Podcast Episode Summary
Podcast: Wow in the World
Episode: WeWow on the Weekend (8/23/25)
Date: August 23, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas, Guy Raz, Dennis (with Reggie)
Episode Overview
This WeWow on the Weekend episode blends laughs, science, and audience interaction. Dennis takes the hosting seat and, with his usual flair (and volume), reads listener reviews—many about turtles—before introducing a classic Wow in the World segment. The revisited episode explores a quirky study on how eating with your own reflection may make meals more enjoyable, with Mindy and Guy Raz humorously unpacking the research’s implications for loneliness.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Kicking Off the School Year and Tinkerclass Homeschool
[00:12–01:23] Mindy
- Mindy welcomes listeners to the new school year and introduces Tinkerclass at Home.
- Emphasizes how Tinkerclass helps K–5 students build critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
- Announces availability for homeschooling families.
- Quote:
- “With Tinkerclass at home, you get access to all of our podcast-based projects… plus over 1,000 online activities, experiments, crafts, recipes, worksheets and more.”
— Mindy [00:36]
- “With Tinkerclass at home, you get access to all of our podcast-based projects… plus over 1,000 online activities, experiments, crafts, recipes, worksheets and more.”
2. Dennis and Reggie: Listener Reviews and Turtle Week!
[01:23–06:59] Dennis & Reggie
- Dennis and Reggie return with the "Reading Reviewsies" segment, spotlighting fun listener reviews.
- There’s an overwhelming demand for “Turtle Week”—multiple reviews ask for more turtles.
- Dennis humorously deflects the barrage, referencing the existing "Long Live Lonesome George" episode and noting the difference between turtles and tortoises.
- Commentary on Dennis’ volume comes up, with Dennis playfully attempting to speak quietly but quickly reverting to his usual loud self.
- Notable Quotes:
- “Turtle Week? Like a whole week of shows about turtles. Huh. I guess that could be interesting. Reggie, look into that, please.”
— Dennis [02:39] - “Well, so incredibly beautiful shows, it just so happens that I am not loud. Everyone else is just too quiet.”
— Dennis [03:46] - “This is me talking quietly now. Like a little mouse. A little tiny mouse named Dennis.”
— Dennis [04:03]
- “Turtle Week? Like a whole week of shows about turtles. Huh. I guess that could be interesting. Reggie, look into that, please.”
- Dennis wraps up reviews, encourages more listener comments, and segues to “Inside Tinkercast Studios.”
3. Revisiting “Invite Yourself to Dinner”: The Science of Eating Alone (With Your Reflection)
[07:19–14:38] Mindy, Guy Raz, Dennis
Scenario Set-Up
- Mindy is caught eating kale salad (with the kale swapped for Frosted Flakes) in the bathroom in front of a mirror—seemingly having lunch with herself.
- Guy Raz and Dennis are baffled by the two Mindys and the bathroom picnic.
- Mindy introduces the scientific backdrop: Does eating with your reflection make solo meals more enjoyable?
- Quote:
- “So these researchers wanted to find out if eating alone but looking at ourselves in the mirror would have the same effect as eating with another person.”
— Mindy [09:59]
- “So these researchers wanted to find out if eating alone but looking at ourselves in the mirror would have the same effect as eating with another person.”
The Study Explained
- Researchers at Nagoya University, Japan, enlisted 16 older adults to eat popcorn in three different setups:
- Eating in front of a mirror.
- Eating in front of a blank wall.
- Eating while looking at a photo of themselves eating.
- Participants then reported on their enjoyment and amount eaten.
- Key Finding:
- “People eating in front of the mirror, and even just in front of a picture of themselves, seemed to enjoy their popcorn more and ate more of it than people eating totally by themselves.”
— Mindy [12:13]
- “People eating in front of the mirror, and even just in front of a picture of themselves, seemed to enjoy their popcorn more and ate more of it than people eating totally by themselves.”
- Scientists believe the study may guide ways to help people feel less lonely while eating alone.
Practical Implications
- Discussed how this research could help people who live and eat alone feel less lonely.
- Mindy draws parallels to her own “luncheon” with her reflection.
- Quote:
- “This research could help solve the problem of loneliness.”
— Mindy [12:43] - “Because when someone feels like she's sharing her food with another person, then she's likely to eat more and enjoy the food more than if she was just eating alone.”
— Dennis [13:16]
- “This research could help solve the problem of loneliness.”
Playful Banter and Wrap-Up
- Banter continues between Mindy and her “reflection” about sharing minds, salad forks instead of hairbrushes, and the need for “alone time.”
- Quotes:
- “I could talk like this all day if I wanted to. Hello Mindy. Hello Guy. Lovely weather we’re having. I can’t take it. It’s too quiet in. Okay, I admit it, I’m a loud talker. But that’s just who I am and I refuse to apologize.”
— Dennis [04:20] - “See if you can get yourself to make one, Guy Raz. Mindy and I have lots to catch up on before we wrap up here.”
— Mindy [13:39]
- “I could talk like this all day if I wanted to. Hello Mindy. Hello Guy. Lovely weather we’re having. I can’t take it. It’s too quiet in. Okay, I admit it, I’m a loud talker. But that’s just who I am and I refuse to apologize.”
4. Post-Episode: Dennis’ Mirror Moment & Sign-Off
[14:44–16:21] Dennis, Reggie
- Dennis is inspired to get his own mirror and host with himself; the segment doubles-down on silly meta-humor.
- Dennis suggests wrapping up to go watch reality TV and eat popcorn—just like the research!
- The show closes with playful banter (“You’re the best!” “No, you are!”) and the signature goodbye song.
- Reminder for listeners to call in with questions.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Turtle Week? Like a whole week of shows about turtles. Huh. I guess that could be interesting. Reggie, look into that, please.” — Dennis [02:39]
- “Well, so incredibly beautiful shows, it just so happens that I am not loud. Everyone else is just too quiet.” — Dennis [03:46]
- “So these researchers wanted to find out if eating alone but looking at ourselves in the mirror would have the same effect as eating with another person.” — Mindy [09:59]
- “People will pretty much do anything for free popcorn.” — Mindy [11:41]
- “This research could help solve the problem of loneliness.” — Mindy [12:43]
- “See if you can get yourself to make one, Guy Raz.” — Mindy [13:39]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:12: Tinkerclass Homeschool Announcement (Mindy)
- 01:23: Dennis’ Theme Song & Listener Reviews
- 02:39–05:20: Turtle Week and Dennis’s Volume Debate
- 06:59: Introduction to “Inside Tinkercast Studios”
- 07:19: Start of the "Invite Yourself to Dinner" episode revisit
- 09:59: Mindy Explains the Science Experiment
- 12:13: Study Results & Discussion on Loneliness
- 13:39–14:38: Mindy and Dennis Wrap Up the Classic Segment
- 14:44: Dennis Wraps Up and Outro Banter
Tone and Style
The episode is lively, witty, and packed with playful banter. Dennis’s over-the-top personality shines, while Mindy and Guy anchor the science with fun explanations. Reggie, the recurring bird sidekick, adds comic reactions. The segment about eating alone is treated with warmth and hope, making the science accessible and emotionally resonant for kids and grown-ups.
Useful For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In
- Get a taste of Wow in the World’s unique blend of humor, science, and heart.
- Learn about the “Turtle Week” listener phenomenon and why the hosts love responding to feedback.
- Discover a fascinating social science experiment explained in an approachable, silly style that links everyday experience to cutting-edge research.
- Walk away with ideas for making mealtimes less lonely—plus, plenty of laughs along the way!