Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Just Kitten Around (5/2/25)

Summary

Wow in the World Podcast Summary Episode: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Just Kitten Around
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Produced by: Tinkercast | Wondery

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Episode Overview

In the "Just Kitten Around" episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz dive into the fascinating world of felines through their engaging game show segment, "Two What's?! And A Wow!" This episode is packed with intriguing cat facts, interactive challenges, and lively discussions designed to educate and entertain both kids and their grown-ups.

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Round 1: Meerkats and Scorpions

[02:35 - 05:39]

Challenge:
Mindy and Guy present three statements about cats:

• A: Meerkats eat scorpions.
• B: Leopards can't change their spots, but tigers can change their stripes.
• C: Cats always sleep with one eye open.

Correct Answer:
A: Meerkats eat scorpions.

Discussion:
Mindy explains that meerkats, a type of mongoose, do indeed hunt and consume scorpions. They skillfully avoid the poisonous stingers by promptly biting off the scorpion's tail and removing any remaining poison with sand or dirt before enjoying their meal.

Notable Quote:
Mindy Thomas highlights the fascinating behavior:
"Meerkats are actually a type of mongoose, and they hunt and eat scorpions. Sometimes they actually dig for them in the sand or dirt." [05:03]

Fun Twist:
Participants who guessed incorrectly faced a humorous penalty: stopping to sing "Rock me Like a hurricane" or mimicking a scorpion's sting.

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Round 2: Ancient Egyptian Cats

[06:00 - 07:39]

Challenge:
The hosts present three new statements:

• A: Hairless cats can't wear clothes.
• B: In ancient Egypt, cats wore jewelry.
• C: There's a company in Italy that makes tiny saddles for cats so that mice can ride them.

Correct Answer:
B: In ancient Egypt, cats wore jewelry.

Discussion:
Guy Raz elaborates on the deep reverence ancient Egyptians had for cats. Cats were cherished not only as pets but also for their role in protecting crops from pests. They were adorned with jewels and ornate clothing, and many were mummified to accompany their owners into the afterlife.

Notable Quote:
Guy Raz emphasizes the cultural significance:
"The Egyptians loved cats so much that many of them were given jewels and fancy clothes and some were even mummified and buried with their humans so they could go to the afterlife with them." [07:16]

Fun Twist:
Incorrect guesses led to participants coughing as if trying to expel a hairball, adding a playful element to the show.

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Round 3: Cat Whiskers

[09:13 - 11:04]

Challenge:
The final set of statements included:

• A: Cat's ears can rotate 360 degrees.
• B: Cats have whiskers on their front legs.
• C: Persian rugs are made entirely from the hair of Persian cats.

Correct Answer:
B: Cats have whiskers on their front legs.

Discussion:
Mindy and Guy discuss the unique feature of carpal whiskers found on a cat's front paws. These whiskers are longer and thicker than facial whiskers and help cats sense their environment, detect changes in air pressure, and navigate safely.

Notable Quote:
Mindy Thomas shares insightful information:
"These whiskers are called carpal whiskers and cats have them on their front paws. They're usually a little longer and a little thicker than the whiskers on their faces." [10:37]

Fun Twist:
Participants who missed the correct answer had to perform a humorous "shout out" to a fictional character, keeping the atmosphere light and entertaining.

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Episode Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts celebrating the contestants' successes and distributing fun prizes like personal cat toys. Mindy and Guy encourage listeners to engage further by joining the World Organization of Wowzers, participating in Tinkerclass for teachers, and staying connected through various platforms. They invite everyone to return for more exciting episodes and interactive segments in the future.

Final Quote:
Guy Raz signs off with enthusiasm:
"Until then, keep on wowing." [12:13]

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Key Takeaways

• Educational Fun: The episode combines learning with playful challenges, making science and animal facts accessible and entertaining for all ages.
• Engaging Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz create a dynamic and interactive environment that keeps listeners engaged and excited.
• Fascinating Feline Facts: From meerkats' tactical hunting methods to the cultural importance of cats in ancient Egypt and the specialized whiskers on their paws, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for these amazing animals.

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Join the Fun!

Become a member of the World Organization of Wowzers, explore Tinkerclass for educational projects, and stay updated with future episodes by visiting Tinkercast.com.

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This summary captures the essence of the "Just Kitten Around" episode, highlighting the main segments, educational content, and the interactive nature of the game show. Notable quotes with timestamps provide depth and authenticity, ensuring that even those who haven't listened can grasp the episode's excitement and informative value.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Hey grown ups. Craving your next action packed adventure story for a real thrill? See what adventure sounds like by listening to it on Audible. Audible has thousands of titles to choose from. No matter what kinds of thrills you're seeking, from electrifying suspense and daring quests to spine tingling horror and otherworldly sci fi, there's an adventure out there that will captivate you at Tinkercast. We love listening to exciting titles from Audible, and when we're in the mood for something new, we like that we can browse Bestsellers, Editor's Picks and audible essentials top 100 lists to take some of the guessing out of what to listen to next. Audible knows there's no greater thrill out there than yours. Discover what lies beyond the edge of your seat on Audible. Start your adventure today. Sign up for a free 30 day trial at audible.com wow and and dive into a world of new thrills. That's audible.com wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, I got some big news for you. Seattle. It's time to make it wow. That's right. This June, me and my friends Carlie Q, Dennis, Grandma GeForce and Thomas Fingerling are headed to Seattle for our live Bonkerball's competition game show where kids turn their wildest and weirdest ideas into jaw dropping inventions live on stage. Tickets are on sale now. Visit Tinkercast.com events to get your tickets to make it wow near you once again. That's Tinkercast.com events. We can't wait to see you soon. But for now, let's get back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

And now for everyone's second favorite game show after putting frosting on your nose and trying to lick it off, it's two what's and the wow with your hosts, Mindy and Guy Raz.

[Narrator]

Two what?

[Reggie]

Two what's two what? Two what's two what, two what's and a whoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

The scientific game show that separates the Wows from the what. And the category or theme for today is. Cats.

[Mindy Thomas]

Again.

[Guy Raz]

Yep, we've covered this topic before, but there are so many amazing feline facts out there, we thought it was worth another trip back to the the Litter box. No. Oh, never mind. I just mean we wanted to share more cat backs, right?

[Mindy Thomas]

It is a very popular catagori. So in each of our three rounds today, Guy Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about cats. 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.

[Guy Raz]

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.

[Guy Raz]

All right, everyone ready to get this show going?

[Mindy Thomas]

Great. Then let's do it.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, meerkats eat scorpions?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, leopards can't change their spots, but tigers can change their stripes.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C? Cats always sleep with one eye open.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, meow it out loud like a hungry cat at suppertime. Hey, Reg, do that 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 Sam from Connecticut. Sam, tell us what's the winning wow?

[Contestant]

Hello. My wow on the roof. That meerkats eat scorpions.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner. Winner. Scorpions stingers for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Sam. Contestants, if you. You guessed the answer A. That meerkats eat scorpions. Well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Meerkats are actually a type of mongoose, and they hunt and eat scorpions. Sometimes they actually dig for them in the sand or dirt.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, Mindy. Even though the stinger on a scorpion's tail is poisonous, the meerkat is quick enough to avoid it. When they catch their prey, the meerkats immediately bite off the tail of the.

[Mindy Thomas]

Scorpion because that's where the poison is.

[Guy Raz]

And then they make sure to brush off the outside of the scorpion with some sand or dirt, you know, just.

[Mindy Thomas]

In case some of the poison dripped in there, too.

[Guy Raz]

And then it's dinner time.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and sing Rock me Like a hurricane by the 80s rock band called the Spirit.

[Guy Raz]

Rock me like a hurricane? Really?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or you can just pretend like you have a stinging tail and politely zap your friend.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, that's best. Hey.

[Mindy Thomas]

Gotcha.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, let's move on to round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, hairless cats can't wear clothes?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, in ancient Egypt, cats or jewelry?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C? There's a company in Italy that makes tiny saddles for cats so that mice can ride them.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hmm, lots to think about here. When you think you have the correct answer, purr as loudly as you can.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up. And joining us by phone with the answer, it's Sawyer from Colorado.

[Mindy Thomas]

Sawyer, tell us what's the winning wow.

[Contestant]

Hi, Mindy and Guy Ross. My wow in the world is that back in ancient Egypt, people used to dress cats in jewelry and mummified them because they worshiped them for killing rodents and other pests that would eat their crops.

[Guy Raz]

Winner.

Winner.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ket Blingford.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Sawyer. Wowzers. If you guessed b that in ancient Egypt cats wear jewelry, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

In ancient Egypt, cats were sort of a status symbol. Rich people kept them as pets and regular people loved the way they kept the pests away.

[Guy Raz]

The Egyptians loved cats so much that many of them were given jewels and fancy clothes and some were even mummified and buried with their humans so they could go to the afterlife with them.

[Mindy Thomas]

That's a lot of cat love. Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and cough like you're trying to hack up a hairball. And now it's time to take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you in part by a special public service announcement from the Sandbox Preservation Society of America. This is a special notice for any and all cats or feline friends in the listening audience. If it is outside and if it is on the playground, it is not a litter box. This is a sandbox. There is a big difference. Please note that our children don't play in your litter box. So we would appreciate if you did not do your business in their sandbox. Thank you for your time and understanding. Good kitty.

[Guy Raz]

All right, well, thank you to our friends at the Sandbox Preservation Society. Now let's take a quick break and hear some other important messages for Grown ups.

[Announcer]

Two what's in a while will be right back. Grown Ups, this message is for you. That's it. Now back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

Welcome back to two what's and a wow.

[Reggie]

Two what's and a Wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

A scientific game show that separates the wows from the what's.

[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, cat's ears can rotate 360 degrees?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, cats have whiskers on their front legs?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, Persian rugs are made entirely from the hair of Persian cats.

[Mindy Thomas]

Take a second to think this over and when you think you have the correct answer. Yellow. Here, kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Contestant]

Did you know that cats have Whiskers.

[Announcer]

On the front legs.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, extra cat hairs for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, Natalie. Wowzers. If you guessed b that cats have whiskers on their front legs, congratulations, you found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

It's true. These whiskers are called carpal whiskers and cats have them on their front paws. They're usually a little longer and a little thicker than the whiskers on their faces.

[Guy Raz]

Carpal whiskers help cats get a better sense of the ground or surface they're walking around on. They can also detect tiny changes in air pressure and temperature, which is a good way for them to stay out of trouble and away from danger.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and give a big shout out to my friends. The sleigh cat.

[Guy Raz]

What was that?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

An angel got its wings.

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh, no, but nice holiday movie reference. Guy Raz, that sound means it's time for today's winning wowzers prize. All of our contestants today will receive their very own personal cat toy. Look how cute it is. Just so.

[Guy Raz]

Whoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

This is so fun. Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, don't you think we should come back here?

[Mindy Thomas]

I'm gonna get you. Come here.

[Guy Raz]

You know what? I think I got this. Reggie, cue the prize cannon.

[Reggie]

Fire away.

[Contestant]

No, stop.

[Mindy Thomas]

Stop rolling away from me. Come on, get back here.

[Reggie]

Ann.

[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 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 wow in the World and again on.

[Mindy Thomas]

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.

[Mindy Thomas]

Grownups. 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 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 hello inkercast.com 2 what's in a.

[Guy Raz]

Wow 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 Marian Lozano and Henry Moskal with help from Jed Anderson and Tyler Thole.

[Mindy Thomas]

And special thanks to our Tinkercast team including Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kristin Yang, Thuy Mack, 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 wewow 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 wowing.

[Reggie]

Wow in the world. Wow in the world. Wow in the world wow in the World. Wow in the World.

[Announcer]

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