Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Octo-WOW! (5/9/25)

Summary

Wow in the World Podcast Episode Summary Episode Title: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Octo-WOW!
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Podcast Series: Wow in the World by Tinkercast | Wondery

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Introduction and Announcements

In this exciting episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz kick things off with thrilling news for their young and young-at-heart listeners. They unveil the Wow in the World STEM Toys, featuring their own likenesses, now available at select Walmart locations and online.

Guy Raz enthusiastically announces, “Grown ups, we are so excited to share our wow in the World STEM toys with the future scientists in your life” (00:20). Mindy Thomas adds, “Wow in the World STEM toys now available at Walmart” (00:44), encouraging families to explore these engaging educational tools.

Additionally, the hosts promote their collaboration with Atlas Obscura, offering Wow in the World Family Tours. These adventures allow families to explore wonders like the ancient Mayan temples in Mexico or the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Mindy highlights, “All of our Wow in the World Family tours come with an adventure toolkit, T-shirts, a journal, and postcards” (01:40), emphasizing the comprehensive and hassle-free planning provided for busy parents.

Two Whats?! And A Wow! - The Octo-WOW Game Show

The heart of the episode is the "Two Whats?! And a Wow! - Octo-WOW!" game segment, where contestants distinguish between fascinating scientific truths (wows) and fabricated facts (whats) about octopuses.

Round 1: Octopus Brains

• Presenters: Mindy and Guy introduce three statements about octopuses.

• Statements:

  • A: Octopuses have brains in their arms.
  • B: Grandma G Force once lost a wrestling match with an octopus.
  • C: Octopuses communicate to each other through blowing bubbles.

• Correct Answer: A – Octopuses have brains in their arms.

  Mindy explains, “Octopus arms have a mind of their own. Literally. Inside each octopus arm, there's a small group of nerve cells that control the arm's movement" (05:11). Guy Raz adds, “Technically speaking, octopuses have a larger central brain and eight independent miniature brains" (05:37), highlighting the remarkable neural complexity of these creatures.

Round 2: Octopus Hearts and Dreams

• Statements:

  • A: Octopuses have four hearts.
  • B: Thomas Fingerling has a pet octopus.
  • C: When octopuses dream, they can change colors.

• Correct Answer: C – When octopuses dream, they can change colors.

  Mindy reveals, “Turns out these eight-armed sea creatures love a good power nap. And scientists believe that just like humans, they have dreams while they sleep" (07:05). Guy Raz further elaborates, “Octopus skin colors change while they dream" (07:15, emphasizing the connection between their dreaming and color-changing abilities.

Round 3: Octopus Beaks and Intelligence

• Statements:

  • A: Octopuses have powerful beaks, like parrots.
  • B: On average, octopuses live for 30 years.
  • C: There's an octopus in Australia that knows the Alphabet.

• Correct Answer: A – Octopuses have powerful beaks, like parrots.

  Mindy discusses, “Octopuses have hooked beaks that look pretty similar to a parrot's beak, only they're hidden in the middle of their arms" (10:04). Guy Raz adds context, “The reason they need these tough beaks to begin with is because some of their favorite crustaceans, like lobsters and crabs, have pretty crunchy shells" (10:22), explaining the evolutionary advantage of their beaks.

Engaging Contests and Prizes

Throughout the game show, contestants who guess correctly earn points, while incorrect answers lead to playful physical challenges, such as “stop, drop, and throw your hands in the air" (05:55) or “stop, drop and dream a little dream of cheese" (07:24), adding a fun and interactive element for listeners.

At the end of each round, winners receive imaginative prizes like “six invisible pool noodles to turn yourself into an eight-armed cephalopod" (11:12), further enhancing the playful and educational atmosphere of the show.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Wrapping up the episode, Mindy and Guy encourage listeners to join the World Organization of Wowzers for year-round activities and memberships. They also invite teachers to participate in their Tinkerclass program, offering free project-based learning resources.

Mindy concludes with an invitation, “If you're a teacher out there listening, make sure you join Tinkerclass. It's our free project-based learning program" (11:40), fostering an inclusive community of young scientists and curious minds.

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Notable Quotes

• Guy Raz: “Grown ups, we are so excited to share our wow in the World STEM toys with the future scientists in your life.” (00:20)

• Mindy Thomas: “Octopus arms have a mind of their own. Literally. Inside each octopus arm, there's a small group of nerve cells that control the arm's movement.” (05:11)

• Guy Raz: “Technically speaking, octopuses have a larger central brain and eight independent miniature brains.” (05:37)

• Mindy Thomas: “Turns out these eight-armed sea creatures love a good power nap. And scientists believe that just like humans, they have dreams while they sleep.” (07:05)

• Guy Raz: “Octopus skin colors change while they dream.” (07:15)

• Mindy Thomas: “Octopuses have hooked beaks that look pretty similar to a parrot's beak, only they're hidden in the middle of their arms.” (10:04)

• Guy Raz: “The reason they need these tough beaks to begin with is because some of their favorite crustaceans, like lobsters and crabs, have pretty crunchy shells.” (10:22)

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Wow in the World masterfully intertwines educational content with interactive fun, engaging listeners in the fascinating world of octopuses. Through the Octo-WOW! game show, Mindy and Guy Raz not only entertain but also impart intriguing scientific knowledge, inspiring curiosity and wonder in their audience. Whether you're a parent, educator, or young explorer, this episode promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for these intelligent and enigmatic sea creatures.

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Timestamp Guide:

• 00:20 – STEM Toys Announcement
• 00:44 – Availability of STEM Toys
• 01:40 – Family Tours with Atlas Obscura
• 05:11 – Octopus Brains Explanation
• 05:37 – Central and Arm Brains
• 07:05 – Octopus Dreams
• 07:15 – Color Change During Dreams
• 10:04 – Octopus Beaks
• 10:22 – Purpose of Beaks

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For more engaging episodes and activities, visit Tinkercast.com and join the World Organization of Wowzers to keep the wonder alive!

Transcript

[Guy Raz]

Hey, Wowzer fams. It's Guy Raz and Mindy here. And Mindy. Can you believe we have our very own wow in the World stem toys?

[Mindy Thomas]

I know. And look. They even have our faces on them. Look at little us.

[Guy Raz]

Guy Razzie, it's so bonkerballs.

[Mindy Thomas]

Aw, you're using my catchphrase.

[Guy Raz]

Grown ups, we are so excited to share our wow in the World stem toys with the future scientists in your life.

[Mindy Thomas]

And now you can find our toys at select Walmart Loc near you and [e-mail] from the ultimate high flying air.

[Guy Raz]

Rocket to the light up terrarium, there's something for every Wowzer in your world to play and tinker with.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow in the World stem toys now available at Walmart. That's it. And now let's get back to the wow. Hey, Wowzer fams. Mindy and Guy Raz here. And before we start the show, summer break is almost here.

[Guy Raz]

And if you're looking for an adventure that the whole family will love, we've teamed up with our friends at Atlas Obscura to create trips designed for families to explore the wows of our world.

[Mindy Thomas]

That's right. The first wow in the World family tour starts at the end of June. And there's still a few more spots left. So why not join your fellow Wowser fams on an exploration of the ancient Mayan temples and the pyramids of Tulum in Mexico.

[Guy Raz]

Or if you're looking for some wows this winter, your family discover the pyramids of Giza and ride camels in Egypt in December.

[Mindy Thomas]

All of our wow in the World Family tours come with an adventure toolkit, T shirts, a journal, and postcards. And the best part, Grownups. The planning is already taken care of.

[Guy Raz]

Aw, but I love planning, Mindy. Spending hours online searching for the best locations, the best deals, the best.

[Mindy Thomas]

I know you do, Guy Raz, but a lot of busy grown ups don't really have that kind of time these days. So our friends at at Obscura have planned experiences that will wow your family each day of your trip. And we've put together some audio surprises and daily missions for you too.

[Guy Raz]

Grown ups. If you want to learn more about the wow in the World family tours, visit tinkercast.com trips that's tinkercast.com trips. That's it. Now back to the show. And now for everyone's second favorite game show after. Wait, is it octopuses or octopi? It's two what's and a wow with your hosts, Mindy and Guy Wild 2.

[Contestant]

What'S 2 what's in a wow?

[Mindy Thomas]

Hello and welcome to 2 what's in a Wow?

[Contestant]

2 what's in a wow?

[Guy Raz]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the what's. And the category or theme for today is. Octopuses. Now that we know the theme, Mindy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works?

[Mindy Thomas]

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 octopuses. 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]

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]

Okay, everyone ready to get this show going?

[Mindy Thomas]

Great. Then let's get to it.

[Guy Raz]

All right, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, octopuses have brains in their arms?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, Grandma G Force once lost a wrestling match with an octopus.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C? Octopuses communicate to each other through blowing bubbles.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, raise your eight arms.

[Guy Raz]

We'll give you a couple of seconds to think on it. Reggie, cue the thinking music. And time is up. Let's now reveal the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

And to do just that, it's Storm from Toronto. Oh, Storm, tell us, what's the winning wow?

[Contestant]

Did you know that octopus have sprays in all of their arms?

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, octopus arms for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Storm. Contestants, if you guessed the answer A, that octopuses have brains in their arms, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

You heard that right. Octopus arms have a mind of their own. Literally. Inside each octopus arm, there's a small group of nerve cells that control the arm's movement.

[Guy Raz]

So technically speaking, octopuses have a larger central brain and eight independent miniature brains.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and throw your hands in the air and wave them around like you just don't care.

[Guy Raz]

All right, round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, octopuses have four hearts?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, Thomas Fingerling has a pet octopus?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, when octopuses dream, they can change colors.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hmm, lots to think about here. When you think you have the correct answer, camouflage yourself into your surroundings.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up. And joining us by phone, it's Beth from Massachusetts with our winning wow?

[Contestant]

Hi, Mindy and Daddy. My wow is when octopuses dream, they change color.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner dreams for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you Beth. Wowzers. If you guessed C, when octopuses dream they can change colors. Well congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Turns out these eight armed sea creatures love a good power nap. And scientists believe that just like humans, they have dreams while they sleep.

[Guy Raz]

While their dreams are pretty short, most likely no longer than a minute. Octopuses skin colors change while they dream.

[Mindy Thomas]

But what are they dreaming about? Well, scientists think that their dreams are probably not as complex as our dreams. But since they're expert problem solvers, they might be dreaming about how they can improve on tasks.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, those are my favorite kinds of dreams.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and dream a little dream of cheese. And now it's time to take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you in part by Octopi, the world's first octagon shaped pie. This eight sided pie comes in two flavors, strawberry sea slugs and crab apple.

[Guy Raz]

Oh well I'll pass on the sea slugs but I like crab apples.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh no, not that kind of crab apple Guy Raz. It's apple pie with bits of crab in it.

[Guy Raz]

Well thank you Octopie. Now let's take a quick break and hear some other important messages for grownups.

[Contestant]

Two whats in a while. We'll be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you. That's it. Now back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

Welcome back to 2 what's in a.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

And now we're on to our first final round of questions. Round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, octopuses have powerful beaks.

[Mindy Thomas]

Like parrots or is it B? On average, octopuses live for 30 years.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C? There's an octopus in Australia that knows the Alphabet.

[Mindy Thomas]

Take a second to think this over and when you think you have the answer, sing the Alphabet backwards.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Contestant]

Hi Mindeen Guy Raz. My wow in the world is that octopuses have powerful beaks. Used to eat much like parrots.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, calamari for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

That's right Emery. Wowzers. If you guessed A, that octopuses have beaks like parrots, well congratulations, you found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Octopuses have hooked beaks that look pretty similar to a parrot's beak, only they're hidden in the middle of their arms. So if you're wondering why you've never seen an octopus beak, it's probably because when octopuses aren't using it, they retract or pull it back.

[Guy Raz]

And the reason they need these tough beaks to begin with is because some of their favorite crustaceans, like lobsters and crabs, have pretty crunchy shells.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and flop like a fish.

[Guy Raz]

What was that?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

My news cruise is finally here.

[Mindy Thomas]

What's a news cruise?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, it's a cruise where for an entire week all you do is watch the news, read the news, talk about the news. I signed us both up, remember?

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh great. Well, this time I think the sound means it's time for today's winning wowzers prize.

[Guy Raz]

Oh right.

[Mindy Thomas]

All of our winning wowzers today will receive six invisible pool noodles. Stick em on your shirt and turn yourself into an eight armed cephalopod.

[Guy Raz]

Fire away. Well, that's about all the time we have for today. But if you want to keep keep the fun going, then become a member of the World Organization of wowzers and unlock hundreds of activities.

[Mindy Thomas]

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.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow in the World and again on Friday for a new episode of 2 what's in a wow? And don't forget forget we wow on the weekend with Dennis.

[Guy Raz]

Until then, keep on wowing.

[Contestant]

Two watts. Two watts. Two watts. 2 watts. 2 watts. 2 watts 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 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.

[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 hellotinkercast.com 2 what's in a wow.

[Guy Raz]

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 Zagorsky.

[Guy Raz]

Sound production and design is by Marianne Lozano and Henry Moskal with help from Jed Anderson and Tyler Thole and special.

[Mindy Thomas]

Thanks to our Tinkercast team including Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kristin Yang, Thuy Mack, Erika Medina, Jody Nussbaum, Ally 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 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.

[Guy Raz]

Until then, keep on wowing.

[Contestant]

Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow.

In the World World Was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.