Wow in the World: "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Whale of Fortune" (June 27, 2025)

Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Produced by: Tinkercast | Wondery

Introduction

In this episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz dive into the fascinating world of whales through their interactive game segment, "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" This scientific game show challenges listeners to distinguish between true scientific "wows" and fabricated "whats" about these magnificent marine mammals. The episode is both educational and entertaining, designed to spark curiosity and wonder in listeners of all ages.

Two Whats?! And A Wow!: Whale Edition

The core of the episode revolves around the game "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" where contestants are presented with three statements about whales. Only one statement per round is a true scientific fact ("wow"), while the other two are fabricated ("whats"). Correct guesses earn points, while incorrect ones lead to playful physical challenges.

Round 1: Blue Whale Earwax

• Statements Presented:

  • A: Whales are the largest fish on the planet.
  • B: Bowhead whales like to wear fancy hats.
  • C: You can tell how old a blue whale is by their earwax.

• Correct Answer: C – You can tell how old a blue whale is by their earwax.

• Explanation:

  • Mindy Thomas (05:02): "Whales have earwax. And some species of whale have earwax that stays in their ear canal and forms a kind of earplug. This can actually help them hear better because it blocks out the water while letting sounds pass through."
  • Guy Raz (06:17): "These earplugs form in layers and can become up to 10 inches long. And by counting the number of layers, scientists can tell the exact age of the whale."

• Notable Quote:

  • Mindy Thomas (06:28): "By counting the layers in a whale's earwax, scientists can accurately determine its age."

Round 2: Humpback Whale Bubble Net Feeding

• Statements Presented:

  • A: Pilot whales don't have dorsal fins.
  • B: Humpback whales use bubbles to hunt.
  • C: Orcas have long and beautiful eyelashes.

• Correct Answer: B – Humpback whales use bubbles to hunt.

• Explanation:

  • Mindy Thomas (07:52): "Humpback whales eat mostly small fish and krill, roughly one and a half tons of food per day. They employ a unique hunting technique called bubble net feeding."
  • Guy Raz (08:06): "Groups of whales, or pods, work together by swimming in a circle around schools of fish. They create bubbles by splashing and blowing through their blowholes, trapping the fish in a net of bubbles."

• Notable Quote:

  • Guy Raz (08:25): "This way of hunting is called bubble net feeding, showcasing the whales' cooperative hunting strategies."

Round 3: Beluga Whales' Neck Flexibility

• Statements Presented:

  • A: Beluga whales are the only whales that can turn their heads.
  • B: Narwhals use only their tusks for fighting each other.
  • C: All whales speak Welsh.

• Correct Answer: A – Beluga whales are the only whales that can turn their heads.

• Explanation:

  • Mindy Thomas (09:53): "Most whales cannot turn their heads because their neck vertebrae are fused to support the weight of their enormous heads."
  • Guy Raz (10:07): "Belugas, however, do not have fused neck vertebrae, allowing their necks to be more flexible. They can turn their heads up, down, and side to side, much like humans."

• Notable Quote:

  • Mindy Thomas (10:20): "Belugas' flexible necks enable them to navigate their underwater environment with ease."

Bonus Round: Bonkerballs

After the main game, Mindy and Guy introduce the Bonkerballs Bonus Round, a special segment where listeners recall information from a previous episode titled "Om, Sweet Om."

• Bonus Question:

  • What happens almost immediately after an OLM is born?
    • A: It turns inside out with all of its guts showing on the outside.
    • B: Skin grows over its eyes.
    • C: It does a little dance to let the underground animal kingdom know it's arrived.

• Correct Answer: B – When an OLM is born, its eyes are almost immediately covered in skin, leaving its face featureless and ready for a life underground.

• Prize: Winners receive a "giant pile of seaweed," adding a playful and thematic reward to the educational content.

• Notable Quote:

  • Mindy Thomas (15:18): "Today's winning wowzers will all be receiving their very own giant pile of seaweed. Reggie, cue the prize cannon."

Key Takeaways and Insights

1. Scientific Accuracy vs. Fun Facts:

   • The game effectively distinguishes between verified scientific information and amusing myths, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based knowledge about marine life.

2. Whale Intelligence and Social Behavior:

   • The explanations reveal the complex social structures and cooperative behaviors of whales, such as bubble net feeding in humpback whales and the unique flexibility of beluga whales' necks.

3. Educational Engagement:

   • By incorporating interactive elements like quizzes and physical challenges, the episode engages listeners actively, making learning about whales both memorable and enjoyable.

4. Encouraging Curiosity:

   • The format encourages listeners, especially young ones, to explore and question the natural world, fostering a sense of wonder and scientific inquiry.

Conclusion

"Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Whale of Fortune" is a stellar example of how Wow in the World blends education with entertainment. Through engaging games and informative discussions, Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz provide listeners with fascinating insights into the lives of whales, sparking curiosity and a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures. Whether you're a child or a grown-up, this episode promises to leave you saying "WOW!"

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Mindy Thomas (06:28): "By counting the layers in a whale's earwax, scientists can accurately determine its age."
• Guy Raz (08:25): "This way of hunting is called bubble net feeding, showcasing the whales' cooperative hunting strategies."
• Mindy Thomas (10:20): "Belugas' flexible necks enable them to navigate their underwater environment with ease."

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