Two Whats?! And A Wow! - ZOO Whats?! And A Wow!

Summary

Wow in the World: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - ZOO Whats?! And A Wow!

Podcast: Wow in the World
Episode: Two Whats?! And A Wow! - ZOO Whats?! And A Wow!
Date: January 16, 2026
Hosts: Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Produced by: Tinkercast

---

Episode Overview

This episode of "Two Whats?! And A Wow!" brings listeners a zany, interactive science game show all about animals—specifically, zoo-worthy animal facts. Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz invite kids and their grown-ups to play along, guess scientific truths, and get silly with physical challenges. True to the "Wow in the World" spirit, the show is packed with fascinating animal facts, laugh-out-loud moments, and encouragement for curiosity.

---

Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. Setting the Stage: Zoo Antics and Game Rules

• Mindy opens with a hilarious reference to her "fiber-filled lunch" with zebras at the zoo, setting an energetic and playful mood. (02:00)
• The format is introduced: three rounds, each presenting three animal-related statements—only one true "Wow" per round. Wrong answers come with silly physical penalties. (03:23)
  • Guy Raz: "The scientific game show that separates the Wows from the What's. And the category for today is animals." (03:23)
• Involving kids at home, they’re asked to play along, shout or act out their answers.

---

2. Round 1: Animals and Digestion

Which statement is true?

• A. All cats are allergic to peanuts.

• B. Sloths can take 30 days to digest one leaf.

• C. Miniature horses have faster heartbeats than hummingbirds.

• Correct Answer: B. Sloths can take 30 days to digest a single leaf.

• Guest Winner: Maya from New York confirms the answer and wins round one. (05:23-05:30)

• Explanation:

  • Guy Raz: "Some sloths can take up to 30 days to digest one leaf. You found the winning wow!" (05:40)
  • Mindy: "Sloths really do everything slowly... Sloths' stomachs have multiple compartments, kind of like different rooms." (05:48-05:58)
  • Guy Raz: "They have one of the lowest metabolic rates of any mammal." (06:08)

• Physical Challenge: If you got it wrong—“stop what you're doing and dance like a space alien!” (06:16)

---

3. Round 2: Colorful Creatures and Odd Animal Relatives

Which statement is true?

• A. Dolphins can be pink.

• B. Porcupines and cacti are closely related.

• C. Camels have naturally minty breath.

• Correct Answer: A. Dolphins can be pink!

• Guest Winner: Julia from Pennsylvania announces the answer and wins. (07:24-07:33)

• Explanation:

  • Mindy: "We're talking about the Amazon pink river dolphin. And if you thought it just being pink was cool, what if I told you it actually turned pink?" (07:49-08:04)
  • Guy Raz: "A color changing dolphin?" (08:00)
  • Mindy: "It's actually gray when it's born and slowly turns pink with age." (08:03-08:11)

• Physical Challenge: Wrong guessers must "grab your family and make a human pyramid!" (08:13-08:25)

---

4. Round 3: Snake Skins & Marsupial Myths

Which statement is true?

• A. Rattlesnakes are the only snakes that don't shed their skin.

• B. Parrots can weigh up to 30 pounds.

• C. Koala bears aren't bears, but marsupials.

• Correct Answer: C. Koala bears are not bears, but marsupials.

• Guest Winner: Moira from Ontario gives the winning answer. (11:25-11:34)

• Explanation:

  • Guy Raz: "If you guessed the answer C, that koala bears aren't bears, but marsupials, then congratulations." (11:38)
  • Mindy: "Wait, wait, wait. You're telling me koalas aren't bears. But it's in their name—koala bear!" (11:48-11:54)
  • Guy Raz: "Well, pineapple isn't a pine or an apple." (11:56)
  • Guy Raz continues: "Marsupials have their babies before those babies are fully developed. And then they carry those babies around in pouches." (12:05-12:17)
  • Mindy: "Ah, like a kangaroo." (12:20)

• Physical Challenge: “Crack your knuckles until someone tells you to stop.” (12:20-12:38)

---

5. Bonkerballs Bonus Round

• An extra silly challenge: “What are five things you'll wish for for your birthday 25 years from now?” (12:44)
• Lighthearted, encourages listeners to use their imagination.

---

6. Prize Generator & Parting Gifts

• Mindy introduces the "fabulous parting gift"—the prize generator, which dispenses an “invisible, crooked, carbonated can of clams.” (13:11-14:12)
• Classic playful banter:
  • Guy Raz: "Is that my air purifier nailed to your prize generator, Mindy?" (13:11)
  • Mindy: "Uh, no. I invented this machine to generate a fabulous parting gift..." (13:16)
• Machine is ultimately “broken,” but listeners are encouraged to mix and match their prizes creatively.

---

7. STEAM-Themed Challenge: Operation Animal Observationalist Wowzers

• Mindy challenges families to “find at least five signs or clues left by animals in your home or community.” (14:29)
• Suggestions include bird poop, fur balls, “or a lion sleeping in your bathtub.” (14:37-14:45)
• Call to action: Share your findings with the show at tinkercast.com/share.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mindy: "You missed a great fiber filled lunch. Those zebras really know how to eat." (02:00)
• Guy Raz (teasing Mindy's roaring habit): "Well, you have been known for roaring for no reason, Mindy." (02:19)
• Mindy (on sloth digestion): "Sloths' stomachs have multiple compartments, kind of like different rooms." (05:58)
• Mindy (on dolphins): "What if I told you it actually turned pink?" (08:04)
• Guy Raz: "A color changing dolphin?" (08:02)
• Mindy: "Koala bear." (11:54)
• Guy Raz: "Well, pineapple isn't a pine or an apple." (11:56)
• Bonus Round question: “What are five things you'll wish for for your birthday 25 years from now?” (12:44)
• Mindy (on parting gifts): "This machine is special because it spits out your prize in three different parts every time. And also, it's broken." (13:16-13:35)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:00] Mindy’s zoo lunch story
• [03:23] Game show rules & setup
• [04:20 - 06:16] Round 1: Sloth digestion
• [06:30 - 08:11] Round 2: Pink dolphins
• [09:03 - 12:20] Round 3: Koalas are marsupials
• [12:44] Bonkerballs bonus round
• [13:11 - 14:12] Prize generator antics
• [14:29] Operation Animal Observationalist Wowzers challenge

---

Episode Tone & Style

The episode maintains Wow in the World’s signature high energy, goofy banter, and infectious enthusiasm for science and discovery. Mindy and Guy’s playful jokes, outrageous physical challenges, and encouragement of listener participation make the show engaging for kids and families alike. Science is delivered with laughter, wonder, and plenty of “Wow!”

---

Takeaways

• Sloths digest incredibly slowly, sometimes taking a whole month for a single leaf.
• Pink dolphins (the Amazon river variety) exist and turn pink as they age.
• Koalas aren’t bears—they’re marsupials, carrying their young in pouches like kangaroos.
• Physical play and curious observation are encouraged—turn everyday moments into science adventures.

---

For more fun and science, visit tinkercast.com and join the World Organization of Wowzers!

Transcript

[A]

Hey wow fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show.

[B]

Surprise.

[A]

If you are a member of our world organization of wowzers, allow me to introduce our mystery member T shirts. Grown Ups. When you add a mystery T shirt to your new membership order, we will randomly select one of our wow. T shirt designs and add it to your welcome kit. It could be a design featuring Reggie Dennis or something totally bonkerball. Reggie, I can't tell them which T shirt they're gonna get cause that would ruin the surprise. And there are even more surprises for our WoW members throughout the year. Like our quarterly pigeon droppings being delivered in your mailbox from Reggie. Plus birthday cards and access to members only events like listening parties. Plus every membership helps to support our podcasts and Tinkercast's mission to spread WOW to families and teachers the world for free. Grown ups. To sign up for a full year of WOW, visit tinkercast.com wow and for an extra element of surprise, don't forget to add a mystery T shirt to your welcome kit. Once again, that's Tinkercast.com Wow. That's it. And now let's get back to the show.

[B]

Ahem.

[C]

Get ready people. Two Whats in a wow is going live in three minutes.

[D]

Hey, Mindy. Mindy. Mindy. Guy, have you seen Mindy?

[E]

Uh, yeah, I saw her going to lunch with a big bale of hay and a fork.

[B]

What?

[C]

A bale of hay? Uh, wait, she must have gone to eat at the zoo again. Oh look, there she is.

[D]

Mindy, where have you been?

[F]

Oh, hey buddies.

[A]

You missed a great fiber filled lunch. Those zebras really know how to eat.

[E]

Mindy, you went to the zoo this morning without me?

[D]

And me.

[A]

Yeah, I asked you in lion speak if you wanted to go.

[E]

Oh, is that why you were roaring at me at breakfast this morning?

[A]

Well, I wouldn't just roar for no reason, Guy. Raz.

[E]

Well, you have been known for roaring for no reason, Mindy.

[A]

No, I always have a reason. And the reason is usually that I want to roar.

[C]

Mindy, you can roar after the show. Okay, people, places and things. You there, Su, the Topia. And you, Rhino, Thesaurus, and Reggie Bald that eagle. We're going live in three, two, one. And now for everyone's favorite game show.

[E]

It'S two what's and a Whoa. With your hosts, Mindy and Gabby, my love.

[B]

Two what's and a wow.

[A]

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

[B]

Two what's in a wow.

[E]

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

[A]

You got it, Wowzers. In each of our three rounds today, Guy, Raz and I will present you with three scientific statements about animals. 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, one in each round.

[E]

If you guess correctly, congrats, you get a point.

[A]

But if you guess incorrectly, you must stop, drop and do a ridonkulous physical challenge.

[E]

Okay, is everyone ready to start the game?

[A]

Great. Then let's do it.

[E]

Okay, round one. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, all cats are allergic to peanuts?

[A]

Or is it B? Sloths can take 30 days to digest one leaf.

[E]

Or is it is it C? Miniature horses have faster heartbeats than hummingbirds.

[A]

When you think you have the correct answer, shout out an animal that starts with that letter.

[F]

Hey Reggie, cue the thinking music.

[E]

And time is up. It's now time to reveal the winning.

[A]

Wow and to do just that. Joining us by phone, it's Maya from New York. Maya, tell us what's the wow?

[G]

My wow in the world is that sloths can take 30 days to digest one leaf.

[A]

Winner, winner. Crunchy on leaves for dinner.

[E]

Thank you, Maya. Contestants, if you guessed the answer B. That something. Some sloths can take up to 30 days to digest one leaf. You found the winning wow. Congratulations.

[A]

I guess sloths really do everything slowly, don't they?

[E]

That's right. Sloths stomachs have multiple compartments, kind of like different rooms.

[A]

This allows them to digest the tough coarse leaves that they eat. But they do have one of the lowest metabolic rates of any mammal.

[E]

That means they digest food really slowly.

[A]

Now, if you guessed correctly, congratulations and give yourself a point. But if you guessed incorrectly, you must stop what you're doing and dance like a space alien.

[E]

Okay, time to move on to round two. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A? Dolphins can be pink?

[A]

Or is it B? Porcupines and cacti are closely related or.

[E]

Is it C, Camels have naturally minty breath?

[A]

When you think you have the correct answer, whisper it as loudly as you can. Reggie, cue the thinking music.

[E]

And time is up. And to reveal the winning wow, it's Julia from Pennsylvania.

[A]

Julia, tell us what's the wow?

[G]

My wow in the world is that dolphins can be pink.

[A]

Winner. Winner. That's dolphin speak for dinner.

[D]

Thank you, Jul.

[E]

Contestants, if you guessed the answer A, that Some dolphins can be pink. You found the winning. Wow. Congratulations.

[A]

We're talking about the Amazon pink river dolphin. And if you thought it just being pink was cool, what if I told you it actually turned pink?

[E]

A color changing dolphin?

[B]

Uh huh.

[E]

Do tell Mindy.

[A]

The Amazon pink river dolphin is actually gray when it's born and and slowly turns pink with age.

[E]

That's incredible.

[A]

So if you guessed correctly, congratulations and give yourself a point. But if you did not guess correctly, it's time to grab your family and make a human pyramid.

[E]

Okay, well, time now to thank our sponsor. Today's show is brought to you in part by Silent Velcro.

[A]

Stick things together and pull them apart in secret.

[B]

Sh.

[E]

Taking my shoes off will be so much more peaceful now.

[A]

And taking my ears off will be too.

[E]

What?

[A]

What?

[E]

Okay, well, time for round three. Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow? Is it A, rattlesnakes are the only snakes that don't shed their skin?

[A]

Or is it B, parrots can weigh up to 30 pounds.

[E]

Or is it C, koala bears aren't bears, but marsupials?

[A]

When you think you have the correct answer, lock eyes with the person next to you and say it on the count of three.

[E]

And we'll reveal the winning answer right after the break.

[F]

To once in a while. We'll be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you.

[A]

Did it work?

[H]

Is this thing on?

[A]

Okay, good.

[H]

Hi, my name is Carli Q. And if you're anything like me, you may have noticed that there are a lot of big questions out there that need answers. Like is the Loch Ness monster real? What's going on in the brain? Bermuda Triangle?

[A]

And who ate my pie?

[H]

Okay, well, maybe the last one hasn't occurred to you, but on who When? Wow. Mystery Edition, I'm solving all of life's mysteries. Well, at least some of them. Join me as I travel through space and time to investigate history's most famous mysteries, all during my lunch break. Some things can't be explained, but they can be explored. Listen to episodes of who When?

[I]

Wow.

[H]

Mystery Edition. Wherever you get your podcasts.

[F]

That's it. Now back to the show.

[E]

Welcome back to 2 what's in a wow?

[A]

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

[I]

Now, before the break, we left you.

[E]

With a date dangling question for round three.

[A]

Which of the following statements is a true scientific wow?

[E]

Is it A, rattlesnakes are the only snakes that don't shed their skin?

[A]

Or is it B, parrots can weigh up to 30 pounds.

[E]

Or is it C. Koala bears aren't bears, but marsupials. We've now given you some time to.

[I]

To think about the correct answer and.

[E]

To reveal that winning wow. Please welcome Biphone Moira from Ontario.

[A]

Moira, tell us, what's the wow?

[G]

My wow is that koala bears are actually marsupials. They're not even bears.

[A]

Winner, winner, teddy bear tea parties for dinner.

[E]

Thank you, Moira. Contestants, if you guessed the answer, see that koala bears aren't bears, but marsupials, then congratulations.

[A]

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. You're telling me that koalas aren't bears.

[F]

But it's in their name.

[A]

Koala bear.

[E]

Well, pineapple isn't a pine or an apple.

[A]

You're right. So what is it exactly that makes them marsupials?

[E]

Well, bears and marsupials are really similar, but. But marsupials have their babies before those babies are fully developed. And then they carry those babies around in pouches.

[A]

Ah, like a kangaroo.

[E]

Exactly.

[A]

Well, wowzers, if you chose the answer C. Congratulations. Give yourself a point. But if you did not guess correctly, then you must crack your knuckles until someone tells you to stop.

[I]

Who is that?

[A]

That sound can mean only one thing.

[E]

There's a lion in the studio.

[A]

Yes. But also, it's time for today's bonkerballs bonus round. And the question for this round is, what are five things you'll wish for for your birthday 25 years from now?

[E]

Well, it's always good to plan ahead.

[A]

Congratulations to all of our winning wowzers on today's show. Reggie, it's time to roll out the prize generator.

[E]

Is that my air purifier nailed to your prize generator, Mindy?

[A]

Uh, no. I invented this machine to generate a fabulous parting gift for all of the contestants on our show. This machine is special because it spits out your prize in three different parts every time. And also, it's broken.

[I]

We're still improving on the engineering design process.

[A]

Oh, yeah, that too. But feel free to, you know, mix match, put all the prizes together any way you want. And with that, Reggie, would you please do the honors and power this puppy up?

[E]

All of our contestants today will be taking home their very own invisible, crooked, carbonated can of clams. Ooh, Mindy, what even is that? Are the clams carbonated or crooked?

[B]

Yes. Wait, but.

[A]

Well, that's just about all the time we have for today. But before we go, we have a little steam themed challenge for you. We like to call it Operation Animal Observationalist Wowzers.

[E]

We challenge you to find at least five signs or clues left by animals in your home or community.

[A]

Maybe it's bird poop splattered all over a park bench.

[E]

Or a ball of fur under your bed.

[A]

Or a lion sleeping in your bathtub.

[I]

What?

[A]

And don't forget to take a photo or video Grown Ups. You can upload pictures and videos to [e-mail] share and be sure to come.

[E]

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

[A]

Until then, keep on wowing two whats.

[B]

Two what?

[E]

Two what?

[B]

Two what? Two, what's two what? Two what and a Wow.

[I]

2 what's in a wow is executive produced by Meredith Halpern, Ranzer, Mindy Thomas and me, Guy Raz.

[A]

Our writers are Anna Zagorski, Darnell Walker, Ruth Morrison and Hebba Guta.

[I]

Sound production and design is by Marianne Lozano with help from our senior producer Jed Anderson.

[A]

Special thanks to the rest of our team of Tinkerers including Anna Zagorski, Rebecca Caban and Henry Moskal, Jessica Boddy, Jacob Stein and Jason Rabinowitz.

[I]

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.

[A]

To keep the what's and the Wows rolling, Visit [e-mail] There you can find our two what's in a wow think and Tinker Playbook Interactive, Kahoot games and info on becoming a member of the World Organization of wowzers Grown Ups.

[I]

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @2whats and a wow. And our email address is helloinkercast.com finally.

[A]

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.

[I]

Thanks again for listening and playing along.

[E]

Meet us back here on Monday for.

[I]

Wow in the World.

[F]

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