Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Stormy WOWther! (2/28/25)

Summary

Wow in the World: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Stormy WOWther! (February 28, 2025)

Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Podcast: Wow in the World by Tinkercast | Wondery

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Introduction to the Episode

In this exciting episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz kick things off by announcing the Make It Wow engineering challenge. This competition invites listeners, especially young tinkerers and their teachers or parents, to invent solutions for animal-related problems. Participants have the chance to win a virtual classroom visit from Mindy and a signed copy of books like Wow in the Wild and Sea Creatures. The challenge emphasizes creativity and innovation, encouraging kids to engage deeply with science and problem-solving.

Notable Announcement:

Mindy Thomas (00:00): "Introducing the Make It Wow engineering challenge. Wowzers. Listen up."

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Two Whats?! And A Wow! Game Show

Following the announcement, the episode transitions into the beloved segment "Two Whats?! And A Wow!", a scientific game show that tests contestants' ability to distinguish between real scientific facts ("Wows") and fabricated statements ("Whats"). The theme for this episode centers around Wind.

Round 1: Hurricanes and the Animal Kingdom

Question:

Guy Raz (03:13): "Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow?
A) Hurricanes always rotate in a clockwise direction.
B) Hurricanes can cause animals to fall from the sky.
C) The eye of a hurricane blinks 15 to 20 times every minute."

Winning Wow:

Everett from Lakewood, Ohio (04:19): "My wow in the world is that hurricanes can cause animals to fall from the sky."

Insight: Mindy explains that heavy storms can form waterspouts capable of lifting animals like fish and frogs into the air, resulting in seemingly "animal showers."

Quote:

Mindy Thomas (04:45): "Many scientists believe that animals like fish and frogs can get sucked up into the sky when waterspouts form during heavy storms."

Round 2: The Green Sky Phenomenon

Question:

Guy Raz (05:56): "Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow?
A) The sky can turn green before a tornado or hurricane.
B) Stratus clouds are the only kind of cloud in a hurricane.
C) The name hurricane comes from the fact that you have to hurry to get away from it."

Winning Wow:

Marilyn (06:23): "The sky turns green before a tornado."

Insight: A green sky often signals severe weather. The phenomenon occurs due to the way storm clouds filter sunlight, making the sky appear green, although it doesn't happen with every storm.

Quote:

Guy Raz (06:52): "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."

Round 3: The Power of Floodwaters

Question:

Guy Raz (08:31): "Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow?
A) Flash floods only happen when rain falls and lightning flashes at the same time.
B) Plants and trees do not help to prevent flooding.
C) Even just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet."

Winning Wow:

Nora from Illinois (09:31): "6 inches of floodwater can topple a person and 12 inches of floodwater can move a car."

Insight: Floodwaters, even at relatively shallow depths, possess incredible force. The National Weather Service confirms that just six inches can knock over an adult, while twelve inches can carry away vehicles.

Quote:

Mindy Thomas (10:01): "According to the National Weather service, even just 6 inches of floodwater has enough force to knock over a typical adult."

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Conclusion and Prizes

At the episode's end, Mindy and Guy celebrate the winners of each round, awarding them creative prizes like personal "wind" and engaging them with enthusiastic banter. They encourage listeners to join the World Organization of Wowzers for year-round activities and to participate in future live events and contests.

Final Encouragement:

Mindy Thomas (13:14): "Meet us back here every Friday for more episodes of 2 what's in a wow. Saturday and Sunday for WEW 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."

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Key Takeaways

• Engineering Challenge: Listeners are motivated to invent solutions for animal-related issues, fostering creativity and scientific inquiry among kids.

• Scientific Insights: The game show segments provided fascinating facts about wind-related phenomena, debunking myths and highlighting the power of natural forces like hurricanes and floods.

• Engagement: The interactive format, complete with real-time challenges and rewards, keeps both kids and adults engaged, making science fun and accessible.

Notable Quotes:

• Guy Raz (02:22): "The scientific game show that separates the Wows from the whats."
• Mindy Thomas (05:10): "Also, the eye of a hurricane doesn't actually have any eyelids, so it can't blink at all."

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This episode of Wow in the World seamlessly blends educational content with interactive fun, leaving listeners both informed and inspired to explore the wonders of science further.

Transcript

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, Wowzer fams. Mindy here and we are so excited for you to listen to the recorded performance of Make It Wow in New York City. You'll hear two teams of tinkerers going head to head, coming up with some bonker balls and amazing inventions for how to help animals. And now you can wow our judges with your inventions that solve a problem for animals too. Reggie, drumroll please. Introducing the Make It Wow engineering challenge. Wowzers. Listen up. If your grown up or teacher enters your invention for how to solve a problem for animals by March 21, you could win a virtual classroom visit from me, Mindy. Plus a signed copy of our book, wow in the Wild, A wow in the World, Sea Creatures, Aquarium, Toy and more. Visit tinkercast.com makeitwow to learn more and to get tinkering. And tell your teacher this contest is open for classrooms too. One more time, that's Tinkercast.com MakeItWow oh, and P.S. if you're in the Denver or Washington D.C. area, don't miss your chance to see Make It Wow live on stage. Grownups, you can get your tickets and learn how you could get your wowzer to be a contestant in the [e-mail] events. That's tinkercast.com events. We can't wait to make it wow with you. That's it. And now let's get back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

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 Gas.

[Reggie]

My W2 what's two what? Two W2 W2 what's two what's and a wow?

[Mindy Thomas]

Hello and welcome to two what's and a wow.

[Reggie]

Two what's and a wow.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

You know it. Guy Raz Bowser's. 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 whats.

[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 redonkulous physical challenge.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, everyone ready to start the game?

[Mindy Thomas]

Great. Then let's do it.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, hurricanes can cause animals to fall from the sky?

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

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.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

And to do just that, it's Everett from Lakewood, Ohio. Everett, tell us what's the winning wow? Hello.

[Everett]

My wow in the world is that hurricanes can cause animals to fall from the sky.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, Falling food for dinner. Like if the pizza delivery guy used a helicopter.

[Guy Raz]

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.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

Thanks for clearing that up, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

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?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, Stratus clouds are the only kind of cloud in a hurricane.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

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.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Everett]

Hi, Minnie and Goggles. The sky turns green before a tornado.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, Green stuff for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

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.

[Guy Raz]

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.

[Mindy Thomas]

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.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Everett]

Two what's 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 2 what's in a wow?

[Reggie]

2 what's in a wow?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

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?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

Or is it c, even just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

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

[Everett]

Hi, Mindy and Guy Raz. My wow is that 6 inches of flood water can topple a person and 12 inches of flood water can move a car.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner. Extra hydration for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

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. Grownups remember that it is never safe to drive or walk into floodwaters.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

What was that?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

You drove here in a 1942 Studebaker champion?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Reggie]

Fire away.

[Guy Raz]

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.

[Mindy Thomas]

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 and be sure to.

[Guy Raz]

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 Weeknd with Dennis.

[Guy Raz]

Until then, keep on wowing 2.

[Reggie]

What's 2 what 2? What's 2 what 2 what 2 w 2 wow and wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Grown ups. If you like wow in the world, you can listen early and ad free right now on Wondry.

[Guy Raz]

Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids 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] survey. 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. 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 hello in Tinkercast.com 2 what's in.

[Guy Raz]

A wow 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 Mariam Lozano and Henry Moskal with help from Jett 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, 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 WEW 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.

[Guy Raz]

Until then, keep on wowing.

[Reggie]

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

[Everett]

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