WeWow on the Weekend (7/20/25)

Summary

Wow in the World – Episode Summary: "WeWow on the Weekend" (July 20, 2025)

Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Podcast: Wow in the World by Tinkercast | Wondery
Release Date: July 20, 2025

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Introduction to "WeWow on the Weekend"

The episode kicks off with Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz welcoming listeners to a special edition titled "WeWow on the Weekend." This segment is designed to engage listeners through casual conversations, fan interactions, and educational skits. The hosts introduce their co-host, Reggie the Giant Pigeon, setting a playful and interactive tone for the episode.

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Reading Reviews

Timestamp: [04:00 – 07:00]

Dennis and Reggie delve into listener feedback, starting with a glowing review from Lena, who praises the podcast as the "best podcast I've ever heard." Reggie humorously navigates through Lena's plethora of emojis, remarking, "There are all the smile emojis here. Some hand emojis, some fairies, some clothes, shoes, animals" (05:15). This lighthearted interaction emphasizes the podcast’s community and the hosts' connection with their audience.

Another review from "Macaroni and cheese" asks Reggie to "say skibidi toilet," leading to a comical misunderstanding. Reggie initially guesses a fancy bidet brand but humorously mispronounces it multiple times, showcasing the hosts' ability to entertain while engaging with fan contributions.

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Debate Segment: Pie vs. Cake

Timestamp: [07:52 – 12:40]

Responding to a listener's request for a debate segment, Dennis and Reggie engage in a mock debate about whether a debate segment should exist on "WeWow on the Weekend." Dennis humorously opposes the idea, citing that "Debating is hard. Debating is made of conflict and competition" (06:00), while Reggie advocates for it, pointing out that the very act of debating introduces the segment. This playful banter illustrates the hosts' chemistry and their ability to adapt fan suggestions into entertaining content.

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Inside Tinkercast Studios: Revisiting "Horsefly Don't Bother Me"

Timestamp: [12:24 – 15:00]

The show transitions into "Inside Tinkercast Studios," where Dennis revisits an episode titled "Horsefly Don't Bother Me: The Dazzling Mystery of Zebra Stripes." This segment features a skit where Guy Raz's horse, Bucky, is introduced. The playful interaction between Mindy and Guy Raz sets the stage for an educational exploration of why zebras have stripes—a central theme of the episode.

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The Zebra Stripes Hypothesis: An Experimental Skit

Timestamp: [15:07 – 32:41]

Mindy introduces a scientific hypothesis from the University of California, Davis, proposed by biologist Dr. Tim Caro: Zebra stripes deter horseflies from biting. To illustrate this, the hosts embark on an elaborate, humorous experiment.

1. Setting Up the Experiment

   • Mindy's Entrance: Mindy dons a fly vision goggle and horsefly costume, declaring, "We're going in for a closer look" (19:44).
   • Attire Transformation: Guy Raz is dressed in zebra pajamas, and Bucky the horse is prepared to be the subject of the experiment.

2. Conducting the Experiment

   • Simulating Fly Vision: Mindy and Guy use "fly vision goggles" to experience the world as horseflies do. Mindy explains, "This is incredible. We're actually seeing the world exactly the way a fly would" (29:20).
   • Observing Bucky: Despite being a target, Bucky remains undisturbed by horseflies, leading Guy to ponder, "Why are they not biting Bucky?" (28:30).

3. Findings and Conclusion

   • Confusion from Stripes: The hosts observe that horseflies are confused by the zebra stripes, concluding that the stripes create an optical illusion making it hard for flies to target Bucky effectively.
   • Supporting the Hypothesis: Mindy confirms, "This means that your hunch in Dr. Caro's hypothesis might have been right on" (32:26), solidifying the idea that zebra stripes serve as a defense mechanism against pests like horseflies.

Notable Quotes:

• Mindy Thomas: "Zebras have stripes to keep the blood-sucking horseflies away." (32:26)
• Guy Raz: "We were able to experience exactly what it's like to be a horsefly in search of fresh horse meat." (31:49)

This skit seamlessly blends humor with scientific inquiry, making complex biological concepts accessible and entertaining for young listeners and their families.

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Post-Experiment Banter and Future Plans

Timestamp: [32:42 – 34:00]

Following the experiment, the hosts discuss plans to incorporate their findings into everyday life. Guy suggests purchasing a striped horseback riding suit, while Reggie ponders whether zebras are "white with black stripes or black with white stripes," leading to another lighthearted skit. Reggie's musings, "This is why Guy and Mindy should stop going on adventures and just hang out in their backyards where I can hear them," (33:03) highlight the show's whimsical nature.

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Closing Remarks and Credits

Timestamp: [34:01 – 36:50]

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments to the creative team, including writers, sound designers, and contributors, ensuring listeners are aware of the collaborative effort behind the podcast. Mindy encourages listeners to visit Tinkercast's website for more content and to become official members of the "world organization of wowzers." The hosts reiterate the importance of exploration and curiosity, aligning with the podcast's mission to inspire wonder and learning.

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Key Takeaways and Educational Insights

1. Scientific Inquiry Through Storytelling: The episode effectively uses a fictional skit to explore and explain a real scientific hypothesis. By embodying horseflies and animating the experiment, the hosts make the content engaging and relatable.

2. Community Engagement: Reading and responding to listener reviews fosters a strong connection with the audience, making them feel valued and involved in the podcast's content.

3. Humor and Education: Balancing humor with educational content keeps the material entertaining, ensuring that listeners of all ages remain captivated while learning.

4. Creative Problem-Solving: The hosts demonstrate creative approaches to experimenting and understanding scientific phenomena, encouraging young listeners to think outside the box.

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Conclusion

"WeWow on the Weekend" delivers a delightful blend of humor, education, and interactive segments that embody the spirit of "Wow in the World." Through playful skits and insightful discussions, Mindy Thomas, Guy Raz, Dennis, and Reggie the Giant Pigeon engage listeners in meaningful scientific exploration while maintaining an entertaining narrative. This episode not only elucidates the intriguing reasons behind zebra stripes but also reinforces the podcast's commitment to inspiring curiosity and wonder in young minds and their families.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mindy Thomas: "Zebras have stripes to keep the blood-sucking horseflies away." (32:26)
• Guy Raz: "We were able to experience exactly what it's like to be a horsefly in search of fresh horse meat." (31:49)
• Reggie the Giant Pigeon: "This is why Guy and Mindy should stop going on adventures and just hang out in their backyards where I can hear them." (33:03)

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References:

• Episode Transcript: "WeWow on the Weekend," Wow in the World, Tinkercast | Wondery, July 20, 2025.

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]

Hey Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, are you looking for another podcast that will wow the animal fans in your world? Wait, you are a fan of animals? Well then I've got just the podcast for you. Introducing Flip and Mosi Hosted by two space space alien travel guides, Flip and Mosey, this intergalactic musical podcast brings animal conservation into your family's conversations. So get this after their spaceship got stranded here on Earth, Flip and Mosi found that they had to wait like 3,000 light years just for a tow ship to come. So they decided to spend that time exploring our big blue beautiful planet and all of the amazing creatures who call the Earth home. And with every animal they meet flying, Flip and Mosi get one step closer to learning how to be an Earthling. Listen to Flip and Mosey Wherever you get your podcasts, just search Flippin Mosey in your favorite podcast player and don't forget to subscribe. That's it. And now let's get back to the show.

[Dennis]

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[Reggie]

Ahem. 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. Clap, clap. We wow on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend. Hello and welcome to We Wow on the Weekend. I'm your host, Dennis, and here's my co host, Reggie the giant pigeon. This is the show where we chit chat and answer questions from our fans and listen to tinkercast podcasts. So, Reggie, what's new? Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Tell me. All newsy, like with the Reggie report news segment. Yay. Hit it. Wow. Really? I had no idea raccoons liked hot dogs so much. An asteroid, is it gonna crash into Earth? Okay, wheel. Ooh, sports. Who won? The barracudas or the Blackbirds? Yay. Go Barracudas. They have a lot of heart. And I like their costumes. Oh, boy. Lottery numbers. What are they? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. No. Oh, so close. It's like they make these things impossible to win. Yay. Thank you, Reggie, for that informative report. Now, let's get into our first segment, reading reviewsies. Ahem. I'm reading reviewsies for me and for yousies. We've got us some doozies, so. And let's read reviews. Z's. This is the part where people write us comments on Apple podcasts or Spotify or whatever, and I print a bunch out and I read them aloud. This reviewsy comes to us from username Ibrahim Khalifa. The title reads, best podcast ever. Keep it up, guys. Yay. And the message says, hi, my name is Lena. Oh, it's Lena. I thought it was Ibrahim. Whatever. Hi, my name is Lena, and your podcast is the best podcast I've ever heard. Smile emoji, big smile emoji, closed eye smile emoji. Wait, how many emojis are there? Well, I don't know, Reggie. It looks like there's all the smile emojis here. Some hand emojis, some fairies, some clothes, shoes, animals. Oh, Reggie, I think Lina gave us all all the emojis. Well, what are we supposed to do with all these emojis? Reggie? There's two whales and a whole bunch of farm animals in here. Where am I gonna put them? Well, I know they're not real animals in fairies and shoes, but I still have to imagine them and that takes up a lot of brain space. The real estate of my mind is not cheap. Oh, look, Lina also gave us five stars. Okay, I'll hang on to the stars and you can keep the whales and sheep, Reggie. Okay. Okay. Next reviewsy. This next reviewz comes to us from username Macaroni and cheese. The title says say this word, Reggie. I don't know what word. We're about to find out. The message says, say skibidi toilet. Huh? Yeah, I don't know what a skibidi toilet is. Uh, right. Maybe I'm pronouncing it wrong. It could be skibidi toilet. Actually, no, wait, I know what it is. Yeah, it's a ski bidet. Because, Reggie, a bidet goes on a toilet. Ski bidet toilet is probably a really fancy brand of bidet. Yeah, a bidet is like a toilet seat that squirts water out of it. What's for cleaning your bum? Well, that's probably why they named it so fancy. It's marketing, Reggie.

[Guy Raz]

Ahem. Ski bidet toilet.

[Reggie]

Where elegance meets innovation. Ablution for your backside. Skiba toilet. Skibidde toilet. The best way to clean your van. Meh nehem. Next reviewzy. This last reviewsy comes to us from username Kaylor I and the title says pie versus cake. And the message says dear Mr. Dennis. I love when people call me Mr. Dennis. Dear Mr. Dennis, please create a short debate segment. Anything works. Great idea, Kayla Rye. Ahem. This is the debate segment. Isn't it a great segment? I just can't wait to illustrate my point in a debate segment. Alright, today's debate topic is should we have a debate segment on We. Wow. On the weekend? Yes or no? Opposing the resolution will be me. Dennis, I do not think we should have a debate segment. That's right, Reggie. Supporting the resolution will be you. You will argue why we should have a debate segment. I will go first. Ahem. No, I do not think there should be a debate segment. Debating is hard. Debating is made of conflict and competition. This is the weekend. The only debate we should be having on the weekend is whether I should take a nap in the hammock or. Or in the little space behind the couch where we keep all the pillows and blankets. Thank you. Okay. Your turn, Reggie. Why should we have a debate segment? Oh, that's good. We're having a debate right now, so technically the debate segment already exists. Right? And the debate segment theme song is really good. Okay, Reggie, you've convinced me. We should have a debate segment. Yay. Okay, what should we debate about next? No, I don't want to debate about that. Okay, fine. We'll debate about what we're going to debate about next time. Thanks for all your reviewsies, listeners. Keep them coming. If you have a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, I just might read it on Wee Wow on the weekend. Five stars or more, please. Because, Reggie, just because. Okay, next up is 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 3, Episode 12, called Horsefly Don't Bother Me. The dazzling mystery of zebra stripes. Oooh. Horses and zebras and flies. Oh, my. Actually, I remember this one. Yeah, it's the one with Guy Raz's horse. I think his name is Lucky or Chucky or something. Bucky. Right? And then I yell helpful, judgmental quips from the other side of the fence. Yeah, let's put it on right now. Okay, here we go.

[Guy Raz]

And play.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Dennis]

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[Mindy Thomas]

That's it. Now back to the show.

[Reggie]

What in the world?

[Guy Raz]

Shoo fly, don't bother me Shoo fly, don't bother me Shoo fly, don't bother me because my name is Guy Raz.

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Razzy. Whoa.

[Guy Raz]

Whoa there, Bucky. Mindy, why are you standing on your roof dressed as a fly? You almost scared Bucky here half to death.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hang on a sec, Guy Raz, I can't hear the words coming out of your mouth. Stay right there and I'll come down. Just gotta shimmy down the drainpipe. Shimmy, shimmy, shimmy, shimmy.

[Guy Raz]

Is that a drain pipe made out of a giant candy red vine?

[Mindy Thomas]

I'm here.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, are you dressed up as a horse?

[Mindy Thomas]

Slow down, Bucky. I'm not gonna bite you. I'm not even a real horse fly.

[Guy Raz]

There you go, Bucky. See, she's not even.

[Mindy Thomas]

Although I do have an uncle that's a horse and a second cousin that's a fly. So I guess that makes me, what, 112 horse fly.

[Reggie]

Hi, Mindy. Hi, Guy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hi.

[Guy Raz]

Good morning, Dennis.

[Reggie]

Mindy, why are you dressed like a horse fly? Is it because you hate horses? Mindy, why do you hate horses?

[Guy Raz]

No wonder Bucky is so terrified of you. Mindy, we just got back from a very frustrating horseback riding lesson with horse flies everywhere, and they wouldn't leave him alone.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ooh. Yeah. Well, while you may see a horse when you look at Bucky, what I see when I put on these fly vision goggles I invented is nothing but 1,000 pounds of certified organic, non GMO breakfast blood.

[Guy Raz]

Breakfast blood?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, you know, Cause horseflies bite horses and suck their blood. They're basically tiny vampires.

[Guy Raz]

Well, take those horsefly vision goggles off. Mindy.

[Reggie]

Bucky.

[Guy Raz]

Calm down there, Bucky. I'm not gonna let her bite you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz, I'm sorry to have to break this to you, but if you're worried about horseflies, you're gonna have to trade Bucky in for one of those striped horses.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, striped horses?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, one of those black and white striped horses that you find in, I don't know, eastern or southern Africa or on the carousel at the mall.

[Guy Raz]

Uh, Mindy, did you meet a zebra?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, the one I rode on the mall carousel was named Allegra, but maybe a zebra was her brother or cousin or something.

[Guy Raz]

No, no, no, Mindy. I don't mean the striped horse's name was a zebra. I mean that the thing you're talking about is a zebra.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, so then what was that striped horse named? Legra, that I was riding on the mall carousel?

[Guy Raz]

A zebra.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, so you're talking about a zebra? Yes.

[Guy Raz]

No, you're talking about a zebra.

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz, I'm talking about a four legged black and white striped animal with a killer mohawk that belongs to the Equidae family of the genus Equus. And horses are Equids.

[Guy Raz]

And so are zebras. Zebras belong to the same family and genus as horses.

[Mindy Thomas]

So what you're trying to say here is that zebras are not striped horses.

[Guy Raz]

No, they're zebras. They're a completely different species.

[Mindy Thomas]

But they're both part of the Equidae family.

[Guy Raz]

Yes, I guess you could say that zebras and horses are related. Distant cousins, even. Donkeys are also part of the Equidae family. But again, donkeys are not horses.

[Mindy Thomas]

Got it. So back to these striped zebras. You know, Guy Raz, if you're worried about horseflies, your monthly payments could probably stay about the same if you just traded Bucky in for a pre owned zebra.

[Guy Raz]

Huh?

[Mindy Thomas]

How long have you had him? What, two years?

[Guy Raz]

I know.

[Mindy Thomas]

I'd upgrade my horse every time the stable released a new model. You could probably even find one with bluetooth and a cup holder if you're not picky about size.

[Guy Raz]

I'm not gonna trade Bucky in for a zebra, Mindy. Bucky is my horse. Aren't you, Bucky? You're so cute I could eat you up.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, sorry, Guy Raz. You were complaining that the horse flies wouldn't leave you and Bucky alone. But with a plain old brown coat like that, Bucky's practically inviting the flies to bite him.

[Guy Raz]

And you're saying that wouldn't happen if he were a zebra?

[Mindy Thomas]

I'm saying that it wouldn't happen if he were covered in stripes like a zebra. Or if you put him on that carousel at the mall.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, this is a live animal.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, just throwing it out there, Mindy.

[Guy Raz]

Where exactly are you going with this?

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, Guy Raz, so I just read this amazing new study for where these researchers at the University of California, Davis, think they may have stumbled upon a brand new scientific explanation for this.

[Guy Raz]

An explanation for zebra stripes and why.

[Mindy Thomas]

You might want to get some if you've got a problem with horseflies.

[Guy Raz]

So what's the scientific explanation to lay it on me?

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

Oh, boy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Trot with me, Guy Raz. I'm going to need a few supplies from my.

[Guy Raz]

Supplies. Like what?

[Mindy Thomas]

I'll show you when we get inside. Now to open the door.

[Reggie]

Hiya.

[Mindy Thomas]

Bad for you, Bucky. Hey, Reg, I'm home. And I brought a horse.

[Guy Raz]

You know, Mindy, if you took some time to invent yourself a gingerbread door knobby, you wouldn't need to keep kicking down your door.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, I tried kicking down your door and all my toes broke off. See? And now I have to tape five peanuts to the front of my foot every time I want to wear flip flops.

[Guy Raz]

You. You what?

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, so the first thing we're going to need for this scientific exploration is.

[Guy Raz]

Wait, I thought you said you had a scientific explanation.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, that's exactly what I said. A scientific exploration. But now, first thing you're going to need is this black spandex unitard and an extra set of legs. You should have six legs total, including your arms. And then you're gonna need a pair of these delicate motorized wings that I made by wrapping a pair of my Aunt Mojo's pantyhose around some rusty coat hangers that I twisted into wing shapes. Here, put your arms through these loops so I can attach. Attach them to your back here.

[Guy Raz]

Wow. These do look just like horse fly wings. Wait, wait. Horse fly wings?

[Mindy Thomas]

Mindy, I installed the motor from your hairdryer to the wings to make them fly. Here, check this out. Remote control power on.

[Reggie]

Whoa. Whoa.

[Guy Raz]

I'm buzzing the terminal.

[Mindy Thomas]

And last but not least, you're going to need your fly vision goggles.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, no.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, be careful with these things. They're a new invention. And I'm still working out some of the kinks.

[Guy Raz]

You're trying to dress me up like a horsefly?

[Mindy Thomas]

For science.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, science does not involve this many costumes. First the flamingo costume, then the squirrel, then the ant, and we can't forget the cockroach, and now this.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, we haven't even gotten to the actual costumes that were used in this scientific exploration.

[Guy Raz]

What do you mean?

[Mindy Thomas]

I mean that the scientists in this study I'm about to tell you about absolutely used costumes in their experiment. Now, come on, suit up, Bucky.

[Guy Raz]

Cover your eyes. And remember, no matter what silly horsefly costume Mindy puts me in, I'm still your trusted buddy guy, Raz. Okay, okay, Mindy. I'll take the fly vision goggles.

[Mindy Thomas]

Here you go.

[Guy Raz]

Okay. Fly vision goggles on.

[Mindy Thomas]

Whoa, there, Bucky. Remember, we're not real horse flies. These are only costumes for science, Bucky.

[Reggie]

For science.

[Mindy Thomas]

Good boy. And now a costume for you, Bucky.

[Guy Raz]

Wait, is that a zebra suit?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, technically, they're zebra jammies, but basically.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, I think Bucky likes it.

[Mindy Thomas]

Come on, Bucky. Come on, Bucky. Let's get you dressed. One hoof. Come on. Two hooves. Three hooves. Get in there.

[Reggie]

Four hooves.

[Mindy Thomas]

And the last thing I'll need is. Is my shrink wand.

[Guy Raz]

Shrink wand.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now, where did I put that thing?

[Guy Raz]

Saddle up, Bucky. Something tells me we're in For a wild ride.

[Reggie]

Found it.

[Mindy Thomas]

All right, now come on, let's head back outside and I'll explain everything. Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk.

[Reggie]

Ah. Oh, no. Giant horse flies. I knew this day would come. Mr. Zebra, look out. There are two giant horseflies behind you.

[Guy Raz]

Dennis.

[Reggie]

Oh, Guy. Hey, why don't you look just. Huh.

[Mindy Thomas]

So, Guy Raz, remember how earlier you were saying that horseflies kept attacking Bucky trying to suck his blood?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah. And then you suggested that I trade him in for one of those striped carousel horses at the mall.

[Mindy Thomas]

Um, they're called zebras, Guy Raz. Not even the same species as horses. Also, they come from the continent of Africa, not the carousel at the mall. So, anywho, this team of biologists at the University of California, Davis, think they may have figured out why.

[Guy Raz]

Why horseflies attack horses and why they're.

[Mindy Thomas]

Way less likely to attack zebras.

[Guy Raz]

So, Mindy, when I think of the most obvious differences between zebras and horses, the first thing that comes to mind are the stripes. Because, of course, zebras have them and horses don't.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yes, but the question is, why do zebras have stripes? Like, what's their function? What's their purpose?

[Guy Raz]

Well, I know that some scientists believe that zebras have stripes to camouflage them from predators or animals who want to attack them.

[Reggie]

Guy, zebra stripes don't seem like very effective camouflage to me. It sticks out very clearly. I mean, maybe it would work if the zebra stood in a thicket of birch trees in winter.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, well, then maybe they have stripes to help them find other zebras. By the way, did you know that a zebra's stripes are just as unique as our fingerprints? No two zebras are exactly alike.

[Reggie]

Ooh. Like snowflakes.

[Guy Raz]

Oh. Oh, no. I got it. Zebras have stripes to keep their bodies cool in the hot sun. Kind of like a dark built in air conditioner.

[Reggie]

Actually, Guy, I believe the school of thought.

[Mindy Thomas]

I got this one, Dennis. So, Guy Raz, earlier studies have shown that zebras do tend to stay cooler than other non striped mammals. But whether it's because of their stripes is still up for scientific debate.

[Guy Raz]

So then what is it? And why are we dressed like horseflies? And why is Bucky wearing zebra pajamas in. Why are you holding that shrink wand? And why do you have to make that mischievous look in your eye?

[Mindy Thomas]

Like I said earlier, Guy Raz, I could tell you. Yeah, but I'd rather show you.

[Guy Raz]

Here we go.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, so step one, we are going to shimmy up the drainpipe to the roof of my gingerbread mansion. Bucky here Is going to stay on the ground that I've covered in pillow sized marshmallows.

[Guy Raz]

Are marshmallows part of the study?

[Mindy Thomas]

No, they're to cushion our landing if we fall off the roof.

[Guy Raz]

Of course.

[Mindy Thomas]

Once we get up to the roof, we're going to power up our fly vision goggles. Okay.

[Guy Raz]

Okay.

[Mindy Thomas]

Now just follow me, Guy Raz. As usual, I've got everything out of control. Now up the drain pipe. Shimmy, shimmy, shimmy, shimmy, shimmy, shimmy.

[Guy Raz]

Anything for science.

[Mindy Thomas]

Here we are. The roof of my gingerbread mansion. Wow, I can see the whole world from up here. Hey, look, there's the knuckle hut. And there's the spit take. And there's grandma GeForce wrestling a train of shopping carts.

[Reggie]

Hi, Grandma GeForce.

[Mindy Thomas]

It's me, Mindy.

[Guy Raz]

You know, Mindy, as I was shimming up your drainpipe, I thought of something.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh yeah?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, yeah. So what if the whole purpose of a zebra's stripes is to somehow help to protect it from a horse fly attack?

[Mindy Thomas]

Hmm. Go on.

[Guy Raz]

Well, just take a look at Bucky down there. I mean, you dressed him in those ridiculous zebra pajamas and there's not a single horse fly on him. I mean, he's happily grazing on those marshmallows. Wait, are horses supposed to be eating marshmallows?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yes, of course. Horses are not supposed to be eating marshmallows, Guy Raz. Bucky, spit it out.

[Guy Raz]

Don't eat those buckys.

[Reggie]

Spit em out.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, Guy Raz, your hunch is actually the same as the hypothesis or educated guess that this UC Davis biologist named Tim Caro had.

[Guy Raz]

And just to be clear, a biologist is the kind of scientist who studies the natural world and the things living in it, like plants and animals.

[Mindy Thomas]

Right? And so Dr. Caro specializes in animal coloration, or why certain animals are certain colors or color patterns.

[Guy Raz]

Like zebras. Black and white stripes, for example.

[Mindy Thomas]

Exact oritos. So like any curious scientist, he decided to test his hypothesis by conducting a little experiment. And lucky for you, we're going to try it ourselves right here, right now.

[Guy Raz]

Which I'm guessing is why we're standing on the roof of your gingerbread mansion dressed in homemade horsefly costumes with my horse on the ground, standing on a bed of marshmallows and wearing zebra pajamas.

[Mindy Thomas]

Step one, collect all the zebras you can find.

[Guy Raz]

Well, that's gonna be a little tough, Mindy. I mean, first we'd have to go to Africa. And then there's the fact that zebras in the wild are extremely difficult to get. Close to.

[Mindy Thomas]

And most airlines won't accept them as emotional sports support animals. So how are you gonna get them back to your lab? Yada, yada, yada. So we're moving on to plan B. Get a bunch of horses, or in our case, one horse, and dress it up in zebra jammies.

[Guy Raz]

Wait, did Dr. Caro and his team do this?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, basically, yeah. I mean, anything for science, right?

[Guy Raz]

Anything for science.

[Mindy Thomas]

Step two, invite a bunch of horse flies to the pajama party.

[Guy Raz]

Well, if there's anything I learned from my riding lesson with Bucky earlier, it's that horseflies will gladly show up without an invitation.

[Mindy Thomas]

Step three, we sit back and watch the magic happen.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, bring it on.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yep, just as I suspected.

[Guy Raz]

Is something supposed to be happening?

[Reggie]

Mindy, it's crazy. There's a bunch of horses flies down here, but none are landing on the zebra. Is it ruining the experiment? Do we need to find some zebraflies?

[Mindy Thomas]

See what I mean?

[Guy Raz]

So the horseflies are down there, but they're not biting Bucky because he's dressed like a zebra.

[Mindy Thomas]

Sure looks like it. Right?

[Guy Raz]

But why? I mean, can't they see what an easy target they have? Not that I'm complaining. I mean, Bucky has never seemed more relaxed than ever.

[Mindy Thomas]

Step four, find out why by getting inside the eye of a fly.

[Guy Raz]

I'm assuming it's time to try out your new flyview goggles invention.

[Mindy Thomas]

You know it. Let's power these babies up.

[Reggie]

Whoa.

[Guy Raz]

Whoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ha ha.

[Reggie]

They work.

[Mindy Thomas]

My invention works.

[Guy Raz]

Why are they making that sound?

[Mindy Thomas]

I told you I saw how to work out a few of the kinks here. Stay still.

[Reggie]

Ow.

[Guy Raz]

Ow. Ow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Fixed it.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, this is incredible. We're actually seeing the world exactly the way a fly would.

[Mindy Thomas]

This is even more wild than I thought it would be.

[Guy Raz]

But look at Bucky. I know we had him dressed in a zebra costume, but now his whole body looks gray.

[Mindy Thomas]

What in the. Wow.

[Guy Raz]

You know what, Mindy? I was just reading something about the way flies actually see. This must have something to do with the fact that flies have low resolution eyes. Meaning that colors and lines and details are sort of blurred into one big blurry mess.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, on that thought, step five. Power up your wings, Guy. Raz, we're going in for a closer look. But first, we're going to have to shrink ourselves to the size of horse flies.

[Guy Raz]

Wait, what?

[Mindy Thomas]

Shrink wand, activate. Were flies. Now using our motorized wings to fly us and our fly vision goggles to direct our pack. We're going to fly off this roof and land right there on Bucky. Okay, no K on the way.

[Reggie]

Notice anything unusual, Skyborn? Um, I don't know. Um, everything. No about Bucky. Whoa. Mindy. He's no longer gray and his stripes are dancing. It's an optical illusion. This is what horseflies see when they go to dive from a zebra.

[Mindy Thomas]

My fly vision is so confused, Mindy.

[Reggie]

I can't figure out where to land. Just keep your best cat. You okay, little bunny?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, I like bowling.

[Guy Raz]

Maybe I better unshrink us.

[Mindy Thomas]

Shrink wand reverse activate. Phew. Wow.

[Guy Raz]

That was incredible, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Really? You thought so?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah. Your fly vision goggle invention worked. I mean, we may not have been able to make our landing. Oh, oh, hi, Bucky. But we were able to experience exactly what it's like to be a horsefly in search of fresh horse meat.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, I guess when you put it that way.

[Guy Raz]

We were so dazzled by the optical illusion of the moving zebra stripes that we weren't able to clearly see where to land on Bucky.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, it was almost like our vision became overloaded and unable to focus, so.

[Guy Raz]

You realize what this means, don't you, Mindy?

[Mindy Thomas]

I think this means that your hunch in Dr. Caro's hypothesis might have been right on.

[Guy Raz]

A hypothesis that the reason zebras have stripes is to keep the blood sucking horseflies away.

[Mindy Thomas]

You know it.

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, I think it's time we make a run to the mall.

[Mindy Thomas]

The mall? What for?

[Guy Raz]

Well, to get me a black and white striped horseback riding suit.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ah, good call. And while we're there, do you think we'll have enough time to ride the mall carousel?

[Guy Raz]

What is it with you and that striped carousel horse?

[Reggie]

It's called a zebra. Or is it pronounced zebra?

[Guy Raz]

Thanks, Dennis.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, thanks, Dennis.

[Reggie]

The real question here is, are zebras white with black stripes or are they black with white stripes? Now, to figure this out, we're gonna have to do an experiment. We'll need a caliber, preferably digital. A pair of high contrast hair clippers. Dennis, you know what? I think I'm gonna need to get a set of these zebra print pajamas. They seem to be doing wonders. I have a lot of problems with butterflies. Wow. That was so cool. See how fun wow in the world gets when I eavesdrop and comment on every little thing? This is why Guy and Mindy should stop going on adventures and just hang out in their backyards where I can hear them. No, Reggie, I'm being helpful and cool, not annoying. In fact, they could just rename the show wow. In the Backyard with Dennis. Reggie. Yes, they could now let's go pitch Mindy and Guy my great idea for a new title. Alright, let's wrap up the show first.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ahem. Ahem.

[Reggie]

Thanks to all you listeners out there for tuning in to Wee Wow on the weekend. If you have a question for me or want to share your talent for the talent show coming up, call and leave me a message at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW. That's 1-8887-WOW-WOW. I just might answer your question on We Wow on the weekend. Okay, let's go. Okay, check this out, Reggie. I've got some other changes in mind for wow in the World. First of all, I should be singing the theme song, right? What? I can so sing that. Hi. Hello. Now to the Tongue and unicornate. Bumpy Neep Bumpy Meow.

[Mindy Thomas]

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 Music.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Reggie]

Thanks for joining us for this edition of Wee Wow. Our show is written by Ruth Morrison and Jed Anderson. The role of Baby Dennis is played by Jed Anderson, father, who plays the role of Big Dennis. Never your mind. Tee hee. Original sound design and production is done by Henry Moskal with contributions from Jett Anderson and Tyler Tholes. Original music for wewow is composed and performed by Tyler Thol. Special thanks to Jessica Bode, Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kenny Curtis, Kristin Yang, Meredith Helpern, Ranzer Thuy Mac, Jodi Nussbaum, Ali Paxima, Guy Raz, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Mindy Thomas, Anna Zagorski and all of the other tinkerers at Tinkercast. Be sure to visit tinkercast.com where you can become an official member of the world organization of wowzers. Learn about upcoming events, Shop our Wow Shop, find our best selling books and learn about all the other amazing podcasts from Tinkercast. Thanks again for thinking, tinkering, experimenting and exploring with me this week. Be sure to check out episodes of wow in the world on Mondays 2 what's in a wow on Fridays and We wow on the weekend with Dennis on the weekends. And remember who Wows? We Wow. Oh Baby Dennis. We wow. All right. We wow. Wow wow in the World.

[Mindy Thomas]

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