WeWow Mystery Week – Day 2: I Spy With My Magnified Eye (3/4/25)

Summary

Wow in the World – Episode Summary Title: WeWow Mystery Week – Day 2: I Spy With My Magnified Eye
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Produced By: Tinkercast | Wondery

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Introduction to the Mystery

The episode kicks off with hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz diving into a thrilling mystery. Mindy shares a personal predicament: her grandmother's golden fake teeth have mysteriously vanished. This sets the stage for an engaging detective-themed adventure aimed at both kids and their grown-ups.

Notable Quote:

• Mindy Thomas [01:27]: "We've got a serious mystery on our hands this week. The golden fake teeth that I got Grandma G for her birthday have gone missing."

Clue Investigation with the Magnifying Glass

Guy introduces a key tool in their investigation—a magnifying glass with a convex lens. Together, they explore how this lens can reveal details unnoticed by the naked eye, transforming ordinary observations into significant clues.

Notable Quotes:

• Guy Raz [01:41]: "We found one clue so far and we're looking for more. Which is why I brought out my trusty magnifying glass, which has something called a convex lens."
• Mindy Thomas [02:20]: "So that means when we look at something through a convex lens, it looks different than if we were looking at something with our regular old eyeballs."
• Guy Raz [02:29]: "Exactly. And in this case, it makes small things look bigger. I figured it could help us notice things we wouldn't have noticed before."

Unexpected Encounter with Thomas Fingerling

As Mindy and Guy scrutinize the carpet fibers, they stumble upon a surprising sight—a small, anthropomorphic dog named Thomas Fingerling, who cryptically mentions taking a nap on Mindy’s floor. This whimsical character adds a playful twist to the mystery, raising more questions about the missing dentures.

Notable Quotes:

• Carlie Q [03:07]: "Ouch. Hello there, Thomas Fingerling."
• Mindy Thomas [03:12]: "What are you doing? On my floor."
• Carlie Q [03:14]: "I'm just taking a nap. It's a very comfortable flooring out here."

Transition to "Who When? Wow Mystery Edition"

The narrative seamlessly transitions to a new segment featuring Carlie Q, who takes listeners into a time-traveling adventure. She introduces the Bureau of Universal Time Travel Historical Exploration Division, humorously nicknamed "Butt head," and partners with her frenemy, Lewis, and her rat companion, Nibbles.

Notable Quote:

• Carlie Q [04:31]: "Let me tell you about Masterpiece. These are dog treats and friendship and good company on big adventures."

The Case of the Missing Masterpiece

Carlie Q receives a classified file about the disappearance of Masterpiece, the most famous poodle in the world, from New York City in 1953. Determined to solve the case, she utilizes her time-traveling device to journey back to the mid-20th century.

Notable Quotes:

• Carlie Q [09:15]: "Event New York, May 29, 1953 Masterpiece missing."
• Carlie Q [09:55]: "I'm thinking maybe a stolen painting or something. Or maybe a culinary masterpiece like perfect dessert or a really unique jello mold."

Investigating in 1953 New York

Upon arriving in 1953 NYC, Carlie Q and Nibbles navigate the bustling cityscape, filled with vintage cars and elegantly dressed pedestrians. They encounter Betty, Masterpiece’s beautician, who provides crucial information about the dog's high-profile lifestyle and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Notable Quotes:

• Betty [14:14]: "The dog's name is Masterpiece. He's only the most famous poodle on the planet."
• Carlie Q [17:00]: "The dog has his own beautician?"

Confronting Count Alexis Pulaski

Carlie Q meets Count Alexis Pulaski, Masterpiece’s wealthy owner, who is visibly distraught over the disappearance. Pulaski shares the extent of his dedication to Masterpiece, highlighting the dog's prominence and the extensive efforts undertaken to locate him.

Notable Quotes:

• Count Pulaski [17:22]: "Masterpiece was different. He actually dedicated his life to that dog."
• Carlie Q [20:23]: "Yeah, well, the lack of evidence does lean towards foul play."

Unraveling the Mystery

Through interviews and investigation, Carlie Q pieces together that Masterpiece either ran away for personal freedom or was possibly kidnapped for reasons beyond financial gain. Clues such as a mysterious woman in a red coat and the absence of any ransom demands deepen the intrigue.

Notable Quotes:

• Betty [21:08]: "I just heard a rumor that one eyewitness saw a mysterious woman in a red coat leaving here the day of the disappearance with a small gray poodle following her."
• Carlie Q [23:12]: "This is why. It's a mystery."

Conclusion and Reflections

Back in the present, Carlie Q reflects on the unresolved mystery, emphasizing the importance of values like freedom and friendship over material wealth. The episode concludes with a thoughtful message, encouraging listeners to appreciate what truly matters in life.

Notable Quotes:

• Carlie Q [24:22]: "I guess this shows that there are some things that are more important or valuable than being rich or comfortable. Like freedom or friendship."
• Carlie Q [24:54]: "Maybe this episode will help some folks see the really important things in life more clearly."

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Key Takeaways

• Scientific Exploration: The use of a convex lens demonstrates how scientific tools can aid in problem-solving and uncovering hidden details.
• Time-Travel Adventure: The integration of time travel adds an exciting dimension to the mystery, allowing exploration of different eras and their unique challenges.
• Value of Relationships: The narrative underscores the significance of non-material values such as freedom, friendship, and personal fulfillment.
• Engaging Storytelling: The episode effectively balances educational content with entertaining storytelling, making complex topics accessible and enjoyable for younger audiences.

Final Thoughts

"WeWow Mystery Week – Day 2: I Spy With My Magnified Eye" is a captivating episode that blends science, mystery, and adventure. Through the engaging characters of Mindy, Guy, Carlie Q, and the lovable Nibbles, listeners are taken on a journey that not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons. Whether you're a kid or a grown-up, this episode delivers plenty of "WOW" moments that inspire curiosity and critical thinking.

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Stay Connected: For more adventures and to make it wow with upcoming live events, visit Tinkercast.com/events.

Transcript

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, I've got a question for you. Are you ready to make it wow? Okay, here's the deal. My buddy Carlie Q and I are hitting the road to make it wow with you in the DC area. That's right, we'll be making it wow in Bethesda, Maryland on Saturday, March 29th. Make it wow is a live Bonkerballs competition game show where real little kids are the star of the show. Two teams of Wowzers will turn their wildest and weirdest ideas into jaw dropping inventions live on stage. Tickets are on sale now.

[Carlie Q]

Grown ups.

[Mindy Thomas]

Visit Tinkercast.com events to get your ticket today. That's Tinkercast.com events. We can't wait to make it wow with you this spring. But until then, let's get on with the show.

[Carlie Q]

Wow in the world. It's wewow week.

[Guy Raz]

Hello and welcome to wewow, a hands.

[Mindy Thomas]

On crash course in fun fun 101 for science seekers and inventoritos everywhere. I'm Mindy.

[Guy Raz]

And I'm Guy Raz.

[Mindy Thomas]

And we've got a serious mystery on our hands this week. The golden fake teeth that I got Grandma G for her birthday have gone missing.

[Guy Raz]

We found one clue so far and we're looking for more. Which is why I brought out my trusty magnifying glass, which has something called a convex lens.

[Mindy Thomas]

So convex, meaning that it bulges outwards and lens like something you can see through that angles light in a certain way.

[Guy Raz]

That's exactly right. You see, light travels through the lens and because the lens is curved, it changes the direction the light travels.

[Mindy Thomas]

So that means when we look at something through a convex lens, it looks different than if we were looking at something with our regular old eyeballs.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. And in this case, it makes small things look bigger. I figured it could help us notice things we wouldn't have noticed before.

[Mindy Thomas]

Great idea. Detective guy, private eye. Here, let's try it out.

[Guy Raz]

Ok, so let's try pointing the magnifying glass at the ground near the safe.

[Carlie Q]

Whoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

Look at how big the carpet fibers look. Like big fuzzy chunka pillars.

[Guy Raz]

Ugh. Mindy, your carpet has a ton of crumbs in it.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, so that's where those went. Let me taste.

[Guy Raz]

Well, this is interesting. The further I walk, the more the carpet is changing color.

[Mindy Thomas]

And if I didn't know any better, I'd say that those carpet fibers look less like carpet hairs and more like face hairs.

[Carlie Q]

Ouch. Hello there, Thomas Fingerling.

[Mindy Thomas]

What are you doing? On my floor.

[Carlie Q]

I'm just taking a nap. It's a very comfortable flooring out here.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hmm. Well, wouldn't you say this looks a little suspicious? Detective guy, private eye?

[Guy Raz]

That Mr. Fingerling broke into your house?

[Mindy Thomas]

No, that he returned at the scene of the crime.

[Carlie Q]

Crime? What crime?

[Guy Raz]

Someone took Grandma G Force's fake gold dentures.

[Carlie Q]

Oh, gross. I wouldn't touch someone's old teeth.

[Mindy Thomas]

Not old gold.

[Carlie Q]

I wouldn't touch those either.

[Guy Raz]

Well, wowzers. The mystery continues. If you want to make your own magnifying glass, go to tinkercast.com wewow and.

[Mindy Thomas]

Send us photos or videos to tinkercast.com.

[Guy Raz]

Share and now, here's an episode of who When? Wow. Mystery Edition.

[Carlie Q]

Can I get back to my nap now? Today's super secret podcast episode is all about dogs. Well, not entirely, but there are a in this episode. So cat people, be warned. Today I traveled back in time to the 1950s. I created a disguise, and I solved a mystery. Kind of. And it all started with man's best friend. I'm Carlie Q. And this is who When. Wow. Mystery Edition. Our past is vast and wild. Many things have brought us to this day. As history has been compiled. Some important details have slipped away in.

[Betty]

Our spectacular shared existence.

[Carlie Q]

We consider it our business to recognize a few folks you may not know. Made important inventions, asked all the right questions. History will never be the same. It was a regular, old normal day at the bureau of universal time travel historical exploration division, also known as Butt head. Or so I thought. Oh, hi, dogs. It only took me a second to remember that today was take your dog to work day. Wow, so many dogs. And the bureau went all in. Hey, look at you, dog. There were dogs everywhere. Hello. Nice to meet you. They even made an entire canine resources department. How does everybody here have a dog? Suddenly I felt weird about not having one. Kevin's got two dogs. Oh, it's busy up there. At least down here I can have some peace. Hey, Carla Q. Louis, you scared me. What are you doing down here?

[Lewis]

It's okay, buddy. Did the mean old lady scare you?

[Carlie Q]

Lewis is one of my two. Mm. You can't see this, but air quotes friends here at Butt head, and he's really more of a air quotes again frenemy. In a way. Seems pretty obvious to me that we do not get along, but sometimes he comes down and just hangs out by my desk for some reason.

[Lewis]

I was just down here giving Mr. Snarky Pants some quiet time and maybe a chance to do his business in private. There's so many other dogs up there, he gets a little anxious.

[Carlie Q]

Wait, do you mean do his business or do his business? Because I got all work down here and you want to say hi to.

[Lewis]

The lady with the wild's hair? Snarky.

[Carlie Q]

Do you? Huh? Wow, he's so small. What breed is he?

[Lewis]

He's a Palmer Huawadoodle. Carly, this is Mr. Snarkypants. You can call him Mr. Snarkypants. Snarky. You want to say hi to Carly?

[Nibbles]

No.

[Lewis]

I think that's a no. Where's your dog, Carly? You do have a dog, right?

[Carlie Q]

I have no idea why I suddenly cared about this so much. But I did not want Lewis to have something I didn't. You know how dogs are. So I reached out to my other office friend, Nibbles. Come here, girl. And if you've been listening, you know she's a rat. She was napping in her usual spot behind the fake plant by my desk.

[Betty]

Oh.

[Carlie Q]

Oh, look at you. There she is. I scooped her up and quickly wrapped her in the extra hoodie I had on my chair. Lewis, Mr. Snarkypants, say hello to Nibble.

[Lewis]

Ew. What kind of breed is that?

[Carlie Q]

Oh, she's a. Well, she is a Yorkenschnauzer Russell Terrierdoodle. Very rare and unique.

[Lewis]

Yeah, I'm not sure that's a legit pedigree for a dog. In fact, I'm not sure that's a dog or a pet of any kind that looks like a.

[Carlie Q]

Hey, excuse me. Nibbles is my friend. Hmm.

[Lewis]

Well, I may have to talk to K9 Resources about this. We'll see what they say. Anywho, thanks for letting us have some quiet time down here. Sorry about the puddles.

[Carlie Q]

Puddles?

[Lewis]

Paper towels are over there by the restrooms. Say bye, Mr. Snarky Pants. Back on the queue.

[Carlie Q]

Tell me about it. Talking to Lewis is like putting shaving cream on your pie instead of whipped cream. Yeah, I know, but I only did it once. And sorry about that, Nibbles. Thanks for being my substitute pet. Okay, gotta get back to work. Those files won't catalog themselves. When I finally sat down to work, there were a few files waiting for me to catalog. That's basically all I do here at the Bureau. File away random events in history. I'm an excellent detective, but I never get to actually investigate anything unless. Oh, here comes a new one.

[Mindy Thomas]

Event New York, May 29, 1953 Masterpiece missing.

[Carlie Q]

Yes, Another time sealed event. Technically, I'm not supposed to do anything with these files, but I can't resist a mystery. What kind of detective would I be if I didn't expect. Explore. I immediately pulled out my company issued handheld device. Hdad. Give me everything you've got on masterpieces in New York in 1953.

[HDAD]

Analyzing. Analyzing. New York, 1953. The Chrysler family sells the Chrysler Building for $18 million. Bing Crosby is a top movie star. And Tom McCann wingtips are the best selling shoe.

[Carlie Q]

HDAD refine.

[Mindy Thomas]

Search.

[Carlie Q]

New York, 1953 masterpiece.

[HDAD]

Analyzing.

[Carlie Q]

I'm thinking maybe a stolen painting or something. Or maybe a culinary masterpiece like perfect dessert or a really unique jello mold.

[HDAD]

Analyzing.

[Carlie Q]

Analyzing. This is not gonna get me anywhere. Nibbles, what do you think? Wanna see if Odie can help? Analyze. I really need to get HDAD to it for a tune up. I heard that Odessa is our resident elevator operator. She's been working here forever. And she operates the time portal which is basically just a basement service elevator that can take you to any point in history. Hello, Ms. Odessa. How are you today?

[Odie]

Greetings again, basement companion. Why so formal?

[Carlie Q]

Because today is a special day.

[Odie]

I know, it's take your dog to work day. I'm more of a cat person. That is a very ugly dog.

[Carlie Q]

Odie, this is Nibbles. She's a basement rat. You've seen her before?

[Odie]

Yes, but it's probably better if I pretend to think she's a dog.

[Carlie Q]

Fair point. Anyway, I got this, you know, time sealed file. And I was wondering if maybe.

[Odie]

Of course you do. Okay. But this is definitely the last time. Or maybe second to last. Could be third if you bring me more Bico. Those sweet rice cakes would just really hit the spot right about now.

[Carlie Q]

Okay. Noted. So we need to go to New York City, late May 1953. There's a missing masterpiece we need to find.

[Odie]

Yes, there is.

[Carlie Q]

You know this mystery?

[Odie]

A little.

[Carlie Q]

So what kind of masterpiece are we talking about here?

[Odie]

You'll see. There's an old saying that goes, that which is priceless has no cost. You would do well to remember that.

[Carlie Q]

That doesn't answer my question. Ode.

[Odie]

And of course, remember the time traveling rules. No interfering. You may observe, but not meddle. You cannot change anything in the past. And no chewing gum of any kind. Even sugar free.

[Carlie Q]

Okay, that's new. Got it.

[Odie]

A card key reader will remain where the time travel elevator deposits you. And you must return prior to the end of your break period. Any questions?

[Carlie Q]

Nope. No meddling, no changing, no gum, no sugar.

[Mindy Thomas]

Got it.

[Carlie Q]

I'm ready to go. New York, here I come. Whoa. New New York City. Concrete jungle. Where green tomatoes. It was New York City, all right. Not the way I knew it. Hey, watch out. This was 1953, and everything was different. Okay.

[Mindy Thomas]

All right, buddy.

[Carlie Q]

You, too. The cars were old timey, the people were dressed all fancy. And there were lost dog flyers posted on walls and telephone poles everywhere.

[Nibbles]

Ah, the city.

[Carlie Q]

Nibbles, you startled me. I always forget that Nibbles can talk.

[Mindy Thomas]

When we time travel.

[Nibbles]

A rat in a natural habitat.

[Carlie Q]

It's a weird side effect. I don't understand the logic of this science. Or is it magic?

[Nibbles]

Just the right amount of mold.

[Carlie Q]

Science, magic.

[Nibbles]

The freedom of the big city.

[Carlie Q]

Science.

[Nibbles]

Yeah. It's better than being somebody else's pet. Chihuahua. Radiant or whatever.

[Carlie Q]

Oh, I don't know. I bet Lewis's dog has a very comfortable life.

[Nibbles]

Hey, freedom is freedom. I like making my own choices.

[Carlie Q]

Fair enough. And I'm glad you're here, Nibbles. We have a who, when, wow mystery to solve. We know the when. It's 1953 New York.

[Nibbles]

Yeah, it is. The city's almost clean. Almost.

[Carlie Q]

We know the wow is a missing Masterpiece, but we don't know the who or the what.

[Nibbles]

It could be a what.

[Carlie Q]

Yeah, but what when wow doesn't sound as good.

[Betty]

Very valuable reward offered for any event.

[Carlie Q]

Hang on. What's that?

[Betty]

Lost dog. We lost Masterpiece. The most valuable dog in the world.

[Carlie Q]

He's missing and his name is Masterpiece.

[Betty]

What, have you been living under a rock? Yeah, his name is Masterpiece. He's only the most famous poodle on the planet.

[Nibbles]

Great. More dogs.

[Betty]

Hey, that's a cute little dog thing you got there in your bag. You're obviously a friend to animals. You think you could help?

[Carlie Q]

I could not believe that my missing Masterpiece was just another lost dog. I traveled back seven decades for this, but still, I could see how upset this lady was. She obviously needed help finding her poodle. Of course I can help. In fact, she kind of looked like a poodle. That's what I'm here for, Buffy. Hair, skinny legs and all.

[Betty]

You must be that private eye they said they were gonna hire to help with the investigation.

[Carlie Q]

Yes. Yes, I am.

[Betty]

Great. I'm Betty. I'm the dog's beautician.

[Carlie Q]

The dog has his own beautician?

[Betty]

This is not any normal dog, honey. This is Masterpiece. He's the champion of champion show dogs. He's won all the top dog shows. He's been in fashion shows. He was even in Vogue magazine.

[Carlie Q]

Okay, so he's a big deal.

[Betty]

He's the top dog.

[Carlie Q]

Literally.

[Betty]

His owner is Count Alexis Pulaski, a rich Russian who owns the dog breaming place for poodles across the street.

[Carlie Q]

You mean the one with the sign that says Poodles Incorporated?

[Betty]

That's the one.

[Nibbles]

Yes. That keen, Detectives. Aye.

[Betty]

You know, I could give your little friend here a really nice makeover while we're there. She looks a little ratty.

[Carlie Q]

Thank you, but we're fine. She's kind of her own masterpiece. Trust me. Come on, Nibbles. See you later. Yeah, Bye.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, we'll look out.

[Carlie Q]

Oh, watch out. Lady from the future coming through.

[Nibbles]

Ooh, this place is very fancy.

[Carlie Q]

Oh, suddenly being someone's pet doesn't seem so bad now, huh?

[Nibbles]

As pet habitats go, this is the nicest I've seen. But it's still just a fancy cage. Even though none of the dogs are unleashed.

[Carlie Q]

Poodles Incorporated was not like any dog kennel I'd seen before. They were in kennels? There were dogs here? Sure. Poodles. Lots of them. That seems pretty strange. But they were all laying around on pillows, chewing dog toys and lounging about.

[Count Pulaski]

May I help you?

[Carlie Q]

Ah, hello. Yes, I'm Carly Quinn. I am investigating the Masterpiece disappearance. I was wondering if.

[Count Pulaski]

Sorry, did someone say. That's Count Pulaski, the dog's owner. He's lying down in the back room. He's been inconsolable since the dog vanished. Did someone say dog vanished? We have to be very careful what we say, Obviously. Maybe we could step outside.

[Nibbles]

Would you get a load of all these ribbons and trophies?

[Carlie Q]

It was true. Look at that. The walls and shelves were covered with ribbons and trophies. But the pictures were what caught my eye. This little gray poodle was a big deal. He posed with major movie stars, he was in advertisements. He was even on a magazine cover under the headline Most Valuable Dog in the World. Come on, Nibbles.

[Count Pulaski]

Sorry about that. It's been a little hectic around here, as you can see.

[Carlie Q]

Is Mr. Er. Count Pulaski always this emotional?

[Count Pulaski]

No, not really. He's usually pretty professional with the dogs, but Masterpiece was different. He actually dedicated his life to that dog. He got him his own bodyguard, his own beautician.

[Carlie Q]

Yeah, we met earlier, actually.

[Count Pulaski]

He hired a lion trainer to teach the dog tricks. He even turned down an offer from the Pakistani ambassador, who was willing to pay 25,000 big ones to buy the dog as a gift for his wife.

[Carlie Q]

Whoa. In today's money, that would be nearly a quarter of a million dollars.

[Count Pulaski]

Say what now?

[Carlie Q]

I said he probably wouldn't sell him for a million dollars.

[Count Pulaski]

Ha, ha. You got that right, sister.

[Carlie Q]

Would you mind if we. I mean, I looked around a little.

[Count Pulaski]

Nah, of course not. Just don't mess with the dogs. I gotta go check on the boss. I'll be right inside the back if you need me.

[Carlie Q]

Hey, Nibbles, come out of the backpack for a sec. We gotta recap. This dog is living the good life, right?

[Nibbles]

You can say that again. His own beautician, bodyguard, good food, cushions to chew on, a warm place to make his nest. What else does he need?

[Carlie Q]

He's the most valuable dog in the world. So valuable that his owner wouldn't part with him for a. A quarter of a million dollars in today's money.

[Nibbles]

That would buy a lot of cushions.

[Carlie Q]

I don't know, Nibbles. Something doesn't add up here. I smell a rat.

[Nibbles]

Sorry. Sometimes I get gassy when I'm nervous.

[Carlie Q]

No, that's just an expression. It means something doesn't seem right. Let's go back in.

[Nibbles]

Good idea. Also, you might not want to open the backpack for a while.

[Count Pulaski]

So, any theories, Detective?

[Carlie Q]

Not as many as I'd like. So is it normal to have dogs just lying around like this? No leashes or crates or anything?

[Count Pulaski]

That's not necessary. These are very sophisticated animals. Our dogs are too well trained for leashes. Oh, and they love it here. Oh, look. Precious here is making herself a puppuccino.

[Carlie Q]

Aw, sea Nibbles Wood. Wouldn't you like to be able to have a puppuccino once in a while? Meh.

[Nibbles]

I'm more of a rat espresso girl myself.

[Carlie Q]

Touche.

[Count Pulaski]

Just two weeks ago, we were all here, just like this. It was the morning after the big Easter fashion show and Masterpiece was relaxing in his red lounger. Count Pulaski had an errand to run and I went downstairs for a bit to check on the inventory. Shortly after 1pm the Count returned and called for Masterpiece. But the dog didn't respond. I knew something was wrong right then, but we kept calling and calling. Eventually, we had to accept the fact that Masterpiece was gone.

[Carlie Q]

And what did you do then?

[Count Pulaski]

We called the police. The police called more police, who also called police.

[Carlie Q]

Wait, so how many police departments were involved?

[Count Pulaski]

13 different states. Plus we had dozens and dozens of volunteers. The Count has offered a reward, even a free poodle, no questions asked. But so far, no one has come forward.

[Carlie Q]

Hmm.

[Count Pulaski]

I smell a rat.

[Carlie Q]

Yeah, well, the lack of evidence does lean towards foul play.

[Count Pulaski]

No, I actually smell a rat. I have a very keen sense of smell.

[Carlie Q]

Maybe you're just smelling the puppuccinos oh, no, I wouldn't.

[Count Pulaski]

Did someone say puppuccino? Excuse me?

[Carlie Q]

I don't get it, Nibbles. Me neither.

[Nibbles]

Smell a rat or. Smell a rat? Sometimes I wish I never learned how to talk.

[Carlie Q]

No, I'm talking about this mystery. If somebody dog napped Masterpiece, they would have come for the reward by now, right? Or demanded ransom.

[Nibbles]

True. There's gotta be a reason why you'd go to the trouble of stealing a dog like this. And money is usually a pretty good reason, Connolly.

[Betty]

I'm glad you.

[Carlie Q]

Oh, hi, Betty.

[Betty]

There's something you should know, Carly. I just heard a rumor that one eyewitness told the police that they saw a mysterious woman in a red coat leaving here the day of the disappearance with a small gray poodle following her. And the dog was not on a leash.

[Carlie Q]

Well, there are a lot of gray poodles in here.

[Betty]

Yeah, but Masterpiece wasn't kept on a leash, ever. He was so well trained, no one thought he needed one.

[Nibbles]

Ooh, I got the chills.

[Betty]

Your dog pet here looks a little chilly in your handbag. Can I get you a puppuccino?

[Lewis]

Puppuccino?

[Carlie Q]

A mysterious lady in red. The mystery gets more mysterious.

[Betty]

It's a little weird that Masterpiece would just follow a stranger out the door, though. He's so happy here.

[Carlie Q]

You know he's never run off before, right?

[Betty]

No, never.

[Carlie Q]

Well, once he ran away once.

[Betty]

Actually, twice.

[Carlie Q]

Twice?

[Betty]

Well, the first time he was only nine months old. He ran into the woods and spent a few days in the New Jersey countryside before wandering back home.

[Nibbles]

Ooh, Jersey can be lovely this time of year.

[Betty]

Sorry. What?

[Carlie Q]

Nothing. What about the other time Masterpiece ran away?

[Betty]

Oh, that was just a little thing, a day trip, really. He snuck out the door and wandered around the city before strolling into a store on Park Avenue.

[Nibbles]

What did I tell you? The freedom of the big state, baby.

[Betty]

Okay, that time I definitely heard somebody. Is there something in your bag?

[Carlie Q]

You know what? I actually think I will have that puppuccino. Puppuccino?

[Betty]

Sure. I'll be right back.

[Carlie Q]

Come on, Nibbles, let's go. We gotta get back to the Time elevator. Anyway.

[Nibbles]

This is what I'm saying, Collie. No matter how comfortable your taste, it's still a cage. Even the most loyal pup knows that.

[Carlie Q]

So you think Masterpiece just ran away?

[Nibbles]

He did it twice before. Third time's the charm.

[Carlie Q]

But no one ever found him, and the whole city was looking. Besides, we can't ignore the lady in red.

[Nibbles]

The lady who kidnapped the dog but never collected the reward or asked for any ransom. Why do that?

[Carlie Q]

I don't know. This is why. It's a mystery.

[Nibbles]

Well, Inspector Q, here we are back at the time elevator. I think we have, what, 90 seconds left on your lunch break?

[Carlie Q]

Another granola bar at the desk again for lunch. It's actually never gonna get old though. I'd rather be doing this with lunch. It's fine. I don't mind.

[Odie]

Greetings, basement companion and animal companion. How are the poodles of New York?

[Carlie Q]

Confusing. It seems like we have two options. Either Masterpiece was dognapped by someone who didn't want money or anything, they just wanted to keep him as their pet, or he just ran away on his own. I don't think we'll ever know what happened.

[Odie]

Do you know what did not happen?

[Carlie Q]

Well, Masterpiece did not stay in his very posh and comfortable living space. And if someone kidnapped him, they did not do it for money or fame.

[Odie]

So what does that tell you?

[Carlie Q]

Well, I guess this shows that there are some things that are more important or valuable than being rich or comfortable. Like freedom or friendship. Oh, wait, I remember now. That which is priceless has no cost.

[Odie]

Now you see, I think so because I don't drink these chimes for my health, you know.

[Carlie Q]

Of course not. I get it. Alright. Thank you, Odie.

[Odie]

Have a good rest of your day, basement companion.

[Carlie Q]

And just like that, it was back to bring your dog to work day. Although now I didn't mind it so much. Down you go, Nibbles. Nibbles snuck back to her favorite spot and I settled back into my wall. Hey, thanks again for coming by. I could still hear the occasional bark or paw steps of the dogs in the upstairs office. Good friend. And it reminded me of how much Masterpiece meant to his people. Cataloged. I'm bummed we never found out what happened to him. But maybe this episode will help some folks see the really important things in life more clearly. You want one of these? Like love. These are dog treats and friendship and good company on big adventures. Okay. All right, here you go. I know this is a secret podcast and everything, but maybe this is one idea we should share with the world, huh? Until next time, this is Karlie Q signing off. And remember, you never heard this.

[Mindy Thomas]

Grown ups. If you like wow. In the world, you can listen early and ad free right now on Wondery.

[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].

[Carlie Q]

Survey.

[HDAD]

HDAB initiating end credits mode who Went Wow Mystery Edition is an original Tinkercast production with help from Gen Z Media. Handshake Emoji High five emoji for Tinkercast. The executive producers are Guy Raz, Mindy Thomas and Meredith Halpern Ranzer. The shows are written by Aaron Weissman, Danielle Nicki, Tom Van Kalken, Kenny Curtis and Mindy Thomas. Carly Shirocki is a producing consultant. Big shout outs to Jed Anderson, Steph Sosa, Henry Mouskal, Jessica Boddy, Natasha Crandall, Rebecca Kaban, Sona Ali Mohammed, Anna Dannecker, Anna Zagorsky and the rest of the team at Tinkercast. Megaphone Emoji Applause Emoji who Went Wow's theme song was composed and performed by the Pop Ups. For more information on their three time Grammy nominated all ages music, find them at thepopups.com Producers for Gen Z Media are David Kreizman, Ben Strauss, Chris Terry, Claire McClanahan and Amy Cervini at gzmshows.com sound design and editing is by Chris Terry and Oded Lev Ari. Voice editing by Yoni Reco Headphones emoji, microphone emoji, thumbs up emoji. Original music was created by Jennifer Rocamp and voice direction is handled by David Kreisman. Our main cast features Carly Shiraki as Carli Q, Brendan Salerno as Lewis, Melissa Vandershift as Nibbles the Rat, Kenny Curtis as Hdad and Angela Desai as Odie. Want to Explore who when WOW's mysteries even further? You can find free activities and resources to extend the [e-mail] and if you have a time sealed mystery you want Carli Q to explore, email [e-mail] HDAD Powering.