The Trouble With Pterosaurs (9/29/25)

Summary

Wow in the World — "The Trouble With Pterosaurs" (September 29, 2025)

Overview of the Episode

In this lively and informative episode, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz take listeners on a whirlwind adventure to a bird salon at the mall and end up debating one of paleontology’s hottest questions: Did ancient pterosaurs have feathers or were they bald? Through jokes, side-quests, and wild banter, the hosts break down new research, scientific debates, and what’s at stake if scientists ever solve the mystery of the pterosaur ‘hairdo.’ Along the way, listeners also learn about dinosaur-bird connections, hilarious personal grooming mishaps, and the surprising importance of feathers in both modern birds and ancient creatures.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

Getting to the Bird Salon (04:48–10:18)

• The Bird Bath Salon: Mindy and Guy Raz are taking Reggie, their bird friend, for a feather cut before his stepmom visits. This sets the scene for a conversation about feather maintenance, bird preening, and why feathers matter so much to birds.
• Feathers and Grooming:
  • “Preening is the second most common bird behavior after eating. It’s how they remove dust and dirt and parasites from their feathers.” – Mindy (06:41)

Feathers Now and Then (10:18–12:19)

• While flipping through the bird salon’s ‘feather lookbook’, the hosts express awe at the wild diversity of bird feathers and segue into paleontology:
  • Mindy reminds Guy that “it’s not just birds that had fancy feathers”—dinosaurs did too! (11:12)
• Birds and Dinosaurs:
  • “Most of the birds alive today, including chickens, they’re all closely related to a branch of dinosaurs called the theropods.” – Mindy (11:46)
  • “Theropods. Those are the dinosaurs that stood on two feet and were mainly carnivorous, right?” – Guy Raz (11:56)

The Great Pterosaur Feather Debate

(12:19 – 14:28)

• Introducing Pterosaurs:
  • Not a dinosaur but a flying reptile from the Mesozoic era.
• Were Pterosaurs Bald or Feathered?
  • “On one side you have a group of scientists from Nanjing University in China who suggest that the pterosaur had what paleontologists call protofeathers...” – Mindy (13:28)
  • “But the paleontologists from the University of Leicester and the University of Portsmouth, they think that these filaments were just part of the stuff that makes up the reptile’s wings and not feathers at all.” – Mindy (14:05)

Science in the Movie Theater

(14:31 – 20:16)

• Mindy and Guy end up at a dinosaur movie, using the “Cretaceous Park” setting to continue their scientific argument.
• Paleontology in Pop Culture:
  • Guy nitpicks the movie's accuracy, noting dinosaurs from mismatched eras (16:16).
  • “This movie is so unrealistic. Mindy, look, there’s a Diplodocus herd over there and a Brontosaurus over there. Those went extinct 145 million years ago, 45 million years before these two are supposed to have been there.” – Guy Raz (17:16)
  • The movie’s depiction of a massive pterosaur triggers renewed debate, with Mindy noting, “Whether or not this giant flying reptile is feathered or bald could really change everything we thought we knew about dinosaurs.” (19:22)
• Why It Matters:
  • If pterosaurs had feathers, it may mean that their (and dinosaurs’) last common ancestor also had feathers, upending the timeline of feather evolution.
  • “If it turns out to be true that the pterosaur did have feathers like some dinosaurs did, then that ancestor should have given both groups their feathers. And that would mean that both dinosaurs and pterosaurs started off with feathers of some kind.” – Mindy (18:42)

Musings on Movie Science and Ejection

(20:16–21:39)

• The duo are kicked out of the theater for nitpicking the film’s inaccurate science:
  • “These fine people are trying to suspend their disbelief. And I’m afraid we have a zero tolerance nitpicking policy. You’re going to have to leave.” – Usher (20:54)
• "Bonkerballs." – Guy Raz (21:06; a recurring exclamation when things go awry)

Reggie's Bald Reveal & Circular Storytelling

(21:44–22:57)

• After the movie, the hosts discover Reggie’s “feather cut” left him bald—mirroring the episode's main debate.
  • “Reggie, you’re as bald as a pterosaur.” – Mindy (21:50)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “Preening is the second most common bird behavior after eating.” – Mindy (06:41)
• “Most of the birds alive today, including chickens, they’re all closely related to a branch of dinosaurs called the theropods.” – Mindy (11:46)
• “Theropods. Those are the dinosaurs that stood on two feet and were mainly carnivorous, right? Meaning of course, that they ate other dinosaurs.” – Guy Raz (11:56)
• “On one side you have a group of scientists from Nanjing University in China who suggest that the pterosaur had what paleontologists call protofeathers...” – Mindy (13:28)
• “But the paleontologists from...Portsmouth, they think that these filaments were just part of the stuff that makes up the reptile’s wings and not feathers at all.” – Mindy (14:05)
• “If it turns out to be true that the pterosaur did have feathers like some dinosaurs did, then that ancestor should have given both groups their feathers.” – Mindy (18:42)
• “This movie is so unrealistic. Mindy, look, there’s a diplodocus herd over there…” – Guy Raz (17:16)
• “Bonkerballs.” – Guy Raz (21:06, running gag)
• “Reggie, you’re as bald as a pterosaur.” – Mindy (21:50)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Section/Topic | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 04:48 | Heading to the bird bath; preening explained | | 11:12 | Dinosaurs and ancient feathers | | 13:28 | The pterosaur feather debate introduced | | 14:31 | Discussing science while at the movie | | 17:16 | Picking apart the movie’s (biological) accuracy | | 18:42 | Significance of feathers in pterosaurs & dinosaurs | | 20:54 | Kicked out of the movie for “nitpicking” science | | 21:50 | Reggie turns out bald—like the debated pterosaur |

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Episode Tone and Takeaways

The style is zany, fast-paced, and joke-filled, yet the episode provides a surprising amount of real paleontological depth. The hosts connect new research with kid-friendly explanations, all the while keeping things playful (“Bonkerballs!”).

• Big Idea: Whether pterosaurs were bald or feathered is a hot debate that can change our understanding of dinosaur evolution.
• Key Fact: Feathers may not be exclusive to birds; their evolutionary past could be much more widespread and ancient than once thought.

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For kids, grown-ups, and dino-fans alike, this episode brings big science questions to life with humor, imagination, and enough scientific rigor to impress—and possibly annoy—a movie theater full of dinosaur fans!

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, we've got some gigantic epic news to share with you.

[A]

That's right, Mindy. Uh, what was that?

[B]

Oh, I'm so glad you asked. Guy Raz, you come on in, Steve.

[A]

Mindy, is that a T. Rex in your gingerbread mansion?

[B]

Sure is, Guy Raz. But look what's in his little hand.

[A]

Your door?

[B]

No, in his other hand.

[A]

Oh wait, is that our new book? Dinosaurs Are Wow.

[C]

Aw, he loves it.

[A]

Mindy, how did you find a T. Rex?

[B]

Don't worry about it. I just wanted to get a real dinosaur Dinosaurs opinion on our new book since you know, they're kind of the main character in this one.

[A]

Well, it looks like Steve is giving it two very sharp claws up Grown Ups. If you want to bring the wows of dinosaurs to life with our new book, Dinosaurs Are Wow. Pre order your copy [e-mail] dinosaur there you can shop at your favorite book retailer or support a local indie bookseller near you. Once again, that's Tinkercast.com dinosaur and if.

[B]

You pre order before October 28th, you will be invited to a special prehistoric party happening on our book birthday October 28th. Learn [e-mail] dinosaur that's tinkercast.com dinosaur to join us in our virtual prehistoric pre order party on October 28th. I gotta go drop Stevie back off in the Jurassic period and you've got an episode to listen to. So without further ado, hit it, Reg.

[D]

Hey grownups. As your family gears up to go back to school, make sure that you're preparing both minds and bodies. Try Ollie, the number one kids supplement brand that makes your family's health and wellness a breeze. Ollie offers a range of vitamins and supplements for kids and adults so you can them for your whole family's needs. Kids Multi Plus Probiotic is a tasty essential that kids love and kids Sleep offers gentle supports to help them rest. And for the parents, Ollie has your back too. Try multivitamins for immune support and more and sleep gummies to help you get your best rest. [e-mail] or retailers nationwide. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any dise. 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.

[C]

Proceeded. Three, two, one mission. Get ready for 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 Houston.

[B]

Oh, man, traffic.

[C]

Who would have guessed it?

[A]

Me, Mindy. I guessed it. I told you we should have left earlier.

[B]

Yes, I know that guy, Raz. But I needed that time to run late.

[A]

We could have at least taken the ice cream truck.

[C]

But that gas guzzler?

[B]

No way. My cat Sleigh is, like, a million times more carbon friendly. Yes, you are. Who's a friendly little alternative to fossil fuels?

[C]

Yes, that's right, you are. Yes, you are. Yes, you are.

[B]

Hey, Reggie, what time did you say your feather cut was again?

[A]

Feather cut?

[B]

Oh, yeah. Reggie's stepmom is migrating into town this week, and he really wants to make sure he's looking his best, so we're taking him to the bird bath.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

It's a salon for birds down at the mall.

[A]

Huh. I had no idea that was even a thing.

[B]

Well, I mean, most birds do their own feather cuts. It's called preening. And they do it when their feathers get too big or too dirty.

[C]

Huh.

[B]

You know, kind of like that one time you tried to save money by giving yourself a haircut.

[C]

Mandy, Mindy, I need your help.

[B]

Hold your seahorses, guy.

[C]

Raz. I'm coming, I'm coming.

[B]

Ooh, boy.

[A]

Wow. How bad is it?

[C]

Oh, it's not bad. It's. It's horrible.

[B]

Just calm down and we'll see if we can even out this reverse mohawk. Situ. How did you even.

[C]

Reggie.

[B]

Mindy, we're gonna need a scalpel.

[C]

Huh?

[A]

Don't remind Me, Mindy.

[B]

Well, birds do this sort of self grooming all the time.

[A]

Really?

[B]

Yeah. Preening is the second most common bird behavior after eating. It's how they remove dust and dirt and parasites from their feathers. Speaking of, we better step on it if we're gonna make it to his appointment in time. See here. Now, where did I put it? I know, it's.

[C]

Ah.

[A]

Mindy, what are you doing?

[B]

I'm just trying to find this catnip I packed. Where is it?

[C]

Um.

[B]

Oh, here it is.

[C]

Hey, hey, back off. Back off.

[B]

No, get down. Down. Okay, just attach it to this hook here. And now hand me the pole, Guy Raz.

[C]

Pole?

[B]

Yeah, the fishing pole. The fishing rod. It's right next to you.

[A]

Oh, right.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Mindy, why do you have a fishing rod in your cat's sleigh?

[B]

Well, I like to attach catnip to the end of a fishing line, and then I cast it out in front of the cats to motivate them to pull us.

[C]

Mindy.

[B]

And here we.

[C]

Careful. Oh, Mindy, we're about to jump the curb. Out of the way, pedestrians. We've got a feather cut to get to. Hey, Mindy, slow down. You're going to pull someone over. Ah, don't worry, Guy Raz. We're almost there. The mall is just on the other side of this makeshift ramp. Makeshift what? Hold on to your buns. Guy Raz indeed.

[B]

Made it. Oh, wait, wait.

[C]

No, no, no, no, no.

[B]

Where are you going?

[C]

No. Come back here. Debbie and Donna And Pam and Ms. Dixon. No. Come back. Cheryl and Carol and Janice and Steve.

[A]

I don't think they're coming back, Mindy.

[C]

Oh, bonkerballs. It's gonna take me forever ever to.

[B]

Wrangle all those straight cats up again.

[A]

But on the plus side, Mindy, look. We made it to the mall.

[C]

Mall?

[B]

We are at the mall. Re seated. The door.

[C]

Run, run, run. Mindy, wait.

[B]

Teenagers.

[C]

Look.

[A]

Look, Mindy, there it is. The Bird Bath.

[C]

See?

[A]

All in one avian styling.

[B]

I told you I'd get us here in time. Come on, let's go inside.

[E]

Hello there and welcome to the Bird Bath, the all in one avian styling experience. Do you have a reservation with us today?

[B]

We don't, because I. We're not birds. But he does.

[E]

Wonderful. And what name is your reservation under?

[B]

A Reggie.

[E]

Reggie. Reggie. Hmm, I don't see a Reggie here.

[B]

Oh, it might be under Mr. Oh.

[E]

Yes, here it is, Mr. Ku. Right this way.

[C]

Have fun, Reg. See you in a couple hours.

[A]

A couple of hours? Mindy, what are we Gonna do for a couple of hours?

[B]

I don't know. I was just planning to go pick some pennies out of the fountain, but I guess we could do something else, maybe see what movies are playing. Sure, but before we do that, check this out. The salon has a bird feather lookbook. Look at all these different styles, huh?

[A]

Sulfur crested cockatoo. Wow.

[B]

Now that's a reversed reverse mohawk.

[A]

The peacock.

[B]

Okay, that one's just a little over the top.

[A]

Bird of paradise.

[B]

I would literally do anything to trade heads with that bird.

[A]

You know, Mindy, I'm always so blown away by the diversity patterns and plumage on some of these birds.

[B]

Well, you know, it's not just birds that have these fancy feathers, right?

[A]

Well, what do you mean?

[B]

I mean, nowadays, sure, birds are the only ones that get to rock that feather chic look, but back in the day, like 160 million years ago, a whole bunch of animals used to rock this look. Including dinosaurs.

[A]

Oh, that's right. Over the past 25 years, paleontologists have discovered more and more. More evidence through things like fossil records that a lot of dinosaurs and ancient reptiles used to have some sort of feathers.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

In fact, most of the birds alive today, including chickens, they're all closely related to a branch of dinosaurs called the theropods.

[A]

Of course. Theropods. Those are the dinosaurs that stood on two feet and were mainly carnivorous. Right. Meaning of course, that they ate other dinosaurs.

[C]

Uh huh.

[B]

Like the T. Rex and the Velociraptor.

[C]

Ha.

[A]

Velociraptors are my favorite. And they were also covered in feathers.

[B]

Yeah, but do you want to know what wasn't covered in feathers?

[A]

No, what?

[B]

The ancient reptile that looked like a giant winged lizard bird. The pterosaur.

[A]

The pterosaur was bald.

[B]

Yeah, well, at least that's what a group of scientists from the University of Leicester and the University of Portsmouth think.

[C]

Huh.

[A]

Well, how do they know?

[B]

How about I tell you about it while we walk to the movie theater?

[A]

Oh, yes.

[B]

Well, come on then. All right, now let's take a look at this map. Here we are at the bird bath. And here's the map. Movie theater just past the left handed monkey wrench store. So if we make a left.

[A]

Mindy, I don't think there's such thing as a left handed monkey wrench.

[B]

Yeah, but there is such a thing as left handed monkeys.

[C]

So come on, follow me.

[A]

So Mindy, you were saying these scientists from the University of Leicester and the University of Portsmouth think that this ancient flying reptile.

[B]

Yep. The pterosaur Right.

[A]

The pterosaur was bald.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

It's this huge debate in the scientific community. On one side you have a group of scientists from Nanjing University in China who suggest that the pterosaur had what paleontologists call protofeathers, which are more primitive.

[A]

And simpler versions of the feathers we see on birds today. Right?

[B]

That's right.

[A]

So why did they think they had feathers?

[B]

Because when you look very, very closely at the fossils of pterosaurs, you see these teeny tiny hair like materials called filaments.

[C]

Huh.

[B]

The paleontologists from Nanjing thought that these filaments were evidence that the pterosaur had early versions of feathers. But the paleontologists from the University of Leicester and the University of Portsmouth, they think that these filaments were just part of the stuff that makes up the reptile's wings and not feathers at all.

[A]

Huh? You don't say.

[B]

Oh, look, we're at the movie theater.

[A]

Okay, okay, let's have a look here. Ah, Cretaceous park showing at 2pm what time is it, Mindy?

[B]

Let me check my watch. It is 3pm Just in time.

[A]

What are you talking about, Mindy? We're an hour late.

[B]

Guy Raz, nothing fun ever happens the first hour of a movie. It's all just exposition and character development. We haven't missed a thing.

[A]

Well, you're not wrong.

[B]

Plus, it's too late anyway. I already got us tickets.

[A]

What? When did you do that?

[B]

When you blinked?

[C]

Come on.

[A]

Are you sure, Mindy?

[B]

Yes, of course. I'm not sure.

[A]

Guy Raz, tickets please.

[B]

Here you go. And here you go.

[A]

Thank you.

[F]

You're in Cinema three and you're late, so hurry up.

[A]

The movie's about to get to the.

[F]

Action packed, explodey dinosaur roaring part.

[C]

See? Just in time for the good stuff. Come on, hurry up.

[B]

Made it.

[A]

Mindy, stop running off like that.

[C]

Quiet.

[A]

Sorry.

[C]

Quick, come on, let's find some seats.

[A]

Guy Raz, how about over there? Mindy, I think I see some past all those people holding very full drinks.

[B]

Perfect. Sorry, sorry.

[C]

That. That.

[A]

Pardon me. I'm so sorry.

[C]

Hey, my soda. Five second rules.

[A]

Coming through.

[B]

There we go. Now we can just relax and watch the.

[C]

Okay, okay.

[F]

Wow, Meredith, look at that. It only took 1 hour and 27 minutes of character origin story, but we finally made it.

[A]

The year 100 million BC.

[B]

Hey, Guy Raz, maybe we'll spot a pterosaur. You know, they lived from around 228 to 66 million years ago.

[A]

I wonder if the costume designers gave them feathers or not.

[B]

Well, I guess it Would depend on which team of paleontologists they think is right. The team from Nanjing who suggested that pterosaurs had feathers, or the team from Portsmouth and Lester who now say that they did not. Hey, think I could have some of that popcorn you got there?

[C]

No.

[F]

Get out of here. Okay, dinosaurs. Try and catch me on my super cool jungle motorcycle. Battery's not included.

[C]

Waha.

[A]

This movie is so unrealistic. Mindy, look, there's a diplodocus herd over there and a brontosaurus over there. Those went extinct 145 million years ago. 45 million years before these two are supposed to have been there.

[C]

What?

[B]

Quit ruining movies.

[A]

But you are right, Mindy. This should be the right time period for the giant reptilian pterosaurs to be soaring through the storm skies.

[C]

Look out.

[B]

What was that?

[F]

That, Meredith, was a pterosaur.

[A]

Oh, my days, that thing is massive.

[F]

You got that right. This species of pterosaur can grow up to the size of a giraffe and has a wingspan about the same size as my effort fighter jet, making it the largest living creature to ever take to the skies.

[A]

You know, Mindy, for such an incredible creature, it's kind of crazy to think that these two groups of scientists are getting so worked up about whether they had a couple of feathers or not.

[B]

Yeah, so it's actually a little more complicated than that.

[A]

Really?

[C]

How?

[B]

Well, because of how the dino and reptile family trees are laid out. See, they both share a common ancestor that they each split off from. If it turns out to be true that the pterosaur did have feathers like some dinosaurs did, then that ancestor should have given both groups their feathers. And that would mean that both dinosaurs and pterosaurs started off with feathers of some kind.

[A]

And that doesn't make sense because paleontologists think dinosaurs got their feathers much later on. Millions and millions of years later on exact oritos.

[B]

So you see, whether or not this giant flying reptile is feathered or bald could really change everything we thought we knew about dinosaurs.

[F]

Don't worry, Meredith. I know everything there is to know about dinosaurs. And there's no way that pterosaur we saw earlier will ever return.

[C]

It's coming back. Oh, no.

[F]

Save me, Meredith.

[A]

And it looks like on this film, the director is chosen.

[C]

Bald.

[B]

Quiet. I'm sorry. This movie is just so loud. It's making it really hard for me to hear myself talk.

[A]

Stop talking.

[C]

Shh.

[A]

Well, it's good to see that the crew on this film are keeping up to date with all the Latest scientific research, Mindy.

[B]

You said it, Guy Raz.

[G]

Excuse me. You too.

[B]

Oh, man, the usher. Please don't kick us out.

[G]

I've been getting a lot of complaints about your behavior.

[B]

Yeah, I'm so sorry. It was just getting really hard to have a conversation during this movie with everybody going shh, shh all the time. Plus, I just get really excited.

[G]

No, it's not that. You two, especially you, sir.

[C]

Huh?

[G]

Have been picking apart the accuracy of this science fiction dinosaur adventure movie and it's ruining everyone's good times.

[C]

Think of the children.

[G]

Indeed. These fine people are trying to suspend their disbelief. And I'm afraid we have a zero tolerance nitpicking policy. You're going to have to leave.

[C]

Aw, bonkerballs.

[G]

Come on now, let's go.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, I'm going, I'm going. Sorry, we just got asked to leak. Just.

[C]

Your drink. Thank you.

[B]

Gonna squeal Spy ya here.

[A]

Oh, man, that sounded like a good part, Mindy.

[B]

Ah, don't worry about it, Guy Razzy. Besides, we already saw the best part. The rest of the movie is just conflict resolution and character catharsis.

[A]

Well, that is good to know.

[B]

Whoa.

[A]

Reggie, what happened to your feathers?

[B]

Reggie, you're as bald as a pterosaur.

[A]

They made your head look like a big ball of pink. Play doh.

[B]

Reggie, what did they do to you in there?

[A]

What is it, Mindy?

[B]

Reggie said that when they went to give him a feather cut, they found a bunch of bubble gum in there.

[C]

What?

[B]

And they had to cut it all off.

[A]

How on earth did you get chewing gum in your feathers, Reggie? Mindy?

[B]

Yeah, it might have had a little something to do with that bubblegum inspired weather balloon we tried to launch last week.

[A]

Of course.

[B]

But the good news is they're just feathers. They'll grow back, right?

[A]

I think so.

[B]

In the meantime, it just needs a little spit polish. Come here, Reg. There we go.

[A]

Whoa. Reggie's head is so shiny.

[C]

Look. I can see my face in it. Wow in the World will be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you. That's it. Back to the show. Wow in the World.

[B]

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

[H]

Hi, my name is Ruby and I live in Hunterson, Nevada. My wow in the world is that pandas have this bone that acts like a thumb for them to hold bamboo.

[I]

Hi, Mindy and Guy Raz. My name is Iris and I live in El Sobronna, California. And my wow in the world is that a gray owl can hear a beetle Running through the grass at 100ft away or a mouse squeaking at the distance of half a mile. Say hi to Reggie, grandma G Force, Thomas Fingerling and Dennis.

[C]

Hi. Sup? It's my boo boo beanie bopper.

[B]

Bye.

[H]

I'm Mindy and Guy Raz. I'm Henry from Fairfield, Connecticut. And my wow is that an electric eel? That shocking power is 50 times more than a car battery. Bye. Hi. My name is Esme and I live in Bend, Oregon. My wow in the world is rubbing two things together can make static electricity. Say hi to Dennis. Ahoy there, static man and grandma G Force for me.

[C]

Oh, isn't that nice? Hi.

[H]

I love your show. Hi, My name is Sydney and I live in Seattle, Washington. And my wow in the world is that horses only breathe through their nostrils. Say hi to Reggie, Dennis, grandma G Force, Thomas Fingerling, and especially Bucky the horse.

[C]

Howdy, darling. Booyah.

[H]

Bye. Hi, Mindy and Guy Raz. My name is Avery. I live in Forest hills. My wow in the world is that deserts can be really, really cold. Hi, Mindy and Guy Raz. My name is Jenna. I live in Boulder, Colorado. And my wow in the world is that scientists think Uranus wasn't always on its side until an asteroid the size of earth hit it and threw it on its side. Say hi to Reggie, Mindy's sleigh cat, Grandma GeForce and Dennis.

[C]

Oh, snap.

[A]

Hi there.

[H]

We think Dennis is really funny.

[C]

Aw. Bye.

[B]

End of messages. 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] survey. Hey, everyone. Thank you so much for hanging out with us this week on wow in the world.

[A]

And to keep the wow rolling, check out this week's scientific conversation starters at our website, wowintheworld.com and grownups.

[B]

There you can find more info on how your kids can become members of the world organization of wowzers. Shop Our wow Shop. Upload photos and videos to us and check dates for our upcoming live events. That's wowintheworld.com Our show is produced by Jed Anderson, who provides the bells, whistles and silly characters. Say hello, Jed.

[A]

Hello.

[B]

Our show is written by me, Guy Raz and Thomas van Kalken, who also provides silly characters, Tom.

[A]

Hello there. Thanks also to Jessica Boddy, Anna Zagorski, Rebecca Caban Kit Ballenger and Alex Curley. Meredith Halpern Ranzer Powers the wow at Tinkercast.

[B]

Our theme song was composed and performed by the Pop Ups. For more on their three time Grammy nominated all ages music, find them at thepopups.com and grown ups.

[A]

You can follow wowintheworld on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter wowintheworld and our email address is helloowintheworld.com and if you're a kid.

[B]

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 the show.

[A]

Also, if you haven't already done so, please subscribe to wow in the World on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[B]

Yeah, leave us a few stars, a review, or just tell a friend about the show.

[A]

Thanks again for listening and until next time, keep on wowing.

[C]

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