Two Whats?! And A Wow! - E-I-E-I-Wow!

Summary

Wow in the World: "Two Whats?! And A Wow! – E-I-E-I-Wow!"

Podcast: Wow in the World
Episode: Two Whats?! And A Wow! – E-I-E-I-Wow!
Date: May 1, 2026
Hosts: Mindy Thomas, Guy Raz, with Reggie

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Two Whats?! And A Wow!"—the science game show spinoff from Wow in the World—dives into the world of farm animals. Mindy, Guy Raz, and Reggie guide kid contestants (and listeners at home) through three hilarious and fact-filled rounds of true-or-false animal science trivia, with special guest helpers sharing the big reveals. Laughter, quirky challenges, and wow-worthy discoveries make science fun for the whole family!

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to the Game

• Theme: Farm Animals
• Game Structure:
  • Each round, Mindy and Guy Raz present three scientific statements—only one is a "wow" true fact, the others are made up ("whats").
  • Listeners are encouraged to shout out themed responses and play along.
  • Incorrect guesses earn a playful (and imaginary) physical challenge.
• Guest Contestants: Kids from around the world call in to reveal the correct "wow" answer in each round.

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Round 1: Chickens, Pigs, and Alpacas

[04:57 – 06:49]

• Options:

  • A) Chickens have more bones in their necks than giraffes.
  • B) Pigs cannot swim.
  • C) Alpacas are expert tractor drivers.

• Answer Reveal (by Kaya from Quebec, Canada):

  • Correct Wow: Chickens have more neck bones than giraffes.
  • Explanation:
    • Giraffes: 7 large neck bones
    • Chickens: 14 small neck bones.
    • Their extra neck bones help with food pecking and act as shock absorbers.
    • Chicken bones are lightweight and some are hollow (pneumatic), connecting to their respiratory system.

    "Chicken bones are incredibly light and some of them are hollow, which are called pneumatic bones." — Reggie [06:33]

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Round 2: Sheep, Horses, and Donkeys

[06:58 – 08:41]

• Options:

  • A) A group of sheep is called a shoop.
  • B) Horses communicate with their ears.
  • C) Donkeys have only existed for about 3,000 years.

• Answer Reveal (by Jack and Josh from Georgia):

  • Correct Wow: Horses communicate with their ears.
  • Explanation:
    • Horses’ ear positions indicate mood: upright (alert), drooping (relaxed), flicking (worried).
    • Their ears rotate 180°, can move independently, letting horses listen in multiple directions.

    "You can often tell a horse's mood by its ears. Horses' ears stand upright when they're alert, droop when they're sleepy or relaxed, and flick back and forth when they're feeling worried." — Mindy Thomas [08:14] "Their ears can also move independently, meaning they can point them in different directions." — Reggie [08:25]

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Round 3: Bees, Beefalo, and Goats

[08:51 – 10:58]

• Options:

  • A) Farm-raised bees have a higher pitched buzz than wild bees.
  • B) A hybrid between a cow and a buffalo is called a beefalo.
  • C) Goats' rectangular pupils make everything look rectangular to them.

• Answer Reveal (by Abigail from California):

  • Correct Wow: A hybrid between a cow and a buffalo is called a beefalo.
  • Explanation:
    • Hybrid animals result from breeding two different species: e.g., beefalo, liger (lion & tiger), zorse (zebra & horse).
    • Beefalo facts: about 3/8 bison and 5/8 cow, leaner meat, more protein, hardy in temperature extremes, calm temperament.

    "Beefalo are about 3/8 bison and 5/8 cow, and their meat is believed to have more protein and less fat than conventional beef." — Reggie [10:38]

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Bonker Balls Bonus Question — NASA Astronaut Selection

[13:40 – 15:36]

• Question: What’s another factor NASA considers when choosing astronaut candidates (besides height, weight, and eyesight)?

  • A) Taste in music
  • B) Advanced degree (in science, engineering, math)
  • C) How much one sweats

• Correct Wow: B) Astronaut candidates must have at least a master's degree in a scientific field.

  "In order to become an astronaut, you first need to have an advanced degree in either engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics." — Reggie [15:17]

• Prize: Lifetime supply of corn!

  "Oh, well, I can't imagine a more beautiful thing." — Reggie [15:44]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On chickens' necks:

  "Winner, winner, neck bones for dinner." — Mindy Thomas [06:03]

• On horse behavior:

  "You can often tell a horse's mood by its ears." — Mindy Thomas [08:14]

• On hybrid animals:

  "A beefalo is a hybrid animal. Hybrid animals are born when two animals of different species reproduce." — Mindy Thomas [10:18]

• Comedic Imaginary Ad:

  • Mindy improvises a mock commercial about ant farms, depicting ants as tiny farmers on tractors:

    "Ant farms—the backbone, I mean, exoskeleton of this great nation." — Mindy Thomas [11:52]

• Celebratory Prize Cannon:

  "Fire the prize cannon. Yay. Get that corn. It has the juice. Make cornbread, corn chowder or eat it right off the cob." — Mindy Thomas [15:50]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:26] Start of game show segment
• [04:57] Round 1: Chickens, pigs, alpacas
• [06:49] Explanation of chicken neck bones
• [06:58] Round 2: Sheep, horses, donkeys
• [08:41] Explanation of horse ear language
• [08:51] Round 3: Bees, beefalo, goats
• [10:58] Beefalo hybrid explanation
• [13:40] Bonker Balls Bonus Question (NASA astronauts)
• [15:36] Prize announcement
• [16:47] Episode wrap-up and closing

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Tone & Style

The episode stays true to the classic Wow in the World style: playful, engaging, scientifically rigorous yet silly, packed with puns and “wow” energy. The hosts emphasize curiosity, humor, and child participation.

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Summary

This episode of "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" is a scientifically playful romp through the barnyard, teaching surprising animal facts and highlighting the importance of critical thinking through game show fun. With every round, Mindy, Guy Raz, and Reggie challenge both listeners and mini-contestants to separate fact from fiction, all while sharing memorable science tidbits that spark laughter and learning. Whether you’re learning about chicken bones, the secret language of horse ears, or what makes a beefalo, you’ll finish the episode ready to shout “WOW!” at the wonders of the farm animal world.

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Transcript

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, Wowzer, fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, guess what? The brand new season of two what's in a People who Wow Edition begins this Friday. Cue the confetti, Reg. In this Getting to Know youw game show, I'll be visited by some of the world's most fascinating people to get the wows and the what's of their lives. From cartoonist and graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier of the Smile series, to everyday extraordinary kids just like you. And that's not all. With this new season of two what's in a wow? There are now two ways to wow. What am I talking about? Well, first, you can listen to episodes right here in our wow. In the World podcast feed. Or. And this is a big or. Yeah, you're right, Reg. That doesn't have the same ring to it. Okay, now where was I? Oh, yeah. As always, you can listen to new episodes in your favorite podcast player, or you can watch these episodes with your eyeballs on YouTube. I know. I should comb my hair or something. We are so excited for you to listen and watch our new season of two once in a while, People who Wow Edition starting this Friday. So make sure you're subscribed to our podcast feed and our WowTube channel on YouTube so you don't miss out. That's two what's in a People who Wow Edition coming this Friday. But in the meantime, let's get back to the show. Hey, Grown Ups Mindy here. And do I have a wow for you. What if I told you that the best kids math program is actually inspired by comic books and it's about monsters? It's called Beast Academy. And the little monsters, like Grog, do the kind of math that gives kids curious enough to stop and think and figure things out for themselves. For example, Krog asked his Beast Academy math club, if our school has more than 366 kids in it, is it guaranteed that two of them will have exactly the same birthday? He proved that the answer is yes. Through problem solving. Wow. That's Beast Academy. Where kids build problem solving skills through interesting problems and puzzles. It's from the folks at Art of Problem Solving, the same people who train math champions. Grown ups. Head to beastacademy.com and use code BEASTWOW for 10% off the online program. Oh, and tell Grog Mindy says hi.

[Yoshi (Nintendo Ad Voice)]

Who's that walking through the woods? Wyatt's Yoshi, here to explore a world of curious creatures with you. Discovered a creature you haven't seen before. Why don't you get Yoshi to see what it tastes like? Hmm, soapy. No wonder this creature blows giant bubbles so big they can carry you. You can even jump from one bubble to another and reach new areas. There are plenty more surprises to discover too. Bowser Jr. What are you doing out here? You can jump into adventure with Yoshi and The Mysterious Book. May 21st only on Nintendo Switch 2. Game rated E for everyone.

[Reggie]

And now for everyone's second favorite game show after. Where Are My Keys? No, I mean seriously, where are they? Where are they? It's two what's and the wow.

[Guy Raz]

With your hosts, Mindy and Guy Raz. 2 what's 2 what? 2 what's 2 what? 2What's 2 what? 2 what's.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hello and welcome back to 2 what's in a Wow.

[Guy Raz]

2 what's in a wow.

[Reggie]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the what. And the category or theme for today is. Farm Animals. Mindy, 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 farm animals. 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.

[Reggie]

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.

[Reggie]

Okay, everyone, ready to start the game?

[Mindy Thomas]

Great. Then let's get to it.

[Reggie]

Round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, chickens have more bones in their necks than giraffes?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, pigs cannot swim?

[Reggie]

Or is it C, Alpacas are expert tractor drivers.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, yell Old MacDonald had an organic agricultural co op. Reggie, how about some thinking music.

[Reggie]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

And to do just that, it's Kaya from Quebec, Canada. Kaya, tell us what's the winning wow? I'm Indian Guy Raz. Chickens have more bones in their necks than giraffes.

[Guy Raz]

Winner. Winner.

[Mindy Thomas]

Neck bones for dinner.

[Reggie]

Thank you, Kaya. Contestants, if you guessed the answer A, that chickens have more bones in their necks than giraffes. Well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

A giraffe has seven large bones in its neck, while a chicken typically has 14 small bones. Having that many neck bones allows chickens to peck food off the ground. They also act as a shock absorber to keep the chicken's head safe when it jumps.

[Reggie]

Chicken bones are incredibly light and some of them are hollow, which are called pneumatic bones. Pneumatic bones are actually a part of the chicken's respiratory system, meaning they're part of the system that helps chickens breathe.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and go

[Reggie]

round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, A group of sheep is called a shoop?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, horses communicate with

[Reggie]

their ears or is it C? Donkeys have only existed for about 3,000 years.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, yell don't have a cow man thinking music, please.

[Reggie]

And time is up. And joining us by phone, it's Jackie and Josh from Georgia. Jack and Josh, please reveal the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hi Mindy and Guy Ra. Our wow in the world is that horses communicate with their ears. Winner, winner, ear signals for dinner.

[Reggie]

That's right, Jack and Josh. Wowzers. If you guessed B that horses communicate with their ears, well, congratulations, you found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

You can often tell a horse's mouth mood by its ears. Horses ears stand upright when they're alert, droop when they're sleepy or relaxed, and flick back and forth when they're feeling worried.

[Reggie]

Horses can also rotate their ears 180 degrees, which comes in handy for angling their ears towards sounds around them. Their ears can also move independently, meaning they can point them in different directions.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and gallop into the sunset.

[Reggie]

Okay, time for round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it a farm raised bees have a higher pitched buzz than bees that live in the wild.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B? A hybrid between a cow and a buffalo is called a beefalo.

[Reggie]

Or is it C? Goat's rectangular pupils make everything look like a rectangle to them.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, yell I feel farm Tastic. Hey Reggie, can we get some thinking music please?

[Reggie]

And time is up. And joining us by phone, it's Abigail from California. Abigail, please reveal the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

I'm Indian Guy Raz. My wow in the world is that a cow buffalo hybrid is called a beefalo. Winner, winner, beef a roni for dinner.

[Reggie]

Abigail. That is correct. Wowzers. If you guessed beef that a hybrid between a cow and a buffalo is called a beefalo. Congratulations, you found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

A beefalo is a hybrid animal. Hybrid animals are born when two animals of different species reproduce. Like how a lion and a tiger can make a liger or a Zebra and a horse can make a zorse. Animals sometimes hybridize in the wild and sometimes humans breed them in captivity.

[Reggie]

Beefalo are about 3, 8 bison and 5, 8 cow, and their meat is believed to have more protein and less fat than conventional beef. They have calm temperaments like cows, but live longer and can endure hotter and colder temperatures like bison.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and graze in an invisible field. And now it's time to take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you in part by Ant Farms. Every day, millions of ant farmers get on their tiny tractors and tend to their itty bitty crops. They tirelessly work inches of land growing baby corn and microgreens. Watch as they hop on their horse flies and, uh.

[Reggie]

Mindy.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Reggie]

That's not really what ant farms are. They're more like glass enclosures where you can keep ants as pets.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, yeah? Then explain this.

[Reggie]

Is that ant operating a tiny wheat thresher?

[Mindy Thomas]

It sure is. Ant farms, the backbone, I mean, exoskeleton of this great nation.

[Reggie]

Okay, well, why don't we take a quick break and hear some other important messages for grownups.

[Mindy Thomas]

To once in a while. We'll be right back. Grown ups.

[Jett Anderson]

This message is for you yellow grownups. Jett Anderson here from Tinkercast. I got a question for you. How does your household manage to keep track of everything? I mean, really, I want to know because after a day of producing another episode of wow in the world and keeping track of all the crazy characters, the voices, I then have to keep track of all the crazy characters at home. That is why I can't wait to get a Skylight calendar. It's an all in one digital smart calendar that syncs with Google Calendar, Outlook and more. And it gives you and your kids the perfect customized view of everyone's events, chores, and to dos so that nothing slips through the cracks. Families are better when they're working together. Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners 30 doll off their 15 inch calendars by going to myskylight.com wowintheworld go to myskylight.com wowIntheworld for $30 off your 15 inch calendar. That's my S K Y L I G-H T.com wowintheworld

[Mindy Thomas]

that's it. Now back to the show.

[Reggie]

Welcome back to 2 what's and a wow.

[Guy Raz]

2 what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

The scientific that separates the wows from the whats.

[Reggie]

What was that?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Reggie]

The sun is rising.

[Mindy Thomas]

No. It's time for today's Bonker balls bonus question. If you listen to our wow in the world episode titled so you wanna be an astronaut? You'll know the answer to this one. And if you haven't, go back and give it a listen. And the Bonkerball's bonus question is calling all astronauts. NASA is recruiting the next generation of astronauts to fly to the International Space Station, the moon, and eventually Mars.

[Reggie]

But it's not as simple as you might think. NASA has very strict guidelines for who they consider for their astronaut program, including ideal height, weight, and eyesight. What's one other factor that NASA uses to try and find the best and brightest recruits around?

[Mindy Thomas]

Is it A, their taste in music? No one wants to listen to a bad playlist on their way to the stars.

[Reggie]

Or is it B, their brains? Each candidate needs at least a master's degree in a scientific field in order to be considered for the space program.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it C, their perspiration or sweat? It can get pretty hot in a spacesuit, and candidates who don't sweat much are considered more favorably than those with sweaty armpits.

[Reggie]

And with the answer to today's Bonkerballs bonus question, it's Reggie.

[Mindy Thomas]

Reggie, tell us, what's the winning wow?

[Reggie]

If you answered B, you are correct. In order to become an astronaut, you you first need to have an advanced degree in either engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics. Congratulations to all of our winning wowzers. Mindy, what's today's prize?

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz. Today's winning wowzers will all receive a lifetime supply of corn.

[Reggie]

Oh, well, I can't imagine a more beautiful thing.

[Guy Raz]

I know.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, Reggie, fire the prize cannon. Yay. Get that corn. It has the juice. Make cornbread, corn chowder or eat it right off the cob corn.

[Reggie]

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 for any teachers in our list audience, consider joining Tinkerclass, our free brand new learning platform that helps get kids wild about Science. Just visit Tinkercast.com membership. That's Tinkercast.com membership. And be sure to come back on Monday for a brand new episode of wow in the world. This weekend for some wee wow in the weekend with Dennis.

[Reggie]

And again on Friday for a new episode of 2 what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Until then, keep on wowing.

[Reggie]

Before we get into the credits for today's episode. We want to give some special shout outs and say a huge thank you to some of the wowzers whose families are powering the WOW this year.

[Mindy Thomas]

We broke the names up into two batches and here is our first batch of names. We are so grateful for your support.

[Reggie]

Owen and Aubrey from California Saman and Ryan from California Oralene and Esther from New York Ella from Singapore Lacey elementary

[Mindy Thomas]

from North Carolina Teddy, Silas and Emmett from Arizona Jason from Texas Eli and Nolan from Texas Luke and Noel from

[Reggie]

North Carolina Elan from California Emmett and Adler from Kansas John, Katie, Ethan and Amelia from Pennsylvania Nesla and Yakub from Kuwait Evelyn, Ramona and Tabitha from Nevada

[Mindy Thomas]

John R from Wisconsin Emory and Ila from California Caroline from Massachusetts Ian and Declan from Washington Elena and Lucia from

[Reggie]

Maryland Parker from Texas Albert and Lulu from Brighton, England Hayden, Hazel and Allie from Pennsylvania Magnus from the District of Columbia William and Allie from Virginia Brendan,

[Mindy Thomas]

Jessica, David and Michael from Ohio Bailey, Macy and Hank from South Carolina James from Washington Peter, Teddy and Leo from Minnesota Paul from Rhode Island Nuri from

[Reggie]

Washington Violet and Will from California Audrey and Ethan from Virginia Alex H from Tennessee, James and Madison from Utah and

[Mindy Thomas]

Happy Birthday to Otis from Minnesota.

[Reggie]

From the bottom of our hearts and

[Mindy Thomas]

the tops of our brains, thank you.

[Reggie]

Two what's and a wow is executive produced by Meredith Halpern, Ranzer, Mindy Thomas and me, Guy Raz.

[Mindy Thomas]

Our writers are Ruth Morrison and Anna Zagorski with collaboration from our head writer Kenny Curtis.

[Reggie]

Sound production and design is by Marion Lozano with help from Jett Anderson and Tyler Thol.

[Mindy Thomas]

Special thanks to Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Lizzie Froehlich, Kristin Yang, Thuy Mac, Erica Medina, Henry Moskil, Jody Nussbaum, Ali Paxima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Joanna Weber, Anna Zagorski and all of the other tinkerers at Tinkercast hq.

[Reggie]

Our theme song was written and composed by the Pop Ups. For more on their three time Grammy nominated all ages music, find [e-mail] and

[Mindy Thomas]

to keep the wow rolling. After you finish this episode you can Visit [e-mail] There you can become a member of the World Organization of Wowzers. To get year round mailings and weekly activities. Shop our wow Shop, get tickets for upcoming events, find our best selling books and learn all about the other amazing podcasts from Tinkercast Grown Ups.

[Reggie]

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at wowintheworld and our email address is [e-mail] finally, if you're a

[Mindy Thomas]

kid with a big wow to share. It could be used on an upcoming episode of 2 what's in a wow? Call us at 1-888-7-WOW. Wow.

[Reggie]

Thanks again for listening and playing along. Meet us back here next Friday or every Monday for Wow in the World.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

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