WeWow on the Weekend (1/4/25)

Summary

Wow in the World: "WeWow on the Weekend" Episode Summary (January 4, 2025)

Released on January 4, 2025

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Introduction

In the January 4, 2025 episode of Wow in the World, hosted by Tinkercast and Wondery, listeners are treated to a dynamic blend of engaging segments tailored for both kids and their grown-ups. While the episode begins with promotional content, the core of the show features the lively "WeWow on the Weekend" segment, hosted by Dennis and Reggie, which seamlessly transitions into an insightful story from the main Wow in the World series. This summary delves into the key discussions, notable insights, and memorable moments from the episode.

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WeWow on the Weekend: Hosts and Format

[01:33 - 02:00]
Dennis and Reggie kick off the "WeWow on the Weekend" segment with their signature enthusiasm:

• Dennis: "Wee wow on the weekend. Wee wow on the weekend."
• Reggie: "Cause this is what we do on the weekend."

The hosts establish the show as a relaxed, fun environment where they answer questions, chat, and enjoy brunch together—even humorously acknowledging the pre-recorded nature of the show.

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Interactive Q&A Segment

[02:00 - 05:00]
Dennis and Reggie engage with questions from their young audience, showcasing their playful chemistry and quick wit.

1. Language Skills Inquiry

   • Abby from Champaign, Illinois: "Do you know how to speak French?"
   • Reggie: "Does this answer your question? Paper Mache Allowance, Silhouette, Omelette Gazette. Um, deja vu."
     ([03:20])

2. Life as a Bird

   • Gabby from Massachusetts: "What is it like being a bird?"
   • Reggie: "Reggie's not a bird. He's a giant pigeon."
     ([03:46])

3. Favorite Games

   • Gabe from Michigan: "What's your favorite game?"
   • Reggie: "Four square. Spud. The parachute game. The Clapping game. I love that one."
     ([04:14])

Reggie further entertains the audience with an impromptu clapping game and playful banter, enhancing the interactive and engaging atmosphere of the segment.

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Inside Tinkercast Studios: Revisiting "Wow in the World" Episode

[06:27 - 07:07]
Dennis introduces a special segment titled "Inside Tinkercast Studios," where he revisits content from the main Wow in the World series. This segment highlights episode two of the first season, titled "Corn Your Toes," focusing on sustainable innovation in the footwear industry.

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Featured Story: "Corn Your Toes"

[07:08 - 12:15]
The heart of the episode is the "Corn Your Toes" story, where Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas explore the development of eco-friendly sneakers by Reebok, made from corn and cotton.

Key Highlights:

1. Introduction to Sustainable Sneakers

   • Mindy Thomas: "Reebok... discovered a way to make shoes that are sustainable... made out of corn and cotton."
     ([09:03])

2. Environmental Impact of Traditional Sneakers

   • Guy Raz: "To make one pair of sneakers, it makes so much pollution. Actually, 30 pounds of an invisible gas called carbon dioxide."
     ([09:19])

3. Benefits of Corn-Based Materials

   • Mindy Thomas: "These shoes won't live in a landfill like this for hundreds of years... they'll be broken down by tiny microorganisms."
     ([11:14])

4. Sustainable Lifecycle of the Sneakers

   • Guy Raz: "One day, the people who make these shoes are hoping to turn them into compost or dirt that can be used to grow the corn and the cotton to make a new pair of shoes."
     ([11:46])

The hosts discuss the innovative approach Reebok is taking to reduce environmental footprints, emphasizing the use of renewable resources and the potential for a circular economy in the footwear industry.

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Conclusion and Wrap-Up

[12:15 - 14:34]
Returning to "WeWow on the Weekend," Dennis and Reggie reflect on the featured story, humorously discussing a potential shoe deal and their aspirations as sneaker influencers. They encourage listeners to engage by leaving questions and teasing future segments, such as a possible cooking show.

Notable Quotes:

• Dennis: "If you've got a question for me, call and leave me a message at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW. I just might answer your question on Wee Wow on the Weekend."
  ([13:58])

• Reggie: "We should do a cooking segment sometime. That'd be so cool. We'd be like chefs. Like Chef Dennis and Reggie, the sous chef."
  ([14:10])

Finally, the episode concludes with a reminder to listeners about early and ad-free access via Wondery Plus, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to providing quality, accessible content.

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Memorable Takeaways

• Sustainability in Innovation: The episode underscores the importance of sustainable materials and innovative approaches in reducing environmental impact, exemplified by Reebok's corn and cotton sneakers.

• Engaging Youth Participation: "WeWow on the Weekend" effectively engages young listeners through interactive Q&A, fostering curiosity and making science and innovation topics accessible and entertaining.

• Humorous and Relatable Hosting: Dennis and Reggie's playful dynamic ensures that complex topics are presented in a fun and relatable manner, maintaining listener interest and promoting educational content.

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Conclusion

This episode of Wow in the World masterfully blends educational storytelling with interactive and entertaining segments, making complex scientific and environmental topics approachable for children and their grown-ups. By highlighting innovative solutions like sustainable sneakers and fostering a playful environment for audience engagement, the podcast continues to inspire wonder and curiosity in its listeners.

Transcript

[Wondery Ad]

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.

[Guy Raz]

Hey Wowzer fams. It's Guy Raz here and before we start the show, have you watched wow.

[Wondery Ad]

In the world on YouTube?

[Guy Raz]

That's right. You can now watch some of your favorite tinkercast podcasts like 2 what's and a wow Flip and mosey.

[Wondery Ad]

Who when wow and wow in the World.

[Guy Raz]

To start watching today, head to Tinkercast.com YouTube that's Tinkercast.com YouTube. That's it. Now back to the show.

[Nintendo Ad]

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[Dennis]

Wee wow on the weekend. Wee wow on the weekend. Wee wow on the weekend.

[Reggie]

Cause this is what we do on the weekend.

[Dennis]

Talking, laughing, me and Reggie singing, laughing.

[Reggie]

And then we. Oh wait, no, I said laughing twice. Whatever.

[Dennis]

We wow on the weekend.

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Dennis]

We wow on the weekend.

[Reggie]

Laugh, clap.

[Dennis]

We wow on the weekend.

[Reggie]

Cause this is what we do on the weekend. Hello and welcome to Wee Wow on the Weekend. I'm your host, Dennis. And Reggie's here too. We're coming to you live from mother's basement on Saturdays and Sundays. What do you mean we're not live? Pre recorded? Whatever. I don't know the difference. On today's show, we're going to answer questions and chit chat in our Jim jams. All right. And we're eating brunch. Okay, let's get to the Q and A segment. The Q and A segment. All right, let's just get the old answering machine pulled up here. Okay, Here we go. Hi, you've reached Dennis from We wow on the Weekend. That's me. Do you have a question? Well, I do too. Lots of them. And who's gonna answer all my questions? You? Probably not. But I guess I can answer yours. Leave me a message.

[Abby]

Hi, Dennis, my name's Abby and I'm from Champaign, Illinois. I have a question for you. Do you know how to speak French? Bye. Say hi to Denmark for me.

[Reggie]

Hi, Denmark. Denmark says hi. And as far as my French speaking skills go, does this answer your question? Paper Mache Allowance, Silhouette, Omelette Gazette. Um, deja vu. Next question.

[Gabby]

Hi, Dennis. My name is Gabby. I live in Massachusetts. I have a question for Reggie. What is it like being a bird?

[Reggie]

Bye. Right. Well, technically, Reggie's not a bird. He's a giant pigeon. Reggie, what's it like being a giant pigeon? Oh, wow. Wow. That's amazing. Now I want to be a giant pigeon. Next question.

[Gabby]

Hi, Dennis. My name is Gabe and I live in Michigan. My question is, what's your favorite game?

[Reggie]

Oh, I have lots of favorite games. Four square. That's my favorite. Spud, that's another favorite. Oh, that game with the parachute. Yeah, the parachute game. Total favorite. Reggie. Yes. The Clapping game. I love that one. You want to play real quick? Okay, cool. Ready? Down, down, baby. Down by the roller coaster, baby. Dennis, baby, I'll put you in the toaster. What's up, Thomas Fingerling? What's up, Guy Raz? What's up, Grandma? G4's eating apple. Sa. Reggie. Reggie sick in bed, called up Mindy. And Mindy said, pull yourself together, pull yourself apart, get into the wow. Machine and let's go learn something about the universe. Ah, that was great. Well, thanks for your calls, everyone. If you've got a question for me, call and leave me a message. The number is 1-8887-WOW. Wow. I just might answer your question on wee wow. On the. Alright, next up is a little segment I like to call Inside Tinkercast Studios. Inside Tinkercast Studios. This is the part where we revisit an episode of one of my favorite Tinkercast shows. And this weekend we're revisiting episodes from the very first season of wow. In the World. Today we're doing a story from episode two. I know, I know. Episode two is the first time you appeared in the show. But you. You're only in the intro of the episode. You're not in the stories. Yeah, huh. Remember in the intro, you and Mindy flew in to tell Guy Raz what was gonna happen in the episode. And then Guy Raz called you a strange bird. Oh, yeah. Maybe you are a bird after all, huh? Well, the story we're about to listen to is called Corn your toes. I'm not sure why it's called that? Yeah, we should probably just listen to find out why. Okay, here we and play wow in the World.

[Gabby]

We'll be right back.

[Reggie]

Grown Ups.

[Gabby]

This message is for you. That's it. Back to the show.

[Reggie]

Wow in the World.

[Guy Raz]

Hmm, let's see here. Make a left at the bathtub. Okay. Walk five more steps, then hang a Roger at the Rusty Camaro. Then do a 180 degree spin and kick and. What? What kind of directions are these? She's led me to a landfill full of trash.

[Mindy]

Hey, Guy Raz, over here. Minnie.

[Reggie]

What?

[Guy Raz]

What is this? I thought you invited me to a picnic.

[Mindy]

Guy Raz, this is a picnic. See, I cleared out a space for the picnic blanket and I found some crusty old sandwiches in that rusty washing machine over there.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, great. I'm starving. Hey, Ross, what are you doing?

[Mindy]

Ah, Never eat a sandwich out of a trash dump. There was a cat living in that thing.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, I noticed that. He'll be fine. Mindy, what's going on? I mean, why did you invite me to literally the worst place on earth for a picnic?

[Mindy]

Well, it's funny you should ask.

[Guy Raz]

There is nothing funny about this situation.

[Mindy]

Guy Raz, what do you think has happened to every single pair of sneakers that you've ever outgrown or worn out?

[Guy Raz]

Well, I'd have to think, let's see. My Hush Puppies. Thrown away. My Reebok pumps. Yep, we threw those out too. My old K Swiss. Wait a minute. Could it be that some of my old shoes are somewhere in this landfill full of trash?

[Mindy]

Okay, now I'm not here to reunite you with your old Vans from fifth grade. But I am here to introduce you to a new kind of sneaker. A sneaker so special that it will never see the likes of a place like this.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, thank goodness. This is a sad and disgusting place. So what is this new kind of shoe?

[Mindy]

Guy Raz, open this picnic basket and see for yourself.

[Guy Raz]

Cats everywhere.

[Gabby]

Oh, it's okay.

[Mindy]

They're friendly. But did you find the shoe?

[Guy Raz]

Mindy? Mindy? This is just another ordinary sneaker.

[Mindy]

Not just any Guy Raz. This is a sneaker made out of. Wait for it. Wait for it. Wait for it.

[Guy Raz]

That's it. I'm going home.

[Mindy]

Corn.

[Guy Raz]

Corn.

[Mindy]

Corn.

[Guy Raz]

Corn.

[Mindy]

Corn. Well, corn and cotton. See, here's the thing. Reebok, the company that's been making sneakers for decades recently discovered a way to make shoes that are sustainable. Meaning that they won't hurt the earth when we outgrow and get rid of them.

[Guy Raz]

And they're doing this with corn.

[Mindy]

Yeah. So as you probably know, the soles or bottoms of most shoes are made out of plastics. And to make plastics, you have to burn oil and coal and use all these crazy chemicals that can be really bad for planet Earth.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, I seem to remember reading something about this, Mindy. Something about scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who figured out that just to make one pair of sneakers, it makes so much pollution. Actually, 30 pounds of an invisible gas called carbon dioxide. That's like a medium sized dog amount of carbon dioxide.

[Mindy]

Yeah. Crazy, right? And carbon dioxide is going to be around no matter what. Which would be fine, except for the fact that we humans have been going bonker balls with the stuff, and now the Earth is starting to freak out.

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, the good news is that we humans can actually help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that's released into the atmosphere. And we can do that by, you know, walking more rather than driving or fixing and reusing old things rather than buying new ones and even turning off the lights or the electronics when we're not using them.

[Mindy]

Which brings me back to corn shoes.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, I love the Earth, but I am not eating your corn shoes.

[Mindy]

Ew, no. Guy Raz. These new corn kicks.

[Guy Raz]

Is that what they're calling them?

[Mindy]

No, that's what I'm calling them.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, okay.

[Mindy]

Anywho, have you ever seen those paper plates in cups and forks made out of corn?

[Guy Raz]

I have. They're amazing because they disintegrate or turn into dust after just a few weeks, so they're much, much better for the.

[Mindy]

Well, these shoes are kind of made in the same way. They come from a special kind of corn used to feed animals. And the top part of the sneakers are made entirely from cotton.

[Guy Raz]

Wow. And will these shoes just disintegrate after a few weeks?

[Mindy]

Well, they'll last a lot longer than that. But these shoes won't live in a landfill like this for hundreds of years like ordinary shoes, because they'll be broken down by tiny microorganisms in the Earth and ultimately turn to dust, only to become part of the earth again.

[Guy Raz]

So, just like when we compost things like banana peels and food scraps in our backyard, and then they turn into soil that we can use in our gardens.

[Mindy]

Yep. And the coolest part is that one day, the people who make these shoes are hoping to turn them into compost or dirt that can be used to grow the corn and the cotton to make a new pair of shoes.

[Guy Raz]

That's so cool. So when can I get A pair of these shoes?

[Mindy]

Well, you're gonna have to wait until back to school time later in the fall to get your feet into them.

[Guy Raz]

Well, until then, we better get up on our feet and get out of here, Mindy. It's getting kinda late and pretty stinky.

[Mindy]

Oh, yeah. Any idea how to get out of here? I'm starving.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, are you telling me we're lost in a landfill and there is no picnic after all?

[Mindy]

No, I didn't say that. But you just did.

[Reggie]

Whoa, did we have a shoe deal back in season one? Are we sneaker influencers, Reggie? What? We're not. Well, we should be. I'm like a total sneaker head. Yes, I am. Check out the sweet pair of Mikeys I'm wearing right now. No, Reggie, I said Mikeys. My cousin Mikey. You remember him, right? Yeah. Mikey made these and sold them to me. They're so cool. I did not get scammed. I'm an influencer. Okay, well, let's wrap this up. Thanks to all you listeners out there for tuning in to this episode of We Wow on the Weekend Live. Oh, right, not live. We wow on the Weekend. Pre recorded like a normal show. If you have a question for me, call and leave me a message at 1-88-WOW-WOW. That's 1-888-7-WOW-WOW. I just might answer your question on Wee Wow on the weekend. Okay, should we do the goodbye song, Reggie? Great. That's the end of the show. I need to go and finish my brunch, but I'll do another show tomorrow. But for now, that's the end of the show. Bye. This is so good, Reggie. We should do a cooking segment sometime. That'd be so cool. We'd be like chefs. Like Chef Dennis and Reggie, the sous chef. Oh, right, the COO chef.

[Mindy]

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

[Wondery Ad]

Join Wondery plus in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids plus on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.

[Mindy]

And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail] survey.