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!