Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Water Jellyfish Made Of? (8/1/25)

Summary

Wow in the World: Detailed Summary of "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Water Jellyfish Made Of?" (Released August 1, 2025)

Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Podcast: Wow in the World by Tinkercast | Wondery
Episode Title: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Water Jellyfish Made Of?
Release Date: August 1, 2025

---

1. Introduction: Sharing Places That Inspire Awe

Timestamp: 00:12 - 01:21

The episode kicks off with hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz engaging in a delightful conversation about places on Earth that inspire a sense of wonder and "wow."

• Mindy Thomas (00:24): "A place on our planet that wows me is Sonoma Coast State Park. It's in California, but when you visit, some days it looks like you're in tropical Hawaii. Other days it looks like you're on the cliffs of Ireland."

• Guy Raz (00:42): "A place on our planet that wows me is the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. It's the only wildlife refuge in the world dedicated to protecting the West Indian manatee. And when you visit, you can actually see these gentle giants up close if you mind your manatee manners."

The hosts then encourage listeners—referred to as "Wowzers"—to share their own wow-inspiring places, inviting them to call or send videos for a chance to be featured in future episodes.

---

2. Interactive Segment: Two What's and a Wow – Jellyfish Edition

Timestamp: 03:27 - 10:56

Introduction to the Game Show: After a brief, humorous exchange between Mindy and Guy about a glass of "jellyfish water" (which they clarify is made up of 95% water), the hosts transition into their interactive game segment, “Two Whats and a Wow.”

• Mindy Thomas (05:04): "The scientific game show that separates the wows from the what's and the category for today is. Jellyfish."

Game Mechanics: The premise involves presenting three scientific statements about jellyfish, where only one is a true "wow," and the other two are made-up "whats." Contestants must identify the accurate statement.

• Guy Raz (05:18): "We are going to present you with three scientific statements about jellyfish. 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 What?"

Jellyfish Quiz: Mindy presents the three statements for the round:

• Mindy Thomas (05:37):
  1. "Jellyfish have three hearts."
  2. "Jellyfish have been to the moon."
  3. "There were jellyfish on Earth before there were dinosaurs."

Listeners are prompted to contemplate and decide which statement is the true "wow."

---

3. Reveal and Explanation of Answers

Timestamp: 08:12 - 10:56

Revealing the Correct Answer: The game resumes after a brief pause, with the correct answer unveiled.

• Mindy Thomas (09:14): "Albert that is correct. Contestants, if you guessed the answer C that jellyfish were alive on Earth before dinosaurs were. You found the winning wow. Congratulations Wowzers."

Explanation: The hosts delve into why statement C is the true wow, providing fascinating insights about jellyfish.

• Guy Raz (09:29): "Jellyfish are some of the only oldest creatures on earth. Scientists found fossils that show that jellyfish have been around for over 500 million years."

They also clarify why the other statements are false, adding educational value.

• Mindy Thomas (09:40): "Jellyfish actually don't have any hearts, but octopuses have three."

• Guy Raz (09:51): "If you chose B, jellyfish might not have landed on the moon, but they have been to space. In 1991, NASA launched a space shuttle with 2,478 jellyfish babies, also known as polyps. By the end of the mission, there were over 60,000 jellyfish orbiting the earth."

Prize Announcement: The winning contestant, Albert from Raleigh, North Carolina, is rewarded with a humorous prize—a metaphorical "invisible boat full of holes," emphasizing the playful nature of the show.

• Guy Raz (10:23): "Take this boat out for a thrilling but very brief adventure. And don't forget to bring a life jacket. You're gonna need it."

• Mindy Thomas (10:42): "Well, congratulations to all of the winning Wowzers. That's just about all the time we have for today."

---

4. Scientific Challenge: Buoyancy Experiment

Timestamp: 10:56 - 11:38

As the episode nears its conclusion, Mindy and Guy introduce a hands-on scientific challenge for listeners, encouraging engagement and practical learning.

• Mindy Thomas (10:56): "But before we go, we have a little scientific challenge for you. We call it Boy O Buoyancy."

Challenge Details: Listeners are tasked with an experiment to understand buoyancy differences between saltwater and freshwater.

• Mindy Thomas (11:05): "Have you ever wondered why it's easier to float in the ocean than in a lake?"

• Guy Raz (11:10): "The salt in the ocean makes things more buoyant or floatable."

• Mindy Thomas (11:14): "So things will float better in salt water than they will in fresh water."

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fill two glasses with the same amount of water.
2. Add salt to one glass until no more can dissolve.
3. Drop a grape into both glasses.
4. Observe which grape floats and understand why.

• Mindy Thomas (11:38): "And one more thing. Don't drink the salt water. Trust me."

Listeners are further encouraged to document their experiments by taking photos or videos and sharing them with the hosts.

---

5. Conclusion and Final Encouragement

Timestamp: 12:03 - 13:45

In the wrapping-up segment, Mindy and Guy reaffirm the value of curiosity and scientific exploration, encouraging listeners to continue seeking "wows" in the world around them.

• Mindy Thomas (13:29): "Thanks again for listening and keep on wowing."

• Guy Raz (13:45): "Two what's in a wow is made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery."

The hosts also provide information on how to access the podcast ad-free through Wondery+ platforms and invite listeners to participate in surveys to share their experiences and feedback.

---

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Educational Engagement: The episode blends fun and learning through interactive segments, making complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining for both kids and their grown-up companions.

• Promoting Curiosity: By challenging listeners with quizzes and hands-on experiments, the hosts foster a sense of curiosity and encourage active participation in scientific exploration.

• Community Building: The invitation for listeners to share their own "wows" and participate in future episodes cultivates a strong, engaged community of enthusiasts eager to explore and share the wonders of the world.

• Humorous Approach: The playful banter and humorous prize announcements add a light-hearted touch, making the learning experience enjoyable and memorable.

Notable Quotes

• Mindy Thomas (00:24): "A place on our planet that wows me is Sonoma Coast State Park. It's in California, but when you visit, some days it looks like you're in tropical Hawaii. Other days it looks like you're on the cliffs of Ireland."

• Guy Raz (00:42): "It's the only wildlife refuge in the world dedicated to protecting the West Indian manatee. And when you visit, you can actually see these gentle giants up close if you mind your manatee manners."

• Mindy Thomas (05:37): "Which of the following statements about jellyfish is the one true scientific wow?"

• Guy Raz (09:29): "Jellyfish are some of the only oldest creatures on earth. Scientists found fossils that show that jellyfish have been around for over 500 million years."

• Mindy Thomas (11:38): "Don't drink the salt water. Trust me."

---

Conclusion

This episode of Wow in the World masterfully intertwines storytelling with scientific education, encouraging both children and adults to explore and marvel at the natural world. Through engaging games, informative discussions, and interactive challenges, Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz create a dynamic and inspiring listening experience that nurtures curiosity and fosters a lifelong love for learning.

Transcript

[Mindy Thomas]

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.

[Guy Raz]

Hey Wowzer fams Mindy and Guy Raz here. And before we start the show, we were just talking about places on our planet that make us say wow. Tell them about our favorite place. Guy Raz Sure.

[Mindy Thomas]

Mindy. Well, a place on our planet that wows me is Sonoma Coast State Park. It's in California, but when you visit, some days it looks like you're in tropical Hawaii. Other days it looks like you're on the cliffs of Ireland.

[Guy Raz]

Ooh, I can't wait to visit there. Guy Raz what about you?

[Mindy Thomas]

Mindy?

[Guy Raz]

Well, a place on our planet that wows me is the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. It's the only wildlife refuge in the world dedicated to protecting the West Indian manatee. And when you visit, you can actually see these gentle giants up close if you mind your manatee manners.

[Mindy Thomas]

That sounds amazing. Mindy. Wowzers. Is there a place on our planet that wows you? We want to hear about it.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, give us a call at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW to tell us about a place on earth that wows you the most. That's 1-888-7-WOW wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or you can send us a video too. Grown Ups. Upload your [e-mail] ShareYourWow we can't wait.

[Guy Raz]

To hear from you. And who knows, you may even featured in an upcoming episode called Planet Wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

That's it for now. Let's get back to the show.

[Narrator]

Hey Grown ups, if you've got Pokemon fans in your life, and maybe you even grew up as one yourself, check out the Pokemon Trading Card Game. It's a great way to experience the world of Pokemon for enthusiasts of all ages. Every card has an awesome illustration on it with either a Pokemon trainer item or stadium, and with several different art styles and artists, you'll want to catch em all. See how your cards stack up against others in easy to learn Pokemon battles, or just collect and trade them. There's no right or wrong way to enjoy the Pokemon Trading Card Game. And now you can collect the newest cards from the Black Bolt and White Flare expansion pack. For info on the latest expansions, game rules and more, visit tcg.pokemon.com 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 gentle supports 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.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, hey, Mindy.

[Guy Raz]

Hey, Guy Raz. Can I get you something to drink? Maybe a spinach soda? Blue cheese smoothie?

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh, maybe just a glass of water.

[Guy Raz]

Water coming right up.

[Mindy Thomas]

Here you go, Mindy. You just poured me a glass of jellyfish.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, yes, but jellyfish are made out of, like, 95% water, so technically.

[Mindy Thomas]

Technically, nothing I'm not gonna do drink a live jellyfish, Mindy. And don't most jellyfish live in saltwater?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, you're right. Let me get you some salt to go with your jellyfish water. There you go.

[Mindy Thomas]

Forget the water, Mindy. We've got a game show to do.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, right. Peanut the butter.

[Mindy Thomas]

Shelly the fish.

[Guy Raz]

And cue the leaf blower in 3, 2, 1.

[Narrator]

And now for everyone's second favorite game show after jumping in place till your.

[Mindy Thomas]

Tummy feels weird, it's two what's and a whoa.

[Narrator]

With your hosts, Mindy and guy rats.

[Guy Raz]

2 watts.

[Mindy Thomas]

2 watts.

[Guy Raz]

2 watts.2 watts. 2 watts.

[Mindy Thomas]

2 what's and a wow.

[Guy Raz]

Welcome back, wowzers. It's time for another jiggly wiggly round of two what's and a wow. Two what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the what's and the category for today is. Jellyfish. Mindy, why don't you refresh our contestants on how the game works?

[Guy Raz]

You got it, Wowzers. We are going to present you with three scientific statements about jellyfish. 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 What?

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, let's get started. Which of the following statements about jellyfish is the one true scientific wow? Is it A, jellyfish have three hearts?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it B, jellyfish have been to the moon?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it there were jellyfish on earth before there were dinosaurs?

[Guy Raz]

When you think you have the answer, write it on a piece of paper and put it in your sock drawer.

[Mindy Thomas]

We're gonna take a quick break to give you a chance to think. And when we come back, we'll find out if your wow is the winning wow two.

[Guy Raz]

What's in a wow? We'll be right back. Grown Ups, this message is for you.

[Narrator]

Hey Grown Ups, there's still plenty of time for some summer fun. Even if you're just headed to the store or the backyard, you can squeeze in a few more adventures by listening to them on Audible. Audible has an incredible selection of over 1 million audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible originals all in one convenient app. You can explore best sellers and new releases, or discover something totally new to you. Audible has titles from every genre under the sun, so you're sure to find something that speaks to you. At Tinkercast, we're all about finding out what wows us in the world. And while we're out exploring, geocaching and learning, we're also listening to exciting titles from Audible. We love that Audible's portable library can accompany us wherever we go, even if it's just our own backyard. There's more to imagine when you listen. Sign up for a free 30 day Audible trial and your first audiobook is free. Visit audible.com wow parents discover a fun and easy to learn game that bridges generations the Pokemon Company International brings the excitement of the Pokemon Trading Card Game to families everywhere. The Black Bolt and White Flare expansion features stunning artwork of beloved Pokemon from the Unova region, making collecting a visual delight. Whether you're rekindling childhood memories or introducing your kids to a new passion, the Pokemon Trading Card Game offers endless entertainment with various art styles and a diverse range of Pokemon to collect, there's something for everyone. Ready to start your family's Pokemon Trading Card game journey? Visit tcg.pokemon.com to learn more about the engaging and exciting world of Pokemon.

[Guy Raz]

That's it. Now back to the show. Okay, Wowzers, time is up. It's time to reveal the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

But before we do, let's do a quick review.

[Guy Raz]

We gave you three scientific statements about jellyfish and challenged you to guess which one was the one. True wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Was it A jellyfish have three hearts?

[Guy Raz]

Or was it B? Jellyfish have been to the moon?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or was it C? There were jellyfish on earth before there were dinosaurs.

[Guy Raz]

And to answer today's quiz, joining us by phone, it's Albert from Raleigh, North Carolina. Albert, what's the wow? My wow in the world is that jellyfish lived before the dinosaurs. Winner. Winner, Jellybeans for dinner.

[Mindy Thomas]

Albert that is correct. Contestants, if you guessed the answer C that jellyfish were alive on Earth before dinosaurs were. You found the winning wow. Congratulations Wowzers.

[Guy Raz]

Jellyfish are some of the only oldest creatures on earth. Scientists found fossils that show that jellyfish have been around for over 500 million years.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you guessed A or B, you weren't too far off. Jellyfish actually don't have any hearts, but octopuses have three.

[Guy Raz]

And if you chose B, jellyfish might not have landed on the moon, but they have been to space. In 1991, NASA launched a space shuttle with 2,478 jellyfish babies, also known as polyps. By the end of the mission, there were over 60,000 jellyfish orbiting the earth. Now, Guy Raz, why don't you tell our winning wowzers what they've won?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, Mindy, all of our winning contestants today will be taking home their very own invisible boat full of holes.

[Guy Raz]

That's right. Take this boat out for a thrilling but very brief adventure. And don't forget to bring a life jacket. You're gonna need it.

[Mindy Thomas]

Mindy, that's a terrible prize.

[Guy Raz]

More like terribly exciting.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, congratulations to all of the winning Wowzers. That's just about all the time we have for today.

[Guy Raz]

But before we go, we have a little scientific challenge for you. We call it Boy O Buoyancy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Have you ever wondered why it's easier to float in the ocean than in a lake?

[Guy Raz]

The salt in the ocean makes things more buoyant or floatable.

[Mindy Thomas]

So things will float better in salt water than they will in fresh water.

[Guy Raz]

We challenge you to fill two glasses with the same amount of water, but mix salt into one of those glasses. Keep adding salt until no more salt can dissolve. Then drop a grape into both glasses. See which one floats and why.

[Mindy Thomas]

And one more thing. Don't drink the salt water. Trust me.

[Guy Raz]

And don't forget to take a photo or video either. Grown ups. You can upload pictures and videos to [e-mail] Share well, that's all the time we have for today. Until next time, keep on growing. Two what two what two what's two what? Two what? Two what?

[Mindy Thomas]

Two what's and a wow.

[Guy Raz]

Grown Ups. If you like wow in the world, you can listen early and ad free right now on Wonder Plus.

[Mindy Thomas]

Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids plus on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.

[Guy Raz]

And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail].

[Mindy Thomas]

Survey 2 what's and a wow is produced by Mindy Thomas and me, Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Our writing team is made up of Anna Zagorski, Darnell Walker, Ruth Morrison and Heba Gouda.

[Mindy Thomas]

Elisheba Atup adds the Wows as our.

[Guy Raz]

Audio producer Jessica Bode keeps our facts straight. Jacob Stein rounds out our creative team and Meredith Halpern Ranzer powers the WOW at Tinkercast.

[Mindy Thomas]

Our theme song was written and composed composed by the Pop Ups. For more on their three time Grammy nominated all ages music, find [e-mail] also.

[Guy Raz]

2 what's in a wow is now a book. Find it wherever books are sold or visit tinkercast.comshop for more info and for.

[Mindy Thomas]

More up to date news you can find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @wowintheworld. Our email address is [e-mail] finally, if.

[Guy Raz]

You'Re a kid with a big wow to share, it could be used on an upcoming 2 what's in a wow? Call us at 1 888-7-WOW WOW.

[Mindy Thomas]

Thanks again for listening and keep on wowing.

[Guy Raz]

2 what's in a wow is made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.