Two Whats?! And A Wow! - No Bones About It (10/3/25)

Summary

Wow in the World — “Two Whats?! And A Wow! - No Bones About It” (October 3, 2025)

Episode Overview

Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz bring listeners a lively, dinosaur-packed episode of their classic game show, “Two Whats?! And A Wow!” This time, the prehistoric fun is dialed up as they challenge kids and families to identify the one true scientific WOW among statements about ancient animals—complete with quirky banter, a guest dinosaur (Steve the T. Rex), and imaginative learning prompts. Not only do listeners get to test their knowledge, but they’re also inspired to imagine themselves as paleontologists and leave a future “fossil record” of their own.

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Key Discussion Points

Setting the Scene: Closet Excavation and Dino Introductions

• [03:25-04:42]
  Mindy gears up with a flashlight and shovel (for “closet digging”) as Guy Raz is bemused, expecting an actual archaeological adventure.
  • Mindy: “I can’t seem to find my Gasesaurus anywhere.”
  • Steve the T. Rex offers comic relief, worried about digging, only for them to find “Gassy” the dinosaur in Mindy’s closet.

The Game Show Begins: “Two Whats?! And A Wow!”

• [04:51-06:00]
  The game is introduced—listeners are presented with three statements about prehistoric animals, but only one is scientifically accurate. Mindy explains the rules with her signature enthusiasm.
  • “We are going to present you with three scientific statements about prehistoric animals. BUT only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up whats.” — Mindy Thomas [05:43]

The Prehistoric Statements Challenge

• [06:00-06:40]
  The contestants must figure out which of these is the “wow”:
  1. Woolly mammoths danced like birds to attract their mates.
  2. Before humans existed, turtles were larger than cars.
  3. Siberian unicorns produced 400 pounds of poop per day.

Answer Reveal and Scientific Explanation

• [07:04-08:43]
  Caller Izzy from Seattle gives the correct answer: Before humans existed, turtles were larger than cars!
  • Izzy: “My wow in the world is that before humans existed, turtles were bigger than cars.” [07:44]
  • Mindy shares the science:
    • “Fossil scientists known as paleontologists found remains of a turtle that lived 5 to 10 million years ago and measured in at 9 and a half feet long, the size of a mid sized car.” — Mindy Thomas [08:16]
  • The other “what” facts get a fun twist:
    • Dinosaurs (not mammoths) sometimes danced like birds for mating.
    • It was actually mammoths (not Siberian unicorns) who produced 400 pounds of poop per day—“That’s like a whole piano’s worth of poop!” — Mindy Thomas [08:43]

Playful Prizes & Imagined Prehistoric Fun

• [09:02-09:18]
  Winners are rewarded with “an invisible prehistoric time machine”.
  • “Perfect for those who want to play with kangaroos before they learn how to hop or run with whales when they were land creatures.” — Mindy Thomas [09:12]

Science Activity for Listeners: Operation Rock Talk

• [09:25-10:08]
  The hosts encourage kids to create their own “fossil record”:
  • “On those rocks, draw or paint what you want the scientists of the future to know about your life today. Love skateboarding, playing with your pet raccoon? Corn? Draw it all on the rocks!” — Mindy Thomas [09:47]

Engagement and Community

• Listeners are invited to share their creations at tinkercast.com/share and participate in the wider Wowzer community.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [03:50]
  Steve the T. Rex (worried): “Phew.”
• [05:43]
  Mindy Thomas explains the game:
  “Only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up whats.”
• [08:43]
  Mindy Thomas on prehistoric poop:
  “That’s like a whole piano’s worth of poop!”
• [09:02]
  Guy Raz, on their prize:
  “An invisible prehistoric time machine.”
• [09:47]
  Mindy Thomas, encouraging creativity:
  “Draw or paint what you want the scientists of the future to know about your life today.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:25] — Closet “dino dig” and banter with Steve the T. Rex
• [04:51] — Game show introduction: “Two Whats?! And A Wow!”
• [06:00] — The three prehistoric animal statements
• [07:44] — Izzy reveals the correct “wow” (car-sized turtles)
• [08:16] — Paleontological explanation about giant turtles
• [09:02] — Prize announcement: “invisible prehistoric time machine”
• [09:25] — Listener activity: “Operation Rock Talk”

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Tone and Style

The episode is upbeat, silly, and brimming with energy. Mindy and Guy rely on playful jokes, friendly jabs, and interactive calls to action to keep kids and families engaged. Steve the T. Rex’s humorous cameo adds extra fun to the learning.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode is a prime example of Wow in the World’s unique blend of fun and science. Mindy, Guy, and friends use creativity, jokes, and vivid examples to spark curiosity, letting listeners learn about prehistoric animals (like giant turtles and dancing dinosaurs) in a hands-on, memorable way. Their “Operation Rock Talk” invites kids to connect with science by making their own “fossil” artwork, encouraging imaginative play and scientific thinking—all in under fifteen minutes. Whether you’re a fossil fanatic or just in for a laugh, this episode inspires everyone to say: “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 and Guy Raz here. And before we start the show, we've got some gigantic epic news to share with you.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, Mindy. Uh, what was that?

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, I'm so glad you asked. Guy Raz, you come on in, Steve.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, is that a T. Rex in your gingerbread mansion?

[Mindy Thomas]

Sure is, Guy Raz. But look what's in his little hand.

[Guy Raz]

Your door?

[Mindy Thomas]

No, in his other hand.

[Guy Raz]

Oh wait, is that our new book? Dinosaurs Are Wow.

[Steve the T. Rex]

Aw, he loves it. Mindy, how did you find a T. Rex?

[Mindy Thomas]

Don't worry about it. I just wanted to get a real dinosaur Dinosaurs opinion on our new book since you know, they're kind of the main character in this one.

[Guy Raz]

Well, it looks like Steve is giving it two very sharp claws up Grown Ups. If you want to bring the wows of dinosaurs to life with our new book, Dinosaurs Are Wow. Pre order your copy [e-mail] dinosaur there you can shop at your favorite book retailer or support a local indie bookseller near you. Once again, that's Tinkercast.com dinosaur and if.

[Mindy Thomas]

You pre order before October 28th, you will be invited to a special prehistoric party happening on our book birthday October 28th. Learn [e-mail] dinosaur that's tinkercast.com dinosaur to join us in our virtual Prehistoric pre order party on October 28th. I gotta go drop Stevie back off in the Jurassic period and you've got an episode to listen to. So without further ado, hit it Reg.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Mindy Thomas]

Flashlight, check. Shovel, check.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, hey, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, hey, Guy Raz. Ooh, watch out for that mountain of T shirts.

[Guy Raz]

Your closet is a mess. And is that a shovel? Flashlight, Safety goggles, compass. Are you going digging?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yes, of course I'm not going digging, Guy Raz.

[Steve the T. Rex]

Phew.

[Mindy Thomas]

We're going digging. I can't seem to find my Gasesaurus anywhere. We are.

[Guy Raz]

I'm not sure I'm dressed to go digging in the tar pits of Mongolia or Antarctica.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, it's not a problem, Guy Raz. We're digging right here in my closet. So if you get cold, here's a sweater, Grab yourself a shovel and a flashlight and pick a corner so you can start digging.

[Guy Raz]

Okay. Well, how will I know the Gasaurus when I see it?

[Steve the T. Rex]

Easy.

[Mindy Thomas]

It's £300, 161 million years old, and.

[Steve the T. Rex]

Sounds a little like Bruno found it.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, hey there, Gassy.

[Steve the T. Rex]

Woo.

[Mindy Thomas]

So glad I found you, Guy Raz. We can start the show now.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, yeah.

[Steve the T. Rex]

Put down those shovels, quiet the roars and remove the goggles. In 3, 2, 1.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And now for everyone's second favorite game show after kissing your fingers like you're a chef. Mwah.

[Steve the T. Rex]

It's two what's and a whoa. With your hosts, Mindy and Guy Raz. 2 Whats. 2 what? 2 what's 2 what? 2 what's 2What? 2 what's and a what?

[Mindy Thomas]

Welcome back, Wowzers. It's time for another prehistoric round of 2 what's and a wow.

[Steve the T. Rex]

2 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. Prehistoric animals. Mindy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works?

[Mindy Thomas]

You know it. Wowzers. We are going to present you with three scientific statements about prehistoric animals.

[Steve the T. Rex]

But.

[Mindy Thomas]

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 prehistoric animals is the one true scientific wow? Is it A, woolly mammoths danced like birds to attract their mates?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, before humans existed, turtles were larger than cars?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C? Siberian unicorns produced 400 pounds of poop per day.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, Wowzers, when you think you have the right answer, go 30,000 years into the past and tell it to the first person you see.

[Guy Raz]

We're gonna take a quick break and when we come back, we'll find out if your wow is the winning wow.

[Steve the T. Rex]

Do once in a while.

[Mindy Thomas]

We'll be right back.

[Steve the T. Rex]

Grown ups, this message is for you. That's it. Now back to the show.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, Wowzers, time is to reveal the winning wow.

[Guy Raz]

But before we do, let's do a quick review.

[Mindy Thomas]

We gave you three scientific statements about prehistoric animals and challenged you to guess which one was the one. True wow.

[Guy Raz]

Was it A, woolly mammoths danced like birds to attract their mates.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or was it B? Before humans existed, turtles were larger than cars.

[Guy Raz]

Or was it C? Siberian unicorns produced 400 pounds of poop per day.

[Mindy Thomas]

And to answer today's question, joining us by phone, it's Izzy from Seattle, Washington. Izzy, what's the wow? My wow in the world is that before humans existed, turtles were bigger than cars. Winner, winner, T. Rex eggs for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Izzy that. Contestants, if you guessed the answer b that before humans existed, turtles were bigger than cars, you found the winning wow. Congratulations, Wowzers.

[Mindy Thomas]

Fossil scientists known as paleontologists found remains of a Turtle that lived 5 to 10 million years ago and measured in at 9 and a half feet long, the size of a mid sized car.

[Guy Raz]

And if you guessed A or C, you weren't too far off. While the woolly mammoth was slow on its feet, some dinosaurs actually danced like chickens to attract their mates.

[Mindy Thomas]

And if you chose C, while Siberian unicorns certainly pooped, it was actually the mammoth that produced around 400 pounds of poop per day. That's like a whole piano's worth of poop. Now, Guy Raz, why don't you tell our winning wowzers what they've won?

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, all of our winning contestants today will be taking home their very own invisible prehistoric time machine.

[Mindy Thomas]

Perfect for those who want to play with kangaroos before they learn how to hop or run with whales when they were land creatures.

[Guy Raz]

Well, congratulations to all of our winning wowzers. That's just about all the time we have for today.

[Mindy Thomas]

But before we go, we have a little scientific challenge for you. We call it Operation Rock Talk.

[Guy Raz]

So much of what we know about prehistoric life comes from rocks found by paleontologists and tinkerers like you. Wouldn't it be amazing if rocks could tell people the future of our lives?

[Mindy Thomas]

You'll need pencils, markers, paints or chalk and some smooth rocks. And on those rocks, draw or paint what you want the scientists of the future to know about your life today. Love skateboarding, playing with your pet raccoon.

[Steve the T. Rex]

Corn.

[Mindy Thomas]

Draw it all on the rocks and Grown Ups. You can help by making sure that the rocks are placed in safe places.

[Guy Raz]

And don't forget to take a photo or a video. Grown Ups. You can upload pictures and videos to [e-mail] Share that's all the time we have for now.

[Mindy Thomas]

Until next time, keep on rowing.

[Steve the T. Rex]

2 what's 2 what? 2 what's 2 what? 2 WHAT'S AND A WOW.

[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].

[Guy Raz]

Survey 2 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 Elisheba Itup and Marian 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 while 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 at 2 whats and a wow. And our email address is helloinkercast.com finally.

[Mindy Thomas]

If you're a kid with a of bunch big wow to share, it could be used on an upcoming episode of 2 what's in a wow? Call us at 1-888-7 wow. Wow.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Steve the T. Rex]

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