Podcast Summary: Wow in the World – Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Strength in Numbers

Podcast: Wow in the World
Host(s): Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Date: March 20, 2026
Episode Theme: Exploring Wow-worthy facts about “strength” in the animal and physical world, presented through a playful science game show.

Overview

This episode of “Two Whats?! And A Wow!” puts kids’ curiosity to the test with the theme of Strength in Numbers. Hosts Mindy and Guy Raz challenge listeners with science-based multiple-choice questions—only one is a “Wow” (true), while the others are “Whats” (invented). Listeners play along, learning fun facts about some of nature’s and science’s most impressive feats of strength. Each correct guess earns points; each miss induces a silly physical challenge.

Key Discussion Points & Game Rounds

1. Introduction & March Gladness

[00:01 - 00:44] Dennis enthusiastically introduces “March Gladness,” encouraging listeners to name things that made them happiest this month and participate with a printable bracket.
- Memorable Quote:
- Dennis: “…the winner of my March Gladness tournament was my new haircut. Do you love it?” (00:30)

2. Game Show Format: Two Whats?! And A Wow!

[01:53] Mindy welcomes everyone back to the game show and explains the rules:
- Each round presents three statements about “strength”
- Only one is a wow (true), the other two are playful fabrications
- Points for correct answers, silly challenges for mistakes

Round 1: Strength Facts

[03:01 - 04:47]
- A. It’s impossible to break a diamond.
- B. A titan beetle can snap a pencil in half.
- C. The world’s strongest tortilla chip can withstand two jars of salsa per square inch.
Winning Wow:
- Listener Cece from Ohio reveals the true fact:
  - “The titan beetle can snap a pencil in half.” (03:52)
- Explanation:
  - Mindy: “This 6 inch long beetle can snap your number 2 pencils into 2 pieces just by using their jaw.” (04:02)
- Physical Challenge for wrong answers:
  - Take a big bite out of your string cheese instead of peeling it.

Round 2: Magnetism and Strength

[04:47 - 06:42]
- A. A magnet will get stronger as it gets colder.
- B. The strongest man alive is Dennis Moi.
- C. Chimpanzees cannot peel oranges.
Winning Wow:
- Ryan and Jacob from Illinois reveal:
  - “A magnet will get stronger as it gets colder.” (05:48)
- Explanation:
  - Mindy: “When a magnet gets colder, the molecules in it move around a lot less, leading to less vibration… creating a more concentrated magnetic field, meaning a stronger magnet.” (06:08)
- Physical Challenge:
  - Pretend to be an ostrich at a shopping mall.

Round 3: Animal Power

[06:42 - 08:25]
- A. Spider silk is about as strong as notebook paper.
- B. The world’s strongest toot was smelled over 20 miles away.
- C. The golden eagle’s talons are thought to be 10 times stronger than a human hand.
Winning Wow:
- Sadie from North Carolina shares:
  - “Golden eagle's talons are thought to be 10 times stronger than a human hand.” (07:37)
- Explanation:
  - Mindy: “The golden eagle’s talons are only about 2 inches long… but they pack a powerful punch. In fact, they can have a grip force of around four to seven hundred pounds per square inch.” (08:14)
- Physical Challenge:
  - Screech like an eagle.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On titan beetles’ strength:
- Mindy: “Winner, winner, pencil shavings for dinner.” (03:58)
Discussion of magnetic power:
- Mindy: “I leave all my magnets inside my refrigerator.” (06:21)
- Guy Raz: “Don’t you mean on your fridge?”
- Mindy: “Nope.” (06:33)
Animal strength:
- Sadie: “Golden eagle's talons are thought to be 10 times stronger than a human's hand. Isn't that bonkerball?” (07:37)
Prize Segment:
- Mindy: “Today's winning wowzers will all receive their very own potato sunscreen. Put some on your tater and when it goes out into the sun, it won't get baked.” (12:48, 13:02)

Time-Stamped Key Segments

March Gladness Introduction: 00:01–00:44
Game Show Rules: 01:53–02:44
Round 1 (Titan beetle): 03:01–04:47
Round 2 (Magnet stronger when cold): 04:47–06:42
Round 3 (Golden eagle talons): 06:42–08:25
Bonus Round - Cat Taste Buds (Umami): 11:24–12:27
- Correct answer: “Cats love tuna…because of the chemicals inside the tuna binding with their taste receptors and causing an umami explosion in their mouths.” (12:27)

Bonus Segment: Polka Balls Bonus Round

Question: Why do cats love tuna so much?
Answers:
- A. Because they get an umami overload from a chemical inside the tuna (Correct)
- B. Because they can’t taste sweetness
- C. Because they are strict pescatarians
Winning Wow by Reggie:
- Mindy: “Although it’s true that cats cannot taste sweetness, the reason they love tuna so much is because of the chemicals inside the tuna binding with their taste receptors and causing an umami explosion in their mouths.” (12:24–12:43)

Closing/Prizes

[12:48] Winner’s “prize” is a (made-up) jar of “potato sunscreen.”
[13:18 – 15:58] Mindy and Guy Raz encourage teachers to check out Tinkerclass and listeners to join the World Organization of Wowzers for more science fun.

Tone & Style

Playful, silly, and high-energy
Frequent puns, jokes, and physical challenge tie-ins to science facts
Encourages interactive listening and family participation

For New Listeners

"Two Whats?! And A Wow!" is a science trivia show that mixes real science with humor and games, making learning irresistible for kids and families. This episode centers on mind-blowing strength in nature and objects, from bug brawn to magnetic power and eagle talons—all presented in a format that inspires shouting, laughing, and wowing along at home.