Wow in the World: Two Whats?! And A Wow! – "Berry Nice"

Podcast by Tinkercast | Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz | Date: Feb 20, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively and science-packed edition of "Two Whats?! And A Wow!", Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz invite listeners to put their berry knowledge to the test. Each round features three quirky scientific statements about berries—but only one is the true WOW, and the others are wacky WHATs! With humor, unexpected facts, engaging call-ins from young listeners, and some whimsical physical challenges, this episode delivers accessible science learning with laughs for the whole family.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

How the Game Works

• Format: Three rounds of questions, each with three statements—only one is a "wow" (truth), two are "whats" (fibs).
• Participation: Listeners are encouraged to shout, sing, or move when answering—laughter and physical silliness are a must.
• Physical Challenges: Wrong guesses lead to playful penalties, like organizing a grownup's closet or counting backward while walking backward.
• Listener Call-Ins: Young "wowzers" share the correct answers throughout.

Round 1: What’s the Real Berry Wow?

Statements:

• A) Avocados are actually berries.
• B) Eating a blackberry daily turns you into an old cell phone.
• C) Strawberries have only existed since the 1600s.

Winning Wow: "Avocados are actually berries." (05:18)

• Revealed by Mai from Maryland
• Explanation:
  • The central “brown thing” in an avocado is a seed; the surrounding fruit is fleshy, classifying avocados as berries (!).
• Humor Highlight:
  • Guy Raz: "It's like when I open a bag of kale chips and it's 60% air. It kind of feels like a rip off." (06:02)
  • Mindy: “Don't you mean a ripe off, Guy Raz?” (06:12)

Physical Challenge for Incorrect Guessers:

• Stop, drop, and organize your grown-up’s closet. (06:13)

Round 2: Seed-Side Story

Statements:

• A) Blueberries are fresher in January than August.
• B) Strawberries are the only fruit to have seeds on the outside.
• C) Scientists can grow raspberries on Mars.

Winning Wow: "Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside." (07:16)

• Explained by Theodore from Washington
• Insight:
  • While most fruits hide their seeds inside, strawberries wear theirs proudly outside—about 200 per berry.
• Memorable Quote:
  • Mindy: "Aw, it's like they wear their seeds on their sleeves." (07:49)
  • Guy Raz: "Because as we all know, it's what's on the inside that counts." (07:53)

Physical Challenge for Incorrect Guessers:

• Count backwards from 50 while walking backwards. (08:07)

Round 3: Wild Berry Feats

Statements:

• A) Some fish jump out of water to eat berries.
• B) A scientist in Germany only ate berries for a year and her ears turned blue.
• C) Blueberries belong to the lavender genus.

Winning Wow: "Some fish jump out of water to eat berries." (09:28)

• Reported by Callum from Pennsylvania
• Fun Fact:
  • The “Puru Patonga” fish in Brazil leap from the water to grab berries from low-hanging branches.
• Zinger:
  • Guy Raz: “So they literally go for low hanging fruit.” (10:06)

Physical Challenge for Incorrect Guessers:

• High-five yourself for your effort—with your feet! (10:09)

Bonkerballs Bonus Round

Referencing Previous Episode ("Cellular Tattoos for Science")

Question:

• What made Mindy's science tattoos different from average body art?
  • A) These tattoos couldn't be seen by the human eye.
  • B) They used silver instead of ink.
  • C) They glow in the dark.

Correct Answer:

• A) Tattoos were invisible to the human eye; printed in gold on human cells and viewable only with a microscope. (13:52, 14:00)
• Application:
  • The tattoos last around 16 hours and could one day help transmit health data to doctors.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Guy Raz: "The category for today is Berries!" (03:33)
• Mindy Thomas: "When you think you have the correct answer, shout how many times you've been to the bathroom today." (04:52)
• Guy Raz: "It's like when I open a bag of kale chips and it's 60% air. It kind of feels like a rip off." (06:02)
• Mindy Thomas: "Don't you mean a ripe off Guy Raz?" (06:12)
• Mindy Thomas: "Aw, it's like they wear their seeds on their sleeves." (07:49)
• Guy Raz: "So they literally go for low hanging fruit." (10:06)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:33] Game intro and rules
• [04:24] Round 1 - Avocado berry question
• [05:18] Round 1 answer revealed by Mai from Maryland
• [06:13] First physical challenge
• [06:26] Round 2 - Strawberry seed question
• [07:16] Round 2 answer revealed by Theodore from Washington
• [08:07] Second physical challenge
• [08:33] Round 3 - Fish and berries question
• [09:28] Round 3 answer revealed by Callum from Pennsylvania
• [10:09] Third physical challenge
• [13:05] Bonkerballs bonus round question
• [13:52] Bonus round answer by Reggie
• [14:27] Silly prize reveal (“cow juice”)
• [15:02] Wrap-up and invites to further WOW activities

Episode Tone and Style

Lighthearted, silly, pun-filled, and energetically educational! Mindy and Guy banter with good-natured jokes, encouraging kids to play along, be physically active, and stay curious about the science in their world. The presence of listener call-ins and playful challenges creates a sense of community and interactive fun.

Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode of "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" is a rollicking, family-friendly science game show focused on berries. With zany false facts, some truly surprising real ones (like avocados being berries!), and creative listener participation, the show demystifies plant science in a deliciously fun way. Sprinkled with humor, clever wordplay, and memorable kids’ voices, it’s a perfect audio snack for curious young minds and their grownups alike.