WeWow on the Weekend (11/16/25)

Summary

Wow in the World: WeWow on the Weekend (11/16/25)

Hosted by Dennis (with Reggie) | Featuring Mindy Thomas & Guy Raz
Release Date: November 16, 2025
Podcast Theme: Celebrating kids’ science, curiosity, and community, this episode features a listener talent show alongside a fun, behind-the-scenes relisten of a fan-favorite "Wow in the World" story.

---

Episode Overview

This weekend’s "WeWow on the Weekend" brings listeners the second part of the Wee Wow Talent Show, spotlighting the impressive and sometimes hilarious talents of young Wowzers who called in. Afterward, Dennis and Reggie introduce a revisit to a fan-favorite "Wow in the World" episode: "Extreme Makeover: Spider Edition," combining fun science facts with classic Wow comedic flair.

---

Key Segments and Highlights

1. Special November Announcements (00:12–02:05)

• Mindy Thomas teases a month full of special events on Wow in the World:
  • Upcoming Mars special (with “Emily the Space Gal” Calandrelli).
  • Turducken episode with Circle Round and Terrestrials (Radiolab for Kids).
  • An episode featuring Elmo from Sesame Street (Nov 24).
  • On Dec 1: The 250th episode, which will be a musical!
  • Members-only listening party for the 250th episode (Nov 22, 7pm ET).
• Quote, Mindy Thomas (01:25):
  “We think this week is going to be music to your ears. Literally. Did I mention it’s a musical?”

---

2. Wee Wow Talent Show—Part 2! (02:05–10:08)

Introduction (02:05–03:07)

• Dennis and Reggie kick off the second installment with Dennis’s trademark offbeat theme song.

Listener Talents (03:44–10:08)

• Taylor (Burlington, IA):
  Attempts Bop It record (first call is cut off, comes back later and nails it).
  “I just beat Bop It. Isn’t that cool?” – Taylor (06:40)

• Vibel (Age 9):
  Performs the Super Mario theme on ukulele.
  Dennis: “That was so good.” (05:48)

• Josie (Chicago, Age 8):
  Plays piano for Dennis and Reggie.

• Ethan (Age 7):
  Sings a custom song:
  “Dennis is yapping, Reggie is laughing his head off, and he can’t stop!” (07:35)

• Nathan:
  Raps as Dennis, poking fun at Dennis’s own rapping style.
  Dennis: “I remember when I did that cool, cool rap.” (08:22)

• Tucker (Ontario, Age 6):
  Sings an original about bunnies:
  “Bunnies are the best, bunnies are the best, take one for a pet and give it some bread…” (08:37)

• Group Talent: Theo, Hugh, Kate, Liam, and Taylor:
  Whistling, singing, and keyboard performance of the "Wee Wow on the Weekend" theme song.
  Dennis: “Woohoo! Those were some amazing talents! Thanks to everyone who called in to be a part of our show.” (10:08)

---

3. Inside Tinkercast Studios: "Extreme Makeover: Spider Edition" Relisten (10:42–31:13)

Intro & Set-Up (10:42–12:34)

• Dennis introduces a relisten segment to a previous Wow in the World episode focused on spiders and makeovers.

"Extreme Makeover: Spider Edition" Story Highlights

• Premise:
  Mindy wins tickets to visit the TV show “Date or Bait,” a hilarious spider-themed matchmaking/dance competition show.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “I just won a behind-the-scenes tour of… Wait for it… Date or Bait!” – Mindy (16:49)
  • “That’s, like, the main point of the show, Mindy… If the male jumping spider is unable to impress the female jumping spider during its mating dance, well then…” – Guy Raz (24:01)
• Science Takeaway:
  • Jumping spiders use dance moves and bright colors (like red faces) to attract mates.
  • University of Florida researchers studied whether face color and “hair height” (using fake eyelashes on jumping spiders) affect mating success and chances of not being eaten by females.
  • Red or tall features signal warnings—examples of aposematism (warning coloration in nature).
• Memorable Moments:
  • Guy Raz admits to loving “Date or Bait” and even wearing the show’s T-shirt for gardening. (17:34)
  • Mindy and Guy discuss warning colors and camouflage, explaining why some animals want to stand out, not blend in.
    “That’s what I think. It’s half ‘check out my cool red face’ and half ‘don’t eat me or I might poison you!’” – Mindy (28:17)
  • The "fake eyelash" spider makeover:
    • “Hold the phone, Guy Raz. You’re telling me that that spider is wearing fake eyelashes on his head?” – Mindy (29:45)
    • “Correctamundo.” – Guy Raz (29:56)

---

4. Wrap Up & Goodbye (31:13–34:16)

• Dennis invites listeners to join, call in, and share questions or talents for future episodes.
• Plans with Reggie to give themselves “spider makeovers” using pool noodles for legs.
• Closing credits, team thank-yous, and member info.

---

Notable Quotes & Funniest Moments

• “We wow on the weekend. Yeah, we wow on the weekend. Clap clap. We wow on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend.” – Dennis (02:05)
• “With a wig that tall, I’d say so, Mindy.” – Guy Raz, on spider antennae and mating luck (30:29)
• “We should give ourselves spider makeovers!” – Dennis (31:13)
• “My name is Dennis, and I’m here to say, I am Dennis. Great. I’m so good at rapping and rapping. So cool…” – Nathan, listener (08:03)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|------------| | Announcements & November Teasers | 00:12–02:05| | Talent Show Theme & Introduction | 02:05–03:07| | Listener Talent: Taylor (Bop It) | 03:44–04:29| | Listener Talent: Vibel (ukulele) | 04:39–05:48| | Listener Talent: Taylor, part II | 05:55–06:52| | Listener Talent: Josie (piano) | 07:02–07:28| | Listener Song: Ethan & Nathan | 07:35–08:22| | Listener Song: Tucker (bunnies) | 08:30–08:57| | Group Theme Performance | 08:58–10:08| | Inside Tinkercast Studios begins | 10:42 | | “Extreme Makeover: Spider Edition” | 12:38–31:13| | Wrap-up and Spider Makeover plans | 31:13–32:46| | Credits & Sign-Off | 32:46–34:16|

---

Tone and Style

• Playful, silly, fun—Dennis’s mix of offbeat energy paired with Mindy and Guy’s science storytelling.
• Kid-centric, embracing “wow” moments and spontaneous laughter.
• Science made accessible—explained via games, jokes, and story.

---

For Listeners New and Old

A classic “WeWow on the Weekend”: heartwarming, community-building, and full of contagious excitement about kid creativity and quirky science. Whether you want life lessons in spider dating strategy or just need the cheer of a bunny song, this episode brings the WOW.

Transcript

[Guy Raz]

Grown Ups Wondery subscribers can listen to wow in the World early and ad free right now. Join Wondery in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids plus on Apple Podcasts.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, I gotta let you know that this November is about to get a lot more wow. Join us each week for the rest of the month for special episodes of wow in the World. Starting this week with a brand new episode on Mars with special guest Emily the space gal Calendrali. Next week, grab a plate and join us for a slice of Turducken with a special new episode featuring our friends at Circle Round and Terrestrials on Radiolab for kids. And don't miss when Elmo from Sesame street stops by wow in the World to make us all belly laugh on November 24th. Oh, but that's not all, Reg. On December 1st, we are sharing our 250th episode of wow in the World with all of you. We think this week is going to be music to your ears. Literally. Did I mention it's a musical? And if you're a member of the world organization of wowzers. Oh boy, do I have a surprise for you. You can listen to our 250th episode early with me and other members from around the world on Saturday, November 22nd at 7:00pm Eastern. That's right, we are throwing another listening party. Join us as we dance along to our new songs. React to the episode with other members in chat and more grown ups. If you want your Wowzer to join this members only listening party, you can sign up to become a member [e-mail] wow. Already a member? Well, you can find the link and password to join the event when you sign [e-mail] wow. That's it. It's gonna be a November to remember, but for now let's get on with the show.

[Dennis]

We wow on the weekend. We wow on the weekend. We wow on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend. Talking, laughing, me and Reggie singing, laughing. And then we. Oh wait, no, I said laughing twice. Whatever. We wow on the weekend. Yeah we wow on the weekend. Clap clap. We wow on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend. Hello and welcome to WEW on the Weekend. I'm your host Dennis and that's my co host Reggie. This is the show where we chit chat and answer questions from our fans and listen to Tinkercast podcasts. And today we have an exciting part two of our talent show that's right. Our devoted listeners called in with their amazing talents. And now we're gonna listen to them. Let's do it.

[Guy Raz]

Ahem.

[Dennis]

Here they are. They're superstars. Talent galore. We've got so much in store. They're dancing and singing and juggling chainsaws. And the chainsaws are on fire. And the fire's full of chainsaws. Oh, let these kids have so many chainsaws.

[Mindy Thomas]

I don't know.

[Dennis]

Welcome to the Wee Wow Talent Show. Thank you. Thank you. We have an incredible lineup of talented wowzers today. So let's get to it. Okay, Here we go. And talents.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Hi, my name is Taylor from Burlington, Iowa.

[Dennis]

Hi, Taylor.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

And I've got a surprise talent for you. I'm gonna be beating. Bop it.

[Dennis]

Bop it. The game.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Reggie. Dennis.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Score, 100. Score, 13. Sorry about that. I gotta hang out.

[Dennis]

Looks like we have some technical difficulties. Don't worry, Taylor. I got you. Next talent. Next talent.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Hi, Dennis. I'm VIBEL, and I'm 9 years old. And I'll be performing Super Mario theme song for the talent show on ukulele.

[Guy Raz]

Ooh.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Sam Sa.

[Dennis]

That was so good. Okay, next talent. Next talent.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Hi, Dennis. It's Taylor here in Burlington, Iowa.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, good.

[Dennis]

Taylor called back.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Sorry, I hung up when trying to do my talent because I had to get to dinner.

[Dennis]

Oh, naturally.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Dennis, Reggie, sit back and enjoy the show.

[Dennis]

And Tyler. Go, go, go. Ooh, it's getting faster. I can't watch. I can't watch.

[Mindy Thomas]

I can't watch.

[Dennis]

I can't watch.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

I just beat Muppet. Isn't that cool?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah. Wow.

[Guy Raz]

I know.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Have a great day, Dennis and Reggie, thank you, and I hope you like the sound.

[Dennis]

I did like the sound.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Have a good day.

[Dennis]

Thank you, Taylor. And next talent.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Hi, my name is Josie, and I'm 8 years old, and I live in Chicago. And my talent is that I can play the piano. Bye, Cap. Dennis and Wedgie.

[Dennis]

Yay. Thank you, Josie. Okay, next talent. Next talent.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Hi, my name is Ethan. I'm seven years old. Mike, how? Evan is writing songs. Dennis is yapping. Revie is laughing his head off. And he can't stop. And he can't stop.

[Dennis]

Yay. Thank you, Ethan. Okay, next up, we have Nathan. Take it away, Nathan.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

So I'm gonna do a song. This, this. I'm gonna pretend that I'm being you. Three, two. My name is Dennis, and I'm here to say I am Dennis. Great. I'm so good at rapping and rapping. So cool. My. I always rap and very satisfying. Bye.

[Dennis]

Yay. Thank you, Nathan. I remember when I did that. Cool, cool rap. Okay, next talent.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Hi, Dennis. My name is Tucker. I'm six years old and I live in Ontario, Canada. And I have a song for you.

[Dennis]

Let's hear it, Tucker.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Bunnies are the best. Bunnies are the best. She'll take one for a pet and give it some bread. Bunnies are the best. Bunnies are the best. She'll take one for a pet and give it some bread. Bunnies in the pool, Bunnies in the sky.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Bunny is a watch though. So let's say hi.

[Dennis]

Wow.

[Guy Raz]

Hi.

[Dennis]

Great job, Tucker.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay.

[Dennis]

And for our last talent, we're going to hear from some wowzers performing together. Next up is Theo, Hugh, Kate, Liam and Taylor. Take it away.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Hey, Dennis. This is Theo. My name's Hugh. My name's K. My name is Liam and I am going to whistle. I will be singing We Wow on the weekend theme song and playing it on the keyboard. Wee wow on the weekend. We wow on the weekend. Wee wow on the weekend. This is what we do on the weekend. Talking salad, moving and ready. Singing, laughing. And then we. Oh wait, I said laughing twice. Whatever. We wow on the weekend. Yeah, we wow on the weekend. We wow on the weekend. Cause of what we do on the weekend. Thank you. Have a great day.

[Dennis]

Woohoo. Those were some amazing talents. Thanks to everyone who called in to be a part of our show. And if you've got a question for me, call and leave me a message. The number is 1-888-7-WOW WOW. That's 1-888-7-WWOW WOW. I just might answer your question on Wee Wow on the weekend. Okay, that takes care of that. Next up is a little segment I like to call Inside Tinkercast Studios.

[Guy Raz]

Ahem.

[Dennis]

Inside Tinkercast Studios. This is the part where we revisit an episode of one of my favorite Tinkercast show. We're listening to wow in the World, Season 3, Episode 1 called Extreme Makeover Spider Edition. Oh. Two of my favorite things. Makeovers and spiders. Yeah, I think spiders are really cool. I like how they spin their webs. It's like they do a crafternoon every day. Spiders and I have so much in common. I can't wait anymore. Let's listen. Okay, here we go. And play.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wee wow. We'll be right back.

[Dennis]

Grown ups.

[Mindy Thomas]

This message is for you. Hey, grownups. Mindy here from wow in the world, the number one podcast for curious kids and their grownups. That's you. And we are so excited to bring the wows of the world to your home with our brand new wow in the World stem toys from Wondery Kids and Themes and Cosmos. Channel your inner astronomer with our wow in the World telescope kit. Or zoom in on the tiny wows of nature with our wow in the World microscope and biology kit. You can even tinker like real scientists with our 100 experiments that wow kit. And with every wow in the World stem toy, you unlock access to exclusive audio content from me and my buddy, Guy Raz. There are so many ways to wow. So whether you're shopping for a kid who loves science or one who doesn't just yet, our wow in the World's stem toys are the perfect gift for your curious kids. Grown ups. Visit tinkercast.comtoys to shop the wow Now. That's it. Now back to the show.

[Dennis]

Wow in the World.

[Mindy Thomas]

Come on.

[Guy Raz]

Hey, you.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Shoot into bongo in the big two.

[Mindy Thomas]

Gotcha.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

In the morning on 97. Three the wall, wobbling your way through the work week.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, good. We didn't miss it. Hey, Reg, we didn't miss it.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

If you're tuning in right now, you're probably getting ready for our big giveaway.

[Mindy Thomas]

I am. Woo boy. We received thousands of entries over the last couple weeks. Tell em what's up for grabs, Bongo.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Well, Toot, one of our lucky listeners will win a spot for themselves and two of their closest friends to go behind the scenes on the hottest show on tv. Which is Date or Bait, the matchmaking show that pairs up two single spiders who are looking to find their one true love.

[Mindy Thomas]

Whoa. I love that show. Part matchmaking show, part dance off, part makeover spectacular. What's not to love?

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Probably the fact that all the contestants are spiders.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, yeah.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Okay, listeners, I got all of our entries right here in this giant fishbowl. Toot, why don't you go ahead and grab that fishing rod over there?

[Mindy Thomas]

You got it, Bongo.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

And cast it in.

[Dennis]

Woo.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, I think I got one. Drum roll. Please, please be me. Please be me. Please say my name. Please be me. The winner is. Say my name. Mindy. Wait, really?

[Caller/Listener Kids]

That's it?

[Mindy Thomas]

Just the name. Mindy. I won.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

It just says Mindy. There's no address or.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, it just says Mindy.

[Guy Raz]

Reg.

[Mindy Thomas]

I won. Reg.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Super weird. Hey, Alex, could we follow up on this? Mindy. Yeah, yeah.

[Mindy Thomas]

No, no.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

There's no address. Just a name. It's just a name.

[Mindy Thomas]

Winner, winner. Mayonnaise for dinner. Hey, Reg. Man, he missed the whole thing. Guess what Nope. Uh, no, not even close. Okay, okay, I'll tell you. So you know those thousands of letters that you helped me mail to Wobble fm? Yeah, for that spider matchmaking show. Well, I won. I know. I'm so excited. So you got any plans for tonight? Sausage making class. Alright, we'll have you back here by seven. Okay, so let me just grab my things here. Wallet, keys, magnifying goggles. What? Spiders are really small. And a banana flavored cake. You can never have too much potassium. Okay, Reg, you ready to kick it? Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk. Open the door. Closing the door. Locking the door. Key code 111-11-1112.

[Dennis]

Hey Mindy, you know, you should really consider using a variety of numbers. Like maybe a three.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hi, Dennis.

[Dennis]

Oh, oh, a seven. That would be a great number. Well, now what are you doing?

[Mindy Thomas]

Um, well, I just won tickets to go behind the scenes of the television smash sensation Date or Bait. So I. Oh, cool.

[Dennis]

Reality tv, super retro. You know, Mindy, you should really watch something more substantial. They say it's the golden age of television after all.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, sure. Thanks.

[Dennis]

There's this new docu series on HBO about candle making.

[Mindy Thomas]

It's Guy Raz. No.

[Guy Raz]

Hey, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

What are you doing out here in your yard?

[Guy Raz]

Well, it's a Tuesday morning, Mindy, so I'm tending to my tulips.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, I.

[Guy Raz]

Isn't that right, little tulip?

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh yeah, Tulip Tuesdays. How could I forget?

[Guy Raz]

Hey, where are you and Reggie off to?

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, super exciting news. Are you ready for it?

[Guy Raz]

As I'll ever be.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, I just won a behind the scenes tour of. Wait for it.

[Guy Raz]

I'm waiting.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait for it.

[Guy Raz]

I'm waiting.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait for it. I'm waiting. Date or bait?

[Guy Raz]

Date or Bait?

[Mindy Thomas]

I can't get a good read on your inflection. Have you heard of it?

[Guy Raz]

Ever heard of it, Mindy? It's my favorite show.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, really? Because I always took you as more of a historical documentary miniseries on the history of Kale kind of Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Well, yeah, that is true. While Kale to the Chief is one of my favorite TV shows.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, until the network execs kaled it.

[Guy Raz]

I love Date or Bait. It's actually a really scientifically fascinating show. In fact, check it out. I have one of their shirts on right now. I use it for gardening.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, what does that T shirt say? Eensy weensy spider, love to strut and pout. Date or ba. Hey, Guy Raz, do you want to come with us?

[Guy Raz]

Can I do that?

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz, you can do anything you put your mind to. Except for sneeze with your eyes open and tickle yourself. Yes, of course you can come, Bongo and the big toot said I could bring two buddies.

[Guy Raz]

Bongo and who?

[Mindy Thomas]

The big toot from the radio.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, right.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Well.

[Guy Raz]

Well, I'd love to come, Mindy. Let me just change into something a little more appropriate for the occasion.

[Mindy Thomas]

You're gonna do that right here? Oh. Were you wearing that suit under your gardening clothes this whole time?

[Guy Raz]

Of course I was. You never know when you're gonna have to make a quick change.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, that's what Grandma GeForce always says. Except she always wears her wrestling leotard under her clothes. Which are also wrestling leotards. Anyhoo, we should probably get going. The radio station didn't mention any time or place or even where we're supposed to be meeting. But I figured we could just ask your Zoodle where they shoot the show and then just go there.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, sure. I just upgraded her firmware. She now interrupts you to finish your question.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow, that sounds really annoying.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, I know, but it also makes my requests 22% more efficient.

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh huh.

[Guy Raz]

Hey, Zoodle, where do they shoot? Date or dater?

[Mindy Thomas]

A person who goes out on dates.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Typically on a regular basis.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, boy.

[Guy Raz]

No, Zoodle, where do they shoot?

[Mindy Thomas]

Shoot to kick, hit, or throw a ball in an attempt to score a goal in a sporting match.

[Guy Raz]

No, Zoodle, where do they.

[Mindy Thomas]

It's Hollywood.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy Thomas]

I just looked it up on my phone.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, I really don't think you're taking.

[Mindy Thomas]

Advantage of the HMS Advantage was an old wooled wooden ship built in 1590 by the Royal Navy. Okay, you ready to go?

[Guy Raz]

You betcha.

[Mindy Thomas]

All right, let me just climb up here.

[Guy Raz]

Hey, hey, Mindy, can you give me a hand?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yep. Hold on tight, little buddy, and I'll pull you up. Okay. Hold on tight. Guy Raz and Reg, set a course for Hollywood, California. Cause here we go. Guy Raz, look down there. There it is. The TV studio. Hey, Reg, I think now's a good time to land.

[Guy Raz]

Wow, look at this place, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

I know. A real life TV set. Lights, cameras, a crab services table, snacks. Don't mind if I do. Run, run, run, run. Tropical ranch flavored exploding ants.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, Mindy. Mindy. I think that food's for the actors and crew.

[Dennis]

Oop.

[Mindy Thomas]

Um, can I help you? Mm, yeah, I'm a winner. Uh, cool. Mm. I'm sorry. What I meant to say was, I am the winner for the date or bait behind The Scenes Tour. Oh, you must be Mindy. That's me. Well, I'm so glad you made it. The show's about to start. Follow me. Talk about perfect timing. Actually, perfect timing is filling on the other lot. Sorry? Oh, no, I was just saying. Here we are. Okay, here are your guesses.

[Caller/Listener Kids]

Passes.

[Mindy Thomas]

Are the tweed suit and the pigeon with you?

[Guy Raz]

Hey, I'm more than just a pretty tweed suit.

[Mindy Thomas]

I'm a. Oh, yes. Yes, they are great. If you just want to put these around your neck, you should be good to go. Oh, well. Ooh la la. Mine is shiny. The stage is right through there. I'll leave you to it. Enjoy the show.

[Dennis]

Thank you.

[Guy Raz]

Thanks.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow.

[Guy Raz]

Hey, Mindy. I can't believe we're actually here.

[Mindy Thomas]

I know. I'm so excited. Excited I can throw up. In fact, it went away.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Everyone, please find your seats. We are about to begin the show.

[Guy Raz]

Come on, Minnie. I think I spot some seats right there. You too, Reg.

[Dennis]

Roll sound.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Hello, and welcome back to the hottest show on tv. It's day four this week. As with every week, our goal is to help these spiders find their one true love. Now, by round of applause, how many of you have seen this show before? So you know what to do? Ladies and gentlemen, let's keep that round of applause going for our first bachelorette for this evening. Say hello to Charlotte. She's a jumping spider from North America. Her favorite food is blowflies. And when she's not devouring her prey, you can find her chilling in temperate rainforests, scrublands, and mountainous regions. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage Charlotte.

[Guy Raz]

I think she's gonna win.

[Mindy Thomas]

Karaz, you haven't even met the other contestants yet.

[Dennis]

Shh. Oh.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

And now for our first bachelor. Also a jumping spider from the Harboronitus perithrix species. This itsy bitsy spider says his best feature is his bright red face. And his biggest fear is being eaten by a female jumping spider. Well, good luck with that, buddy. Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to. Aragon.

[Mindy Thomas]

Doesn't want to be eaten by a female spider. What is he talking about? About Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

That's, like, the main point of the show. Mindy, I thought you said you watched this all the time.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, so I've only seen one episode, and I was fixing the wow machine while I was watching it, so I really have no idea what this show is about.

[Guy Raz]

Well, lucky for you, you've got the world's biggest date or bait fan sitting right next to you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Reggie. No way.

[Guy Raz]

No, Mindy, I'm talking about me.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, yeah. Right. So what's the deal with not wanting to be eaten?

[Guy Raz]

Well, that's one of the things about jumping spiders. The females of the species are cannibalistic.

[Mindy Thomas]

Cannibalistic? You mean they eat their own species?

[Guy Raz]

That's right. If the male jumping spider is unable to impress the female jumping spider during its mating dance, well then.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Lucky Aragog.

[Dennis]

Yike.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Looks like you were not Charlotte's one true love.

[Mindy Thomas]

I guess that's why they call it date or bait.

[Guy Raz]

Exactamundo.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Okay, ladies and gentlemen, let's bring out our second bachelor.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, so give me the lowdown on how the rest of this show works.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, so each bachelor or male spider is brought out to dance for the female spider.

[Mindy Thomas]

Daniel. That's right.

[Guy Raz]

Check it out.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Okay, ladies and gentlemen, it looks like our bachelor has opted for the inflatable tube man dance move here.

[Mindy Thomas]

Whoa, look at him go. He's got his two little front legs waving above his head, all wiggling around all over the place. It kinda looks like you when you dance, guy. Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy. Mindy, check it out. I call this one the Dizzy giraffe.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, yeah, I see that. You look just like a dizzy giraffe. Oh, boy. So these spiders do this dance to impress the female spider, and then what?

[Guy Raz]

Well, the next part of the show is actually taken from a study that was conducted by researchers at the University of Florida.

[Mindy Thomas]

Huh.

[Guy Raz]

Have you noticed, Mindy, that all of these male jumping spiders have bright red faces?

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, yeah, they do.

[Guy Raz]

Well, it turns out this is actually a way for these male jumping spiders to attract females.

[Mindy Thomas]

Whoa. And did these scientists figure out if it works?

[Guy Raz]

So the scientists wanted to find out how big of a role this played in the whole mating ritual.

[Mindy Thomas]

You mean they wanted to see whether the female spiders were all ooh la la over their sweet dance moves or their little red tomato faces?

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. So as part of this study, these researchers painted these spiders faces black eyeliner. So they went from having red faces to just being black all over. And they wanted to see if the females would still be interested in how they danced.

[Mindy Thomas]

And what did they find?

[Guy Raz]

Well, that's the next part of this TV show, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, right, the makeover part of the show.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. Look, here comes our bachelor.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it looks like he survived. I mean, past. That's our first round of love. And now we're on to our second round. Our bachelor has just spent the last 20 minutes in the makeup chair and is ready to come out. Are you ready, folks? Okay, ladies and gentlemen, let's See if our Charlotte can't learn to love this itsy bitsy spider even without his stunning red face. That is unlucky, pal.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yikes.

[Guy Raz]

So, Mindy, the study found that the female spiders were more likely to attack any males that had their faces covered in black eyeliner compared to those with their normal red faces.

[Mindy Thomas]

Huh. But could this have anything to do with red being a sort of don't eat me kind of color?

[Guy Raz]

Huh? What do you mean, Mindy?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, in nature, there are a couple of ways to not get eaten by predators. And one of them is to use camouflage.

[Guy Raz]

Like a caterpillar that's the same color as the leaf it lives on.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, so you can either try to blend in with your environment using camouflage, or you could go in the complete opposite direction and try to stand out.

[Guy Raz]

Stand out? Like with bright colors?

[Mindy Thomas]

Exact oritos. So it's something called aposematism or warning colors. And some animals will have these super bright colors all over them that warn other animals that, hey, I might be poisonous, so don't even try me.

[Guy Raz]

Wow, that makes total sense. Then why the jumping spiders with the colored in faces are attacked more than those with the bright red faces?

[Mindy Thomas]

That's what I think. I mean, it's half, hey, check out my cool red face, and half hey, don't eat me or I might poison you to death.

[Guy Raz]

Man, this show has so many nuances to it.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

All right, ladies and gentlemen, are you ready to see your last victim? I mean, bachelor vertonite from the jumping spider species Maevia Inclements. Please welcome. Welcome to the stage, Sheila.

[Mindy Thomas]

What in the.

[Dennis]

Wow.

[Guy Raz]

Whoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz, what does that spider have on its head?

[Guy Raz]

I think that this is from the last part of the study, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh, did the study have the spiders wear big old wigs on their heads to impress the lady spiders too?

[Guy Raz]

Well, yeah, kind of.

[Dennis]

What?

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, if you look a little closer, you'll notice that this jumping spider has a brown hairy face. Right?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, hard to miss.

[Guy Raz]

That's because he's a member of a different species of jumping spider. And this species, instead of having bright red faces to attract females, well, they have tall hairs on the top of their heads.

[Mindy Thomas]

And that's what that funny looking wig is.

[Dennis]

Oh, no.

[Guy Raz]

Remember, this is the makeover round. What this spider has stuck to its head? Well, they're fake eyelashes.

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh, hold the phone, Guy Raz. You're telling me that that spider is wearing fake eyelashes on his head?

[Guy Raz]

Correctamundo.

[Mindy Thomas]

What possible reason could those researchers from the University of Florida have to attach a fake eyelashes to the heads of jumping spiders.

[Guy Raz]

Well, in the same way that they wanted to see how red faces affected the spider's chances of mating with the female spider, they also wanted to test how the height of these head hairs affected the spider's chances of not getting eaten. And they found that the taller the hairs, the better the odds.

[Mindy Thomas]

So this guy's probably in luck then.

[Guy Raz]

With a wig that tall, I'd say so. Mindy.

[Radio Host/Bongo]

Ladies and gentlemen, it looks like love has triumphed once again here at Date or Bay. Be sure to join us here next week, folks, as we try to rekindle the flames between two love struck black widow spider. And until next time, creep it real.

[Mindy Thomas]

I love a happy ending.

[Dennis]

Wow, that was so cool. Okay, I know I was a little judgy about date or bait in that episode, but since then I've gotten really into it. Yeah, I didn't realize there was dancing and spiders getting eyelashes extensions on their heads. Reggie, we should give ourselves spider makeovers. Okay, let's wrap up the show and go find some pool noodles that we can use as spider legs. Thanks to all you listeners out there for tuning in to Wee Wow on the weekend. If you have a question for me, call and leave me a message at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW. That's 1-888-7-WWOW. I just might answer your question on Wee Wow on the weekend. Okay, let's go. So, Reggie, what kind of spider do you want to look like? A golden jumping spider. Ooh, good choice. I want to be an orb weaver. Or maybe a fishing spider or a big hairy tarantula. Oh, or maybe a.

[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] survey.

[Dennis]

Thanks for joining us for this edition of Wewow. Our show is written by Ruth Morrison. Jed Anderson. The role of baby Dennis is played by Jed Anderson. Well then, who plays the role of Big Dennis? Never you mind. Tee hee. Original sound design and production is done by Henry Moskal with contributions from Jed Anderson and Tyler Thol. Original music for wewow is composed and performed by Tyler Thole. Special thanks to Jessica Bode, Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Cranberry, Kenny Curtis, Kristin Yang, Meredith Helpern, Ranzer, Thuy Mack, Jody Nussbaum, Ali Paxima, Guy Raz, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Mindy Thomas, Anna Zagorski, and all of the other tinkerers at Tinkercast HQ. Be sure to visit tinkercast.com where you can become an official member of the World Organization of wowzers. Learn about upcoming events, shop our wow. Shop, find our best selling books, and learn about all the other amazing podcasts from Tinkercast. Thanks again for thinking, tinkering, experimenting and exploring with me this week. Be sure to check out episodes of wow. In The World on Mondays 2 what's in a wow on Fridays, and We wow on the weekend with Dennis on the weekends. And remember who Wows. I wow. Oh baby. Dennis. We wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

All right.

[Dennis]

We wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

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