Wow in the World: "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Hi Tech!" Episode Summary

Release Date: February 21, 2025

In the February 21, 2025 episode of "Wow in the World" titled "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Hi Tech!", hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz engage listeners in an exhilarating scientific game show centered around technology. The episode is part of the popular segment "Two What's and a Wow", designed to challenge participants' knowledge by distinguishing between factual "wows" and fabricated "whats." This summary delves into the three competitive rounds, highlighting key moments, discussions, and insights shared by the hosts and contestants.

Introduction to "Two What's and a Wow"

At the heart of the episode lies the interactive game show "Two What's and a Wow," where participants are presented with three technological statements in each round. Among these, only one statement is a true "wow," while the other two are playful fabrications known as "whats." Contestants aim to identify the genuine wow to earn points, with incorrect guesses resulting in amusing physical challenges.

Guy Raz introduces the game by stating:

[03:11] "The scientific game show that separates the Wows from the what's, and the category or theme for today is technology."

Round One: Unconventional Power Sources

The first round challenges the contestants' understanding of unconventional technological feats.

Round One Statements:

• A: The first word printed on the Gutenberg press was "ahoy."
• B: iPhones can be charged with oranges.
• C: The first motion picture actually featured Grandma G force.

After thoughtful deliberation, contestant Eilis from Nashville correctly identifies statement B as the true wow.

Eilis declares:

[05:17] "What my wow is: A study showed that you can charge an iPhone with oranges."

Mindy Thomas elaborates on this fascinating fact:

[05:33] "That's right, Mindy. It took 2,380 slices of oranges to help power an iPhone back in 2010. That's about 238 oranges."

She further explains the science behind this:

[05:47] "Turns out there's an acid in oranges and other citrus fruits called citric acid. When combined with conductors like copper and zinc, it can produce small currents of electricity."

Guy Raz humorously adds a practical perspective:

[06:06] "But when it comes to charging your phone, using a USB charger connected to the wall is probably still the zest. I mean, best choice."

Implications: This round highlights the innovative ways in which everyday items like oranges can be harnessed for electrical energy, albeit impractical for regular use.

Round Two: Evolution of Computing Tools

The second round delves into the history and evolution of computing devices.

Round Two Statements:

• A: The television was invented before the popsicle.
• B: Scientists are developing technology to convert cotton candy into plastic plane fuel.
• C: The first computer mouses were made out of wood.

Contestant Kuve triumphantly selects statement C as the authentic wow.

Kuve proclaims:

[07:25] "Hi Mindy and Guy Raz. My wow is that the first computer mouses were made of wood."

Mindy Thomas confirms and provides historical context:

[07:37] "Doug Engelbart invented the first computer mouse way back in the 1960s. And the first model was made out of wood."

She adds an interesting tidbit about the nomenclature:

[07:57] "That's right, Mindy. Have you ever wondered why it's called a mouse? Well, the first computer mouses had a wire that came out of the back just like a tail on a mouse."

Guy Raz further amusingly links the term to pop culture:

[08:09] "I also heard it was named after Clicky Mouse, Mickey's not so famous cousin."

Implications: This round underscores the humble beginnings of essential computing peripherals, emphasizing the ingenuity involved in their early designs.

Round Three: The Colorful World of Pixels

The final round explores the complexities of digital displays and emerging technologies.

Round Three Statements:

• A: When you see a white pixel on a computer screen, it's actually made up of red, green, and blue.
• B: Dennis actually auditioned to be the voice of Siri.
• C: The first self-driving car was invented in 2005.

Contestant Maddie from Washington adeptly identifies statement A as the true wow.

Maddie shares:

[10:36] "My wow in the world is that when you see white on a computer screen, it's actually made up of a pixel that is red, green, and blue."

Mindy Thomas confirms and elaborates on the science:

[10:49] "Each pixel on your computer screen is typically made up of three teeny tiny lights. One red, one blue, and one green. Based on increasing or decreasing the amount of light coming from each of the red, blue, and green lights, over 16 million colors can be made."

Guy Raz corrects the misinformation in the alternative statement:

[11:26] "If you guessed C that self-driving cars were invented in 2005, well it turns out scientists were working on self-driving cars way back in 1939, maybe even earlier."

Implications: This round illuminates the foundational technology behind digital displays, offering listeners a deeper appreciation of the screen's intricate design.

Conclusion and Highlights

Throughout the episode, Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz maintain an engaging and educational tone, seamlessly blending humor with informative content. Notable highlights include:

• Interactive Engagement: The use of unique caller interactions, such as answering in a "best radio voice" or "honk the horn on your self-driving car," adds a layer of fun and personalization to the show.

• Educational Insights: Each correct "wow" is accompanied by detailed explanations, enriching listeners' understanding of the underlying technologies.

• Hosts' Chemistry: The playful banter between Mindy and Guy enhances the overall listening experience, making complex topics accessible and entertaining.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Guy Raz on Charging with Oranges:

  [05:28] "That's right, Mindy. It took 2,380 slices of oranges to help power an iPhone back in 2010."

• Mindy Thomas on Computer Mouses:

  [07:37] "Doug Engelbart invented the first computer mouse way back in the 1960s. And the first model was made out of wood."

• Mindy Thomas on Pixel Colors:

  [10:49] "Each pixel on your computer screen is typically made up of three teeny tiny lights. One red, one blue, and one green."

• Guy Raz Correcting Self-Driving Car Myth:

  [11:26] "Scientists were working on self-driving cars way back in 1939, maybe even earlier."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Wow in the World" masterfully combines education with entertainment, encouraging curiosity and learning about technological advancements. By challenging both kids and their grown-ups with intriguing statements, the hosts foster a shared sense of discovery and awe. Whether it's charging phones with oranges or the origins of the computer mouse, listeners are left with delightful "wows" that inspire further exploration into the world of technology.