Wow in the World Podcast Summary Episode: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Storybooks
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Production: Tinkercast | Wondery

Introduction to "Two Whats?! And A Wow!"

In this engaging episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz dive into the enchanting world of storybooks through their interactive game show segment, "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" This segment is designed to test listeners' knowledge about famous stories, books, and fairy tales by distinguishing between fascinating truths ("wows") and delightful fabrications ("whats").

Game Show Overview

[02:48] DJ Fuchs: "And now for everyone's second favorite game show. After having dessert before dinner, it's two what's and oh wow."

[03:04] Reggie: "With your hosts Mindy and Guy rats two watts two watts. Two what's two what's two what's and a wow."

Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz: Introduce the rules of the game:

• In each of the three rounds, three statements are presented.
• Only one statement is a true "wow."
• The other two statements are "whats" – made-up facts.
• Incorrect guesses result in a fun, ridiculous physical challenge.

Round One: Folk Heroes and Legends

[04:31] Mindy Thomas: "Which of the following statements is a true wow?"

Options:

• A: The folk hero Pico Spill was originally a big blue ox.
• B: The story of Paul Bunyan was based on a real person.
• C: Johnny Appleseed was not based on a real person.

[05:35] DJ Fuchs: Provides the correct answer and explanation.

Correct Answer: B – The story of Paul Bunyan was based on real lumberjacks.

Notable Quote: [06:07] Mindy Thomas: "If you guessed the answer B, that Paul Bunyan stories were based on a real person, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow."

Insight: Historians believe Paul Bunyan was inspired by two actual lumberjacks, Fabien Fournier and Bon Jon, whose combined legends birthed the larger-than-life character familiar in American folklore.

Round Two: The Origins of Fairy Tales

[07:38] Mindy Thomas: "Which of the following statements is A, true? Wow. Is it A, the Brothers Grimm wrote the first fairy tale? Or is it B, true fairy tales always contain fairies and the fairies always have tails. Or is it C, the first fairy tale is believed to have been written 6,000 years ago."

**Correct Answer: C – The first fairy tale is believed to have been written 6,000 years ago.

Notable Quote: [08:23] DJ Fuchs: "Fairy tales can go way back, way back in the day, even to the Bronze age, more than 6,000 years away."

Insight: Fairy tales have ancient origins, with some of the earliest known stories predating written history. The Brothers Grimm were not the original authors but rather collectors and compilers of existing folk tales.

Round Three: Record-Breaking Books

[15:00] Mindy Thomas: "Which of the following statements is a true wow? Is it A, the heaviest book in the world weighs over 4,000 pounds? Or is it B, the smallest book ever written is called the Diary of a Tardigrade and it's less than 1 millimeter thick. Or is it C, the longest book ever written has more than 5 million words."

**Correct Answer: A – The heaviest book in the world weighs over 4,000 pounds.

Notable Quote: [16:05] DJ Fuchs: "The heaviest book in the world is 'Buddha and His Dhamma' by BR Ambedkar. Yes, it weighs 4,409 pounds and is made of stainless steel."

Insight: The monumental book "Buddha and His Dhamma" serves not only as a literary work but also as a massive artistic monument, illustrating the creative ways stories can be preserved and celebrated.

Conclusion: Embracing Imagination and Storytelling

[17:57] Guy Raz: "We're giving everyone in the audience a chance to make up their own stories. Write them down, share them, draw pictures, or just tell a grown-up or a friend."

[18:44] Mindy Thomas: "And I guess nothing came out of."

**The hosts emphasize the importance of imagination and personal storytelling, encouraging listeners to create and share their own narratives. The prize for the game is not a physical object but the limitless potential of one's own imaginative capabilities.

Notable Quote: [18:49] Mindy Thomas: "Stories come from your own imagination. You already had the real prize all along."

Key Takeaways

• Historical Roots of Stories: Many beloved folklore characters, such as Paul Bunyan, have roots in real individuals whose legends have been amplified over time.

• Ancient Origins of Fairy Tales: Fairy tales have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, evolving through oral traditions before being documented.

• Record-Breaking Literature: Books can transcend traditional formats, serving as both literary works and monumental art pieces.

• Power of Imagination: Storytelling is a fundamental human activity that fosters creativity, connection, and personal expression.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Wow in the World not only entertained listeners with fun facts and interactive gameplay but also deepened their appreciation for the rich history and enduring power of stories. By blending education with playful interaction, Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz continue to inspire both kids and their grown-ups to explore, imagine, and keep saying "WOW!"

Listen to the full episode on Wondery