test technologies and survival strategies essential for long-duration spaceflights.

Guy Raz [19:13]: "Practice for Mars."

Guy Raz [19:24]: "NASA wants to set up a permanent base or camp right here on the moon in order to test new technologies and practice how to survive in outer space."

This preparation involves:

• Resource Utilization: Learning to harvest and use extraterrestrial resources.
• Habitat Sustainability: Developing reliable life support systems.
• Extended Missions: Managing the challenges of living and working in harsh environments.

---

Conclusion

"Rocket Dreams: An Artemis Adventure" effectively combines imaginative storytelling with informative discussions, making complex space exploration topics accessible and engaging for both kids and their grown-ups. Through the dream sequence, Mindy and Guy Raz elucidate the ambitious goals of the Artemis program, the technological advancements driving lunar missions, and the broader vision of humanity's future in space.

Notable Quotes:

• Guy Raz [10:30]: "Humans could be back on the moon as early as 2026."
• Guy Raz [14:10]: "The Orion spacecraft is different. It's partially reusable."
• Guy Raz [18:09]: "This dark area of the moon contains something called cold traps. Cold traps that may hold water and ice left behind from comets and meteorites."
• Mindy Thomas [18:58]: "And the astronauts can gather the ice and water from these cold traps and use that water instead of having to bring up a bunch of water from the Earth."
• Guy Raz [19:13]: "Practice for Mars."
• Guy Raz [19:24]: "NASA wants to set up a permanent base or camp right here on the moon in order to test new technologies and practice how to survive in outer space."

This episode not only ignites curiosity about space but also emphasizes the importance of innovation and sustainability in making humanity's dreams of lunar and Martian exploration a reality.

Transcript

[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. Oh, hey, Reg. What's that? A new pigeon dropping? Isn't that the postcard you send out to members of the World Organization of Wowzers every quarter? Can I see it? What? You need to see if I'm a member of the WOW first. But Red, come on. It's me, Mindy. Huh? You're not seeing a Mindy on the list. Okay, Try Mandy. I think Thomas Fingerling signed me up. Yes. Can I get my pigeon dropping now?

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy Thomas]

I gotta wait for it in the mail, but it's right there. Okay, fine. Guess I'll go wait out by the mailbox. In the meantime, to get the next quarterly mailing from Reggie Grownups, you can sign your Wowzer up to be a member of the World Organization of wowzers by Sunday, July 27. It's so top secret, I haven't even seen it yet. Now where'd I put my mailbox? Grownups, when you sign your Wowzer up to be a member of the World Organization of Wowzers, you also get birthday cards in the mail from me and Guy Raz, access to over a thousand online activities inspired by our podcast, and a welcome kit from me and Guy Raz, including our autographs and a special T shirt. Plus, you get to help support all the work that goes into powering the wow at Tinkercast Grown Ups. Visit Tinkercast.com membership to sign up today. That's Tinkercast.com membership. That's it. And now let's get back to the show.

[Commercial Voice]

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[Thomas Fingerling]

Proceeded 3, 2, 1. Mission.

[Commercial Voice]

The bubbles are an adventure of magnificent proportion.

[Guy Raz]

I don't know what you've been told. We're in a golden age.

[Commercial Voice]

So many discoveries that are jumping off the page.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Goodbye Houston.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay everyone, time to zip it up and get to sleep.

[Dennis]

Zip.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Nice and cozy.

[Mindy Thomas]

My zipper's busted. Fingerling. Gimme yours.

[Thomas Fingerling]

I'm not giving you my zipper. G force.

[Guy Raz]

You know, Mindy, I was skeptical about a backyard campout, especially without a tent. But we really couldn't ask for a more perfect evening.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, it's real nice out here.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, Mindy?

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, sorry. Sorry, guy. Raz, I fell asleep. What were you saying?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, well, I was just saying that the temperature is just right, there's not a mosquito in sight, the stars are shining bright and ah. Feel that. There's a gentle breeze in the air.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Excuse me.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yep, there's a breeze all right.

[Dennis]

Tommy. No too. I'm trying to look at the stars and the moon. Reggie. Nuh. You can't launch yourself to the moon with toots.

[Guy Raz]

Speaking of the moon, there's a full moon tonight. Look at it. It's magnificent.

[Mindy Thomas]

Turn it off.

[Guy Raz]

Um, sorry?

[Mindy Thomas]

I said turn it off. It's too bright. Wait, the moon? Yeah, I don't like all that light. Turn it off.

[Guy Raz]

You want us to turn off the moon?

[Mindy Thomas]

Garage. I said turn off the moon. Can nobody hear me?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, maybe we'll just send you to the moon G force and you can unplug it yourself.

[Mindy Thomas]

You keep talking and I'm gonna unplug you.

[Dennis]

Fingerling Grandma GeForce. You can't turn off the moon. Everyone knows there's a bunch of powerful aliens up there shining light so that we don't use too much electricity at nightt.

[Thomas Fingerling]

No way, dude.

[Dennis]

It's true. Mother says my night light is costing her a fortune. Bendy, wake up.

[Mindy Thomas]

What? Who. What was that? Uh, no one unplugged the moon.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, no one can unplug the moon because the moon does not run on electricity.

[Dennis]

That's right, Guy Raz. It runs on alien power.

[Mindy Thomas]

Dennis, there are no aliens or any life forms on the moon.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. There has been life on the moon before, but that was during NASA's Apollo missions when they launched landed human astronauts there.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, and the last one was the Apollo 17 mission, all the way back in 1972.

[Dennis]

Well, that was over 50 years ago. A lot could have changed up there since then.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah. Okay, everyone, that's enough conspiracy theories for tonight. Now settle down. Time to go to sleep. Okay.

[Dennis]

Ah, but Reggie and I aren't sleepy, are we, Reggie?

[Guy Raz]

Ow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Sweet dreams. See you in your nightmares.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, I think I'm gonna stay up here and keep on the lookout for any.

[Guy Raz]

Well, looks like they're out.

[Dennis]

Not me. I'll never fall asleep. I have the energy of a moon alien light.

[Mindy Thomas]

Sure is peaceful out here, Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, finally. Just look up at that spectacular sky.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, it's so bonkerballs to think that every single star we see up there is actually billions of years old.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, or that actual humans have walked on that very moon.

[Mindy Thomas]

I'd do anything to be able to walk on that moon.

[Guy Raz]

Or even to live on that moon. It would be so peaceful and quiet.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, Mindy?

[Mindy Thomas]

Do you think humans will ever get back to the moon? Back to the moon. Back to the moon. Back to the moon. Turn it on.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Excuse me.

[Mindy Thomas]

Whoa. Reggie. Where are we? Reggie, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore. Oh, that's right. We've never been to Kansas.

[Guy Raz]

Hi, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, I'm not just regular old Guy Raz, Mindy. I'm Dream Guy Raz. And you're in your dream. And I'm. I'm in your dream. And Dream Reggie is in your dream, too. Hi, Dream Reggie.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, what? Dream Guy Raz?

[Guy Raz]

That's right.

[Mindy Thomas]

What's the difference between regular old Guy Raz and Dream Guy Raz?

[Guy Raz]

Well, regular old Guy Raz likes kale and wears a blue jacket with elbow patches. And Dream Guy Raz has fairy wings and a magic wand sword laser.

[Mindy Thomas]

See? Uh, that doesn't make any sense.

[Guy Raz]

Well, neither do your dreams. Dream Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

What do you mean?

[Guy Raz]

Well, how about this?

[Mindy Thomas]

What?

[Guy Raz]

Poof. Ah.

[Mindy Thomas]

What?

[Guy Raz]

Look, now you're floating in outer space with your motor pigeon.

[Mindy Thomas]

What in the. Reggie, you have wheels in my dream. Wait, what was that?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, that's a question you were asking just as you were falling asleep. It's been floating around here for a while.

[Grandma G-Force]

Back to the moon.

[Mindy Thomas]

Back to the moon. Wow. Why is it floating around?

[Guy Raz]

Because you're a very curious person, and it's a very good question.

[Mindy Thomas]

Huh. I guess I am still curious. Will we humans ever go back to the moon? Dream Guy. Razzy.

[Guy Raz]

We sure will, dream Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Really? How?

[Guy Raz]

Another great question.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, thank you.

[Guy Raz]

You see, humans haven't been to the moon since 1972. But with NASA's Artemis program and a little help from some private space companies and international space agencies, humans could be back on the moon as early as 2026.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ah, that's so close. But the moon is not that close, Guy Raz. We could fit anywhere between 28 and 32 Earths. Between Earth and the moon, how will we even get.

[Guy Raz]

Why, we'll get there with the Space Launch System Rocket, or the SLS for short.

[Mindy Thomas]

The what?

[Guy Raz]

The Space Launch System Rocket. It was built specifically for the Artemis program. Five missions that will use new technologies to explore more of the moon's lunar surface than ever before.

[Mindy Thomas]

And to get to the lunar surface, NASA plans to use this Space Launch System rocket.

[Guy Raz]

That's right. Here, let me show you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Show me. Huh?

[Guy Raz]

Poof.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Ah.

[Mindy Thomas]

Gotta be prepared for that. What in the. What is that?

[Guy Raz]

That tree, Mindy, is the NASA Space Launch System rocket of your dreams.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow. It's huge. It's taller than the Statue of Liberty.

[Guy Raz]

And almost as powerful, too. Here, let's watch this dream advertisement for it.

[Mindy Thomas]

A commercial for a rocket?

[Guy Raz]

You got it. Hit it. Dream advertisement.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Are you looking for a vehicle that's got what it takes to get you to the moon and back again?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, sure.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Then look no further than the Artemis sls, the only Space Launch System rocket powerful enough to carry you, your astronaut friends, the spacecraft Orion, and all your cargo luggage directly to the moon on a single mission. Now, that's power. Also, with top speeds of 24,500 mph and 9.5 million pounds of thrust, the Artemis SLS rocket is built for deep space exploration.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ah, but it looks expensive. I wonder how much it costs.

[Thomas Fingerling]

And right now, it only costs $23 billion.

[Mindy Thomas]

Is that a lot?

[Thomas Fingerling]

It's complicated.

[Mindy Thomas]

How much?

[Thomas Fingerling]

The moon is waiting. And it's got secrets to share. So get out there. And climb aboard the most powerful rocket in the world, The Artemis Space Launch System. Built to. Wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow.

[Guy Raz]

Pretty impressive, huh?

[Mindy Thomas]

Dream minute, dream Guy. Razzy, can I have $23 billion?

[Guy Raz]

And fortunately, not even in your dreams.

[Mindy Thomas]

Poker balls. So what's next, dream Guy? Raz?

[Guy Raz]

Well, let's go check out that Orion spacecraft we saw in the commercial.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, we're gonna go see the Orion spacecraft? Yep.

[Grandma G-Force]

Yes.

[Guy Raz]

Here we are.

[Mindy Thomas]

You gotta warn me next time, man. What's that thing?

[Guy Raz]

Why, it's the Orion spacecraft. Its job will be to carry astronauts from Earth's orbit to lunar orbit or moon orbit.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, like an outer space getaway car?

[Guy Raz]

Well, something like that. I should also mention that previous spacecrafts were typically used once. But the Orion spacecraft is different.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, it's different how?

[Guy Raz]

Well, the Orion spacecraft is partially reusable.

[Mindy Thomas]

Reusable?

[Guy Raz]

That's right. Partially reusable.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, so astronauts can ride in the Orion spacecraft to the moon and back to Earth again. And then other astronauts. Astronauts can ride in it after they're done with their trip. And the Orion isn't gonna wind up as just another piece of space junk orbiting around outer space?

[Guy Raz]

That's the idea. The Artemis program plans to send more than a few humans back and forth to the moon.

[Mindy Thomas]

Really?

[Guy Raz]

Yes. In fact, the third mission, Artemis 3, intends to see two astronauts land on the surface of the moon.

[Mindy Thomas]

And what are these astronauts gonna do while they're on the moon?

[Guy Raz]

Well, you're just full of great questions, Dream Indy. Hold on. Poof.

[Mindy Thomas]

Whoa. What is this place?

[Guy Raz]

It's the moon. We're on the lunar surface.

[Mindy Thomas]

We're on the moon, Dream Reggie. We're on the moon. But why is it so dark?

[Guy Raz]

That's because we're on the lunar south pole of the moon, Dream Mindy. It's the southernmost point on the moon. And it's dark because it's lunar night, and we're on the far side of the moon, tilted away from the sun. I should mention that lunar nights last for 14 Earth days. Whoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

That would be like getting up to 336 hours of sleep. Imagine all the weird dreams you could have in that time.

[Guy Raz]

And I'd be happy to guide you through every one of them.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, Dream guy. Raz. Reggie, look over there. It looks like there's some sort of little alien neighborhood on the moon.

[Dennis]

Aha. I knew there were aliens on the moon.

[Guy Raz]

Ah.

[Mindy Thomas]

Dennis, where'd you come from?

[Guy Raz]

Don't pay any attention to him. That's just dream, Dennis.

[Dennis]

Hey, you aliens. Quit shining so much light down on Earth, we're trying to sleep.

[Guy Raz]

They're not aliens, dream Dennis.

[Dennis]

That's just what they want you to think, Dream Guy Raz.

[Mindy Thomas]

They're not aliens.

[Guy Raz]

Nope. That little neighborhood looking thing is the Artemis. Artemis Base Camp.

[Mindy Thomas]

A camp? There's camping on the moon?

[Guy Raz]

Yep, kind of. The Artemis Base Camp gives the NASA astronauts a place to live and work on the moon. See, there's a lunar cabin, a rover, and even a mobile home.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow, A mobile home for moon road trips.

[Guy Raz]

Yes, I suppose. Except there aren't any roads.

[Mindy Thomas]

Look at me.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Look at me half flying.

[Mindy Thomas]

Is that Thomas Fingerling coming in for a landing?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, yes, that's Dream Thomas Fingerling.

[Mindy Thomas]

Huh? I guess you can launch yourself to the moon with toots.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Hey there, Dream Guy Rousey. You seen Dreamforged around here?

[Guy Raz]

No, why?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, she's around here somewhere trying to turn off the moonlight again. Yep.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now where's that light switch? I know it's around here somewhere.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Oh, there she is. Gotta go up, up and away.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ugh, that stinks.

[Guy Raz]

True, but it is a great way to get around.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Excuse me.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ugh. So, Dream Guy Raz, is it going to be a problem for the astronauts on the base camp if Grandma GeForce turns off the moonlight?

[Guy Raz]

It should be fine, but she wouldn't want to turn off the. You see, continuous sunlight is needed to power the base camp and to help with the extreme temperature swings here. But that's only needed at the high points of elevation here on the moon.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ah, gotcha. I'm turning off the moon.

[Guy Raz]

But these astronauts also need access to areas of complete darkness, because those areas hold a very important and very valuable natural resource.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ooh. What is it, dream Guy Raz?

[Guy Raz]

Water.

[Mindy Thomas]

Water. That doesn't sound very exciting, Dream Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, but on the moon, it is, Dream Mindy. And a lot of the time it is found in the darkest parts of the moon's surface. Parts that never see sun. Parts that are cold enough to freeze water into ice. Moon water. Exactly. Moon water.

[Grandma G-Force]

Wow.

[Guy Raz]

This dark area of the moon contains something called cold traps. Cold traps that may hold water and ice left behind from comets and meteorites.

[Mindy Thomas]

And then the astronauts can gather the ice and water from these cold traps and use that water instead of having to bring up a bunch of water from the Earth.

[Guy Raz]

That's the idea. This is amazing.

[Mindy Thomas]

It really is like camping on the moon.

[Guy Raz]

It is.

[Mindy Thomas]

So, Dream Guy Raz, why exactly is NASA doing all of this? I mean, why are they going moon camping? What do they hope to accomplish?

[Guy Raz]

Well, Dream Indy, I guess you could say it's practice.

[Mindy Thomas]

Practice? Practice for what?

[Guy Raz]

Practice for Mars.

[Mindy Thomas]

Mars? We're going camping on Mars? Man, this dream is getting so weird.

[Guy Raz]

Well, soon this dream will be a reality, Mindy. NASA wants to set up a permanent base or camp right here on the moon in order to test new technologies and practice how to survive in outer space.

[Mindy Thomas]

Huh. Kind of like camping in your backyard before going off on a trip into the wilderness.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. The Artemis program wants a permanent moon base so they can get. Get better at space exploration.

[Dennis]

Grab a Dream Force. I'm scared. Turn the moonlight back on.

[Guy Raz]

No.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow, it really is dark on the moon.

[Thomas Fingerling]

I can't see where I'm going.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, and cold.

[Mindy Thomas]

Dream Guy Raz, I think it's time to get back to Earth. Reggie, no. We're not from Kansas.

[Guy Raz]

No problem, Dream Indy. If you want to go home, all you have to do is click your heels together three times and say, there's no place like Earth.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay. One, two, three. There's no place like Earth. There's no place like Earth. There's no place like Earth. Uh, Dream Guy Raz? Nothing's happening.

[Guy Raz]

I'm just kidding. All you have to do is wake up, Mindy. Wake up, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

What?

[Guy Raz]

Wake up, Mindy. Wake up. Wake up, Mindy. Wake up, Mindy. Wake up, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

What? Huh? Regular old Guy Raz, Is that you?

[Guy Raz]

I mean, I don't think I like being called regular old, but yeah, it's me, Guy Raz.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, man, I just had the wildest dream.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, yeah?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah. You were there, and Reggie was there, and Dennis and Thomas Fingerling and Grandma G Force were there.

[Dennis]

Was I the Dennis of your dreams, Mindy and me?

[Mindy Thomas]

I told you I'd see you in your nightmares. No, listen. I was on the moon, and NASA had sent astronauts to build a permanent moon base camp. Wow. Well, and there was a little lunar cabin and a little lunar rover and a lunar motor home, and little astronauts were living and working there.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, Mindy, that's because.

[Mindy Thomas]

And they built a spacecraft, Guy Raz. It was called the Orion, and it would shuttle astronauts back and forth from the Earth to the moon and then back again. And then it would be launched from the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built. Oh, sounds fast.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, will you just.

[Mindy Thomas]

The moon base is like a backyard camping trip, and they're on the South Pole and they're gonna try to harvest moon water and practice to go to Mars.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, that's all real.

[Mindy Thomas]

What it is.

[Dennis]

Nuh uh.

[Guy Raz]

Yes, it is. NASA's really doing all of the things you just said.

[Mindy Thomas]

But what about Thomas Fingerling flying around with his toots and Grandma G Force turning off the moonlight?

[Guy Raz]

Uh, well, that part sounds like it was just a dream.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, well, humph.

[Guy Raz]

But all the things you were talking about are part of the Artemis program.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, Artemis? How'd you know that? Are you sure you're not dream guy Raz?

[Guy Raz]

Dream guy Raz? No, no, Mindy. I'm just regular old.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ouch.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, don't pinch me.

[Mindy Thomas]

I just needed to make sure you're real and I'm not dreaming.

[Guy Raz]

You're real. I'm real. I'm not dreaming. Neither are you. The Artemis program is real. And it's already begun. Artemis 1 launched on 11-16-20.

[Mindy Thomas]

It did? So there are humans on the moon right now?

[Guy Raz]

Well, not quite yet, Artemis. I was an uncrewed moon orbiting and return mission.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ah. Which means that NASA launched the rocket without any people on board. Kind of like a flight test.

[Guy Raz]

Yes, exactly like a flight test.

[Mindy Thomas]

Got it.

[Guy Raz]

Artemis missions 2 and 3 will have real astronauts on board and are currently scheduled for launch in 2025 and 2026.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow. I can't believe my dream was real, Guy.

[Guy Raz]

Well, it sounds like it wasn't quite real yet. And I would hope Thomas Fingerling flying around on his own toots will never be real.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Aw, come on, fella.

[Guy Raz]

Oop. Pardon me, but if everything goes according to plan, NASA will successfully put a permanent base camp on the moon.

[Mindy Thomas]

And drink moon water.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, and drink moon water.

[Mindy Thomas]

This is so bonker balls.

[Dennis]

Would you two quit talking about moon water? It's making me have to go to the bathroom.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ugh. Just go inside, Denn.

[Dennis]

Ah, but I'm all warm and toasty in my sleeping bag. Reggie, carry me inside, please. Reggie, please. You'll be like the Orion spacecraft and I'll be Spaceman Dennis.

[Guy Raz]

Dennis.

[Dennis]

Carry me back to Earth, Reggie, so I can go potty and check my email. Hooray. Back to Earth. Back to Earth.

[Mindy Thomas]

Bye, Dennis. We're just gonna stay out here on the moon base a little while longer.

[Guy Raz]

And dream about tomorrow.

[Dennis]

Wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

In the world. We'll be right back, Grown ups.

[Grandma G-Force]

This message is for you.

[Commercial Voice]

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[Grandma G-Force]

That's it. Back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

Wow in the World.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hi, thanks for calling wow in the World. After the beep, get ready to record.

[Grandma G-Force]

Hi Mindy and Guy Rav. My name is Mia and I live in New Paltz, New York. And my wow in the world is that jellyfish have no heart and octopuses have three of them. Say hi to Rikey. Hi Mindy and Guy Raz. My name is Alexander and I live in Washington D.C. my wounded world is that a hippopotamus may seem slow, but it can still run faster than a human. Hi Mindy and Guy Raz. My name's Elizabeth and my name's Sarah. We live in Columbia, Missouri. And our wow in the world is some bats can eat more than half their body weight in insects every day. Hi Mindy and Guy Raz. My name is Oliver. I'm 7 years old and I live in Washington D.C. my WOW is that animal poop can be turned into electricity. Say hi to Thomas Fingerling for me.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Sup?

[Grandma G-Force]

Hi Mindy and Guy Raz. This is Lily from Chesterfield, Massachusetts. And my wow in the world is that chickens are the most common bird on earth. Say hi to Reggie Dennis hi And Grandma G Force for me.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh snap.

[Grandma G-Force]

Bye. Hi Mindy Guy Raz My name is Jack and I'm from Lavar, Florida. I'm 9 years old and my wow in the world is that play DOH was originally used to remove stains from wool. Isn't that bonkerball? Hello, my name is Halle, I live in Boise, Idaho. My wow in the world is that Earth is the most dense planet in the solar system. Hi Mindy hi Guy Raz My name is Owen and I'm from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My wow in the world is that hyenas poop is white because they eat bones.

[Guy Raz]

Bye.

[Grandma G-Force]

Hi, my name is Caroline and I'm from Mountain View, California. My wow is that snails have between 1,000 and 12,000 tiny teeth on their tongue called radula. Say hi to Grandma G Force, Reggie and Dennis for me.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh yeah.

[Dennis]

Huzzah.

[Mindy Thomas]

End of messages Grown Ups if you like wow in the World you can listen early and ad free right now on Wondry.

[Guy Raz]

Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids plus 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 [e-mail] survey.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

Original sound design and music editing is done by Tyler Thol 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 Froehlich can also be heard as some of the silly characters on our show.

[Guy Raz]

Jessica Bode 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 by three time Grammy nominees the Pop Ups. Find them at thepopups.com Special thanks to.

[Guy Raz]

Kit Ballinger, Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kenny Curtis, Kristin Yang, Thuy Mack, Erica Medina, Henry Moskal, Jody Nussbaum, Ali Paksima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Joanna Weber, Anna Zagorski and all of the other Tinkerers at Tinkercast hq.

[Mindy Thomas]

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.

[Guy Raz]

You can follow wow in the World on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @wowintheworld. And our email address is helloinkercast.com and.

[Mindy Thomas]

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 an upcoming episode of 2 what's in a wow.

[Guy Raz]

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.

[Mindy Thomas]

And don't forget, we wow on the Weekend with Dennis Saturday and Sunday.

[Guy Raz]

Keep on wowing.

[Mindy Thomas]

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