Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Stormy WOWther!

Summary

Podcast Summary: Wow in the World – Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Stormy WOWther!

Date: February 6, 2026
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Two Whats?! And A Wow!"—a science trivia game from Wow in the World—focuses on the wild wonders of stormy weather. With laughter and interactive challenges, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz guide listeners through fun facts about hurricanes, tornadoes, wind, and floods. Kids from across the country join in as "winning Wowzers," helping separate true “wows” from “whats” in a storm-themed journey.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. How the Game Works (04:41)

• Each round features three scientific statements; only one is true—the “wow.”
• Correct guesses earn points; wrong ones trigger silly physical challenges.
• The day’s theme: Wind and extreme weather.

Notable quote:

"A scientific game show that separates the wows from the what." — Guy Raz (04:41)

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2. Round 1 – Hurricanes and Flying Animals (05:32)

• Which statement is the “wow”?
  1. Hurricanes always rotate clockwise.
  2. Hurricanes can cause animals to fall from the sky. [Correct]
  3. The eye of a hurricane blinks 15–20 times a minute.

Winning Wowzer: Everett from Lakewood, Ohio (06:29)

• Science behind the wow:
  • Waterspouts can suck up fish and frogs, lifting them into the sky, raining them down elsewhere.
  • The “eye” of a hurricane does not have eyelids and can’t blink.

Notable moment:

"Winner, Winner. Falling food for dinner. Like, if the pizza delivery guy used a helicopter." — Mindy (06:52)
"Many scientists believe that animals like fish and frogs can get sucked up into the sky when waterspouts form during heavy storms." — Mindy (07:04)

Silly challenge for wrong guessers:

• "Stop, drop, and spit water out of your mouth like a waterspout." (07:47)

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3. Round 2 – Green Skies and Storms (07:47)

• Which statement is the “wow”?
  1. The sky can turn green before a tornado or hurricane. [Correct]
  2. Stratus clouds are the only type in hurricanes.
  3. “Hurricane” means you must “hurry” to escape.

Winning Wowzer: Marilyn (08:42)

• Science behind the wow:
  • Green sky occurs before or during some storms, including tornadoes and hurricanes.
  • Caused by light passing through water-heavy or icy clouds.

Memorable explanation:

"All of the water droplets and ice particles in those clouds can filter the light and make the sky look green." — Guy Raz (09:10)

Silly challenge for wrong guessers:

• "Stop, drop, and sing 'It’s Not Easy Being Green.'" (09:24)

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4. The Science of Wind & Sponsor Shoutout (09:24)

• Fun, tongue-in-cheek "thank you" to wind as the day's sponsor:
  • Real wind explained as moving air caused by differences in air pressure.

Quote:

"When air gets hot, it rises up higher into the atmosphere and cooler air rushes in to take its place. That’s wind." — Mindy (09:24)

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5. Round 3 – The Dangers of Floodwater (12:54)

• Which statement is the “wow”?
  1. Flash floods only happen when it rains and lightning flashes at the same time.
  2. Plants and trees do not prevent flooding.
  3. Just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet. [Correct]

Winning Wowzer: Nora from Illinois (14:02)

• Science behind the wow:
  • Only 6 inches of moving water to knock over a person.
  • 12 inches can move most cars; 2 feet sweeps away SUVs/trucks.

Quote:

"According to the National Weather Service, even just 6 inches of floodwater has enough force to knock over a typical adult." — Mindy (14:32)
"Grown ups, remember that it is never safe to drive or walk into floodwaters." — Guy Raz (14:42)

Silly challenge for wrong guessers:

• "Stop, drop, and get out of the water!" (15:00)

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6. Prize Cannon and Closing Fun (15:08)

• Winning Wowzers get a (joke) "personal wind" as their prize.
• More info for curious kids and teachers about joining World Organization of Wowzers and Tinkerclass, with ongoing opportunities for fun and learning.

Quote:

"That's 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." — Guy Raz (15:42)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mindy explains storm science with humor, e.g., "Winner, Winner. Extra hydration for dinner." (14:21)
• Guy Raz reassures, "It’s never safe to drive or walk into floodwaters." (14:42)
• Silly physical and vocal challenges keep kids engaged and giggling.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:41 – Game setup and rules explanation
• 05:32 – Round 1: Hurricanes and “raining animals”
• 07:47 – Round 2: Green skies before storms
• 09:24 – Fun wind sponsorship skit
• 12:54 – Round 3: Floodwater dangers
• 14:02 – Winning Wowzer explains floodwater fact
• 15:08 – Prize cannon & closing information

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Tone and Style

The episode stays upbeat, silly, and energetic as Mindy and Guy Raz banter with each other, interact with kid callers, and keep science both accurate and accessible. Humor and sound effects punctuate each segment, making learning about scary storms fun and memorable for listeners of all ages.

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Final Takeaway

"Stormy WOWther!" makes weather science interactive and memorable. With goofy challenges, real-life science, and clever explanations, Mindy and Guy Raz turn storm facts—from raining frogs to powerful floodwaters—into unforgettable wows for kids and families.

Transcript

[A]

Grown ups, this message is for you.

[B]

Hey, grown ups, it's Guy Raz and Mindy here.

[A]

And before we jump into today's adventure, we want to share something important with you. Something we've never asked in our entire nine years of making this show.

[B]

That's right. For nine years, WOW in the world has been free for every family, every teacher, every curious kid, and every grownup who listens.

[A]

And we've been able to keep it going through partnerships, sponsors, distributors, and honestly, a whole lot of scrappy ingenuity.

[B]

But the truth is, the media industry has changed a lot since we launched this show in 2017, and it's becoming a lot harder to financially sustain a show like WOW in the world without additional help.

[A]

And that's because every episode, you hear every silly character voice, every story twist, every science deep dive. It's all handcrafted by an entire team of real humans.

[B]

Writers, producers, editors, composers, researchers, science experts.

[A]

And one lady who keeps exploding beakers in the studio.

[B]

Mindy.

[A]

What? Science is messy. Guy Raz.

[B]

Every single episode starts with us searching far and wide for real scientific discoveries, sometimes buried in complex scientific journals.

[A]

And then we translate that science into an adventure story that kids and grownups can enjoy together.

[B]

After that, we send it to science experts for fact checking so you know what you're hearing is accurate, trustworthy, and full of integrity.

[A]

And then we record all the voices from Guy to me to Grandma, GeForce to Dennis.

[B]

You're welcome, everyone.

[A]

Dennis.

[B]

Oh, sorry. And finally, our team adds original music, sound design, editing, mixing and mastering until the world of the story comes to life inside your ears.

[A]

No AI, no shortcuts, just real humans making something to spark your curiosity and imagination.

[B]

And we do it because we believe science can inspire kids and grownups to do great things.

[A]

Especially now, when the world is full of confusing information. Real fact based science is more important than ever.

[B]

And here's the hard part we want to share with you. To keep doing this, to keep making the show at the level of quality you expect and should get, we need your help.

[A]

That's right. For the first time ever, we are asking our listeners you to help support this show.

[B]

If your family values what we create.

[A]

If you've laughed or learned something new.

[B]

If the show has inspired curiosity in.

[A]

Your home or just saved your sanity on a long road trip, we're asking.

[B]

You to consider making a contribution.

[A]

And any amount truly helps. Big, small, medium. Ish. Extra large, Astronomically huge. Mindy, I'm being inclusive.

[B]

Anyway, your support goes directly to paying our team, the people who research, write, produce, fact check, compose and build this world every week.

[A]

It keeps the show sustainable so we can keep making it.

[B]

And it helps us keep wow in the world free for everyone who needs it.

[A]

So, grown ups, if you have the means to help support our show, you.

[B]

Can visit tinkercast.comsupport where you can pick from a handful of fun things we've curated as thank you gifts for your support.

[A]

And there's some good things on there.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So Again, just visit tinkercast.com support to help us keep the show going. We'll also drop the links in the podcast show notes.

[B]

So from the bottom of our hearts.

[A]

And the tops of our brains, thank you.

[B]

Now onto the show. And now for everyone's second favorite game show. After buttering your napkin and complaining that they don't make white bread like they used to, it's two what's and the wow. With your hosts, Mindy and Guy Raz.

[A]

2 what's 2 what? 2 what's 2 w. 2 what's 2 what? Two what's in a wow? Hello and welcome to Two what's in a wow. Two what's in a wow.

[B]

A scientific game show that separates the wows from the what. And the category or theme for today is Wind. Mindy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works?

[A]

You know it. Guy Raz, Bowsers. In each of our three rounds today, Guy Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about wins. 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 what.

[B]

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 redonkulous physical challenge.

[B]

Okay, everyone ready to start the game?

[A]

Great. Then let's do it.

[B]

Okay, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A? Hurricanes always rotate in a clockwise direction?

[A]

Or is it B? Hurricanes can cause animals to fall from the sky.

[B]

Or is it C? The eye of A hurricane blinks 15 to 20 times every minute.

[A]

When you think you have the correct answer, smile wryly and giggle quietly to yourself. Hey, Reg, let's get a little thinking music up in here.

[B]

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

[A]

And to do just that, it's Everett from Lakewood, Ohio. Everett, tell us what's the winning wow? Hello. My wow in the world is that hurricanes can cause animals to fall from the sky. Winner, Winner. Falling food for dinner. Like, if the Pizza delivery guy used a helicopter.

[B]

Thank you, Everett. Contestants, if you guessed the answer B, that hurricanes can cause animals to fall from the sky, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[A]

Many scientists believe that animals like fish and frogs can get sucked up into the sky when waterspouts form during heavy storms.

[B]

The waterspout is a rotating column of air that forms over water. Some scientists believe that the storms can suck in water and the animals that live in that water and shoot them up to high altitudes.

[A]

Also, the eye of a hurricane doesn't actually have any eyelids, so it can't blink at all.

[B]

Thanks for clearing that up, Mindy.

[A]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and spit water out of your mouth like a water spout.

[B]

Okay, round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, the sky can turn green before a tornado or hurricane, or.

[A]

Is it B, stratus clouds are the only kind of cloud in a hurricane.

[B]

Or is it C, the name hurricane comes from the fact that you have to hurry to get away from it.

[A]

Hmm, lots to think about here. Well, when you think you have the correct answer, fill your cheeks with air and blow it out as fast as you can. Human hurricane.

[B]

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

[A]

Hi, Maryland. The sky turns green before a tornado. Winner, winner, green stuff for dinner.

[B]

Great job, Marilyn. Wowzers. If you guessed the answer A, that the sky can turn green before a tornado or hurricane, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[A]

A green sky can appear before a tornado, but it doesn't happen all the time. And it can happen in any kind of stormy weather.

[B]

This is because of the way light comes through the massively thick storm clouds. All of the water droplets and ice particles in those clouds can filter the light and make the sky look green.

[A]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and sing. It's not easy being green. And now it's time to take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you in part by wind. No, not that kind of wind. I mean moving air. Okay, again, wrong kind of moving air. Anywho, our sponsor today is real wind. Moving air caused by differences in air pressure. When air gets hot, it rises up higher into the atmosphere and cooler air rushes in to take its place. That's wind. And without it, we wouldn't have hurricanes, tornadoes, or any of the other natural phenomenon we talked about today. So thank you, wind. You know what? I'm just gonna pretend like I Didn't hear that.

[B]

Alright, thank you wind. Now let's take a quick break and hear some other important messages for grownup.

[A]

To once in a while. We'll be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you. Hello, it's me, Carly Q. From who When Wow. Mystery Edition and I have big news to share. I've learned a lot on my time traveling adventures over the years, like what to pack when you're traveling to Victorian England or the must try foods when you're visiting the Viking age. Spoiler alert. The food is pretty good, but they don't have pie yet, which is a bummer. I can't wait to share my time travel tips and tricks with you all. You can listen to my new bite sized episodes in the who When Wow. Podcast feed starting next week. Looks like lunch break is over. Now let's get on with the show. Hey grownups.

[B]

It's Mindy and Guy Raz and we have an important message to share with you. For nine years, wow in the world has been free for every family, teacher, curious kid and grown up who listens.

[A]

And we've kept it going through partnerships, sponsors, distributors, and honestly, a whole lot of scrappy ingenuity.

[B]

But the truth is, the media industry has changed a lot since we launched this show in 2017, and it's becoming a lot harder to financially sustain a show like wow. In the world without additional help.

[A]

And that's because every episode you hear is handcrafted by an entire team of real humans.

[B]

So for the first time ever, we are asking our listeners you to support the show. If your family values what we create.

[A]

If you've laughed or learned something new.

[B]

Or if the show has inspired curiosity in your home, we're asking you to consider making a contribution.

[A]

Your support goes directly to paying our team and keeps wow in the world free for everyone who listens to it.

[B]

So grown ups, if you can just.

[A]

Visit tinkercast.comsupport to see the thank you packages that we've put together for your support.

[B]

Once again, you can visit tinkercast.com support and we'll put all this information in the podcast Show Notes.

[A]

Thanks for helping to power the WOW at Tinkercast. And now let's get on with the show. That's it. Now back to the show.

[B]

Welcome back to two what's in a.

[A]

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

[B]

And now we're on to our final round of questions. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it a flash? Floods only happen when rain falls and lightning flashes at the same time?

[A]

Or is it B that plants and trees do not help to prevent flooding?

[B]

Or is it sea? Even just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet.

[A]

Take a second to think this over and when you know the answer, yell water, water everywhere. And not a drop to Dr.

[B]

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

[A]

Hi Mindy and Guy Raz. My wow is that 6 inches of floodwater can topple a person and 12 inches of flood water can move a car. Winner, winner. Extra hydration for dinner.

[B]

That's right, Nora. Wowzers. If you're. If you guessed the answer c that just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[A]

It's true. According to the National Weather service, even just 6 inches of floodwater has enough force to knock over a typical adult.

[B]

And as Nora said, it takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars. And just two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. Grown ups remember that it is never safe to drive or walk into floodwaters.

[A]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and get out of the water.

[B]

What was that?

[A]

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

[B]

You drove here in a 1942 Studebaker champion.

[A]

No, Guy Raz that sound. Music. That means it's time for today's winning wowzers prize. All of our winning Wowzers today will receive their very own personal win. Nope. Don't even think about it. Still not that kind of win. Reg, cue the prize cannon. Fire away.

[B]

Well, that's 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 all the teachers out there, don't Forget to join Tinkerclass. It's our free project based learning program. Just visit Tinkercast.com membership for more. That's Tinkercast.com membership membership.

[B]

And be sure to come back on Monday for a brand new episode of.

[A]

Wow in the world and again on Friday for a new episode of two what's in a wow. And don't forget, we wow on the weekend with Dennis. Until then, keep on wowing 2 what's 2. What 2 what's 2 what 2 what's 2 what's 2 what's and wow. 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 2 what's in a wow? Once again, that's 1-888-7-WOW.

[B]

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.

[A]

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter owintheworld and our email address is [e-mail] 2 what's in a wow.

[B]

Is executive produced by Meredith Halpern, Ranzer, Mindy Thomas and me, Guy Raz.

[A]

These episodes are written by our Tinkercast Head writer Kenny Curtis and Anna Zagorski.

[B]

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

[A]

Thanks to our Tinkercast team including Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kristin Yang, Thuy Mak, Erica Medina, Jodi Nussbaum, Ally Paxima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa and all of the other tinkerers at Tinkercast HQ.

[B]

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.

[A]

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? And Saturday and Sunday for we wow on the Weekend with Dennis and Mondays for Wow in the World. It's all right here on the wow in the World podcast feed.

[B]

Until then, keep on wowing.

[A]

Wow in the wow. 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.