Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Who Wants To Be A Million-Bear? (1/3/25)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Who Wants To Be A Million-Bear?"

Podcast Information

• Title: Wow in the World
• Host/Author: Tinkercast | Wondery
• Description: The #1 science podcast for kids and their grown-ups. Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz share stories about the latest news in science, technology, and innovation. Stories that give kids hope, agency, and make us all say "WOW"!
• Episode: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Who Wants To Be A Million-Bear?
• Release Date: January 3, 2025

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Introduction The episode kicks off with a brief introduction from host Guy Raz, highlighting early ad-free access available to Wondery subscribers. He invites listeners to watch "Wow in the World" on YouTube, directing them to Tinkercast.com/YouTube for access. This sets the stage for an engaging episode centered around bears, combining scientific facts with entertaining game show elements.

Game Show Segment: Two Whats?! And A Wow! The heart of the episode is the interactive game show segment, "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" This segment is designed to educate and entertain listeners by presenting scientific statements about bears, challenging participants to distinguish between true facts ("wows") and false statements ("whats").

Rules of the Game

• The game consists of three rounds.
• In each round, Mindy and Guy present three scientific statements related to bears.
• Only one statement per round is a true fact (wow), while the other two are fabricated (whats).
• Contestants earn a point for each correct "wow" identified.
• Incorrect guesses result in a fun, ridonkulous physical challenge.

Round One: Brown Bears

• Question: Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow?
  • A: Brown bears are the size of chipmunks when they're born.
  • B: Grizzly bears are the only kind of bear that can stand on their hind legs.
  • C: There are over 60 species of bears in the world.
• Contestant: Lexi from Texas
• Winning Wow: Statement A – "Brown bears are the size of chipmunks when they're born."
  • Notable Quote (05:19): "Winner, winner, chips for dinner."
• Explanation: Adult brown bears weigh hundreds of pounds, but their cubs weigh only about 1 pound at birth. They are blind, toothless, and mostly hairless when born, spending the winter nursing in their den. By spring, they have gained weight and are ready to leave with their mothers.
• Challenge for Incorrect Answers: "Stop, drop, and hibernate all winter long."

Round Two: Pandas and Bears

• Question: Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow?
  • A: Africa is the only continent that has never had any native bears.
  • B: Pandas have a special way of digesting poisonous bamboo.
  • C: American black bears have a symbiotic relationship with hummingbirds.
• Contestant: Cora from Wisconsin
• Winning Wow: Statement B – "Pandas have a special way of digesting poisonous bamboo."
  • Notable Quote (07:26): "Winner, bamboo for dinner."
• Explanation: Raw bamboo contains cyanide, which is poisonous to humans. Pandas have evolved to convert most of this cyanide into a less harmful substance called thiocyanate, which they excrete through urine.
• Challenge for Incorrect Answers: "Stop, froth and yell, I got bamboo bamboozled."

Round Three: Polar Bears and More

• Question: Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow?
  • A: Polar bears don't have eyelashes.
  • B: Spectacled bears got their name because of their bad eyesight.
  • C: A sloth bear isn't a bear at all; it's a type of rodent.
• Contestant: Adelaide from Tennessee
• Winning Wow: Statement A – "Polar bears don't have eyelashes."
  • Notable Quote (10:25): "Winner, winner, snow cones for dinner."
• Explanation: Unlike many mammals, polar bears do not have eyelashes. Instead, they have three sets of eyelids that protect their eyes from snow, UV light, and allow them to see underwater with a clear inner lid. These adaptations help them survive in their harsh Arctic environment.
• Challenge for Incorrect Answers: "Stop, drop and build an invisible snow bear."

Bonkerballs Bonus Round Following the main rounds, Guy Raz introduces the "Bonkerballs" bonus round with a comedic twist. While not a traditional quiz segment, it serves as a humorous interlude, showcasing the playful chemistry between the hosts. Mindy mentions Gucci Raz accidentally spilling glitter, leading to a lighthearted exchange about the importance of wearing pants, culminating in the announcement of the day's prizes—an "invisible pair of foot casings" presented humorously as "shoes."

Listener Challenge: Very Berry As the episode nears its conclusion, Mindy and Guy present a "Very Berry" scientific challenge to the listeners:

• Challenge: Create a berry snack shaped like a bear, optionally drizzled with honey.
• Additional Fact: Bears often eat bees and larvae when raiding beehives.
• Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to share photos or videos of their creations by emailing them to [e-mail], fostering community engagement and hands-on learning.

Closing Remarks and Credits Mindy and Guy wrap up the episode with final thoughts and acknowledgments:

• Promotions: Reminders about early and ad-free listening options on various platforms.
• Credits: Recognition of the executive producers, writers, sound production team, and special thanks to the Tinkercast team.
• Engagement: Information on how to become an official member of the World Organization of Wowzers, access to the "Two What's in a Wow Think and Tinker Playbook," and encouragement to follow the podcast on social media.
• Final Challenge Reminder: Listeners are reminded to participate in the Very Berry challenge and share their creations.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• 05:19 Mindy Thomas: "Winner, winner, chips for dinner."
• 07:26 Guy Raz: "Winner, bamboo for dinner."
• 10:25 Mindy Thomas: "Winner, winner, snow cones for dinner."
• 12:07 Mindy Thomas: "Encase your leg hands with a leather shell in the color of your choice. Here, check mine out."
• 12:22 Guy Raz: "Berries are one of a brown bear's favorite foods."
• 12:33 Mindy Thomas: "You can even drizzle some honey on top."
• 13:06 Guy Raz: "Until then, keep on wowing."

Conclusion This episode of "Wow in the World" successfully blends educational content with interactive entertainment, making scientific facts about bears accessible and engaging for both kids and their grown-ups. Through the "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" game show, listeners are not only entertained but also educated on fascinating bear-related science. The episode concludes with creative listener engagement opportunities, fostering a sense of community and encouraging hands-on learning.

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. Hey Wowzer fams. It's Guy Raz here and before we start the show, have you watched wow in the world on YouTube? That's right. You can now watch some of your favorite tinkercast podcasts like 2 what's and a wow Flip and mosey. Who when wow and wow in the World. To start watching today, head to Tinkercast.com YouTube that's Tinkercast.com YouTube. That's it. Now back to the show.

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[Guy Raz]

Guy Raz Kyrazzi Squeaky Wakey. Oh, what's going on?

[Mindy Thomas]

You fell asleep in the green room.

[Guy Raz]

Sorry. I guess I did.

[Mindy Thomas]

Why are you so tired today?

[Guy Raz]

You know, Mindy, I'm not sure. It's a little chilly out and I had a really big lunch and I felt like I could just sleep until spring.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, good thing I brought you this. Quadruple shot. Kale Spice lat. No, don't go back to sleep, Guy Raz. The show's about to start.

[Guy Raz]

Alaskan salmon.

[Mindy Thomas]

Guess I'll have to ask Dennis to fill in.

[Dennis]

Hooray. My time has come.

[Guy Raz]

I'm awake. I'm awake. Yay.

[Mindy Thomas]

Knew that was gonna work.

[Dennis]

Ah, I guess I'll just get the show ready.

[Announcer]

Ahem.

[Dennis]

Places, everyone. Places. You dare fish the bulls and you wheel the chairs and hand the bags. We're on in three, two, one.

[Guy Raz]

And now for everyone's favorite game show. It's two what's and a whoa.

[Announcer]

With your hosts, Mindy and Guy rats. 2x2x2x2x2x 2 rats.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Announcer]

Two what's in a wow.

[Guy Raz]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the whats. And the category or theme for today is. Bears. 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 scientific statements about bears. Bye. 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]

Now, in each round, if you guess correctly, congratulations, you get 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]

Then let's do it.

[Guy Raz]

Round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, brown bears are the size of chipmunks when they're born, or.

[Mindy Thomas]

Is it B, grizzly bears are the only kind of bear that can stand on their hind legs.

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C? There are over 60 species of bears in the world.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you know the answer, say it with a roar. Hey, Reggie, cue the thinking music.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

And calling in with the answer, it's Lexi from Texas. Lexi from Texas, tell us what's the wow?

[Caller]

Hi. My wow in the world is that. Did you know that brown bears are the size of chipmunks when they're born?

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, chips for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you, Lexi. Contestants, if you guessed the answer A, that brown bears are the size of chipmunks when they're born, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Adult brown bears weigh hundreds of pounds, but they only weigh up about £1 when they're born. Baby brown bears are also blind, toothless, and mostly hairless.

[Guy Raz]

Brown bear cubs are typically born during hibernation and spend all winter nursing. By spring, they weigh approximately four to eight pounds and are ready to leave the den with their mamas.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get the answer correct, you must stop, drop, and hibernate all winter long.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, Africa is the only continent that has never had any native bears.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, pandas have a special way of digesting poisonous bamboo?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C? American black bears have a symbiotic relationship with hummingbirds.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you know the answer, sing it with auto tune.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, boy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh, thinking music, please.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

And calling in with the answer for round two, it's Cora from Wisconsin. Cora, tell us what's the winning wow?

[Caller]

Hi Minnie. Hi Guy. Raz, My wow in the world is that pandas have a special way of digesting poisonous bamboo.

[Guy Raz]

Winner.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, bamboo for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Cora. That is correct. If you guessed B that pandas have a special way of digesting poisonous bamboo, then you found the winning wow. Congratulations.

[Mindy Thomas]

Raw bamboo contains the poison cyanide. We humans have to cook bamboo before eating it, otherwise it can hurt or even kill us.

[Guy Raz]

But pandas bodies turn most of that cyanide into a less harmful substance called thiocyanate. And then they pee it out.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, froth and yell, I got bamboo bamboozled.

[Guy Raz]

All right, round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, polar bears don't have eyelashes?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, Spectacled bears got their name because of their bad eyesight?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it C, A sloth bear isn't a bear at all, it's a type of rodent.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, before we reveal the answer, let's take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's episode of 2 what's in a wow is brought to you by not wearing pants. Have you ever seen a bear wear pants? Of course not. Bears don't wear pants and we don't wear either.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy. We definitely have to wear pants.

[Mindy Thomas]

Speak for yourself, Guy Raz. This is a skirt.

[Guy Raz]

Fair point, I guess. Well, let's take a break and hear a message for the Grown Ups.

[Caller]

2 once 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.

[Announcer]

Two what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the what.

[Guy Raz]

Now, before the break, we left you with a dangling question for round three.

[Mindy Thomas]

And that question was which of the following statements is a true statement? Scientific wow? Is it A, polar bears don't have eyelashes?

[Guy Raz]

Or is it B, Spectacle bears got their name because of their bad eyesight.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it C, A sloth bear is a type of sloth, not a bear.

[Guy Raz]

And calling in with the answer, it's Adelaide from Tennessee.

[Mindy Thomas]

Adelaide, tell us, what's the winning wow?

[Caller]

Hi, my name is Adelaide. My wow in the world is that polar bears don't have eyelashes.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner, snow cones for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Thank you. Adelaide. If you guessed A that polar bears don't have eyelashes, well, congratulations. You found the winning well, many mammals.

[Mindy Thomas]

Have eyelashes to help keep things like dust, rain and snow out of their eyes. But Polar bears have a different layer of protection against the snow. Three sets of eyelids.

[Guy Raz]

Their extra eyelids protect them against snow, UV light, and they even have a clear inner lid that lets them see underwater.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get the answer correct, you must stop, drop and build an invisible spot snow bear. And that sound can mean only one thing.

[Announcer]

Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Tax season came early. No.

[Mindy Thomas]

It's time for today's Bonkerballs bonus round. And the question for this round is. If you clean out a vacuum cleaner, are you a vacuum cleaner?

[Guy Raz]

I'm glad you asked. I actually have an eight step process for cleaning out my vacuum cleaner.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, that's great, Guy Raz, because I accidentally spilled a barrel of glitter in your living room. What?

[Caller]

Oopsies.

[Guy Raz]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz? All of our winning wowzers today will be taking home their very own invisible pair of foot casings.

[Guy Raz]

Huh?

[Mindy Thomas]

Encase your leg hands with a leather shell in the color of your choice. Here, check mine out.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, those are your shoes.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, but it sounds fancier the way I say it.

[Guy Raz]

I guess. Well, that's all the time we have for today.

[Mindy Thomas]

But before we go, we have a little scientific challenge for you. We call it Very Berry.

[Guy Raz]

Berries are one of a brown bear's favorite foods. For this challenge, we want you to make yourself a berry snack in the shape of a bear.

[Mindy Thomas]

You can even drizzle some honey on top. Another brown bear favorite. You know, Guy Raz, bears actually end up eating a lot of bees and larvae when they get into their hives. Should we make that part of the challenge?

[Guy Raz]

Maybe next time. Oh, and don't forget to take a photo or a video of your snack. Grown Ups. You can upload pictures and videos to [e-mail] share and be sure to come.

[Mindy Thomas]

Back on Monday for a brand new episode of wow in the World and again on Friday for a new episode of 2 what's in a wow.

[Guy Raz]

Until then, keep on wowing.

[Announcer]

2 what's 2 what? 2 what's 2 what? 2What's 2 what? 2 what's and a wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Grown Ups. If you like wow in the World, you can listen early and ad free right now on Wondry.

[Guy Raz]

Join Wondery 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].

[Guy Raz]

Survey 2 what's 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 Zagorsky.

[Guy Raz]

Sound, production and design is by Marian Lozano with help from our supervising producer Jed Anderson.

[Mindy Thomas]

Special thanks to Steph Sosa, Henry Moskal, Anna Daniker, Rebecca Caban, Sana, Ella Mohamed 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 them at.

[Mindy Thomas]

Thepopups.Com to keep the wows rolling, visit us at tinkercast.com where you can become an official member of the World Organization of wowzers. Find our two what's in a wow Think and Tinker Playbook and learn about all of our other amazing podcasts from Tinkercast Grown Ups.

[Guy Raz]

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @2 what's and a wow 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 and a wow. Call us at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW.

[Guy Raz]

Thanks again for listening and playing along. Meet us back here on Monday for Wow in the World.

[Announcer]

Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow.

[Caller]

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