Two Whats?! And A Wow! - We Didn’t Start the Fire!

Summary

Wow in the World: Two Whats?! And A Wow! – We Didn’t Start the Fire!

Podcast: Wow in the World
Episode: Two Whats?! And A Wow! – We Didn’t Start the Fire!
Date: March 6, 2026
Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Theme: Fun fire facts, quirky science, and wow-worthy science game show for kids and families.

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" dives into curious and surprising science facts all about fire. Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz lead a whimsical science game show, challenging listeners to home in on which of three fire-related statements in each round is a true "wow"—while the other two are just made-up “whats.” Special kid guests help reveal the answers, and each round is packed with laughter, friendly challenges, and memorable scientific facts. A Bonkerballs Bonus Round covers the science experiment Biosphere 2.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

How the Game Works

• Three rounds of fire-science trivia
• For each round: 3 statements → Only one is true (“wow”), the other two are funny fabrications
• If you guess wrong, you must do a silly physical challenge

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Round 1: Forest Fire Facts

Choices:

• A) There’s a type of lizard in South America that can spit fire
• B) Forest fires travel faster uphill than downhill
• C) Dennis once auditioned for the role of "Fire" in the band Earth, Wind

Winning Wow:
B) Forest fires travel faster uphill than downhill

• Quote:
  • “Forest fires tend to spread in the same direction as the wind, which usually is uphill.” – Guy Raz (03:28)
  • “When smoke and heat rise uphill, it makes the area of the Slope much more likely to catch fire.” – Mindy Thomas (03:49)
• Physical Challenge for wrong answers: Stop, drop, and jump up and down in slow motion

Timestamps: 02:05 – 04:05

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Round 2: Unusual Ways to Make Fire

Choices:

• A) The first recorded fire extinguisher was patented in the 1500s
• B) Before the birthday tradition of lighting candles on a cake, people used to decorate their cakes with used cotton swabs
• C) Camel poop is used to make fire

Winning Wow:
C) Camel poop is used to make fire

• Quotes:
  • “Because camels like to eat lots of vegetables, they have a pretty good amount of cellulose in their dung, making their poops extra flammable.” – Mindy Thomas (05:28)
  • “Some believe that camel dung could potentially be an alternative fuel source, reducing our coal usage and helping our planet.” – Guy Raz (05:38)
  • Mindy delivers a playful line: “Or to put it another way, this poop is on fire.” (05:48)
• Physical Challenge: Stop, drop, and do your best impression of a ketchup bottle

Timestamps: 04:05 – 06:05

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Round 3: The Science of Extinguishing Fire

Choices:

• A) Fire can be put out by sound
• B) Grandma G-Force wears flame-retardant underpants because her toots are so flammable
• C) You can start a fire using only water

Winning Wow:
A) Fire can be put out by sound

• Insight:
  • Two engineering students created an “acoustic fire extinguisher” using sound waves to push oxygen away from the source of a flame
  • “Fire can actually be put out by sound, but it has to be a very specific type of sound.” – Mindy Thomas (07:21)
  • “Fire needs oxygen in order to burn, so without oxygen, the fire won't burn.” – Mindy Thomas (07:45)
• Physical Challenge: Stop, drop, and touch your toes with your elbows

Timestamps: 06:05 – 08:02

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Bonkerballs Bonus Round: Biosphere 2

• Question: What happened to the researchers inside Biosphere 2 two months into the experiment?
  • A) Ran out of toilet paper
  • B) Bacteria got into the crop soil, starving the researchers of both food and oxygen
  • C) A leak in the ceiling ruined the entire experiment
• Winning Wow:
  • B) “Somehow bacteria found its way into Biosphere 2, wreaking havoc on the researchers’ crops. This not only meant the researchers food supplies were diminished, but the bacteria also sucked up all the oxygen from the surrounding air.” – Mindy Thomas (12:04)
• Timestamps: 10:43 – 12:22

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Or to put it another way, this poop is on fire.” – Mindy Thomas (05:48)
• “Fire can actually be put out by sound, but it has to be a very specific type of sound.” – Mindy Thomas (07:21)
• “Forest fires tend to spread in the same direction as the wind, which usually is uphill.” – Guy Raz (03:28)

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Prize & Wrap-up

• Prizes for winners: Their “very own banana clothes” (with Guy Raz quickly clarifying, “I think you mean banana peels,” and reminders to compost) (12:28)
• Encouragement for teachers: Try Tinkerclass, a new learning platform to get kids excited about science (13:09)
• Reminder: Keep wowing and come back for more episodes throughout the week!

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Game Introduction: 01:14 – 02:05
• Round 1 (Forest Fires): 02:05 – 04:05
• Round 2 (Camel Poop): 04:05 – 06:05
• Round 3 (Sound Puts Out Fire): 06:05 – 08:02
• Bonkerballs Bonus (Biosphere 2): 10:43 – 12:22
• Prize Announcement: 12:28
• Wrap-up, Membership, and Teacher Shoutouts: 13:09 – End

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Summary

This episode delivers fire science facts in classic Wow in the World style—upbeat, goofy, and packed with educational tidbits. Mindy and Guy’s chemistry keeps things playful, and the kids’ participation adds energy. Listeners come away learning about how forest fires spread, the surprising uses of camel poop, and futuristic fire-fighting technology—plus a real-life experiment in self-contained survival. Jokes, sound effects, and quirky challenges make science accessible and fun for the whole family.

Transcript

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, Wowzer fams. Mindy and Guy Raz here. And before we start the show, we've got a little surprise for you. Reggie, cue the fanfare.

[Guy Raz]

Starting this week, we've got brand new episodes of wow in the World.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yep, that's right. Starting right here on our wow in the World podcast feed and also our YouTube channel, WowTube. You can watch [e-mail].

[Guy Raz]

well, what are we waiting for? Let's get back to the show. And now for everyone's second favorite game show. After finishing a load of laundry without losing a sock, it's two what's and the wow.

[Reggie]

With your hosts, Mindy and Guy Raz. 2 what's 2 what? 2 what's 2 what? 2 WHAT? 2 what? 2 what's in a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hello and welcome back to 2 what's in a wow.

[Reggie]

2 what's in a wow.

[Guy Raz]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the what. And the category for today is. Fire. 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 will present you with three scientific statements about fire.

[Reggie]

But.

[Mindy Thomas]

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.

[Guy Raz]

In each round, if you guess correctly, well, 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? Great. Then let's start with round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, there's a type of lizard in South America that can spit fire.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, forest fires travel faster uphill than downhill.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C? Dennis once auditioned for the role of fire for the band Earth Wind.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, throw your hands in the air thinking. Music, please.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

And to do just that. Joining us by phone, it's Jacob and Joshua from California. Jacob, Joshua, please tell us what's the winning wow?

[Contestants (Jacob, Joshua, Fox, Ronan)]

Hi, Mindy and Guy Raz. My wow in the world is that forest fires can travel faster uphill than downhill.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, downhill for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Jacob and Joshua. Contestants, if you guessed the answer B, that forest fires travel faster uphill than downhill. Well, congratulations. You found the winning wow. Forest fires tend to spread in the same direction as the wind, which usually is uphill.

[Mindy Thomas]

Plus, when smoke and heat rise uphill, it makes the area of the Slope much more likely to catch fire. Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and jump up and down in slow motion.

[Guy Raz]

Alright, time for round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, the first recorded fire extinguisher was patented in the 1500s.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, before the birthday tradition of lighting candles on a cake, people used to decorate their cakes with used cotton swabs.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, camel poop is used to make fire.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, sing the highest note you can. Hey Reggie, can we get some thinking music please?

[Guy Raz]

And time is up to reveal the winning wow. It's Fox from Canada.

[Mindy Thomas]

Fox, tell us what's the winning wow?

[Contestants (Jacob, Joshua, Fox, Ronan)]

Hi. My wow in the world is that. Did you know camel's poop is used to make fires?

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, camel poop for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you. Fox. Contestants, if you guessed the answer C, that camel poop is used to make fire. Well, congratulations, you found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Because camels like to to eat lots of vegetables, they have a pretty good amount of cellulose in their dung, making their poops extra flammable.

[Guy Raz]

In fact, some believe that camel dung could potentially be an alternative fuel source, reducing our coal usage and helping our planet.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or to put it another way, this poop is on fire.

[Guy Raz]

Uh huh.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and do your best impression of a ketchup bottle.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, now for the final round, round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, fire can be put

[Mindy Thomas]

out by sound or is it B, grandma G force wears flame retardant underpants because her toots are so flammable.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, you a fire using only water.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, do your best thinking pose thinking music please.

[Guy Raz]

And time is up to reveal that winning wow. Please welcome by phone Ronan from California.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ronan, tell us what's the winning wow?

[Contestants (Jacob, Joshua, Fox, Ronan)]

I'm Indy. I'm Guy Raz. My wow is that fire can be put out by sound.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, sound waves for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Ronan. Contestants, if you guessed the answer A, that fire can be put out by sound. Well, congratulations, you found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

That's right, Guy Raz. Fire can actually be put out by sound, but it has to be a very specific type of sound.

[Guy Raz]

Back in 2015, two engineering students created an acoustic fire extinguisher. This works by using sound waves to push oxygen away from the source of the flame and spread it over a larger area.

[Mindy Thomas]

As you might know fire needs oxygen in order to burn. So without oxygen, the fire won't burn. Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and touch your toes with your elbows.

[Guy Raz]

Now, let's thank our sponsors.

[Mindy Thomas]

Today's show is brought to you by Cold Navy. Each store is kept exactly 32 degrees Fahrenheit and you won't believe the savings.

[Guy Raz]

All right, let's take a quick break and hear some other important messages for grownups

[Narrator/Announcer]

to whats in a while. We'll be right back. Grownups, this message is for you.

[IXL Advertiser]

Hey grownups, Spring is right around the corner and as schedules fill up with activities and travel, let IXL help you stay on top of your child's learning. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits seamlessly into homeschooling. It offers interactive practice in math, language arts, science and social studies for grades Pre K through 12th. IXL offers personalized learning for every child and gives parents clear insight into their progress at Tinkercast. Making learning fun is our bread and butter. So we love that IXL has games, awards and celebrations to keep students motivated and engaged. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and WOW and the world. Listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com wow visit ixl.com wow to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.

[Carly Q]

Hello, it's me, Carly Q. From who When Wow Mystery Edition and I have big news to share. I've learned a lot on my time traveling adventures over the years, like what to pack when you're traveling to Victorian England or the must try foods when you're visiting the Viking age.

[Mindy Thomas]

Spoiler alert.

[Carly Q]

The food is pretty good, but they don't have pie yet, which is a bummer. I can't wait to share my time travel tips and tricks with you all.

[Mindy Thomas]

You can listen to my new bite

[Carly Q]

sized episodes in the who When Wow. Podcast feed now. Looks like lunch break is over.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's it. Now back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

Welcome back to two what's and a wow to what's in a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

The scientific game show that separates the Wows. From the whats. Oh, that sound can mean only one thing.

[Guy Raz]

Someone needs a tissue.

[Mindy Thomas]

It's time for today's Bonkerballs bonus round. This week we're asking you a question about an episode of wow in the World called A Weekend at Bio World.

[Guy Raz]

And the question for this round is Biosphere 2 was one of the largest science experiments to ever study how humans might survive on other planets?

[Mindy Thomas]

In 1991, eight brave researchers locked themselves inside of a massive greenhouse that was Biosphere 2 for more than two years. Despite having nearly everything you could possibly need to survive being cut off from the rest of the world. And the crew had major issues. Just two months into the experiment, what happened?

[Guy Raz]

Was it A, the researchers ran out of toilet paper?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or was it B, bacteria got into the crop soil, starving the researchers of both food and oxygen?

[Guy Raz]

Or was it C, a leak in the ceiling that would ruin the entire experiment? And with the answer to today's Bonkerballs bonus question, it's Reggie.

[Mindy Thomas]

Reggie, tell us what's the winning wow?

[Guy Raz]

If you guessed B, congratulations, you are correct.

[Mindy Thomas]

Somehow bacteria found its way into Biosphere 2, wreaking havoc on the researchers crops. This not only meant the researchers food supplies were diminished, but the bacteria also sucked up all the oxygen from the surrounding air. Yikes.

[Guy Raz]

Congratulations to all of our winning wowzers on today's show. Mindy, what's today's prize?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, Guy Raz, today's winners will all be receiving their very own banana clothes.

[Guy Raz]

I think you mean banana peels. And if that is the case, wowzers. Please just make sure to put your banana peels in I mean clothes into the compost bin once you're done with your prize.

[Mindy Thomas]

Reggie, cue the prize cannon.

[Guy Raz]

Oh boy. 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 teams 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 Dennis.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

Until then, keep on wowing.

[Reggie]

2 what's 2 what? 2 what's 2?

[Guy Raz]

Two what's and 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 Marion Lozano with help from Jett Anderson and Tyler Thole.

[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 Sosa, Joanna Weber, Anna Zagorski and all of the other tinkerers at Tinkercast hq.

[Guy Raz]

Our theme song was 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 [e-mail] 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.

[Reggie]

Wow in the World wow in the World Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow

[Narrator/Announcer]

in the World was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.