Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Skeleton of Fun (8/15/25)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Wow in the World - Episode: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Skeleton of Fun (08/15/25)

Release Date: August 15, 2025

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz dive into the fascinating world of bones and skeletons through their interactive game segment, "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Skeleton of Fun." Aimed at sparking curiosity and wonder in both kids and their grown-up listeners, the episode combines scientific facts with playful challenges, making learning about human anatomy both fun and memorable.

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Gameplay Overview

The centerpiece of the episode is the scientific game show "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" where Mindy and Guy Raz test their contestants' knowledge about skeletons and bones. The rules are simple yet entertaining: in each of the three rounds, three statements are presented—two "whats" (false statements) and one "wow" (true scientific fact). Contestants must identify the true "wow" to earn points, while incorrect guesses lead to humorous physical challenges.

Mindy Thomas explains the rules succinctly:

“Wowzers. In each of our three rounds today, Guy Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about skeletons and bones. And this is a big bony. But only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up one what.”
(03:34)

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Round 1: The Strength of Human Bones

The first round challenges contestants to discern which statement about bones is scientifically accurate.

Statements:

• A. Birds actually do not have bones.
• B. Human bones are four times stronger than concrete.
• C. Jellyfish bones are made of gelatin.

Mindy encourages contestants to engage physically by saying:

“When you think you have the correct answer, try to touch your funny bone to your ear.”
(04:27)

Correct Answer: B. Human bones are four times stronger than concrete.

Mindy celebrates the correct answer with enthusiasm:

“Pound for pound, human bones are actually stronger than concrete, especially the femur, which is the big bone in your leg.”
(05:07)

Guy adds an interesting fact:

“In fact, even though they're made of about 31% water, human bones can also be stronger than some types of steel.”
(05:31)

Insight: Human bones possess remarkable strength and resilience, rivaling even materials like concrete and steel. This strength is due to their composition, which includes a combination of collagen (a flexible protein) and hydroxyapatite (a hard mineral), allowing bones to withstand substantial forces and stresses.

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Round 2: Bone Count in Humans and Animals

The second round focuses on the number of bones in different organisms and debunks common myths.

Statements:

• A. Babies have more bones than grownups.
• B. Cats and dogs do not have bones in their tails.
• C. A giraffe's neck is just one long bone.

Mindy adds a fun physical prompt:

“When you think you have the correct answer, stretch your neck out like a giraffe.”
(06:10)

Correct Answer: A. Babies have more bones than grownups.

Mindy explains the fascinating truth behind the statement:

“Human babies are born with around 300 bones in their tiny bodies. But as they grow, some of these small bones fuse together to make bigger bones. And by the time those babies become adults, they only have 206 bones in their bodies.”
(07:03)

Guy clarifies common misconceptions:

“And for the record, dogs and cats do have bones in their tails. And believe it or not, giraffes and humans have the same number of neck bones.”
(07:21)

Insight: The human skeletal system undergoes significant changes from infancy to adulthood. The initial multitude of bones in babies allows for growth and flexibility, with many bones fusing as we age to form a stronger, more efficient structure. Additionally, the number of bones in other animals can often be surprising, dispelling myths and highlighting the diversity of skeletal structures across species.

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Round 3: Communication Between Bones and the Brain

The final round delves into the surprising interactions between our skeletal system and other parts of the body.

Statements:

• A. Your bones communicate with your brain.
• B. The bones in your skeleton snap together like Legos.
• C. There are over 150 bones in your foot.

Mindy engages the audience with another playful action:

“When you think you know the correct answer, wave your foot.”
(09:23)

Correct Answer: A. Your bones communicate with your brain.

Mindy elaborates on this intriguing fact:

“Your bones make hormones that kind of chat with other organs and tissues in your body, including your kidneys, your pancreas and your brain.”
(10:10)

Guy further explains the complexity of bone communication:

“Scientists have been studying this for decades, and they've determined that bones are in complex chemical conversations with other parts of the body. Even tiny microbes in our bellies. It's kind of like if you found out the roof of your house was talking to your microwave.”
(10:21)

Insight: Bones are not merely structural supports; they play an active role in the body's endocrine system. By producing hormones such as osteocalcin, bones influence energy metabolism, brain function, and even muscle performance. This revelation underscores the interconnectedness of bodily systems and the multifaceted functions of our skeletal framework.

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Conclusion and Prizes

After successfully navigating through all three rounds, contestants who answered correctly were rewarded with the show’s signature prize: humorous "funny bones." The segment concluded with a celebratory atmosphere, reinforcing the episode's theme of blending education with entertainment.

Mindy wraps up the game with enthusiasm:

“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.”
(11:25)

Guy adds information for listeners to stay connected and continue their scientific adventures:

“And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail]. 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. And you just might be featured on an upcoming episode of Two What's in a Wow?”
(12:04)

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Key Takeaways

1. Human Bone Strength: Human bones are incredibly strong, surpassing materials like concrete and some steels, thanks to their unique composite structure.
2. Bone Development: Babies start with more bones than adults. As they grow, many bones fuse to form the 206 bones typical of an adult human skeleton.
3. Bone Communication: Bones actively communicate with the brain and other organs through hormone production, highlighting their integral role in overall physiology.
4. Fun Learning: Integrating games and interactive challenges can make complex scientific topics accessible and enjoyable for younger audiences and their families.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mindy Thomas (03:34): “Wowzers. In each of our three rounds today, Guy Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about skeletons and bones. And this is a big bony. But only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up one what.”

• Guy Raz (05:07): “In fact, even though they're made of about 31% water, human bones can also be stronger than some types of steel.”

• Mindy Thomas (07:03): “Human babies are born with around 300 bones in their tiny bodies. But as they grow, some of these small bones fuse together to make bigger bones. And by the time those babies become adults, they only have 206 bones in their bodies.”

• Guy Raz (07:21): “And believe it or not, giraffes and humans have the same number of neck bones.”

• Mindy Thomas (10:10): “It's true. See, your bones make hormones that kind of chat with other organs and tissues in your body, including your kidneys, your pancreas and your brain.”

• Guy Raz (10:21): “It's kind of like if you found out the roof of your house was talking to your microwave.”

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Wow in the World effectively blends education with interactive entertainment, making complex scientific concepts about the human skeletal system accessible and enjoyable. Through engaging dialogue, playful challenges, and fascinating facts, Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz inspire both children and adults to marvel at the wonders of the human body. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just looking to share a fun learning experience with your family, "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Skeleton of Fun" offers valuable insights and plenty of "wows" to ignite your curiosity.

Transcript

[Guy Raz]

Grown Ups Wondery subscribers can listen to wow in the World early and ad free right now. Join Wondery in the Wondery App or Wondery Kids plus on Apple Podcasts.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey wowzer Fams. Mindy and Guy Raz here. And before we start the show, did you hear that we are on YouTube.

[Guy Raz]

That's right Mindy Wowzer fams. You can find full episodes of wow in the World and more of your favorite Tinkercast podcasts on our YouTube channel WowTube.

[Mindy Thomas]

Plus on WowTube you can also watch me explode some watermelons and test out Bonkerball's experiments in the laboratory of bad ideas.

[Guy Raz]

Or you can dance along with Dennis for music videos featuring music from WEW on the weekend.

[Mindy Thomas]

There is so much in store made just for you on WowTube. Visit Tinkercast.com YouTube to watch. Now that's Tinkercast.com YouTube.

[Unknown]

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And now for everyone's second favorite game show. After eating a piece of chicken and saying that it tastes like chicken, it's 2 what's and a while.

[Guy Raz]

With your.

[Unknown]

Hosts Mindy and Guy Rats. 2 watts 2 watts 2 watts 2 what's 2 what's 2 what's 2what's and a Whoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Unknown]

2 what's in a wow.

[Guy Raz]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the what. And the category or theme for today is.

[Unknown]

Bones.

[Guy Raz]

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 skeletons and bones.

[Unknown]

But.

[Mindy Thomas]

And this is a big bony. But only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up one what.

[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 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, birds actually do not not have bones?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, human bones are four times stronger than concrete.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, Jellyfish bones are made of gelatin.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, try to touch your funny bone to your ear. Alrighty, do 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 Ike from Florida. Ike, tell us what's the winning wow?

[Caller]

Hello. My wow in the world is that your bones are four times stronger than concrete.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, concrete Candy for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Ike. Contestants, if you guessed the answer b that here human bones are four times stronger than concrete. Well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Pound for pound, human bones are actually stronger than concrete, especially the femur, which is the big bone in your leg.

[Guy Raz]

In fact, even though they're made of about 31% water, human bones can also be stronger than some types of steel.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow. Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and tickle your femur. Right there. Right there. Right there on top of your leg. Yep, you got it.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, babies have more bones than grownups?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, cats and dogs do not have bones in their tails?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, a giraffe's neck is just one long bone.

[Unknown]

Hmm.

[Mindy Thomas]

Lots to think about here. When you think you have the correct answer, stretch your neck out like a giraffe.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up. And joining us by phone, it's Leith from Oregon with our winning wow.

[Caller]

My wow in the world is that babies have more bones. Than adults.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, Dog bones for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Leith. Wowzers. If you guessed a that babies have more bones than grownups, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Human babies are born with around 300 bones in their tiny bodies. But as they grow, some of these small bones fuse together to make bigger bones. And by the time those babies become adults, they only have 206 bones in their bodies.

[Guy Raz]

And for the record, dogs and cats do have bones in their tails. And believe it or not, giraffes and humans have the same number of neck bones.

[Mindy Thomas]

That's right, seven neck bones. Only giraffes are a lot bigger. Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and wag your imaginary doggy tail. And now it's time to take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you in part by ligaments.

[Guy Raz]

Yes, ligaments are the little bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones inside your body. They're like little rubber bands that hold your skeleton together.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, no, no, no, no, Guy Raz. I'm not talking about ligaments. Mints. Although those are nice too. I'm talking about ligaments. Delicious, minty candies that help hold your skeleton together while freshening up your breath. New ligaments. Good for bones. And bad breath, too.

[Guy Raz]

All right, then, thank you, ligaments. And ligaments. Now let's take a quick break and hear some other important messages for grownups.

[Unknown]

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 two what's and a wow.

[Unknown]

Two what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

And now we're on to our final round of questions. Round three, which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, your bones communicate with your brain?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, the bones in your skeleton snap together like Legos?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, There are over 150 bones in your foot.

[Mindy Thomas]

Take a second to think this over, and when you think you know the correct answer, wave your foot.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Caller]

My wow in the world is that your bones communicate with your brain.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, Topkin bones for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Great job, Abby. Wowzers. If you guessed A that your bones communicate with your brain, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

It's true. See, your bones make hormones that kind of chat with other organs and tissues in your body, including your kidneys, your pancreas and your brain.

[Guy Raz]

Scientists have been studying this for decades, and they've determined that bones are in complex chemical conversations with other parts of the body. Even tiny microbes in our bellies. It's kind of like if you found out the roof of your house was talking to your microwave.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and shout. Be quiet, Bones. I can't hear myself think.

[Guy Raz]

What was that?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

Reggie's working on a stand up comedy routine.

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh, no. Well, maybe. But in this case, that sound means it's time for today's winning wowzers prize. And today, all of our winning wowzers will be receiving their very own funny bones. Ready?

[Unknown]

Cue the prize cannon.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, no.

[Unknown]

Fire away, Bones.

[Mindy Thomas]

For everyone.

[Guy Raz]

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.

[Mindy Thomas]

And if you're a teacher out there listening, make sure you join Tinkerclass. It's our free Podject 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 wow in the World.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

Until then, keep on wowing two.

[Unknown]

What's two what two? What's two what? Two what two what's two Rats and Wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Grownups. 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]. 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. And you just might be featured on an upcoming episode of two what's in a wow? Once again, that's 1-888-7-WOW. 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 hellonkercast.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 Zagorski.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

And special thanks to our Tinkercast team including Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kristin Yang, Thuy Mack, Erica Medina, Jodi Nussbaum, Ali Paxima, Linda Rothenberg, Sara, 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 Wewow on the Weekend with Dennis and Movie 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.

[Unknown]

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

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