Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Fruit Truths! (8/8/25)

Summary

Wow in the World: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Fruit Truths! (August 8, 2025) Summary

Wow in the World, the premier science podcast for kids and their grown-ups, hosted by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, delivered an engaging episode titled "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Fruit Truths!" Released on August 8, 2025, this episode centered around a fun and educational game show segment that delved into fascinating scientific facts about fruits.

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Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicked off with Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz extending warm wishes to their young listeners, the "Wowzers," celebrating the start of a new school year. While the beginning briefly touched upon some back-to-school promotions and products, the main highlight of the episode was the interactive game segment designed to entertain and educate.

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Main Segment: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Fruit Truths!

Two Whats?! And A Wow! is a scientific game show segment where Mindy and Guy present listeners with three statements per round related to a specific theme—in this case, fruits. Among these statements, only one is a true "wow" (a verified scientific fact), while the other two are fabricated "whats" (false statements). Contestants earn points by correctly identifying the wow, with fun consequences for incorrect guesses.

How the Game Works

Mindy Thomas explained the rules succinctly:

"Wowzers. In each of our three rounds today, Guy Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about fruity food. But... only one of those statements is a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up what now?"
— [04:14]

Participants must decide which statement is factual. Correct answers earn points, while incorrect ones lead to playful physical challenges, adding a layer of fun and excitement to the learning process.

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Round 1: Apples in the Rose Family

Statements Presented: A. Apples are part of the rose family.
B. Apple trees do not have leaves.
C. Apples are actually vegetables.

Correct Wow: Statement A – "Apples are part of the rose family."

Contestant Highlight: Simon from New York correctly identified statement A as the wow:

"It's Simon from New York. Simon, tell us what's the winning wow? Hi, Mindy. And I'm Oz. My name is Solomon. And my wow is that the apple tree is a member of the rose family."
— [05:43]

Scientific Insight: The hosts elaborated that the rose family, scientifically known as Rosaceae, includes not only apples but also peaches, pears, and raspberries. They highlighted the edible nature of rose hips, the fruit of the rose plant, which are rich in vitamins and commonly used in jams, jellies, and teas.

"The rose family is called rosacea, and it also includes peaches, pears, and raspberries... It's also an excellent source of vitamin."
— [06:21]

Quote: Mindy Thomas emphasized the interconnectedness of fruits within the rose family:

"The rose family is called rosacea, and it also includes peaches, pears, and raspberries."
— [06:21]

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Round 2: Jackfruit – The Giant of Fruits

Statements Presented: A. The jackfruit is the best biggest tree fruit in the world.
B. Yams are similar to yellies and both are great on toast.
C. A yam is another name for jackfruit. They are the same thing.

Correct Wow: Statement A – "The jackfruit is the biggest tree fruit in the world."

Contestant Highlight: Tilly from Texas nailed the correct answer:

"My name is Tilly and my wow is jackfruit. It's the biggest fruit in the world and it can weigh up to 125 pounds."
— [07:47]

Scientific Insight: The jackfruit, a member of the fig or mulberry family, holds the title of the largest tree fruit, with some specimens weighing up to 120 pounds. Native to tropical regions like India, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Australia, jackfruit trees thrive in rainforest environments.

"The jackfruit is actually a species of tree in the fig or mulberry family and it is the largest tree fruit in the world, with some fruits weighing up to 120 that's like the size of a full grownup."
— [08:10]

Quote: Guy Raz highlighted the impressive size of the jackfruit:

"With some fruits weighing up to 120 that's like the size of a full grownup."
— [08:10]

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Round 3: Coconuts – More Than Just a Fruit

Statements Presented: A. Strawberries do not have seeds.
B. Coconuts are both a fruit and a nut.
C. Pumpkins are not berries.

Correct Wow: Statement B – "Coconuts are both a fruit and a nut."

Contestant Highlight: Arcelo and Sebastian from Colorado successfully identified statement B:

"All wow in the world is that coconuts are finally a fruit and a nut and a seed."
— [11:32]

Scientific Insight: Coconuts are classified botanically as drupes, specifically a type known as a drupe that can be considered both a fruit and a nut. This dual classification stems from the coconut's structure, which includes a seed within a hard shell, typical of nuts, and the outer layers characteristic of fruits.

"The botanical classification of coconut is actually a drupe, which is a kind of fruit, but certain types of drupes and nuts. Coconuts can be classified as tree nuts, which is a nut or fruit that grows from a tree."
— [12:05]

Quote: Mindy Thomas succinctly summarized the complexity of coconut classification:

"See, it all depends on how you classify it. The botanical classification of coconut is actually a drupe, which is a kind of fruit, but certain types of drupes and nuts. Coconuts can be classified as tree nuts, which is a nut or fruit that grows from a tree."
— [12:19]

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Conclusion and Wrap-Up

The episode concluded with Mindy and Guy rewarding their correct contestants and providing humorous consequences for incorrect answers, fostering a lively and interactive atmosphere. They emphasized the importance of understanding the scientific classifications and fun facts about everyday fruits, encouraging listeners to stay curious and engaged with the natural world.

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Key Takeaways

• Scientific Classifications: Understanding how fruits like apples, jackfruits, and coconuts are classified enhances appreciation for their biological diversity.

• Interactive Learning: Engaging formats like game shows can make learning science fun and memorable for both kids and grown-ups.

• Fun Facts: Discovering surprising facts, such as the jackfruit's immense size or the coconut's dual classification, can spark curiosity and further exploration into botanical science.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Wowzers. In each of our three rounds today, Guy Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about fruity food. But... only one of those statements is a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up what now?"
  — Mindy Thomas [04:14]

• "The rose family is called rosacea, and it also includes peaches, pears, and raspberries."
  — Mindy Thomas [06:21]

• "With some fruits weighing up to 120 that's like the size of a full grownup."
  — Guy Raz [08:10]

• "See, it all depends on how you classify it. The botanical classification of coconut is actually a drupe, which is a kind of fruit, but certain types of drupes and nuts. Coconuts can be classified as tree nuts, which is a nut or fruit that grows from a tree."
  — Mindy Thomas [12:19]

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This episode of Wow in the World effectively blended entertainment with education, offering listeners insightful and surprising information about fruits through an engaging game format. Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz succeeded in making complex scientific classifications accessible and fun, embodying the podcast's mission to inspire wonder and curiosity in both children and their grown-ups.

Transcript

[Guy Raz]

Grown Ups Wondery subscribers can listen to wow in the World early and ad free right now. Join Wondery in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids plus on Apple Podcasts.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey Wowzer fams Mindy and Guy Raz here. And before we start the show, we want to wish all of our Wowzers a very happy new school year. Cue the confetti cannon Reg. Okay, that's enough confetti. It's in my mouth.

[Guy Raz]

The new school year with some extra wow. Grown Ups, we've got some WOW in store for you.

[Mindy Thomas]

That's right, you can shop the wow this back to school season at Amazon.com.

[Guy Raz]

Wonderykids plus you can help your Wowzers ease back into the new school year with play. Check out our brand new wow in the World stem toys available for shipping starting this week.

[Mindy Thomas]

Your wowzer can keep their eyes on the prize in the skies with our wow in the World Kids Telescope and Astronomy kit.

[Guy Raz]

Or they can swim in the seas with a great white shark with glow in the dark teeth.

[Mindy Thomas]

Grown Ups add some WOW to your Back to School shopping [e-mail] wonderykids that's Amazon.com wonderykids that's it. And now let's get back to the show.

[Unknown]

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[Guy Raz]

And now for everyone's second favorite game show. After wondering what this button. Oh, so that's what it does. Anyway, it's two what's and the wow. With your hosts, Mindy and Guy Riley. Two W.

[Mindy Thomas]

Two what?

[Guy Raz]

Two what's and.

[Mindy Thomas]

Whoa. Hello, and welcome back to two what? Two what's in a wow.

[Guy Raz]

Two what's in a wow. The scientific game show that separates the wows from the what's. And the category or theme for today is. Fruit. Mindy, why don't you bring our contestants up to speed on how the game works?

[Mindy Thomas]

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 fruity food. But. And this is a big but, only one of those statements is a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up what now?

[Guy Raz]

In each round, if you guess correctly, congratulations, you win a point.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

Okay, everyone ready to get this show going?

[Mindy Thomas]

Great. Then let's get to it.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, apples are part of.

[Mindy Thomas]

The rose family, or is it B, apple trees do not have leaves.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, Apples are actually vegetables.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, take a bite out of an imaginary apple. Hey, Reggie, do the thinking music thing.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

And to do just that, it's Simon from New York. Simon, tell us what's the winning wow? Hi, Mindy. And I'm Oz. My name is Solomon. And my wow is that the apple tree is a member of the rose family. Winner, winner, apple pie and rose petals for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Simon. Contestants, if you guessed the answer A, that apples are part of the rose family, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

The rose family is called rosacea, and it also includes peaches, pears, and raspberries.

[Guy Raz]

And even though they might not taste as yummy as those fruits, some parts of the rose are actually edible. And good for you, too. Flowers left on a rose petal at the end of the season will turn into something called rose hips, which is an Ingredient in lots of different kinds of jams, jellies, and even teas. It's also an excellent source of vitamin.

[Mindy Thomas]

C. Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and pick a rose with your toes.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it a, the jackfruit is the best biggest tree fruit in the world.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, yams are similar to yellies and both are great on toast.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, a yam is another name for jackfruit. They are the same thing.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hmm, lots to think about here. Well, when you think you have the correct answer, find a fruit and yam on it.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

My name is Tilly and my wow is jackfruit. It's the biggest fruit in the world and it can weigh up to 125 pounds. Winner, winner, fruit named Jack for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Tilly. Wowzers. If you guessed a that the jackfruit is the biggest tree fruit in the world, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

The jackfruit is actually a species of tree in the fig or mulberry family and it is the largest tree fruit in the world, with some fruits weighing up to 120 that's like the size of a full grownup.

[Guy Raz]

Jackfruit trees are usually found in tropical regions or rainforests in places like India, the Philippines, Malaysia, and even Australia.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and do 10 jumping jacks while saying I love fruit. And now it's time to take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you in part by stems, those teeny tiny pieces of branch that attach fruit to trees. And if it wasn't for stems, all of the tree fruit that we know and love would just fall to the ground where we could easily pick them up and eat them without having to climb the tree or use a ladder or anything. You know, actually, on second thought, maybe we don't like stems. I mean, it would be a lot more convenient if the fruit was already on the ground waiting for us, don't you think? Anywho, thanks anyways.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

To what's in a while. We'll be right back. Grown ups. This message is for you.

[Unknown]

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[Mindy Thomas]

That's it. Now back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

Welcome back to two what's and a.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow, the scientific game show that separates the Wows from the whats.

[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, strawberries do not have seeds?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, coconuts are both a fruit and a nut?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, pumpkins are not berries.

[Mindy Thomas]

Take a second to think it over, and when you have the correct answer, peel me a grape.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up. And joining us by phone with the answer, it's Arcelo and Sebastian from Colorado. Guys, please tell us the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hi, Arcelo. Hi, I'm Sebastian Ball. All wow in the world is that coconuts are finally a fruit and a nut and a seed. Winner, winner. Coconut cake for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Good job, guys. Wowzers. If you guessed B that coconuts are both a fruit and a nut, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

See, it all depends on how you classify it. The botanical classification of coconut is actually a drupe, which is a kind of.

[Guy Raz]

Fruit, but certain types of drupes and nuts. Coconuts can be classified as tree nuts, which is a nut or fruit that grows from a tree. So that means a coconut is also a type of tree nut.

[Mindy Thomas]

Who knew coconuts were so complicated? Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, rock and shout. I'm a nut and I'm proud of it.

[Guy Raz]

What was that?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

You baked an apple pie and now it's done.

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh, no, but that's a lovely dream. Guy Raz. That sound means it's time for today's winning Wowzers prize. And today, all of our winning wowzers will be receiving their very own pocket full of apple seeds. Pockets not included. 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.

[Mindy Thomas]

What's 2 what's 2 what's 2 x 2 what? 2 what? 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 1-888-7-WOW wow and you just might be featured on an upcoming episode of 2 what's in a wow? Once again, that's 1-888-7-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 helloinkercast.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 Mariam 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, Jodi Nussbaum, Ali Paxima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa and all of the other Tinkerers at Tinkercast hq.

[Guy Raz]

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.

[Mindy Thomas]

Thepopups.Com thanks again for listening and for playing along with us. Meet us back here every Friday for more episodes of two 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 wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

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