WeWow on the Weekend (7/27/25)

Summary

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

Hosted by Tinkercast | Wondery, "Wow in the World" is the premier science podcast tailored for kids and their grown-ups. In the episode titled "WeWow on the Weekend," released on July 27, 2025, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz delve into a blend of entertaining segments, insightful discussions, and humorous interactions that captivate both young listeners and their families.

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1. We Wow on the Weekend Segment

Hosts: Dennis and Reggie
Duration: [03:42] – [09:51]

The episode kicks off with the lively "We Wow on the Weekend" segment, hosted by Dennis and Reggie. This segment is a playful departure from the main show's format, offering a mix of lighthearted chatter and interactive fan engagement.

• Opening Antics:

  • Dennis and Reggie humorously explore the concept of a "traffic slam," a playful twist on "traffic jam," igniting giggles with their wordplay. Dennis quips, "We wow on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend." ([03:42])

• Listener Q&A:

  • The duo addresses questions from young listeners, fostering a sense of community and engagement.

  • Millie from Richmond, Virginia: "How does rainbows get made?" ([05:58])

    • Dennis responds with creativity, detailing how he made a "rainbow out of all the different colors of jello," and introduces the mnemonic "Roy G. Biv" for remembering rainbow colors, humorously altering it to "Vibgeor."

  • Zoe and Rowan: "Why can't we have sleepovers on the week? They should start school at nine. Don't you agree?" ([07:02] – [08:21])

    • The hosts engage in a playful debate about school start times and the merits of weekday sleepovers, concluding that sleepovers should remain a weekend activity while contemplating later school dismissal times.

  • Kendrick and Kayla: "What's your favorite thing to eat in the morning?" ([08:21] – [09:21])

    • Dennis shares his affection for "morning mush," likening it to oatmeal or porridge, and playfully expresses hunger, engaging listeners with relatable morning routines.

• Humorous Banter:

  • The segment is peppered with jokes and funny exchanges, such as Dennis attempting to answer his own questions and playful interruptions by other characters, adding a layer of entertainment that resonates with families.

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2. Inside Tinkercast Studios

Segment Host: Dennis
Duration: [09:57] – [13:37]

Transitioning from the "We Wow on the Weekend" segment, Dennis introduces "Inside Tinkercast Studios," where the hosts revisit past episodes to provide deeper insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives.

• Featured Episode: "An Elevator to the Stars" (Season 3, Episode 3)

  • Dennis and Reggie reminisce about their first meeting episode, expressing nostalgia and excitement. Dennis remarks, "I got all worried because Mindy and Guy Raz were riding on your back and I didn't know if you were cool with that." ([10:00])

• Behind-the-Scenes Peek:

  • The hosts discuss the collaborative dynamic between Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, highlighting the chemistry that makes "Wow in the World" engaging.
  • They preview upcoming content and set the stage for the episode's central theme: the exploration of a "space elevator."

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3. The Space Elevator Adventure

Participants: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Duration: [13:37] – [35:43]

The heart of the episode features an imaginative and educational skit involving Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, who embark on a whimsical journey to explore the concept of a space elevator—a futuristic transportation system proposed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

a. Introduction to the Space Elevator

• Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz engage in a humorous conversation about a caved-in kitchen made of gingerbread, segueing into a discussion about elevator music and setting the stage for the space elevator topic.

• Guy Raz introduces the idea:

  "The year was 1895. The place was Paris, France. A Russian scientist named Konstantin Tsiolkovsky was on vacation... he was so inspired by the Eiffel Tower... that he proposed a different way of getting to space. And not by rocket, but by..." ([24:34])

• Mindy Thomas: "Elevator." ([25:19])

b. Explaining the Space Elevator

• Guy Raz delves into the mechanics:

  "It kind of looks like those two tin cans with a piece of string between them... with one end attached to a giant platform out at sea, and the other one way up in space, orbiting the planet." ([26:06])

• Materials Discussion:

  "It's called carbon nanotube composite ribbon. It's a type of cable that's incredibly strong, but also really, really light." ([26:47])

• Functionality:

  "You have this cable that goes from here all the way out into space, and then you attach an elevator car to the cable that can travel up and down the cable." ([27:02])

c. JAXA's Role and Testing

• Guy Raz explains JAXA’s contributions:

  "JAXA has recently sent two mini satellites into space... these two satellites are gonna be sending back and forth along that cable a teeny tiny little box— a mini elevator car about the size of a matchbox." ([31:28])

• Timeline for Construction:

  "At Shizuka University, where researchers are working with JAXA on the space elevator program, they're predicting that we could have an operational space elevator by 2050." ([30:05])

d. Potential Impact on Space Travel

• Cost Efficiency:

  "Refilling the International Space Station with everything from medicine to snacks using a rocket costs almost $43,000 per pound of stuff... once the space elevator is built, it would only cost around $100 to send up a pound of stuff." ([27:33])

• Global Reach:

  "This elevator will have enough cable attached to it to float as far as 60,000 miles above the Earth." ([30:35])

e. Humorous Interludes and Skits

• Throughout the discussion, Mindy and Guy engage in playful banter, including mock elevator rides, mishaps with elevator etiquette, and comedic misunderstandings about the space elevator's functionality.

• Mindy Thomas:

  "So you have this cable that goes from here all the way out into space, and then you attach an elevator car to the cable that can travel up and down the cable." ([27:02])

• Guy Raz:

  "And are you using my Elevate your Soul magazine as a placemat and as a bib?" ([14:55])

f. Conclusion of the Skit

• The skit culminates in a mock concert by the fictional elevator music band "The Elevates," humorously tying back to the space elevator theme.

  "Looking forward to their live performance, 'Making Space Cool Cool.'" ([34:28])

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4. Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Duration: [35:43] – [38:35]

As the episode draws to a close, Dennis and Guy Raz reflect on the discussed topics with a mix of humor and anticipation for future advancements in space technology.

• Dennis expresses eagerness about the space elevator, joking about riding it, while Mindy plans playful distractions until its completion.

  "Is it 2050 yet? It's not. How about now?" ([35:04])

• The hosts wrap up by encouraging listeners to engage further with the podcast through memberships, surveys, and exploring more episodes, maintaining the show's interactive and community-focused ethos.

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Notable Quotes

• Dennis on Traffic Slam:

  "We wow on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend." ([03:42])

• Mindy on Sleepovers:

  "They should start school at nine. Don't you agree?" ([07:02])

• Guy Raz Explaining Space Elevator:

  "It's called carbon nanotube composite ribbon. It's a type of cable that's in incredibly strong, but also really, really light." ([26:47])

• Guy Raz on Cost Efficiency:

  "Once the space elevator is built, it would only cost around $100 to send up a pound of stuff." ([27:33])

• Mindy on Space Elevator Timeline:

  "2050? That's like a million years away." ([30:05])

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Conclusion

This episode of "Wow in the World" masterfully blends education with entertainment, using humor and engaging storytelling to demystify complex scientific concepts like the space elevator. Through interactive segments, playful skits, and insightful discussions, Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz successfully make science accessible and enjoyable for listeners of all ages. Whether exploring the mechanics of rainbows or envisioning humanity's future in space, the episode embodies the podcast's mission to inspire wonder and curiosity in the world around us.

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. Oh, hey, Reg. What's that? A new pigeon dropping? Isn't that the postcard you send out to members of the World Organization of Wowzers every quarter? Can I see it?

[Dennis]

What?

[Mindy Thomas]

You need to see if I'm a member of the WOW first. But Red, come on. It's me, Mindy.

[Dennis]

Huh?

[Mindy Thomas]

You're not seeing a Mindy on the list. Okay, Try Mandy. I think Thomas Fingerling signed me up. Yes. Can I get my pigeon dropping now?

[Dennis]

What?

[Mindy Thomas]

I gotta wait for it in the mail, but it's right there. Okay, fine. Guess I'll go wait out by the mailbox. In the meantime, to get the next quarterly mailing from Reggie Grownups, you can sign your Wowzer up to be a member of the World Organization of wowzers by Sunday, July 27. It's so top secret, I haven't even seen it yet. Now where'd I put my mailbox? Grownups, when you sign your Wowzer up to be a member of the World Organization of Wowzers, you also get birthday cards in the mail from me and Guy Raz, access to over a thousand online activities inspired by our podcast, and a welcome kit from me and Guy Raz, including our autographs and a special T shirt. Plus, you get to help support all the work that goes into powering the wow at Tinkercast Grown Ups. Visit Tinkercast.com membership to sign up today. That's Tinkercast.com membership. That's it. And now let's get back to the show.

[Reggie]

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[Dennis]

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.

[Mindy Thomas]

Clap clap.

[Dennis]

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 that's my co host, Reggie. This is the show where we chit chat and answer questions from our fans and listen to Tinkercast podcasts. Hey, Reggie, how about you get us started with a Reggie report? Yay. A traffic jam downtown. Oh, a traffic slam. Sounds cool. What is it, Grandma G Force Body slamming People. Cars. Oh, wow. Well, what's new in sports? Ooh, basketball. I love basketball. That's the one with the baskets, right? Okay, what else?

[Mindy Thomas]

Crime.

[Dennis]

What crime? A thief is stealing everyone's hats. Oh, yeah, that was me. I'm borrowing them. Yeah, I'm just going to stack them all on my head at once to see if I can look taller. Yay news. Okay, now we better hear from our devoted listeners with a Q and A segment. Ahem, The Q and A segment. Alright, let's just get the old answering machine pulled up here. Okay, here we go. Hi, you've reached Dennis from WEW on the Weeknd. That's me. Do you have a question? Well, I do too. Lots of them. And who's gonna answer all my questions?

[Mindy Thomas]

You?

[Dennis]

Probably not, but I guess I can answer yours. Leave me a message.

[Mindy Thomas]

My name is Millie and I live in Richmond, Virginia. And I want to ask you, how does rainbows get made?

[Dennis]

How does rainbows get made? Good question, Millie. Well, I don't know how the sky makes rainbows, but I once made a rainbow out of all the different colors of jello. Because, Reggie, rainbows look delicious and I wanted to eat one. Well, to make a Jello rainbow, all you have to do is remember all the rainbow colors. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Exactly. And if you have trouble remembering the rainbow colors, you can just take the first letter of each color and. And use it to spell Roy G. Biv. That's right, Reggie. Roy G. Biv. That's the name of the rainbow guy. But I prefer to spell it backwards, which is Vibgeor. Because, Reggie, Vibgeor sounds like the name of a rainbow monster.

[Guy Raz]

Vibjure.

[Dennis]

Rawr. And then it shoots rainbows out of its rainbow class. Next question.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hi, daddy. This is Zoe here with Rowan.

[Dennis]

Hi, Zoe. Hi, Rowan.

[Mindy Thomas]

And we have a question. Why can't we have sleepovers on the week? It just doesn't make sense.

[Dennis]

Great question. Why can't we have sleepovers on the week?

[Mindy Thomas]

They should start school at nine. Don't you agree?

[Dennis]

Oh, I totally agree. Zoe and Rowan, more sleepovers. And later. School start times. We demand change, right, Reggie? Oh, good idea. Let's protest. We want sleepovers on the week. School starts at 9. Louder. We want sleepovers on the week. School starts at nine.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah.

[Dennis]

We want sleepovers on the week. School starts at nine. Uh, wait, hold on. If school starts at nine, does that mean it gets out later? Like at four? Ew. No, I don't want that. Yeah, and sleepovers always make me groggy the next day when I'm trying to focus on weekday stuff. Huh? Keep sleepovers on the weekend. School starts at 8. Sorry, Zoe. Keep sleepovers on the weekend. School gets out at three. I'm so sorry, Zoe and Rowan. Next question.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, Dennis. This is Kendrick and this is Kayla.

[Dennis]

Hi, Kendrick and Kayla.

[Mindy Thomas]

We're twins from Mar.

[Dennis]

Twins.

[Mindy Thomas]

We have a question. What's your favorite thing to eat in the morning?

[Dennis]

Huh? What's my favorite thing to eat in the morning? Great question. Believe it or not, you two, I like quiet mornings. Yes, I do, Reggie. I don't like to eat anything crunchy because it's too loud in my ears. So every morning, mother makes me morning mush. Morning mush. Reggie, A bowl of morning mush. You know, morning mush like oatmeal or porridge or crunchy cereal that I let sit in the bowl of milk until it gets all soggy and morning mushy. Ooh, yeah, that's my favorite one. Malto mush. Yeah, they have all kinds of flavors, too. Chocolate mush, cinnamon mush, and my Personal favorite, original mushy hot wheat.

[Guy Raz]

Huh?

[Dennis]

Now I'm hungry, Mother. Yo, Stoney, can you make me some morning mush? Coming right on. Hooray. Okay, that's enough questions. Thanks for all your. If you have a question for me, call and leave me a message at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW. That's 1-888-7- wow Wow. And don't forget to call in with your super cool talents for the talent show. All right, next up is a little segment I like to call Inside Tinkercast Studios.

[Guy Raz]

Ahem.

[Dennis]

Inside Tinkercast Studios. This is the part where we revisit an episode of one at Tinkercast shows. And today we're listening to wow in the World, Season 3, Episode 3 called An Elevator to the Stars. Reggie, I think this is the episode where you and I meet for the first time. Yeah, and I got all worried because Mindy and Guy Raz were riding on your back and I didn't know if.

[Guy Raz]

You were cool with that.

[Dennis]

Ooh, I can't wait to listen to our friendship lore. Woo. Okay, here we go. And play.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Reggie]

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[Unknown]

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[Mindy Thomas]

That's it. Now back to the show.

[Dennis]

Robin world.

[Guy Raz]

Floor 1, Floor 2 Floor 3. 4, 5. Elevators are so cool so come on, let's ride in the elevator Elevators are so. What in the.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, good morning, Guy Raz. Can I interest you in some fancy coffee in a tiny cup fit for a baby?

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, what in the world are you doing in my kitchen at this hour?

[Mindy Thomas]

Mine caved in again.

[Guy Raz]

Well, what did I tell you about using those off brand graham crackers for construction?

[Mindy Thomas]

Off brand? You mean the Grandma GeForce crackers? That's Grandma GeForce's face on the box, Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Well, her crackers are clearly not as strong as she is. By the way, what are you gonna do about that caved in kitchen in your gingerbread house?

[Mindy Thomas]

I don't. I guess I'm just hoping someone will come along and offer to rebuild it for me. I mean, it is gingerbread season, so.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, right. But in the meantime, you're going to use your kitchen.

[Mindy Thomas]

Got any fish tacos in here? Um, what?

[Guy Raz]

No. Mindy, you've got to find someone to rebuild your own kitchen. This is my kitchen and everything is in its right place. And are you using my Elevate youe Soul magazine as a placemat and as a bib?

[Dennis]

Mindy, why?

[Mindy Thomas]

What is this magazine? This.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy is only the most popular elevator music magazine in America.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's the only elevator music magazine in America.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy Thomas]

What?

[Guy Raz]

It's one of my favorites. Check it out. The latest band interviews, where to listen to the latest hits.

[Mindy Thomas]

Let me see that. An exclusive interview with the biggest name in interfloor transportational music. What is this?

[Guy Raz]

That's them, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

What's what?

[Guy Raz]

The band that they're interviewing. The Elev.

[Mindy Thomas]

The Elevates?

[Dennis]

Yeah.

[Guy Raz]

Their new album is playing in an elevator in a building downtown, and I wanted to double check where they were playing. Let me see here. Ah, there it is. The Elevates new track will be playing from top to bottom. Bottom to the top of 345 Black Street. Black street, huh? I know where that is. So let me just. Hey, Zoodle.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, boy. Here we go.

[Guy Raz]

Where is 345 Block Street?

[Mindy Thomas]

345 Block street is directly between 344-34-6 Block Street.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, I know that. I mean, where is it in relation to here?

[Mindy Thomas]

345 block street has no known relatives in the area.

[Guy Raz]

Zoodle, one last time. In which part of town is 345 block street?

[Mindy Thomas]

LOC. 345 block street is located in downtown.

[Guy Raz]

Aha. See, Mindy, such a time saver.

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh huh.

[Guy Raz]

Anyway, the Elevate's brand new album is playing in that building downtown.

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh, hold the phone, Guy. Raz, are you telling me that you travel to different office buildings all over town just to listen to their elevator music?

[Guy Raz]

Of course I do, Mindy. Where else would you listen to elevator music?

[Mindy Thomas]

Um, well, there's no. Yeah, you got a point.

[Guy Raz]

Anyway, Mindy, I better get going.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, I'll come with you.

[Guy Raz]

No, no, that's okay.

[Mindy Thomas]

Come on. Let me just lock up the house here.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, it's my house.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, it's okay. I changed all the locks when I moved into your kitchen.

[Guy Raz]

You what?

[Mindy Thomas]

Reggie.

[Dennis]

Morning, Guy. Morning, Mindy. Morning, Giant pigeon.

[Unknown]

Hi, Dennis.

[Mindy Thomas]

What's up?

[Dennis]

Dennis, did I overhear you saying that you were gonna go listen to some new elevator music? I love elevator music. Which band are you gonna go listen to?

[Guy Raz]

Uh, it's a band called the Elevates.

[Dennis]

Oh, no, no. You've gotta stick with the classics. My favorite elevator band is Awkward Silence. Their instrumental arrangement of the Girl from Ipanema changed.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, great. Thanks, Dennis.

[Dennis]

Look it up. Ooh, an elevator to heaven. No. Come on, you two. La da dee.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, Reg, we're gonna need you to step on it.

[Dennis]

Bing bong. Fourth floor.

[Mindy Thomas]

Come on, Guy. Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Coming.

[Dennis]

Are you gonna ride on that bird? Oh, it's completely unsafe. Ahoy there, Mr. Bird.

[Mindy Thomas]

Mr.

[Dennis]

Giant Bird. Yes, I am a member of an activist group for imaginary animal rights. I should give you my card.

[Guy Raz]

Thanks, Reg.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, thanks, Reg. You are now free to go sit on the ledge with all the other pigeons. Have fun. Okay. So, Guy Raz, this must be the. Wait a minute. Are you sure this is the right place?

[Guy Raz]

Yep. 345 block street kinda looks like a.

[Mindy Thomas]

A boring old concrete office building.

[Guy Raz]

I. I know. Isn't it perfect?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, to ride an elevator while listening to elevator music? Yeah, I guess it is perfect. Oh, look, a revolving door. My second favorite kind of door. Rent, rent, rent, rent, rent.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy. Mindy, wait up.

[Mindy Thomas]

Come on, Guy Raz, you're gonna miss out on all the fun.

[Dennis]

There's hot room for.

[Mindy Thomas]

Come on. Just squeeze in one more tiny inch. Cozy.

[Guy Raz]

You can say that again.

[Mindy Thomas]

Cozy. Okay, on three, we're gonna push.

[Guy Raz]

Not too hard, though.

[Mindy Thomas]

One, two, three.

[Dennis]

Four.

[Guy Raz]

Wait, where's Mindy?

[Mindy Thomas]

Here I am.

[Unknown]

Um, hello, sir. Welcome to 345 block. Can I help you with anything today? Maybe a band aid?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, we're here to listen to the new Elevate soundtrack.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, can you direct us to the elevator that's playing it, please?

[Unknown]

Yes, of course. That's playing in the elevators just down the hall. You want to go down this hallway, take the third right, then the immediate left, walk 24 steps, then take the first elevator on the left.

[Guy Raz]

Great.

[Unknown]

Then you're going to want to take that all the way up to the 54th floor. And in your case, I should probably note that here at three four five Block, we don't recommend attempting to exit the elevator until the elevator has come to a complete stop and the doors have actually opened.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, great.

[Unknown]

Now I just need you and your friend to sign in here.

[Guy Raz]

Sure, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo and do.

[Dennis]

Hmm.

[Mindy Thomas]

There you go.

[Unknown]

Okay, great. Have a nice day.

[Guy Raz]

Hey, wait.

[Unknown]

Did you just sketch a picture of an ice cream sundae?

[Dennis]

Thank you.

[Mindy Thomas]

Bye. Let's go, Guy Raz. Man, there are more hoops to jump through in this office building than there were at Reggie's aerial acrobatics competition.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, but it's gonna be so worth it, Mindy. The Elevates entire album is gonna be playing from top to bottom.

[Mindy Thomas]

From the bottom to the top. Okay, so, Guy Raz, what is so special about this album anyway? I mean, I don't think I've seen you this excited since. Since I don't think I've ever seen you this excited.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, Mindy, you can't even begin to understand. This record is an experimental piece that They've created. Just for what? Wait for it.

[Mindy Thomas]

What?

[Guy Raz]

Just for.

[Mindy Thomas]

Just for what?

[Guy Raz]

Just for. Just for space.

[Mindy Thomas]

Did you just say that the Elevates have created this album for space? Like what? Like for the next shuttle launch or.

[Guy Raz]

Well, no, Mindy, this album is being designed specifically for a new space program that's being developed at jaxa, which is better known as the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, I know jaxa. Jaxa's like the. Like the NASA of Japan.

[Guy Raz]

That's right. And they're planning on building the world's first ever space elevator.

[Dennis]

Wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

That's what I call taking an elevator to new heights. Thank you.

[Guy Raz]

Speaking of, here we are. Okay, 52nd floor, here we come.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ooh, we're pressing buttons. Don't mind if I do, Mindy, no. And you get a push, and you get a push and you get a push, and you get a push and you get a push and you get a push, and you get a push.

[Guy Raz]

Hold on, Mindy, you hit every floor.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ugh. Sorry, Guy Raz. You know me. I see a button and I push it. Speaking of which, were you born with one of those belly buttons? Plenty of time to think about your answer. We're gonna be here for a while.

[Guy Raz]

Well, I suppose it'll give me more time to set up.

[Mindy Thomas]

Set up? In an elevator?

[Guy Raz]

Okay, let me see here.

[Mindy Thomas]

What in the.

[Guy Raz]

Just unfurl the this rug.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, is that a picnic blanket?

[Guy Raz]

Uh huh. Can you hold this?

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, yeah, sure. Were you carrying that cooler this whole time?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah.

[Mindy Thomas]

What are you doing, Guy Raz?

[Guy Raz]

Well, the secret to a good elevator music listening party, Mindy, is that, you know, it's all about the atmosphere. It's an experience. Now, can you pass me the brie and crackers?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, hello there and welcome aboard the elevator eight.

[Dennis]

Oh, hi. Going up?

[Mindy Thomas]

You know it. What floor can I get you?

[Dennis]

Um, 21.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, great. Let me just see here. Oh, looks like someone's already pressed that one. We'll get you there lickety split. Um, can I interest you in some complimentary cheese and crackers for the ride?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, I love this part. This is so great.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hold your horses, Guy Raz. Before this guy got in the elephant, you were saying that jaxa, the NASA of Japan, is building the world's first space elevator?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah.

[Mindy Thomas]

So what in the wow is a space elevator?

[Guy Raz]

Ah, so glad you asked, Mindy. How about I give you the. The elevator pitch? Ha, good one. Thank you very much, sir.

[Mindy Thomas]

Elevator pitch. Oh, Guy Raz, makin me so proud. Okay, what's up with the space Elevator.

[Guy Raz]

Okay. The year was 1895. The place was Paris, France. A Russian scientist named Konstantin Tsiolkovsky was on vacation. How do I enjoy the French sun? It is so much kinder than the Russian snow. When he came across a newly built and rather spectacular monument in the middle of the city.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, the Eiffel Tower.

[Guy Raz]

Exactamundo. Mindy Tsiolkovsky would later go on to invent rocket travel, but on this trip, he was so inspired by the Eiffel Tower, this magnificent feat of engineering, that he proposed a different way of getting to space. And not by rocket, but by.

[Mindy Thomas]

Elevator.

[Guy Raz]

Whoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hello. Welcome to the elevator. Come on in. There's plenty of room for everyone. Sort of. Can I interest you in some crudite?

[Dennis]

No, thanks. I'm actually allergic to celery. I'll just catch the next.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, okay. Well, suit yourself.

[Dennis]

Bye.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, Guy Raz, so how exactly does a space elevator work? I mean, what does it even look like?

[Guy Raz]

Well, it sort of looks like a giant version of those two tin cans with a piece of string between them. You know, that we use to talk to each other sometimes?

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, yeah, my guy phone X.

[Guy Raz]

Right. It kind of looks like that. With one end attached to a giant platform out at sea, and the other one way up in space, orbiting the planet.

[Mindy Thomas]

Huh. Like a satellite.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly like a satellite.

[Mindy Thomas]

And so what would the string be made of?

[Guy Raz]

It's called carbon nanotube composition ribbon.

[Mindy Thomas]

Carbo nano what? Who ins.

[Guy Raz]

Carbon nanotube composite ribbon. It's a type of cable that's in incredibly strong, but also really, really light.

[Mindy Thomas]

Huh. Okay, I think I get it. So you have this cable that goes from here all the way out into space, and then you attach an elevator card to the cable that can travel up and down the cable.

[Guy Raz]

You got it, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, Guy Raz, so I get how a space elevator might work, but why?

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, space travel is expensive.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, man, you're telling me. I'm still trying to pay off those spacesuits we bought at that Black Hole fashion store at the mall.

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, it's not just the spacesuits that are expensive. I mean, refilling the International Space Station with everything from medicine to snacks using a rocket costs almost $43,000 per pound of stuff.

[Mindy Thomas]

Whoa. That's like. Hang on, let me see here. Carry the one that's like $20,000 per kilogram.

[Guy Raz]

And scientists over at JAXA, the Japanese Space agency, right? They've predicted that once the space elevator is built, it would only cost around $100 to send up a pound of stuff or $220 per kilogram.

[Mindy Thomas]

Imagine how many snacks you could buy with those savings. Hello.

[Dennis]

Enough room in there for the marching band?

[Guy Raz]

Uh, probably not.

[Mindy Thomas]

Sure there is. The more the merrier.

[Dennis]

Excellent. Come along, everyone. Just move a little. Just move a little.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yes, yes.

[Dennis]

That's enough room for me.

[Guy Raz]

I think we're all in.

[Dennis]

Oh, someone press the button.

[Mindy Thomas]

Way ahead of you, kid.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, okay, okay.

[Dennis]

Hey, excuse me.

[Mindy Thomas]

Nice to meet you. Just dropped a squeeze past you here. Just wanted to talk some science with my best over there in the corner.

[Guy Raz]

No, I'm right here, Mindy. But I think someone got the cheese.

[Dennis]

What?

[Mindy Thomas]

In this tiny elevator? Not cool, guys. Whoever taught you elevator etiquette?

[Guy Raz]

No, no, Mindy, I think somebody actually cut the cheese in my cheese platter with the heel of their shoe.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ugh, gross. So, anywho, what does JAXA have to do with the space elevator?

[Dennis]

Oh, right.

[Guy Raz]

Well, Mindy, like I said, this idea of a space elevator has been around for some time, but it's never actually been done before.

[Mindy Thomas]

But.

[Guy Raz]

But the Japanese space agency has proposed building one of these space elevators to deliver cargo and astronauts to places like the International Space Station.

[Dennis]

That's.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, wow. So you'll just get into an elevator like this, press the button that says Space deck, and then just ride on up into space?

[Guy Raz]

Well, that's the plan, yeah.

[Mindy Thomas]

So when can I take a ride on this interstellivator?

[Guy Raz]

Well, sooner than you might think, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yes, Just what I wanted to hear. Okay, let me just get my phone out here. Clearing my calendar for next week.

[Guy Raz]

Not so fast, Mindy. At Shizuka University, where researchers are working with JAXA on the space elevator program, they're predicting that we could have an operational space elevator by 2050.

[Mindy Thomas]

2050? That's like a million years away.

[Guy Raz]

Well, it's a pretty big project, Mindy. I mean, it would easily be the longest structure on the planet.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, Speaking of, how far will this space elevator be able to reach?

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, this elevator will have enough cable attached to it to float as far as 60,000 miles above the Earth.

[Dennis]

Whoa.

[Mindy Thomas]

That's bonker balls. Let me see here. That's like traveling from New York to Los Angeles 21 times or two and a half times around the world.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, Mindy. And although this astronomical structure won't be ready for another 40 years or so, the Japanese space agency is already performing tests in space to try out some of their materials.

[Mindy Thomas]

You mean parts that might be used on the real space elevator?

[Guy Raz]

That's right.

[Unknown]

And then I said, move all of my assets out of the bond's dividends. Uh, okay.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah.

[Dennis]

Okay.

[Mindy Thomas]

So where were we? Oh, yeah. So, Guy Raz, how are they testing out these future space elevator parts?

[Guy Raz]

Okay, so JAXA has recently sent two mini satellites into space, which when in orbit.

[Mindy Thomas]

Timeout. An orbit is when an object, whether man made like a satellite or natural like our moon, is stuck circling around the Earth because of the planet's gravitational pull. Time in.

[Guy Raz]

Once they're circling around the planet, these two satellites will split apart. But they won't get far because these two satellites will be attached to each other by a cable about 10 meters.

[Mindy Thomas]

Long, just like my guy phone X made out of tin cans and string.

[Guy Raz]

And just like a mini version of the space elevator, because over the next year or so, these two satellites that.

[Mindy Thomas]

Are tied to together by a tight.

[Guy Raz]

Piece of cable, right, these two satellites are gonna be sending back and forth along that cable a teeny tiny little box.

[Mindy Thomas]

A mini elevator car.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly, Mindy. A mini elevator car about the size of a matchbox.

[Mindy Thomas]

Huh. So I guess these scientists first have to figure out how this kind of elevator is going to work in low gravity situations.

[Guy Raz]

You got it.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, well, I guess I'm gonna have to wait until they work out all the kinks before I can take a ride in the space elevator. Let me just set a reminder in my calendar for 20, 50 and set.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, looks like we're here at the top, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, Guy Raz, we've been standing in this elevator for like 52 floors and have barely even listened to the album. We're gonna have to do it all over again on the way back down.

[Guy Raz]

Well, I'm glad you said that, Mindy, because I have a surprise for you.

[Mindy Thomas]

A surprise.

[Dennis]

Hello and welcome to the Elevates live and in concert. Tonight, the band will be performing their brand new space themed album in its entirety.

[Guy Raz]

They're doing a live show.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, so we don't have to sit in the elevator for 52 floors to listen to it?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, that's exactly right, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, thank you, Guy Raz. Thank you, thank you. Wait a minute. Did you say that this album was going to be for the JAXA space elevator?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah.

[Mindy Thomas]

And didn't you also say that the elevator was 60,000 miles long?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah.

[Mindy Thomas]

So exactly how, how long is this concert supposed to be?

[Guy Raz]

Let me see. Ah, here it is. Seven and a half days.

[Mindy Thomas]

This concert goes on for a week.

[Guy Raz]

And a half day. Isn't that great?

[Dennis]

Um, folks, put your hands together for the elevates.

[Guy Raz]

Mickey.

[Dennis]

There they are.

[Mindy Thomas]

Huh?

[Dennis]

How's everyone doing out there? Oh, wow. Cool. Thank you so much. Thanks for coming out to the live performance of our new elevator music experience, Making space Cool Cool. Super cool.

[Unknown]

All right, let's kick it off.

[Dennis]

1, 2, 3, 4.

[Mindy Thomas]

Isn't this great, Mindy? Oh, yeah. How much longer does this go on for?

[Guy Raz]

7 days, 11 hours and 58 minutes.

[Dennis]

Oh, yay. That was so cool. An elevator that goes all the way to space. Well, I want to ride it. Is it 2050 yet? It's not. How about now? How about now? Okay, how about right now? This is taking forever. Distract me, Reggie. Distract me until 2050. Oh, good idea. Let's go play mini golf. Alright, let's wrap up the show first and then go play mini golf.

[Guy Raz]

Ahem.

[Dennis]

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-WOW-WOW. That's 1-888-7- wow Wow. And don't forget to call in with your super cool talents for the talent show. Cause I just might answer your question or play your talent on Wii Wow on the weekend. Okay, let's go, Reggie. Do you really think playing mini golf will keep me entertained until the space elevator is ready? What? It will not take me 25 years just to hit the ball into the first hole. Whatever. I better get a way higher score than you. What do you mean you want a lower score? You don't want a low score? No one wants a low score.

[Mindy Thomas]

Grown ups. If you like wow in the world, you can listen early and ad free right now on Wonder.

[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].

[Dennis]

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, but who plays the role of Big Dennis. Never your mind.

[Mindy Thomas]

Tee hee.

[Dennis]

Original sound design and production is done by Henry Moskal with contributions from Jed Anderson and Tyler Thole. Original music for wewow is composed and performed by Tyler Thole. Special thanks to Jessica Bode, Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kenny Curtis, Kristin Yang, Meredith Helpern, Ranzer, Thuy Mac, Jody Nussbaum, Ali Paxima, Guy Raz, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Mindy Thomas, 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 thinking, tinkering, experimenting and exploring with me this week. Be sure to check out episodes of wow. In The World on Monday 2 what's in a wow on Fridays, and We wow on the weekend with Dennis on the weekends. And remember who Wows. I wow. Oh baby. Dennis. We wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

All right.

[Dennis]

We wow. Wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

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