Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Two Whats?! And A World Record! (8/29/25)

Summary

Wow in the World: Two Whats?! And A Wow! – Two Whats?! And A World Record! (8/29/25)

Podcast: Wow in the World (Tinkercast | Wondery)
Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Date: August 29, 2025

---

Episode Overview

This energetic episode of “Two Whats?! And A Wow!” is a special all-about-kids edition focused on world records—specifically, amazing achievements by young people that have made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Through their signature playful game show format, Mindy and Guy encourage listeners to distinguish fascinating true stories ("wows") from made-up ones ("whats"), all while learning fun facts, meeting real record-holders, and enjoying the wacky antics and challenges sprinkled throughout.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. World Record Attempt: The Wow in the World Hotline

• Theme: The show kicks off with Mindy and Guy sharing their excitement about possibly breaking a Guinness World Record for “most submissions to a fact hotline,” encouraging listeners to get involved.
• Listener Engagement: Kids are called to action to submit their own “wow” facts to help reach the goal.
  • Quote: “If you haven't called in to share your wow yet, we need over 4,000 of you to call us with your WOW.” — Guy Raz [00:44]

---

2. Game Show — 'Two Whats?! And A Wow!' Special: World Record Kids [Main Content]

Round 1: Youngest Video Game Developer

• Options:
  • A) Created a smartphone
  • B) Built a time machine
  • C) Developed a video game
• After “thinking” time and silly sound effects, the answer is revealed by a special guest:
  • Winning Wow:
    • Simmer Khurana, at age 6, set the record as the youngest video game developer, creating the game “Healthy Food Challenge.” Her dad noticed her talent for math and games, prompting coding classes.
    • Quote: “My wow is that I set the Guinness world record for the youngest video game developer at age 6.” — Simmer Khurana [05:42]
  • Fun Fact: Simmer’s game teaches kids about healthy eating.
  • Challenge for Wrong Answer: “Stop, drop, and become a video game character. Run, jump… roll!” [06:39]

---

Round 2: Youngest Dinosaur Discoverer

• Options:
  • A) Fossil of an unknown dinosaur
  • B) Secret underground arcade
  • C) Star in the Andromeda galaxy
• Revealed by another guest:
  • Winning Wow:
    • Wiley Bryce, age 4, found a fossilized rib of a previously undiscovered dinosaur (a nodosaur) while digging with his dad in Texas.
    • Quote: “My wow is that I set the world record for being the youngest person to discover a fossil of an unknown dinosaur species.” — Wiley Bryce [07:57]
  • Educational Note: The dinosaur’s bones are estimated at 100 million years old.
  • Challenge: “Stop, drop and roar like a dinosaur!” [08:50]

---

Round 3: Largest Playing Card Structure

• Options:
  • A) Toothpicks
  • B) Playing cards
  • C) Candy
• Guest participant shares the answer:
  • Winning Wow:
    • Arnav Daga, age 15 from India, built the world’s largest playing card structure, using 143,000 cards to replicate four buildings from Kolkata—without tape or glue.
    • Quote: “My wow is that I set the world record for the largest playing card structure by stacking four heritage buildings from Kolkata.” — Arnav Daga [09:54]
  • Details: The structure took 41 days and was roughly the size of a shipping container (40 ft long, 17 ft wide, 11 ft tall).
  • Challenge: “Stop, drop, and build an invisible playing card structure—and then knock it down!” [10:38]

---

3. History & Fun Facts about the Guinness Book of World Records

• Mindy explains the book was originally created to settle debates about things like the world’s biggest cookie.
  • Quote: “In 1955, the first Guinness Book of World Records was published with the intention of settling arguments like this one.” — Mindy Thomas [11:04]
  • Fun Moment: They act out a (mock) argument about what type of cookie holds the record, ultimately revealing: “the world's largest cookie was chocolate chip and weighed 40,000 pounds.” [11:44]

---

4. Bonker Balls Bonus Round: How Many Guinness Records Exist? [12:34]

• Question Options:
  • A) 855
  • B) 9,222
  • C) 65,940
• Guy Raz gets to play the contestant, after much teasing from Mindy about his “final, final, final answer.”
  • Correct Answer: C) 65,940 active record titles as of the taping.
  • Additional Fact: In 2023 alone, 4,975 records were approved.
  • Quote: “Guy Razzie, you are correct!... There are 65,940 active record titles, and new ones are being set all the time.” — Mindy Thomas [13:51]

---

5. Silly Prizes and Audience Fun

• Prize: Winners are playfully awarded “the world’s largest serving of pancakes” (13,000, to be exact, with maple syrup), followed by more food-flinging silliness.
  • Quote: “Mindy, this is too many pancakes.” — Guy Raz [14:37]
  • Mindy: “That's what makes it a world record.” [14:40]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mindy’s challenge instructions after a wrong answer:
  • “Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and become a video game character.” [06:39]
  • “Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and roar like a dinosaur.” [08:50]
• Game Show Banter:
  • “The scientific game show that separates the wows from the whats!” — Mindy Thomas [04:00]
  • “Winner, winner, house of cards for dinner.” — Mindy Thomas [09:56]
• On the purpose of Guinness World Records:
  • “So many people were yelling their heads off trying to figure out who was the tallest person, or the fastest bird, we now have a book that can give us the answers.” — Mindy Thomas [11:26]
• On audience participation:
  • “Tell your classmates, friends and pigeons to call in with their wows and facts too.” — Mindy Thomas [01:06]

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:21] – Guinness record attempt for hotline submissions announced
• [03:22] – Game show proper begins
• [05:40] – Simmer Khurana: Youngest video game developer
• [07:54] – Wiley Bryce: Youngest dinosaur fossil discoverer
• [09:54] – Arnav Daga: Largest playing card structure
• [11:04] – History of the Guinness Book of World Records
• [12:34] – Bonker Balls Bonus Round (Guinness record trivia question)
• [14:18] – Silly prize announcement (world’s largest serving of pancakes)
• [15:06] – Outro messages about audience participation and Tinkerclass (for teachers)

---

Summary

This episode is a celebration of kids’ curiosity and capability, shining a spotlight on real-life “wowzers” making history—and inviting the whole listenership to join the world record fun. The lively format mixes silly challenges, direct participation from record-setting kids, and educational tidbits about world records. The trademark humor and positive energy of Mindy and Guy make science and achievement accessible and exciting for families and classrooms alike.

Whether you want to be inspired by young trailblazers, dream up your own record attempt, or just laugh at the idea of a 40,000-pound cookie, this episode delivers plenty of WOWs!

Transcript

[Guy Raz]

Grown Ups Wondery subscribers can listen to wow in the World early and ad free right now. Join Wondery in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids plus on Apple Podcasts.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey wowzer fans, Mindy and Guy here. And before we start the show, we have some very exciting news to share that involves you.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, wowzers. Over the years, over 12,000 of you have called our wow in the World Hotline, sharing your WOW facts with us every day.

[Mindy Thomas]

That's a lot of wows. And guess what? We are getting super close to achieving the Guinness World Record for the most submissions to a fact hotline.

[Guy Raz]

And that's where we need your help. Wowzers. If you haven't called in to share your wow yet, we need over 4,000 of you to call us with your WOW.

[Mindy Thomas]

It could be a big wow or a small wow. Every wow. Every fact counts.

[Guy Raz]

And if you have called in, congratulations. Already a part of our world record attempt.

[Mindy Thomas]

But you can still help us get closer to our goal by telling your classmates, friends and pigeons to call in with their wows and facts too.

[Guy Raz]

So what in the wow are you waiting for? Give us a call at 1-888-7-WOW wow to be a part of our Guinness world record attempt. That's 1-888-7-www. Now let's get back to the show.

[Simmer Khurana / Wiley Bryce / Arnav Daga]

Hey grown ups. As your family gears up to go back to school, make sure that you're preparing both minds and bodies. Try Ollie, the number one kids supplement brand that makes your family's health and wellness a breeze. Ollie offers a range of vitamins and supplements for kids and adults so you can trust them for your whole family's needs. Kids Multi Plus Probiotic is a tasty essential that kids love and kids sleep offers gent to help them rest. And for the parents, Ollie has your back too. Try multivitamins for immune support and more. And sleep gummies to help you get your best rest. [e-mail] or retailers nationwide. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

[Narrator / Advertiser]

Hey parents, Help your young readers imaginations take flight with Audible's incredible collection of children's audiobooks. Jessica Townsend's spellbinding new release, the Mystery of Morrigan Crow turns car rides and quiet afternoons into magical adventures through the enchanted city of Nevermoor. While your child is captivated by tales of mystery and wonder, you'll love knowing their developing listening skills and a lifelong love of storytelling. With over a million titles, including thousands of family friendly options. Audible makes it easy to discover stories the whole family will treasure. Remember, there's more to imagine when you listen. Give your child the gift of story with a 30 day free trial. And get your first audiobook [e-mail] iwondary.

[Guy Raz]

And now for everyone's second favorite game show after what goes in the cereal bowl first? Milk or cereal. So it's two what's and the wow with your hosts, Mindy and Guy Ra.

[Mindy Thomas]

Two W2 what? Two W2 W2 what's two wow? Hello and welcome to two what's and a wow. Two what's and a wow.

[Guy Raz]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the what and the category or theme for today is the Guinness Book of World Records. Mindy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works?

[Mindy Thomas]

You know it. Wowzers. In each of our three rounds today, Guy Raz and I will present you with three statements about kids who set wow worthy world records. 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 ridonkulous physical challenge.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, everyone ready to start the game?

[Mindy Thomas]

Great. Then let's get to it.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round one. At age six, what was Simur Khurana the youngest person to create? Was it A, a smartphone or was.

[Mindy Thomas]

It B, a time machine?

[Guy Raz]

Or was it C, a video game?

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, yell it in the world's slowest voice. Hey Reg, let's get some thinking.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

And to do just that, it's Simmer herself. Simmer, what's that wow? Hi, my name is Simmer. I live in Canada. My wow is that I set the goal. Guineas world record for the youngest video game developer at age 6. Winner. Winner, video games for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Simmer. Contestants, if you guessed the answer C. A video game. Well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

When she was six years old, Simmer Khurana's dad noticed that she had a knack for math and making up her own game. So he signed her up for coding classes. Simmer learned to program her first video game, making her the youngest ever video game developer.

[Guy Raz]

Simmer's game is called Healthy Food Challenge and she designed it to teach other kids her age about the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and become a video game character. Run, jump, jump. Roll, run, roll. Uh, Mindy, I was about to get the combo.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, time for round two. When Wiley Brice was four years old, what was he the youngest person to discover? Was it A, a fossil of an unknown dinosaur?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or was it B, Reggie's secret underground arcade?

[Guy Raz]

Or was it C, a star in the Andromeda galaxy?

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, yell, I have the world's stinkiest stars. Hey Reggie.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up. And joining us by phone, it's world record holder Wiley Wiley. Please reveal the winning wow. Hi, my name is Wiley Bryce and.

[Simmer Khurana / Wiley Bryce / Arnav Daga]

I live in Texas in the United States. My wow is that I set the.

[Guy Raz]

World record for being the youngest person.

[Simmer Khurana / Wiley Bryce / Arnav Daga]

To discover a fossil of an unknown dinosaur species.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner. Dinos for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Wiley. Wowzers. If you guessed a, a fossil of an unknown dinosaur, well congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

In 2014, four year old Wiley Bryce was digging for fossils with his dad when he found a fossilized rib from a species of dinosaur that had never been discovered before.

[Guy Raz]

After more of the dinosaur was excavated, scientists at Southern Methodist University found that the bones are about a hundred hundred million years old. They believe the bones belong to a type of armored dinosaur called a nodosaur. It just goes to show what you might find while exploring outdoors.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and roar like a dinosaur.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round three. 15 year old Arnav Daga built the largest structure in ever made out of which material? Was it A, toothpicks Or was it B, playing cards or was it C? Candy?

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, yell it into the world's largest megaphone.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up. And joining us by phone, here's Arnav. Arnav, please reveal the winning wow. Hi, my name is Arnav and I live in India. My vow is that I set the world record for the largest playing card structure by stacking four heritage buildings from Kolkata.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, house of cards for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you Arna. Wowzers. If you guessed B playing cards. Well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

At age 15, Arnav Daga set the world record for building the largest playing card structure in the world without using tape or glue. He used 143,000 playing cards to create models of four real life buildings in his home city of Kolkata.

[Guy Raz]

It took Arnav 41 days to build his structure which was about 40, 40ft long, 17ft wide and 11ft high. Roughly the size of a shipping container.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and build an invisible playing card structure. And then knock it down. And now it's time to take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you in part by arguing with your friends. In 1955, the first Guinness Book of World Records was published with the intention of settling arguments like this one.

[Guy Raz]

I'm telling you, G force, the world's largest cookie was an oatmeal raisin.

[Mindy Thomas]

Nuh. It was a snickerdoodle. Remember, this was before you could do a quick Internet search on your phone, so these arguments could get pretty heated. Raisins are disgusting. And, you know.

[Guy Raz]

Well, you take that back.

[Mindy Thomas]

And because so many people were yelling their heads off trying to figure out who was the tallest person or the fastest bird, we now have a book that can give us the answers. Like how it says here that the world's largest cookie was chocolate chip and weighed 40,000 pounds.

[Guy Raz]

Well, I'll be.

[Mindy Thomas]

Whatever.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

Two whats 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 Two what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Two what's and a wow. The scientific game show that separates the wows from. From the what?

[Guy Raz]

What was that?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

We got tickets to the opera.

[Mindy Thomas]

No. It's time for today's Bonker Balls bonus round, and we're gonna try something a little bit different. We've got a very special guest contestant to answer today's Bonkerballs question.

[Guy Raz]

We do? Who is it?

[Mindy Thomas]

Please welcome Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Wow. I've always wanted to answer one of these.

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz, your Bonkerballs bonus question is, how many active records are there in the Guinness Book of World records? Is it A, 855, or is it B, 9222? Or is it C, 65,940?

[Guy Raz]

Hmm, that's a tough one. I mean, there are so many incredible people and animals and things in this world. So.

[Mindy Thomas]

I'm gonna say C. Is that your final answer?

[Guy Raz]

Yes.

[Mindy Thomas]

C. Your final. Your final, final answer?

[Guy Raz]

Uh, yes.

[Mindy Thomas]

Your final, final, final, final, final, final.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, just tell me already.

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Razzie, you are correct. Phew. There are 65,940 active record titles, and new ones are being set all the time. In fact, 4,975 records were approved in the year 2023 alone.

[Guy Raz]

Well, congratulations to all of our winning Wowzers. Mindy what's today's prize?

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz Today's winning Wowzers will all receive their very own world's largest serving of pancakes. Reggie, cue the prize cannon. Fire away. No. Watch out for flying flapjacks.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, this is too many pancakes.

[Mindy Thomas]

I know. That's what makes it a world record.

[Guy Raz]

Guy Raz well, how many pancakes were in the world's largest serving?

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, 13,000 indeed. Can't forget the maple syrup.

[Guy Raz]

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.

[Mindy Thomas]

And for any teachers in our listening audience, consider joining Tinkerclass, our free brand new learning platform that helps get kids wild about Science. Just visit Tinkercast.com membership, that's Tinkercast.com membership and be sure to come back on Monday for a brand new episode of wow in the World, this weekend for some wee wow in the Weekend with.

[Guy Raz]

Dennis and again on Friday for a new episode of 2 what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Until then, keep on Wow 2 what's.

[Guy Raz]

In a wow is executive produced by Meredith Halpern, Ranzer, Mindy Thomas and me, Guy Raz.

[Mindy Thomas]

Our writers are Ruth Morrison and Anna Zagorski with collaboration from our head writer Kenny Curtis.

[Guy Raz]

Sound production and design is by Marian Lozano with help from Jett Anderson and Tyler Thol.

[Mindy Thomas]

Special thanks to Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Lizzie Froehlich, Kristin Yang, Thuy Mac, Erica Medina, Henry Moskal, Jody Nussbaum, Ali Paxima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sousa, Joanna Weber, Anna Zagorski and all of the other tinkerers at Tinkercast, our theme song was.

[Guy Raz]

Written and composed by the Pop Ups. For more on their three time Grammy nominated all ages music, find [e-mail] and.

[Mindy Thomas]

To keep the wow rolling. After you finish this episode you can Visit [e-mail] There you can become a member of the World Organization of Wowzers to get year round mailings and weekly activities. Shop our wow Shop, get tickets for upcoming events, find our best selling books and learn all about the other amazing podcasts from Tinkercast Grown Ups.

[Guy Raz]

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @wowintheworld. And our email address is helloinkercast.com finally.

[Mindy Thomas]

If you're a kid with a big wow to share. It could be used on an upcoming episode of 2 what's in a wow? Call us at 1-888-7-WOW wow.

[Guy Raz]

Thanks again for listening and playing along. Meet us back here next Friday or every Monday for Wow in the World.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow in the World. Wow in the World was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery Grown Ups. If you like wow. In the World, you can listen early and ad free right now on Wondery.

[Guy Raz]

Join Wondery plus in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids plus 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.