Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Baby Talk (11/21/25)

Summary

Wow in the World: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Baby Talk (11/21/25)

Episode Overview

In this family-friendly science game show, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz challenge listeners and young contestants to separate fascinating facts ("wows") from made-up statements ("whats")—this time, all about BABIES across the animal kingdom (and some veggies too!). Packed with quirky science, playful banter, and interactive fun, the episode highlights surprising baby facts, from sea otters' floating fur to curious carrot history and even the unique milk methods of platypuses.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introduction to the Game (03:38 – 04:33)

• Mindy and Guy Raz welcome listeners and introduce the rules: each round presents three statements about baby life forms—one is a true 'wow,' the others are made-up 'whats.'
• Correct guesses earn points; wrong answers mean doing a funny physical challenge.

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Round 1: Baby Sea Otters' Built-In Floaties (04:35 – 06:34)

Question: Which is true?

• A) Baby whales swim inside their mother's pouches for a year
• B) Baby rattlesnakes are born with pink and blue rattles
• C) Baby sea otters have built-in flotation devices

Winning Wow: C) Baby sea otters have built-in flotation devices that keep them from sinking.

• Explanation: Sea otter pups have the thickest fur of any mammal, trapping enough air to act like a lifejacket—so much so, they can’t sink!
• Their mothers sometimes wrap them in kelp so they bob on the surface while she hunts for food.
• Pups don’t learn to swim alone until about a month old.

Memorable Quote:
“Sea otters have the thickest fur of any mammal. In fact, a sea otter's pup's fur is so thick that it actually traps air inside of it like a parachute, keeping the baby safely floating on the top of the water.”
— Mindy Thomas (06:00)

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Round 2: The Truth About Baby Carrots (06:37 – 08:08)

Question: Which is true?

• A) Baby spinach leaves are blue
• B) Baby carrots are really just grown-up carrots that have been peeled
• C) Baby corn kernels are actually called sargents

Winning Wow: B) Baby carrots are really just grown-up carrots that have been peeled.

• Explanation: In the 1980s, a California farmer decided to peel misfit, broken, or oddly shaped carrots and sell them as "baby carrots." The snack-size sensation was born!
• "Baby carrots" are NOT a unique carrot species—just grown-up carrots cut and peeled for convenience.

Memorable Quote:
“This farmer decided to peel them down into smaller carrots and sell them that way. And the rest is vegetable history.”
— Guy Raz (08:00)

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Round 3: Platypus Milk—A Sweaty Situation (10:17 – 12:04)

Question: Which is true?

• A) Baby cows drink milk from a straw
• B) Platypuses sweat milk
• C) Elephant mothers feed their babies milk from their trunks

Winning Wow: B) Platypuses sweat milk.

• Explanation: Mother platypuses don’t have nipples like most mammals; instead, they secrete milk through pores in their skin, and their babies (adorably called “puggles”) drink it right off their mama’s body.

Memorable Quote:
“Most mammal mamas nurse their babies by giving them milk that their body produces. But platypuses do it a little differently. They just kind of sweat the milk right out of the pores of their skin.”
— Mindy Thomas (11:25)

• Bonus Fun: Baby platypuses are called "puggles"!
  “Oh my goodness. That is so cute.” — Mindy Thomas (11:47)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mindy’s Playful Warn-off:
  "And this is a big baby But only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up whats." (04:06)

• Dennis, the Show’s Mascot, Giggling at Physical Challenges:
  “If you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and say I love Puggles ten times.” (12:04)

• Hilarious Prize Giveaway:
  Mindy awards diapers as prizes, suggesting listeners “build their own homes like Grandma G-Force... She does live in a diaper house.” (12:40)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:38] — Game show introduction and rules
• [04:35] — Round 1: Sea Otter flotation fact
• [06:37] — Round 2: The baby carrot origin story
• [10:17] — Round 3: Platypus sweat milk (& puggle cuteness)
• [12:40] — Prize time: Diaper house!
• [13:08+] — How to join the WOWzers club and learn more

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Tone and Language

• The hosts maintain a vibrant, silly, and engaging tone with lots of playful jokes and sound effects, perfect for both kids and grown-ups.
• Quotes and explanations remain true to the hosts’ energetic, question-filled approach.

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For New Listeners

Even if you've never tuned in, this episode is a whirlwind of mind-blowing animal baby facts, giggles, and goofy challenges. You'll leave knowing what a baby platypus is called, why baby carrots exist, and how otter pups never sink! This is an ideal listen for families seeking a fun, educational boost—science with a side of giggles.

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Summary by: Podcast Summarizer AI ✨

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, I gotta let you know that this November is about to get a lot more wow. Join us each week for the rest of the month for special episodes of wow. In the World. This week, grab a plate and join us for a slice of Turducken with a special new episode featuring our friends at Circle Round and Terrestrials on Radiolab for kids. And don't miss when Elmo from Sesame street stops by wow. In the World to make us all belly laugh on November 24th. Oh, but that's not all, Reg. On December 1st, we are sharing our 250th episode of WOW. In the World with all of you. We think this one is going to be music to your ears. Literally. Did I mention it's a musical? And if you're a member of the World Organization of wowzers. Oh boy, do I have a surprise for you. You can listen to our 250th episode early with me and other members from around the world on Saturday, November 22nd at 7:00pm Eastern. That's right, we are throwing another listening party. Join us as we dance along to our new songs, react to the episode with other members in the chat and more Grown ups. If you want your Wowzer to join this MEG Members Only listening Party, you can sign up to become a member [e-mail] wow. Already a member? Well, you can find the link and password to join the event when you sign [e-mail] wow. That's it. It's gonna be a November to remember, but for now, let's get on with the show.

[Kennedy Space Center Announcer]

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.

[Dennis]

And now for everyone's second favorite game show. After finally learning how to whistle, it's two what's and the wow. With your hosts, Mindy and gas. Alright. 2 what? 2 what? 2 W2 W2 what's 2 what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hello and welcome to 2 what's in a wow. 2 what's in a wow.

[Guy Raz]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the what's. And the category or theme for today is. Babies. Mindy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works?

[Mindy Thomas]

You know it, Guy Raz. Wowzers. In each of our three rounds today, today Guy Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements all about baby life forms.

[Dennis]

But.

[Mindy Thomas]

And this is a big baby. But only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up whats.

[Guy Raz]

Now, in each round, if you guess correctly, congratulations, you win a point.

[Mindy Thomas]

But if you guess incorrectly, you must stop, drop and do a redonkulous physical challenge.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, everyone ready to start this game?

[Dennis]

Great.

[Mindy Thomas]

Then let's get to it.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A? Baby whales swim inside their mother's pouches until they are about a year old.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B? Baby rattlesnakes are born with special pink and blue rattles to keep them entertained.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it sea? Baby sea otters have built in FL devices that keep them from sinking.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, shake your baby rattle as loud as you can, thinking music please.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

And to do just that, it's Karina from Texas. Karina, tell us what's the winning wow?

[Contestants (Karina, Kurt, Charlie)]

My wow is that baby sea otters first can trap so much air that it's impossible for us to sink.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winners sea count for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Karina. Contestants, if you guessed the answer C. That baby sea otters have built in flotation devices that keep them from sinking. Well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Sea otters have the thickest fur of any mammal. In fact, a sea otter's pup's fur is so thick that it actually traps air inside of it like a parachute, keeping the baby safely floating on the top of the water.

[Guy Raz]

When the mother sea otter goes out to look for food, she wraps the baby in kelp. For camouflage and just leaves it there to bob on the surface of the water. As soon as she comes back, she lays on her back and lets the baby snuggle with her. Sea otter pups don't learn to swim on their own until they're about a month month old.

[Dennis]

Aw.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, baby spinach leaves are.

[Mindy Thomas]

Blue or is it B, baby carrots are really just grown up carrots that.

[Guy Raz]

Have been peeled or is it C, baby corn kernels are actually called sargents.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hmm, lots to think about here. When you think you have the correct answer, take a little bite out of a cucumber.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up. And joining us by phone, it's Kurt from Pennsylvania with our winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Kurt, tell us what's the winning wow?

[Contestants (Karina, Kurt, Charlie)]

My wow is baby carrots are actually just adult carrots that have been peeled.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner. More salad for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Kurt. Wowzers. If you guessed B that baby carrots are really just grown up carrots that have been peeled, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Back in the 1980s, a farmer in California found a way to make use out of the carrots that couldn't be sold in stores. You know, the ones that came out of the ground too small or broken or shaped. Kind of weird.

[Guy Raz]

This farmer decided to peel them down into to smaller carrots and sell them that way. And the rest is vegetable history.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and rocket yourself into space. And now it's time to take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you by where's the Baby? A new family fun game from the makers of Choo Choo Train of food. Where's the Baby? Comes with everything you need. A blanket. That's all you need, just a blanket. Just place it gently over the baby and wonder loudly, where's the baby? Guaranteed for hours of family fun or at least 10 minutes.

[Guy Raz]

All right then, thank you. Where's the baby? Now let's take a quick break and hear some other important messages for grownups.

[Narrator/Announcer]

To what's in a wow? We'll be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey grownups, it's Mindy and Guy Raz here from wow in the World.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy and I have some brand new wow in the World toys out in the world. Just in time for the holidays.

[Mindy Thomas]

Made for the kids who love science and for the ones who don't yet.

[Guy Raz]

From our 100 experiments, that wow kit to the telescope and astronomy kit. Our wow in the World toys help your Wowzer learn about their world through play.

[Mindy Thomas]

Plus, you can hear exclusive audio content from me and Guy Raz to help your Wowzer discover even more wows.

[Guy Raz]

Grown ups give the gift of wow and wonder this holiday season with our latest wow in the World toys, designed with your curious Wowzer in mind.

[Mindy Thomas]

You can shop our wow in the world [e-mail] toys. That's tinkercast.com toys.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's it. Now back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

Welcome back to two what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

And now we're on to our final round of applause questions. Round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, baby cows drink milk from a straw?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, platypuses sweat milk?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, elephant mothers feed their babies milk from their trunks.

[Mindy Thomas]

Take a second to think this over, and when you think you have the correct answer, drink a glass of milk.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up to reveal the winning answer. It's our friend Charlie. Charlie, please tell us, what's the winning wow?

[Contestants (Karina, Kurt, Charlie)]

My wow in the world is that Platypuses Sweat milk.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, Winner, milk for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Great job, Charlie. Wowzers. If you guessed b that platypuses sweat milk, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Most mammal mamas nurse their babies by giving them milk that their body produces. But platypuses do it a little differently. They just kind of sweat the milk right out of the pores of their skin.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, Mindy. And the platform puggles just.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, did you just say puggles, Guy Raz?

[Guy Raz]

Well, yeah, Mindy. That's what a baby platypus is called. A puggle.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, my goodness. That is so cute. Okay, sorry, sorry. Please continue.

[Guy Raz]

Like I was saying, the baby platypuses, the puggles just drink the milk right off their mama's skin. It looks like sweat, but it really isn't. It's food.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and say I love Puggles ten times.

[Dennis]

Hee hee.

[Guy Raz]

What was that?

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, Guy Raz, that sound can mean only one thing.

[Guy Raz]

You're babysitting baby Dennis again.

[Mindy Thomas]

No, actually, you're babysitting baby Dennis. Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, no.

[Mindy Thomas]

But that's tomorrow. Today. That sound means it's time for today's winning Wowzers prize. For all of our winning Wowzers will receive their very own diapers.

[Guy Raz]

Diapers. You're giving away diapers?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, so they could build their own homes like Grandma G Force.

[Guy Raz]

She does live in a diaper house.

[Mindy Thomas]

Anywho, let's shoot him out of the prize cannon. Reggie. Fire away.

[Guy Raz]

Well, that's about all the time we have for today, but if you want to keep the fun going, then become a member of the World Organization of wowzers and unlock hundreds of activities.

[Mindy Thomas]

And if you're a teacher out there listening, make sure you join tinkerclass. It's our free project based learning program. For more just visit Tinkercast.com membership that's Tinkercast.com membership to bring Tinkerclass into your classroom.

[Guy Raz]

And be sure to come back on Monday for a brand new episode of.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow in the World and again on Friday for a new episode of 2 what's in a wow? And don't forget what we wow on the weekend with Dennis.

[Dennis]

Until then, keep on wowing two wots. Two watts two watts two watts two watts and WOW.

[Mindy Thomas]

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 on Wondery Kids 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. Thanks for playing along with our show. If you're a kid with a big wow to share, call our wow hotline at 1-888-6-7-WOW. Wow. And you just might be featured on an upcoming episode of 2 what's in a wow? Once again, that's 1-888-7-WOW.

[Guy Raz]

And to keep the wow rolling, visit [e-mail] There you can become a member of the World Organization of wowzers. To get year round mailings and weekly activities. You can shop our wow shop, get tickets for upcoming live events, find our best selling books, and learn all about our other amazing podcasts from Tinkercast Grownups.

[Mindy Thomas]

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter owintheworld and our email address is hello in tinkercast.com 2 what's in a wow.

[Guy Raz]

Is executive produced by Meredith Halpern, Ranzer Mindy Thomas and me, Guy Raz.

[Mindy Thomas]

These episodes are written by our Tinkercast Head Writer Kenny Curtis and Anna Zagorski.

[Guy Raz]

Sound production and design is by Mariam Lozano and Henry Moskal with help from Jett Anderson and Tyler Thole and special.

[Mindy Thomas]

Thanks to our Tinkercast team including Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kristin Yang Thuy Mack, Erica Medina, Jodi Nussbaum, Ali Paxima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, and all of the other tinkerers at Tinkercast hq.

[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 at.

[Mindy Thomas]

Thepopups.Com thanks again for listening and for playing along with us. Meet us back here every Friday for more episodes of 2 what's in a wow? Saturday and Sunday for We wow on the Weekend with Dennis and Mondays for Wow in the World. It's all right here on the wow in the World podcast feed.

[Guy Raz]

Until then, keep on wowing.

[Dennis]

The world.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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