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

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.

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.

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)

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 us@tinkercast.com." (08:23)

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

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."

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)

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.

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

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