Wow in the World Podcast: "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Dino-Mite!" (March 14, 2025)

Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz

Introduction to "Two Whats?! And A Wow!"

In the March 14, 2025 episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz dive into the prehistoric world of dinosaurs with their engaging game segment, "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Dino-Mite!" Designed to educate and entertain both kids and their grown-up listeners, the segment challenges contestants to distinguish between true scientific facts ("Wows") and fabricated statements ("Whats") about dinosaurs.

Mindy Thomas opens the segment with enthusiasm:
"[02:42] Mindy Thomas: The scientific game show that separates the Wows from the what's."

How the Game Works

Before kicking off the rounds, Mindy Thomas outlines the rules:
"[02:54] Mindy Thomas: In each of our three rounds today, Guy Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about dinosaurs. 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 whats."

Contestants earn points by correctly identifying the "Wow" and face playful physical challenges if they guess incorrectly.

Round One: Dinosaur Dentition

Mindy Thomas introduces the first set of statements:
"[03:34] Mindy Thomas: All right, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, scientists believe stegosauruses had mustaches and beards. Or is it B, T. Rex teeth were as big as bananas? Or is it C, the brontosaurus had a shorter neck than giraffes do?"

Contestant Ella from North Carolina confidently selects the correct answer:
"[04:34] Contestant: Hi, my name Ella. My wow in the world is that T. Rex's teeth are the size of bananas."

Mindy Thomas celebrates the correct answer:
"[04:54] Mindy Thomas: You heard that right? T. Rex teeth could grow to the size of bananas. And just like sharks, if they ever lost a tooth, they could regrow another one."

Notable Quote:
"[05:04] Mindy Thomas: The T. Rex needed big, sharp teeth because these dinos were notorious meat eaters."

Timestamp Highlight: 03:34 – 05:24

Round Two: Dinosaur Vocalizations

The second round focuses on how dinosaurs communicated:
"[05:24] Mindy Thomas: Okay, round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, scientists think that dinosaurs did not roar, or is it B, the world's oldest fossil was found in Guy Raz's microgarden. Or is it C? Dinosaurs were basically blind in the dark."

Contestant Thomas, dialing in by phone, selects the correct "Wow":
"[06:16] Contestant: Hi, Mindy and Guy Raz. My wow is that scientists say that dinosaurs may have not roared. That they probably did cooing or mumbling sounds instead."

Mindy Thomas explains the selection:
"[06:42] Mindy Thomas: That's right. Many dinosaur descendants, like birds, used closed mouth vocalization, meaning that they produced sound without even opening their mouths. And because of this, scientists believe that dinosaurs likely did not roar, but they might have cooed."

Notable Quote:
"[06:59] Mindy Thomas: Scientists think dinosaurs may have sounded similar to how a dove coos. Or maybe even a pigeon."

Timestamp Highlight: 05:34 – 07:05

Round Three: The Water Cycle and Dinosaurs

The final round delves into the timeless nature of Earth's water:
"[08:24] Mindy Thomas: And now we're onto our final round of questions. Round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, the smallest known dinosaur is still taller than the average human being? Or is it B, Thomas Fingerling used to be a paleontologist? Or is it C, the water we drink today was the same water that dinosaurs drank."

Contestant Zoe from North Carolina correctly identifies the "Wow":
"[09:22] Contestant: My wow in the world is that you drink the same water that dinosaurs did. Because in the water cycle, the water never really disappears."

Mindy Thomas elaborates on the science behind the answer:
"[09:45] Mindy Thomas: It's true. Water on Earth never disappears because it's constantly going through something called the water cycle. Throughout this process, water transforms into different phases of matter, gas, liquid and solid. But no matter what phase it's in, it's the same water we've always had on Earth. Meaning we get to share the same water that the dinosaurs had."

Notable Quote:
"[10:00] Mindy Thomas: But no matter what phase it's in, it's the same water we've always had on Earth. Meaning we get to share the same water that the dinosaurs had."

Timestamp Highlight: 08:24 – 10:25

Prizes and Conclusion

As the game concludes, winning contestants receive fun prizes:
"[10:30] Mindy Thomas: All of our winning wowzers today will receive their very own personal thesaurus, the only saurus still roaming our earth today."

Reggie adds a playful touch:
"[11:14] Mindy Thomas: 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 wraps up the segment:
"[14:27] Mindy Thomas: Until then, keep on wowing."

Key Takeaways and Educational Insights

• Dinosaurs' Teeth: The T. Rex had teeth as large as bananas, essential for their carnivorous diet, and could regrow lost teeth similar to sharks.

• Dinosaur Vocalizations: Contrary to popular belief, dinosaurs likely did not roar. Instead, they may have produced sounds similar to cooing or mumbling, akin to modern birds like doves or pigeons.

• Water Cycle Continuity: The water we drink today is the same water that dinosaurs consumed, emphasizing the continuous and cyclical nature of Earth's water system.

Educational Impact:
Through interactive gameplay, the episode effectively conveys fascinating dinosaur facts, fostering curiosity and a love for science among young listeners and their families.

Engagement and Interaction

Listeners are encouraged to participate and share their own "Wows" by reaching out through the Wow Hotline or joining the World Organization of wowzers for ongoing activities and content.

Mindy Thomas invites further interaction:
"[12:55] Mindy Thomas: And to keep the wow rolling, visit us@tinkercast.com."

Final Thoughts

The "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Dino-Mite!" episode of Wow in the World successfully combines education with entertainment, providing an engaging platform for kids to learn about dinosaurs in a fun and interactive manner. With clear explanations, memorable quotes, and lively host interactions, the episode leaves listeners both informed and inspired to continue exploring the wonders of the natural world.