WeWow on the Weekend (9/27/25)

Summary

Wow in the World – WeWow on the Weekend (September 27, 2025)

Hosts: Dennis, Reggie the Giant Pigeon, Mindy Thomas, Guy Raz
Podcast: Tinkercast | Wondery – The #1 science podcast for kids and grown-ups
Episode Focus: Exploring science news and listener interactions, with a featured discussion on the science of relaxation and “flow” through video games

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Episode Overview

This special “WeWow on the Weekend” episode blends its signature fun, listener engagement, and silly banter with a revisit of a fan-favorite “Wow in the World” story: how video games—and any immersive activity—help reduce stress by promoting a “flow state.” The show begins with a nod to ongoing listener geocaching adventures that connect science, the outdoors, and stewardship of planet Earth, before moving into quirky listener reviews, pigeon translation woes, high-energy antics, and the science of feeling "in the zone."

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Community Spotlight: Planet Wow Geocaching Adventure

• Partnership Highlights: Mindy and Guy recap their April partnership with Geocaching HQ, the Aspen Institute, and The Nature Conservancy for "Planet Wow," an eco-adventure encouraging exploration and care for Earth.
  • "We've received so many phone calls telling us about the places that wow you. You've also sent us photos of your geocaching adventures and we're not done yet." (Mindy Thomas, 00:39)
• Listener Participation: Listeners are encouraged to share places on Earth that inspire them and join in the eco-adventure.
• Call to Action:
  • "It's not too late to call us with your planet wows. Call 1-888-7-WOW-WOW..." (Guy Raz, 01:19)

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2. Weekend Segments: Listener Reviews and Pigeon Translator Mishaps

Reading Reviewsies (03:50–08:11)

• Spirited Banter: Dennis and Reggie riff over fun listener reviews, including jokes about “yappuccinos” and receiving “a billion star emojis.”
  • "Dennis, you yapped too much. Nobody ordered a yappuccino." (Listener 'solacat', 05:11)
• Sassy Reactions: The hosts respond humorously, turning critiques into playful exchanges.
• Pigeon to English Translator: Dennis tries—and hilariously fails—to use various (malfunctioning) translators for Reggie’s pigeon chatter, resulting in random French and Latin outputs.

Dennis’ Cartwheel (07:42–08:18)

• Dennis attempts a cartwheel for a promised “billion star emojis” but admits it’s just “half a cartwheel.”
  • "You miss 100% of the carts you don't wheel or something." (Dennis, 08:03)

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3. Inside Tinkercast Studios: “Zen of Video Games” Recap

[Featured Classic Episode Segment: 11:50–32:22]

Plot Setup:

• Guy Raz is stressed out: Preparing for dinner with his former etiquette professor, Guy meticulously tries to relax using various techniques—sleeping, tea, meditation—all to no avail.
• Mindy’s cure: She suggests watching TV and, after a series of comedic events, proposes visiting a “Flow Retreat,” a strange relaxation center operating like an arcade.

Science Explored: The Flow State

• Introduction to 'Flow':
  • "Mental flow is like the mental state of mind that a person gets into when they're fully immersed in whatever they're doing... Basically just a fancy scientific way of saying being in the zone." (Mindy Thomas, 24:51)
• Research Highlight: The story spotlights Dr. Kate Sweeney (UC Riverside), whose psychological research investigates how achieving flow—often through video games like Tetris—lowers anxiety during stressful, uncertain periods.
• Key Study Detailed:
  • Three groups of college students played Tetris at different difficulties after being told they’d be judged on appearance (a stressor).
  • The “just right” (adaptive) version of Tetris induced the best flow state and reduced anxiety, compared to games that were too easy or too hard.
  • "Aha. So one was too slow, one was too fast, and one was just right." (Mindy Thomas, 29:31)
• Core Finding: Any activity—not just screens or video games—that gets you “in the zone” can help calm and de-stress.
  • "Any activity that brings on a state of flow has the potential to lower anxiety and help relieve stress." (Guy Raz, 30:46)

Memorable Moments:

• Comedic Imagery: From “organizing rare beans” to driving a “motor pickle,” the segment infuses absurdity with science.
  • "This bad boy has a 500cc engine. That means cucumber calories." (Mindy Thomas, 20:43)
• Games as Therapy: The arcade/meditation retreat dispenses “scientific studies” as claw machine prizes.
  • "All the prizes in this claw machine game are scientific studies." (Guy Raz, 26:30)
• Brilliant Quips:
  • "You know what they should have called the study, right? Goldilocks and the falling squares." (Mindy Thomas, 29:44)

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4. Wrap-up and Listener Engagement

• Dennis’ Takeaway: Inspired to try the “zen video game flow state” for himself at the arcade.
  • "Yeah, I love how playing video games can put you into a flow state. And being in a flow state can help you be calm." (Dennis, 32:22)
• Call for Listener Questions: Kids are invited to call in with questions or share their own stories.
  • "You have a question for me? Call and leave me a message at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW..." (Dennis, 32:51)

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• On Listener Feedback:

  • "You yapped too much. Nobody ordered a yappuccino." (Listener solacat, 05:11)
  • "I can so do a cartwheel, Reggie. You miss 100% of the carts you don't wheel or something." (Dennis, 08:03)

• On Flow and Relaxation:

  • "Mental flow is like being in the zone." (Mindy Thomas, 24:51)
  • "Any activity that brings on a state of flow has the potential to lower anxiety and help relieve stress." (Guy Raz, 30:46)
  • "You don't have to use screens at all." (Guy Raz, 31:06)

• On Their Quirky Antics:

  • "My legume collection isn’t even alphabetized!" (Guy Raz, 13:14)
  • "You get into this mental flow and hours can pass by and you don't even notice." (Mindy Thomas, 25:09)

• Wrapping Up:

  • "That's the end of the show. I need to go and play a bunch of arcade games and maybe get a high score on Snooper Smash Bros." (Dennis, 33:33)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:00–01:31] — Introduction: Geocaching, Planet Wow and listener updates
• [03:21–08:18] — Dennis and Reggie: Banter, Reviews, Pigeon Translator, Cartwheel Challenge
• [11:50–32:22] — “Zen of Video Games” story: Exploring the science of relaxation, flow, and video games
• [32:22–33:33] — Post-story wrap-up, Reflection, and Farewell song

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Tone and Style

The episode is light-hearted, filled with puns, playful teasing, and imaginative hijinks—but always circles back to science, curiosity, and ways kids can feel calm, hopeful, and empowered. Mindy and Guy’s wacky energy keeps things silly, while Dennis’ and Reggie’s antics add extra fun for listeners of all ages.

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Takeaways for Non-Listeners

• You don’t need screens to get into a flow state—anything that fully absorbs you can help relieve stress!
• Video games—or any “just right” challenge—can be good for your brain when used in moderation and with purpose.
• Keep exploring, asking questions, and sharing things that wow you—whether it’s nature, science, or just a goofy cartwheel!
• Listener participation is woven into the show, making science feel personal, interactive, and fun.

The episode embodies Wow in the World’s signature blend of laughter, learning, and wonder—and might just inspire you to find your own “in the zone” activity!

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 and Guy Raz here. And before we start the show this week, we have a very special episode of wow in the World to share with you.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, Mindy. You may remember back in April, we teamed up with our friends at Geocaching hq, the Aspen Institute and Nature Conservancy to create Planet Wow, an epic geocaching eco adventure that shares the wows of our planet.

[Mindy Thomas]

And since then, we've received so many phone calls telling us about the places that wow you. You've also sent us photos of your geocaching adventures and we're not done yet.

[Guy Raz]

This week's episode of wow in the World takes a closer look at the role we all play in taking care of our planet and how we can all work together to make this planet wow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Listen to our latest episod called Planet Wow to learn about how you too can help take care of our planet and grownups. Don't Forget to visit tinkercast.com planetwow to learn how you and your Wowzer can join us in our Geocaching Eco Adventure.

[Guy Raz]

And it's not too late to call us with your planet wows. Call 1-888-7-WOW-WOW and tell us about a place on our planet that wows you.

[Mindy Thomas]

That's it. And now let's get back to the show.

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[Dennis]

Hey grown ups. Smurfs is now streaming on Paramount. Plus, get ready for an adventure that will blue you away. Papa Smurf has been taken by evil wizards, and if the Smurfs can't stop them, it'll mean the end of the universe. Smurfs has an all star cast with Nick Offerman, John Goodman, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, and Rihanna as Smurfette, who leads the mission to rescue Papa Smurf. Watch now with the whole Smurfin family on Paramount. Plus, 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.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Whatever.

[Dennis]

We wow on the weekend. Yeah, we wow on the weekend.

[Guy Raz]

Laugh, clap.

[Dennis]

Me wow on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend. Hello and welcome to Wee Wow on the Weeknd. I'm your host, Dennis, and that'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 up? The sky?

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

What kind of answer is that?

[Dennis]

I'm asking how you are, Reggie. Ah, you're just being a little sassy. I asked what was up and you said the sky. Cause the sky is up, you little sassafras. But actually, Reggie, the planet is round. So if you travel long enough, the sky is technically in every direction.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah.

[Mindy Thomas]

Huh?

[Dennis]

Wait, okay, I'll do one. You ask me what's up.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Just do it. Oh, what's up?

[Dennis]

Airplanes. Oh, wait, no, actually, that's not right either, because technically some airplanes are on the ground waiting to be flown. So I need to say passing airplanes. Okay, ask me again, Reggie. Fine, whatever. We'll move on. 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 let's read review. 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 first reviewsy comes to us from username solacat. The title reads, this is for Dennis.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Oh, that's me.

[Dennis]

And the message says, dennis, you yapped too much. Nobody ordered a yappuccino.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

What? Me yap too much? Never.

[Dennis]

I yapped just the right amount.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Right, Reggie?

[Dennis]

And what's a yappuccino? Is it good? Can I have one? Oh, you think Stella Cat's being sassy? More sass on my show? Well, I didn't order a sass presso. How many stars did Cello cat give us?

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

2. That's not enough sellacat.

[Dennis]

But it's okay. You can just send me three more Stars in the mail. Okay, next question. This next reviewsy comes to us from username H, B K J F F, E, A B. Um, yeah, this looks like another case of someone falling asleep on their keyboard while picking a username. Okay, the title says, I love your show, and the message says, can you ask me to make a pigeon translator? I can't understand Reggie, but I still give him 9 million star emoji.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Wow, 9 million. Nice job, Reggie.

[Dennis]

Okay, and this devoted listener needs a pigeon translator. Yeah, I know they said to ask them to make a translator, but they don't need to make one. I have my old pigeon translator around here somewhere. Um, let's see, where is it? Translator, where are you? Oh, here it is. Little dusty. Let me blow it off.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Yeah, don't you remember?

[Dennis]

This is my old pidgin translator from when I first learned to speak pidgin. Let's see if it still works. Turning it on. Ooh, looks like it's still working. Let's try it. Say something into the translator, Reggie.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Oh, whoops, it's translating back into pigeon. Stop it.

[Dennis]

Okay, let's try this. Say something now, Reggie.

[Theodore Poolsink]

Test un du trois.

[Dennis]

Uh, nope, that's translating into French. Uh, hold on. Try now.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Sum magnus columba. Latin.

[Dennis]

No, never mind. This thing's broken. Next question. This last reviewsy comes to us from username Tanley.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Wow.

[Dennis]

In the world. The title says, I love your show, and the message says, dennis, if you can do a cartwheel, I will give you one billion star emoji.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

One billion star emoji. That's so many star emoji. What?

[Dennis]

I can so do a cartwheel, Reggie.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Well, I have to try.

[Dennis]

You know what they say. You miss 100% of the carts you don't wheel or something. Okay, here I go.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

One, two, three.

[Dennis]

Well, I'd say that was half a cartwheel, so, Tanley, you owe me half a billion star emojis. Okay, I think that's just about enough reviewsies for now. Thanks for all your reviewsies, listeners. Keep em coming. If you leave a comment on Apple podcasts or Spotify, I just might read it on WeWow on the weekend. Five stars or more, please. 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 5 called the Zen of Video Games. Hey, Reggie, want to hear a fun fact this episode is also sometimes called Gaming your way to Xen. Why? Because I think someone at Tinkercast Studios maybe couldn't decide on which title was better, and then maybe I forgot and I accidentally used both.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

What? Me?

[Dennis]

No, I didn't say it was me. Oh, I did. Well, whatever, whatever. Let's just listen to the game of Video Zen or whatever this one's called. Okay, here we go. And play.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Wee.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wow. Will be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you.

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[Mindy Thomas]

That'S it. Now back to the show.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

What in the world?

[Guy Raz]

Okay, let's see here. Adzuki beans. They should definitely be the first, shouldn't you? Yes, you should. And then. Ah, yes, the cannellini beans. Get over here, guys. There you go. Okay. Oh, how are we doing for time? Hey, Zoodle, what's the.

[Mindy Thomas]

The time is currently 11:00am why does.

[Guy Raz]

This only work when Mindy's not here? Right on cue. Mindy Guy Razzy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, whatcha doing in here?

[Guy Raz]

Were your ears burning?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, how did you know? I was trying to see inside them with this candle and almost got a little too close.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, it's fine, Guy Raz. The candle was made out of my own earwax.

[Guy Raz]

Ugh.

[Mindy Thomas]

Anywho, I was over there trying out my new binoculars by looking through your windows, Mindy, and I couldn't help but notice you pacing over here. What's got your noodle and a strudel, little buddy?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, Mindy, it's a disaster. I have a very important guest coming over for dinner tonight and my house is a complete mess.

[Mindy Thomas]

Uh, Guy Raz, this is by far the cleanest room I've been in in at least two weeks.

[Guy Raz]

Well, that's very kind of you, Mindy, but you don't have to humor me. Just take a look. My legume collection isn't even alphabetized.

[Mindy Thomas]

Your what?

[Guy Raz]

My legume collection.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, right, your fancy beans.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, they're not just beans.

[Mindy Thomas]

So who's the lucky leprechaun that gets to share a seven course ancient grains de golstacion with the one and only Guy Raz? Huh? Huh? Huh?

[Guy Raz]

Professor Montague.

[Mindy Thomas]

Professor Montague. Professor Montague. Oh, yeah, your old etiquette professor from college.

[Guy Raz]

That's right, that's right. She's the one who gave me my graduation elbow patches. She taught me the difference between an oval soup spoon and a cream soup spoon. She even helped me refine my Southern drawl. Although it does tend to come out a bit when I get anxious. Excuse me.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, man. So you're saying that this is the professor that turned you into the NPR tote bag carrying New Yorker reading four eyed wonder kid you are today?

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. This is such a big deal, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, look, all you need to do is just chillax a little bit. Here. It's near somewhere. Oh, here it is. Here. It's a stress ball.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, is your face on the stress ball?

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, you know it. I mean, what's more relaxing than this mug I'm pointing at my face?

[Guy Raz]

Uh, thanks, I appreciate the offer, but I don't think it's gonna work. I've already tried all my usual stress reduction techniques. I've gotten my eight hours of sleep. I've drunk all of my chamomile tea. I even tried using my meditation app. Okay, time to rel.

[Theodore Poolsink]

Welcome to Mobile Device Guided Meditation. I'm your guru, Theodore Poolsink.

[Guy Raz]

Hello, Theodore. Hello, Guy Raz.

[Theodore Poolsink]

Focus on your body and breathe in and out.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, did I turn all my air purifiers on for all this breathing in? Did I answer all those emails? I don't care.

[Theodore Poolsink]

But think about that. Colors manifest as images now. Oh, lovely. We're at the beach.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, I hope it's a protected beach.

[Theodore Poolsink]

It is. The sun is out.

[Guy Raz]

I should have probably brought some of my sunblock with me.

[Theodore Poolsink]

A sea breeze tussles your hair playfully, and on our next breath, the world falls away.

[Guy Raz]

Come to think of it, Mindy, I think those techniques just made me more stressed out.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, you know what chills me out when I'm stressed?

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy Thomas]

Some good old fashioned TV.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, I haven't owned a TV for 10 years.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, but there is a giant home theater somewhere in my gingerbread mansion. What do you say?

[Guy Raz]

Hmm. Well, do you have any new episodes of Date or Bait?

[Mindy Thomas]

I'm pretty sure it's streaming on petflix. Let me see here.

[Guy Raz]

Petflix?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, it's that app that streams just animal videos. You know, like your typical cats playing pianos, monkeys riding Segways, that kind of thing.

[Guy Raz]

What?

[Mindy Thomas]

Let me see here. Dramas, comedies, documentaries. Oh, here it is. Date or bait? All 23 seasons.

[Guy Raz]

Well, maybe a little time off from organizing my legume collection would help me clear my head.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, so it's settled. You'll stop alphabetizing your beans.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, they are very rare and expensive legumes.

[Mindy Thomas]

Chick, please spare Pee the details. You get it? It's a play on beans. Well, Lima gonna get outta here. You coming?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, yeah, hold on. Let me just put these legumes away.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait, are you covering up those beans with tiny blankets? Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Well, of course. I don't want them to get cold. Do I sleep type? Sweet beans. I mean, dreams.

[Mindy Thomas]

What in the.

[Guy Raz]

All right, Mindy, let's go.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, next up, mind numbing television.

[Guy Raz]

Is there any other kind?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, if there is, I don't want to know about it.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Walk.

[Mindy Thomas]

Walk and kick. Ooh, yeah. All right, now, where did I leave that theater? Hmm.

[Guy Raz]

You don't remember where you left your giant home movie theater?

[Mindy Thomas]

I mean, I remember where I left it last week, but then I did some shuffling around on Thursday and let me just. Oh, there it is. All right. Guy Raz, do you have your ticket?

[Guy Raz]

A ticket?

[Mindy Thomas]

Nah, just joking.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Popcorn.

[Guy Raz]

Have you got any kale chips?

[Audible Ad]

Kale chips?

[Mindy Thomas]

Let me see here.

[Guy Raz]

No, I'm fine, thanks.

[Mindy Thomas]

Suit yourself. Now, where should we sit? This place is always so empty.

[Guy Raz]

Well, that's because it's in your house, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, yeah. Oh, look, the commercials. Are starting up. Come on, sit down.

[Guy Raz]

Commercials? I thought we were just watching tv.

[Mindy Thomas]

We are now. You sit down. Stay here. I'm gonna go get an unhealthy amount of popcorn. Be right back.

[Theodore Poolsink]

Are you stressed out by visitors to your home, for example? I don't know an etiquette professor.

[Guy Raz]

I am.

[Theodore Poolsink]

And have you tried all the herbal teas, stress balls, and meditation apps you can handle?

[Guy Raz]

I have.

[Theodore Poolsink]

Well, maybe it's time you visit us at the FLO retreat.

[Guy Raz]

Maybe it is.

[Theodore Poolsink]

Of course it is. Here at flo, we approach stress relief scientifically, using the latest in relaxification to help you unwind.

[Guy Raz]

That sounds perfect. Hey, Mindy. Hey, Guy Razzie, I think I found out exactly what I need to unwind.

[Mindy Thomas]

I thought we were watching.

[Guy Raz]

I think I found something even better. Check it out.

[Theodore Poolsink]

For the prevention of tension and to finally be heebie jeebie freebie, join us at flow retreat today.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Oh, yeah.

[Mindy Thomas]

Why didn't I think of that? I've got free coupons for this place.

[Guy Raz]

Really?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah. Reggie won them in a video game competition during his esports phase.

[Guy Raz]

Is there anything that bird can't do?

[Mindy Thomas]

Um, well, build a nest.

[Guy Raz]

It's kind of weird that they'd be giving away tickets to a relaxation spot a video game competition, isn't it?

[Mindy Thomas]

Hey, gamers need to relax too, Guy Raz, have you seen Reggie play Fort Nightingale? Talk about an angry bird.

[Guy Raz]

That is true, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, let me just finish this popcorn and then we can head out.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, you can just leave it here. You don't have to.

[Mindy Thomas]

Good to go.

[Guy Raz]

So how are we getting there, Mindy? I mean, the wow machine. Are we gonna take Reggie power walking?

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, the wow machine is in the wash. Reggie is visiting his parents, and power walking is for Wednesdays.

[Guy Raz]

Uh huh.

[Mindy Thomas]

Which means.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, no.

[Mindy Thomas]

Behold the all new and improved approved motor pickle.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, I thought you turned the motor pickle into relish last week.

[Mindy Thomas]

I did, and it was delicious. But I grew another one. Here, check it out. This bad boy has a 500cc engine. That means cucumber calories and multicolored streamers on the handles.

[Guy Raz]

I can see that.

[Mindy Thomas]

So what are you waiting for?

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Come on.

[Mindy Thomas]

I even built you a sidecar.

[Guy Raz]

Okay. Mindy, it's all wet in here.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, yeah, that's mustard.

[Guy Raz]

Ugh.

[Mindy Thomas]

Helmet. Here we go. This should be it. Are you sure?

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, we're in the middle of a forest.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, it says right here on the coupon. Located in a tranquil forest. Down the dirt path, past the rock that holds no moss.

[Guy Raz]

They couldn't have given a street address.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, look, there's the rock with no moss. Oh, and there's the dirt path. Oh, Guy Raz, this is definitely the right place.

[Guy Raz]

Well, all right, let's do it.

[Mindy Thomas]

All right, let me just lock up the motor pickle here and let's go.

[Guy Raz]

Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk. You know what, Mindy? Getting out to nature was such a great idea. I feel more relaxed already.

[Mindy Thomas]

I know what you mean. There's something about the birds, the running river, the eight bit music.

[Guy Raz]

The what?

[Mindy Thomas]

The video game music.

[Guy Raz]

I hear it too, Mindy. But where is it coming from?

[Mindy Thomas]

Ooh, look over there. The Flow retreat.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Huh.

[Mindy Thomas]

Guess this is it.

[Guy Raz]

This is. Looks more like an arcade than it does a meditation retreat.

[Mindy Thomas]

Come on, let's check it out. Racia.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, I'm not gonna run.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Run, run. Ha ha.

[Guy Raz]

Snooze, you lose.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Mindy, what in the. Guy Raz, that's not fair.

[Mindy Thomas]

Wait for me. Ha ha.

[Guy Raz]

Winner, winner. Ethically sourced eggs for dinner.

[Mindy Thomas]

Run, run, run, run, run, run. Well, looks like somebody's been eating their compedios.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, wait right here, Mindia. I'm gonna go find out if we're actually in the right place.

[Mindy Thomas]

Alright.

[Dennis]

Hi there. Welcome to the Flow Retreat. Tokens and lockers are to the right.

[Guy Raz]

Hi. Yeah. Are we at the right place? I thought this was a relaxation retreat.

[Dennis]

It is, sir. A relaxation retreat using the latest in scientific studies too.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, I've seen the ad, but this place looks just like an arcade.

[Dennis]

Well, that's exactly where the scientific study comes in.

[Guy Raz]

Scientific study? What do you mean?

[Dennis]

It's all explained, sir. Right here in our introductory pamphlet.

[Guy Raz]

Pamphlets. I love pamphlets.

[Mindy Thomas]

So what's the scoop on this place? Guy Raz just got laser tagged three times.

[Guy Raz]

Well, it looks like this is actually the place, Mindy. They said it's all explained.

[Mindy Thomas]

Right?

[Guy Raz]

Right here in this pamphlet.

[Mindy Thomas]

You love pamphlets.

[Guy Raz]

I know. Okay, let's see here. A guide to relaxation based on the scientific work of Kate Sweeney, a psychologist at the University of California, Riverside.

[Mindy Thomas]

A psychologist? You mean a scientist that studies the ways that people think, Right?

[Guy Raz]

Exactly, Mindy. So it says here that they use video games to induce a state of mental flow, which in turn helps to reduce levels of anxiety.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, yeah, I know a thing or two about mental flow.

[Guy Raz]

Really?

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, Mental flow is like the mental state of mind that a person gets into when they're fully immersed in whatever they're doing.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Huh?

[Mindy Thomas]

I mean, it's basically just a fancy scientific way of saying being in the zone.

[Guy Raz]

Ah, I get it, Mindy. Kind of like when you're inventing something.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, or when you're alphabetizing your fancy bean collection. You get into this mental flow and hours can pass by and you don't even notice.

[Guy Raz]

And so this researcher from the University of California found out that you can enter this state of flow by playing video games.

[Mindy Thomas]

I guess. I mean, it sounds like it. What else does it say in that pamphlet?

[Guy Raz]

Well, not much. It just goes on to talk about cleaning your chakra with air hockey and aligning your chi with table tennis.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Hmm.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, I don't know. You want to walk around a little bit, maybe play some games, see if it helps you relax?

[Guy Raz]

Well, I couldn't hurt Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

All right, what do you want to play first? Looks like there's time version two down there. And I see a line for smack a mole. Always promising. Oh, and there's a claw machine. Can we, can we, can we, can we, can we?

[Guy Raz]

Well, usually I'd say no, but in the spirit of self care and relaxification, let's do it. Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yes. Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run. Okay, Guy Raz, stand back and prepare to be amazed. Cause this buttery little claw is about to pick up the cutest little study.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

What?

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, look. All the prizes in this claw machine game are scientific studies.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Why?

[Guy Raz]

Wait a minute.

[Mindy Thomas]

What?

[Guy Raz]

Exploring the benefits of flow during uncertain waiting periods. Mindy, I think that might be.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, that's Kate Sweeney's study from the University of California. Jackpot.

[Guy Raz]

You gotta get that one, Mindy, we need that study.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, I'm gonna get it, little buddy. Put a couple of tokens in this bad boy and watch mama go to work.

[Guy Raz]

Let's do this.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay, concentrating. A little to the left. Just a nudge forward. Move it back a smidge.

[Guy Raz]

Come on, Mindy, you can do it.

[Mindy Thomas]

Okay. Claws opening. It's latching on.

[Guy Raz]

Look, look, Mindy, it's got it. Come on.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

We got it.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yes, yes, yes. Scientific study. Scientific study.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, Mindy, I never doubted you for a second. All right, let me just get it out of the machine here, see what it says.

[Mindy Thomas]

Guy Raz, how did they find out that playing video games could put you in a state of flow?

[Guy Raz]

Okay, so the researchers gathered three hundred and nine college students and told them that their peers would be rating how good looking they are.

[Mindy Thomas]

Man, that doesn't sound very nice.

[Guy Raz]

I know, but apparently it's a really effective way to get people stressed out.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, I get it. So they didn't really do this. They Just said they were going to do this to get the participants in the study all stressed out. I got it.

[Guy Raz]

And then after that, the Researchers split the 309 college students into three different groups, and each group played Tetris, but at different difficulty levels.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, I've played Tetris before. It's that game where you have all of the falling blocks and different shapes and you gotta make straight lines to get points.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, that's right. I was actually the high score leader back in high school. Really? Yep. They used to call me hi, Raz, because of all my high scores.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ooh, you must have been a pretty popular guy, Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Anyway, they split the group up into three difficulties. One of the groups played a super easy peasy version of the game, which, as you can guess, was super boring. And then the next group played an extremely challenging, super duper fast version of the game, which was just super duper frustrating. And then the last group played a classic version of the game where it adapts to the skill level of whoever is playing. And as the researchers found out, it got them into that state of flow.

[Mindy Thomas]

Aha. So one was too slow, one was too fast, and one was just right.

[Guy Raz]

That's it, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Well, you know what they should have called the study, right?

[Guy Raz]

What's that, Mindy?

[Mindy Thomas]

Goldilocks and the falling squares. Ha ha.

[Guy Raz]

Nice one.

[Mindy Thomas]

So what did these researchers find out?

[Guy Raz]

Well, it says here that while all the participants experienced some degree of worry.

[Mindy Thomas]

The third group, the one that had the skill level that was just right.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah. Well, they reported higher levels of positive emotions and slightly lower levels of negative.

[Mindy Thomas]

Emotions, suggesting that the video game that brought on a greater sense of flow actually lowered their levels of stress.

[Guy Raz]

Correctamundo, Mindy.

[Mindy Thomas]

Ah, that's so. Wow.

[Guy Raz]

But that's not all, Mindy. The study goes on to say that this doesn't just work for video games.

[Mindy Thomas]

What?

[Guy Raz]

This doesn't just work for video games.

[Mindy Thomas]

Say that into my good ear.

[Guy Raz]

This doesn't just work for video games.

[Mindy Thomas]

Yeah, okay, I got it, I got it, I got it, I got it. So you're saying that as long as it brings us to that state of flow, that we can do other things to help us chillax, too.

[Guy Raz]

Any activity that brings on a state of flow has the potential to lower anxiety and help relieve stress.

[Mindy Thomas]

So that means that my inventing and building stuff and your alphabetizing your fancy beans could also be used to put your mind into a state of flow and help you to be less stressed out, too.

[Guy Raz]

That's exactly right, Mindy. You don't have to use screens at all.

[Mindy Thomas]

But since we are here in an arcade and we are looking to help you chillax, did you want to hit up that Tetris machine in the corner over there or. Yes?

[Guy Raz]

Hmm. I don't know. How much time do we have before Professor Montague arrives?

[Mindy Thomas]

Who?

[Guy Raz]

Professor Montague. The professor who taught me my pays and Q's.

[Mindy Thomas]

Oh, right, that Professor Montague. The one that's coming over for dinner.

[Guy Raz]

Don't remind me.

[Mindy Thomas]

Psh. Come on, guy Raz, you got plenty of time. Well, come on, I can hear the snack a moles calling your name.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, well, okay, Mindy, you've convinced me. Trust me. I think it might be time for the return of High Rise.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, step aside, Mindy, because here we.

[Mindy Thomas]

Come. On, little buddy, you can do it. Come on, go. Where's that one? That one right there.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Wow, that was so cool.

[Dennis]

Yeah, I love how playing video games can put you into a flow state. And being in a flow state can help you be calm.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

It's so amazing. I can't even stand it, Reggie. I can't calm down. I'm too amazed.

[Dennis]

Well then let's go to the arcade.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Right now and try this zen video game flow state thing for ourselves. I'm so amazed and excited.

[Dennis]

Alright, let's wrap up the show. First, thanks to all you listeners out there for tuning in to Wee Wow on the weekend. You have a question for me, call and leave me a message at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW. That's 1-888-7-WWOW. I just might answer your question on Wee Wow on the weekend. Okay, should we do the goodbye song? Here we go. That's the end of the show. I need to go and play a bunch of arcade games and maybe get a high score on Snooper Smash Bros. But I'll do another show tomorrow. But for now, that's the end of the show.

[Reggie the Giant Pigeon]

Bye.

[Mindy Thomas]

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

[Guy Raz]

Join Wondery plus 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] survey.