Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Rat's All, Folks!

Summary

Wow in the World: Two Whats?! And A Wow! – Rat’s All, Folks!

Podcast: Wow in the World
Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Date: March 13, 2026
Episode Theme: A science game show about wild, weird, and wow-worthy facts from the world of rodents.

---

Episode Overview

In this lively installment of “Two Whats?! And A Wow!”, Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz challenge listeners to a playful science game show all about fascinating, funny, and gigantic facts concerning rodents. Through three competitive rounds, the hosts present bizarre-sounding statements—only one of which is true in each set—accompanied by wacky physical challenges for any missed answers and silly debates. Special kid guests and signature sound effects create an infectious, interactive learning atmosphere, perfect for kids and families with a curiosity for critters.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. How the Game Works (02:19–03:14)

• Mindy and Guy Raz explain the “Two Whats?! And A Wow!” format:
  • Each round features three rodent-related statements.
  • Only one statement is a “wow”—a true scientific fact.
  • Listeners are encouraged to play along, yelling out their answers and performing humorous physical challenges for any wrong guesses.
  • “If you guess incorrectly, you must stop, drop, and do a Ridonkulous physical challenge.” — Guy Raz (03:03)
• Category for the Episode: Rodents

---

2. Round 1: The Biggest Rodent (03:14–04:37)

The Statements:

A. The largest rodent in the world is the capybara.
B. Bats are the only true flying rodents in the world.
C. Mice are actually not rodents.

Winning Wow:

• A: “The biggest rodent in the world is called a capybara.” — Emerson, kid contestant (04:15)
• Facts about capybaras:
  • Average 4.6 feet long and 77–143 pounds (04:37)
  • Closely related to guinea pigs, but much larger
  • “Capybaras…look like their relatives. Except about six times as big and about 55 times as heavy.” — Guy Raz (04:46)

Physical Challenge for Incorrect Answers:

• “You must stop, drop and put a foot behind your ear.” — Mindy (05:01)

---

3. Round 2: Super Squeaky Survivors (05:09–06:56)

The Statements:

A. Flying squirrels are a mix between squirrels and sparrows.
B. Chinchillas can run faster than cheetahs.
C. The naked mole rat is the longest living rodent.

Winning Wow:

• C: “The Naked Mole Rat is the longest living rodent. It can live up to 32 years.” — Mack, kid contestant (06:05)
• Facts about naked mole rats:
  • Can live over 30 years, “which far surpasses similar animals to their size.” — Mindy (06:36)
  • “A mole rat in its later years of adulthood can be just as healthy, strong and energetic as it was in its early adulthood.” — Guy Raz (06:43)

Physical Challenge for Incorrect Answers:

• “Stop, drop, and burrow underground with your fellow naked mole rats.” — Mindy (06:56)

---

4. Round 3: Giants in the Rodent Family (07:05–08:53)

The Statements:

A. Prehistoric guinea pigs were as big as cows.
B. Shrews were considered royalty in Ancient Rome.
C. Abraham Lincoln’s log cabin was built by beavers.

Winning Wow:

• A: “Prehistoric guinea pigs were as big as a cow, and their bite was as strong as a tiger.” — Leighton, kid contestant (08:01)
• Facts about prehistoric guinea pigs (Phoberomys):
  • Could reach 9 feet long, weigh 1,540 pounds (08:25)
  • Fossils found in Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil
  • Lived around 8 million years ago (08:42)

Physical Challenge for Incorrect Answers:

• “Stop, drop, and roar like an ancient guinea pig.” — Mindy (08:53)

---

5. Bonkerballs Bonus Round: The Liver Fluke! (11:16–12:30)

• Question: What is a liver fluke?
  • A. An inside out liver
  • B. A parasitic flatworm that needs the liver of another living body to survive
  • C. A liver that just keeps making mistakes
• Winning Wow:
  • “The correct answer is B. A liver fluke is a parasitic flatworm that needs the liver of another living body to survive.” — Mindy (12:08)
• “You can find out all you’ve never wanted to know about this strange little creature by listening to our Wow in the World episode titled ‘Invasion of the Zombie Ants’.” — Mindy (12:18)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Winner, winner, capioca for dinner!” — Mindy (04:22)
• “Winner, winner, naked mole ratatouille for dinner!” — Mindy (06:21)
• “Winner, winner, Giant food pellets for dinner!” — Mindy (08:12)
• After the prize is announced as ketchup:
  “Mindy, it’s dangerous to shoot bottles of ketchup into the audience.” — Guy Raz (12:43)
  “Who said anything about bottles, Guy Raz? Fire the ketchup, Reg! … Ketchup for everyone!” — Mindy (12:47)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• How to Play / Game Setup: 02:19–03:14
• Round 1 – Capybara: 03:14–04:37
• Round 2 – Naked Mole Rat: 05:09–06:56
• Round 3 – Ancient Guinea Pig Giants: 07:05–08:53
• Bonkerballs Bonus Round – Liver Fluke: 11:16–12:30
• Prize Announcement and Ketchup Mayhem: 12:36–13:04

---

Episode Tone & Style

The episode is full of humor, silly wordplay, and interactive science engagement. Mindy’s and Guy Raz’s energetic banter combined with kid callers' participation keeps the tone playful and accessible, ensuring even complex science is delivered with enough fun and wow-factor for any age. There are plenty of puns (“oh, no, you rod didn’t”) and memorable instructions (“write it with your rat tail”) that make the episode highly engaging.

---

Conclusion

This episode of “Two Whats?! And A Wow! – Rat’s All, Folks!” delivers a delightful exploration of rodents, from the world’s biggest and oldest to giant prehistoric guinea pigs and creepy-crawly parasites. Bursting with fun facts, kid participation, and cheerful silliness, it’s an entertaining listen for families who love to learn, play, and shout “WOW!” together.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show. Oh, hey, Reg. What's that? A new pigeon dropping? Isn't that the postcard you send out to members of the World Organization of Wowzers every quarter? Can I see it?

[B]

What?

[A]

You need to see if I'm a member of the wow first. Reggie, come on. It's me, Mindy.

[B]

Huh?

[A]

You're not seeing a Mindy on the list.

[B]

Okay?

[A]

Try Mandy. I think Thomas Fingerling signed me up.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Can I get my pigeon dropping now?

[B]

What?

[A]

I gotta wait for it in the mail, but it's right there. Okay, fine. Guess I'll go wait out by the mailbox. In the meantime, to get the next quarterly mailing from Reggie, Grownups, you can sign your Wowzer up to be a member of the World Organization of wowzers by Monday, March 16. It's so top secret, I haven't even seen it yet. Now where'd I put my mailbox? Grownups, when you sign your Wowzer up to be a member of the World Organization of Wowzers, you also get birthday cards in the mail from me and Guy Raz, access to over a thousand online activities inspired by our podcast, and a welcome kit from me and Guy Raz, including our autographs and a special T shirt. Plus, you get to help support all the work that goes into powering the wow at Tinkercast Grown Ups. Visit Tinkercast.com membership to sign up today. That's Tinkercast.com membership. That's it. And now let's get back to the show.

[B]

And now for everyone's second favorite game show after the Lice is Right. It's two what's in the wow. With your hosts, Mindy and guy r. 2 what's 2, what's 2 what's 2 what? 2 what's 2 what's 2 what's and a. Whoa.

[A]

Hello and welcome back to 2 what's in a wow?

[B]

2 what's in a wow.

[C]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the whats. And the category four today is rodents. Mindy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works?

[A]

You know it. Wowzer is in each of our three rounds today. Guy Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about rodents.

[B]

But.

[A]

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.

[C]

Now, in each round, if you guess correctly, congratulations, you win a point.

[A]

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

[C]

Okay, everyone ready to start the game?

[A]

Great. Then let's do it.

[C]

Okay, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, the largest rodent in the world is the capybara.

[A]

Or is it B? Bats are the only true flying rodents in the.

[C]

Or is it C? Mice are actually not rodents.

[A]

When you think you have the correct answer, yell, oh, no, you rod didn't. Hey, Reggie, cue the thinking music.

[C]

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

[A]

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

[D]

My wow in the world is that the biggest rodent in the world is called a capybara.

[A]

Winner, winner, capioca for dinner.

[C]

Thank you, Emerson. Contestants, if you guessed the answer A, that the largest rodent in the world is the capybara, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[A]

The average Capybara is about 4.6ft long and weighs between 77 and 143 pounds.

[C]

Capybaras are closely related to guinea pigs, and with small ears and no tail, they look like their relatives, except about six times as big and about 55 times as heavy.

[A]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and put a foot behind your ear.

[C]

Okay, round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A. Flying squirrels are a mix between regular squirrels and sparrows.

[A]

Or is it B, Chinchillas can run faster than cheetahs?

[C]

Or is it C? The naked mole Ra Is the longest living rodent.

[A]

When you think you have the correct answer, say it in squeaks. Hey, Reg. Thinking music.

[C]

And time is up. And joining us by phone, it's Mack from New Jersey. Mack, please reveal the winning wow.

[D]

My wow is that. The naked mole. Wow. Is the longest living rodent. It can live up to 32 years.

[A]

Winner, winner, naked mole ratatouille for dinner.

[C]

Thank you, Mac. Contestants, if you guessed the answer, see that the naked naked mole rat is the longest living rodent. Well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[A]

Naked mole rats can live for over 30 years, which far surpasses similar animals to their size.

[C]

Not only that, but they barely age. Meaning that a mole rat in its later years of adulthood can be just as healthy, strong and energetic as it was in its early adulthood.

[A]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and burrow underground with your fellow naked mole rats.

[C]

Okay, round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it a prehistoric guinea pigs were as big as cows.

[A]

Or is it B? Shrews were considered royalty in ancient Rome.

[C]

Or is it C? Abraham Lincoln's log cabin was built by beavers.

[A]

When you think you have the correct answer, write it with your rat tail. Hey Reg, we need some thinking music.

[C]

And time is up. And joining us by phone to reveal the answer, it's Leighton from Arkansas. Leighton, what's the winning wow?

[A]

My wow in the world is that prehistoric guinea pigs were as big as a cow and their bite was as strong as a tiger. Winner, winner, Giant food pellets for dinner.

[C]

Thank you, Leighton. Wowzers. If you guessed A, that prehistoric guinea pigs were as big as cows, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[A]

If you think capybaras are big, get a load of the Faubaromes, the prehistoric cousins of modern guinea pigs. Scientists believe that these creatures were about 9ft long and weighed about 1,540 pounds.

[C]

Scientists discovered fibermes fossils in Venezuela, Argentina and Brazil. They believe these giant rodents lived roughly 8 million years ago.

[A]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and roar like an ancient guinea pig. And now it's time to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you in part by Grinding youg Teeth. Does this ever happen to you? You're trying to eat lunch, but your teeth just won't stop growing. Well, keep your incisors in check by grinding those choppers against each other. Grinding your teeth. Keep them short and sharp for rodent use only, not intended for humans.

[C]

That's right. Please do not grind your teeth if you're a human. Why don't we take a quick break and hear some other important messages for Grownups.

[A]

Two once in a while. We'll be right back. Grown Ups. This message is for you.

[E]

Hey grownups, Spring is right around the corner. And as schedules fill up with activities and travel, let IXL help you stay on top of your child's learning. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits seamlessly into homeschooling. It offers interactive practice in math, language arts, science and social studies for grades Pre K through 12th. IXL offers personalized learning for every child and gives parents clear insight into their progress. At Tinkercast, making learning fun is our bread and butter. So we love that IXL has games, awards and celebrations to keep students motivated and engaged. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and WOW in the world. Listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL. Visit ixl.com wow. To get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.

[A]

That's it. Now back to the show.

[C]

Welcome back to two what's and a wow.

[B]

Two what's and a wow.

[A]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the whats.

[C]

What was that?

[A]

And that sound can mean only one thing.

[C]

There's a traffic jam somewhere in the studio.

[A]

That sound means it's time for today's Bonkerballs bonus round. Now, if you listen to our wow in the World episode titled Invasion of the Zombie Ants, you'll know the answer to this one. And the bonkerball's bonus question. Is a liver fluke? Is A, an inside out liver?

[C]

Or is it B, a parasitic flatworm that needs the liver of another living body to survive?

[A]

Or is it C, a liver that just keeps making mistakes?

[C]

And joining us with today's answer, it's Reggie.

[A]

Reggie, tell us, what's the winning wow?

[C]

That's right, Reggie.

[A]

The correct answer is B. A liver fluke is a parasitic flatworm that needs the liver of another living body to survive. And you can find out all you've never wanted to know about this strange little creature by listening to our wow in the World episode titled Invasion of the Zombie Ants. Check it out.

[C]

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

[A]

Oh, Guy Raz, Today's prize is ketchup.

[B]

What?

[A]

Ready? The prize can and Reggie.

[C]

Mindy, it's dangerous to shoot bottles of ketchup into the audience.

[A]

Who said anything about bottles? Guy Raz. Uh, fire the ketchup, Reg. No doughs. Yeah, ketchup for everyone. Enjoy the with burgers and fries.

[C]

Well, that's about all the time we have for today, but if you want to keep the fun going, then become a member of the world organization of Wowzers and unlock hundreds of activities.

[A]

And for any teachers in our listening audience, consider joining tinkerclass, our free brand new learning platform that helps get kids wild about Science. Just visit Tinkercast.com that's Tinkercast.com membership and be sure to come back on Monday for a brand new episode of wow in the World. This weekend for some wee wow in the weekend with Dennis.

[C]

And again on Friday for a new episode of two what's and a wow.

[A]

Until then, keep on wow.

[B]

Two watts. Two what? Two watts. Two wats.

[D]

Two.

[B]

Wait.

[C]

Two what's and a wow is executive produced by Meredith Halpern, Ranzer, Mindy Thomas and me, Guy Raz.

[A]

Our writers are Ruth Morrison and Anna Zagorski with collaboration from our head writer Kenny Curtis.

[C]

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

[A]

Special thanks to Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Lizzie Froehlich, Kristin Yang, Twee Mak, Erica Medina, Henry Moskal, Jody Nussbaum, Ali Paxima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Joanna Weber, Anna Zagorski and all of the other Tinkerers at Tinkercast hq.

[C]

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

[A]

to keep the wow rolling. After you finish this episode you can Visit [e-mail] There you can become a member of the World Organization of wowzers to get year round mailings and weekly activities. Shop our wow. Shop, get tickets for upcoming events, find our best selling books and learn all about the other amazing podcasts from Tinkercast Grown Ups.

[C]

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @wowintheworld. And our email address is helloinkercast.

[A]

Finally, if you're a kid with a 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.

[C]

Thanks again for listening and playing along. Meet us back here next Friday or every Monday for Wow in the World.

[B]

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

[A]

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