Podcast Summary: Wow in the World – Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Stormy WOWther!
Date: February 6, 2026
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
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.
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)
2. Round 1 – Hurricanes and Flying Animals (05:32)
- Which statement is the “wow”?
- Hurricanes always rotate clockwise.
- Hurricanes can cause animals to fall from the sky. [Correct]
- 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)
3. Round 2 – Green Skies and Storms (07:47)
- Which statement is the “wow”?
- The sky can turn green before a tornado or hurricane. [Correct]
- Stratus clouds are the only type in hurricanes.
- “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)
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)
5. Round 3 – The Dangers of Floodwater (12:54)
- Which statement is the “wow”?
- Flash floods only happen when it rains and lightning flashes at the same time.
- Plants and trees do not prevent flooding.
- 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)
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)
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.
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
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.
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.