WeWow on the Weekend (3/23/25)

Summary

Wow in the World

Episode: WeWow on the Weekend
Release Date: March 23, 2025
Hosts: Dennis and Reggie the Giant Pigeon
Guest: Mindy Thomas
Producer: Tinkercast | Wondery

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Introduction: Embracing Mystery and Mischief

The episode kicks off with Mindy Thomas welcoming listeners and introducing the theme for March, which extends beyond madness to include mystery and mischief. She highlights favorite mystery episodes and shares plans for special bite-sized episodes featuring real mysteries from kids. Mindy also mentions a playful initiative involving pigeon droppings sent to World Organization of Wowzer members to inspire mischief and spread "wow" in everyday life.

Mindy Thomas [00:00]: “We've pulled some of our favorite mystery episodes from Wow in the World... added a little mischief and spread a little wow to the people in your life.”

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Segment 1: Knitting Antics with Dennis and Reggie

Dennis and Reggie dive into a lighthearted discussion about knitting. Dennis attempts to knit with Reggie but humorously mishaps with his sweater, turning the project into a pocket.

Dennis [01:33]: “I guess I haven't ever seen giant pigeon socks at the Put a Sock in It Sock Emporium... it's more of a pocket now.”

This segment sets a playful tone, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and creative attempts at crafting.

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Segment 2: Inside Tinkercast Studios – Revisiting a Favorite Episode

Dennis introduces "Inside Tinkercast Studios," where they revisit a previous episode titled "Foodie, Foodie, Foodie. Edible insects on the menu." Although interrupted by an unrelated message aimed at grown-ups, the segment underscores the show's commitment to exploring innovative and often unconventional scientific topics.

Dennis [04:25]: “Inside Tinkercast Studios. This is the part where we revisit an episode of one of my favorite Tinkercast shows.”

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Segment 3: The Cricket-Powered Food Truck Endeavor

The core of the episode revolves around Mindy Thomas's venture into the food truck business with "Grandma G Force's Old Fashioned Southern Style bbbq," which intriguingly incorporates cricket powder into their offerings. Dennis and Guy Raz join Mindy to discuss the operational struggles and the innovative use of insect protein.

Mindy Thomas [10:15]: “Cricket powder is basically just dried out crickets... crushed into a fine powder and then sprinkled all over your food.”

Guy Raz expresses his initial aversion but gradually becomes intrigued by the environmental benefits of cricket protein.

Guy Raz [12:20]: “Cricket powder is more sustainable or better for the planet than most other forms of protein, like beef, for example.”

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Segment 4: Environmental Impact and Nutritional Benefits

A detailed discussion unfolds about the sustainability of cricket powder compared to traditional meat sources. Mindy highlights that producing a quarter-pound hamburger requires approximately 450 gallons of water, emphasizing the resource efficiency of cricket-based proteins.

Mindy Thomas [13:03]: “It takes something like 450 gallons of water just to make one quarter pound hamburger... for the food that we feed them.”

Guy Raz elaborates on the nutritional advantages, citing vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and vitamin B12 found in cricket powder. They reference a study from Colorado State University demonstrating improved gut health and reduced inflammation among participants consuming cricket protein.

Mindy Thomas [14:07]: “According to a study by Tiffany Weir from Colorado State University... these sloppy GS could also improve your gut health.”

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Segment 5: Rebranding and Overcoming Challenges

Faced with poor sales, Mindy and Guy Raz brainstorm strategies to enhance the food truck's appeal. They decide to rebrand, leveraging Reggie's artistic skills to create a more health-conscious and visually appealing brand identity. This includes the creative use of spray paint to update the truck's aesthetics.

Guy Raz [23:05]: “Mindy, you want to tinker with the way that you're presenting your food to the public.”

Reggie's transformation of the truck's appearance results in a more professional and enticing look, displaying labels like "ethically sourced, carbon neutral cricket burgers," aligning with health and environmental themes.

Mindy Thomas [24:39]: “Wow, says ethically sourced, carbon neutral cricket burgers.”

The rebranding garners immediate interest, as evidenced by a sudden influx of customers eager to try the revamped offerings.

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Segment 6: Conclusion and Future Plans

As the episode winds down, Dennis humorously addresses minor mishaps, such as denim covered in cricket powder. Mindy reflects on the success of the rebranding and the potential for future growth. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with their content through surveys and subscriptions, ensuring continued interaction with the Wow in the World community.

Mindy Thomas [27:05]: “Thanks again for thinking, tinkering, experimenting, and exploring with me this week.”

The episode concludes with acknowledgments of the creative team and a reminder to tune into upcoming shows for more engaging scientific adventures.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mindy Thomas [00:00]: “We've pulled some of our favorite mystery episodes from Wow in the World... added a little mischief and spread a little wow to the people in your life.”
• Dennis [01:33]: “It's more of a pocket now.”
• Mindy Thomas [10:15]: “Cricket powder is basically just dried out crickets... crushed into a fine powder and then sprinkled all over your food.”
• Guy Raz [12:20]: “Cricket powder is more sustainable or better for the planet than most other forms of protein, like beef, for example.”
• Mindy Thomas [13:03]: “It takes something like 450 gallons of water just to make one quarter pound hamburger... for the food that we feed them.”
• Mindy Thomas [14:07]: “According to a study by Tiffany Weir from Colorado State University... these sloppy GS could also improve your gut health.”
• Guy Raz [23:05]: “Mindy, you want to tinker with the way that you're presenting your food to the public.”
• Mindy Thomas [24:39]: “Wow, says ethically sourced, carbon neutral cricket burgers.”

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Key Takeaways

1. Innovation in Sustainable Food Sources: The episode highlights the potential of insect-based proteins, particularly cricket powder, as a sustainable and nutritious alternative to traditional meat sources.

2. Environmental Benefits: Cricket protein requires significantly less water and resources compared to beef production, making it an environmentally friendly option.

3. Nutritional Advantages: Cricket powder is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to better gut health and overall nutrition.

4. Creative Marketing and Rebranding: Effective rebranding can transform a struggling business, as demonstrated by Mindy's food truck overhaul, which led to increased customer interest and sales.

5. Engaging Content for All Ages: By blending humor, science, and practical insights, the episode effectively engages both kids and their grown-ups, fostering a shared sense of wonder and curiosity.

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Conclusion

"WeWow on the Weekend" delivers a compelling mix of humor, science, and real-world applications, centered around the innovative use of cricket powder in the food industry. Through engaging dialogue and insightful discussions, Dennis, Reggie, and Mindy Thomas present a nuanced exploration of sustainable food practices, nutritional benefits, and the importance of creative marketing. This episode not only educates but also inspires listeners to think critically about the choices they make regarding food and sustainability.

Transcript

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, we know that March is known for madness, but why not mystery and mischief too? We've pulled some of our favorite mystery episodes from wow in the world. Plus a special bite sized episode with some real mysteries from real kids now playing on the who Win Wow. Podcast feed. And what's a little mystery without a little bit of mischief? Well, we've sent out a pigeon dropping to all of our world organization of wowzer members with ideas for how you can add a little mischief and spread a little wow to the people in your life. So, members of the wow, be sure to check your mailboxes and if you're not a member yet. Well, we've also got some fun ideas for how you can add a little mystery and mischief to your month too. Visit tinkercast.com mystery for mysterious episodes, mischievous activities, and more. Wow. That's it. And now back to 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.

[Guy Raz]

Wee.

[Dennis]

Wow. On the weekend. On the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend. Hello and welcome to We Wow on the Weekend. I'm your host, Dennis, and that's my co host, Reggie the giant pigeon. This is the show where we hang out, chit chat, answer questions from our fans, and listen to Tinkercast podcasts. And today we're gonna. We're gonna. Reggie, what are you doing over there? You're knitting. Cool. What kind of thing are you knitting? Ooh, socks. Oh, yeah, you're right. I guess I haven't ever seen giant pigeon socks at the Put a Sock in It Sock Emporium. Well, good for you for taking initiative and making your own. I like the orange yarn you're using. Oh, I. It's orange, so it'll just look like your normal pigeon feet, only fuzzy. Now I want to knit something too. As a matter of fact, Reggie, I do have knitting needles. Well, mother does. Let me see if I can find them. I think they're in this basket up here on the shelf. Almost got it. Ow. Yep, that's where they were. Okay. Got my knitting needles and yarn. Oh, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Let me sing this song first. Pancakes are for eating and rivers are for rafting and Broadway is for my one man show. But afternoons are for crafting Crafternoon. Today for Crafternoon we're knitting socks to keep our toesies nice and warm. As a matter of fact, Reggie, I do know how to knit. Mother taught me once. Okay, fine. I was only half paying attention because we were watching an episode of the Great Brutish Breaking Show. No, Reggie, the Great Brutish Breaking Show. You know, that show where the big hulky guys smash things with mallets to see who can break things the best? Yeah, but everyone's also really nice to each other, so it's cute. I love that show. Ooh, your socks are really coming along, Reggie. I like the stripes. Oh, my first sock is. Huh. Well, the good news, it looks like a sock. But the bad news is I accidentally knitted it to the sweater I'm wearing. Yeah. Whoops. I guess it's more of a pocket now.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yay.

[Dennis]

Sock pockets. Crafterness. Okay, next. 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 today we're listening to wow in the World, Season 3, Episode 8, called here. Foodie, Foodie, Foodie. Edible insects on the menu. Reggie, what's a foodie? Oh, it's like someone who really likes food. Food, but in kind of a snobby way, like a gourmand. So fancy. Let's listen. Okay, here we go. And play.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wee. Wow. Will be right back.

[Guy Raz]

Grown ups.

[Mindy Thomas]

This message is for you. That's it. Now back to the show. Wow in the world. Hey, Reg, hold on. Man, this food truck sure is tight. Are those sloppy GS coming along? Hmm, not sloppy enough, huh? Okay, well, why don't we just add a cup of bad posture, two scoops of horrendous table manners. That should do it. And a little pinch of clumsy. Ooh. Okay, let's have a taste now.

[Dennis]

Oo.

[Mindy Thomas]

Eee. Yeah, Just how Grandma GeForce used to make it. Okay, let's see if the old PA system on this truck still works.

[Dennis]

Whoops. Whoops.

[Mindy Thomas]

Sorry, sorry. Ah, here we go. Hey, foodie, foodie, foodie, foodies. Hey, foodie, foodie, foodie, foodies. Are you hungry?

[Dennis]

Yeah.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, then why don't you come on down to Grandma G Force's good old fashioned Southern style bbbq. Remember, the extra B is for barbecue. There, that should do it. Now we'll just sit back, put our talons up and wait for the customers to roll in. See what I say, Reg. Howdy there, partner. What can I.

[Guy Raz]

Hey, Mindy guy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Razzie.

[Guy Raz]

Hey.

[Mindy Thomas]

Look at you all dressed up top hat on, elbow patches, buffed, locally sourced avocado dripping down your face.

[Guy Raz]

Well, it's not every day that you get to visit the NPR Food Truck Festival. You've got to make the most of.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow, you are really pumped up about this. So what food trucks have you tried so far? Small bites, Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, where to begin, Mindy? I've been going for hours. I just got some kale chips from Please don't kale my vibe. I got some organic legumes from being there. Ate that. I feel like my stomach's about to burst. Oh, by the way, what are you guys doing out here?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, I'm so glad you asked, Guy Raz. Cue the dinner bell. Reg. Welcome to Grandma G Force's Old Fashioned Southern Style bbbq. See? Says so right there on the truck.

[Guy Raz]

The extra B is for barbecue.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yes, sir. Been cooking these sloppy GS for over 15 minutes.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy. Mindy, I had no idea you had a food truck.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, yeah, I've had this bad boy since before it was even cool to have your own food. Tr. Isn't that right, Reg? Oh, excuse me. It'll just be a second.

[Guy Raz]

Okay.

[Mindy Thomas]

All right, everything's fine.

[Guy Raz]

Wait a minute, Mindy, isn't this just your ice cream truck with a new paint job?

[Mindy Thomas]

No. Yes.

[Guy Raz]

Uh huh. So how's it been going?

[Mindy Thomas]

Not great.

[Guy Raz]

How many burgers have you sold today?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, let's see here. Including this morning, um, zero, Zero, zilch, nada, nothing. I don't know what the problem is, Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Well, have you been following the food truck checklist?

[Mindy Thomas]

The food truck checklist?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, let me see here. I think they sent it out in last week's newsletter. Let me just check.

[Mindy Thomas]

Newsletter?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, the D. Hip. It's all about what's hip and happening at the moment. Last week's email was all about food trucks. And if I'm not mistaken. Ah, yes, here we are. The four things you need to start your own food truck company. Number one, cool name.

[Mindy Thomas]

Check. Outrageous prices, $400 a burger.

[Guy Raz]

Check. Long wait times.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, I've been waiting all day for my first customer, so check.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah. Mindy, it looks like you have everything checked off. Oh, except for one.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ah, which is?

[Guy Raz]

Well, it says you've gotta have some sort of novelty health ingredient, like a gimmicky health ingredient. You know, kale, goji berries, quinoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, wait, I have that.

[Guy Raz]

You do?

[Mindy Thomas]

Sure do.

[Guy Raz]

Well, what is it, Mindy?

[Mindy Thomas]

Crickets.

[Guy Raz]

Crickets?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, crickets. You see, Guy Raz, the cricket is an insect closely related to the grasshopper. Male crickets produce a characteristic rhythmic chirping sound.

[Guy Raz]

I know what a cricket is, Mindy. I just thought you were making burgers as in sloppy GS, not sloppy crickets.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, what do you think the BBBQ stands for?

[Guy Raz]

I thought you said the extra B was for barbecue.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, barbecue bug burgers. Quickly. B, B, B, Q. Good, right.

[Guy Raz]

So you're making your burgers out of crickets?

[Mindy Thomas]

No, I'm not making my sloppy G burgers out of crickets, Guy Raz. I'm making them out of cricket powder.

[Guy Raz]

Cricket powder? Mindy, what in the wow is cricket powder?

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz? Cricket powder is basically just dried out crickets with all of the juice sucked out of them that have been crushed into a fine powder and then sprinkled all over your food.

[Guy Raz]

Ugh, I think I just lost my appetite forever.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, I think we got a spare bag lying around here somewhere. Okay, let's see. It says here on the bag a carbon friendly alternative to flour or protein powder. Ooh la la.

[Guy Raz]

A carbon friendly alternative, huh? Do you mind if I have a look at that package, Mindy?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, of course. Here, catch.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, I'm covered in cricket powder. Ah. And it's in my mouth.

[Mindy Thomas]

What does it taste like?

[Guy Raz]

Well, ah, if I had to put it into words, I'd say it's got a slightly nutty, earthy quality to it. Hmm. Yeah, just a hint of raw cocoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

Interesting. And you know what, Guy Raz? You're not freaking out nearly as much as I thought you'd be.

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, now that I think about it, eating bugs isn't nearly as weird as it sounds. I mean, many people around the world have been eating insects for thousands of years for fun. Well, maybe in some cases for fun, but also for nutritional and cultural and even environmental reasons.

[Mindy Thomas]

Environmental reasons, huh? Well, I guess that would make sense.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah.

[Dennis]

Yeah.

[Guy Raz]

And look, it says right here on this packaging that cricket powder is more sustainable or better for the planet than most other forms of protein, like beef, for example.

[Mindy Thomas]

I know. Did you know that it takes something like 450 gallons of water just to to make one quarter pound hamburger?

[Guy Raz]

Huh?

[Mindy Thomas]

That's like four and a half bathtubs of water just to make one burger.

[Guy Raz]

That's crazy. I didn't realize cows were so thirsty.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, what? No, it's not because the cows are thirsty, Guy Raz. It's because of the water it takes to grow the food that we feed them.

[Guy Raz]

Huh? And that food that we feed them takes more Water to grow than, say, a bag of cricket powder.

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz, did you know that one third of all the food grown on Earth isn't even actually for us?

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy Thomas]

It's for all of the cows and the chickens and the pigs that we eat.

[Guy Raz]

Wow. And it says here, Mindy, that this cricket powder is rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, even vitamin B12.

[Mindy Thomas]

Exact Oritos.

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, it looks like you've got all these boxes ticked.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yep.

[Guy Raz]

Name, check, price, wait times, check. And a healthy food novelty.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, that's not all, Guy Raz. According to a study by Tiffany Weir from Colorado State university, these sloppy GS could also improve your gut health.

[Guy Raz]

Improve my gut health?

[Mindy Thomas]

Mm. You know, the millions of little bacteria that live in your gut and help to keep you healthy.

[Guy Raz]

How?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, Guy Raz, I could tell you. Yes, but I'd rather show you.

[Guy Raz]

Why do I always get a bad feeling when you say that?

[Mindy Thomas]

I don't know. Maybe something you ate.

[Guy Raz]

Uh huh.

[Mindy Thomas]

Anywho, I think there's another bug food truck down the road that used the same scientific study as I did for their bug recipes. Maybe we should go check them out. Okay, let me just hang up my apron here. Hey, Reg, can you guard the truck for a few minutes while we're gone? Thanks, buddy. One second, Guy Raz. I'll be right down.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, you've gotta stop kicking these doors down.

[Mindy Thomas]

What's the matter, Guy Raz? Can't you handle it?

[Guy Raz]

No, Mindy, you're the one that can't handle it. I don't think I've seen you use a door handle the whole time I've known you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, I guess using a door handle would help me to cut down on these steel toed sneakers.

[Dennis]

Excuse me, Is this organic hobony? GMOs are in this. So you've heard of pink Himalayan rock salt, right? Well, this is pink Himalayan zucchini.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow, this food truck festival has really taken off since the last time I was here. Yeah, I remember when it was just Ira Glass selling those curries out of the back of his pickup truck.

[Dennis]

Welcome to this American Rice. Thanks again for joining us. Dish one, the penang is mightier. You know, when I first came across this curry in 1990.

[Guy Raz]

It sure has. Mindy, look, all the heavy hitters are here. There's Terry Grows.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ooh, I wonder what she's growing this week.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, and look over there. It's Sarah Koenig's cereal bar. Ooh, it's so good.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, everyone keeps telling me about it. It's on my list.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, is this it, Mindy?

[Mindy Thomas]

It's a bug's life. Yep, this looks like the one, Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, let's see what they've got on the menu here. Hmm.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ooh.

[Guy Raz]

Pumpkin spice muffins and malt milkshakes.

[Mindy Thomas]

My fourth favorite kind of milkshake.

[Guy Raz]

Should we each get one or two.

[Mindy Thomas]

Or three or four or all of them?

[Guy Raz]

Ahem. Excuse me, sir.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Yeah? What'll it be?

[Guy Raz]

Um, I was just hoping to get a bog juice.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Bog bread, bog chocolate.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, no, that's fine. Thanks. Sorry. What's your name?

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Name's Dog. People call me Bug Dog. Bug Dog digs his own bugs. I've been cooking bug grub for close to 30 years. When I started, bugs was just slugs and snails.

[Guy Raz]

Wow, that's actually kind of gross.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Oh, no, Terragross is just over there behind you.

[Guy Raz]

No, I was just. Oh, never mind. Could I just get one of those pumpkin spice muffins in a malt milkshake, please?

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Yeah, Dog will get your grub. Well, technically it's crickets, but this product was produced in a facility that also has grubs.

[Guy Raz]

I'm so excited. They're coming right up.

[Mindy Thomas]

So was the sloppy G I ate for breakfast this morning.

[Guy Raz]

So, Mindy, you were saying that this guy used the same scientific study to craft his food truck menu?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, and in fact, I'm pretty sure we just ordered the exact same food items that were used in the scientific study.

[Guy Raz]

The muffin and the milkshake.

[Mindy Thomas]

Exact oritos.

[Guy Raz]

So what was this study about anyway, Mindy?

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, so this study was conducted by Colorado State University with the goal to find out whether insect protein, and in particular, cricket powder made a difference in the eater's gut health.

[Guy Raz]

Okay.

[Mindy Thomas]

The researchers took a group of people and put them on a diet that.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Included pumpkin spice muffin on a malt milkshake for Guy Raz. Order up.

[Mindy Thomas]

Pumpkin spice muffins and malt milkshakes made using cricket powder.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

There you go. Enjoy.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, thanks very much. Did you want to take these to go, Mindy?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, let's walk and talk, Guy Raz. Reggie's probably going to need me back at the truck soon.

[Guy Raz]

Did you want the milkshake or the muffin?

[Mindy Thomas]

Um, the milkshake. Do you even know who I am? Guy Raz. Here, just stick it in my drinking cap. That way I can drink it while I talk to you. I just need to attach one end to my milkshake and the other to my mouth hole. Oh, yeah, that Seems to be working now. Let me just stick it on my head here. Sorry, I got a big nog.

[Guy Raz]

You got it.

[Mindy Thomas]

There we go. Now we can talk. And slurp on the go.

[Dennis]

Great.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, so by the way, what happened to the people who ate a bug? Balanced diet.

[Mindy Thomas]

Right. So the researchers had them stay on this food plan where they picked out specifically what they would eat for six weeks. That's good. And at the end of the six weeks, they gave them a full medical checkup, doctor style.

[Guy Raz]

And what did they find, Mindy?

[Mindy Thomas]

They found that the people who were chowing down and slurping up those bugs, they had more bifidobacteria than they had before.

[Guy Raz]

Huh. Bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria. Where have I heard that before? Oh, I know. I'll check my bacteria app.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, you have a bacteria app?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, yeah. It's called bctr. You get it? Like bacteria, but with none of the vowels. Isn't that cool? It's so cool, mindy. For just $40 a month.

[Mindy Thomas]

$40 a month?

[Guy Raz]

For just $40 a month, I have access to an entire encyclopedic knowledge of gut bacteria.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, well, I have, like, 67 different kinds of bacteria in my belly button. Care to identify those?

[Guy Raz]

I think I'll pass. Okay, let's see here. Ah, here it is. Bifidobacteria. A type of bacteria that lives in our guts and helps break down our food and suck out the nutrients from them.

[Mindy Thomas]

That's right. But not only that, Guy Raz, the researchers also found that this bug food plan had also helped to reduce the inflammation in their body.

[Dennis]

Right, right.

[Guy Raz]

And inflammation is when part of your body gets swollen. Huh. So it turns out that the bug protein is an all around winner when it comes to a healthy meal.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, which makes it even more confusing as to why I haven't sold a single sloppy G. Oh, wait, I have.

[Guy Raz]

An idea for you, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

What?

[Guy Raz]

Why don't you get Reggie to fry one up for me when we get back to the truck and I can give you some feedback?

[Mindy Thomas]

Aw, you do that for me.

[Guy Raz]

Anything for science Mind thing for best friendship Guy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Razzie. Oh, look, we're back at the food truck. Hey, Reg, can I get a Sloppy G for this Guy Raz? Okay, here it comes, Guy Raz. You ready?

[Guy Raz]

As I'll ever be.

[Mindy Thomas]

All right, here's your bun. Now just make sure to keep it wide open and facing Reggie at all times.

[Guy Raz]

Wait, what?

[Mindy Thomas]

And remember to track the Sloppy G. With your eye.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, what are you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Fire away regularly? There you go, Guy Raz. Your very own cricket powder infused Sloppy.

[Guy Raz]

G. Mindy, half of that Sloppy G went all over my. Please don't. Kale. My Vibe sweatshirt.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ugh.

[Dennis]

It's everywhere.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, good. So you can have it as a snack for later.

[Guy Raz]

I'm a mess. Okay, I think I see what the problem is here.

[Mindy Thomas]

What?

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, do you notice anything different about your food truck and all the other food trucks here?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, as far as I can tell, mine's the only one where a pigeon cooks the food.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, your food is the only one that's airborne.

[Mindy Thomas]

I know.

[Guy Raz]

Look at all these foodies here. Mindy, are you serious?

[Dennis]

These eggs are sourced from the foothills of the Andes. Yes, the chickens are actually massaged for, like, three weeks before being asked to lay their eggs.

[Guy Raz]

They want kale chips and organically grown Brussels sprouts.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, I'm picking up what you're putting down, Guy Raz. What you're saying is that I need a rebrand.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. Mindy, you want to tinker with the way that you're presenting your food to the public.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, I get it.

[Guy Raz]

Perfect. I mean, this is how you build it.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah. Okay, so what you're really saying is that I should serve my sloppy GS in waffle cones.

[Guy Raz]

What? No, no, Mindy, I'm saying that you need to.

[Mindy Thomas]

You're not Guy Raz, I have just the thing we need in my adventure tool kit. Let me see here. No, not there. No, that's not it. Oh, here it is.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, Mindy, is that a spray paint can?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yep, it's a four color spray paint can. Kind of like those four color pens. I invented it myself.

[Guy Raz]

Uh huh.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, Reg, I need a wing. Reggie is an amazing graffiti artist. You know that mural of the pigeon and cargo shorts that appeared on the side of my gingerbread mansion last week?

[Guy Raz]

You mean the one that made Dennis afraid to come out of his house?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, all Reggie's handiwork.

[Guy Raz]

Whoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

All right, Reg, let's put that liberal arts degree to work. We're gonna rebrand this truck. I want you to think health nut. Yeah, kind of like Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Hey, I'm not a health nut, but I am nuts about health.

[Mindy Thomas]

You got this, Reg. And done.

[Guy Raz]

Whoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

Nice work, Reg.

[Guy Raz]

Wow. Says ethically sourced, carbon neutral cricket burgers.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yep, just like Grandma GeForce used to make them.

[Guy Raz]

Hmm. Oh, Mindy, are you sure this is gonna.

[Dennis]

Excuse me. How much for one?

[Mindy Thomas]

That'll be $400.

[Dennis]

What? That's a bargain. Everyone, there's a bargain over here. Bargain. Uh, hello.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

I have a question about the calorie.

[Dennis]

Content of these crickets.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, boy. Looks like we got a little bit of a rush out here, Reg. Hey, guy. Raz, what are you doing for the rest of the day?

[Guy Raz]

Uh, helping you cook cricket powder. Sloppy GS.

[Mindy Thomas]

I was hoping you'd say that.

[Dennis]

Bargain.

[Mindy Thomas]

Who's hungry?

[Dennis]

Reggie, you were the one who spray painted that scary mural. No, I didn't like it. It was too realistic. For months I thought there was an actual pigeon in cargo shorts guarding Mindy's gingerbread mansion for some reason. What do you mean? That graffiti pigeon could have had anything in his cargo shorts. Nunchucks, a trebuchet, anything. But now I'm the one with an extra pocket. Yeah, sock pocket, remember? And I'm gonna go outside and show that Merle Pigeon what's what. Alright, we gotta wrap up the show. 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. You better watch out, mural pigeon. I got a pocket sock full of lasers and battle axes. No, I don't actually have those things. Reggie, shush. The mural doesn't know that. Just have my back, okay? Reggie, I'm facing my gear.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids 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 We Wow. Our show is written by Ruth Morrison and Jed Anderson. The role of Baby Dennis is played by Jed Anderson. Well, then, who plays the role of Big Dennis? Never you mind.

[Mindy Thomas]

Tee hee.

[Dennis]

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 Crandall, Kenny Curtis, Kristin Yang, Meredith Helpern, Ranzer Thuy Mac, Jodi 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. All right. We wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

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