Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Making Mountains

Summary

Wow in the World – "Two Whats?! And A Wow! – Making Mountains"

Podcast: Wow in the World
Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Date: April 24, 2026
Episode Theme: Mountains

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Episode Overview

In this episode of "Two Whats?! And a Wow!"—a science game show spin-off within the Wow in the World podcast—hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz invite listeners to play along in a lively, laughter-filled journey exploring the wow-worthy science of mountains. Three rounds of entertaining scientific trivia challenge kids (and their grown-ups) to separate the "wows" from the "whats" as they learn mind-blowing facts about Earth's tallest peaks, how mountains are formed, and surprising geological wonders. Perfect for curious kids, this episode makes science fun and interactive!

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Game Show Format & Rules [03:58–04:53]

• The show is a science-based trivia game played in three rounds.
• Each round: 3 statements about mountains; only one is true ("the wow"); others are false ("the whats").
• Audience encouraged to play along and shout out answers.
• Wrong answers result in silly "stop, drop, and..." physical challenges.

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Round 1: Mount Everest and Ocean Depths [04:55–06:53]

The Choices:

• A) Mount Everest is actually shrinking.
• B) Mount Everest can fit inside the ocean.
• C) People climbing Everest now just call an Uber.

Correct Wow:
Mount Everest can fit inside the ocean.

• Listener Anai from California reveals the correct answer (06:03)

• Explanation:

  • The Marianas Trench in the Pacific Ocean is the Earth's deepest point (approx. 11 km / 6.8 miles deep).
  • "Even though Mount Everest is the highest mountain above sea level, it could fit into the Marianas Trench with more than a mile to spare."
    — Guy Raz [06:24]

• Physical Challenge for incorrect answers: "Stop, drop, and take a bubble bath with some rocks." [06:44]

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Round 2: How Mountains Are Made [06:53–08:41]

The Choices:

• A) Mountains are formed when two geological plates crash against each other.
• B) Mountains result from a bad skin rash on Earth's crust.
• C) Mountains are formed almost instantly by earthquakes.

Correct Wow:
Mountains are formed when two geological plates crash against each other.

• Listener Lane from Colorado gives the answer (07:48)

  • Calls tectonic plates "pressure plates," highlighting kid participation and interpretation.

• Explanation:

  • "The Earth's crust is... actually made up of tectonic plates. And sometimes they press against each other so hard that rocks burst through the Earth's surface."
    — Mindy Thomas [08:14]
  • "Tectonic activity is the main way that mountains are formed. But lava from volcanoes and erosion from wind and water can actually help build mountains over long periods of time, too."
    — Guy Raz [08:27]

• Physical Challenge for incorrect guesses: "Stop, drop, and make a mountain out of a molehill." [08:41]

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Round 3: Mountain Ages & Snow Mysteries [11:03–12:37]

The Choices:

• A) Mount Everest is part of the world’s oldest mountain range.
• B) Snow never falls on Mount Kilimanjaro.
• C) Mount Everest is actually a young mountain.

Correct Wow:
Mount Everest is actually a young mountain.

• Listener Gabriel from California shares the answer (11:59)

  • "Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, is still considered a young mountain because the tectonic plates are still pushing it upward."

• Explanation:

  • "Mount Everest could be considered a young mountain and may not be done growing."
    — Mindy Thomas [12:21]
  • "The more [tectonic plates] push against each other, the more mountain gets squeezed up through the earth's crust."
    — Guy Raz [12:27]

• Physical Challenge for wrong answers: "Stop, drop and push your way out of the ground." [12:37]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Winner, winner, wet rocks for dinner!" — Mindy Thomas [06:06]
• "At least the tip of Mount Everest would probably stick out of most places in the ocean. But not the Marianas Trench." — Mindy Thomas [06:17]
• "Lane calls them pressure plates. But the Earth's crust is... actually made up of tectonic plates." — Mindy Thomas [08:14]
• "Mount Everest could be considered a young mountain and may not be done growing." — Mindy Thomas [12:21]
• "Those plates will never break unless you smash them against each other." — Guy Raz [13:23]

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Fun & Silly Segments

• Unique, creative "penalties" for wrong answers (bubble bath with rocks, making a mountain out of a molehill, pushing your way out of the ground).
• Prize for winners: An "invisible dinette set of tectonic plates." [12:53–13:29]
• Lighthearted banter and puns about geology, mountains, and tectonic plates throughout.

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:58 — Start of the game show segment
• 04:55 — Round 1: Mount Everest facts
• 06:03 — Listener Anai reveals answer
• 06:53 — Round 2: How mountains are made
• 07:48 — Listener Lane reveals answer
• 08:41 — Round 2 explanation and penalty
• 11:03 — Round 3: Mountain ages
• 11:59 — Listener Gabriel reveals answer
• 12:53 — Prize announcement ("tectonic plates" dinette set)
• 13:29 — End of game show segment

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Episode Finale & Community Shout-Outs

• Special thanks to supporting Wowzer families and birthday shout-outs [14:27–16:28]
• Encouragement to share “big wows” for future episodes via the Wow Hotline [16:34]
• Invites to join the World Organization of Wowzers and Tinkerclass [13:39, 13:55]
• Ongoing social engagement via Tinkercast platforms

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Overall Tone

Bright, silly, and highly interactive. The episode is energetic and humor-filled, balancing scientific information with jokes, puns, and participation from kid callers around the world.

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Summary

This "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" episode turns mountain science into a memorable, participatory trivia adventure. Through clever multiple choice questions, playful challenges for wrong answers, and laugh-out-loud moments, Mindy and Guy Raz make geology exciting and accessible for listeners of all ages. Listeners walk away with a deeper understanding of mountain formation, Earth's geological wonders, and the thrill of learning something “wow”-worthy!

Transcript

[A]

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?

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

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.

[C]

Wow.

[A]

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.

[D]

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 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.

[E]

And now for everyone's second favorite game show. After blaming that terrible smell on the family dog, It's Two. Two what's and the wow. With your hosts, Mindy and Guy Raz. 2 what's 2 what's 2 what's 2, what's 2, what's 2 what's and a what?

[A]

Hello and welcome to 2 what's and a wow.

[E]

2 what's and a wow.

[C]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the whats. And the category or theme for today is. Mountains. Mindy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works?

[A]

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 mountains.

[E]

But.

[A]

And this is a big but. Only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made apples.

[C]

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

[A]

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

[C]

Okay, everyone ready to get this show going?

[A]

Great. Then let's get to it.

[C]

Okay, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A? Mount Everest is actually shrinking?

[A]

Or is it Is it B? Mount Everest can fit inside the ocean?

[C]

Or is it C? Many people no longer use Sherpas to help them climb Mount Everest. They now just call an Uber.

[A]

When you think you have the correct answer, shout Yoda lay hoo me. Hey, Ranch, let's get a little thinkin music up here.

[C]

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

[A]

And to do just that, it's Anai from California. Anai, tell us what's the winning wow?

[F]

Hi, my name is Anai. My wow in the world is that Mount Everest can fit inside the ocean.

[A]

Winner, winner, wet rocks for dinner.

[C]

Thank you. And I contestants, if you guess the answer B. That Mount Everest can fit inside the ocean. Well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[A]

At least the tip of Mount Everest would probably stick out of most places in the ocean. But not the Marianas Trench.

[C]

That's right, the Marianas Trench. In the Pacific Ocean is the deepest point on Earth. It's about 11 kilometers or 6.8 miles deep. And even though Mount Everest is the highest mountain above sea level, it could fit into the Marianas Trench with more than a mile to spare.

[A]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and take a bubble bath with some rocks.

[C]

Okay, round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, mountains are formed when two geological plates crash against each other,

[A]

or is it B, mountains can also be the result of a bad skin rash on Earth's crust.

[C]

Or is it C, mountains are formed by earthquakes almost instantly.

[A]

Hmm, lots to think about here. When you think you have the correct answer, go tell it on the mountain.

[C]

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

[F]

I'm Mindy and Guy Raz. My wow in the world is that when two pressure plates accidentally bump into each other, they push up, forming mountains.

[A]

Winner, winner, Earth crust for dinner.

[C]

Thank you, Lane. Wowzers. If you guessed a that mountains are formed when two geological plates crash against each other, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[A]

Lane calls them pressure plates. But the Earth's crust is. Is actually made up of tectonic plates. And sometimes they press against each other so hard that rocks burst through the Earth's surface.

[C]

That's right. Tectonic activity is the main way that mountains are formed. But lava from volcanoes and erosion from wind and water can actually help build mountains over long periods of time, too.

[A]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and make a mountain out of a molehill. And now it's time to take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you in part by Mountain Earrings, the latest fashion trend that comes to you from some of the earth's most outstanding natural wonders. Tired of boring jewelry that doesn't stand out? Then mountaineerings are for you. Forget who studs these earrings are. A rock solid way to elevate your fashion game. Just hook a little piece of the Rockies in your lobe and you'll really make a splash.

[C]

All right, thank you, Mountain Earrings. Why don't we take a quick break and hear some other important Messages for Grown Ups

[B]

2 once in a while. We'll be right back. Grown Ups. This message is for you yellow grownups.

[G]

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 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 wildcat wow in the world.

[B]

That's it. Now back to the show.

[C]

Welcome back to two what's and a

[A]

wow, the scientific game show that separates the wows from the whats.

[C]

And now we're onto our final round of questions. Round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, Mount Everest is part of the world's oldest mountain range?

[A]

Or is it B, snow never falls on Mount Kilimanjaro.

[C]

Or is it C, Mount Everest is actually a young mountain.

[A]

Take a second to think this over and when you think you have the correct answer, find a grown up and make them your personal Sherpa.

[C]

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

[F]

My wow is that Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, is still considered a young mountain because the tectonic plates are still pushing it upward.

[A]

Winner, Winner, tectonic plates for dinner.

[C]

That's right, Gabriel. Wowzers. If you guessed C that Mount Everest is actually a young mountain, you found the winning wow. Congratulations.

[A]

It's true. Mount Everest could be considered a young mountain and may not be done growing.

[C]

And it's all about those tectonic plates. The more they push against each other, the more mountain gets squeezed up through the earth's crust.

[A]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and push your way out of the ground.

[C]

Uh, Mindy, what was that?

[A]

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

[C]

There was an avalanche in the parking lot.

[A]

Well, probably. But that sound means it's time for today's winning Wowzers prize. All of our contestants today will receive their very own invisible dinette set of tectonic plates. You can't really eat dinner off of them, but they're real sturdy. Reggie, cue the prize cannon. Fire away. Look at that guy.

[E]

Raz.

[A]

Those plates will never break unless you smash them against each other.

[C]

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.

[A]

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.

[C]

And be sure to come back on Monday for a brand new episode of wow.

[A]

In the World and again on Friday for a new episode of two what's in a wow. And don't forget we WOW on the weekend with Dennis.

[C]

Until then, keep on wowing.

[E]

2 what's 2 what 2 what's 2 what? 2 what's 2 what 2 what'S.

[C]

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.

[A]

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

[C]

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

[A]

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

[C]

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

[A]

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

[C]

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,

[A]

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

[C]

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

[A]

Happy birthday to Otis from Minnesota from

[C]

the bottom of our hearts and the

[A]

tops of our brains.

[C]

Thank you.

[A]

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.

[C]

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.

[A]

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter owintheworld and our email address is hello inkercast.com 2 what's in a

[C]

wow is executive produced by Meredith Halpern, Ranzer, Mindy Thomas and me, Guy Raz.

[A]

These episodes are written by our Tinkercast Head writer Kenny Curtis and Anna Zagorski.

[C]

Sound production and design is by Marion Lozano and Henry Moskal with help from Jed Anderson and Tyler Thol and special

[A]

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.

[C]

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

[A]

thepopups.com thanks again for listening and for playing along with us. Meet us back here every Friday for more episodes of 2 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.

[C]

Until then, keep on wowing

[E]

the world.

[B]

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