Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Dino-Mite! (3/14/25)

Summary

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

Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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."

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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 [e-mail]."

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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.

Transcript

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, I've got a question for you. Are you ready to make it wow? Okay, here's the deal. My buddy Carlie Q and I are hitting the road to make it wow with you in the DC area. That's right, we'll be making it wow in Bethesda, Maryland on Saturday, March 29th. Make it wow is a live Bonkerballs competition game show where real little kids are the star of the show. Two teams of wowzers will turn their wildest and weirdest ideas into jaw dropping inventions live on stage. Tickets are on sale now. Grown ups visit Tinkercast.com events to get your ticket today. That's Tinkercast.com events. We can't wait to make it wow with you this spring. But until then, let's get on with the show.

[Guy Raz]

Hey Grown ups. It's another year and we could all use a little extra motivation, right? Explore over 1 million audiobooks and exclusive originals to inspire and motivate you. With Audible, you'll find titles on fitness and nutrition, relaxation, career strategies, financial tips, and pretty much any other areas you're looking to improve in. At Tinkercast, we're digging into some inspiring business and entrepreneurship insights from our very own Guy Raz with his How I Built this Audiobook. Like you, we're big fans of screen free audio content and what better way to cultivate positive habits and reach your personal goals than to hear from experts firsthand? See for yourself. There's something for everyone in Audible's growing list of titles. So what are you waiting for? Start listening today. Sign up for a free 30 day trial at audible.com wow that's audible.com wow.

And now for everyone's second favorite game show after Is this a Weird Looking rock or is it a fossil? It's two what's and the wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

With.

[Guy Raz]

Your hosts Mindy and Guy R2x2 what?

[Reggie]

Two W2 what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Reggie]

Two what's in a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

You know it. Guy Raz. Wowzers. 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 what now, in each round, if you guess correctly, congratulations, you win a point.

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

All right, everyone ready to get this show going?

Great, then let's get to it.

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?

When you think you have the correct answer, find the nearest fossil. Hey, Reg, cue the thinking music.

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

And to do just that, it's Ella from North Carolina. Oh, Ella, tell us, what's the winning wow?

[Contestant]

Hi, my name Guy Raz. My wow in the world is that T. Rex's teeth are the size of bananas.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, banana teeth for dinner.

Thank you, Ella. Contestants, if you guessed the answer B that T. Rex teeth were as big as bananas, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

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.

The T. Rex needed big, sharp teeth because these dinos were notorious meat eaters.

Kind of like how Grandma G. Force has her regular dentures and her meat eating dentures. Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and clap with your tiny T. Rex arms.

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.

Lots to think about here. Well, when you think you have the correct answer, roar as quietly as possible.

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

[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]

Winner, winner, dino nuggies for dinner.

Thank you, Thomas. Wowzers. If you guessed A that scientists think that dinosaurs did not roar, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

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.

That's right, Mindy. Scientists think dinosaurs may have sounded similar to how A dove coos.

Or maybe even a pigeon. Reggie, show us your best dino impression. It's uncanny. Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and try saying velociraptor pterodactyl 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 the Mesozoic Eras Tour. Travel back in time and listen to some Jurassic classics like look what you made me chew. Or the story of Stegosauru US. Good luck getting tickets because this tour sold out 66 million years ago.

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

[Tinkercast Team]

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.

[Mindy Thomas]

Welcome back to 2 what's in a wow?

[Reggie]

2 what's in a wow?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

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.

Take a second to think this over, and when you think you have the correct answer, try spelling Triceratops.

And time is up. And joining us by phone with the answer, it's Zoe from North Carolina. Zoe, please tell us the winning wow.

[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]

Winner, winner, dino water for dinner.

That's right, Zoe. Wowzers. If you guessed C that the water we drink today is the same water dinosaurs drink, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

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.

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and gurgle some dino water.

Who is that?

Oh, Guy Raz. That's. That sound can mean only one thing.

My T. Rex model is broken.

Uh, probably. I mean, Reggie did fly into it before the show, but Wait, what? But I think this time that sound means it's time for today's winning wowzers prize. All of our winning wowzers today will receive their very own personal thesaurus, the only saurus still roaming our earth today.

Oh, I love thesauruses, Mindy. I love finding new synonyms for my favorite words. I wonder if I could find another word for word.

Yeah, I thought you'd be a fan of this one guy, Raz. Hey Reg, Cue the prize cannon.

[Reggie]

Fire away.

[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.

And if you're a teacher out there listening, make sure you join tinkerc Class. 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.

And be sure to 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 in a wow? And don't forget we wow on the weekend with Dennis.

Until then, keep on wowing 2.

[Reggie]

What's 2 what?

[Mindy Thomas]

2?

[Reggie]

What's 2? 2 what? 2 what? 2 what? And wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

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

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 1-888-7-WWOW. And you just might be featured on an upcoming episode of two what's in a wow? Once again, that's 1-888-7-WOW wow.

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.

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter owintheworld and our email address is is [e-mail] 2 what's in a.

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

These episodes are written by our Tinkercast head writer Kenny Curtis and Anna Zagorski.

Sound production and design is by Marian Lozano and Henry Moskal with help from Jed Anderson and Tyler Thole.

And special thanks to our Tinkercast team including Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kristin Yang, Twee Mac, Erica Medina, Jody Nussbaum, Ali Paxima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa and all of the other Tinkerers At Tinkercast.

Hq 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.

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. And 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.

Until then, keep on wowing.

[Reggie]

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

[Tinkercast Team]

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