Wow in the World: Episode Summary – "WeWow on the Weekend" (Released August 9, 2025)
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Produced by Tinkercast | Wondery
Introduction
In the episode titled "WeWow on the Weekend," hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz dive into an engaging blend of listener interactions, scientific explorations, and whimsical adventures. The show balances educational content with entertaining dialogues, making complex topics accessible and enjoyable for both kids and their grown-up listeners.
Wee Wow on the Weekend Segment
Hosts: Dennis and Reggie the Giant Pigeon
The episode opens with the special segment "Wee Wow on the Weekend," hosted by Dennis and his co-host, Reggie the Giant Pigeon. This segment is dedicated to casual conversations, answering listener questions, and sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of Tinkercast podcasts.
Listener Q&A
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Why Do We Have Fingernails?
Izzy, Age 11 (05:10)- Question: "Why do we have fingernails?"
- Reggie's Response (05:20): "We have fingernails because sometimes we get itchy and it's too hard to scratch ourselves with our toenails."
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Dreams of Touching an Elephant
Jordan and Miles (05:33)- Miles' Question: "What’s your experience with elephants?"
- Reggie’s Answer (05:39): Discussed touching two elephants named Evie and Stampy, referencing past episodes where elephants play significant roles.
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When Will the Sun Explode?
Paul (07:26)- Question: "When is the sun going to explode?"
- Reggie's Calming Response (07:40): Explained that the sun won't explode but will exhaust its hydrogen fuel in about 5 billion years.
Notable Quote:
Mindy humorously reassures listeners, "The sun's gonna run out of hydrogen fuel. Wait, what's that? Well, the sun won't run out of hydrogen fuel for like, 5 billion years. Okay, I think 5 billion years is just about enough time to get a spacesuit and a spaceship and a whole bunch of astronaut ice cream, and then I'll figure it out from there." (07:40)
Inside Tinkercast Studios
Mindy and Reggie transition into a nostalgic segment where they revisit a past episode of "Wow in the World." They reflect on Season 3, Episode 13, titled "Hey Baby Island. How'd You Get Here? When Underwater Volcanoes Grow Up." This reflection underscores the show's commitment to revisiting and deepening previous discussions, fostering a sense of continuity and community among listeners.
Adventure: Journey to Baby Island
Back in the main segment, Mindy and Reggie embark on a thrilling adventure using the "wow machine," a time-travel device integral to the show's storytelling.
Time Travel to Hunga Tonga Island
- Objective: Observe the formation of a young volcanic island in Tonga.
- Process:
- Mindy operates the wow machine to travel back to 2015, the year Hunga Tonga was formed.
- They witness the volcanic activity that leads to the island's birth, observing underwater volcanoes and the initial stages of land formation.
Notable Quote:
Mindy excitedly explains the significance of their destination: "Hunga Tonga is extra special because it's the only one of those three islands that have been born in the age of satellites. Which means we have satellite photos of it growing up from a small little eruption in 2015 to the four-year-old we have now in 2019." (25:02)
Formation and Sustainability of the Island
- Scientific Insights:
- Volcanic Activity: Illustrates how underwater volcanoes contribute to island formation.
- Ecological Development: Highlights the role of migratory birds, specifically sooty terns, in bringing seeds that foster plant growth on the volcanic soil.
- Soil Fertility: Emphasizes the richness of volcanic soil, laden with nutrients essential for plant life.
Notable Explanation:
Guy Raz elaborates on ecological processes: "The seeds from many of these plants probably arrived in the bellies of these migratory birds. And once they pooped out onto the volcanic soil here, well, it began to grow into what we see here today." (30:08)
Challenges During the Adventure
- Technical Difficulties:
- The wow machine experiences leaks, leading to a near-submarine situation.
- Mindy and Guy Raz must improvise to navigate back safely, using unconventional items like tennis rackets as oars.
Humorous Interaction:
Mindy jokes about her app installation: "It's kind of like ice breakers. You know, like the kind of questions that you ask people to get to know them a little bit better." (14:48)
NASA’s Research and Future Implications
The hosts discuss recent findings from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, which conducted a research expedition to Hunga Tonga. The insights gained from studying this volcanic island have broader implications for understanding volcanic activity on other celestial bodies, such as Mars.
Future Exploration:
Mindy states, "If they can understand how volcanoes and oceans work together here on Earth, they can use similar satellite images that we have from Mars to understand if they were also formed with oceans millions of years ago." (31:08)
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with a reflection on the fascinating interplay between geological processes and ecological development. Mindy and Reggie's adventurous spirit, combined with their scientific curiosity, leaves listeners both entertained and educated.
Final Thoughts:
Guy Raz muses, "If it's anything like other islands in the Pacific, the answer probably lies in what those feathered friends are doing over there." (29:37) emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about bird behavior, reinforcing the blend of humor and education that "Wow in the World" is known for. The hosts invite listeners to engage further through surveys and subscriptions, ensuring an ongoing dialogue with their audience.
Final Quote:
Reggie humorously recounts an experience with bird poop: "What? Bird poop is not less gross than other kinds of poop, Reggie. If anything, it's more gross." (32:21)
Overall, "WeWow on the Weekend" successfully combines interactive segments, scientific exploration, and playful storytelling to deliver a captivating episode that stimulates curiosity and fosters a love for learning among its young and mature audiences alike.