WeWow on the Weekend (4/27/25)

Summary

Wow in the World – Episode Summary: "WeWow on the Weekend" (April 27, 2025)

Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Produced by: Tinkercast | Wondery
Release Date: April 27, 2025

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Introduction: Celebrating Earth Day

The episode kicks off with Mindy and Guy celebrating Earth Day, emphasizing the importance of taking care of our planet. They introduce a special mini-episode titled "Planet Wow," encouraging listeners and their families to engage in eco-friendly adventures through geocaching. Notable initiatives include the Geocaching Eco Adventure, where participants can find exclusive Planet Wow geocache boxes in their local areas.

Guy Raz [00:12]: "Our planet Earth is full of so much wow. And we need your help to find and share the wows with our community."

Mindy Thomas [00:21]: "Because after all, if we want our planet to take care of us, we have to take care of our planet."

Segment Transition: Entering the World of Space

After the Earth Day celebration segment and skipping over advertisements, the show transitions into a fictional and entertaining segment titled "WeWow on the Weekend in Space." This narrative features characters Astrodenis and Reggie the Giant Super Space Pigeon, setting the stage for a whimsical space adventure.

Creating Homemade Spacesuits

Astrodenis and Reggie embark on a mission to create their own spacesuits after discovering that traditional suits aren't available at their local mall. Their inventive (and humorous) approach involves using everyday items like onesie pajama pants and bike helmets to assemble makeshift suits.

Astrodenis [05:17]: "We could make our own spacesuits. You're a genius."

Reggie [06:56]: "Found them."

Their attempt highlights the challenges of space travel, notably the need for proper oxygen supply and protection from the harsh environment of space. Despite their creative solutions, it's clear that their homemade suits are more comical than functional.

Inside Tinkercast Studios: Revisiting "Spaced Out Pen Pal"

The hosts introduce a meta-segment titled "Inside Tinkercast Studios in Space," where they revisit a previous episode, "Spaced Out Pen Pal Part Two." This segment blends the real podcast content with the fictional narrative of Astrodenis and Reggie, enhancing the storytelling experience.

Journey to the International Space Station

Astrodenis and Reggie successfully hitch a ride on a SpaceX reusable rocket to the International Space Station (ISS). Their journey is filled with humorous mishaps, such as navigating through a crowded mall while wearing their makeshift spacesuits and experiencing the effects of microgravity, like floating food and objects.

Mindy Thomas [21:25]: "So it's like filling your car up with gas and then once it runs out, you just throw the whole car in the trash."

Guy Raz [14:16]: "The space shuttle program had a budget of around $1.5 billion for every launch…"

Exploring Microgravity and Botanical Experiments

Upon reaching the ISS, the duo interacts with Lulu, a humanoid robot designed to assist astronauts. They discuss fascinating experiments, such as growing roses in microgravity. The reduced oil production in flowers led to stronger scents, which NASA captured and transformed into perfumes—highlighting innovative research conducted in space.

Mindy Thomas [21:30]: "They wanted to see how gravity might affect the way a plant smells."

Guy Raz [23:00]: "A scent sent from the stars."

Introducing Lulu: The Humanoid Robot Surgeon

Lulu, the robot surgeon on the ISS, showcases advanced capabilities like telemedicine, allowing Earth-based surgeons to perform medical tasks remotely. This interaction underscores the potential of robotics and remote technology in enhancing space missions and ensuring the safety of astronauts.

Mindy Thomas [26:33]: "Lulu over here is a surgeon, but also an expert in telemedicine."

Guy Raz [27:42]: "That's incredible. A robot doctor on call."

Return Journey and Final Adventures

As the adventure concludes, Astrodenis and Reggie prepare to return to Earth. Their exit is met with unexpected challenges when Lulu attempts to detain them, mistaking their actions as a security threat. Mindy's quick thinking—offering ice cream—diffuses the tension, showcasing the blend of humor and problem-solving in their journey.

Mindy Thomas [30:03]: "Is there anything you can't fix?"

Lulu [29:43]: "Is it vanilla?"

Despite the chaos, they manage to safely land back on Earth, reflecting on their incredible (and comedic) space adventure.

Conclusion: Reflecting on the Adventure

The episode wraps up with Astrodenis and Reggie discussing their experiences, sharing final thoughts, and teasing future adventures. Mindy and Guy's creative storytelling delivers both educational insights and entertaining narratives, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for young listeners and their families.

Guy Raz [25:56]: "Well, Mindy, these reusable rockets SpaceX is developing are great."

Mindy Thomas [30:28]: "I can't believe we went through all that and forgot to give your pen pal her letter."

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Key Takeaways

• Innovation in Space Travel: The episode highlights advancements in reusable rocket technology by SpaceX, making space travel more affordable and accessible.

• Robotics and Telemedicine: Introduction of Lulu, a humanoid robot surgeon, showcases the integration of robotics in space missions for medical support.

• Microgravity Experiments: Exploring how microgravity affects plant biology, specifically oil production in roses, leading to the creation of space-inspired perfumes.

• Humor and Education: Through the fictional narrative of Astrodenis and Reggie, the episode blends humor with educational content, making complex scientific ideas engaging for children.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Guy Raz [00:12]: "Our planet Earth is full of so much wow."
• Mindy Thomas [05:17]: "We could make our own spacesuits. You're a genius."
• Mindy Thomas [21:25]: "So it's like filling your car up with gas and then once it runs out, you just throw the whole car in the trash."
• Guy Raz [14:16]: "The space shuttle program had a budget of around $1.5 billion for every launch…"
• Mindy Thomas [21:30]: "They wanted to see how gravity might affect the way a plant smells."
• Guy Raz [27:42]: "That's incredible. A robot doctor on call."
• Mindy Thomas [30:03]: "Is there anything you can't fix?"

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Final Thoughts

"WeWow on the Weekend" successfully intertwines educational content with engaging storytelling, making complex topics like space travel, robotics, and scientific experiments accessible to younger audiences. Mindy and Guy Raz, along with the creative characters Astrodenis and Reggie, deliver a memorable episode that inspires curiosity and a sense of wonder about the world and beyond.

For more episodes and engaging science stories, visit Tinkercast.com and join the community of "Wowzers" exploring the wonders of our world and the universe.

Transcript

[Guy Raz]

Hey, Wowzer fams. It's Guy, Raz and Mindy here, and before we start the show, Earth Day is finally here.

[Mindy]

Happy Earth Day to you. Happy Earth Day to you. Happy. I'm so excited.

[Guy Raz]

Our planet Earth is full of so much wow. And we need your help to find and share the wows with our community.

[Mindy]

Because after all, if we want our planet to take care of us, we have to take care of our planet.

[Guy Raz]

So this week, we made a special mini episode of wow in the World just for you all about our amazing Planet Earth.

[Mindy]

Or as we like to call it, Planet Wow. And after you're done listening to the mini episode this Tuesday, Grown Ups Don't Forget to visit Tinkercast.com PlanetWow when you.

[Guy Raz]

Visit Tinkercast.com PlanetWow, you'll find information on how you can join us on our epic Geocaching Eco Adventure and find our exclusive Planet Wow geocache boxes in places that wow near you.

[Mindy]

Now, we could tell you where some of these geocaches are hidden, but we'd rather show you. Guy, Raz and I have placed some secret clues in the three episodes from last week's Wewow Earth Week.

[Guy Raz]

Give those episodes a listen to find out where we've placed some of our Planet Wow geocaches and then see if you can go find one of them out in the world.

[Mindy]

We can't wait to see what wows you find out in the world. Grown ups. Don't forget to share with [e-mail] planetwow that's it. And now let's get back to the show.

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[Astrodenis]

Space it's really, really big. Full of planets and stars and asteroids and stuff. Where some people, but not that many, have boldly gone before. This is We Wow on the Weekend in Space. We wow in Outer Space Weekend. We wow in Outer Space Weekend. Cause we where We Wow in outer space.

[Reggie]

For the whole weekend we'll be in space.

[Astrodenis]

Hello and welcome to Wee Wow on the Weekend in Space. I'm Astrodenis and this is my co host Reggie the giant super space pigeon. This is the show where we hang out in the spacement and talk about whatever we want. And today I want to talk about how they don't actually sell spacesuits at the mall.

[Reggie]

I know.

[Astrodenis]

Okay, for those of you who missed yesterday's episode, we played wow in the World Spaced Out Pen Pal Part one in which Guy Raz and Mindy go to the mall and buy space suits. And I don't know what mall they went to, but the one near me didn't have oxygen tanks or jumps or helmets that look like gumball machines. And now my first segment is ruined. Ruined. Well, the first segment was going to be me showing off my new space suit. And now what am I going to do? Reggie, you're right. We could make our own spacesuits. You're a genius. Oh, how hard could it be? All we have to do is make a highly engineered multi million dollar suit that can withstand the cold unrelenting void of space. It's easy. Plus, you know what this means. That's right, Reggie. It's a Crafternoon. Pancakes are for eating and rivers are for rafting. And Broadway is for my one man show. But afternoons are for crafting. Crafternoon. Okay, today's Crafternoon is making our own spacesuits. First, we need the suit part of the spacesuit. Let's see, what could we use that would be totally impenetrable by freezing cold temperatures and flying space debris? Oh, how about my onesie pajammy jams with the feeties? Yeah, they're just in the dryer. Let me grab them.

[Reggie]

Found them.

[Astrodenis]

Okay, Reggie, do you want race cars or lightning bolts? What? No, that's the one I wanted. Okay, fine. You have this one, and I'll take this one. Slip it on here. Yes, Reggie, I'm putting it on over my clothes. Space is chilly. I need layers. There. Okay, now we need oxygen. Uh, oxygen. Oxygen. That's a good point. There's a lot of oxygen down here in the spacement. But what are we gonna put it in so we can take it to outer space? Um. Oh, how about a cardboard box? We have lots of. We can just stuff them full of oxygen and bring them to space. Okay, here's a box right here. There we go. Let's see what's in it.

[Reggie]

Hi there, Dennis.

[Astrodenis]

Baby Dennis, you scared me.

[Reggie]

He.

[Astrodenis]

Oh. Hey, are you wearing a spacesuit?

[Reggie]

Yeah. Baby Dennis is ready for blast off. What?

[Astrodenis]

Where'd you get that?

[Reggie]

At the mall.

[Astrodenis]

What mall?

[Reggie]

Baby Dennis will never tell.

[Astrodenis]

Oh, whatever. We're making our own spacesuits now, Baby Dennis. And I need this box. I'm just gonna unceremoniously dump you on the floor here.

[Reggie]

There we go. Tee hee.

[Astrodenis]

Okay, now we just gotta fill this box with oxygen. I don't know, Reggie. Just grab oxygen and stuff it in there. Okay, I think it's full. Quick, tape up the box. Ah, a box of ox zajen.

[Reggie]

Um, Baby Dennis doesn't think that will work. Big Dennis.

[Astrodenis]

Well, fine, then, Mr. Smarty Dummy, tell me where the secret space mall is.

[Reggie]

No. Yes. The mall was inside Big Dennis all along.

[Astrodenis]

Okay, you're no help.

[Reggie]

Hee hee.

[Astrodenis]

Reggie, how we doing? What's next for our space suit? All right, how do we get the oxygen out of the box and into our lungs? Uh, okay, I got it. We use these silly straws. Yeah, we just popped. Poke the straws in like a juice box and sip the oxygen through the straws like this. Ah, that's good oxygen. Okay, last thing. Helmets. I think bike helmets will do, don't you? Here, here's one for you. And I'll put this one on. There we go.

[Reggie]

Ta da.

[Astrodenis]

Perfect spacesuit.

[Reggie]

Uh, baby Dennis does not think those were.

[Guy Raz]

Ahem.

[Astrodenis]

I said perfect spacesuits.

[Reggie]

Ah. Okay.

[Astrodenis]

Oh, Boy, now that me and Reggie are all suited up, let's move on to a little segment I like to call Inside Tinkercast Studios in Space. Inside Tinkercast Studios in Space. This is the part where we revisit an episode of one of my favorite Tinkercast shows. And today we're listening to season two, episode 13, called Spaced Out. Pen pal part two.

[Reggie]

Hooray for space.

[Astrodenis]

Now we'll finally find out how Mindy and Guy Raz get to space and meet Guy Razzie's pen pal. Exactly. Everyone ready?

[Reggie]

Baby Dennis is ready.

[Astrodenis]

No, you're not. Baby Dennis, you need to close your helmet.

[Reggie]

All right, Baby Goddess is ready now.

[Astrodenis]

Okay, here we go. And play.

[Narrator]

Wow in the World. We'll be right back, grown ups. This message is for you. That's it. Back to the show.

[Reggie]

Wow in the World.

[Lulu]

Previously on wow in the World.

[Guy Raz]

Well, I was just about to deliver this letter to my pen pal.

[Mindy]

What, you have other friends besides me and Reggie?

[Guy Raz]

This pen pal happens to be on the International Space Station.

[Mindy]

Well, if you're going to deliver your snail mail to the International Space Station, Guy Raz, then I'm going with you.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy]

I think you're gonna need something a little more substantial to protect you from the elements.

[Guy Raz]

I never thought I'd say this, Mindy, but I. I think I might need a new suit, A spacesuit, A motor pickle. Okay, are we good to go? Good to go.

[Mindy]

Now let's go deliver that letter to your pen pal on the International Space Station.

[Astrodenis]

And now, the Mindy.

[Mindy]

Yeah.

[Astrodenis]

It says here that there's a thrilling conclusion.

[Mindy]

Just read the cue cards, Jed.

[Astrodenis]

No, no, no, no. I will, I will, I will. It just seems really dramatic, and I wanted to make sure we were gonna deliver the thrilling conclus.

[Reggie]

Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay.

[Lulu]

And now the thrilling conclusion of wow in the World.

[Mindy]

Okay. All gussied up in our brand new.

[Guy Raz]

Space suits, which are surprisingly comfy.

[Mindy]

I know, right? Comfy and stylish. Hey, why is everybody in this mall staring at us like we're from another planet? Hey, take a picture. It'll last longer. No, don't really take a pic. Anywho, you got that letter for your pen pal, Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Check.

[Mindy]

Okay, well, then I guess all we need now is a way up to the International Space Station so we can deliver this cosmic communication of yours.

[Guy Raz]

Well, I thought we might be able to take those jet packs that you've got.

[Mindy]

Oh, right, my jet packs. Guess I should have said something earlier. They're in the shop.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy]

Yeah, I'm getting these sweet flame decals airbrushed down the sides of them. They're gonna look awesome, but it's gonna take a little more time.

[Guy Raz]

Aw.

[Mindy]

Hmm. Wait a minute. Yeah, I think I know someone who can help. Oh, hand me your phone, Guy raz.

[Guy Raz]

Okay.

[Mindy]

Hello, SpaceX. Yeah, it's me, Mindy. Yeah, no, I'm calling in my favor cause you owe me for the thing, remember? Is that the rocket? Yeah, the rocket. You got one ready today? Great. Be there soon.

[Reggie]

Bye.

[Mindy]

Fear not Guy Raz, I scored us a sweet ride. OK, a little company called SpaceX owes me a favor. They build rockets.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, reusable rockets.

[Mindy]

So you have heard of them?

[Guy Raz]

Well, SpaceX is a private space company that plans to send people like us into space as early as this year.

[Mindy]

You got it. But let me tell you Guy Raz, these reusable rockets SpaceX is developing are great. I had no idea how expensive and wasteful space travel can.

[Guy Raz]

It's really true. I mean, the space shuttle program had a budget of around $1.5 billion for every launch, and that was with a crew of three. So that's about $500 million per person. What?

[Mindy]

You could buy like a million five hundred dollar tacos for that much money?

[Guy Raz]

And the main reason why space travel is so expensive is because traditional rockets are a one use machine. Meaning that once the rocket has launched the astronauts into space, it just falls back down to earth and usually lands in the ocean or something and never gets used again.

[Mindy]

So it's like filling your car up with gas and then once it runs out, you just throw the whole car in the trash.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. But what companies like SpaceX are trying to do is to make a rocket that can be refueled and reused many, many times. And that would make space travel much more affordable.

[Mindy]

Whoa. So people like us could just go to space whenever we want?

[Guy Raz]

Well, I don't know about people like us, Mindy, but some scientists are saying that within 10 years it might cost as little as $10,000 a person to travel into space. Which means that some people might be able to go, wow.

[Mindy]

Only that's still a lot of money. True, but I mean, compared to to $500 million, that's like a trip on a budget airline, Spaceline. Well, and I bet it's a lot easier than becoming an actual astronaut.

[Guy Raz]

That's true. Speaking of real astronauts, Mindy, we should really get going. My pen pal is gonna get really angsty if we don't get there soon.

[Mindy]

Oh right.

[Reggie]

Come On.

[Mindy]

Let's kick it.

[Guy Raz]

So where exactly is the SpaceX launch pad anyway, Mindy?

[Mindy]

Oh, it's in Cape Canaveral.

[Guy Raz]

Cape Canaveral? In.

[Astrodenis]

In Florida?

[Guy Raz]

We're never gonna make it there on time.

[Mindy]

Don't you worry your little head about it, Guy Raz. Reggie'll take us. Reggie?

[Astrodenis]

Reggie?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, he's over there. He's all the way down in the food court, standing in line at the seed shack.

[Reggie]

Reggie.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy. Mindy, don't scream. You'll draw attention to us. Let's just walk down and get him. Like normal people.

[Mindy]

Oh, yeah, like normal people. Normal people wearing spacesuits at the mall.

[Guy Raz]

Well.

[Mindy]

You can't just fly away from us like that, Reg. You gotta tell us where you're going. Oh, what, this whole thing? Oh, well, it's just an extra vehicular mobility suit. Well, that's very flattering, Reggie. Gotta say, you don't look so bad yourself. Did you get a feather cut or.

[Guy Raz]

Yes, Mindy.

[Mindy]

Oh, right. Sorry. So, Reggie, we need a quick trip to Florida. You think he could fly us there?

[Guy Raz]

But we're inside the mall. I mean, how's Reggie gonna fly us out of here?

[Mindy]

Look, there's a set of automatic doors right over there by the Cinnabon, okay?

[Guy Raz]

I hope you know what you're doing.

[Mindy]

Of course I don't know what I'm doing. Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy]

Hop on to Reggie here and hold on, okay? Because here we.

[Guy Raz]

Look, Mindy, there it is, Cape Canaveral. Let's land right there.

[Reggie]

Right there, Reggie.

[Mindy]

Thanks for the ride, Reg.

[Lulu]

Ladies and gentlemen, one minute. One minute to launch. One minute to launch.

[Mindy]

Come on, we gotta run. Run, run, run, run.

[Guy Raz]

Quickly, Mindy, quick, quick. We don't wanna miss the takeoff.

[Mindy]

Man, these suits make it hard to run. Okay, Guy Raz, up the stairs as fast as we can. We can board the rocket at the top.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, wait, look, Mindy, an elevator. Hurry.

[Mindy]

Good call, Guy Raz. Okay, pressing the up button a million times even though you already just.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy.

[Reggie]

Oh, quick.

[Lulu]

30 seconds to launch.

[Mindy]

We're gonna miss it. Excuse me.

[Guy Raz]

Sorry. Pardon me. Excuse me. Pardon me. Excuse me.

[Mindy]

Oh, thank you.

[Lulu]

Stop. Sorry, ma'am, this is a restricted area.

[Mindy]

Oh, it's okay. SpaceX said we could hitch a ride, then move along. Glad that worked. Come on, Guy Raz, strap in.

[Guy Raz]

I hope this doesn't get us into trouble.

[Mindy]

When have any of my ideas ever gotten us into trouble?

[Guy Raz]

Well, for one, there was one time when you got us into trouble by.

[Mindy]

Not to change the subject, but why Is this rocket capsule filled with food and medicine?

[Guy Raz]

Well, that's what these reusable rockets are being used for at the moment, Mindy. Resupply missions. They're gonna bring new supplies to the astronauts that are on board the International Space Station. I'll say.

[Mindy]

There must be like £6,400 of stuff in here, Mindy. V, you want some of this dehydrated beef jerky?

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, this food is for the astronauts. Oops. By the way, you mentioned there are 6,400 pounds of stuff in here. That's a pretty specific guess.

[Mindy]

Hmm. Yeah, it's a weird talent I have. See, I was once the three time reigning champ of the Nebraska State Fair's guess the Jelly beans in the jar competition.

[Guy Raz]

Ah, well, you happen to be exactly right, mindy. There's about £6,400 or 2,900 kilograms worth of supplies in here.

[Mindy]

£6,400? That's like. That's like as heavy as seven grand pianos, right?

[Guy Raz]

And this rocket will supply the station with all kinds of things. Like, let's see, what have we got here?

[Mindy]

What are you finding?

[Guy Raz]

We have some medicine. There's some stuff for all the experiments they're doing up there on the space station. There's slots of of food, including ice cream. Come to mama. Easy, easy, easy, Mindy. Ugh.

[Mindy]

Vanilla. Nobody wants vanilla.

[Guy Raz]

Well, what were you expecting?

[Mindy]

I don't know, something exciting like cosmic cranberry or something.

[Lulu]

Launch in 10, nine, eight. Ignition sequence start. Five.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, boy.

[Mindy]

Oh, here we go. Guy Raz.

[Lulu]

Two, one. Launch.

[Mindy]

Whoa. Guy Raz, check it out. All of the food is floating around the cabin.

[Guy Raz]

Whoa.

[Mindy]

Does this mean we're in zero gravity right now? Well, I mean, I would think we were still close enough to the Earth to feel its gravitational pull, but you.

[Guy Raz]

Know, Mindy, I think we might be experiencing microgravity, which is actually what the astronauts on board the International Space Station experience as well.

[Mindy]

Oh, yeah, Astronauts are doing experiments in microgravity all. So that must be what some of this stuff is for, right? Ooh, watch out. There's a beaker floating past your head.

[Astrodenis]

Whoa.

[Mindy]

Quick, get in my armpit for cover.

[Guy Raz]

Whew. That was a close one.

[Mindy]

Yeah, well, imagine what it would be like if it was a thorny rose flying at you.

[Guy Raz]

A rose?

[Mindy]

Yep. So one of the coolest experiments I've ever heard conducted was when these astronauts tried growing a rose in microgravity.

[Guy Raz]

Why would they do that?

[Mindy]

Well, they wanted to see how it would react and even how it would smell.

[Guy Raz]

Smell?

[Mindy]

Uh, huh. So it turns out a plant's smell is already affected by things like temperature and humidity and even what time of day they pollinate. So these astronaut scientists wanted to find out how gravity might affect the way a plant smells.

[Guy Raz]

So did they have an expert sniffer on board?

[Mindy]

What? No. They couldn't get the funding. But they did have something else. So when you smell a rose.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah.

[Mindy]

What you're actually smelling are the oils in the rose. And the rose makes those oils to attract insects to it. Like a secret luring potion?

[Astrodenis]

Of course.

[Guy Raz]

So that the insects move from rose to rose and spread the pollen.

[Mindy]

Exact oritos.

[Guy Raz]

So scientists were able to see how these oils changed in microgravity.

[Mindy]

Yeah. So using a tiny measuring device smaller than a pinhead, scientists were able to collect microscopic drops of oil off the flowers petals. And then when they got back down to Earth, they carefully studied how they changed.

[Guy Raz]

So what did they find?

[Mindy]

So they found that these flowers actually make less oil in microgravity than they do back down on Earth.

[Guy Raz]

Interesting, but.

[Mindy]

And this is a big butt.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy]

The oils that the flower created in microgravity smelled way stronger than any they've ever created on Earth.

[Guy Raz]

That's incredible. Yeah.

[Mindy]

And the best part is that NASA was able to capture this scent. And then later, when the astronauts got back to Earth, that scent was turned into a perfume.

[Guy Raz]

Wow. A scent sent from the stars.

[Lulu]

Prepare for arrival at the International Space Station. Initiating docking sequence.

[Guy Raz]

Ooh.

[Mindy]

Hold on tight, Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Okay.

[Lulu]

Lock engaged.

[Mindy]

Yes. I think that means we're good to go. We're on the International Space Station.

[Guy Raz]

Wow. Okay, let me just undo my seatbelt here.

[Mindy]

Here goes nothing.

[Reggie]

I'm flying.

[Mindy]

Guy Raz, look at me. I'm flying.

[Reggie]

I'm flying like the wind.

[Guy Raz]

Easy there, Mindy. Easy. And technically, we're actually floating.

[Mindy]

Whatever. I'm going inside the International Space Station, Guy Raz.

[Reggie]

See you there.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy. Mindy, be careful. Watch out for all scientific equipment. Help. Stay there, Mindy. I'm coming to give you a hand.

[Astrodenis]

Mmm.

[Mindy]

Snacks. Think I'm gonna live.

[Guy Raz]

Guy Raz, I see you found the kitchen.

[Baby Dennis]

Hello. Whoa.

[Mindy]

What was that?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, hi, Lulu. It's me. It's Guy. I decided to take you up on your offer to visit.

[Baby Dennis]

Hello, Guy Raz. Welcome to the International Space Station.

[Mindy]

What in the.

[Guy Raz]

Wow, look at that. What an amazing view you have here, Lulu. I can see the whole planet from here.

[Mindy]

Wait a minute. Guy Raz, this is your pen pal, a robot named Lulu who lives on the International Space Station. You could have given Me a heads up?

[Guy Raz]

That's right. Actually, my smart fridge put me in contact with her. You know, robots need friends too.

[Mindy]

Wait a minute. Lulu, you know Guy Raz's smart fridge?

[Baby Dennis]

Affirmative.

[Guy Raz]

They're actually related.

[Mindy]

Huh. But Lulu here doesn't look anything like your smart fridge guy Raz. I mean, she looks almost. Almost human.

[Guy Raz]

Well, that makes sense, because Lulu is what's known as a humanoid robot.

[Mindy]

A humanoid robot?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, a humanoid robot is a robot that's designed to have the same sort of of body shape as a human.

[Mindy]

Well, I guess that would explain the arms.

[Guy Raz]

Actually, they're climbing manipulators.

[Mindy]

And the hands.

[Guy Raz]

Tendon controllers.

[Mindy]

And those suspicious looking eyes. Wait, are those cameras?

[Guy Raz]

And those are its image recognition systems.

[Mindy]

Well, gotta admit, Lulu, you look like one impressive piece of tech.

[Baby Dennis]

Compliment processing.

[Guy Raz]

Well, you'd expect her to be, Mindy, because she was designed by some of the smartest minds in robotics back down on Earth. And she was designed to perform a lot of the basic tasks here on the space station.

[Mindy]

Or I'm guessing some of the more dangerous tasks.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. And the idea being that, say, the International Space Station needed some repair work done on, like, the outside. They could send Lulu out there instead of putting a human astronaut in danger.

[Mindy]

Oh, which reminds me, you know what?

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy]

So that's actually not the only repair work that Lulu over here can do.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, yeah. What do you mean?

[Mindy]

So Lulu here also happens to be a qualified surgeon.

[Guy Raz]

A qualified surgeon?

[Mindy]

Yeah, I looked her up online while you were talking. Mindy.

[Guy Raz]

Wait a minute. How did you get on the Internet up here?

[Mindy]

Oh, Lulu gave me the wifi password.

[Guy Raz]

Right.

[Mindy]

Anywho. So as I was saying, Lulu over here is a surgeon, but also an expert in telemedicine.

[Guy Raz]

Telemedicine? What's that?

[Mindy]

Well, it's when an actual human on Earth takes remote control of a machine or a robot like Lulu on the International Space Station, and then helps it to perform certain medical tasks, like giving shots or even surgery.

[Guy Raz]

So kind of like when a puppeteer takes control of a puppet?

[Mindy]

Yeah, exactly like that. Only with this kind of medical, technological puppetry, you don't even have to be in the same room as your patient. You don't even have to be in the same country as your patient. You don't even have to be on the same planet as your patient. Wow.

[Guy Raz]

And I guess the idea is that a surgeon down on Earth could take control of Lulu up here on the. The space station.

[Mindy]

Yeah, and by using her robotic hands and cameras, both Lulu and the doctor on Earth can Work together to give medical care to the astronauts aboard the space station.

[Guy Raz]

That's incredible. A robot doctor on call.

[Mindy]

It's pretty bonkerballs, isn't it?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah.

[Mindy]

I mean, even though the astronauts that go to the space station know how to do some pretty basic medical tricks, it's good to know that robots like Lulu here have got their back, just in case things get crazy.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, it sure is. Speaking of having their back, we should probably start heading back ourselves.

[Mindy]

Nice segue, Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

What's the fastest way out of here?

[Baby Dennis]

Lulu Reusable rocket returning to Earth in ten.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Baby Dennis]

Nine.

[Guy Raz]

Uh. Oh.

[Baby Dennis]

Eight.

[Mindy]

Hurry up, Guy Raz, we're gonna miss it.

[Baby Dennis]

Six.

[Guy Raz]

Bye, Lulu. It was lovely finally meeting you.

[Mindy]

Three, get in the rocket. We gotta strap in quick.

[Guy Raz]

Got it.

[Reggie]

Here we.

[Baby Dennis]

Goodbye.

[Guy Raz]

I hope we don't burn up when we reenter Earth's atmosphere.

[Reggie]

Mindy. Well, technically, Guy Raz, this is the ionosphere. Oh, really? Now is the time you have to correct me.

[Mindy]

Okay, now, Guy Raz, get ready for the reusable rocket rocket boosters to start off. Okay, the scary part's over. You can stop screaming now.

[Reggie]

Phew.

[Mindy]

Can you believe it, Guy Raz? We made it.

[Lulu]

Attention, fugitives, we have you surrounded.

[Mindy]

Uh, Mindy, everything's fine.

[Lulu]

You have ten seconds to exit the rocket.

[Astrodenis]

Ten.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, no.

[Lulu]

Nine.

[Mindy]

Again with the countdowns.

[Reggie]

Yeesh.

[Lulu]

Six and a half.

[Mindy]

All right, all right, I'm coming out. Easy.

[Guy Raz]

Whoa.

[Mindy]

Look at all these serious faces. Looks like somebody could use a little pick me up. Hey, do you guys like ice cream?

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, take it easy.

[Lulu]

Ma'am, you are in serious trouble. This is no time for ice cream.

[Mindy]

Did I mention that we have £6,400 of it?

[Astrodenis]

I know it's a lot, Dennis.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, okay, okay, okay.

[Lulu]

Uh, is it vanilla?

[Mindy]

Why, yes, it is. Wait, is vanilla your favorite, too? Because.

[Lulu]

All units, stand down. I repeat, stand down. It's vanilla.

[Mindy]

Ah, ice cream. Is there anything you can't fix?

[Guy Raz]

I can't believe this still works. This is the fourth time you've gotten us out of a jam using ice cream.

[Mindy]

I can't believe we went through all that and forgot to give your pen pal her letter.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, what?

[Mindy]

What?

[Astrodenis]

That is good.

[Lulu]

I know. Dennis, I brought a Lactaid.

[Reggie]

Yay.

[Astrodenis]

That was awesome.

[Reggie]

Hooray.

[Astrodenis]

I can't believe Guy Raz was friends with a robot surgeon in Spain and.

[Reggie]

Was that big Dennis at the end.

[Astrodenis]

Yeah. I ate so many astronaut ice creams that day.

[Reggie]

Baby. Dennis wants astronaut ice cream.

[Astrodenis]

Okay, okay, let's wrap up the show. And then go get astronaut ice cream.

[Reggie]

Yay.

[Astrodenis]

Thanks to all you listeners out there for tuning in to Weewow on the weekend. If you have a question for me or 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.

[Reggie]

Or maybe Baby Dennis will.

[Astrodenis]

Uh, we'll see about that. Okay, let's go get some freeze dried ice cream.

[Reggie]

Oh, boy.

[Astrodenis]

But wait, what?

[Reggie]

Freeze dried? Baby Dennis thought it was astronaut ice cream.

[Astrodenis]

Well, technically, freeze dried ice cream wasn't a popular food for the astronauts and probably never made it to space.

[Reggie]

Oh, that is so interesting.

[Astrodenis]

Yeah. And I always wondered, to get freeze dried ice cream, do they freeze it and then dry it or dry it and then freeze it? Because I think that.

[Mindy]

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.

[Mindy]

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

[Astrodenis]

Thanks for joining us for this edition of We Wow on the weekend. Our show is written by Ruth Morrison and Jed Anderson. The role of baby Dennis is played by Jed Anderson.

[Reggie]

Ah, well then who plays the role of baby Dennis?

[Astrodenis]

Never you mind, Teehee. 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, Lizzie Froehlich, Kristin Yang, Meredith Halpin, Ranzer, Thuy Mac, Erica Medina, Henry Muskill, Jody Nussbaum, Ali Paksima, Guy Raz, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Mindy Tuck Thomas, Joanna Weber, 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 hanging out in the basement this week. Be sure to check out episodes of wow in the World every Monday and remember who Wows Argo. No, Baby Dennis. We wow.

[Reggie]

All right. We wow.

[Narrator]

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