Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Monkey Business (1/17/25)

Summary

Wow in the World: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Monkey Business
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Platform: Tinkercast | Wondery

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Introduction

In the January 17, 2025 episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz delve into the fascinating world of monkeys through their engaging segment, "Two What's?! And A Wow! - Monkey Business." This episode combines scientific facts with interactive fun, encouraging both kids and their grown-ups to explore and learn about these intriguing primates.

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Hosts' Warm-Up and Game Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in lighthearted banter, setting a playful tone for the episode. Guy Raz humorously mentions, "I have to go SUU super slowly so I don't slip again. There have been a curious number of banana peels on the floors lately." (02:01) This playful exchange leads into the introduction of their main segment.

Mindy Thomas enthusiastically announces, "And now for everyone's second favorite game show after trying to remember your locker combination, it's Two What's and a Wow!" (02:42) The hosts prepare listeners for an interactive game that tests their knowledge about monkeys.

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Two What's and a Wow! Game Segment

Game Explanation

Mindy clarifies the rules: "We are going to give you three scientific statements about monkeys. But only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made-up whats." (03:43) This format challenges listeners to discern factual information from fabricated statements, enhancing their critical thinking skills.

The Question and Options

Guy Raz poses the central question:
"Which of the following statements about monkeys is a true scientific wow?
A. The smallest monkey is as tall as a toothbrush
B. A group of monkeys is called a party
C. Spider monkeys got their name because they only eat spiders."
(04:01)
Mindy encourages listeners to think and jot down their answers: "When you think you have it figured out, make like a monkey and grab a pen with your feet to write it down." (04:27)

Listener Participation and Answer Revelation

After a brief pause, the hosts return to reveal the correct answer. Brook from Maryland shares her guess: "My wow in the world is that the smallest monkey is about as tall as a toothbrush." (05:29)
Mindy confirms, "The world's smallest monkey is the pygmy marmoset. Its body measures as little as 5 inches or 12 centimeters. That's actually even smaller than a lot of toothbrushes." (05:59)
Guy adds, "The pygmy marmoset weighs only about as much as a deck of cards, and the smallest ones can fit into the palm of a human hand." (06:11)
This segment not only reveals the correct answer but also provides additional fascinating facts about pygmy marmosets, enriching the listener's knowledge.

Explaining the Incorrect Options

For those who chose incorrectly, Mindy and Guy offer enlightening explanations:

• Option B: "A group of monkeys can be referred to as a troop or a barrel, and sometimes a cartload or even a tribe. Just don't call them a party." (06:28)
• Option C: "Spider monkeys did not get their name from eating spiders. Instead, the spider monkey got its name from, well, kind of looking like a spider. Its arms and legs are long and spindly, and it can often be found dangling upside down from its tail." (06:46)

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Interactive Challenge: Operation Tail Time

As the episode nears its conclusion, Mindy introduces a creative challenge: "Operation Tail Time." (07:53) Listeners are encouraged to design their own monkey tails, considering aspects like length, texture, and functionality.
Guy Raz prompts, "Think about what you want that tail to do and use that to help you design it." (08:11)
Mindy invites participants to share their creations by uploading photos and videos: "Grown-ups, you can upload photos and videos of these tails to [e-mail]." (08:23)

This challenge not only fosters creativity but also reinforces the practical uses of monkey tails in nature, such as balance and climbing.

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Conclusion and Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with the hosts summarizing the day's activities and encouraging ongoing engagement:

• Final Prize: Guy jokes about the prize, "today all of our contestants will be taking home their very own invisible hot air baboon," prompting laughter. (07:14)
• Encouragement: Mindy and Guy inspire listeners to continue exploring and learning, with Guy stating, "keep on growing." (10:12)

They also provide information on how listeners can engage further with the podcast through surveys, social media, and by sharing their own "wows."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Guy Raz: "I have to go SUU super slowly so I don't slip again. There have been a curious number of banana peels on the floors lately." (02:01)
• Mindy Thomas: "We are going to give you three scientific statements about monkeys. But only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made-up whats." (03:43)
• Guy Raz: "Which of the following statements about monkeys is a true scientific wow?" (04:01)
• Mindy Thomas: "The world's smallest monkey is the pygmy marmoset. Its body measures as little as 5 inches or 12 centimeters." (05:59)
• Mindy Thomas: "A group of monkeys can be referred to as a troop or a barrel, and sometimes a cartload or even a tribe. Just don't call them a party." (06:28)
• Mindy Thomas: "Spider monkeys did not get their name from eating spiders. Instead, the spider monkey got its name from, well, kind of looking like a spider." (06:46)
• Guy Raz: "keep on growing." (10:12)

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Wow in the World effectively blends education and entertainment, leveraging interactive games to educate listeners about monkey species while fostering an engaging and fun environment. Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz excel in making scientific facts accessible and enjoyable, ensuring that both kids and their grown-ups leave with new knowledge and a sense of wonder.

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Timestamp Guide

• 02:01 Guy Raz's humorous slip reference
• 03:43 Game rules explanation
• 04:01 Presentation of the game question
• 05:29 Listener's correct answer
• 05:59 Explanation of the correct answer
• 06:28 Clarification on group names for monkeys
• 06:46 Explanation about spider monkeys
• 07:53 Introduction to Operation Tail Time
• 08:11 Tail design prompt
• 10:12 Hosts' closing encouragement

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For more exciting episodes and interactive content, visit tinkercast.com and follow Wow in the World on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @2whatsanda wow.

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 here. And before we start the show, is your family homeschooling this year? You may have heard about our project based learning tool, Tinkerclass which helps K5 students build 21st century skills like critical thinking, collaboration and creative innovation. Over 3,000 teachers are using Tinkerclass in their classrooms and now we want to bring Tinkerclass to a homeroom near you. With Tinkerclass at home, you get access to all of our podcast based projects or as we like to call them, podjects. Plus over a thousand online activities, experiments, crafts, recipes, worksheets and more. Want to learn more about how you can bring the WOW into your homeschool curriculum this year? Visit tinkercast.com that's tinkercast.com homeschool that's it. And now let's get back to the show.

[George]

Hey grown ups. Give your loved ones the gift of family gaming fun with the Nintendo Switch system. The home of Mario and friends. Compete for first place in thrilling high speed races in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Or try your luck on action packed game boards and enjoy the fun and funny mini games of Super Mario Party Jamboree. And those looking for a wonder filled adventure can join Mario, Peach, Toad and friends as they explore the whimsical flower kingdom in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. No matter how you like to play, there's fun for the whole family on Nintendo Switch. Go to Nintendo.com to learn more and browse the full lineup of Nintendo Switch systems. Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode game systems and some accessories sold separately. Games rated E for everyone.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, guy. Raz, it's me, Mindy.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, I'll just be a second. I have to go SUU super slowly so I don't slip again. There have been a curious number of banana peels on the floors lately.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, well, George and I are just out here cheering for you. Come on, you can do it. Phew.

[Guy Raz]

Made it. Hey, Mindy.

[George]

Whoa.

[Guy Raz]

That's a monkey.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, this is George.

[Guy Raz]

You got a monkey?

[Mindy Thomas]

No, I'm just watching him for a friend.

[Guy Raz]

You're monkey sitting?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, technically I'm not actually sitting on the monkey, but yeah, pretty much thinking about starting my own monkey business.

[Guy Raz]

Well, there's no time for monkeying around, Mindy. We've got a game show to do.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, you're right. Peel the bananas, curl the tails and get ready to ooh ooh and Ah ah. In 3, 2, 1. And now for everyone's second favorite game show after trying to remember your locker combination, it's two what's and a whoa. With your Mindy and guy rats. Two watts. Two watts.

[Guy Raz]

Two watts.

[Mindy Thomas]

2 what? 2 what? 2 what? 2What's and a wow. Welcome back Wowzers. It's time for another bananas round of two what's and a wow. Two what's and a wow.

[Guy Raz]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the what's and the category for today is monkeys. Mindy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works.

[Mindy Thomas]

You know it. Wowzers. We are going to give you three scientific statements about monkeys. 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 whats.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, let's get started. Which of the following statements about monkeys is a true scientific wow? Is it A, the smallest monkey is as tall as a toothbrush or is.

[Mindy Thomas]

It B, a group of monkeys is.

[Guy Raz]

Called a party or is it C. Spider monkeys got their name because they only eat spiders.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have it figured out, make like a monkey and grab a pen with your feet to write it down.

[Guy Raz]

We're gonna take a quick break to let you monkey around for a bit and when we come find out if your wow is the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

2 what's in a wow. We'll be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you. That's it. Now back to the show. Okay, Wowzers, it's time to reveal the winning wow. But before we do, let's do a quick review.

[Guy Raz]

We gave you three statements about monkeys and challenged you to find the one true wow. Was it A, the smallest monkey is as tall as a toothbrush or was.

[Mindy Thomas]

It B, a group of monkeys is.

[Guy Raz]

Called a party or was it C Spider monkeys got their name because they only eat spiders.

[Mindy Thomas]

Joining us by phone with the answer to today's question is Brook from Maryland, Brooklyn. What's the wow? My wow in the world is that the smallest monkey is about as tall as a toothbrush.

[Guy Raz]

Winner, winner.

[Mindy Thomas]

Fruits, nuts and bugs for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Brooke, you are correct. Wowzers. If you guessed A, that the smallest monkey is as tall as a toothbrush, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

The world's smallest monkey is the pygmy marmoset. Its body measures as little as 5 inches or 12 centimeters. That's actually even smaller than a lot of toothbrushes.

[Guy Raz]

And the pygmy marmoset weighs only about as much as a deck of cards, and the smallest ones can fit into the palm of a human hand.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ooh, they're fun sized. Wowzers. If you went with B or C, we still give you two tails up.

[Guy Raz]

If you chose B, that a group of monkeys is called a party. Well, that's not entirely accurate.

[Mindy Thomas]

A group of monkeys can be referred to as a troop or a barrel, and sometimes a cartload or even a tribe. Just don't call them a party.

[Guy Raz]

And if you chose C, it turns out that spider monkeys did not get their name from eating spiders.

[Mindy Thomas]

Instead, the spider monkey got its name from, well, kind of looking like a spider. Its arms and legs are long and spindly, and it can often be found dangling upside down from its tail.

[Guy Raz]

Kind of similar to a spider on a string of silk.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, Guy Raz, why don't you tell our winning wowzers what they've won?

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, today all of our contestants will be taking home their very own invisible hot air baboon. Is that like a hot air balloon?

[Mindy Thomas]

No, Guy Raz, this baboon doesn't run off hot air. It provides you with hot air.

[Guy Raz]

How?

[Mindy Thomas]

I'm breathing all over your stuff. Cold hands. Nothing a little baboon breath can't fix. Dirty glass. A little huff and puff from the hot air baboon will steam that right off.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, well, that's all the time we have for today.

[Mindy Thomas]

But before we go, we have one last scientific challenge for you.

[Guy Raz]

We call it Operation Tail Time.

[Mindy Thomas]

Lots of monkeys have tails, and those tails have lots of uses, like helping the monkey balance as it swings and.

[Guy Raz]

Climbs or grabbing onto objects or branches.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wowzers. We want you to design a tail for yourself.

[Guy Raz]

Would it be long, short, fat, skinny.

[Mindy Thomas]

Furry, bald, colorful, polka dotted?

[Guy Raz]

Think about what you want that tail to do and use that to help you design it.

[Mindy Thomas]

Grown ups. You can upload photos and videos of these tales to [e-mail] Share well, that's.

[Guy Raz]

All the time we have for today. But until next time, keep on growing.

[Mindy Thomas]

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 2.

[Guy Raz]

What's in a WoW is executive produced by Meredith Halpern, Ranzer Mindy Thomas, and me, Guy Raz.

[Mindy Thomas]

Our writers are Anna Zagorski, Darnell Walker, Ruth Morrison and Heba Guta.

[Guy Raz]

Sound production and design is by Marianne Lozano with help from our senior Producer Jett Anderson.

[Mindy Thomas]

Special thanks to the rest of our team of tinkerers including Anna Zagorski, Rebecca Caban, Henry Moskal, Jessica Boddy, Jacob Stein and Jason Rabinowitz.

[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 [e-mail] and.

[Mindy Thomas]

To keep the what's and the Wows rolling, Visit [e-mail] There you can find our two what's in a wow Think and Tinker Playbook Interactive, Kahoot Games and info on becoming a member of the World Organization of wowzers Grown Ups.

[Guy Raz]

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @2whats and a wow and our email address is helloinkercast.com finally, if.

[Mindy Thomas]

You'Re a kid with a big wow to share, it could be used on an upcoming episode of 2 what's in a wow? Call us at 1-8887-WOW. Wow.

[Guy Raz]

Thanks again for listening and playing along. Meet us back here on Monday for Wow in the World.

[Mindy Thomas]

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