Wow in the World – Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Totally Q’s of the Heart
Podcast: Wow in the World
Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Date: February 13, 2026
Episode Theme: Science game show focused on heart facts – “Totally Q’s of the Heart”
Overview
In this playful, science-filled episode of “Two Whats?! And a Wow!”, Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz host a game show all about fascinating heart facts, perfect for curious kids and their families. Through three game rounds, listeners learn real “wow-worthy” truths about animal and human hearts, sprinkled with playful banter, memorable challenges, and active participation from kids across the country. With each round, only one of three statements about the heart is true—the “wow”—and the rest are fun but fictional “whats.”
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Game Structure & Rules
- Game Concept: Mindy and Guy present three statements per round; only one is a true scientific “wow.”
- Participation: Listeners are encouraged to guess, with fun physical challenges for incorrect answers.
- Heart Theme: All questions and facts this episode relate to hearts in the animal kingdom and in humans.
Round 1: Animal Hearts
Question: Which statement about animal hearts is correct?
- A: A shark’s heart is made of cartilage (like your upper ear).
- B: A jellyfish’s heart weighs less than an egg.
- C: The octopus has three hearts.
Answer & Explanation:
- Correct: C – The octopus has three hearts.
- Explanation: Two hearts move blood past the gills for oxygen exchange; the third pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Notably, the third heart stops beating when the octopus swims (05:30), which explains why octopuses prefer crawling over swimming since swimming tires them out.
- Fun Fact: Jellyfish have no hearts at all!
Memorable Quote:
“Winner, winner, calamari for dinner!” – Mindy (04:55)
Challenge for Incorrect Answers:
- “Stop, drop, and crawl around on the floor like an octopus who doesn’t feel like swimming.” (06:03)
Round 2: Human Heart Facts
Question: Which statement about the human heart is correct?
- A: The average adult heart is about the size of an adult foot.
- B: The human heart beats around 100,000 times per day.
- C: Heart rate can be measured with a thermometer.
Answer & Explanation:
- Correct: B – The human heart beats about 100,000 times per day (07:01).
- Details: The heart circulates around 2,000 gallons of blood daily, even though the human body contains only about 1.5 gallons of blood—meaning the heart recycles your blood many times each day! (07:27–07:33)
Notable Banter:
- Guy: “Red blood cells deliver something very important.”
- Mindy (joking): “Pizza.”
- Actual Answer: “No. Red blood cells deliver oxygen to all of the most important parts of our bodies.” (08:26)
Challenge for Incorrect Answers:
- “Stop, drop, and put your head on a friend’s chest and listen to their heartbeat.” (07:54)
Round 3: Biggest Hearts in the Animal Kingdom
Question: Which is true?
- A: Birds do not have hearts.
- B: The elephant has the largest heart of any mammal.
- C: A whale’s heart can be as big as a car.
Answer & Explanation:
- Correct: C – A whale’s (specifically the blue whale’s) heart can be as big as a car (13:10).
- Details:
- The blue whale’s heart can weigh around 400 pounds, comparable to a full-grown gorilla, and is “roughly the size of a small car.” (13:38)
- While diving, the blue whale’s heart slows down, sometimes beating only two or three times per minute. (13:47–13:57)
- Details:
Memorable Quote:
“Winner, winner, blubber for dinner.” – Mindy (13:17)
“Today, all of our winning wowzers will receive their very own personal hug.” – Mindy (14:14)
“Nothing touches the heart quite like a hug from someone who loves you.” – Mindy (14:23)
Challenge for Incorrect Answers:
- “Stop, drop, and sing a song like a humpback whale.” (13:57)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On octopus hearts:
“Two of the octopus hearts have the job of moving blood past the gills … The third heart has the special job of making sure that all of that oxygen-rich blood gets to all of the organs and muscles, giving the octopus energy.” – Mindy (05:08)
- Fun connection:
“Well, that's about 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 (14:48)
- Heartfelt finale:
“You know, that does feel pretty great.” – Guy, after a virtual hug from Mindy (14:43)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [02:42] – Start of “Two Whats?! And a Wow!” game show
- [03:44] – Round 1: Octopus hearts
- [06:03] – Round 2: How often the human heart beats
- [12:02] – Round 3: Blue whale’s massive heart
- [14:22] – Bonus reward: Hugs for all wowzers!
Overall Tone & Style
The episode is playful, energetic, and highly interactive, blending silliness (“Winner, winner, blubber for dinner!”) with truly amazing science facts. Mindy and Guy riff off each other with lighthearted jokes, metaphors, and encouragement, while inviting kids to be part of the action through interactive challenges and participation in the show.
For Listeners
- To keep playing and learning: Join the World Organization of Wowzers.
- Teachers: Check out Tinkerclass for free project-based learning.
- Kids: Call the WOW Hotline (1-888-7-WOW) to share your own wow moments.
Key Takeaway
Hearts are truly “wow”—from the hardworking human heart beating about 100,000 times a day, to the octopus’s three hearts, to the blue whale’s heart the size of a car. Friends, hugs, and curiosity power the show—and the world!