Wow in the World: Two Whats?! And a Wow! - Squash The Competition
Released: November 28, 2025 | Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Main Theme:
This energetic science game show episode is all about pumpkins! Mindy and Guy lead young listeners through three silly and surprising rounds about the colorful, hefty, and peculiar world of pumpkins, combining fun facts with playful physical challenges. Sprinkle in a “Bonkerballs Bonus” round, some listener participation, and plenty of jokes, and it's a pumpkin-packed science adventure.
Episode Breakdown
1. Introduction and Guinness World Record Attempt
[00:00–02:21]
- Mindy announces their quest to set a Guinness World Record for "most submissions to a fact hotline."
- Listeners are encouraged to call in their 'wow' facts to 1-888-7WOWWOW.
- Elmo from Sesame Street leaves a cheery 'wow' fact:
“Did you know that little babies can laugh before they can talk? Yeah, that means baby Elmo was giggling before he could say mama and daddy!” — Elmo [01:29]
- Mindy encourages listeners to share their own wows.
2. Game Show Start: “Two Whats?! And A Wow!”
[02:21–05:50]
Overview
- Game Format: Three rounds. In each, Guy and Mindy present three statements about pumpkins—only one is the true scientific “wow.” If listeners guess wrong, silly challenges await.
“The scientific game show that separates the wows from the whats!” — Guy Raz [02:56]
Round 1: Pumpkin Colors
[03:51–05:50]
Question: Which statement is a true scientific wow?
- A. Pumpkins can be other colors besides orange.
- B. Pumpkin leaves are poisonous to humans.
- C. Pumpkins are just orange watermelons.
Winning Wow:
- Listener MJ from Virginia reveals the correct answer:
“My wow in the world is that pumpkins can be different colors from just orange!” — MJ [04:43]
Insight:
- Mindy explains there are hundreds of varieties in shades like yellow, white, black, green, and even bluish-gray (e.g., Blue Moon, Baby Boo, Warty Goblin).
Memorable Moment:
Losers must “stop, drop and roll around in a pumpkin patch.” [05:37]
Round 2: Pumpkin Size
[05:50–07:49]
Question: Which is the true wow?
- A. The world’s heaviest pumpkin weighed as much as a large walrus.
- B. The world’s largest pumpkin was 50 feet wide.
- C. The world’s smelliest pumpkin was grown by a farmer named PJ McPumpkinstank.
Winning Wow:
- Laurel and Juniper from Singapore call in with the answer:
“The heaviest pumpkin ever grown weighed as much as a large walrus!” — Laurel & Juniper [06:49]
Insight:
- Guy reveals: The heaviest recorded pumpkin was 2,749 pounds and “about as heavy as a Pacific walrus,” taking 184 days to grow. [07:28]
Memorable Challenge:
Incorrect guesses must “waddle in the ocean.” [07:40]
Round 3: Pumpkin Boats
[07:49–09:55]
Question: Which is true?
- A. There’s a type of pumpkin whose seeds grow on the outside.
- B. Wearing a pumpkin on your head is as protective as a hard hat.
- C. A farmer once paddled down a river in an 817-pound hollowed out pumpkin.
Winning Wow:
- Benjamin from Colorado calls it:
“A farmer from Massachusetts once paddled down a river in an 817-pound hollowed out pumpkin!” — Benjamin [08:50]
Insight:
- Mindy adds: In 2015, Todd Sandstrom paddled 7 miles in an 817-pound pumpkin, and broke his record the following year with a 1,000+ pound vessel. Pumpkin regattas are now a real (if wobbly) sport in the U.S. [09:14–09:35]
Silly Challenge:
Losers “row, row, row a giant pumpkin.” [09:55]
3. Bonkerballs Bonus Round: Baby Shark Surprise
[12:06–13:42]
“If you listened to our ‘Baby Shark Case’ episode, you’ll know this one!” — Mindy [12:12]
Bonus Question:
What gave away that a baby shark recorded off Southern California wasn’t a normal shark?
- A. The shark was completely white.
- B. The shark had a pacifier in its mouth.
- C. It was half the size of a normal adult shark.
Correct Answer:
A. The shark was completely white—covered in an embryonic layer that provides newborn sharks their nutrients.
“Scientists believe that this is because it was still covered in an embryonic layer, something that gives newborn baby sharks their nutrients.” — Guy Raz [13:34]
4. Prize Announcement and Closing
[13:42–14:53]
- Prize: Winners “receive their very own bucket of pumpkin guts!” (Guy objects to the prize's appeal.)
- Mindy triggers the “prize cannon”:
“All right everyone, grab a bucket from under your seat and let’s see you grab some guts.” — Reggie [14:09]
- Mindy and Guy invite listeners to join the World Organization of Wowzers and Tinkerclass for more science adventures.
Notable Quotes
-
Mindy Thomas:
“Winner winner, colors for dinner!” [05:01]
"You must stop, drop and waddle in the ocean." [07:40] -
Guy Raz:
"These giant pumpkins are great at floating, but unstable and hard to paddle—which makes them pretty entertaining to watch.” [09:35]
-
Reggie:
“Cue the thinking music.” [04:14, throughout the episode]
Key Timestamps
- 01:29 – Elmo’s baby laughter fact
- 02:56 – Guy introduces the science game show basics
- 04:43 – Listener MJ shares the Round 1 winning wow
- 06:49 – Laurel & Juniper reveal Round 2’s winning wow
- 08:50 – Benjamin calls in the Round 3 winning wow
- 13:21 – Reggie announces the winning answer in the bonus round
Episode Tone & Style
- Fun, silly, and interactive
- Science seamlessly integrated into the jokes and challenges
- Designed for kids but witty and enjoyable for all ages
- Ample opportunities for audience participation with listener call-ins and playful challenges
Summary
This “Two Whats?! And A Wow!” episode brings bubbly science games and wild facts about pumpkins, encouraging kids to stay curious and have fun learning. If you want laughter, learning, and maybe a little rolling in the pumpkin patch, this one’s for you!