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

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."

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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.

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!