Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Cell-o! (4/25/25)

Summary

Wow in the World Podcast Summary
Episode: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Cell-o!
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Produced by: Tinkercast | Wondery

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Introduction: Celebrating Earth Day

The episode kicks off with host Guy Raz and co-host Mindy Thomas celebrating Earth Day, emphasizing the importance of caring for our planet. They introduce a special mini-episode dedicated to "Planet Wow," encouraging listeners to engage in eco-friendly adventures.

• Guy Raz [00:00]: “Our planet Earth is full of so much wow. And we need your help to find and share the wows with our community.”
• Mindy Thomas [00:21]: “Because after all, if we want our planet to take care of us, we have to take care of our planet.”

Listeners are invited to participate in an epic Geocaching Eco Adventure by visiting Tinkercast.com/PlanetWow, where they can find exclusive geocache boxes placed in awe-inspiring locations. Clues to these geocaches are hidden in previous episodes, fostering an interactive and engaging experience for the audience.

Main Segment: Two Whats?! And A Wow! – Exploring Cells

The core of the episode features the educational game show segment "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" focused on the theme of Cells, the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms.

Game Structure

• Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz guide contestants through three rounds.
• Objective: In each round, three statements about cells are presented—two false ("whats") and one true ("wow"). Contestants earn points by identifying the true statement. Incorrect answers lead to fun physical challenges.

Round 1: Understanding the Size of Cells and Atoms

• Question Presented [04:57]:

  • A. If atoms were the size of tennis balls, blood cells would be the size of San Diego.
  • B. There is a rare type of octopus that does not have any cells.
  • C. You can see most cells without a microscope.

• Notable Quote:

  • Mindy Thomas [07:12]: “Even though cells are super teeny tiny, atoms, which are the smallest unit of matter, are even tinier than cells.”

• Winning Statement: A. If atoms were the size of tennis balls, blood cells would be the size of San Diego.

• Contestant Victor [06:45]: “If atoms were the size of tennis balls, then blood cells would be the size of the city of San Diego.”

Insight: This statement highlights the minute size of atoms compared to cells, illustrating the vast difference in scale within biological structures.

Round 2: The Complexity of DNA in Cells

• Question Presented [07:59]:

  • A. Cats have more skin cells than humans do.
  • B. Each cell of your body has six feet of DNA.
  • C. On average, all cells are replaced about every 20 years.

• Notable Quote:

  • Guy Raz [09:08]: “If you were to unwind and stretch out the DNA in one of your cells, the length of your DNA would be about 6ft long. That's like the height of a refrigerator.”

• Winning Statement: B. Each cell of your body has six feet of DNA.

• Contestant Dax [08:42]: “Inside, each cell in your body has about six feet of DNA. There's enough DNA in your body to stretch from the sun and back 61 times.”

Insight: This reveals the incredible amount of genetic information contained within each cell, underscoring the complexity of living organisms.

Round 3: The Immensity and Tiny Scale of Cells

• Question Presented [11:11]:

  • A. Dennis set the record for the world's largest blood cell.
  • B. Most cells can live without oxygen for a whole week.
  • C. You can fit 10,000 cells from your body on the head of a pin.

• Notable Quote:

  • Mindy Thomas [12:16]: “Our cells are so tiny that you'd need 10,000 cells just to fill the head of a pin.”

• Winning Statement: C. You can fit 10,000 cells from your body on the head of a pin.

• Contestant Daisy [11:53]: “About 10,000 cells in your body could fit on the head of a pin.”

Insight: This statement emphasizes the incredibly small size of cells, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye and highlighting the intricate nature of biological life.

Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Cellular Exploration

Hosts Mindy and Guy wrap up the game show segment by congratulating the winning contestants and summarizing the key scientific insights about cells. They reinforce the awe-inspiring complexity and minuteness of cellular structures, encouraging young listeners to continue exploring the wonders of science.

• Guy Raz [13:32]: “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 [13:58]: “And if you're a teacher out there listening, make sure you join tinkerclass. It's our free project based learning program.”

Key Takeaways

• Scale of Atoms vs. Cells: Atoms are significantly smaller than cells, with cells being up to 10,000 times larger.
• DNA Abundance: Each cell contains approximately six feet of DNA, leading to an immense total length of DNA in the human body.
• Cellular Size: The tiny size of cells allows for approximately 10,000 cells to fit on the head of a pin, showcasing their microscopic nature.

Additional Resources

Listeners are encouraged to engage further by visiting Tinkercast.com/PlanetWow to participate in eco-adventures and explore more about cellular science through interactive activities and resources.

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Stay Connected:

• Join the World Organization of Wowzers: Unlock activities and receive exclusive content.
• Educators: Utilize Tinkerclass for free, project-based learning in the classroom.
• Follow Us: Find updates and interact with the community on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @owintheworld.
• Contact: Share your wows by emailing hellotinkercast.com or calling the wow hotline at 1-888-WOW-WOW.

For more exciting episodes and scientific wonders, tune in to "Wow in the World" every Monday and join the fun with "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" every Friday.

Transcript

[Guy Raz]

Hey, Wowzer fams. It's Guy, Raz and Mindy here. And before we start the show, Earth Day is finally here.

[Mindy Thomas]

Happy Earth Day to you. Happy Earth Day to you. Happy. I'm so excited.

[Guy Raz]

Our planet Earth is full of so much wow. And we need your help to find and share the wows with our community.

[Mindy Thomas]

Because after all, if we want our planet to take care of us, we have to take care of our planet.

[Guy Raz]

So this week, we made a special mini episode of wow in the World just for you all about our amazing Planet Earth.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or as we like to call it, Planet Wow. And after you're done listening to the mini episode this Tuesday, Grown Ups Don't Forget to visit Tinkercast.com PlanetWow when you.

[Guy Raz]

Visit Tinkercast.com PlanetWow, you'll find information on how you can join us on our epic Geocaching Eco Adventure and find our exclusive Planet Wow geocache boxes in places that wow near you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, we could tell you where some of these geocaches are hidden, but we'd rather show you. Guy, Raz and I have placed some secret clues in the three episodes from last week's Wewow Earth Week.

[Guy Raz]

Give those episodes a listen to find out where we've placed some of our Planet Wow geocaches and then see if you can go find one of them out in the world.

[Mindy Thomas]

We can't wait to see what wows you find out in the world. Grown ups. Don't forget to share with [e-mail] planetwow that's it. And now let's get back to the show.

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[Guy Raz]

And now for everyone's second favorite game show after Is this the Real Life or is this Just fantasy? It's two what's and the Wild with your hosts Mindy and guy rides.

[Co-host]

2 what's 2 what? 2 what's 2 what? 2what's 2 what? 2 what's and a. Whoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Co-host]

2 what's in a wow.

[Guy Raz]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the what. And the category or theme for today is Cells. Cells are the tiny building blocks that make up every living thing. Some living things, like bacteria, have only one cell, but larger plants and animals can have billions or even trillions of them. Now that we know the theme, Indy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works?

[Mindy Thomas]

You know it wowzers. In each of our three rounds today, Guy, Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about cells. But. And this is a big but only one of those statements 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 redunkulous physical challenge.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, everyone ready to get this show going?

[Mindy Thomas]

Great. Then let's do it.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A? If atoms were the size of tennis balls, blood cells would be the size of San Diego.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, There is a rare type of octopus that does not have any cells.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C? You can see most cells without a microscope.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, start giving your cells cute little cell names like Celica and Cellina let's.

[Guy Raz]

Give you a couple of seconds to think on it. Reggie, cue the thinking music. And time is up. Lets now reveal the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

And to do just that, it's Victor from California. Oh, Victor, tell us what's the winning wow?

[Contestant]

Hi, my name is Victor and my wow in the world is that if atoms were the size of tennis balls, then blood cells would be the size of San Diego.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, Adams for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Victor. Contestants, if you guessed the answer A, that if atoms were the size size of tennis balls, your blood cells would be the size of the city of San Diego. Well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

You heard that right. Even though cells are super teeny tiny, atoms, which are the smallest unit of matter, are even tinier than cells.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, Mindy. In fact, cells can be 10,000 times bigger than atoms. While you can see most cells using a light microscope, you need an even stronger electron microsc.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and find an atom.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, cats have more skin cells than humans do, or is it.

[Mindy Thomas]

B, each cell of your body has six feet of DNA?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C? On average, all cells are replaced about every 20 years.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hmm, lots to think about here. When you think you have the correct answer, whisper it into the nearest cell phone.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

Dax, tell us what's the winning wow.

[Contestant]

Hi, Mindy and Guy Raz. Inside, each cell in your body has about six feet of DNA. There's enough DNA in your body to stretch from the sun and back 61 times.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, neurons for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Dax. Wowzers. If you guess B that each cell of your body has six feet of DNA. Congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Exact oritos DNA is the genetic information that makes you who you are. Your DNA determines everything about you, from your hair color to your height. And all of our cells contain a lot of DNA.

[Guy Raz]

If you were to unwind and stretch out the DNA in one of your cells, the length of your DNA would be about 6ft long. That's like the height of a refrigerator.

[Mindy Thomas]

And because scientists estimate that we have somewhere around 10 trillion cells or more, that means we have at least 10 billion miles worth of DNA in our bodies right now. Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and count to 10 billion without opening your mouth. And now it's time to take a moment to thank our sponsors, today's show is brought to you in part by Life magazine, a living, breathing news source for all organisms on earth. Read about your favorite celebrities like DNA Ross and Nucleus Cage. Plus stay up to date on the latest organelle trends.

[Guy Raz]

All right, thank you, Life Magazine. Now let's take a quick break and hear some other important messages for grownups.

[Contestant]

Two what's 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 two what's and a wow.

[Co-host]

Two what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

And now we're on to our final round of questions. Round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, Dennis set the record for the world's largest blood cell?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, most cells can live without oxygen for a whole week?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C? You can fit 10,000 cells from your body on the head of a pin.

[Mindy Thomas]

Take a second to think this over and when you think you know the answer, try spelling mitochondria.

[Guy Raz]

And time is. And joining us by phone with the answer, it's Daisy from Vermont. Daisy, why don't you tell us the winning wow?

[Contestant]

Hi Mindy and Guy Raz. My wow in the world is that about 10,000 cells in your body could fit on the head of a pin.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner. Cellulose for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, Daisy Wowzers. If you guessed, see that 10,000 cells from your body can fit on the head of a pin. Congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

It's true. Our cells are so tiny that you'd need 10,000 cells just to fill the head of a pin.

[Guy Raz]

But if you guessed that Dennis set the record for the world's largest blood cell. That is not correct. But he did set another cell record.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, Dennis set the record for the largest one way cell phone. He called himself on his own cell phone and talked for two days straight.

[Guy Raz]

He did.

[Mindy Thomas]

He did. We really gotta check on him more often now. If you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and run to the nearest microscope.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, would you look at that. What was that?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

Dennis is calling himself again.

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh, probably. But I think this time that sound means. Means it's time. For today's winning Wowzers prize. All of our contestants today will receive a brand new eukaryotic cell. Eukaryotic and eukaryotic. And everybody.

[Co-host]

Carryotics.

[Mindy Thomas]

Reggie, cue the prize. Cannon 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 we wow on the weekend with Dennis.

[Guy Raz]

Until then, keep on wowing 2 what's 2 what?

[Co-host]

2 what's 2 what? 2What's 2 what? 2 what's and a 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 plus 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- and you just might be featured on an upcoming episode of 2 what's in a wow? Once again that's 1-8887-WOW-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 Grown Ups.

[Mindy Thomas]

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter owintheworld and our email address is hellotinkercast.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 Marion Lozano and Henry Moskal with help from Jed Anderson and Tyler Thole and special.

[Mindy Thomas]

Thanks to our Tinkercast team including Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kristin Yang, Thuy Mak, Erica Medina, Jody Nussbaum, Ally Paxima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa and all of the other Tinkerers at Tinkercast HQ Our.

[Guy Raz]

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.

[Co-host]

Wow in the wow. Wow in the World. Wow in the World. Wow in the World. Wow in the World.

[Contestant]

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