Trumpet Fish Tag

Summary

Wow in the World — "Trumpet Fish Tag" (June 8, 2026)

Podcast: Wow in the World
Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Theme: Science & Nature explained in fun, kid-friendly ways

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Episode Overview

In this playfully educational episode, Mindy and Guy Raz bring listeners to the fictional "World Series of Tag"—a zany sports commentary event—while unveiling the science behind the trumpetfish's exceptionally sneaky hunting technique called the "stalking horse." Weaving together science, storytelling, and laughs, they connect a championship game of human tag to real nature, showing how the trumpetfish inspired both the game’s best competitor, "the Trumpeter," and amazed scientists.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Welcome to the World Championship of Tag!

• [02:10] The episode is framed as a live TV sports broadcast with Mindy and Guy Raz commentating.
• Introduction of playful characters: Grandma G Force, Thomas Fingerling, Dennis, and mysterious champion "the Trumpeter."
• The competition: Five contestants, only one can win.

2. The Trumpeter’s Mysterious Moves

• [04:04] Mindy excitedly anticipates seeing "the Trumpeter," the unbeatable champion of tag.
• [06:40] The Trumpeter’s secret weapon is introduced: the “stalking horse”—a move “based on real scientific observations from the wild.”
• [07:37] It’s revealed the move is inspired by the trumpetfish, not an actual horse! The Trumpeter got his whole persona from this sneaky sea creature.

3. Science in Action: The Trumpetfish's Hunting Technique

• [12:37] Mindy explains how trumpetfish in the wild hunt:
  • Trumpetfish are long and skinny, making them visible—and therefore, ineffective as ambush hunters if they approach alone.
  • To outwit their prey, a trumpetfish "hides" by swimming close behind bigger fish (often a parrotfish), using the larger animal as a moving screen.
  • When close enough, the trumpetfish darts out and snags unsuspecting prey.
• [13:40] Quote: “The trumpetfish can hide behind the parrotfish as it approaches. Then it gets really close to its prey and then it pops out and pounces.” – Mindy [13:54]

4. From Fish to Field: Applying Nature to Tag

• [11:07] The Trumpeter mimics this by hiding behind the referee to sneak up on opponents, surprising them with a tag.
• [17:00] Quote: “This is why he is the goat.” – Mindy [17:00]
• [18:01] Guy Raz inquires about the “stalking horse” name. Mindy explains humans also use this term for a real-life hunting strategy: hiding behind a horse to sneak up on animals.
  • The term “stalking horse” was used by scientists to label the trumpetfish’s strategy too. The Trumpeter borrowed it for tag!

5. Championship, Science, and Goofy Fun

• The tag game unfolds with lots of giggles, as characters get “out” one by one, each in silly fashion.
• The Trumpeter uses his special move to win the championship for a record fifth time.
• [17:03] Kids learn "GOAT" means "Greatest Of All Time," not just the animal.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Trumpeter’s move:
  “That’s his signature move, the stalking horse. Based on the trumpet fish, I’m a little sneak.” — Mindy [10:57]

• The science tie-in:
  “Instead of approaching its prey head on and scaring them away, the trumpet fish hides itself behind a larger fish when approaching its prey.” — Mindy [13:35]

• Why “stalking horse”?:
  “When hunting on horseback, humans will often spot their prey from a distance, get off their horse, and slowly walk up to their target while hiding behind the horse until they can get close enough to pounce.” — Mindy [18:18]

• On being the GOAT:
  “No, goat means ‘greatest of all time,’ Guy Raz. You know, like how goats are the greatest animal of all time?” — Mindy [17:03]

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Important Timestamps

• [04:04]: Mindy describes her excitement about the Trumpeter
• [06:40]: Trumpeter’s secret “stalking horse” move introduced
• [12:37]: Science segment—how a trumpetfish hunts
• [13:54]: Explanation of hiding behind parrotfish
• [17:00]: Trumpeter wins and is declared the GOAT
• [18:01-18:36]: Name “stalking horse” explained in human and animal context

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The Episode’s Tone & Style

• Lively, energetic, and silly
• Frequent character voices, puns, and sound effects keep the science woven into the storytelling.
• Science is introduced in context—making it approachable and memorable for kids.

“It’s such a clever technique that the best tag player in the world is about to use it to win his fifth consecutive World Tag Championship.” — Mindy [14:19]

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Conclusion

This episode delivers an inventive blend of science and fun, using the playful premise of a tag championship to introduce listeners to the trumpetfish’s clever hunting technique and the real-world origin of the term "stalking horse." It leaves listeners marveling at both nature’s ingenuity and how we can borrow those tricks for our own games—and maybe even for next year’s tag championship!

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Stay Tuned!

• Hear from real listeners sharing their “Wow in the World” facts at the end of the show!
• Mindy and Guy Raz remind kids to keep exploring, playing, and discovering the “wow” in the world around them.

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For more amazing episodes and activities, visit tinkercast.com.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, did you know that Dennis shouts out the name of every new member of the World Organization of Wowzers every month? That's right, Reg. On the first Wednesday of the month, Dennis holds a meeting of the World Organization of Wowzers where he shares the latest news about what's going on in the world of wow. Oh yeah, and Reggie's there too. In each meeting, Dennis welcomes all of our new members by name. Hit it, Reg.

[B]

The following members are new and I would like to welcome you. Welcome to the club. Welcome to the crew. Nolan and Evelyn from California, Elsa and Jonah from Connecticut, Henry from Georgia, Hope

[C]

from Rhode Island, Arthur and George from New York.

[A]

Grownups want to surprise your Wowzers with a shout out from Dennis. Sign up for a membership today to support our podcast and have their name added to Dennis list next month. And don't forget to tune in for next month's meeting. You can listen to the World Organization of Wowzers meetings on the first Wednesday of every month only on the WeWow podcast feed. Just search WEW wherever you get your podcasts and press the follow button so you don't miss out. And now a quick ad break and then we'll get on with the show. Proceeded. Three, two, one.

[D]

Get ready for an adventure of magnificent performer.

[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 While in the world While in the world While in the world While in the. Houston.

[B]

Hello and welcome back to Is that really a SportsCenter? My name is Scoot Maboot. And coming up on today's show, Willie Williamson, the three time egg and spoon race world champion in hot water as the hard boiled scandal deepens. Penny Parker and her attempt at the world record for how many times you can spin in one spot without fall. But first, the championship match in the World Series of Tag with your two favorite hosts, Gregarious Guy Raz and Magnanimous Mindy.

[E]

Gregarious?

[A]

I don't even know what magnanimous means.

[B]

Ahem.

[E]

You're live.

[A]

Oh, hello there and welcome to the coverage of this year's championship final of the World Series of Tag. I'm Magnanimous Mindy.

[E]

And I'm Gregarious Guy Raz.

[A]

And we've got some fantastic action coming up for you in the next half hour with some of the best taggers in the country entering the arena.

[E]

Five competitors enter and one will leave a champion.

[A]

And we'll introduce you to our competitors for today, right after these messages.

[B]

And we're clear.

[E]

Wow, Mindy, I can't believe we're here at the World Tag Championships.

[A]

I know, isn't it bonkerballs? You sound so official.

[E]

And not only are we watching it, we're calling the game on tv.

[C]

I know, look at us.

[A]

Oh, excuse me, Can I get a fresh glass of cereal milk, please?

[B]

Coming right up, Mindy.

[C]

Thank you.

[E]

Mindy, how are you able to score a gig like this?

[A]

Oh, Reggie, of course. He knows the peacock that runs this network. Wow, I'm so excited to see this championship match, Guy Raz. I can't even believe I'm gonna get to see the Trumpeter in person.

[E]

The Trumpeteer?

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

Who's that?

[A]

Oh, you don't know who the Trumpeteer is?

[E]

Well, obviously not.

[A]

Oh, Guy Raz, the Trumpeter is only the most successful tag player of all time. I've been trying to see him play for years, but his matches are always sold out.

[E]

And his name is the Trumpeter?

[A]

Yeah, his name is the Trumpeteer because.

[B]

And we're back in three.

[A]

I'll tell you in the next break.

[B]

One.

[E]

Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the World Championships of Tag.

[A]

It's heating up to be quite a competition out there today, Guy Raz. Let's take a look at some of today's competitors.

[E]

Some of the finest tag athletes from around the globe have fought for a

[A]

position today, and our viewers at home might recognize a few familiar faces in the mix today. Let's get into it.

[E]

First up, weighing in at 110 pounds and a whole 4 foot 11 inches tall, she has a belly made of steel and skin tougher than leather. It's Grandma G Force.

[C]

Boy, my skin is made out of leather.

[A]

Grandma G Force has proven to be quite the competitor in the qualifying rounds for today's match. And she'll be one to keep our eye on today.

[E]

Coming up next, don't let his old age fool you. He can move like no other athlete in the league. It's Thomas Fingerling.

[A]

Oh, yeah, dude, this world champion knuckle cracker is cracking nuts and taking names, and you can hear him coming from a mile away.

[E]

Yeah. Not the best tactic for a game of tag.

[A]

Next on the roster, the Super Snoop himself. It's Dennis.

[C]

Hooray. I'm here, too.

[E]

Wait a minute. Didn't Dennis get knocked out in the first round?

[A]

Yeah, but he kept on begging the judges to let him in the finals, and eventually they just caved.

[E]

Well, it's an unorthodox strategy, but if it works. It works.

[A]

And finally, the athlete we've all been waiting for.

[E]

The Trumpeteer.

[C]

Ha ha. Yes, tis I, the Trumpeter.

[A]

One of the best athletes to ever play the sort of sport of tag.

[E]

It says here that his secret move is called the stalking horse.

[A]

That's right, Guy Raz. It's based on real scientific observations from the wild.

[E]

Wow.

[A]

I'm sure we'll be seeing him deploy that move later today.

[E]

I sure hope so, Mindy.

[A]

And with that, the championship match is about to start. After a few short messages and we're clear. Wow, it is quite a field this year.

[C]

What a crop.

[E]

Yeah, it is. Although, don't you find it a little weird that most of the athletes competing in the World Championship of Tag are actually people that live on our street?

[A]

Uh, don't forget about the trumpeter.

[E]

Yeah, I was gonna ask you about him. Mindy. You said in his intro that his secret move was based on real scientific observations from the wild.

[A]

Oh yeah, the stalking horse.

[E]

So his secret move is based on observations of a horse?

[A]

Oh no, no, no. His secret move is just called the stalking horse. But it's based on the hunting techniques of the trumpet fish.

[E]

The Trumpet fish?

[A]

Uh huh.

[E]

And that's why he calls himself the Trumpeter.

[A]

You're picking up what I'm putting down, Guy Raz.

[B]

And we're back in three, two, one.

[E]

Hello folks, and welcome back to the World Championships of Tag.

[A]

Now that we've met our competitor, we are ready to start today's match.

[E]

We cross now live to Taggy Nichols arena as the athletes enter the field.

[F]

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the arena the mega stars of Tag, Grandma G Force.

[C]

Oh hush.

[F]

Thomas Fingerling. Dennis.

[C]

Thank you, thank you.

[B]

Oh, real nice.

[C]

Ha ha.

[F]

And finally, your reigning champion, the Trumpeteer.

[C]

Thank you, thank you.

[F]

And now, please welcome your referee for today's event, Mr. David M. Buster.

[C]

Thank you, thank you very much. Thank you.

[E]

Huh, Interesting. Mindy, I'm a little surprised there's a referee for today's games. I've always just played tag on the honor system.

[A]

Well, these championship matches can get pretty competitive, Guy Raz. Someone's gotta keep score.

[E]

I guess so. That is fair.

[C]

Alright everyone, huddle up. I want a nice clean game of tag, okay? No tricks, no treatin's, no funny business.

[F]

You got it, pal.

[C]

Okay, everyone shake hands and spread out. Good luck, Grandma G Force. Too slow. Hey, Mr. Referee. Grandma G Force didn't shake my hand. You're tattling on the field. What? Now like I said, everyone spread out. I'm gonna go over there. No one follow me. A ta ta, everyone. A ta ta.

[A]

And just like that, the world championship of tag is about to start.

[C]

Are you ready? Oh, yeah, I'm ready. Then let's get ready to tag. Count it down.

[F]

Three, two, one, tag.

[E]

And we're off.

[C]

Well, when? Oh, no.

[A]

Oh, it looks like Grandma G Force is already making a move for Dennis.

[C]

G Force, quit it. Stop chasing me. Come back here, you little pipsqueak. Hey, you're out. Oof.

[E]

And just like that, we have our first out of the match.

[C]

So fair.

[A]

And Dennis is the first out of this year's tag championships.

[C]

Sneaky, sneaky.

[E]

But look, Mindy. It looks like the trumpeter is doing something very interesting.

[A]

Ooh, Guy Raz. That's his signature move, the stalking horse. Based on the trumpet fish, I'm a little sneak.

[E]

Well, it looks like he's just hiding behind the referee.

[C]

Tee hee hee.

[A]

That's exactly what he's doing. He hides behind the referee as he moves around the field, and then when his opponent least expects it.

[F]

Where did that weird trumpet fella get to? Hey, Mr. Referee, come over here. Can I ask you a question?

[C]

All right.

[A]

He pounces.

[C]

Aha. Time. Heavens, Fool Door.

[A]

And we have our second out of the tournament, Cranberries.

[E]

The trumpeter has just tagged Thomas Fingerling

[A]

out using his special move based on the trumpet fish, the stalking horse. And that whistle means it is the end of the first half of play.

[E]

We'll be right back with more tag a rific action after these messages.

[B]

And we're clear.

[A]

Wow, what an exciting first half Guy Raz.

[E]

You can say that again, Mindy.

[A]

Wow, what an exciting first half Guy Raz. Did you see that special move the trumpeter used to get Fingerling tagged out?

[E]

Yeah, but I don't know if I'd call it a special move, Mindy. I mean, he just hid behind the ref to sneak up on Fingerling and pounced on him.

[C]

Yeah.

[E]

So cool. I mean, didn't you say it was based on some wildlife observations of a trumpet fish?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

See, the trumpetfish in the wild has a very interesting way of hunting.

[E]

Uh huh.

[A]

The trumpetfish has a rather distinct shape. It's super long and super skinny. Okay, now it's the smaller fish that it likes to eat. Can see the super skinny long trumpet fish coming from a mile away.

[E]

Ah. And when the smaller fish see the trumpetfish coming, they hightail it out of

[A]

there in the other direction.

[E]

Which isn't ideal when you're trying to hunt some fish for dinner.

[A]

Exactly. So the trumpetfish Uses a special technique to catch its own dinner.

[E]

And it's called the stalking horse.

[A]

You know it. So here's how it works. Instead of approaching its prey head on

[E]

and scaring them away, the trumpet fish

[A]

hides itself behind a larger fish when approaching its prey.

[E]

Sort of like how the trumpeter is hiding behind the referee when going after his target.

[A]

Exactly. And one of its favorite fishes to hide behind is the parrotfish.

[E]

Huh?

[A]

See, the parrotfish is way bigger than the trumpetfish. So the trumpetfish can hide behind the parrotfish as it approaches. Then it gets really close to its prey, and then it pops out and pounces.

[E]

Wow, that's pretty clever, Mindy.

[A]

I know. It's such a clever technique that the best tag player in the world is about to use it to win his fifth consecutive World Tag Championship.

[E]

Well, I guess we'll see about that.

[B]

And we're back in 3, 2, 1.

[E]

And welcome back to the exciting conclusion of this year's championship bout. In the World Series of tag.

[A]

We've already seen two competitors get knocked out of the running, but two remain. Grandma GeForce and the reigning champion, the Trumpeteer.

[E]

We're just about to start the second half, so let's head back down to the court at Tagge Nichols Arena.

[C]

All right, guys, let's keep this clean, okay?

[A]

No promises.

[C]

Uh, yes, promises. Are you ready, trumpeter? Indeed I am, Mr.

[G]

Referee.

[C]

Then let's get ready to tag. Count it down.

[F]

Three, two, one. Tag.

[A]

And they're off. The second half of this year's World Championship is underway.

[E]

Two very fierce competitors here, Mindy, Both with very different tactics. This really could go either way to

[C]

I love you, Grandma GeForce. So, my handsome.

[A]

Oh, and it looks like Grandma G Force has gotten distracted from someone in the audience.

[C]

Is that a Peter Piper pepper shirt you're wearing, boy? Yeah, he's the best. He's a chump. Nuh. Uh huh.

[E]

Ooh. And it looks like the Trumpet puppeteer is taking advantage of this momentary distraction to engage his special move yet again.

[A]

The stalking horse. He's sidling up next to the referee. He's getting awfully close to Grandma G Force.

[E]

She's not gonna see it coming.

[C]

Sneaky, sneaky. Hey, we're Trumpet Faces. Where am the raspberry strudel did you come from, boy? You're out. Whatever. Gang hustle.

[A]

And it looks like the tag champion has been able to retain his crown.

[C]

Who fly for me. I win a game.

[E]

An amazing performance, Mindy, from the trumpeter here at Tagge Nichols Arena.

[A]

Guy Raz. This is why he Is the goat.

[E]

Wait, I thought he was the trumpeter.

[A]

No, goat means greatest of all time, Guy Raz. You know, like how goats are the greatest animal of all time?

[E]

Uh, sure. Yeah.

[A]

Anyhow, that's all from us here at the World Championship series of tag. What an example. Exhilarating, almost sport. I'm Mindy.

[E]

And I'm Guy Raz. Don't go away. Stick around for an exclusive interview with the man who put the hot dogs in the buns for the hot dog eating World championships.

[A]

You won't want to miss it.

[B]

That's a wrap.

[E]

Wow, what an amazing experience. Mindy, thanks so much for letting me be a commentator with you.

[A]

Ah, don't mention Nick. Guy Raz, you are a natural.

[E]

Thanks. I did have one last question, though.

[A]

Oh, yeah, the trumpeter, the new tag world champion.

[E]

Right? His special move where he hides behind the referee and then jumps out at his opponents.

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

It's based on the hunting technique of a fish, but it's called the stalking horse. Why?

[A]

Ah, well, it's because when these researchers saw this behavior out in the wild with the trumpet fish, it reminded them of a technique that humans do when we're hunting.

[E]

Really?

[A]

Yeah. When hunting on horseback, humans will often spot their prey from a distance, get off their horse, and slowly walk up to their target while hiding behind the

[E]

horse until they can get close enough to pounce.

[A]

Exactly. And that hunting technique is called the stalking horse. You know it? The researchers used it to describe the trumpetfish's hunting technique, and the trumpeter took it to describe his tagging technique.

[E]

Fascinating.

[A]

So, Guy Raz. Yes? Feels like there's just one last thing to do now.

[E]

What's that?

[C]

Tag.

[A]

You're right, Mindy.

[E]

I'm not gonna play tag with you in the middle of a TV studio.

[A]

Not with that attitude, you're not. Come on, we gotta practice for next year's championship.

[C]

Ha.

[E]

The trumpeter isn't even gonna know what hit him. Here I come.

[C]

Run, run, run, run, run. Miss me, Mindy? No fair.

[E]

That's out of bounds.

[A]

Sorry, Mindy. Accurate.

[C]

I'm gonna catch him. Can't wait.

[D]

Wow.

[C]

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

[A]

This message is for you.

[G]

Hey, parents, how would you like a show that makes bedtime, bath time, meal time, and break time more fun for your kids? Then check out who Smarted, the podcast that turns everyday moments into awesome learning adventures for kids aged 7 to 11? And grown ups too. But don't just take my word for it. Here's what Mom Jenny says.

[H]

I love who Smarted because it makes learning fun for my kids. And I love it too. We listen together on car rides and it sparks the best conversations. It's the perfect way to make the most of our time in the car and connect as a family. Who's smarted is the podcast. My kids ask for every single car ride.

[G]

With fun, fast paced episodes on science, history, and so much more. Whosmarted makes learning exciting for the whole family. We invite you to listen now for free. Wherever you get your podcasts, that's Whosmarted. Wherever you get your podcasts, who smarted?

[C]

That's it.

[A]

Back to the show. Hi, thanks for calling wow in the world. After the beep, get ready to record.

[D]

Hi, my name Guy Ross. My name is Lewis and I was born in Portland, Oregon. And my wow in the world it's that teenager T. Rexes had setters. Say hi to Reggie, Thomas Fingerling. Sup, Grandma Greeforce and the Spray Cats. Hi, my name is Emory. I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. I'm eight years old. My wow in the world is that peppermint. Sucking on peppermint or chewing peppermint can actually help your thinking for a chest. Say hi to Grammy G Force.

[E]

Oh, snipe.

[D]

Reggie and Dennis for me.

[C]

Cool.

[D]

And baby Dennis.

[C]

Dennis is back, baby.

[D]

Bye. Love your show. Hi, Minnie and Guy Raz. My My name is Ethan and I'm from Kennesaw, Georgia. My wall in the world is the Great Wall of China. 13,171 miles long. Isn't that bunker balls? Say hi to Dennis, Grandma G Force and Thomas Fingerling for me.

[C]

Oh, wow.

[D]

Bye. Hi, my name is Nora and I'm from Georgia. My fun fact is sloth are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes underwater. Say hi to Mindy Slaycap, Skyrobbie's cat Alice, and I love your podcast. Bye. Hi, Mindy and Guy Raz. I'm Maggie from Middletown, Rhode Island. My wow in my world is that there's a blue penguin that's called the fairy penguin. Say hi to Reggie, grandma G4.

[C]

Okay.

[D]

And Spanish man for me.

[C]

Bye.

[D]

Hi, my name is Lucy. I'm from Beaverton, Oregon and I'm 11. And my wow in the world is that rats will laugh out loud if you tickle them. Say hi to Reggie and Dennis.

[C]

Hi. Bye.

[D]

Hi, Mindy and girl Raz. My name is Melissa and I'm from Niles, Illinois. My wow is that polar bears can swim over a hundred miles. Say hi to everybody for me. My name is Helen and I'm five years old and I live in New England in my wide world and that horses only have one toe which is their hoof. Hi Mindy, hi Guy Ross and hi Grandma G Force.

[A]

I'm the best of this.

[D]

I am Camden and I'm from California and my wow in the world is that 1.3 million Earths can fit into the sun.

[A]

End of Messages

[E]

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

[A]

Original sound design and music editing is done by our senior Production Director Jed Anderson and Audio Producer Tyler Thull. 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.

[E]

Jessica Bode keeps our facts straight as our fact checker and Meredith Halford Ranzer powers the WOW at Tinkercast.

[A]

Our theme song was composed and performed by three time Grammy nominees the Pop Ups. Find them at thepopups.com Special thanks to

[E]

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.

[A]

And to keep the wow rolling after you 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 grownups.

[E]

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[A]

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?

[E]

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.

[A]

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

[C]

Keep on Wowing. Wow in the World was made by

[A]

Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.