Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Oh Baby! (5/16/25)

Summary

Wow in the World: "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Oh Baby!" Episode Summary

Released on May 16, 2025

In the "Oh Baby!" episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz delve into the fascinating world of babies through engaging storytelling and a fun-filled scientific game show. This episode not only entertains but also educates listeners about intriguing baby-related facts.

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1. Hosts Share Baby Memories (1:43 - 3:22)

The episode begins with Mindy and Guy reminiscing about their own baby days, sharing adorable and humorous anecdotes that set a friendly and relatable tone.

• Mindy Thomas [01:43]: "Oh, this is such a cute picture. Guy Raz. You were such a little distinguished baby."

• Guy Raz [01:51]: "Yeah, thanks. Apparently, I'd cry until my parents put my tie on."

Mindy shares her first foray into chemistry as a baby, highlighting her early curiosity and playful mishaps.

• Mindy Thomas [02:05]: "And here I am after my first chemistry explosion. Oh, bath time took longer than usual that day."

Their light-hearted exchange is briefly interrupted by a character named Dennis, who humorously interjects to remind them to stay on track.

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2. Game Show: Two What's and a Wow (3:22 - 16:50)

The core of the episode features the interactive game show segment, "Two What's and a Wow," where Mindy and Guy challenge listeners to distinguish between true scientific wonders ("wows") and fabricated facts ("whats") about babies.

a. Introduction to the Game (3:22 - 4:31)

• Guy Raz [03:22]: "And now for everyone's favorite game show. It's two what's and a wow."

• Mindy Thomas [04:08]: "In each of our three rounds today, Guy, Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about babies. But only one of those statements will be a true wow."

Participants earn points by correctly identifying the "wow" and face playful challenges if they guess incorrectly.

b. Round 1: Blue Whale Babies (4:50 - 7:03)

The first round tests knowledge about marine biology, specifically focusing on blue whale calves.

• Question Presented [05:03]: "A. Babies can't taste until they're about three weeks old? B. No human baby has been born in Antarctica? C. Blue whale babies can weigh over 5,000 pounds when they're born."

• Owen from Chicago [05:53]: "My wow in the world is that baby Blue whales weigh £5,000."

Mindy explains the significance:

• Mindy Thomas [06:20]: "Blue whale pregnancies can last a whole year. When they're born, the babies called calves can be over 23ft long and weigh about as much as a fully grown rhinoceros."

c. Round 2: Baby Fish Facts (7:03 - 09:17)

The second round shifts focus to ichthyology, exploring the early life stages of fish.

• Question Presented [07:16]: "A. Baby fish are often called fingerlings? B. Baby worms are often called wiglets? C. Baby walruses are often called scrumpkins."

• Daniel from Wisconsin [07:57]: "The winning wow is that baby fish are called fingerlings."

Mindy adds educational value:

• Mindy Thomas [08:19]: "Fish go through three main stages before they become adult fish. First, the egg phase, then the larval stage when the eggs hatch but are still connected to their yolk sac."

d. Round 3: Baby Camels (09:17 - 13:24)

The final round examines unique aspects of camel biology.

• Question Presented [09:31]: "A. Baby hyenas always have green eyes? B. Baby camels are born without humps? C. There's no such thing as a baby ant because they're born fully formed."

• Olivia from New Mexico [12:32]: "My wow in the world is that baby camels are born without the hump."

Mindy elaborates on camel physiology:

• Mindy Thomas [12:59]: "Camels use their humps to store fat, which helps them survive long trips through the desert when food is scarce."

e. Bonus Round: Bonker Balls (13:46 - 14:34)

After completing the main rounds, the hosts introduce a whimsical bonus segment involving playful interactions and additional challenges, adding a layer of humor and spontaneity to the episode.

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3. Contestant Challenges and Prizes (14:34 - 15:47)

Winners of the game receive imaginative prizes and participate in light-hearted physical challenges, reinforcing the episode's fun and educational atmosphere.

• Mindy Thomas [14:15]: "Today's winning Wowzers will all receive their very own invisible throwaway. Come back to you stick."

The hosts encourage ongoing engagement by introducing a scientific challenge for listeners to compare baby photos with their present selves.

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4. Scientific Challenge: Then and Wow (14:44 - 15:29)

To wrap up the episode, Mindy and Guy present a creative challenge that invites listeners to reflect on their growth and changes from infancy to adulthood.

• Mindy Thomas [14:44]: "For this challenge, we want you to find a picture of yourself as a baby. What's different about you now and what's not?"

Listeners are encouraged to share their transformations by sending photos or videos to the show, fostering a sense of community and personal connection.

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5. Closing Remarks (15:29 - 17:41)

The episode concludes with final thoughts from the hosts, reinforcing the show's mission to inspire wonder and curiosity in both kids and their grown-ups.

• Guy Raz [15:29]: "Until then, keep on wowing."

The hosts also provide information on how listeners can engage further with the show and its content, ensuring continued interaction beyond the episode.

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Notable Highlights:

• Engaging Educational Content: Each game round seamlessly blends entertainment with scientific facts, making learning enjoyable for young listeners.
• Interactive Segments: The inclusion of listener participation through phone-ins and challenges enhances engagement and fosters a dynamic listening experience.
• Humorous and Relatable Host Interactions: Mindy and Guy's playful banter and personal stories create a welcoming and fun atmosphere, appealing to both children and their parents.

This episode of Wow in the World effectively combines humor, education, and interactive elements to deliver a memorable and enriching experience focused on the intriguing world of babies.

Transcript

[Mindy Thomas]

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 Wowzer fams on an exploration 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 can 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 location, 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 Atlas 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, grown ups.

[Guy Raz]

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.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, this is such a cute picture. Guy Raz. You were such a little distinguished baby.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, thanks. Apparently, I'd cry until my parents put my tie on. Do you have any pictures of you as a baby?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, thanks for asking. Cause actually, I do. It's right here. Oh, here I am with my first chemistry set.

[Guy Raz]

Ah, look at that. Hit you with your little beakers and test tubes.

[Mindy Thomas]

And here I am after my first chemistry explosion. Oh, bath time took longer than usual that day. Oh, look at little itty bitty baby Reggie.

[Guy Raz]

You were an adorable egg.

[Dennis]

Excuse me. Just what do you think you're doing over here?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, hey, Dennis. We're just sharing pictures of ourselves as babies.

[Dennis]

Oh, I have. Actually, I have an entire photo album.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, great.

[Dennis]

Okay, here I am secretly listening to my grandma's phone calls. And here I am reading through the family's mail.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay.

[Dennis]

Oh, and here's me getting into everyone's business at daycare. Ah, memories. I was so different back then.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, yeah, right.

[Dennis]

Anyway, back to work. We have a show to do. You there, freeze the frames and you key the boards. And Reggie, buy the cycles. We're on in three, two, one.

[Guy Raz]

And now for everyone's favorite game show. It's two what's and a while.

[Owen]

With your hosts, Mindy Guy Rats. Two W. Two what? Two watts. Two what? Two watts. Two what's two what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hello and welcome to two what's in a wow.

[Owen]

Two 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 Babies. Mindy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works?

[Mindy Thomas]

You know, wowzers. In each of our three rounds today, Guy, Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about babies. 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 ridonkulous physical challenge.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, everyone ready to start the game?

[Mindy Thomas]

Great. Then let's do it.

[Guy Raz]

All right, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, babies can't taste until they're about three weeks old?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, no human baby has been born on Antarctica?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C. Blue. Blue whale babies can weigh over 5,000 pounds when they're born.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, say it in baby talk.

[Owen]

Psst.

[Mindy Thomas]

Reggie, cue the thinking music.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up. Let's now reveal the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

And to do just that, it's Owen from Chicago. Owen, tell us, what's the winning wow?

[Olivia]

Hi, my name is Owen. My wow in the world is the baby Blue whales weigh £5,000.

[Owen]

Winner, winner.

[Mindy Thomas]

Krill for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Owen. Contestants, if you guessed the answer that blue whale babies can weigh over 5,000 pounds when they're born, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

That's a big baby. Blue whale pregnancies can last a whole year. And when they're born, the babies called calves can be over 23ft long and weigh about as much as a fully grown rhinoceros.

[Guy Raz]

Blue whale calves, being mammals, drink milk. Blue whale milk is somewhere between 35 and 50% fat, meaning blue whale calves can gain a lot of weight very quickly, up to £250 each day.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get the answer correct, you must stop, drop, and spray water out of your blowhole.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, time for round two. 2. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, baby fish are often called fingerlings.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, baby worms are.

[Guy Raz]

Often called wiglets or is it C, baby walruses are often called scrumpkins.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, write it in baby food with your fingers thinking music, please.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up. Joining us by phone to reveal the winning wow, it's Daniel from Wisconsin. Daniel, what's the winning wow?

[Mindy Thomas]

Hi, my name is Daniel.

[Olivia]

The winning wow is that baby fish are called fingerlings.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, fish fingers for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, Daniel Wowzers. If you guessed the answer A, that baby fish are called fingerlings, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Fish go through three main stages before they become adult fish. First, the egg phase, then the larval stage when the eggs hatch but are still connected to their yolk sac.

[Guy Raz]

The juvenile stage is when fish begin to look and act like, well, fish. And when a fish in the juvenile stage grows to the size of a human finger, it's usually called a fingerling.

[Thomas Fingerling]

What was that? Did someone say my name?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, sorry, I didn't mean you. Thomas Fingerling.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Oh, all right. Do you want me to come out and sing a song or dance around or something?

[Mindy Thomas]

We're good, Thomas Fingerling. Thanks though.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Fine people always calling my name.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, anywho, now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and make a fish face.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, now on to round three. Three, which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it a, baby hyenas always have green eyes?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, baby camels are born without humps?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, there's no such thing as a baby ant because they're born fully formed.

[Mindy Thomas]

And before we reveal the winning wow, let's take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you by. Diapers. Yes, diapers. The heroes of the nursery. Whether they're disposable cloth or pull ups with cartoon characters on them, these brave souls are doing the job that no one else has the guts to do. So if you're glad that there's not poop or pee all over the floor, make a diaper today.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Diapers. Now let's take a quick break and hear some other important messages for grownups.

[Olivia]

Two what's in a while. We'll be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, grown ups, it's Mindy and Guy Raz from WOW in the World. And guess what?

[Guy Raz]

What's the good news?

[Mindy Thomas]

Mindy Once Upon a Beat is back with brand new episodes.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, I love that podcast.

[Mindy Thomas]

We here at Tinkercast have partnered with our friends at Wondery to bring your family new episodes of Once Upon a Beat.

[Guy Raz]

Once Upon a Beat remixes fairy tales and fables as old as time, giving them a fresh spin with some rhythm and rhyme.

[Mindy Thomas]

This podcast is hosted by the amazing DJ Fuchs and features original hip hop songs from Grammy award winning artist, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.

[Guy Raz]

Once upon a Beat is where hip hop and fairy tales meet and you can listen to new episodes right now.

[Mindy Thomas]

Follow Once Upon a Beat on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Once Upon a Beat early and ad free right now by joining Wondery in the Wondery app in Apple podcasts.

[Olivia]

That's it. Now back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

Hello and welcome back to two. Two what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Two what's and a wow dot the scientific game show that separates the wows from the whats.

[Guy Raz]

Now, before the break, we left you with a dangling question for round three.

[Mindy Thomas]

And that question was, which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, baby hyenas always have.

[Guy Raz]

Green eyes, or is it B, baby camels are born without humps, or is.

[Mindy Thomas]

It C, there's no such thing as a baby ant because they're born fully formed.

[Guy Raz]

And joining us by phone to reveal the answer, it's Olivia from New Mexico. Olivia, tell us the wow.

[Olivia]

Hi, Mindy and Guy Raz. My name's Olivia and I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My wow in the world is that baby camels are born without the hump.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner.

[Owen]

Winner.

[Mindy Thomas]

Humpty Dumpty for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Olivia. Contestants, if you guessed the answer B, that baby camels are born without humps. Well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Camels use their humps to store fat, which helps them survive long trips through the desert when food is scarce. It takes about six months for a baby camel or calf to eat enough to fill up their humps.

[Guy Raz]

As a camel uses its supply of fat, its humps become smaller. And when they eat and drink more, their humps fill up with fat and become bigger again.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and walk across the Sahara Desert.

[Guy Raz]

What was that?

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, Guy Razzie, that sound can mean only one thing.

[Guy Raz]

My tail. Lovers pizza is here.

[Owen]

No.

[Mindy Thomas]

It's time for today's Bonker Balls bonus round. And the question for this round is to be or not to be.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, you're quoting the famous line from the play Hamlet.

[Mindy Thomas]

Huh? No, I'm playing bingo with Grandma G Force. Yeah, this isn't 2B. It's 2G. Well, I got double bingo.

[Owen]

Aw, man.

[Guy Raz]

Well, congratulations Grandma Gefor. And congratulations to all of our winning Wowzers. Mindy, what's today's prize?

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz? Today's winning Wowzers will all receive their very own invisible throwaway. Come back to you stick.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, what's that?

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz? You've seen one of these. It's a stick that you can throw and it comes right back to you.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, you mean a boomerang?

[Mindy Thomas]

Here, check it out. Throw away.

[Dennis]

Who's throwing things?

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh. Oh.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, we better wrap this up pretty quick.

[Mindy Thomas]

Good idea. But before we go, we have a little scientific challenge for you. We call it Then and Wow.

[Guy Raz]

Everyone in the world was once a baby. And as people age into kids and then teenagers and then adults, their bodies change and grow.

[Mindy Thomas]

For this challenge, we want you to find a picture of yourself as a baby. What's different about you now and what's not?

[Guy Raz]

Don't forget to take a photo or a video. Grown Ups. You can upload pictures and videos to [e-mail] share and be sure to come.

[Mindy Thomas]

Back on Monday for a brand new episode of wow in the World and again on Friday for a new episode. Episode of 2 what's in a wow?

[Guy Raz]

Until then, keep on wowing.

[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 Ruth Morrison and Anna Zagorsky.

[Guy Raz]

Sound, production and design is by Marion Lozano with help from Jett Anderson and Tyler Thole.

[Mindy Thomas]

Special thanks to Steph Sosa, Henry Moskal, Rebecca Caban, Sana, Ella Mohamed 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 with all ages music, find them at thepopups.com to keep the wows rolling.

[Mindy Thomas]

Visit [e-mail] where you can become an official member of the World Organization of Wowzers. Find our two what's in a wow? Think and Tinker Playbook and learn about all of our other amazing podcasts from Tinkercast Grown Ups.

[Guy Raz]

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @2what's and a wow. And our email address is helloinkercast.com finally.

[Mindy Thomas]

If you're a kid with a big wow to share, it could be used on an upcoming episode of 2 what's and 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.

[Owen]

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

[Olivia]

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