Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Wow Around the World (4/11/25)

Summary

Wow in the World: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Wow Around the World (April 11, 2025)

In the April 11, 2025 episode of "Wow in the World", hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz bring listeners an exhilarating blend of science, fun, and interactive gameplay through their engaging segment, "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" This episode, themed around global landmarks, offers a deep dive into fascinating facts, captivating stories, and playful competition that delights both kids and their grown-up companions.

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1. Exciting Announcement: Live Bonkerballs Competition in Seattle

The episode kicks off with Mindy Thomas sharing thrilling news about an upcoming live event in Seattle. She announces that she and her friends—Carlie Q, Dennis, Grandma GeForce, and Thomas Fingerling—are participating in the Bonkerballs competition game show. This live event invites kids to transform their wildest ideas into astonishing inventions on stage.

Mindy Thomas [00:00]: "Seattle. It's time to make it wow. That's right. This June, me and my friends Carlie Q, Dennis, Grandma GeForce and Thomas Fingerling are headed to Seattle for our live Bonkerballs competition game show where kids turn their wildest and weirdest ideas into jaw-dropping inventions live on stage."

Tickets become available on April 7th for members of the World Organization of Wowzers, with general sales commencing on April 11th. Mindy's enthusiastic invitation underscores the event's appeal to creativity and innovation, setting an inspiring tone for the episode.

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2. Main Segment: 2What's – Testing Landmark Knowledge

The heart of the episode centers around "2What's", a scientific game show designed to distinguish between fascinating truths ("wows") and fabricated facts ("whats") about famous landmarks worldwide. Grandma GeForce serves as the co-host, guiding young contestants through three riveting rounds.

a. Round One: The Great Wall of China

The first round challenges listeners with three statements about the Great Wall of China:

1. A: The Great Wall of China was made of stone, bricks, wood, and sticky rice.
2. B: The Taj Mahal is taller than the Empire State Building.
3. C: The Sydney Opera House is home to the world's only all-wombat orchestra.

Grandma GeForce [05:40]: "When you think you have the correct answer, yell out the capital of every country in the world."

Contestant Mia from Texas correctly identifies statement A as the true "wow," revealing a surprising fact about the Great Wall's construction. She explains:

Mindy Thomas [06:44]: "Building the Great Wall of China was one of the largest construction projects in human history... a surprising ingredient was sticky rice."

This revelation highlights the ancient ingenuity in using sticky rice mixed with lime to create a stronger, more water-resistant mortar.

b. Round Two: The Eiffel Tower's Seasonal Growth

The second round features statements about the Eiffel Tower:

1. A: The insides of the pyramids of Giza are covered.
2. B: The Eiffel Tower grows 15 centimeters in the summer.
3. C: The Leaning Tower of Pisa is made out of pizza.

Grandma GeForce [08:21]: "And time is up. And joining us by phone to reveal the winning wow, it's Glenn from Texas."

Contestant Glenn from Texas correctly selects B, discovering that the Eiffel Tower undergoes thermal expansion, growing taller during the summer months due to the heat affecting its iron structure.

Mindy Thomas [09:11]: "The Eiffel Tower... when it gets hot in the summer, that iron increases volume... the Eiffel Tower grows about 15 centimeters."

This fact not only astonishes listeners but also serves as an excellent example of how temperature can impact architectural structures.

c. Round Three: The Statue of Liberty's Original Color

The final round presents statements about the Statue of Liberty:

1. A: The Statue of Liberty was originally brown.
2. B: Touching the Hollywood sign will magically turn you into a movie star.
3. C: Machu Picchu was built with the same kind of sticky rice mortar as the Great Wall of China.

Grandma GeForce [10:54]: "My wow in the world is that the Statue of Liberty was originally copper brown."

Contestant Ethan from North correctly identifies statement A, unveiling that the statue's original copper color has transformed over time due to oxidation.

Mindy Thomas [11:12]: "When the statue was first unveiled all the way back in 1886, it was that same copper brown color... by 1906, the statue's metal exterior had become its now signature green."

This transformation emphasizes the natural chemical processes affecting large metal structures exposed to the elements.

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3. Bonkerballs Bonus Round: Smart Glove Technology

After the main rounds, the episode transitions to a bonus challenge linked to their previous episode, "The Handshake Shack." The hosts delve into hand tracking technology utilized in smart gloves.

Grandma GeForce [14:25]: "What's another function that this smart glove technology is being used for?"

Listeners are presented with three options, and the correct answer—A: Interpreting sign language and reading it aloud through a computer—is revealed by Mindy Thomas.

Mindy Thomas [15:02]: "The smart gloves, developed by researchers at the University of British Columbia are using the technology to help translate sign language into spoken words in real time."

This segment not only educates listeners about cutting-edge technology but also showcases its real-world applications in enhancing communication for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

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4. Engaging Interludes and Interactive Elements

Throughout the episode, Mindy and Grandma GeForce infuse humor and interactive prompts, encouraging listeners to participate actively via phone-ins, foreign language cheers, and playful physical challenges for incorrect answers. These elements foster a lively and inclusive atmosphere, making scientific learning both entertaining and memorable.

For instance, after each correct answer, Grandma GeForce humorously remarks:

Grandma GeForce [06:31]: "That's right, Mia. Contestants, if you guessed the answer A... you've found the winning wow."

Conversely, incorrect guesses lead to amusing physical tasks, adding a dynamic and engaging dimension to the show.

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5. Conclusion and Community Engagement

As the episode wraps up, Mindy and Grandma GeForce extend invitations to listeners to join the World Organization of Wowzers and explore various educational activities. They also highlight Tinkercast's STEM toys available at Walmart, designed to inspire future scientists.

Mindy Thomas [13:12]: "And now you can find our toys at select Walmart locations near you and [e-mail]."

The hosts emphasize the importance of community and continuous learning, encouraging both kids and grown-ups to stay curious and engaged with the world around them.

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"Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Wow Around the World" successfully combines education with entertainment, leveraging interactive gameplay to illuminate remarkable scientific facts about global landmarks. Through playful challenges and insightful discussions, Mindy Thomas and Grandma GeForce inspire young minds to explore, question, and marvel at the wonders of our world.

Transcript

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey Bowser fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, I got some big news for you. Seattle. It's time to make it wow. That's right. This June, me and my friends Carlie Q, Dennis, Grandma GeForce and Thomas Fingerling are headed to Seattle for our live Bonkerballs competition game show where kids turn their wildest and weirdest ideas into jaw dropping inventions live on on stage. Tickets go on sale at 10am Pacific Time on Monday, April 7th for members of our World Organization of Wowzers. Only grown ups. Visit Tinkercast.com events to get your tickets early with our Members Only presale code. Our general sale begins Friday, April 11th so members get your first picket tickets today. Not a member yet but still want first picket tickets? Visit tinkercast.com membership wowzers. We can't wait to see you in Seattle. But for now let's get back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

Hey Parents Lace up for Adventure with Sneaks the new animated movie that's made for sneakerheads of all ages. Sneaks follows a pair of one of a kind sneakers named Ty and Maxine who get kidnapped by a shady collector. But even with the help of Ty's streetwise footwear friends, finding his soulmate will be no slam dunk. With an original soundtrack featuring Mustard and an all star cast that includes Anthony Mackie, Martin Lawrence, Chloe Bailey, Swae Lee, Chris Paul and Laurence Fishburne, I can't wait to put on my best pair of sneakers and run to the theater to see this. It's not only gonna be fun for kids, but looks cool for grown ups too. Watch Sneaks exclusively in theaters April 18 hey Grownups.

[Narrator]

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[Guy Raz]

Hey parents lace up for adventure with Sneaks, the new animated movie that's made for sneakerheads of all ages. Sneaks follows a pair of one of a kind sneakers named Ty and Maxine, who get kicknapped by a shady collector. But even with the help of Ty's streetwise footwear friends, finding his soulmate will be no slam dunk. With an original soundtrack featuring Mustard in an all star cast that includes Anthony Mackie, Martin Lawrence, Chloe Bailey, Swae Lee, Chris Paul and Laurence Fishburne. I can't wait to put on my best pair of sneakers and run to the theater to see this. It's not only gonna be fun for kids, but looks cool for grown ups too. Watch Sneaks. Exclusively in theaters April 18th.

[Grandma GeForce]

And now for everyone's second favorite game.

[Guy Raz]

Show after Mesopotamia's Got Talent, it's 2What's.

[Grandma GeForce]

And.

[Guy Raz]

With your hosts, Mindy and Guy Rats. 2What?

[Mindy Thomas]

2What'S 2What? 2What's 2what? 2What? Hello and welcome to 2What's in a Wow. 2What's in a wow.

[Grandma GeForce]

The scientific game show that separates the wows from the whats. And the category or three theme for today is landmarks. 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 landmarks or famous human structures from around the world. 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?

[Grandma GeForce]

Now, 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.

[Grandma GeForce]

Okay, everyone ready to start the game?

[Guy Raz]

Great.

[Mindy Thomas]

Then let's get to it.

[Grandma GeForce]

Round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, the Great Wall of China was made of stone, bricks, wood and ste Sticky rice?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it B, the Taj Mahal is taller than the Empire State Building.

[Grandma GeForce]

Or is it C? The Sydney Opera House is home to the world's only all Wombat orchestra.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, yell out the capital of every country in the world. Hey, French, turn on the thinking music, please.

[Grandma GeForce]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

And to do just that, it's Mia from Texas. Mia, tell us what's the winning wow? Hi, Mindy and Guy was. And my wow in the world is that the Great Wall of China is made out of stone, wood, bricks and sticky rice. Winner Winner, sticky rice for dinner.

[Grandma GeForce]

That's right, Mia. Contestants, if you guessed the answer A, that the Great Wall of China was made of stone, bricks, wood, and sticky rice, well, congratulations. You've found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Building the Great Wall of China was one of the largest construction projects in human history, and it took over 2000 years to build. It's made of some materials that you might expect, like wood and stone. But a surprising ingredient was used as well. I'm talking about sticky rice.

[Grandma GeForce]

And in 2010, scientists studied the mortar, or sticky paste that holds the bricks to together used to make the Great Wall. And they found that sticky rice had been mixed in with a common building material called lime. This sticky rice mortar was found to be stronger and more water resistant than regular mortar.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hmm, maybe I should use sticky rice the next time I go to rebuild my gingerbread mansion.

[Grandma GeForce]

Well, it could help.

[Mindy Thomas]

If you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop, and run the length of the entire Great Wall. Run, run, run, run.

[Grandma GeForce]

Mindy, can we finish the show before you run thousands of miles?

[Mindy Thomas]

Sorry, Guy Raz. Run, run, run, run, run, run, run. Okay, let's get back to it.

[Grandma GeForce]

Okay, round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, the insides of the pyramids of Giza are covered.

[Mindy Thomas]

Is it B, the eiffel Tower grows 15 centimeters in the summer, or is.

[Grandma GeForce]

It C, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is made out of pizza?

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, yell it out in a foreign language thinking. Music, please.

[Grandma GeForce]

And time is up. And joining us by phone to reveal the winning wow, it's Glenn from Texas. Glenn, what's the wow?

[Mindy Thomas]

My wow is that the eiffel Tower grows 15cm taller during the summer. Winner, winner, French bread for dinner.

[Grandma GeForce]

That's right, Glenn. Wowzers. If you guessed, baby, that the eiffel Tower grows 15 centimeters in the summer, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

The Eiffel Tower in France is 330 meters tall, or about 1,083ft. It's primarily made out of iron, which is sensitive to temperature. And when it gets hot in the summer, that iron increases volume. The phenomenon is called thermal expansion.

[Grandma GeForce]

Because of thermal expansion, the Eiffel tower grows about 15 centimeters, or just under 6 inches. And when the weather cools down, the tower shrinks back down again.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and stretch until you grow 15 centimeters.

[Grandma GeForce]

Okay, round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, the Statue of Liberty was originally brown, or is It B.

[Mindy Thomas]

Touching the Hollywood sign will magically turn you into a movie star.

[Grandma GeForce]

Or is it C? Machu Picchu was built with the same kind of sticky rice mortar as the Great Wall of China.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think you have the correct answer, write it down and mail it to yourself. Hey Reggie, cue the thinking music.

[Grandma GeForce]

And time is up. And joining us by phone, it's Ethan from North. Ethan, please tell us the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

My wow in the world is that the Statue of Liberty was originally copper brown. Winner, winners, statues for dinner.

[Grandma GeForce]

You got it, Ethan. Wowzers. If you guessed A, that the Statue of Liberty was originally brown, well, congratulations. You found the winning wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

When you think of the Statue of Liberty, you probably think of a big green lady. But the outside of Lady Liberty is actually made out of copper. And when the statue was first unveiled all the way back in 1886, it was that same copper brown color.

[Grandma GeForce]

Over the course of 30 years, the statue's metal exterior had various chemical reactions with the air, salt water and pollution from New York city. And by 1906, the station statue had become its now signature green.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, if you did not get that answer correct, you must stop, drop and jump in the New York Harbor. Just kidding. Don't do that. And now it's time to take a moment to thank our sponsors. Today's show is brought to you in part by wow Airlines. Our mostly safe, sometimes functional aircraft let you travel the world in comfort and style. Tokyo, Paris, Dubai, these are all places we can take you. If the duct tape keeping the wings on holds up Grandma Jeep Horse help. Wow Airlines. We'll get you there. Probably.

[Grandma GeForce]

Maybe. I think I would probably might just stay home this time.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, suit yourself.

[Grandma GeForce]

Why don't we take a quick break and hear some other important messages for grownups.

[Mindy Thomas]

2 what's in a while? We'll be right back. Grownups, this message is for you.

[Guy Raz]

Psst.

[Grandma GeForce]

Hey, Wowzer fams. It's Guy Raz and Mindy here. And Mindy, can you believe we have our very own wow in the World stem toys?

[Mindy Thomas]

I know. And look. They even have our faces on them. Look at them little us. Guy Razzie.

[Grandma GeForce]

It's so bonker balls.

[Mindy Thomas]

Aww. You're using my catchphrase.

[Grandma GeForce]

Grown ups, we are so excited to share our wow in the World stem toys with the future scientists in your life.

[Mindy Thomas]

And now you can find our toys at select Walmart locations near you and [e-mail].

[Grandma GeForce]

From the ultimate high flying air rocket to the light up terrarium, there's something for everyone. Every Wowzer in your world to play and tinker with.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow in the world stem toys now available at Walmart. That's it. And now let's get back to the wow. That's it. Now back to the show.

[Grandma GeForce]

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 the what?

[Grandma GeForce]

What was that?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Grandma GeForce]

You ate too many beans.

[Mindy Thomas]

No. It's time for today's Bonkerballs bonus round. Now, if you listen to our wow in the World episode, the Handshake Shack, you will know the answer to this one.

[Grandma GeForce]

And the Bonkerball's bonus question is. Hand tracking technology, like the tech found in the smart glove, can be used for a variety of different functions, from helping stroke victims remember how to use their muscles to fixing Grandma G Force and Thomas Fingerling's super secret handshake. What's another function that this smart glove technology is being used for?

[Mindy Thomas]

Is it A, interpreting sign language and then reading it aloud through a computer?

[Grandma GeForce]

Or is it. Is it B, keeping your hands warm as you code?

[Mindy Thomas]

Or is it C, converting your hand gestures into musical notes so that you can play air guitar?

[Grandma GeForce]

But for real, if you answered A, you are correct. The smart gloves, developed by researchers at the University of British Columbia are using the technology to help translate sound sign language into spoken words in real time.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow.

[Grandma GeForce]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz? Today's winning wowzers will all be receiving their very own travel chess set.

[Grandma GeForce]

Ooh, that's a great prize, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

I know. Hey, Reg, cue the prize cannon.

[Grandma GeForce]

Mindy, those chess sets are securely closed, right?

[Mindy Thomas]

Nope. Fire away, Mindy. Woo hoo. Chess sets for everyone. Whoops. Ooh, those little pieces are really going everywhere, huh?

[Grandma GeForce]

I think I have a rook in my ear. 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 Dennis.

[Grandma GeForce]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

Until then, keep on wowing 2 what's 2 what's 2 what? 2 what? 2 what? And wow grown ups. If you like WOW in the world, you can listen early and ad free right now on Wonder.

[Grandma GeForce]

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

[Grandma GeForce]

Survey2 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.

[Grandma GeForce]

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

[Grandma GeForce]

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.

[Grandma GeForce]

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.

[Grandma GeForce]

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

[Mindy Thomas]

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