Podcast Summary: Two Whats?! And A Wow! – Off The Rails

Podcast: Wow in the World
Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Air Date: December 26, 2025
Episode Theme: Trains
Format: Science-based game show for kids and families

Overview

This lively episode of Two Whats?! And A Wow! takes young listeners and their families on a journey “off the rails” with three fun, science-packed rounds—all about trains! Mindy and Guy Raz challenge listeners to spot the true WOW among several outlandish train facts, with lots of jokes, sound effects, and participation from kids who call in with their answers. Each round is filled with surprising knowledge, playful banter, and “ridonkulous” physical challenges for those who guess incorrectly.

Main Discussion Points & Episode Structure

Opening & Episode Setup

• Mindy welcomes listeners with a celebratory note about the show's 10th season, new episodes, and audience support. (00:00–01:03)
• Guy Raz and Mindy introduce the premise: three rounds, three train “facts,” only one is a WOW; listeners at home try to pick the correct one and face silly physical challenges if they get it wrong. (01:34–02:24)

Round 1: The World’s Longest Train

Options:
A) More people ride trains than planes, cars, and buses combined each year.
B) Trains transport 8 million gallons of gravy every year.
C) The longest train ever was over four and a half miles long.

• Kids at home are told to yell “All aboard!” when ready. (02:57)
• Caller: Gideon from New Jersey reveals the wow:

  “The longest train is over four and a half miles long.” (03:33)

• Correct Answer: C
• WOW FACT:
  • The longest train ever was an Australian freight train from 2008: 682 cars, 4.57 miles long, nearly 100,000 tons—“almost as heavy as 10 Eiffel Towers.” (04:14)
• Playful Punishment:
  • Incorrect answerers must "stop, drop, and chugga chugga choo choo your way across Australia." (04:27)

Round 2: Levitating Trains

Options:
A) Most trains around the world use the same tracks.
B) Some trains levitate with magnets.
C) Scientists are building a train to the moon.

• Listeners should yell “Get up on the brain train!” (05:01)
• Caller: Erin from Minnesota reveals the wow:

  “Some trains levitate with magnets.” (05:31)

• Correct Answer: B
• WOW FACT:
  • Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains use magnets to hover above the tracks, allowing speeds up to 375 mph, less friction, quieter operation, and fewer breakdowns. (05:52–06:23)

  “Maglev trains are quieter, they're more energy efficient, and they don't break down as easily as traditional trains.” – Guy Raz (06:09)

• Playful Punishment:
  • “Stop, drop, and levitate off the ground.” (06:23)

Round 3: Speedy Bullet Trains

Options:
A) The Shinkansen bullet train can go up to 200 miles per hour.
B) The Mandovi Express has almost 350 stops.
C) The Orient Express provides luxury dining, hot towels, and a dramatic mystery with every ride.

• Shout: “I'm a superconductor!” (07:02)
• Caller: Jack from Indiana reveals the wow:

  “The Shinkansen bullet train from Japan can go up to 200 miles per hour.” (07:30)

• Correct Answer: A
• WOW FACT:
  • The famed Japanese bullet train, thanks to its aerodynamic shape, takes passengers from Osaka to Tokyo (250 miles) in just 2.5 hours, versus 6 hours by car. (07:55)
  • Maglev bullet train lines are under construction, with the first expected by 2027. (08:16)
• Playful Punishment:
  • “Stop, drop, and run around at 200 miles per hour.” (08:25)

Bonkerballs Bonus Round: Studying Mouse Brains

• Recap of a Wow in the World episode about scientists observing mice brains while they practice tasks, to understand human learning.
• Question: Why do scientists study mice brains for human brain research?
  A) Brains are similar
  B) Mice brains are easier to find
  C) Mice can talk
• Reggie reveals:

  “If you chose A, scientists study mice brains because our brains are so similar, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.” (10:38)

• WOW FACT:
  • Mouse brains are structurally and functionally similar to human brains, making them valuable in scientific studies. (10:58)

Prize & Wrap-Up

• Prize: Winners announced to receive a train whistle. (“Grab a whistle everyone. The train is about to leave the station!” – Mindy, 11:32)
• Shoutouts to educators and promotion of Tinkercast learning platforms. (11:39–12:14)
• Encouragement for kids to share their own big WOWs and information about upcoming episodes and membership options.
• Playful, energetic signoff:

  “Until then, keep on wowing.” – Mindy (12:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mindy: “Winner, winner, diesel for dinner!” (03:45)
• Guy Raz: “Maglev trains are quieter, they're more energy efficient, and they don't break down as easily as traditional trains.” (06:09)
• Mindy: “Winner, winner, bullet trains for dinner.” (07:41)
• On the world's heaviest train: “That's almost as heavy as 10 Eiffel Towers.” – Mindy (04:14)
• Physical challenge punishments: Always train-themed, e.g., “Chugga chugga choo choo your way across Australia.” (04:27), “Run around at 200 miles per hour!” (08:25)
• On mouse brains: “Turns out that mice brains and human brains are similar in structure and the way they work, making them useful for scientific research.” – Mindy (10:58)

Segment Timestamps

• 00:00 — Mindy’s New Year intro & appreciation
• 01:34 — Game introduction
• 02:28 — Round 1 (longest train)
• 03:33 — Caller: Gideon answers Round 1
• 04:37 — Round 2 (levitating trains)
• 05:31 — Caller: Erin answers Round 2
• 06:31 — Round 3 (bullet trains)
• 07:30 — Caller: Jack answers Round 3
• 09:26 — Return from break, prep for bonus round
• 09:48 — Bonkerballs Bonus Round (mice brain question)
• 10:45 — Bonus answer by Reggie
• 11:14 — Prize announcement
• 11:39 — Wrap-up and sign-off

Tone & Style Snapshot

The episode delivers science with high energy, lots of humor, wordplay, and a focus on audience participation—engaging both kids and adults. The hosts’ enthusiasm, playful sound effects, and silly “punishments” keep the learning light and the pace quick, while still packing in real scientific facts.

For Listeners Who Missed It

You’ll come away knowing:

• The world’s longest train was over 4.5 miles long in Australia.
• Magnetic levitation makes for super-speedy, quiet, and efficient trains.
• Japan’s bullet trains are marvels of engineering and speed.
• Scientists study mouse brains because of their similarities to human brains.

And you might find yourself yelling “Chugga chugga choo choo!” during your next car ride—or at least wishing for a train whistle!

Keep on wowing!