Wow in the World: WeWow on the Weekend (10/19/25)

Release Date: October 19, 2025
Hosts: Dennis, Post Officer Jen (Jellybird), Mindy Thomas, Guy Raz, Reggie
Podcast: Tinkercast | Wondery

Episode Overview

This playful weekend episode of Wow in the World centers on fun science talk with a focus on the mysteries of brain freeze! Host Dennis is joined by Post Officer Jen (aka Jellybird) for a quirky mail-themed segment before revisiting a classic "Wow in the World" episode (“Brain Freeze”) with Mindy and Guy. The episode blends educational science facts, relatable humor, behind-the-scenes moments, and tips for kids about mail delivery, brain freeze, and staying curious.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mail Carrier Guest Segment (03:23–08:45)

• Dennis introduces Post Officer Jen (Jellybird) in a humorous, slightly chaotic Q&A about the life of a mail carrier.
  • Multiple funny miscommunications about Jen’s name.
    • Dennis: “Jellybird is the cutest name I’ve ever heard.” (05:01)
• How mail is sorted and delivered:
  • Jen explains the sorting and loading process (“sort the mail…put it in the truck…deliver to addresses”). (05:58–06:25)
  • Description of the "arrow key": a special key mail carriers use to open mailboxes. (06:34–06:46)
• Clarification about emails: Dennis humorously asks if mail carriers carry emails in bags. Jen explains that traditional mail and email are separate. (07:24–07:30)
• What’s in the mail?
  • Jen describes the types of items (letters, postcards, packages) and emphasizes privacy laws (“There are rules…absolutely forbid me or anyone else from opening other people’s mail.”). (07:52–08:06)
  • Jen delivers Dennis’ mail live (08:11–08:35), including a funny catalog from “Super Villain Outfitters” and a static electricity bill.

2. Classic "Wow in the World" Moment: The Mystery of Brain Freeze (09:10–19:40)

• Dennis and Jen cue up and comment along with a previously released Wow in the World episode, “Brain Freeze.”

a. The Melting Gingerbread House (10:00–11:50)

• Mindy and Guy discuss the woes of living in a gingerbread house during summer (melting roof, edible doors, and the temptation to eat the house).
  • Mindy: “This chocolate door sure does look delicious. Maybe I’ll just take one little bite…” (11:19)

b. Making “Brown Cows” — the Scene of the Brain Freeze (12:17–13:44)

• They make a cold treat, “brown cows” (root beer floats with ice cream), and Guy gets a brain freeze after drinking too quickly.

  • Mindy: “You sucked up that entire bucket of brown cow so fast that you gave yourself brain freeze.” (13:45–14:25)

c. Science Behind Brain Freeze (14:25–15:12)

• Mindy explains the science:
  • Brain freeze (“sphenopalatine ganglion neuralgia”) is caused when something cold touches a nerve bundle (SPG) at the back of your palate.
  • Guy: “That’s a mouthful, literally.” (15:04)

d. Why Brain Freeze Happens (15:12–16:47)

• Brain’s dislike of sudden temperature changes, as explained by neuroscientist Dr. Duane Godwin:
  • Mindy: “The one thing our brains don’t like is when things change quickly, and that brain freeze is there to prevent it.” (15:45–16:06)
• No true “cure”—best advice is to eat cold foods slowly so your mouth can acclimate.

e. Tips to Avoid & Relieve Brain Freeze (16:47–18:27)

• Keep cold food in the front of your mouth.
• If you get brain freeze:
  • Trick: Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and tilt your head back (not the “jelly bean in the belly button” joke!).
    • Mindy: “With your tongue on the roof of your mouth, say, ‘I’m a little teapot!’” (18:03–18:14)
  • The warmth helps nerves recover.

f. Why Scientists Study Brain Freeze (18:27–19:05)

• Research into brain freeze helps scientists understand and treat more serious headaches, like migraines.

  • Guy: “So understanding these SPG nerves could possibly help scientists figure out different ways of dealing with other kinds of headaches.” (18:57–19:05)

g. Quirky Aftermath & Wrap Up (19:26–19:55)

• Mindy tries to enlist Guy to help rebuild her gingerbread house, while Guy tries to avoid any more sweet construction gigs.

3. Back to the Mailroom & Ice Cream Outing (20:01–20:37)

• Dennis and Jen share their snack cravings after the episode—both want ice cream, but debate the merits of popsicles with gumball eyes.
  • Dennis: “I want one of those popsicles with the gumball eyes.” (20:21)
  • Jen: “Ooh, those things freak me out.” (20:23)
  • Dennis is inspired to freeze everything before eating it—“I learned from Wow in the World that if you…”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dennis, on interviewing Post Officer Jen:
  • “Jellybird is the cutest name I’ve ever heard.” (05:01)
  • “Do you also deliver all the emails?” (07:24)
• Guy Raz, on the summer heat:
  • “I’m sweating like Richard Simmons to the oldies.” (10:16)
• Mindy Thomas, on gingerbread house woes:
  • “This chocolate door sure does look delicious. Maybe I’ll just take one little bite.” (11:19)
• Mindy, explaining brain freeze:
  • “That bundle of nerves called the sphenopalatine ganglion, or as some scientists just call it, the spg.” (15:06)
• Practical brain freeze remedy:
  • Mindy: “If you feel a brain freeze coming on, tilt your head back and press your tongue to the roof of your mouth for ten seconds.” (17:53)
  • “With your tongue on the roof of your mouth, say ‘I’m a little teapot!’” (18:03)
• Connection to migraine research:
  • “Those SPG nerves…are also responsible for migraines and cluster headaches, which can be super painful and last way longer than your typical ice cream headache.” (18:46)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:23 – Start of the main show, Dennis intro and mail carrier guest
• 04:47 – Post Officer Jen (Jellybird) enters interview
• 05:58–06:25 – Description of mail carrier job
• 06:34 – Explanation of the “arrow key” for mailboxes
• 07:24 – Dennis asks about emails
• 08:11–08:35 – Dennis receives (and laughs about) his mail
• 09:10 – “Inside Tinkercast Studios” segment—setup for replaying “Brain Freeze”
• 10:00 – “Brain Freeze” episode begins
• 13:45 – Guy gets brain freeze from the brown cow
• 14:25 – Explanation of brain freeze science
• 15:45 – Brain’s response to fast temperature changes explained
• 16:19 – Dr. Vertrees’ advice on avoiding brain freeze
• 17:53 – Remedy for brain freeze described
• 18:46 – Brain freeze’s connection to migraines and research
• 20:01 – Post-listen chat: craving ice cream and wrap-up

Summary

This episode offers a lively mashup of silly interviews, fascinating science facts, and genuine curiosity. Listeners learn all about the job of mail carriers (and why they don’t deliver your emails!), and then dive into a classic Wow in the World segment all about brain freeze—what causes it, how to avoid it, and what scientists can learn from it. The episode is packed with memorable lines, playful tone, and practical wisdom, leaving listeners hungry for both knowledge and ice cream.

Perfect for: Kids, families, and the naturally curious who love their science with a big serving of laughter.