Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Are You Up For-Est?! (1/10/25)

Summary

Summary of "Wow in the World" Episode: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Are You Up For-Est?! (Released January 10, 2025)

In this engaging episode of "Wow in the World", hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas transform their typically informative science podcast into a dynamic game show titled "2 What's and a Wow!". Aimed at both kids and their grown-up companions, the episode combines scientific knowledge with playful interaction, fostering a fun and educational environment. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key moments, discussions, insights, and humorous exchanges from the episode.

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1. Introduction to the Game Show

The episode kicks off with humorous backstage banter as Guy Raz attempts to locate Mindy Thomas. Unexpectedly, Reggie and Dennis make cameo appearances, adding a layer of comedy and setting a lively tone for the show.

• Guy Raz expresses frustration:

  "[00:50] 'Mindy. Mindy, where are you? Ahem.'"

• Reggie’s playful response:

  "[01:39] 'Places, everyone. Places.'"

The playful interactions culminate with Mindy making a grand entrance, transforming the backstage chaos into the commencement of the game.

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2. Game Mechanics: Understanding "2 What's and a Wow"

Dennis outlines the rules of the game:

"[04:39] '2 what's in a wow? The scientific game show that separates the wows from the whats.'"

Mindy expands on the mechanics:

"[04:54] 'In each of our three rounds today, Guy Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about trees. But only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made-up whats.'"

Participants earn points by correctly identifying the "wow" statement. Incorrect guesses lead to humorous physical challenges, maintaining an entertaining atmosphere.

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3. Round One: Fascinating Facts About Trees

The first round delves into intriguing facts about trees. Participants choose the correct wow among three statements.

Statements:

• A. Cinnamon is made out of tree bark.
• B. Scientists have discovered palm trees in Antarctica.
• C. The white cedar is the fastest-growing tree, which grows at 16ft per year.

Notable Quote:

Juliana from California reveals the correct answer:
"[06:37] 'My wow in the world is that cinnamon's made out of tree bark.'"

Explanation:
Dennis explains the origin of cinnamon:

"[07:07] 'The cinnamon you find in your grocery store has a long journey before it gets to that shelf. It's scraped from the inner bark of tree species from the genus Cinnamomum.'"

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4. Round Two: The Communicative Tree Network

The second round explores more complex aspects of tree biology.

Statements:

• A. Scientists believe trees could grow on Venus.
• B. Trees can communicate with each other through mushrooms.
• C. More than half of all tree species live in the United States.

Notable Quote:

Niall shares the correct wow:
"[09:03] 'My wow is that trees can communicate with each other because they have mushrooms.'"

Insightful Explanation:
Dennis elaborates on the mycorrhizal networks:

"[09:34] 'There's a network of trees, fungus like mushrooms, that work together to move water and nutrients between trees. The trees can use these networks to communicate with one another. Kind of like how they would if they had social media. Except they don't need to log on.'"

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5. Round Three: Trees vs. Stars

The final round presents a cosmic comparison between trees and stars.

Statements:

• A. There are more trees on Earth than there are stars in the Milky Way.
• B. Some trees don't make any noise when they fall.
• C. Redbud trees drink, on average, 200 gallons of water a day.

Notable Quote:

Owen from Washington correctly identifies the wow:
"[11:39] 'My wow is that there are more trees on Earth than there are stars in the Milky Way.'"

Detailed Explanation:
Dennis provides fascinating statistics:

"[12:20] 'Even though there are an estimated 100 to 400 billion stars in our Milky Way, there are still more trees on Earth. It's estimated that there are around 3 trillion trees on this planet. That's about 379 trees per person.'"

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6. Bonker Balls Bonus Round and Humorous Prizes

Following the main game, the hosts introduce a whimsical bonus round called "Bonker Balls", which poses a humorous, hypothetical question about handling a broken blender. Although the segment is light-hearted, it underscores the podcast’s commitment to making science fun and accessible.

Prize Distribution: An inventive and humorous prize generator attempts to dispense prizes, ultimately offering the quirky prize of an "invisible doggy toilet sandwich." This segment highlights the show's playful nature and the hosts' chemistry.

• Guy Raz’s reaction:

  "[14:14] 'In other words, we're still improving on the engineering design process.'"

---

7. Listener Engagement: Operation Take It or Leaf It

To encourage active participation, Guy and Dennis launch a nature-themed challenge:

Mindy:
"[15:07] 'We challenge you to embark on a leaf scavenger hunt. First, find as many different types of leaves as you can and then bring your leaves home to examine them closer.'"

Listeners are invited to document their findings with photos or videos and share them via email, fostering a community of young scientists eager to explore the natural world.

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8. Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode wraps up with information on where listeners can access more content and engage with the "Wow in the World" community.

• Guy Raz encourages listeners to tune in for upcoming episodes:

  "[15:37] 'Come back on Monday for a brand new episode of wow in the World and again on Friday for a new episode of 2 what's and a wow.'"

• Dennis provides additional engagement opportunities:

  "[17:10] 'And to keep the what's and the Wows rolling, visit [e-mail].'"

The hosts also acknowledge the production team and invite listeners to participate in surveys and follow the show on social media platforms.

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Key Takeaways and Insights

• Scientific Wonders:
  The episode highlights remarkable scientific facts about trees, such as their role in global ecosystems, their communication through fungal networks, and their sheer abundance compared to stars.

• Interactive Learning:
  By incorporating a game show format, the hosts make learning interactive and entertaining, effectively engaging both children and adults.

• Community Building:
  Encouraging listeners to participate in challenges and share their discoveries fosters a sense of community and active learning.

• Humor and Accessibility:
  The use of humor and relatable scenarios ensures that complex scientific concepts are accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

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"Wow in the World" continues to inspire curiosity and wonder, effectively blending education with entertainment. This episode, Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Are You Up For-Est?!, exemplifies the podcast's mission to make science fun, engaging, and accessible, leaving listeners with a sense of awe and a desire to learn more about the natural world.

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. Hey, Wowzer fams. It's Guy Raz here and before we start the show, have you watched wow. In the world on YouTube? That's right. You can now watch some of your favorite tinkercast podcasts like 2 what's and a wow Flip and mosey. Who when wow and wow in the World. To start watching today, head to Tinkercast.com YouTube. That's Tinkercast.com YouTube. That'S it. Now back to the show.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey grown ups. Give your loved ones the gift of family gaming fun with the Nintendo Switch System. The home of Mario and friends compete for first place in thrilling high speed races in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Or try your luck on action packed game boards and enjoy the fun, fun and funny minigames of Super Mario Party Jamboree. And those looking for a wonder filled adventure can join Mario Peach, Toad and friends as they explore the whimsical flower kingdom in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. No matter how you like to play, there's fun for the whole family on Nintendo Switch. Go to Nintendo.com to learn more and browse the full lineup of Nintendo Switch systems. Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode game systems and some accessories sold separately. Games rated E for everyone.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy. Mindy, where are you? Ahem.

[Reggie]

Places, everyone. Places.

[Guy Raz]

True.

[Reggie]

Once in a while is about to begin.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, hey, Dennis. Hey, Reggie. Have you seen Mindy?

[Reggie]

Oh, hey, guy. Whoops. Sorry, guy. Nope. Reggie and I haven't seen Mindy.

[Guy Raz]

Huh.

[Reggie]

Also, just so you know, I no longer answer to Dennis on set. Okay, you may address me by my title. Platinum producer and head executive of all directing. Uh, or just use the acronym Peepee head.

[Dennis]

What?

[Reggie]

Reggie, you laugh every time I say peepee head. But there is nothing funny about us peepee heads. Being peepee head is a very serious job, Reggie.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, but I'm trying to find Mindy and I haven't seen her anywhere. The show is about to start.

[Reggie]

What's that, Reggie?

[Dennis]

Stand back, everyone.

[Reggie]

Oh, there she is.

[Guy Raz]

What in the. How did she get a crane into the studio?

[Dennis]

Here comes the pine.

[Guy Raz]

Hey, Mindy. What are you doing with that crane and all of those trees? The show is about to start to.

[Dennis]

Ooh, Eucalyptus.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy.

[Dennis]

Oh, hey, Guy. Razzie, the green room didn't have any green in it, so I decided to spruce it up with some spruces.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Dennis]

Now watch out while I Grab the evergreen over there. I barely even know how to work this crane.

[Guy Raz]

You know, it's just called the green room, Mindy. It doesn't actually have to be green. Mindy.

[Reggie]

Classic Mindy. Hi, sis. Everyone, Mindy is here. The show can start now.

[Dennis]

Oh, it's showtime. Uh, stay right there, Guy Raz. I'll carry you to the stage.

[Guy Raz]

How are you gonna carry me to the stage? Oh, no, Mindy, not with your.

[Reggie]

Quit gawking. I set places you there. Butter those flies and you open all the sesame's. And Reggie, touch every down you can find. We're going live in 3, 2, 1.

[Guy Raz]

It's two once and a Whoa. With your hosts, Mindy and Guy Raz.

[Dennis]

2 what's 2 what?

[Guy Raz]

2 what's 2 what? 2 WHAT?

[Reggie]

2 what?

[Guy Raz]

2 what's.

[Dennis]

Hello, and welcome back to 2 what's in a Wow.

[Guy Raz]

2 what's in a wow?

[Dennis]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the whats.

[Guy Raz]

The category for today is trees. Mindy, why don't you remind our audience on how the game works?

[Dennis]

You know it. Wowzers. In each of our three rounds today, Guy Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about treats. But. And this is a big but, only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up what?

[Guy Raz]

In each round, if you guess correctly, congrats, you get a point.

[Dennis]

But if you guess wrong, you must stop, drop, and do a ridonkulous physical challenge.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, everyone ready to start the game?

[Dennis]

Great. Then let's get started.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A. Cinnamon is made out of tree bark.

[Dennis]

Or is it B? Scientists have discovered palm trees in Antarctica.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C? The white cedar is the fastest growing tree, which grows at 16ft per year.

[Dennis]

When you think you have the correct answer, hide it under the nearest couch cushion. Reggie, cue the thinking music.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up. It's now time to reveal the winning wow.

[Dennis]

And to do just that. Joining us by phone is Juliana from California. Juliana, tell us what's the wow? My wow in the world is that cinnamon's made out of tree bark. Winner, winner, photosynthesis for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Juliana. Contestants, if you guessed the answer A, that cinnamon is made from tree bark, you found the winning wow. Congratulations.

[Dennis]

The cinnamon you find in your grocery store has a long journey before it gets to that shelf. Before it becomes a spice. It's scraped from the inner bark of tree species from the genus Cinnamom.

[Guy Raz]

Try saying that 10 times fast.

[Dennis]

Cinnamom. Cinnamomum. Cinnamom. Cinnamomba. Cinnamom.

[Guy Raz]

Not now, Mindy.

[Dennis]

Oh, right. Now, if you did not get the answer correct, you must stop, drop and ask the nearest grandma to cut some cheese. Did somebody want me to cut the cheese?

[Guy Raz]

No, no, no, that's my grandma.

[Dennis]

G force.

[Guy Raz]

And for the record, that can also mean asking a grandma to cut you some real cheese with a knife.

[Dennis]

Less fun, but okay.

[Guy Raz]

Well, now it's time for round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, scientists believe trees could.

[Dennis]

Grow on Venus, or is it B, trees can communicate with each other through.

[Guy Raz]

Mushrooms, or is it C? More than half of all tree species live in the United States.

[Dennis]

When you think you have the correct answer, share it with the nearest dentist.

[Reggie]

What was that? Did someone say my name?

[Dennis]

No.

[Reggie]

Oh, well, all right then.

[Dennis]

Hey, Reggie, cue the thinking music.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up. It's time to reveal the winning well.

[Dennis]

And to do just that. Joining us by phone, it's Niall. Niall, what's the wow? My wow is that. Did you know trees can talk to each other because they have mushrooms? Winner, winner, Tree trunks for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Nile. Contestants, if you guessed the answer B that trees can communicate through mushrooms, you found the winning wow. Congratulations.

[Dennis]

There's a network of trees, fungus like mushrooms, that work together to move water and nutrients between trees. The trees can use these networks to communicate with one another. Kind of like how they would if they had social media. Except they don't need to log on.

[Guy Raz]

That was a good one, Mindy.

[Dennis]

Thank you, Guy Razzie. Now, if you did not guess the correct answer for round two, you must stop, drop and brush your teeth with mustard. Hey, I don't make this stuff up.

[Guy Raz]

Yes, you do.

[Dennis]

Today's episode of 2 what's in a wow? Is brought to you in part by Joe's toe jam. When your toes are in a jam, call Joe.

[Guy Raz]

All right, then, time for round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, there are more trees on Earth than there are stars in.

[Dennis]

The Milky Way, or is it B, some trees don't make any noise when.

[Guy Raz]

They fall, or is it C? Redbud trees drink, on average 200 gallons of water a day.

[Dennis]

When you think you have the correct answer, sing it in the lowest note you can sing.

[Guy Raz]

And we will reveal the winning answer right after the break.

[Dennis]

Two whats in a while. We'll be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you. That's it now back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

Welcome back to 2 what's and the wow.

[Dennis]

2 what's and a wow. The scientific game show that's separates the wows from the what's.

[Guy Raz]

Now, before the break, we left you with a dangling question for round three. Which of the following statements is the one true scientific wow?

[Dennis]

We've given you time to decide on the correct answer and to reveal that winning wow. Please welcome by phone, it's Owen from Washington. Owen, tell us what's the wow? My wow is that there are more trees on Earth than there are stars in the Milky Way. Winner, winner, stardust for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Owen. Contestants, if you guessed the answer a that there are more trees on earth than there are stars in the Milky Way, you found the winning wow. Congratulations, Wowzers.

[Dennis]

Even though there are an estimated 100 to 400 billion stars in our Milky Way, there are still more trees on Earth. It's estimated that there are around 3 trillion trees on this planet. That's about 379 trees per person.

[Guy Raz]

That's incredible.

[Dennis]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and lick your elbow.

[Guy Raz]

What was that?

[Dennis]

That sound can mean only one thing. Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

There's an elephant in the room.

[Dennis]

No. And if there was, we wouldn't talk about it. That sound means it's time for today's Bonker Balls bonus round. And the question for this round is. How do you tell your best friend that you accidentally borrowed his state of the art blender for an experiment and you accidentally blended one too many eggshells? So you accidentally broke it. You.

[Guy Raz]

You broke my smoothenator 3000. How am I supposed to make my kale apple pressed juices. Mindy.

[Dennis]

Uh, you can use my plunger. It's really good at mashing things up.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy.

[Dennis]

Well, congratulations to all of our winning wowzers on today's show. Reggie, it's time to roll out the prize generator.

[Guy Raz]

Is that my washing machine?

[Dennis]

I invented this machine to generate a fabulous parting gift for all of the contestants on today's show. This machine is special because it spits out your prize in three different parts every time. And also, it's broken.

[Guy Raz]

In other words, we're still improving on the engineering design process.

[Dennis]

Oh, yeah, that too. But feel free to mix and match and assemble the prize in any way you want. Reggie, get ready to crank it up in 3, 2, 1. All of our winning contestants today will be taking home their very own invisible doggy toilet sandwich.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, this might be our number one worst prize ever.

[Dennis]

I think it's more like number two.

[Guy Raz]

Well that's, that's just about all the time we have for today.

[Dennis]

But before we go, we have a little Steam themed challenge for you. We call it Operation Take it or Leaf It.

[Guy Raz]

Wowzers. We challenge you to embark on a leaf scavenger hunt.

[Dennis]

First, find as many different types of leaves as you can and then bring.

[Guy Raz]

Your leaves home to examine them closer. What are the different shapes and sizes? Do they have different patterns?

[Dennis]

Record your findings with a photo or video and report back to us Grown Ups. You can upload pictures and videos to [e-mail] share and be sure to come.

[Guy Raz]

Back on Monday for a brand new episode of wow in the World and again on Friday for a new episode of 2 what's and a wow.

[Dennis]

Until then, keep on wowing. 2 w 2 watts 2 wots 2 watts 2 w 2 watts 2 wow.

[Guy Raz]

And a wow.

[Dennis]

Grown ups. If you like wow in the world you can listen early and ad free right now on Wondery.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Dennis]

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

[Guy Raz]

Survey 2 what's in a wow is executive produced by Meredith Halpern, Ranzer Mindy Thomas and me, Guy Raz.

[Dennis]

Our writers are Anna Zagorski, Darnell Walker, Ruth Morrison and Heba Guta.

[Guy Raz]

Sound production and design is by Marian Lozano with help from our senior producer Jed Anderson.

[Dennis]

Special thanks to the rest of our team of Tinkerers including Anna Zagorski, Rebecca Caban, Henry Moskal, Jessica Boddy, Jacob Stein and Jason Rabinowitz.

[Guy Raz]

Our theme song was written and composed by the Pop Ups. For more on their three time Grammy nominated all ages music, find them@the popups.com.

[Dennis]

And to keep the what's and the Wows rolling, Visit [e-mail] There you can find our two what's in a wow think and tinker playbook Interactive Kahoot Games and info on becoming a member of the world organization of Wowzers grown ups.

[Guy Raz]

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @2WhatSoLaw and our email address is helloinkercast.com finally, if you're a kid.

[Dennis]

With a big wow to share, it could be used on an upcoming episode of 2 what's in a wow? Call us at 1-888-7-WOW wow.

[Guy Raz]

Thanks again for listening and playing along. Meet us back here on Monday for Wow in the world wow in the.

[Dennis]

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