Wow in the World — WeWow on the Weekend (10/25/25)
Main Theme
This episode combines the playful curiosity of the "WeWow on the Weekend" format—hosted by Dennis and his pigeon sidekick Reggie—with a science-filled revisit of "Wow in the World" Season 1, Episode 18: "Cocoa for Cocoa," featuring Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz. The show is packed with quirky listener questions, a comical journey to the origins of chocolate, and fun scientific insights about memory and the surprising brain benefits of dark chocolate.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Weekend Kickoff and Q&A Segment (02:19-08:47)
Show Introduction and Banter
- Dennis, with his signature offbeat humor, tries to assign Reggie various pigeon titles, setting a playful scene in his mother's basement.
- Memorable moment: Dennis listing pigeon nicknames and Reggie objecting to each, ending in “Reggie the extremely fussy pigeon who is kind of getting on my nerves right now.” (02:47)
Listener Questions
- The Q&A segment is driven by lighthearted, imaginative listener calls:
- Why is Dennis in charge of questions?
- “I'm not in charge of all the questions. The Wowzers are in charge of all the questions, Reggie. No, I don't ask the questions, I give the answers. Because, Reggie, I have lots of good answers and I'm very generous and I give them away for free.” — Dennis (04:56)
- How is rice cooked?
- Dennis humorously explains: “Rice is cooked by reading the instructions on the package, then throwing the package away, then forgetting the instructions and having to dig the package out of the trash again.” (05:28)
- Do you still play with toys?
- Dennis lists household items as favorite toys—like the coffee grinder and ice cube maker—much to Reggie’s dismay, until a caller mentions Rubik’s cubes and Lego, which he approves as “good toys.” (06:11-06:58)
- If you sweat in a sweater, does that make you the sweater?
- “If you sweat in a sweater that makes you sweaty but also fashionable.” (07:12)
- Why is Dennis in charge of questions?
Closing the Segment
- Dennis wraps up, reminding listeners to send in more questions.
- Teaser for next segment: “Inside Tinkercast Studios,” revisiting a classic episode on chocolate origins.
2. Inside Tinkercast Studios: "Cocoa for Cocoa" (10:04-23:00)
Preparation for Adventure
- Guy Raz tries to sneak away on a scientific trip, but Mindy investigates:
- “You're packing a bag...You want me to believe it's not interesting?” — Mindy (10:56)
- Guy finally confesses: “I'm going on a scientific trip to study the Theobroma cacao plant.” (11:15)
Journey to the Origins of Chocolate
- Mindy insists on joining Guy Raz to Colombia, birthplace of the cocoa tree, with a cameo from Reggie the pigeon.
- Playful banter about chocolate forests and mythical candy figures sets the tone for the exploration (16:00).
Discovering the Cacao Plant
- Learning that chocolate comes from the seeds inside cacao fruit, which taste surprisingly nothing like chocolate.
- “You said we were coming here for chocolate, and all I'm tasting is a slightly sweet and sour lime thing with a bunch of annoying seeds inside it.” — Mindy (17:25)
- Guy Raz explains: “Those seeds you're spitting out, that's where the chocolate comes from.” (17:34)
- Mindy reacts after tasting the seeds: “Well, I’m not tasting any cocoa. All I taste is gross.” (17:57)
How Chocolate is Made
- Guy explains the scientific process: drying, roasting, and grinding the seeds to make cocoa.
- Only after adding sugar, milk, and cocoa butter does it resemble chocolate as we know it.
The Science on Memory and Chocolate
- Guy Raz reveals the main science focus: flavonoids in dark chocolate improve memory—especially in older adults.
- “A naturally occurring chemical in chocolate can actually help improve your memory.” — Guy Raz (19:37)
- Mindy humorously responds: “I knew it all along. Boys, bring in the Butterfinger.” (19:46)
- Important clarification: Not all chocolate, but specifically those high in flavonoids (like dark chocolate or cocoa nibs), provide benefits.
- “Flavonoids are found naturally in the cocoa bean...in things like cocoa nibs and dark chocolate.” — Guy Raz (20:44)
- Guy shares findings from Italian scientific studies showing “eating lots of flavonoids can boost the blood to a part of the brain called the dentate gyrus...thought to be the part of the brain that creates memories.” (21:03-22:10)
Chocolate Tasting and Final Antics
- Mindy tries cocoa nibs (“Here. These taste like rocks.”), and prepares to head off for more indulgence.
- The journey ends with Dennis and Reggie considering making “flavonoid pie...or flavonoid salad” to protect the dentate gyrus, tying the show’s recurring silliness to the science lesson. (23:05)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Dennis to Reggie: “Reggie the extremely fussy pigeon who is kind of getting on my nerves right now.” (02:56)
- Dennis on rice cooking: “Reading the instructions on the package, then throwing the package away, then forgetting the instructions and having to dig the package out of the trash again.” (05:28)
- Mindy’s fashion-forward take: “If you sweat in a sweater that makes you sweaty but also fashionable.” (07:12)
- Guy Raz, explaining the science: “A naturally occurring chemical in chocolate can actually help improve your memory.” (19:37)
- Mindy on taste-testing cacao seeds: “Well, I'm not tasting any cocoa. All I taste is gross.” (17:57)
- Guy Raz on flavonoids: “Flavonoids are found in several other foods, like blueberries...and of course, chocolate.” (21:43)
- Closing Dennis line (memory theme): “I need to go protect my dentate gyrus.” (24:05)
Important Segments & Timestamps
- Dennis & Reggie Introduction: 02:19–04:38
- Listener Q&A: 04:38–07:58
- Inside Tinkercast Studios intro: 08:47–10:04
- Guy Raz’s Chocolate Adventure Begins: 10:04–11:26
- Exploring the Chocolate Forest (Colombia): 15:21–17:25
- Chocolate Science & Memory: 19:37–22:25
- Closing Thoughts and Antics: 23:05–24:05
Episode Tone
- Playful and silly: Dennis and Mindy’s antics, Reggie’s pigeon protests, running gags about chocolate, and household “toys.”
- Educational: Lucid yet fun explanations from Guy Raz about chocolate’s botanical and biochemical secrets.
- Engaging for kids and grown-ups alike: Jokes, listener participation, and memorable science facts are intertwined.
Summary
WeWow on the Weekend delivers a delightful science adventure blending Dennis and Reggie's absurd humor with insightful, kid-friendly science as Mindy and Guy Raz trace the path from cacao fruit to chocolate bar—and explain why dark chocolate might be a treat for your brain. With listener questions ranging from sweaters to rice and an imaginary chocolate field trip, it’s all about curiosity, comedy, and saying “WOW!” to the wonders of the world.