Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Rain on the Brain (4/4/25)

Summary

Wow in the World - Episode Summary: "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Rain on the Brain" (April 4, 2025)

In this engaging episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz delve into the fascinating world of rain through their interactive game show segment, "Two Whats?! And A Wow!". Geared towards inspiring curiosity and scientific thinking in kids and their grown-ups, the episode seamlessly blends educational content with fun, interactive elements.

---

Introduction to Planet Wow: A Geocaching Adventure

The episode kicks off with exciting news about the launch of Planet Wow, an epic geocaching adventure designed to encourage listeners to explore the wonders of our planet. Mindy and Guy introduce the initiative, highlighting the collaboration with the Aspen Institute's Planet Media and Geocaching.com.

Mindy [00:12]: "As you know, there are so many places on our planet that make us all say wow."

Guy Raz [00:17]: "And that's why we're inviting you to go out into the world to find hidden treasures called geocaches. We've stashed in some amazing places."

Listeners are encouraged to sign up for the World Organization of Wowzers by April 11th to receive exclusive trading cards featuring "wow facts" about environmental stewardship. These cards can be placed in geocaches across the United States, promoting both exploration and education.

Mindy [00:38]: "We've partnered with our friends at the Aspen Institute's planet media and geocaching.com to create four different trackable trading cards with some wow facts about caring for our planet."

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Two Whats?! And A Wow! - The Scientific Game Show

The heart of the episode is the interactive game show segment, "Two Whats?! And A Wow!", where Mindy and Guy challenge listeners to distinguish between true scientific wonders ("wows") and fictitious statements ("whats"). The theme for this episode centers around rain.

Round 1: The Shape of Raindrops

• Question: Which statement is a true scientific wow?
  • A) Raindrops are shaped like hamburgers.
  • B) Rainwater is the purest water on earth.
  • C) The higher a cloud in the atmosphere, the more rain it produces.

Mindy [05:08]: "In each of our three rounds today, Guy, Raz, and I will present you with three scientific statements about rain. But only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up whats."

The correct answer is A) Raindrops are shaped like hamburgers.

Mindy [07:11]: "Rain doesn't actually fall in the teardrop shapes you might think of. Raindrops start off in a round, roughly spherical shape. When they form, air pushes up on the raindrop as it falls, flattening out the bottom and making it look kind of like a hamburger bun."

Participants who guessed correctly receive a point, while those who didn't face a playful penalty, such as performing a "redonkulous physical challenge."

Round 2: The Speed of Raindrops

• Question: Which statement is a true scientific wow?
  • A) It takes about two minutes for a raindrop to hit the ground.
  • B) The rainiest place on earth is in the forests of Madagascar.
  • C) The largest raindrops ever recorded were about 1 inch wide.

The correct answer is A) It takes about two minutes for a raindrop to hit the ground.

Mindy [09:02]: "The average raindrop falls at a speed of around 14 miles per hour. When it falls from a cloud that is 2,500 feet in the air, it takes about two minutes to splash onto your noggin."

This segment not only provides intriguing facts but also reinforces the scientific method by encouraging critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.

Round 3: Unusual Rain Phenomena

• Question: Which statement is a true scientific wow?
  • A) Ducks do a special dance when it rains.
  • B) There is a species of ladybug that only drinks rainwater.
  • C) If a tornado picks up seawater with fish in it, it can rain fish.

The correct answer is C) If a tornado picks up seawater with fish in it, it can rain fish.

Mindy [13:08]: "Animal rain is incredibly rare, but it can happen if a tornado moves over a body of water. The tornado pulls water upwards, creating a waterspout. Fish are pulled up the waterspout and into the tornado. When it loses momentum, the fish fall and become, well, fish rain."

This astonishing phenomenon highlights the extraordinary and sometimes surreal aspects of weather science, captivating the audience's imagination.

---

Bonker Balls Bonus Round

After the main rounds, the hosts introduce the Bonker Balls Bonus Round, a whimsical segment where Mindy picks a random number and players guess it. Although this segment is more for entertainment, it maintains the show's playful and interactive spirit.

Mindy [14:37]: "Okay, it's between one and 88 million."

The bonus round concludes with a humorous prize awarding an "invisible brass toot tooter," showcasing the show's blend of education and lighthearted fun.

---

Scientific Challenge: Operation Measure the Weather

Before wrapping up, Mindy and Guy present a hands-on scientific challenge for listeners:

Mindy [15:46]: "For this challenge, we want you to ask a grown up to cut the top off a clear plastic water bottle. Then take a ruler and a permanent marker and make one mark for every 5cm on the side. Put the bottle outside the next time it rains and make sure it's secure so it doesn't fall over. Then when the storm is over, you can measure how much it rained."

Listeners are encouraged to document their experiments with photos or videos and share them via email, fostering a community of young scientists eager to explore meteorology.

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Conclusion and Takeaways

Throughout the episode, Mindy and Guy effectively blend scientific education with interactive and entertaining elements, making complex topics like meteorology accessible and engaging for young minds. The integration of the Planet Wow initiative further emphasizes the show's commitment to fostering environmental awareness and active participation in preserving our planet.

Notable moments include:

• Encouraging Exploration: The introduction of geocaching promotes hands-on learning and adventure.

• Interactive Learning: The game show format challenges listeners to think critically about scientific facts versus misconceptions.

• Inspiring Curiosity: Fascinating facts about rain, such as the shape and speed of raindrops or the rare phenomenon of fish rain, ignite a sense of wonder and encourage further exploration.

Overall, "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Rain on the Brain" exemplifies Wow in the World's mission to inspire and educate through storytelling, interactive engagement, and a profound sense of curiosity about the natural world.

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Key Quotes:

• Mindy [00:12]: "As you know, there are so many places on our planet that make us all say wow."

• Guy Raz [00:17]: "And that's why we're inviting you to go out into the world to find hidden treasures called geocaches."

• Mindy [05:08]: "Only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up whats."

• Mindy [07:23]: "Rain doesn't actually fall in the teardrop shapes you might think of."

• Mindy [09:02]: "The average raindrop falls at a speed of around 14 miles per hour."

• Mindy [13:08]: "Animal rain is incredibly rare, but it can happen if a tornado moves over a body of water."

---

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the educational yet entertaining approach Mindy and Guy employ to engage their young audience. Whether through interactive games, fascinating facts, or hands-on challenges, Wow in the World continues to inspire curiosity and a love for science in children and their families.

Transcript

[Mindy]

Hey, Wowzer fams Mindy and Guy Raz here with some bonkerballs. Big news.

[Guy Raz]

Introducing Planet Wow, our new epic geocaching adventure.

[Mindy]

As you know, there are so many places on our planet that make us all say wow.

[Guy Raz]

And that's why we're inviting you to go out into the world to find hidden treasures called geocaches. We've stashed in some amazing places.

[Mindy]

We've partnered with our friends at the Aspen Institute's planet media and geocaching.com to create four different trackable trading cards with some wow facts about caring for our planet.

[Guy Raz]

We'll be sending out one of four trading cards to every member of the World Organization of Wowzers. Not a member yet, but want a trading card? Sign up by April 11th to get your trading card in the [e-mail] membership.

[Mindy]

Now here's the fun part. Once you get your trading cards, head out on an adventure to find geocaches near you to stash them and look for the other collectible cards in Planet Wow. Geocaches in places that wow across the United States.

[Guy Raz]

Visit tinkercast.com planetwow where you can find out how to get involved and save our planet.

[Mindy]

You can also upload a video, photo or audio message telling us about the places on our planet that make you say wow. Once again, that's tinkercast.com planetwow.

[Reggie]

Hey, grown ups. Are you and your kids seeking a bit of adventure excitement? How about a water park, arcade and restaurants all under one roof? Well, at Great Wolf Lodge, there's adventure nearby for the whole family. Suit up for the complete indoor water park experience. Water slides, wave pool, lazy river. There's something for everyone and the water's always just right. Once you dry off, explore great dining options and complimentary events like nightly dance parties to keep the excitement rolling. With 23 lodges across the country, you're always just a short drive away from adventure. So bring your pack together at a lodge near you. Book your stay [e-mail] and strengthen the pack. You can save up to 40% off on any stay at Great Wolf Lodge from now through August 31st. When you book at participating lodges, just visit greatwolf.com and enter the promo code world when you [e-mail].

[Guy Raz]

Wow, it's really pouring out there.

[Dennis]

Ah, Guy Raz, don't walk in here with your wet feet. You're dripping all over the set.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, sorry, Dennis. I'll just go dry off over there.

[Reggie]

Gah.

[Dennis]

Reggie, bring a mop over here.

[Guy Raz]

Please.

[Mindy]

Wow, it's raining cats and dogs and lions and wolves and slugs and orangutans out there.

[Guy Raz]

Ha ha ha.

[Dennis]

Mindy, stop. Don't take another step.

[Mindy]

What? Why?

[Dennis]

You're dripping water everywhere. Just stay right where you are and we'll get some towels and.

[Mindy]

Great. Don't worry, Dennis. I won't take any more steps.

[Dennis]

Okay, good.

[Mindy]

I'm just going to slide on over to the snack table and get some hot chocolate.

[Dennis]

What? Wendy, no. Don't slide across the floor on your slippy wet.

[Simone]

And.

[Mindy]

Yay, hot chocolate.

[Dennis]

Reggie, where's that mop? Reggie, why are you all wet now? The mop was outside. Well, who in the world would be so irresponsible to leave the mop outside during a thunder? Oh, wait, it was me. I left the mop outside. Ah, Wrenchy. Ew.

[Mindy]

Ugh.

[Dennis]

Now everything smells like wet pigeon. Let's just do the show. You there, Paper, the mache. And you, Ginger, the snaps, and Reggie, monkey, the wrenches. We're on in three, two, one.

[Reggie]

And now for everyone's favorite game show.

[Guy Raz]

It's two what's and a one.

[Simone]

With your hosts, Mindy and Guy Rats. Two W two what? Two what? Two two and wow.

[Mindy]

Hello and welcome to Two two what's in a wow?

[Simone]

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

[Mindy]

You know it. Wowzers. In each of our three rounds today, Guy, Raz, and I will present you with three scientific statements about rain. 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]

But if you guess incorrectly, you must stop, drop, and do a redonkulous physical challenge.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, everyone ready to start the game?

[Mindy]

Great.

[Judah]

Then let's do it.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, raindrops are shaped like.

[Mindy]

Hamburgers, or is it B, rainwater is the purest water on earth, or is it C?

[Guy Raz]

The higher a cloud in the atmosphere, the more rain it produces.

[Mindy]

When you think you have the correct answer, say it with a splash.

[Simone]

Psst.

[Mindy]

Reggie, cue the thinking music.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy]

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

[Judah]

Hi. My wow is that raindrops are shaped like hamburgers.

[Simone]

Winner, winner, rain burgers for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, megan. Contestants, if you guessed the answer a, that raindrops are kind of shaped like hamburgers, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy]

Rain doesn't actually fall in the teeth. Teardrop shapes you might think of. Raindrops start off in a round, roughly spherical shape. When they form, but they don't stay that way.

[Guy Raz]

Air pushes up on the raindrop as it falls. This flattens out the bottom, making it look kind of like a hamburger bun.

[Mindy]

Now, if you did not get the answer correct, you must stop, drop, and ride an invisible water slide.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, it takes about two minutes for a raindrop to hit the.

[Mindy]

Ground, or is it B, the rainiest place on earth is in the forests of madagascar?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it c, the largest raindrops ever recorded were about 1 inch wide.

[Mindy]

When you think you have the correct answer, use your tongue to write it on the roof of your mouth. Hey, Reggie. Cue the thinking music.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up to reveal the winning wow. Joining us by phone. It's judah. Judah, what's the wow?

[Judah]

Hello, my name is judah. My wow is that it takes about two minutes for a raindrop to hit the ground.

[Mindy]

Winner, winner, raindrops for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, Judah. Wowzers. If you guessed a that it takes about two minutes for a raindrop to hit the ground, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy]

The average raindrop falls at a speed of around 14 miles per hour. When it falls from a cloud that is 2,500ft in the air, it takes about two minutes to splash onto your noggin.

[Guy Raz]

But not all raindrops fall at the same speed. Larger raindrops fall faster, and the tiniest raindrops can take up to seven minutes to hit the ground.

[Mindy]

Now, if you did not get the correct answer, you must stop, drop, and play an invisible piano with your toes.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, ducks do a special dance when it rains, or is it.

[Mindy]

B, there is a species of ladybug that only drinks rainwater, or is it sea?

[Guy Raz]

If a tornado picks up seawater with fish in it, it can rain fish.

[Mindy]

Now, before we reveal the winning wow, let's take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you in part by my new line of holy moly umbrellas. These stylish umbrellas come with no less than 25 fashionable holes.

[Guy Raz]

Umbrellas aren't supposed to have holes in them.

[Mindy]

Yeah, I know that, Guy Raz. But I thought I would make them extra fancy like Swiss cheese.

[Guy Raz]

But won't people get wet when water falls through the holes?

[Mindy]

Uh, great point, Guy Raz. Starting now, we're having a two for one sale. Twice the coverage for half the price.

[Guy Raz]

I don't think that's how that works. Let's take a quick break and hear some other important messages for grownups.

[Mindy]

To.

[Judah]

Whats in a wow. We'll be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you.

[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]

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

[Guy Raz]

Guy Razzie, it's so bonker balls.

[Mindy]

Aw, you're using my catchphrase.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy]

And now you can find our toys at select Walmart locations 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]

Wow in the world stem toys now available at Walmart. That's it. And now let's get back to the wow.

[Judah]

That's it. Now back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

Welcome back to two what's and a wow.

[Simone]

Two what's and a wow.

[Mindy]

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]

And that question was, which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, ducks do a special dance when it rains, or is it.

[Guy Raz]

B, there's a species of ladybug that only drinks rainwater or is it sea?

[Mindy]

If a tornado picks up seawater with fish in it, it can rain.

[Guy Raz]

And joining us by phone to reveal the answer, it's Simone and Tristan from Louisiana. Simone and Tristan, let's hear the winning wow.

[Judah]

I'm Mindy and Guy Raz. My name's Simone. And I'm Tristan. And our wow in the world is that if a tornado picks up seawater with fish in it, later it will rain fish. Isn't that amazing?

[Mindy]

Winner, winner, flying fish for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Simone and Tristan. Contestants, if you guessed the answer c that if a tornado picks up seawater with fish in it, it can rain fish. Well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy]

Animal rain is incredibly rare, but it can happen if a tornado moves over a body of water. The tornado pulls water upwards, creating a waterspout. Fish are pulled up the waterspout and into the tornado.

[Guy Raz]

The waterspout can only maintain its energy for so long, and when it loses momentum, the fish fall and become, well, fish rain. Amazingly, fish can survive the water spout and their fall to the ground.

[Mindy]

Now, if you did not get the answer correct, you must stop, drop, and spin around like a fish native.

[Guy Raz]

What was that?

[Mindy]

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

[Guy Raz]

Winter is coming. No.

[Mindy]

It's time for today's bonker balls bonus round. And the question for this round is, what number am I thinking of?

[Guy Raz]

Uh, three.

[Mindy]

No.

[Guy Raz]

15?

[Mindy]

No.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, there are literally an infinite number of numbers. Can you at least give me a hint?

[Mindy]

Okay, it's between one and 88 million.

[Guy Raz]

Is it 88 million?

[Mindy]

Close. It's 87,999,999 and a half.

[Guy Raz]

Well, congratulations to all of our winning contestants. Mindy, what's today's prize?

[Mindy]

Guy Raz? Today's winning wowzers will all receive their very own invisible brass toot tooter.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, what? What?

[Mindy]

You know, an instrument where you blow air in and toot toots come out.

[Guy Raz]

I'm sorry, I have no idea what you're talking about.

[Mindy]

I'll just have to show you. Reggie, my toot tooter. Thank you.

[Guy Raz]

A trumpet?

[Mindy]

Yeah, man.

[Guy Raz]

Well, that's all the time we have for today.

[Mindy]

But before we go, we have a little scientific challenge for you. We call Operation Measure the weather.

[Guy Raz]

For this challenge, we want you to ask a grown up to cut the top off a clear plastic water bottle. Then take a ruler and a permanent marker and make one mark for every 5cm on the side.

[Mindy]

Put the bottle outside the next time it rains and make sure it's secure so it doesn't fall over. Then when the storm is over, you can measure how much it rained.

[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 and be sure to come.

[Mindy]

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

[Guy Raz]

Until then, keep on wowing.

[Simone]

2. What's 2? What's 2? What's 2 what 2 what 2 what? 2 what's and wow.

[Mindy]

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]

And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail].

[Guy Raz]

2 what's in a WoW is executive produced by Meredith Halpern, Ranzer, Mindy Thomas and me, Guy Raz.

[Mindy]

Our writers are Ruth Morrison and Anna Zagorski.

[Guy Raz]

Sound production and design is by Marian Lozano with help from Jed Anderson and Tyler Thole.

[Mindy]

Special thanks to Steph Sosa, Henry Moskal, Rebecca Caban, Sana, Ella Mohammad 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]

Thepopups.Com to keep the wows rolling. Visit us at tinkercast.com where you can become an official member of the world organization of Wowzers. Find our two WhatsApp, 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 @2whats and a wow and our email address is helloingercast.com finally, if.

[Mindy]

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 1-8887-WOW-WOW.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Simone]

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

[Judah]

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