Wow in the World: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Give Me Some Space!

Podcast: Wow in the World | Tinkercast | Wondery
Episode Date: November 7, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Theme: Space – Separating fact from fiction in a fun science game show

Episode Overview

This lively, science-packed episode of Two Whats?! And A Wow! centers on space trivia, challenging listeners (aka "Wowzers") to distinguish fascinating truths from silly fakes. Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz lead three interactive rounds of “what’s the real WOW?” about space—trees and stars, shrinking planets, astronaut snacks, and more—peppered with jokes, playful energy, and audience participation. The result is a charming, information-rich experience for kids and grown-ups alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to the Game & Space Theme

• The episode kicks off with Mindy and Guy introducing “Two Whats?! And A Wow!”—a game format where three statements are posed per round, but only one is the true “WOW!”
• Stakes: Correct answers earn points; incorrect answers require “ridonkulous” physical challenges (e.g., acting like a tree).

2. Round 1: Trees, Catapults, and Pluto

Question: Which of the following is a true scientific "wow"?

• A: There are more trees on Earth than stars in our solar system
• B: If you launch yourself at the moon with a giant catapult, you'll land among the stars
• C: It takes roughly 50 years to travel from Earth to Pluto

Revealed Answer:

• A is correct! (04:02)

  “Our planet has more trees compared to stars in the solar system.” — Louie from Arizona [04:02]

Discussion:

• Mindy and Guy clarify that while the night sky is full of stars, the solar system actually has only one star—the Sun.

  "There's only one star in our solar system and that star of course is the sun, but earth has over three trillion trees!" — Mindy Thomas [04:43]

• Surprising stat: Over 3 trillion trees on Earth (about 400 per person).

Physical Challenge for Wrong Answers:

• “You must stop, drop, and do your best tree impression.” — Mindy Thomas [04:57]

3. Round 2: Shrinking, Jumping Cows, and Astronauts

Question: Which of the following is a true scientific "wow"?

• A: Astronauts are shorter in space
• B: The cow who jumped over the moon won a NASA award in 1983
• C: The planet Mercury is slowly shrinking over time

Revealed Answer:

• C is correct! (06:03)

  “My wow in the world is that Mercury is slowly shrinking over time.” — Presley from Florida [06:03]

Discussion:

• Scientific explanation: Mercury’s molten core is cooling, causing the planet to shrink (“lost about 8.6 miles from its diameter”).

  “This planet is literally taking up less space.” — Guy Raz [06:41]

Physical Challenge for Wrong Answers:

• “Stop, drop, and roll to the nearest bathroom!” — Mindy Thomas [06:56]

4. Round 3: M&Ms in Space, Moonwalking, and Parmesan Smells

Question: Which of these is the true "wow"?

• A: M&Ms have been on all space shuttle missions since 1981
• B: Walking nonstop to the moon would take 20 years
• C: Astronauts report the moon smells like parmesan

Revealed Answer:

• A is correct! (08:00)

  “M&Ms were on all space shuttle missions after 1981. Astronauts gobbled them up like Pac-Man as they floated in the craft!” — Charlie from New Hampshire [08:00]

Discussion:

• Over 130 space shuttle missions included M&Ms, sometimes customized for astronauts.

  “Some of these M&Ms were actually personalized for the astronauts themselves.” — Mindy Thomas [08:38] “Personalized candies! ... Wendy and some guy named Ross. Close enough.” — Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz [08:58]

Physical Challenge for Wrong Answers:

• “Stop, drop, and sing your favorite song backwards.” — Mindy Thomas [09:06]

5. BONUS ROUND: The Bonker Balls Question—What Is a Sponge City?

Question: What makes a sponge city a "sponge city"?

• A: A pineapple under the sea
• B: Enough bacteria in a sponge to infect a city
• C: Using natural materials to absorb and store rainwater

Revealed Answer:

• C is correct! (12:05)

  “Sponge cities use materials found in nature to mimic or copy the natural world. Materials that can absorb rain and water just like a sponge.” — Reggie [12:05] “The goal is to prevent floods where natural water-absorbing materials have been destroyed to build buildings, homes and roads.” — Guy Raz [12:26]

Prize for Winners:

• Miss Fortune Cookies. Example fortune:

  “You are destined to have a popcorn kernel stuck in the back of your teeth this week. Oh, that’s just the way the cookie crumbles.” — Mindy Thomas [13:01]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mindy’s humor on the sun:

  “Of course [the star] is named Dennis! Dennis, stop messing with the cue cards!” — Mindy Thomas [04:35]

• Guy Raz closes the shrinking-planet round:

  “So in other words, this planet is literally taking up less space.” — Guy Raz [06:41]

• Personalized M&Ms:

  “Wendy and some guy named Ross. Close enough.” — Mindy Thomas [08:58]

• Physical challenge instructions (recurring):

  “Stop, drop, and do a ridonkulous physical challenge.” — Guy Raz [02:43]

Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Event | |----------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:03 | Game introduction and rules | | 02:54 | Round One – Trees vs. Stars question | | 04:02 | Winning answer revealed (more trees than stars) | | 05:06 | Round Two – Mercury, moon cows, and astronauts | | 06:03 | Winning answer revealed (Mercury shrinking) | | 07:12 | Round Three – M&Ms, moonwalking, cheese moon | | 08:00 | Winning answer revealed (M&Ms in space) | | 11:11 | Bonus Round – Sponge City explained | | 12:05 | Winning answer revealed (nature-inspired flood prevention) | | 13:01 | Prize segment – Miss Fortune Cookies |

Tone & Style

• The hosts maintain a pun-filled, high-energy, and joking tone throughout.
• They encourage fun learning, curiosity, and participation—making science feel exciting and accessible.

Summary Takeaway

This episode of Wow in the World: Two Whats?! And A Wow! delivers fact-filled, interactive science fun about space, blending real science (“Mercury is shrinking!” “More trees than stars in the solar system!”) with kid-friendly jokes, memorable challenges, and audience engagement. It’s an entertaining and educational adventure for curious minds, leaving everyone with a resounding “WOW!”