Wow in the World – WeWow on the Weekend (8/24/25)

Podcast by Tinkercast | Wondery
Release Date: August 24, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas, Guy Raz, with Dennis and Reggie

Episode Overview

This "WeWow on the Weekend" episode brings the signature mix of science, humor, and listener engagement that Wow in the World is known for. Hosted primarily by the ever-playful Dennis (with interjections from Reggie the pigeon), this episode features:

• Fun and fast-paced banter,
• Listener Q&A about science and curious animal behaviors,
• An educational throwback segment about crypsis—animal camouflage—with Mindy and Guy Raz,
• A focus on pandas, including the science behind their unique black-and-white markings.

The episode aims to spark wonder and laughter while diving into imaginative exploration and real scientific discovery, perfect for curious kids and their grown-ups.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Denis’ Weekend Introduction & the “Laugh a Minute” Challenge

• [01:23] Dennis kicks off the weekend episode with a song and a promise: keep the episode snappy and funny.
• Introduces a "laugh a minute" timer—underscoring the playful, spontaneous tone of the show.
• Quick banter about fake toot sounds and a running gag about how Reggie can’t do them because he doesn’t have lips.

“No, toots aren’t funny. Well, then you make a fake toot sound. Oh, yeah, you don’t have lips. Weird. I never noticed that.” — Dennis [02:40]

2. Q&A Segment with Listener Calls

a. Book Math Challenge

• [03:44] Listener Eloise asks: If you’re reading a 251-page book and must read half in a week, how many pages should you read?
• Dennis explains: Half is 125.5 pages, so round up to 126. He jokes about not counting title, table of contents, glossary, or index pages.

“But make sure not to count the title pages and the table of contents page. Those are free pages, you can skip those…” — Dennis [04:14]

b. Pufferfish Inflation Mystery

• [04:47] Siobhan from Berkeley asks: How do pufferfish blow up into bubbles?
• After joking about burps and toots, Dennis consults "Zoodle" (his comical version of Google):
  • Pufferfish unhinge their jaws, swallow water, and stretch their skin when frightened.
• Dennis is (playfully) freaked out and quickly pivots to the next question.

“When a pufferfish is frightened, it unhinges its jaw, widens its mouth, swallows a large amount of water and stretches its skin. Ah, no. This is way too freaky. No, next question.” — Dennis [05:16]

c. Why Do Humans Cry When Sad?

• [05:40] Stephanie from Minnesota wonders: Why are humans the only animals who cry when sad?
• Dennis is surprised, bringing up "crying boogers" and pondering if animals use tissues or if their noses run when they’re sad.
• Ends with Dennis thanking all callers and encouraging more to leave questions.

“Not only do my eyes cry tears when I’m sad, my nose cries boogers when I’m sad too. Do other animals’ noses cry boogers when they’re sad?” — Dennis [05:55]

3. Inside Tinkercast Studios: Revisiting “How Pandas Got Their Spots”

[06:45]–[14:02]
Dennis introduces a throwback to episode 11, featuring Mindy and Guy Raz exploring crypsis—the art of camouflage in animals, specifically pandas.

a. What is Crypsis?

• [08:00] Guy Raz introduces “crypsis”, explaining it's a scientific term for how animals camouflage to hide from predators.
• Mindy jokes about "Crispus fried chicken," underscoring the show’s kid-friendly humor.

“Oh, so crypsis is like when one of those cool lizards that looks like tree bark blends in with the trees so well that you can't see it.” — Mindy Thomas [09:14]

b. Why Are Pandas Black and White?

• [10:01] Discussion of the panda’s unique coloring as “piebald”—patches of different colors.
• Guy Raz explains that “piebald” animals have distinctive spots or patches, like pandas, magpies, and bald eagles.

“‘Piebald’ is a word we use to describe things that are two different colors. And normally we use it to describe animals that are light colored with dark patches." — Guy Raz [10:47]

• The theory: Pandas’ coloring helps with camouflage—a form of crypsis:
  • White fur helps in snowy mountains.
  • Black fur helps blend in dark bamboo forests.
• Pandas need camouflage to evade predators like snow leopards and humans.

c. Recognizing Each Other

• Each panda has a unique pattern of black fur around their eyes, which helps them distinguish one another.

“Each panda has a unique… patch of black fur around their eyes. And that’s one of the key ways they can figure out who’s who.” — Guy Raz [13:33]

• Mindy cracks more puns about "pandanas" and "black and white humor."

4. Closing Moments & Further Listener Engagement

• [14:02] Dennis re-emerges, excited about all things pandas and mulling over "panda cakes" after the episode.
• Encourages listeners to call in with questions or share their "Wee Wow Crafternoon Challenges."
• Tinkercast team thanks listeners and invites exploration on their website for more learning, WOW experiences, and community events.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "No, toots aren’t funny. Well, then you make a fake toot sound. Oh, yeah, you don’t have lips. Weird. I never noticed that. Huh?" — Dennis [02:40]
• "Each panda has a unique or one of a kind patch of black fur around their eyes. And that's one of the key ways they can figure out who's who." — Guy Raz [13:33]
• "Piebald is a word we use to describe things that are two different colors. And normally, we use the word piebald to describe animals that are light-colored with dark patches." — Guy Raz [10:47]
• "Not only do my eyes cry tears when I’m sad, my nose cries boogers when I’m sad too." — Dennis [05:56]
• "Crypsis is like when one of those cool lizards that looks like tree bark blends in with the trees so well that you can't see it." — Mindy Thomas [09:14]
• "Let's go upstairs and make panda cakes. Panda cakes. I don't know what they are, but Mindy mentioned them… and now I want some." — Dennis [14:39]

Important Timestamps

• 01:23 – Dennis’ Weekend Introduction & “laugh a minute” challenge
• 03:44 – Listener Q&A: Book math
• 04:47 – Listener Q&A: Pufferfish inflation
• 05:40 – Listener Q&A: Why humans cry
• 06:45–14:02 – Legacy episode: “How Pandas Got Their Spots” (crypsis, piebald, panda camouflage)
• 14:02 – Dennis wraps up, shares panda enthusiasm, and gives call-to-action for listener participation

Summary

This episode of "WeWow on the Weekend" showcases the best of Wow in the World: engaging science made fun, listener interaction, and a seamless blend of jokes and learning. The episode spotlights camouflage in animals (crypsis), the black-and-white mystery of pandas, and answers listener curiosities with spirited responses. It’s an episode that’s sure to make kids and adults alike say, “Wow!” — and crave a panda cake.