WeWow on the Weekend (6/22/25)

Summary

Wow in the World: Episode Summary - "WeWow on the Weekend" (June 22, 2025)

In the June 22, 2025 episode of "Wow in the World" titled "WeWow on the Weekend," hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz delve into the fascinating world of 3D printing, exploring its revolutionary applications in medicine and space exploration, all while engaging in lighthearted and humorous interactions with co-hosts Dennis and Reggie. This episode seamlessly blends educational content with entertaining skits, making complex scientific advancements accessible and enjoyable for both kids and their grown-ups.

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1. Introduction to "WeWow on the Weekend"

The episode kicks off with Dennis and Reggie hosting a playful segment where they attempt to create a "brunchy little restaurant." This skit sets a humorous tone, highlighting the creative and sometimes chaotic nature of experimenting with new technologies like 3D printing.

Notable Quote:

• Dennis (02:47): "We wow on the weekend we wow on the weekend we wow on the weekend."

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2. Exploring 3D Printing Technology

Transitioning from the skit, the hosts dive into the core topic: 3D printing. Guy Raz explains the fundamentals of 3D printing, making the technology approachable by comparing it to everyday objects.

Notable Quotes:

• Guy Raz (17:28): "They’re kind of like tiny little factories."
• Reggie (17:22): "Wow. Guy Raz, this might literally be the greatest invention since sliced bread."

a. How 3D Printers Work

Guy Raz provides a clear breakdown of the 3D printing process:

• Design Phase: Creating or downloading a 3D model on a computer.
• Layering Process: The printer slices the model into thousands of layers.
• Construction: Printing each layer sequentially to build the object from the bottom up.

Notable Quote:

• Guy Raz (17:49): "So the way it works is you've got your 3D model inside the computer, and then a computer program kind of slices and dices it up into thousands and thousands of layers."

b. Practical Applications

The discussion emphasizes the versatility of 3D printing, from everyday items like forks and toys to intricate machine parts.

Notable Quote:

• Guy Raz (17:39): "Exactly. Something that isn't flat like a circle, but three dimensional like a sphere or a ball."

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3. 3D Printing in Medicine

A significant portion of the episode highlights the transformative impact of 3D printing in the medical field, particularly in biofabrication.

a. Creating Living Tissues

Guy Raz introduces the concept of biofabrication, explaining how 3D printers can create living tissues using stem cells.

Notable Quotes:

• Guy Raz (20:05): "That's right. And generally speaking, if you put them near some skin cells, for example, they'll become skin cells."
• Reggie (21:12): "That's so. Wow."

b. Addressing Microtia

One of the standout topics is the use of 3D printing to assist individuals with microtia, a condition where a person's ear doesn't fully develop.

Process Explained:

1. Scanning the Good Ear: Scientists scan the patient's healthy ear.
2. 3D Modeling: Creating a mirrored 3D model for the affected side.
3. Printing and Attachment: Using a special material that stem cells can adhere to, they print and attach the model to the body.
4. Growth: Stem cells transform into cartilage, forming a fully functional ear.

Notable Quotes:

• Reggie (21:56): "OK, so how exactly are these scientists using 3D printing to help these microtia patients?"
• Guy Raz (22:03): "Mindy, microtia usually only affects one of the patient's ears. So the scientists start off by scanning the patient's good ear."

Impact: This advancement offers hope to many, showcasing how technology can significantly improve quality of life.

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4. 3D Printing in Space Exploration

The episode transitions to the exciting application of 3D printing in space, particularly focusing on NASA's initiatives.

a. Current Use on the International Space Station (ISS)

Since 2014, astronauts have utilized 3D printers aboard the ISS to create essential tools on-demand, reducing the need for extensive storage and resupply missions.

Notable Quote:

• Reggie (26:16): "Give this guy a prize. You got it, buddy. 3D printing in space is now pretty normal."

b. Future Missions to Mars

Looking ahead, NASA plans to deploy powerful 3D printers to Mars to construct habitats autonomously before human arrival.

Process Explained:

1. Material Utilization: Using Martian dust and rocks to create concrete.
2. Structure Building: Printing durable structures that can withstand the harsh Martian environment.
3. Self-Sufficiency: Enabling astronauts to focus on exploration rather than construction.

Notable Quotes:

• Guy Raz (28:18): "Mind, that's so incredible, Mindy."
• Reggie (29:07): "You know it, Guy Raz. And because of Mars atmosphere, which is pretty weak compared to here on Earth, these structures should be able to withstand anything the Martian landscape can throw at it."

c. Environmental and Logistical Benefits

Guy Raz and Reggie discuss how widespread use of 3D printers could revolutionize manufacturing, reduce waste, and lower the environmental impact by minimizing transportation and packaging needs.

Notable Quotes:

• Guy Raz (25:56): "Exactamundo, Mindy."
• Reggie (25:37): "And fewer delivery trucks and less packaging. And I guess there'd be no warehouses to store unused products in."

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5. Humorous Interlude: Attempting 3D Printed Pancakes

Adding a lighthearted touch, Dennis and Reggie humorously attempt to 3D print pancakes, highlighting common misconceptions about the technology.

Key Moments:

• Reggie's Mishap: Reggie tries to use a traditional printer for making pancakes, leading to a mess and comedic frustration.
• Learning Moment: Guy Raz explains why traditional printers aren't suitable for 3D food printing, contrasting them with specialized 3D printers designed for culinary purposes.

Notable Quotes:

• Reggie (15:48): "What are you doing with that printer?"
• Guy Raz (15:06): "No, Mindy, a 3D printer is a machine that prints out very specific three dimensional objects like pancakes."

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6. Conclusion and Future Outlook

The episode wraps up by envisioning a future where 3D printing is ubiquitous, transforming everyday life and industries. Hosts encourage listeners to imagine the limitless possibilities that this technology holds.

Notable Quotes:

• Reggie (25:58): "And just think about it, Guy Raz. Where would be the toughest place in the entire universe to deliver something to?"
• Guy Raz (29:20): "That's incredible, Mindy."

The hosts leave listeners with a sense of wonder and excitement about the ongoing advancements in 3D printing, reinforcing the podcast's mission to inspire curiosity and awe in the world of science and technology.

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Final Thoughts

"WeWow on the Weekend" masterfully balances educational content with entertaining segments, making complex subjects like 3D printing both accessible and engaging. Through insightful discussions and humorous interactions, Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz not only inform but also inspire their audience to appreciate the incredible innovations shaping our future.

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Key Takeaways:

• 3D Printing Fundamentals: Understanding the layering process and the versatility of 3D printers.
• Medical Breakthroughs: The use of 3D printing in biofabrication to create living tissues and address conditions like microtia.
• Space Exploration: NASA's pioneering efforts to utilize 3D printing for building habitats on Mars, ensuring sustainability in space missions.
• Environmental Impact: Potential reductions in waste, transportation, and packaging through localized manufacturing.
• Humorous Learning: Demonstrating through skits how misconceptions about technology can lead to amusing outcomes, reinforcing accurate understanding.

This episode encapsulates the essence of "Wow in the World" by merging scientific exploration with family-friendly entertainment, ensuring that listeners of all ages are both educated and entertained.

Transcript

[Guy Raz]

Grown Ups Wondery subscribers can listen to wow in the World early and ad free right now. Join Wondery in the Wondery App or Wondery Kids plus on Apple Podcasts.

[Mindy Thomas]

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[Dennis]

Ah ah ah we wow on the weekend we wow on the weekend we wow on the weekend Cause this is what we do on the talking, laughing me and Reggie singing laughing and then we oh, wait, no, I said laughing twice. Whatever. We wow on the Weekend. Ah, wee 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 that's Reggie, my co host. Good morning, Reggie. Oh, I agree. Sundays are the best. You got the whipped cream and the chopped nuts and the hot fudge caramel swirl. Oh, you don't mean ice cream. You mean like Sunday's the day. Well, I suppose I like Sunday days too. Yeah, I have my whole Sunday routine. First I sleep in and then my alarm goes off and I hit snooze for five minutes and then I hit it for five more minutes and then one more time for 15 minutes. And then I have my morning tea while I read gossip magazines. And then I go outside and say good morning to all my plants. And then you come over and we do the show. Alright. And then I eat breakfast cereal right out of the box with my bare dirty hands while you set up the microphone. Speaking of which, I should finish my breakfast real quick. Sorry, Reggie. No, that was the last handful. There's just cereal dust left. Reggie, what do you do on Sunday mornings? Sunday brunch. I love Sunday brunch. We should make Sunday brunch right now. No, wait. We should make a whole little brunchy restaurant. Let's do it.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ahem.

[Dennis]

We just passed breakfast, but it's not time for lunch, so we're making some brunch at our brunchy restaurant. Welcome everyone, to Dennis and Reggie's brunchy little restaurant. Okay, Reggie, what are we serving for brunch today? No, we don't have that. Or that. Or that. Reggie. Nothing with bugs in it. Ew. Okay, let me check the desk drawer and see what we got. Okay, we have a juice box. Want some juice? Excellent. Here you go. Okay, off to a good start. Now we need an entree. Reggie, Pancakes. That sounds good. I think we could do that. What are pancake ingredients? Right, Flour. What can we use for flour? Um. Ooh, cereal dust. Okay, let's just dump the dust onto my desk here. Now we need something wet to hold it together. Umm. Oh, Reggie, give me some of your juice. I need it, Reggie. Thank you. Okay, now adding some juice. Now just mix, mix, mix, mix, mix. And then shaping this mess into little pancake shapes there. I know. They're so cute and lumpy. No, I don't have a pancake griddle to cook them on. I'm just going to use the microwave over by the TV that I Use for making the oatmeal while I watch cartoons. How long do you think I should cook them for? Yeah, probably an hour. There we go. Reggie, what should we name our brunchy little restaurant? Early Bird Reggie. No, that's too birdy and early. How about Brunch and Munch? Okay, how about Brunch and Beyond? Uh, Brunch Boulevard. Brunchology. The brunchy little restaurant. My pancakes. Turn it off. Turn it off, turn it off. What? Close the restaurant, Reggie. No. Think of all the business we'll lose. Well, at least try the pancakes before you judge them. Fine, I'll try them. Oh, that's really bad. Okay, people, close the restaurant. No refunds. Okay, new idea. Let's change the the restaurant to a podcast theater. Yeah, and people can come listen to old episodes of their favorite podcasts. Yeah. And we can serve dinner. It'll be a podcast dinner theater. What do we name it? How about Podcasts and Plates? Okay, how about Dine at Download? Okay. How about Dinner in Decibels? Okay, fine. We'll drop the dinner idea and we'll just serve podcasts. Speaking of which, it's time for a little segment I like to call Inside Tinkercast Studios. Ahem. 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 seven called 3D Printing the Future. Ooh, 3D printing. Is that like when you print something out in the printer, but instead of a rectangle of paper. Paper. It's a cube of paper. No, yeah, no, I know what 3D printing is. Let's just. Let's just listen to the episode. Okay, here we go. And play.

[Reggie]

Wee. Wow. We'll be right back.

[Dennis]

Grown ups.

[Reggie]

This message is for you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Today's episode is presented by Samsung. Hey, grown ups. If you've been looking for the right smartwatch to get your kids connected, look no further at Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids. It gives your child the right tools to safely learn, play, and explore the wows in their world and gives you the tools to set boundaries and monitor their activity. It's the perfect balance of independence for kids and peace of mind for parents. Your kid can call and text right from their wrist, but you choose who they can connect with. It can also share your child's location with you and even establish safe zones with alerts if they venture outside of them. We are so excited about the Samsung Galaxy Watch for kids here at Tinkercast. That we teamed up with them to make one of our first apps ever. That's right. Wow in the World Fans can now play a new round of two what's in a wow Every day on their wrist with the two what's in a WoW game for WatchOS. Guess the real WoW from the made up what's to earn prizes, unlock badges and enjoy special seasonal games. And they can take Guy, Mindy and Reggie on all of their adventures with the wow in the World Watch Face See the Wow Crew come to life with motion activated animation that mirrors the watch's motion. Choose from an outer space theme or seasonal scenes, tap to uncover hidden surprises and pick a background color to really personalize it. Kids can find these awesome wow in the World features and tons more age appropriate content on Google Play. And when playtime is over, you can always put the watch in Do Not Disturb mode. Let your kids keep the Wows rolling wherever they go with the Samsung Galaxy Watch for kids get Galaxy Watch 7 on T mobile now. Kid ready with a new paired lion. Visit t mobile.com to order yours today. Parent and child must have a Samsung account and Google account with Family link requires initial pairing with a compatible Samsung smartphone and qualifying wireless plan with LTE service activated. Please check with your carrier for more information. Trusted contact applies to compatible apps. It does not restrict communication through third party or other communication apps. Emergency services and contacts remain accessible. Location sharing is dependent on network connectivity and device being recently active. Supervised Google account required. Kids can still access limited features like calling and texting emergency contacts hey grown ups, want to give your kids the best possible advantage in their education no matter where they are in their learning journey. IXL can help. IXL is an online learning program that fits seamlessly into a homeschool curriculum. It offers interactive practice in math, English language arts, science and social studies. At Tinkercast, we know that kids learn at their own pace and follow their own interests. So we like that IXL allows kids to study at any learning level and adapts to their specific needs. And we appreciate that with ixl, kids have agency to choose the activities and educational games that they like make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and WOW in the world. Listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com wow visit ixl.com wow to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Do you want to spend another summer stuck at home?

[Reggie]

Hey Jim, how's your back?

[Guy Raz]

Oh you know, I hear you leave.

[Mindy Thomas]

The Small talk behind because Disney and Pixar invite you on an out of this world adventure.

[Reggie]

Engaging hyperspeed. This is awesome. Welcome to the communiverse.

[Dennis]

Prepare to be conquered.

[Reggie]

But I just got here. Follow me. What is this place? These are the lava tunnels. I am not fireproof.

[Mindy Thomas]

Disney Pixar's Elio now playing only in theaters. Tickets available now rating pg. Parental guidance suggested.

[Reggie]

That's it. Now back to the show.

[Dennis]

What in the world?

[Reggie]

Okay, let's see here. The recipe calls for two cups of flour. Why put in only two cups? I've got a whole bucket of flour. Yeah, that's gonna make a lot. Let's see, a dash of milk, maybe a little bit more. Couple of eggs. Hey, Reggie, can you please hand me those eggs over there? Thanks, buddy. I'm just gonna crack these babies on my forehead here and. Oh, man, I got yolk in my eye. Let's see. Oh, a little bit of vanilla. I love vanilla. Just throw in the whole bottle, Reg. All right. And just a touch of sugar. Okay. Reggie, can you help me hoist this bag of sugar up? Thanks. Okay, just keep pouring. Yep, keep pouring. Keep pouring. You can never have too much sugar. Keep on pouring. Yeah, a little bit more. There, that should do it. Ah, maybe a little bit more. Oh, come on in.

[Guy Raz]

Hey, good morning, Mindy.

[Reggie]

Oh, hey, Guy Raz, you ready for our big annual brunchapalooza?

[Guy Raz]

You bet, Mindy, I've got everything we need right here. I brought a cantaloupe display.

[Reggie]

Fancy.

[Guy Raz]

I've got some of my homemade granola.

[Reggie]

Ooh.

[Guy Raz]

And my world famous ancient grain and wheat berry salad.

[Reggie]

Oh, old grains. Yeah.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, by the way, how are the pancakes coming?

[Reggie]

Almost there. I just need to figure out how to. Hmm. How to get this thing working.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, Mindy?

[Reggie]

Yeah?

[Guy Raz]

What are you doing with that printer?

[Reggie]

Oh, yeah. So I was reading this article the other day about how 3D printing is changing our world. So I thought, why sit here like a caveman making pancakes on the stove when I could just 3D print them?

[Guy Raz]

Well, that is true about 3D technology, but I don't think this is how it works.

[Reggie]

Of course it is. I just put some eggs in the ink cartridge here, and then the flour I just shove in here. And.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy?

[Reggie]

Well, I guess I just thought I would pour the milk into this tray.

[Guy Raz]

The paper tray.

[Reggie]

Yeah.

[Guy Raz]

I don't know. I think this is a bad idea, Mindy.

[Reggie]

Guy Raz, when have pancakes ever been a bad idea? Oh, well, now excuse me while I just plug this baby in and press start. Um, I think it's gonna take a second to really power up the pancakes, you know what I mean?

[Mindy Thomas]

See?

[Reggie]

There we go. Oh, does this mean it's working?

[Dennis]

Star Wars. Run, run, run, run, run, run, run. Quick, quick, Minnie kids, get behind the sofa while we're here.

[Reggie]

Oh, boy, there's pancake batter everywhere.

[Guy Raz]

My beautiful cantaloupe display is ruined.

[Reggie]

Huh. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I kind of feel like something went wrong with my 3D printed pancakes.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, what made you think this was a good idea?

[Reggie]

Like I said, Guy Raz, I keep reading about how revolutionary this 3D printing technology is going to be, but every time I try to print out some pancakes, my printer just freaks out. Well, that's because short circuits and start spitting stuff back at me. Well, that's or explodes.

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, that's because you just keep putting ingredients into your paper printer and hoping it'll make pancakes.

[Reggie]

That's not how it works.

[Guy Raz]

No, Mindy, a 3D printer is a machine that prints out very specific three dimensional objects like pancakes. Well, you. Yeah, and actually, There is a 3D printer that's been designed to print pancakes, but it's so much cooler than that, Mindy. You can print out almost anything with a 3D printer. From forks and knives to plastic toys to metal machine parts.

[Reggie]

Man, that's so. Wow. So how do these 3D printers work anyway?

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, first you design or download right onto your computer a 3D model of what you want to print out.

[Reggie]

Okay, so you're talking about a three dimensional object.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. Something that isn't flat like a circle, but three dimensional like a sphere or a ball.

[Reggie]

Gotcha. So how does this work?

[Guy Raz]

So the way it works is you've got your 3D model inside the computer, and then a computer program kind of slices and dices it up into thousands and thousands of layers. Cool. And then the printer prints out each of these slices from the bottom up, layer by layer.

[Reggie]

And then.

[Guy Raz]

And then these layers stick together. And then at the end, you have a solid 3D object.

[Reggie]

Wow. Guy Raz, this might literally be the greatest invention since sliced bread. In fact, it basically is a loaf of bread, but in reverse.

[Guy Raz]

A loaf of bread in reverse. What are you talking about, Mindy?

[Reggie]

Well, it's like baking each individual slice of bread separately and then gluing them all together from the bottom up to create a whole loaf.

[Guy Raz]

Huh? Yeah, I guess you could put it that way.

[Reggie]

So let me get this straight, Guy Raz. You can have A machine in your home that can create almost any object in a matter of hours.

[Guy Raz]

That's exactly right, Mindy. They're kind of like tiny little factories.

[Reggie]

Tiny little factories, huh?

[Dennis]

Okay, everyone, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I just.

[Reggie]

Got word from the shop. It's going to be another long weekend.

[Dennis]

Excuse me. Excuse me.

[Reggie]

I don't call the shop.

[Dennis]

I. Following order. Guy Raz, here is your scroll.

[Reggie]

Tell them what's on your list of things to do. Okay, we need a small plastic fork, a fidget spinner, and a human ear. A human ear? What in the. Uh, hold the phone, Guy Raz. A human ear. Hey, Jed.

[Dennis]

Yeah?

[Reggie]

Can we rewind the tape?

[Dennis]

Sure.

[Reggie]

Okay, we need a small plastic fork, a fidget spinner, and a human ear. Yep, that's what I thought you said. Guy Raz. A human ear.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, Mindy. It's a process called biofabrication, which is the scientific term for using machines like 3D printers to create living tissue and.

[Reggie]

Tissue, meaning skin and muscles and organs and guts, that sort of thing.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. These specialized medical 3D printers are able to print all kinds of living material using a similar technique to the one we talked about before. But instead of printing layer after layer in plastic, these 3D printers print their layers in stem cells.

[Reggie]

Huh. Okay, so we know that cells are the building blocks for all living things, right?

[Guy Raz]

Right.

[Reggie]

And so stem cells are the cells in your body that can basically transform and then grow into any other cell in your body.

[Guy Raz]

That's right. And generally speaking, if you put them near some skin cells, for example, they'll become skin cells. And if you put them next to some nerve cells, they'll become nerve cells.

[Reggie]

And so on, like a cellular chameleon.

[Guy Raz]

And because of this amazing ability, stem cells are perfect for growing artificial skin or bones or even parts of the human heart.

[Reggie]

That's so. Wow.

[Guy Raz]

And Mindy. Researchers from the University of California in Los Angeles and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland have recently developed a way to 3D print ears for people who suffer from a condition called microtia, your whatchia? Microtia. Microtia is a condition that results in a person's ear not fully developing when they're a baby. So it might look like a smaller ear on one side of your head.

[Reggie]

OK, so how exactly are these scientists using 3D printing to help these microtia patients?

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, microtia usually only affects one of the patient's ears. So the scientists start off by scanning the patient's good ear.

[Reggie]

Whoa.

[Guy Raz]

Then they use that scan to create a three dimensional model of the ear on a computer.

[Reggie]

Oh, and can't forget to flip it around since it's for the other side of their head.

[Guy Raz]

Right, and then they print out a 3D model of the ear out of a special kind of material that the stem cells can attach to. Kind of like Velcro.

[Dennis]

This is so awesome.

[Guy Raz]

The scientists then attach this model, complete with the stem cells, to the ear that they want to grow bigger. And then they wait.

[Reggie]

Wait for what?

[Guy Raz]

For the stem cells to do their thing.

[Reggie]

Okay, this is taking forever.

[Guy Raz]

Wait for it.

[Reggie]

I gotta go to the bathroom.

[Guy Raz]

Wait for it.

[Reggie]

I can't wait.

[Guy Raz]

Wait for it.

[Reggie]

I'm warning you, I'm not wearing a diaper.

[Guy Raz]

Almost there.

[Reggie]

I'm gonna spontaneously combust.

[Guy Raz]

There. Finally.

[Reggie]

I was just faking it.

[Guy Raz]

So what's happening once the stem cells have transformed into cartilage cells?

[Reggie]

Cartilage? Oh, that rubbery stuff that our ears and noses are made out of.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, stop. Pull cartilage. Y nose.

[Reggie]

So rubbery.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, where was I?

[Reggie]

Stem cells. Cartilage.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, so once the stem cells have transformed into cartilage cells, the 3D model that they were attached to breaks down and leaves behind a fully formed ear.

[Reggie]

Wow. I Wonder what other 3D body parts we could print off. You know, Guy Raz, I've always wanted a tail for counterbalance.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, you do fall over more often. Well, I don't know about a tail, Mindy, but I want a 3D butt. But 3D printing is being used in a bunch of different ways in the medical industry. There are experiments happening with things like printing arms and legs for people who may not have them, Even artificial skin for people who might have been burned and lost some of their skin.

[Reggie]

That is bonker balls, Guy Raz. You know, maybe it's time I swapped out my old paper printer for one of these fancy new gizmos.

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, if you and everyone else did, it would be a very different world. I mean, just imagine for a second. You've broken something.

[Reggie]

Oh, no. What was it?

[Guy Raz]

It's a hypothetical situation, Mindy. It really doesn't matter.

[Reggie]

Was it my limited edition custom Guy raz bobblehead doll?

[Guy Raz]

Uh, you made a bobblehead of me?

[Reggie]

Yeah, I keep it in my garden to scare the snails away.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, okay, what? Okay, so, for example, you've broke your limited edition custom bobblehead of me.

[Reggie]

It had so much left to give.

[Guy Raz]

And so you want to replace it, and then you find out that the bobblehead store has shut down and they can no longer make them. It can't be replaced.

[Reggie]

This just keeps getting worse and worse.

[Guy Raz]

Well, if you had a 3D printer in your home, you could just print a new one right there, right on the spot, from the comfort of your own living room.

[Reggie]

Wow. So no going down to the store.

[Guy Raz]

Which means fewer cars on the road.

[Reggie]

And fewer delivery trucks and less packaging. And I guess there'd be no warehouses to store unused products in.

[Guy Raz]

It would be a completely different world, Mindy. One where nothing is ever out of.

[Reggie]

Stock and one with a lot less weight and packaging and pollution.

[Guy Raz]

Exactamundo, Mindy.

[Reggie]

And just think about it, Guy Raz. Where would be the toughest place in the entire universe to deliver something to? A place where there isn't much room for storage. A place with a lot of breakable things.

[Guy Raz]

Well, doesn't your great Uncle Godfrey live in the Swiss Alps? I mean, that's pretty hard to get to. And way up there, there's not much storage space. And, well, his yodeling is constantly breaking all of his glass.

[Dennis]

Yodi?

[Reggie]

Yodi.

[Dennis]

Yodeling. Oh, Naume Stein.

[Reggie]

Good guess, Guy Raz. But the place I'm thinking about is out of this world.

[Guy Raz]

You mean the International Space Station?

[Reggie]

Give this guy a prize. You got it, buddy. 3D printing in space is now pretty normal. I mean, they've been doing this on the International space station since 2014, mostly to print out new tools.

[Guy Raz]

So next time they, like, lose a wrench up there, they could just boot up the old 3D printer and bust out a new one.

[Reggie]

Exactoritos, Guy Raz.

[Dennis]

Wow.

[Reggie]

But that's not the only 3D printing that's going on in space.

[Guy Raz]

It's not.

[Reggie]

Okay, well, maybe it is right now, but it won't be for long, because NASA's next big 3D mission is to send a 3D printer to Mars.

[Guy Raz]

To Mars?

[Reggie]

Yep. Okay, so imagine this. You've just landed on Mars, it's taken you nine months to get there, and you're absolutely exhausted. The last thing you're gonna want to do is to set up a tent, build your hotel, right?

[Guy Raz]

Obviously.

[Reggie]

Well, when those first travelers do get to Mars, they might just open the hatch to find a bunch of homey concrete domes ready and waiting for them.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, are you talking about first contact with aliens?

[Reggie]

No, with autonomously 3D printed buildings, yes.

[Guy Raz]

So let me see if I understand this, Mindy. NASA, the space agency, is sending a 3D printer to Mars to build structures for future astronauts even before they arrive.

[Reggie]

Well, that's the Plan. So NASA engineers from the University of Southern California have been working for years on a robot that works a lot like the traditional 3D printers, only way, way more powerful. So instead of printing in plastic, it uses concrete.

[Guy Raz]

Huh? Okay, well, if I look in my engineering cookbook right here, you just carry.

[Reggie]

That thing around with you?

[Guy Raz]

Never leave home without it. Mindy. Let's see here. Yeah, concrete, rocks, sand, a touch of water, a sprinkle of chemicals. Mindy, am I right in assuming that this 3D printing robot on my Mars will be using Martian dust and rocks to make this cement?

[Reggie]

You know it, Guy Raz. And because of Mars atmosphere, which is pretty weak compared to here on Earth, these structures should be able to withstand anything the Martian landscape can throw at it.

[Guy Raz]

That's incredible, Mindy.

[Reggie]

Now, I'm just wondering what I could do if those NASA engineers let me replace some of that Martian dust with some flour.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy.

[Reggie]

A couple of egg. Mindy, no, just hear me out. Guy raz. One enormous 3D printed pancake.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, that, that does sound pretty great, right? With a little bit of cantaloupe and some ancient grain and farro salad.

[Reggie]

You gotta cut that out, man.

[Guy Raz]

Maybe some kale leaves sprinkled around, a few organic.

[Dennis]

Wow, that was so cool. That's what we need for our brunch restaurant, Reggie, a 3D pancake printer. We have to go to NASA right now and find out what kind of pancakes they can print. All right, let's wrap this up. 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-YY. That's 1-888-7- wow wow. I just might answer your question on wee wow on the weekend. Okay, let's go to NASA. Do you think NASA can print banana pancakes with chocolate chips and whipped cream? And do you think they can print the side of bacon and hash Browns? Oh, and 3D print fresh squeezed orange juice. And 3D print.

[Reggie]

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 on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.

[Reggie]

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 Wewow on the weekend. Our show is written by Ruth Morrison and Jed Anderson. The role of baby Dennis is played by Jed Anderson. Ah, well then who plays the role of Baby Dennis. Never you mind. Tee hee. Original sound design and production is done by Henry Moskal with contributions from Jed Anderson and Tyler Thole. Original music for Wee Wow is composed and performed by Tyler Thole. Special thanks to Jessica Boddy, Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kenny Curtis, Lizzie Fralich, Kristin Yang, Meredith Halpin, Ranzer Thuy Mac, Erica Medina, Henry Muskill, Jody Nussbaum, Ali Paksima, Guy Raz, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Mindy 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 weekend. Be sure to check out episodes of wow in the World every Monday and remember who Wows.

[Reggie]

I wow.

[Dennis]

No, Baby Dennis. We wow.

[Reggie]

All right.

[Dennis]

Wee wow.

[Reggie]

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