Wow in the World: Episode Summary – “Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Some Body To Love” (February 7, 2025)

Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Podcast: Wow in the World by Tinkercast | Wondery

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of "Wow in the World," hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz dive into an engaging and educational segment titled "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" centered around fascinating facts about the human body. The episode combines humor, interactive elements, and scientific insights to captivate both kids and their grown-up listeners.

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

[03:32] The segment kicks off with Dennis introducing the second favorite game show, "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" where Mindy and Guy serve as hosts. The game is designed to challenge listeners to distinguish between true scientific "wows" and made-up "whats" related to the human body.

Mindy Thomas initiates the game by explaining, "We're going to present you with three scientific statements about the human body. But only one of those statements will be a true wow. The other two, just a couple of made up whats."

The Challenge: Identifying the True Wow

[04:10] The first challenge presents listeners with three statements:

• Option A: The skull is the largest, heaviest bone in the human body.
• Option B: The blood in your body makes up half of your body weight.
• Option C: You are actually taller when you wake up than right before you sleep.

Listeners are encouraged to think critically and "spell it out with your arms and legs, YMCA style" once they decide on their answer.

[05:03] After a brief pause, the hosts reveal the correct answer.

Revealing the Winning Wow

[06:25] Clara from Philadelphia calls in to share her answer: "C, you're taller when you wake up than right before you sleep." Her correct guess earns her the title of winning wowzer.

Guy Raz elaborates, "While the difference in height may vary, most people are actually a teeny tiny bit taller when they first wake up in the morning."

[06:52] Mindy Thomas explains the science behind the phenomenon: "This is because gravity squishes down the cartilage in parts of our bodies, such as our spine and knees, making us a bit shorter. After a day of sitting, standing, and moving around, when you go to bed, this cartilage decompresses and spreads back out, getting us back to our original height."

[07:16] Extending the explanation, Guy adds, "In fact, astronauts returning from outer space are sometimes up to an inch or two taller than when they departed from Earth. But thanks to gravity, when they come back down to Earth, they eventually get back to their original heights."

Debunking the Other Options

[07:33] The hosts address the other two options for those who might have chosen incorrectly.

• Option A: The claim that the skull is the largest, heaviest bone is incorrect. Guy Raz states, "While the skull needs to be strong to protect the brain, it is actually made up of 22 different bones. The femur, the bone in your upper leg, is the strongest, heaviest single bone in your body."

• Option B: The assertion that blood makes up half of your body weight is also false. Mindy Thomas clarifies, "Blood in your body does not make up half your body weight. It really only makes up about 10% of it. The rest comes from bones, organs, muscles, tissue, and other parts that allow you to function."

Prizes and Fun Rewards

[08:32] The winning contestant, Clara, is awarded a unique prize: an "invisible belly button." Guy Raz humorously describes it, "This invisible belly button is just like your regular belly button, only it's invisible and actually works. When you press it, use it to turn on the TV, power the lights, or speed Darth the car."

Mindy Thomas adds with a laugh, "I see. Well, that's about all the time we have for today."

The Final Scientific Challenge

[09:16] Before wrapping up, Mindy and Guy present a creative challenge to their listeners:

• Operation Extra. Extra Wowzers: Listeners are encouraged to "invent an extra body part for the human body." Ideas can range from an extra hand or a backward-facing eye to more imaginative creations like a trunk or a functioning invisible belly button.

Mindy Thomas suggests, "You can design your invention on paper or create a 3D model using objects from around your home. Get creative with it and share your inventions with us and grownups."

Participants are invited to upload their photos and videos to us@tinkercast.com and share their creations for a chance to be featured in future episodes.

Upcoming Releases and Closing Remarks

[09:54] The hosts promote their upcoming book, "The How and The Wow of the Human Body," available for pre-order starting March 2nd across various bookstores, including signed editions at Barnes and Noble.

[10:16] As the episode concludes, Mindy encourages listeners to "keep on wowing" while providing information on how to become members of the World Organization of Wowzers. Membership perks include autographed pictures, exclusive T-shirts, magnifying goggles, and special activities for each episode.

Notable Quotes

• Mindy Thomas: "You're taller when you wake up than right before you sleep."
• Guy Raz: "The femur is the strongest, heaviest single bone in your body."
• Clara (Contestant): "I'm taller when I first wake up than in the evening."

Behind the Scenes

The episode credits highlight the creative team behind the show, including writers Anna Zagorski, Darnell Walker, Heba Guta, and audio producer Jessica Boddy. Special thanks are given to Anya Grundmann and the team at NPR. The theme song was crafted by The Pop Ups, a three-time Grammy-nominated all-ages music group.

Connect and Engage

Listeners are encouraged to stay connected through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram under the handle @owintheworld. For those with big wows to share, there's an invitation to contribute ideas for future episodes via hello@owintheworld.com or by calling 1-888-7-WOW-WOW.

This episode of "Wow in the World" effectively blends entertainment with education, providing young listeners and their families with memorable facts and interactive challenges that foster curiosity and creativity about the human body.