Wow in the World: WeWow on the Weekend (May 31, 2025) – Detailed Summary

Hosted by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, "Wow in the World" explores the latest in science, technology, and innovation, aiming to inspire both kids and their grown-ups. In the episode titled "WeWow on the Weekend," released on May 31, 2025, the hosts navigate through engaging segments that blend fun, education, and a touch of adventure.

1. Summer Adventures and Planet Wow Initiative

Mindy and Guy Kick Off the Summer Buzz

As summer approaches, Mindy and Guy Raz introduce listeners to exciting opportunities for family road trips infused with wonder and exploration. They announce their collaboration with Geocaching HQ, the Aspen Institute, and the Nature Conservancy to launch Planet Wow, an epic geocaching eco-adventure aimed at fostering environmental stewardship among young listeners.

• Planet Wow Trading Cards: The hosts have sent out Planet Wow trading cards to members of their World Organization of Wowzers. These cards are meant to be planted in local geocaches, encouraging kids to embark on eco-adventures and become future climate crusaders.

  Guy Raz [00:29]: "If your family has some summer road trips coming up, take a pit stop to find some wow."

• Participation Invitation: Mindy invites listeners to discover if a trading card is near their route by visiting tinkercast.com/planetwow. Printable cards are also available for those without nearby geocaches.

  Mindy [00:57]: "You can check to see if one of those cards is in a geocache near you@tinkercast.com planetwow."

2. Promotion of Disney and Pixar's "Elio"

A Sneak Peek into an Upcoming Animated Adventure

The episode features a promotional segment for Disney and Pixar's upcoming film, "Elio," set to release on June 20. Mindy and Guy engage in a playful dialogue that teases the movie's themes of interstellar adventure and friendship.

Mindy [01:52]: "It's really happening. I knew aliens are looking for me."

Guy Raz [02:11]: "Disney and Pixar's Elio. Rated PG. Parental guidance suggested only in theaters June 20."

This segment seamlessly integrates into the episode, maintaining the show's theme of scientific wonder and exploration.

3. "We Wow on the Weekend" Segment: Games and Listener Feedback

Dennis and Reggie Bring Laughter and Interaction

The episode transitions to a side segment hosted by Dennis and Reggie, titled "We Wow on the Weekend." This portion is filled with light-hearted banter, games, and interactions with listeners.

• Would You Rather Game: Dennis initiates a game of "Would You Rather," presenting Reggie with quirky and humorous choices.

  Dennis [02:21]: "Would you rather eat a cockroach or eat a worm?"

  Reggie humorously navigates these challenging questions, highlighting the playful dynamic between the hosts.

• Reading "Reviewsies": The duo reads and responds to listener comments, sharing amusing and heartfelt feedback.

  Reggie [03:57]: "You think of one for me."

  One notable interaction involves Dennis creatively shaving his mustache in response to a listener's suggestion, showcasing the hosts' fun personalities.

  Dennis [05:24]: "I couldn't do it. I love my mustache and I'm proud to be a mustache boy."

This segment emphasizes community engagement and adds a relatable, entertaining layer to the episode.

4. Promoting "Once Upon a Beat" Podcast

Bringing Rhythm to Timeless Tales

Back on the main show, Mindy and Guy promote another Tinkercast collaboration, "Once Upon a Beat." This podcast reimagines classic fairy tales and fables by infusing them with hip-hop rhythms and rhymes, making them appealing to a younger audience.

Mindy [09:09]: "Once Upon a Beat remixes fairy tales and fables as old as time, giving them a fresh spin with some rhythm and rhyme."

Guy Raz [09:26]: "Once Upon a Beat is where hip hop and fairy tales meet and you can listen to new episodes right now."

Listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast on various platforms, with special mentions of Wondery+ benefits for early and ad-free access.

5. Exploring Social and Solitary Animals in the Adventure

Mindy and Guy's Mountain Expedition: Insights into Animal Social Behavior

The latter half of the episode immerses listeners in an adventurous narrative as Mindy and Guy Raz embark on a hike to visit Guy's Aunt Helga in the Rocky Mountains. This segment delves deep into the science of social versus solitary animals, interwoven with their humorous and dynamic interactions.

• Discussion on Social Animals: The hosts explore how social interactions can impact longevity, referencing a University of Michigan study.

  Mindy [16:09]: "So they got almost 5,000 people from Alameda County near San Francisco to fill out a list of questions that would show how social they were."

  Guy Raz [17:07]: "Wow, that's incredible."

• Ants and Evacuation Techniques: They discuss research from Monash University on how ants efficiently evacuate their anthills by adhering to the principle that "sometimes slower is faster."

  Mindy [22:00]: "So the rule is that sometimes slower is faster."

  Guy Raz [23:03]: "Yeah."

• Study on Marmots: The conversation shifts to Daniel Blumstein's 13-year study on marmots, revealing that socially flexible marmots living solo tend to live two years longer than those in groups.

  Mindy [28:17]: "He was just taking notes on how they interacted with each other and how long they lived for."

  Guy Raz [29:58]: "Glad we're not marmots."

• Adventure Highlights: Amidst their hike, Mindy and Guy encounter dancing mountain goats at Aunt Helga's cabin, blending the scientific discussions with a whimsical adventure.

  Mindy [34:15]: "It's filled with dancing mountain goats."

  Guy Raz [34:21]: "I could see that, Mindy. I guess Aunt Helga really is a social animal after all."

This segment not only educates listeners on animal behavior and its implications for human social health but also entertains with the hosts' lively interactions and unexpected encounters.

6. Conclusion and Takeaways

Emphasizing the Importance of Social Connections

Wrapping up their adventure, Mindy and Guy reiterate the key takeaway: social interactions play a crucial role in longevity and overall well-being. They encourage listeners to foster relationships and engage with their communities, mirroring the behaviors observed in social animals like ants, dolphins, and gorillas.

Guy Raz [35:24]: "We're gonna need more cowbells."

Mindy [36:19]: "And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey@wondery.com survey."

The episode concludes on a high note, blending scientific insights with personal anecdotes, making the content both informative and relatable for listeners of all ages.

Notable Quotes:

• Mindy [16:09]: "So they got almost 5,000 people from Alameda County near San Francisco to fill out a list of questions that would show how social they were."

• Guy Raz [17:07]: "Wow, that's incredible."

• Mindy [22:00]: "So the rule is that sometimes slower is faster."

• Mindy [26:07]: "Well, the most common reason is that they want to avoid competition with each other."

• Guy Raz [29:58]: "Glad we're not marmots."

• Mindy [34:15]: "It's filled with dancing mountain goats."

Episode Highlights:

• Launch of the Planet Wow geocaching eco-adventure
• Promotional segments for Disney and Pixar's Elio and Once Upon a Beat
• Engaging "We Wow on the Weekend" segment with games and listener interactions
• In-depth discussion on social vs. solitary animals and implications for human health
• Entertaining adventure narrative featuring dancing mountain goats

Conclusion:

"WeWow on the Weekend" is a vibrant blend of education, entertainment, and community engagement. Mindy and Guy Raz skillfully navigate through scientific topics, interactive segments, and imaginative storytelling, ensuring that both kids and grown-ups are left with a sense of wonder and inspiration to explore the world around them.