WeWow on the Weekend (4/12/25)

Summary

Wow in the World Episode Summary: "WeWow on the Weekend" (April 12, 2025)

Hosts: Mindy Thomas, Guy Raz, Dennis [Last Name], and Thomas Fingerling

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1. Welcome to "WeWow on the Weekend"

The episode kicks off with Dennis enthusiastically introducing the weekend edition of the show alongside co-host Reggie. The hosts set a playful and engaging tone, aiming to entertain both kids and their grown-up listeners.

Notable Quote:

• Dennis: “We wow on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend.” ([00:03:48])

2. Joke Segment

Dennis attempts to share a knock-knock joke, though his delivery humorously falls flat, showcasing the show's lighthearted and interactive nature.

Notable Quote:

• Dennis: “Knock knock.”
• Reggie: “Dennis, it’s me, Dennis. At the door. Your friend Dennis. Let me in, let me in, let me in, let me in, let me in. Ha ha. I’m just kidding. I’m not really at your house.” ([00:04:13])

3. Listener Q&A

The hosts engage with their young audience by answering questions submitted by listeners, adding an interactive element to the show.

Listener Questions Highlighted:

• Ezra's Pigeon Song:

  • Mindy shares a message from Ezra, who sings the theme song in pigeon language.
  • Dennis: “Wow. That was so cool.” ([00:05:43])

• Amatila's Curiosity:

  • Amatila from Naperville, Illinois, asks why Dennis is so silly.
  • Dennis humorously denies being silly, escalating the playful banter. ([00:06:20])

• Riley's Snow Question:

  • Riley inquires about why snow is white.
  • Dennis discusses the scientific explanation, initially confusing it with the fairy tale "Snow White," before clarifying. ([00:07:17])

Notable Quote:

• Riley: “Why are you so silly?”
• Dennis: “I’m distinguished and poised and very, very serious.” ([00:06:30])

4. Inside Tinkercast Studios: Revisiting "Something Smells Fishy"

Dennis introduces the "Inside Tinkercast Studios" segment, where the team revisits a previous "Wow in the World" episode titled "Something Smells Fishy in Here." This segment sets the stage for the episode's main discussion on fish and its impact on human health.

Notable Quote:

• Dennis: “Now let's go back and rerecord the whole episode real quick with a fish theme.” ([00:08:43])

5. Caveman Cooking Adventure

The narrative takes a creative turn as Thomas Fingerling and Mindy engage in a mock cooking show segment featuring Guy Raz as a caveman chef. This playful skit intertwines with the scientific discussion, adding entertainment value.

Notable Moments:

• Thomas introduces "Caveman Cooking" on the Neanderthal Network, emphasizing paleo diets.
• Mindy expresses skepticism about the authenticity of the recipes, leading to humorous banter. ([00:09:43] - [00:22:04])

6. The Science of Fish: Omega 3s, IQ, and Sleep

The core of the episode delves into the scientific exploration of how fish consumption affects intelligence and sleep quality in children. The hosts discuss a recent study published in Scientific Reports by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania.

Key Points Discussed:

• Study Overview:

  • Participants: 541 children in China, aged 9 to 11.
  • Focus: The correlation between fish consumption and IQ scores.
  • Findings: Children who ate fish at least once a week scored nearly 5 points higher on IQ tests and showed better sleep patterns compared to those who didn’t consume fish. ([00:23:02] - [00:29:35])

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids:

  • Dennis and Mindy explain that Omega 3s, prevalent in fish oils, are linked to improved brain health and better sleep.
  • Impact on Intelligence: Omega 3s contribute to brain development, particularly in young children.
  • Impact on Sleep: Regular fish consumption may promote deeper and more restful sleep. ([00:23:13] - [00:29:35])

Notable Quote:

• Thomas: “Omega 3s, which are, of course invisible and generally tasteless to us humans, are special acids found in the oils of these foods. And it's believed that Omega 3s are good for human health.” ([00:24:20])

7. Connecting the Dots: Personal Experimentation

Thomas shares his personal experiment with fish consumption to enhance his own intelligence and sleep quality, tying in the study's findings with practical application.

Notable Quote:

• Thomas: “I order it directly from a fisherman in Seward, Alaska. And, Mindy, it is delicious and nutritious and braintastically soporific.” ([00:18:03])

8. Future Adventures and Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, the hosts tease future content, including a continuation of the fish-themed adventure and further exploration of scientific topics.

Notable Quote:

• Dennis: “Next time on Caveman Wow in the world. This is so exciting. I can't wait to find out what happens next.” ([00:30:28])

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Conclusion

"WeWow on the Weekend" seamlessly blends humor, interactive segments, and scientific discussions to engage its young audience and their parents. By exploring the intriguing connection between fish consumption, intelligence, and sleep, the hosts not only educate but also inspire curiosity and healthy habits. The episode’s dynamic structure, enriched with memorable quotes and playful interactions, makes complex scientific topics accessible and entertaining for listeners of all ages.

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Listeners Interested in Learning More:

• Live Events: Mindy announces an upcoming live Bonkerballs competition in Seattle, encouraging listeners to attend via Tinkercast.com/events ([00:00:55]).
• Stem Toys: Announcement of Wow in the World Stem Toys available at Walmart, promoting hands-on learning ([00:11:36]).

Exclusive Offers:

• IXL Learning: Listeners receive a 20% discount on IXL memberships by visiting ixl.com/wow ([03:48]).

Stay Connected: Listeners are encouraged to submit questions and engage with the show through calls and messages for future Q&A segments.

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Tune in Next Week: Prepare for a fish-themed continuation of the adventure, where hosts will delve deeper into the science of fish and its benefits, promising more "wow" moments and educational content.

Transcript

[Mindy]

Hey Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, I got some big news for you. Seattle. It's time to make it wow. That's right. This June, me and my friends Carlie Q, Dennis, Grandma GeForce and Thomas Fingerling are headed to Seattle for our live Bonkerballs competition game show where kids turn their wildest and weirdest ideas into jaw dropping inventions live on stage. Tickets are on sale now. Visit Tinkercast.com events to get your tickets to make it wow near you. Once again, that's Tinkercast.com events. We can't wait to see you soon. But for now, let's get back to the show.

[Guy Raz]

Hey Parents Lace up for Adventure with Sneaks the new animated movie that's made for sneakerheads of all ages. Sneaks follows a pair of one of a kind sneakers named Ty and Maxine who get kicknapped by a shady collector. But even with the help of Ty's streetwise footwear friends, finding his soulmate will be no slam dunk. With an original soundtrack featuring Mustard and an all star cast that includes Anthony Mackie, Martin Lawrence, Chloe Bailey, Swae Lee, Chris Paul and Laurence Fishburne, I can't wait to put on my best pair of sneakers and run to the theater to see this. It's not only gonna be fun for kids, but looks cool for grown ups too. Watch Sneaks exclusively in theaters April 18 hey Grown Ups.

[Reggie]

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[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.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Laugh, laugh.

[Dennis]

Me wow on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend. Hello and welcome to Wee Wow on the Weekend. I'm your host, Dennis, and this is my co host, Reggie. Hey, Reggie. Want to hear joke, Reggie? I am so funny. I'm the best at telling jokes. Whatever. I'm gonna tell it anyway. Knock knock. Dennis. Dennis, it's me, Dennis. At the door. Your friend Dennis. Reggie, I'm here at your house. Let me in, let me in, let me in, let me in, let me in. Ha ha. I'm just kidding. I'm not really at your house. What do you mean you don't get it? It's a knock knock joke. Well, I guess my comedy is just too high concept for you. Should we move on and do the Q and A segment? Okay, good.

[Reggie]

Ahem.

[Dennis]

The Q and A segment. Alright, let's just get the old answering machine pulled up here. Okay, Here we go. Hi, you've reached Dennis from WEW on the Weeknd. 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.

[Mindy]

Hi, Denz. I'm Ezra.

[Dennis]

Hi, Ezra.

[Mindy]

And I can sing Rewound the Weekend in pigeon.

[Dennis]

What? Let me hear. Let me hear. Wow. That was so cool. Yeah. Now all the pigeons out there listening have a translation of the theme song. What do you think, Reggie? Did Ezra get all the words right? Wow. Thanks, Ezra. Next question.

[Mindy]

Hello, Dennis. My name is Amatila. I live in Naperville Illinois. I have a question for you. Why are you so silly?

[Dennis]

Why am I so silly? Silly? I'm not silly, Reggie. No, I'm not. I'm distinguished and poised and very, very serious. Yes, I am. I even have a song about it. Serious. Deliriously serious. Serious. Mysteriously serious. Serious. I'm furious and serious. Serious.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah.

[Mindy]

What?

[Dennis]

That song wasn't silly? I'll show you silly. Um, I forget what we were talking about. Next question.

[Mindy]

Hi, Dennis, this is Riley. And my question is. White makes snow white.

[Dennis]

What makes Snow white? Good question, Riley. Snow White is made by Germany. Yeah. Snow White is a German fairy tale published by the brothers Grimm in 1812. And I don't remember that much about Snow White, but there's a movie of it I watched once and there was a witch or a queen or something and it was too scary, so I turned it off and hid under a blanket. Anyway, Snow White lives in the forest, so maybe. Oh, really? Riley was asking about actual snow. Well, I don't know why actual snow is white. Do you? What? Snow is translucent and reflects all the colors of the rainbow back to our eyeballs and it appears white. Reggie, that sounds like a fairy tale. Thanks for all your calls, everyone. If you've got a question for me, call and leave me a message. The number is 1-888-7-WOWWOW. That's 1-887-WOWWOW. I just might answer your question on Wee Wow on the weekend. Kay, that takes care of that. All right, next up is a little segment I like to call Inside Tinkercast Studios.

[Reggie]

Ahem.

[Dennis]

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 two, episode 22, called Something Smells Fishy in Here. Part one. Oh, part one. Reggie, do you know what that means? Yeah, that means there's a part two. We get to listen to part one today and part two tomorrow. Wait, does that mean this weekend should have a fish theme? Reggie, you know I love themes. Now let's go back and rerecord the whole episode real quick with a fish theme.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Ah. Ah.

[Dennis]

Ahem. We wow. On the fish weekend. We wow. Okay, fine. We'll save the fish theme for tomorrow. Alright, Part one. Something smells Fishy. Here we go. And play.

[Mindy]

Wee wow will be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you.

[Reggie]

Hey, grown ups. This spring, take some time for personal growth by listening to inspiring and motivational audio titles from audible. Explore over 1 million audiobooks and exclusive originals to help you set and reach goals for your well being. There are titles to help you establish new fitness and nutrition habits, prioritize relaxation, improve relationships in your work and personal lives, and more. At Tinkercast, we're tapping into our latent talents and listening to insights from Adam Grant and a long list of impressive guests in the audiobook Hidden Potential the Science of Achieving Greater Things. Feed your curiosity and learn about the areas of self improvement that matter most to you. There's something for everyone in Audible's growing list of titles. See for yourself. You can sign up for a free 30 day [e-mail] wow. So what are you waiting for? Start listening today. Sign up for your free 30 day [e-mail] wow.

[Guy Raz]

Hey parents lace up for adventure with Sneaks. The new animated movie that's made for sneakerheads of all ages. Sneaks follows a pair of one of a kind sneakers named Ty and Maxine who get kicknapped by a shady collector. But even with the help of Ty's streetwise footwear friends, finding his soulmate will be no slam dunk. With an original soundtrack featuring Mustard and an all star cast that includes Anthony Mackie, Martin Lawrence, Chloe Bailey, Swae Lee, Chris Paul and Laurence Fishburne, I can't wait to put on my best pair of sneakers and run to the theater to see this. It's not only gonna be fun for kids, but looks cool for grown ups too. Watch Sneaks exclusively in theaters April 18th.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Psst. Hey wowzer fams. It's Guy Raz and Mindy here. And Mindy, can you believe we have our very own wow in the World Stem Toys?

[Mindy]

I know. And look, they even have our faces on them. Look at little us.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Guy Razzie, it's so bonker balls.

[Mindy]

Aw, you're using my catchphrase.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Grown Ups. We are so excited to share our wow in the World Stem Toys with the future scientists in your life.

[Mindy]

And now you can find our toys at select Walmart locations near you and [e-mail] from the ultimate high flying air.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Rocket to the light up terrarium, there's something for everybody. Every Wowzer in your world to play and tinker with.

[Mindy]

Wow in the World Stem Toys now available at Walmart. That's it. And now let's get back to the wow. That's it. Now back to the show.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Wow in the World.

[Mindy]

Hurrah. Guy Raz, are you in there? I wonder why he's not answering the door. Guy Raz. Guy Raz, it's me, Mindy. Maybe I'll just allow myself in. Hey, Guy Raz. Guy Raz.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Energy equals mass times the speed of light.

[Mindy]

Raz, are you sleep talking?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Yes, Professor. If we subtract the square root of 92.155, and then.

[Mindy]

Oh, boy. Well, doesn't seem like he's gonna wake up anytime soon. Guess I'll just help myself to a snack from the old refrigerator. I know he's into some weird foods, but why is this refrigerator full of stinky food?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Fish.

[Mindy]

Maybe I don't need a snack after all. Coming, coming, coming for a long fire.

[Dennis]

Get to the trucks.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Get to the trucks.

[Mindy]

I'm coming. Oh, butter my biscuits. Guy Raz, it's just your alarm clock ringing.

[Dennis]

Hey, chief, I'll be in the fire truck asap.

[Mindy]

Oh. What in the. Guy Raz.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Whoa, whoa, wait.

[Mindy]

Come on. It's me, your best friend. Mindy.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Wait. Mindy.

[Dennis]

Wha.

[Thomas Fingerling]

What's happening, man?

[Mindy]

You were. Ow. It must have been some crazy deep sleep.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Asleep.

[Mindy]

Yeah. I just came over here to have breakfast like we planned, and I found you talking in your sleep, but out like a light.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Oh, man, Mindy, the last thing I remember from last night was eating a big plate of fish.

[Mindy]

Yeah.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Then brushing my teeth, then flossing, then rinsing with mouthwash, then doing some breathing exercises, then practicing gratitude, then pulling down the blackout shade, then climbing into my soft, warm bed. Okay, I get it.

[Mindy]

You take bedtime really seriously.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, last night, once my head hit the pillow, I was out. And, boy, did I sleep well. Mindy. Which reminds me, it's breakfast time.

[Mindy]

Did you say breakfast?

[Thomas Fingerling]

You better believe it. And check out my new gadget. Mindy.

[Mindy]

Wow, that's a cool cylinder, Guy Raz.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Okay, watch us. Okay, Zoodle, say be breakfast in German. Breakfast in German. Hang on, Mindy. My zoodle home is acting up. Okay, Zoodle, tell me how to say breakfast in German. Frustuk. Hmm.

[Mindy]

Frustook. Huh?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Okay, Zoodle, how about in French? How about in Spanish?

[Mindy]

Des. Ayuno.

[Thomas Fingerling]

How about in English? Arabic?

[Mindy]

Okay, Guy Raz, my grumbling belly could really go for some washabout iftar right now, so if you could just Fakisa already.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Fakisa?

[Mindy]

Oh, yeah, faquisa. It means scoot your tush in Southern Sotho.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Southern Sotho?

[Mindy]

Yeah, Southern Sotho. It's a Southern Bantu language spoken mostly in South Africa, in Lesotho.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Wow, you speak Southern Sotho?

[Mindy]

Not really. But Reggie and I have been taking some classes on wow. Yeah. Our challenge is to work through all 11 of South Africa's official languages. Anywho, how's about that frish duck you promised?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Oh, yeah. Actually, Mindy, do I have a treat for you.

[Mindy]

Banana chocolate chip pancakes topped with nitrous oxide propelled sweetened whipped cream?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Uh, no.

[Mindy]

Ugh. Okay, well, are you at least making those cinnamon buns that burst out of the can that comes with that delicious white frosting that just melts off the top?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Have you forgotten who you're talking to?

[Mindy]

Oh, yeah. Well, I guess we're just having the ush.

[Thomas Fingerling]

You mean tall glasses of room temperature water, hard boiled eggs, cashew cheese, and some raw kale. Well, not today, Mindy.

[Mindy]

Does this mean we're having something new?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Yeah. Today, Mindy, I'm making my new favorite breakfast specialty.

[Mindy]

Well, what is it?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Here, let me show you in the fridge.

[Mindy]

Oh, no, don't do it, don't do it, don't do it, don't do it, don't do it.

[Thomas Fingerling]

We're gonna have a fish fiesta.

[Mindy]

Fish for breakfast. Hey, Roz, who eats fish for breakfast?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, actually, lots of people do. In Guyana, people eat white fish at breakfast. Traditional Japanese breakfast includes fish. Same in Indonesia. And in countries like Denmark, nor Russia and Germany, you can have a delicious plate of pickled herring with your eggs.

[Mindy]

I'll believe it when I see it.

[Thomas Fingerling]

But even in America, Mindy, lots of people eat smoked salmon at breakfast. And in Alaska, people eat a lot of fresh salmon because they have some of the most delicious wild salmon in the whole wide world.

[Mindy]

So that's why you have a fridge full of salmon?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Yep. I order it directly from a fisherman in Seward, Alaska. And, Mindy, it is delicious and nutritious and braintastically soporific.

[Mindy]

Uh, braintastic. Soporific.

[Dennis]

What?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, technically, braintastic is a made up word combining brain and fantastic, but soporific is a real word.

[Mindy]

I think I got this figured out. Soporific. It's from the Latin root soper, which means deep sleep. And things that are soporific help us sleep.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Yep. So fish is both brain tastic, as it can make you smarter, and it can also help you sleep better.

[Mindy]

Uh, hold the banana pepper phone. Guy Raz. Mindia smarter and sleepier?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, yeah. Here, here, let me explain.

[Dennis]

Guy Raz, you are needed on set. Guy Raz, please report to set.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Oh, man, Mindy, I almost forgot. I've gotta get to the studio.

[Mindy]

What? The studio? Guy Raz, what is going on?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Oh, I didn't tell you, Mindy.

[Mindy]

Uh, tell me what?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Oh, I just signed a five episode Deal with the Neanderthal Network to do a food show.

[Mindy]

The Neanderthal Network?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Yep. Only paleo keto, Whole 30 and science CD diets allowed. But you know, hey, it's a gig, right?

[Mindy]

Wait, you're doing a cooking show on tv?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, technically it's just a five show deal, so we'll see how it goes. Come on, I'm late.

[Mindy]

Okay, I'm coming. But I'm still starving. Wait up.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Guy Rob has entered the building.

[Dennis]

Guy Raz has entered the building.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Just made it.

[Dennis]

Roll sound.

[Mindy]

What is happening?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Okay, everyone, quiet on set. And in 3, 2, and 1.

[Dennis]

Welcome to Caveman cooking. Here's your host, your bro, my bro, Guy Raz.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Hey, cave people, what is up? You ready for some caveman nutrition? I'm on a mission for nutrition. Alright, friends, today I'm making some food that our hominin ancestors ate. Back in the caves, man.

[Dennis]

Caves. Woo.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Or her caves.

[Dennis]

That's true.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Let's start with the pan of our ancestors. Castile. I'm gonna throw this piece of salmon, skin side down in this hot pan and let her cook for three minutes until that skin is crispy. Then I'll flip it over and throw some coconut aminos, a little fish, a drop of red chili paste, and voila, the menu of the ancient man and woman.

[Mindy]

Um, excuse me, pardon me. Nice forehead. I just need to get through here. Sorry, that's my friend up there. Excuse me, pardon me, coming through. Um, Guy Raz, a word.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Mindy, I'm on live tv. What's going on?

[Mindy]

Well, cavemen didn't cook on cast iron pans and shake coconut aminos and Thai chili paste on their fish.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, technically that is true, but if they could have had those things, they would. Anyway, it's paleo cooking. Just go with it.

[Mindy]

I don't know about this, Guy Raz.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Are all you cave people ready for some fresh wild salmon fishing?

[Dennis]

For nutrition.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Good for your brain and good for your sleep.

[Dennis]

Sleep to the banks.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Oh yeah. Well friends, thanks for joining us this week and see you next time.

[Dennis]

Caveman cooking is a Neanderthal network production.

[Guy Raz]

When we return, Guy Raz jacks your.

[Dennis]

Macros with his caveman brownies and his.

[Guy Raz]

Coconut chia probiotic pudding.

[Dennis]

Don't miss it, you jabroni. And we're clear. That's a wrap.

[Mindy]

Wow, Guy Raz, I barely even recognized you up there. What got into you?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Oh, me? What do you mean?

[Mindy]

Well, you were acting like a caveman for one.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Oh, might be the new diet.

[Mindy]

Well, I gotta say, I didn't think I was a big fan of the fishy stuff, but I was able to swipe some of that salmon off the stage, and boy howdy, stuff is delicious.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Oh, thanks. I'm happy to share the recipe.

[Mindy]

Yeah, I think I'm gonna have to give this fish for breakfast thing a second chance.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, as I said, it is nutritious, delicious, and braintastically soporific.

[Mindy]

Yeah. Speaking of which, what exactly do you mean when you say that fish makes us smarter and better sleepers?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, that's what a growing body of scientific research suggests.

[Mindy]

You're saying that scientists have researched this and concluded that fish makes us smarter and sleep better?

[Thomas Fingerling]

I know, right? I mean, it sounds like a big, wet fish kiss to the fish industry, but it's a real conclusion. Recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.

[Mindy]

Hmm. So what did the study find?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, Mindy, a team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, including Jiang Hong Lu, Jennifer Pinto, Martin, Alexandra Hanlon, and Adrian Raine, decided to put a long known theory about omega 3s to the test.

[Mindy]

Omega 3s? Hang on a second, guy. Raz. Zoodle, if you're out there, what exactly are omega 3s? Zoodle?

[Dennis]

Omega 3, polyunsaturated fatty acid that is.

[Mindy]

Found in foods like chia seeds, grass fed beef, shrimp, and fish.

[Dennis]

Thanks, Zoodle.

[Mindy]

You're the best. Sekiraz. Omega 3s, am I right?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Yes, that's right. Omega 3s, which are, of course invisible and generally tasteless to us humans, are special acids found in the oils of these foods. And it's believed that Omega 3s are good for human health.

[Mindy]

And that's the theory that these researchers from the University of Pennsylvania were trying to prove. Right?

[Dennis]

Right.

[Thomas Fingerling]

And for a long time, scientists have found links between omega 3s and human intelligence, and that maybe omega 3s can help our brains grow and develop, especially when we're young.

[Mindy]

And so what did these researchers find?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, this team from the University of Pennsylvania learning more, because a lot of the earlier studies done by other scientists and researchers focused on people who take supplements.

[Mindy]

You mean like fish oil? Like fish oil capsules?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Yep. In fact, I take two every day.

[Mindy]

So how did this team from Pennsylvania do their study?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, they decided to find out if eating fish, not just taking fish oil pills, might also make a difference in brain health.

[Mindy]

So they had people go hog wild on an all you can eat fish buffet?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, sort of, yeah. What these researchers did was to study kids.

[Mindy]

As in goats?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Uh, nope.

[Mindy]

Kids, as in young humans below the legal age of majority?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Yeah, they studied a group of. Of kids In China.

[Mindy]

A bunch of kids in China.

[Thomas Fingerling]

And to be precise, 541 kids in China aged 9 to 11 years old. And these researchers studied how much fish each of these kids ate every month.

[Mindy]

And I'm guessing we're not talking about two for one fish fillet sandwiches from McDo dads, right?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Yeah, that's probably a safe assumption. And I don't think fried fish and.

[Mindy]

Chips counted either, so probably like steamed fish or roasted fish or pan seared. Kind of like how you cook that salmon on your cooking show.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Yeah, exactly. And then the researchers asked each of the 541 kids to take a test.

[Mindy]

What? Fish in a test? What is this?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, not like a test that counts, but a test to find out how smart they were at that very moment.

[Mindy]

A test that measures something called IQ or intelligence quotient. But I've always wondered, how can a test measure someone's intelligence?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, you know, intelligence tests are controversial, meaning some people think they're a real measure of how smart someone is, and other people think they only measure how smart someone is at that very moment during the test.

[Mindy]

Oh, yeah. So, like, if somebody was up the whole night before inventing cheese coffee, or if. If maybe they had jelly beans for breakfast, they might not do as well as if they hadn't done these things.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Exactly. And intelligence, or how smart we are, isn't something that's necessarily fixed because our brains grow and build new connections over the course of our lives.

[Mindy]

And we build new connections in our brains by being curious.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Whoa. Yes. Curiosity is what fuels our brains, Mindy. By asking questions, by reading, by exploring. Those are. Are the things that make us smarter.

[Mindy]

Well, anywho, back to this fish test. When those researchers asked the kids in China to take the intelligence test, what did they find?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, amazingly, Mindy, they found that kids who ate fish at least once a week scored better on the test. Actually, their IQ scores were almost 5 points higher than kids who never ate fish. Whoa.

[Mindy]

So fish made them smarter?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, it's not entirely clear, but that seems to be the case. In fact, kids who ate fish sometimes still had IQ scores that were three points higher than kids who never ate fish.

[Mindy]

Yeah, but you said that before you went to bed last night. You ate a big plate of fish. So did you do that to get smarter?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, I was experimenting for sure, because these researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, they also found that kids who ate fish at least once a week slept a lot better than kids who didn't eat fish.

[Mindy]

Oh. So now I'm starting to Connect the dots. That's why you were in such a deep state of sleep when I came in earlier.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, I can't say it was just the fish, but it's possible there is a connection with eating fish and sleeping well, too.

[Mindy]

But how do fish make omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, anyway?

[Thomas Fingerling]

You know, I'm not entirely sure, but I bet we could find out.

[Mindy]

Oh, boy. I see that light bulb glowing on top of your head. Wait, are you plugged into something?

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, if we really want to investigate, Mindy, we'll have to go.

[Mindy]

You know, something smells fishy about this plan you're hatching, Guy Raz.

[Thomas Fingerling]

But it could help us understand the source of those omega 3s in fish. And all we have to do is shrink you down with your shrink wand and send you inside the belly of a fish.

[Mindy]

Inside the belly of a fish? What? No way, Guy Raz. The last time you shrunk me down, I found myself in the middle of an onion crying my eyeballs out.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Well, this time we'll make sure you're wearing your astronaut gear. You know, just in case.

[Mindy]

This better be worth it, Guy Raz.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Nothing to worry about, Mindy. It'll be fine. Fine? Just fine?

[Mindy]

We'll see about that. This time, Guy Raz, you're coming with me.

[Thomas Fingerling]

Okay. Well, I guess the first stop is your garage. Should we find Reggie?

[Mindy]

Reggie. Hey, Reg, we're gonna need you to take us on our strangest adventure.

[Dennis]

Adventure? Inside the belly of a nutritious, delicious, and braintastic fish. Next time on Caveman Wow in the world. This is so exciting. I can't wait to find out what happens next. Reggie, you were there. Tell me what happens next. Wait. Don't tell me. Actually, I can't wait. Tell me, tell me, tell me. No, no, no, no, no. Don't. Don't tell me. Okay, okay, let's wrap this up. I have to get ready for the fish theme tomorrow. Ahem. 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 1-88-8-7, wow. Wow. That's 1-888-7-7 Wow. I just might answer your question on Wee Wow on the weekend. Okay, should we do the goodbye song? Ahem. That's the end of the show. I need to go and fill my entire house with little fishies. But I'll do another show tomorrow. But for now, that's the end of the show.

[Mindy]

Ee.

[Dennis]

Eee. Bye.

[Mindy]

Grown ups. If you like. Wow. In the world. You can listen early and ad free right now on Wondry.

[Thomas Fingerling]

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.