WeWow on the Weekend

Summary

Podcast Episode Summary: "WeWow on the Weekend"

Podcast: Wow in the World
Date: April 26, 2026
Episode: WeWow on the Weekend
Hosts: Dennis & Reggie (Tinkercast) with Mindy Thomas, Guy Raz, and more

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Overview

This episode of WeWow on the Weekend blends science fun with interactive listener segments and behind-the-scenes relistening. Dennis and his co-host pigeon, Reggie, bring their usual quirky humor as they answer young listeners' questions, discuss their favorite breakfast foods, and relive a classic "Wow in the World" episode, "An Elevator to the Stars." The main theme explores the fascinating concept of a space elevator, presented in an accessible, entertaining way for families and curious kids alike.

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Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Reggie Report and Listener Q&A

[03:27 – 09:13]

• The Reggie Report
  Reggie and Dennis humorously cover imaginary news updates—traffic jams involving "G-force body slamming people cars" and Dennis's "hat crime" (he's borrowing hats to look taller).

  "A thief is stealing everyone's hats. Oh, yeah, that was me. I'm borrowing them. Yeah, I'm just going to stack them all on my head at once to see if I can look taller."
  — Dennis (04:49)

• Listener Questions
  Three questions are addressed:

  • How do rainbows get made? (Millie) – Dennis explains his own Jello version and shares the ROY G. BIV mnemonic:

    "That's right, Reggie. Roy G. Biv. That's the name of the rainbow guy. But I prefer to spell it backwards, which is Vibgyor. Because, Reggie, Vibgyor sounds like the name of a rainbow monster."
    — Dennis (06:22)

  • Why can't we have sleepovers on the week? (Zoe and Rowan) – Prompting a mock protest for later school start times, which Dennis humorously backpedals:

    "Wait, hold on. If school starts at nine, does that mean it gets out later? Like at four? Ew. No, I don't want that... Keep sleepovers on the weekend."
    — Dennis (07:35)

  • Favorite morning food? (Kendrick and Kayla) – Dennis elaborates on his love for "morning mush" (soggy cereal or porridge).

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2. Inside Tinkercast Studios: "An Elevator to the Stars"

[09:41 – 32:55]

a. Opening Antics

Mindy is squatting in Guy Raz’s kitchen, using his elevator music magazine as a bib. Guy reveals his love of elevator music and shares that a new album by The Elevates will debut in an office building’s elevator.

• Memorable Quotes:

  "Elevators are so cool. So come on, let's ride in the elevator."
  — (11:32, theme song)

  "Of course I do, Mindy. Where else would you listen to elevator music?"
  — Guy Raz (14:43)

  "It's okay. I changed all the locks when I moved into your kitchen."
  — Mindy (15:00)

b. Adventure to the Office Building

The group heads to 345 Block Street to listen to The Elevates' album—the experience includes comedic revolving door antics and a crowded elevator ride with various quirky characters.

c. The Science of the Space Elevator

[22:25 – 30:56]

• History:
  Guy Raz explains how Russian scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, inspired by the Eiffel Tower in 1895, dreamed up the "space elevator" concept.

• How It Works:

  • Resembles a string telephone: a cable (carbon nanotube composite ribbon) stretches from an ocean platform to a space station.

  • Elevator cars travel up and down, carrying cargo and astronauts.

  • Potential to cut space travel costs dramatically (from ~$43,000/pound to ~$100/pound).

    "So what in the wow is a space elevator?"
    — Mindy (22:21)

    "Well, it sort of looks like a giant version of those two tin cans with a piece of string between them."
    — Guy Raz (24:08)

• Why Build It?

  • More affordable access to space and the International Space Station.

  • Japan’s space agency JAXA targets completion by 2050.

  • The cable would reach 60,000 miles into space.

  • Small-scale experiments have begun in orbit with two mini-satellites connected by cable.

    "Although this astronomical structure won't be ready for another 40 years or so, the Japanese space agency is already performing tests in space to try out some of their materials."
    — Guy Raz (28:45)

    "Let me see here. That's like traveling from New York to Los Angeles 21 times or two and a half times around the world."
    — Mindy (28:36)

d. The Elevator Concert Finale

At their destination, Mindy and Guy Raz discover The Elevates playing a live concert designed for space elevator journeys—set to last "seven and a half days."

• Best Moments:

  "So exactly how long is this concert supposed to be?"
  — Mindy (31:56) "Let me see. Ah, here it is. Seven and a half days."
  — Guy Raz (32:00)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dennis on Listener Q&A:

  "Do you have a question? Well, I do too. Lots of them. And who's gonna answer all my questions? You? Probably not."
  — Dennis (05:34)

• Elevator Music Superfan:

  "Their instrumental arrangement of the Girl from Ipanema changed..."
  — Dennis, on his favorite elevator band, Awkward Silence (15:28)

• Space Elevator Math:

  "That's like $20,000 per kilogram."
  — Mindy, calculating the cost of sending items to space (25:49) "Once the space elevator is built, it would only cost around $100 to send up a pound of stuff, or $220 per kilogram."
  — Guy Raz (25:41)

• Forward-Looking Humor:

  "An elevator that goes all the way to space. Well, I want to ride it. Is it 2050 yet? It's not. How about now? How about now? Okay, how about right now? This is taking forever."
  — Dennis (33:07)

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Important Timestamps

• 03:27: Start of Reggie Report and Dennis's comedic news.
• 05:10: Q&A with listener-submitted questions.
• 09:41: "Inside Tinkercast Studios": Introduction to the featured relisten.
• 11:43: "An Elevator to the Stars" episode begins—Mindy and Guy Raz's elevator music adventure.
• 22:25 – 30:56: Science deep-dive: Space elevator concept and technology.
• 31:46: Discovery of the week-long elevator concert.
• 33:07: Dennis’s excitement about the space elevator and jokey complaints about waiting for 2050.

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Tone and Energy

• Playful, lively, packed with silly jokes and puns (e.g., "Vibgyor the Rainbow Monster,” "elevator pitch" for a space elevator).
• Conversational and accessible—complex science is explained in kid-friendly analogies.

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Final Notes

• Listener Engagement: Many shout-outs to listeners, invites for questions, and a talent show call.

• Science Takeaway:
  The episode inspires awe about real space innovation—the possibility of a space elevator connecting Earth and space stations, described with vivid metaphors and lots of laughs. Kids are encouraged to keep exploring, tinkering, and imagining the future.

• Memorable Wrap-up:

  "Thanks again for thinking, tinkering, experimenting and exploring with me this week... And remember who Wows."
  — Dennis (37:57)

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For more episodes and ways to join the World Organization of Wowzers, visit Tinkercast.com.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, Wowzer, fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, guess what? The brand new season of two what's in a People who Wow Edition begins this Friday. Cue the confetti, Reg. In this Getting to Know youw game show, I'll be visited by some of the world's most fascinating people to get the wows and the what's of their lives. From cartoonist and graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier of the Smile series, to everyday extraordinary kids just like you. And that's not all. With this new season of two what's in a wow? There are now two ways to wow. What am I talking about? Well, first, you can listen to episodes right here in our wow. In the World podcast feed. Or. And this is a big or. Yeah, you're right, Reg. That doesn't have the same ring to it. Okay, now where was I?

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

As always, you can listen to new episodes in your favorite podcast player, or you can watch these episodes with your eyeballs on YouTube. I know. I should comb my hair or something. We are so excited for you to listen and watch our new season of two once in a while, People who Wow Edition starting this Friday. So make sure you're subscribed to our podcast feed and our WowTube channel on YouTube so you don't miss out. That's two what's in a People who Wow Edition coming this Friday. But in the meantime, let's get back to the show. Hey, Grown Ups. Mindy here. And do I have a wow for you. What if I told you that the best kids math program is actually inspired by comic books and it's about monsters? It's called Beast Academy. And the little monsters, like Grog, do the kind of math that gives kids curious enough to stop and think and figure things out for themselves. For example, Krog asked his Beast Academy math club, if our school has more than 366 kids in it, is it guaranteed that two of them will have exactly the same birthday? He proved that the answer is yes. Through problem solving. Wow. That's Beast Academy. Where kids build problem solving skills through interesting problems and puzzles. It's from the folks at Art of Problem Solving, the same people who train math champions. Grown ups. Head to beastacademy.com and use code BEASTWOW for 10% off the online program. Oh, and tell Grog Mindy says hi.

[C]

Who's that walking through the woods?

[B]

Wyatt Yoshi.

[C]

Here to explore a world of curious creatures with you. Discovered a creature you haven't seen before. Why don't you get Yoshi to see what it tastes like.

[A]

Hmm. Soapy.

[C]

No wonder this creature blows giant bubbles so big they can carry you. You can even jump from one bubble to another and reach new areas. There are plenty more surprises to discover too. Bowser Jr. What are you doing out here? You can jump into adventure with Yoshi and The Mysterious Book. May 21, only on Nintendo Switch 2. Game Rated E for everyone.

[D]

Ahem.

[E]

Ahem.

[D]

We wow on the weekend. Wee wow on the weekend. Wee 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. Whatever. We wow on the weekend. Yeah, we wow on the weekend. Laugh Wap. We wow on the weekend. Cause this is what we do on the weekend. Hello and welcome to We Wow on the Weekend. I'm your host, Dennis, and that's my co host, Reggie. This is the show where we chit chat and answer questions from our fans and listen to Tinkercast podcasts. Hey Reggie, how about you get us started with a Reggie report?

[B]

Yay.

[D]

A traffic jam downtown. Oh, a traffic slam. Sounds cool.

[B]

What is it, Grandma?

[D]

G force Body slamming People Cars. Oh, wow. Well, what's new in sports?

[B]

Ooh, basketball.

[D]

I love basketball. That's the one with the baskets, right? Okay, what else?

[B]

Crime.

[E]

What crime?

[D]

A thief is stealing everyone's hats. Oh, yeah, that was me. I'm borrowing them. Yeah, I'm just going to stack them all on my head at once to see if I can look taller.

[B]

Day news.

[D]

Okay, now we better hear from our devoted listeners with a Q and A segment.

[A]

Ahem.

[D]

The Q and A segment. Alright, let's just get the old answering machine pulled up here. Okay, here we go. Hi, you've reached Dennis from WEW on the Weeknd. That's me. Do you have a question? Well, I do too. Lots of them. And who's gonna answer all my questions?

[B]

You? Probably not.

[D]

But I guess I can answer yours. Leave me a message.

[F]

My name is Millie and I live in Richmond, Virginia. And I want to ask you. How does rainbows get made?

[D]

How does rainbows get made? Good question, Millie. Well, I don't know how the sky makes rainbows, but I once made a rainbow out of all the different colors of jello. Because, Reggie, rainbows look delicious and I wanted to eat one. Well, to make a Jello rainbow, all you have to do is remember all the rainbow colors. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Exactly. And if you have trouble remembering the rainbow colors, you can just take the first letter of each color.

[E]

And.

[D]

And use it to spell Roy G. Biv. That's right, Reggie. Roy G. Biv. That's the name of the rainbow guy. But I prefer to spell it backwards, which is Vibgeor. Because, Reggie, Vibgyor sounds like the name of a rainbow monster.

[E]

Vibjure.

[A]

Ra.

[D]

And then it shoots rainbows out of its rainbow class. Next question.

[F]

Hi, Dennis. This is Zoe here with Rowan.

[D]

Hi, Zoey. Hi, Rowan.

[F]

And we have a question. Why can't we have sleepovers on the week? It just doesn't make sense.

[D]

Great question. Why can't we have sleepovers on the week?

[F]

They should start school at nine, don't you agree?

[D]

Oh, I totally agree. Zoe and Rowan, more sleepovers. And later, school start times.

[B]

We demand change, right, Reggie?

[D]

Oh, good idea. Let's protest. We want sleepovers on the week. School starts at 9. Louder.

[B]

We want sleepovers on the week.

[D]

School starts at nine.

[B]

Yeah. We want sleepovers on the week. School starts at nine.

[D]

Uh, wait, hold on. If school starts at nine, does that mean it gets out later? Like at four? Ew. No, I don't want that. Yeah, and sleepovers always make me groggy the next day when I'm trying to focus on weekday stuff. Huh? Keep sleepovers on the weekend.

[B]

School starts at 8.

[D]

Sorry, Zoe. Keep sleepovers on the weekend.

[B]

School gets out at three.

[D]

I'm so sorry, Zoe and Rowan. Next question.

[F]

Hey, Dennis. This is Kendrick and this is Kayla.

[D]

Hi, Kendrick and Kayla.

[F]

We're twins from Mar.

[D]

Twins.

[F]

We have a question. What's your favorite thing to eat in the morning?

[B]

Huh?

[D]

What's my favorite thing to eat in the morning? Great question. Believe it or not, you two, I like quiet mornings. Yes, I do, Reggie. I don't like to eat anything crunchy because it's too loud in my ears. So every morning, mother makes me morning mush. Morning mush, Reggie. A bowl of morning mush. You know, morning mush like oatmeal or porridge or crunchy cereal that I let sit in the bowl of milk until it gets all soggy and morning mushy. Ooh, yeah, that's my favorite one. Malto mush. Yeah, they have all kinds of flavors, too. Chocolate mush, cinnamon mush, and my personal favorite, original mushy hot wheat.

[E]

Huh?

[D]

Now I'm hungry, Mother.

[B]

Yo, Stoney, can you make me some morning mush? Coming right on. Hooray.

[D]

Okay, that's enough questions. Thanks for all your. If you have a question for me, call and leave me a message at 1-888-7. Wow. Wow. That's 1. 8, 8, 8, 7. Wow. Wow. And don't forget to call in with your super cool talents for the talent show. All right, next up is a little segment I like to call Inside Tinkercast Studios.

[E]

Ahem.

[D]

Inside Tinkercast Studios. This is the part where we revisit an episode of one at Tinkercast shows. And today we're listening to wow in the world, season three, episode three called An Elevator to the Stars. Reggie, I think this is the episode where you and I meet for the first time.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

And I got all worried because Mindy and Guy Raz were riding on your back and I didn't know if you were cool with that. I can't wait to listen to our friendship lore. Okay, here we go. And play.

[B]

Wee.

[A]

Wow will be right back.

[B]

Grown ups.

[A]

This message is for you yellow grownups.

[G]

Jett Anderson here from Tinkercast. I got a question for you. How does your household manage to keep track of everything? I mean, really, I want to know. Because after a day of producing another episode of wow in the world and keeping track of all the crazy characters, the voices, I then have to keep track of all the crazy characters at home. That is why I can't wait to get a Skylight calendar. It's an all in one digital smart calendar that syncs with Google Calendar, Outlook, and more. And it gives you and your kids the perfect customized view of everyone's events, chores, and to dos so that nothing slips through the cracks. Families are better when they're working together. Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch calendars by going to myskylight.com wowintheworld go to myskylight.com wowIntheWor for $30 off your 15 inch calendar. That's my S K Y L I g h t.com Wowintheworld.

[A]

That's it. Now back to the show.

[B]

Wowintheworld.

[E]

Floor 1, Floor 2, Floor 3, 4, 5. Elevators are so cool. So come on, let's ride in the elevator. Elevators are so. What in the.

[A]

Oh, good morning, Guy Raz. Can I interest you in fancy coffee in a tiny cup fit for a baby?

[E]

Mindy, what in the world are you doing in my kitchen at this hour?

[A]

Mine caved in again.

[E]

Well, what did I tell you about using those off brand graham crackers for construction?

[A]

Off brand? You mean the Grandma GeForce crackers? That's Grandma GeForce's face on the box, Guy Raz.

[E]

Well, her crackers are clearly not as strong as she is. By the way, what are you gonna do about that caved in kitchen in your gingerbread house?

[A]

I don't know. I guess I'm just hoping someone will come along and offer to rebuild it for me. I mean, it is gingerbread season, so.

[E]

Oh, right. But in the meantime, you're going to use your kitchen.

[A]

Is there any fish tacos in here?

[F]

Um, what?

[E]

No. Mindy, you've got to find someone to rebuild your own kitchen. This is my kitchen and everything is in its right place. And are you using my Elevate youe Soul magazine as a placemat and as a bib? Mindy, why?

[A]

What is this magazine anyway?

[E]

This Mint is only the most popular elevator music magazine in America.

[A]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's the only elevator music magazine in America.

[E]

What?

[A]

What?

[E]

It's one of my favorites. Check it out. The latest band interviews, where to listen to the latest hits.

[A]

Let me see that. An exclusive interview with the biggest name in inter floor transportational music. What is this?

[E]

That's them, Mindy.

[A]

What's what?

[E]

The band that they're interviewing. The Elevates.

[A]

The Elevates?

[E]

Yeah, their new album is playing in an elevator in a building downtown, and I wanted to double check where they were playing. Let me see here. Ah, there it is. The Elevates new track will be playing from top to bottom, bottom to the top of 345 Black Street. Black street, huh? I know where that is.

[B]

Let me just.

[E]

Hey, Zoodle.

[A]

Oh boy, here we go.

[E]

Where is 345 block street?

[A]

345 block street is directly between 344 and 346 block street.

[E]

Yeah, I know that. I mean, where is it in relation to here?

[A]

345 block street has no known relatives in the area.

[E]

Zoodle, one last time. In which part of town is 345 block street? LOC.

[A]

345 block street is located in downtown.

[D]

Aha.

[E]

See, Mindy, such a time saver.

[A]

Uh huh.

[E]

Anyway, the Elevate's brand new album is playing in that building downtown.

[A]

Uh, hold the phone, guy. Raz, are you telling me that you travel to different office buildings all over town just to listen to their elevator music?

[E]

Of course I do, Mindy. Where else would you listen to elevator music?

[A]

Uh, well, there's no. Yeah, you got a point.

[E]

Anyway, Mindy, I better get going.

[A]

Wait, I'll come with you.

[E]

No, no, that's okay.

[A]

Come on. Let me just lock up the house here.

[E]

Mindy, it's my house.

[A]

Oh, it's okay. I changed all the locks when I moved into your kitchen.

[E]

You what?

[A]

Reggie,

[D]

Morning, Guy. Morning, Mindy. Morning, Giant Pigeon.

[H]

Hi, Dennis.

[A]

What's up?

[D]

Dennis, did I overhear you saying that you were gonna go listen to some new elevator music? I love elevator music. Which band are you gonna go listen to?

[E]

Uh, it's a band called the Elevates.

[D]

Oh, no, no. You've gotta stick with the classics. My favorite elevator band is Awkward Silence. Their instrumental arrangement of the Girl from Ipanema changed.

[E]

Okay, great. Thanks, Dennis.

[D]

Look it up. Ooh, an elevator to heaven. No. Come on, you two. La da dee.

[A]

Okay, Reg, we're gonna need you to step on it.

[B]

Bing bong.

[D]

Fourth floor.

[A]

Come on, Guy Raz.

[E]

Coming.

[D]

Are you gonna ride on that bird? Oh, it's completely unsafe. Ahoy there, Mr. Bird.

[B]

Mr.

[D]

Giant Bird. Yes, I am a member of an activist group for imaginary animal rights. I should give you my card aligned with certified.

[E]

Thanks, Reg.

[A]

Yeah, thanks, Reg. You are now free to go sit on the ledge with all the other pigeons. Have fun. Okay. So, Guy Raz, this must be the. Wait a minute. Are you sure this is the right place?

[E]

Yep. 345 block street kind of looks like a.

[A]

A boring old concrete office building.

[E]

I. I know. Isn't it perfect?

[A]

Well, to ride an elevator while listening to elevator music? Yeah, I guess it is perfect. Oh, look, a revolving door. My second favorite kind of door. Rent. Rent. Friend. Friend.

[F]

Friend.

[E]

Mindy. Mindy, wait up.

[A]

Come on, Guy Raz, you're gonna miss out on all the fun.

[E]

This hot room for two in this door.

[A]

Come on, just squeeze in one more tiny inch.

[B]

Cozy.

[E]

You can say that again.

[B]

Cozy.

[A]

Okay, on three, we're gonna push.

[E]

Not too hard, though.

[A]

One, two, three.

[D]

Too hard.

[E]

Wait, where's mindy?

[B]

Here I am.

[H]

Um, hello, sir. Welcome to 345 block. Can I help you with anything today? Maybe a Band Aid?

[E]

Yeah, we're here to listen to the new Elevate soundtrack.

[A]

Yeah, can you direct me to the elevator that's playing it, please?

[H]

Yes, of course. That's playing in the elevators just down the hall. You want to go down this hallway, take the third right, then the immediate left, walk 24 steps, then take the first elevator on the left.

[E]

Great.

[H]

Then you're going to want to take that all the way up to the 54th floor. And in your case, I should probably note that here at 345 block, we don't recommend attempting to exit the elevator until the elevator has come to a complete stop and the doors have actually opened.

[E]

Okay, great.

[H]

Now I just need you and your friend to sign in here.

[D]

Sure.

[E]

Mindy Doo.

[A]

Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo

[B]

doo doo and doo.

[D]

Hm.

[A]

There you go.

[H]

Okay, great. Have a nice day. Hey, wait, did you just sketch a picture of an ice cream sundae?

[D]

Thank you.

[A]

Bye. Let's go, Guy Raz. Man, there are more hoops to jump through in this office building than there were at Reggie's aerial acrobatics competition.

[E]

Oh, but it's gonna be so worth it, Mindy. The Elevates entire album is gonna be playing from top to bottom.

[A]

From the bottom to the top. Okay, so Guy Raz, what is so special about this album anyway? I mean, I don't think I've seen you this excited since. Since I don't think I've ever seen you this excited.

[E]

Oh, Mindy, you can't even begin to understand. This record is experimental piece that they've created Just for what? Wait for it.

[A]

What?

[E]

Just for.

[A]

Just for what?

[E]

Just for. Just for space.

[A]

Did you just say that the Elevates have created this album for space? Like what? Like for the next shuttle launcher?

[E]

Well, no, Mindy, this album is being designed specifically for a new space program that's being developed at Jackson, which is better known as the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

[A]

Oh, I know. Jaxa. Jaxa's like the. Like the NASA of Japan.

[E]

That's right. And they're planning on building the world's first ever space elevator.

[A]

Wow. That's what I call taking an elevator to new heights. Thank you.

[E]

Speaking of, here we are. Okay, 52nd floor, here we come.

[A]

Ooh, we're pressing buttons. Don't mind if I do, Mindy, no. And you get a push. And you get a push. And you get a push. And you get a push.

[B]

You get a push.

[F]

You get a push.

[B]

You get a push.

[A]

I'll die.

[E]

Mindy, you hit every floor.

[A]

Sorry, Guy Raz, you know me. I see a button and I push it. Speaking of which, were you born with one of those belly buttons? Plenty of time to think about your answer. We're gonna be here for a while.

[E]

Well, I suppose it'll give me more time to set up.

[A]

Set up? In an elevator?

[E]

Okay, let me see here.

[A]

What in the.

[E]

Just unfurl this rug.

[A]

Wait, is that a picnic blanket?

[G]

Uh huh.

[E]

Can you hold this?

[D]

What?

[A]

Oh, yeah, sure. Were you carrying that cooler this whole time? Yeah. What are you doing, Guy Raz?

[E]

Well, the secret to a good elevator music listening party, Mindy, is that, you know, it's all about the atmosphere. It's an experience. Now, can you pass me the brie and crackers?

[A]

Well, hello there. And welcome aboard the Elevator Express.

[E]

Oh, hi.

[A]

Going up? You know it. What floor can I get you?

[D]

Um, 21.

[A]

Okay, great. Let me just see here. Oh, looks like someone's already pressed that one. We'll get you there lickety split. Um, can I interest you in some complimentary cheese and crackers for the ride?

[E]

Oh, I love this part. This is so great.

[A]

Hold your horses, Guy Raz. Before this guy got in the elevator, you were saying that jaxa, the NASA of Japan, is building the world's first space elevator.

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

So what in the wow is a space elevator?

[E]

Ah, so glad you asked. Mindy. How about I give you the. The elevator pitch?

[D]

Ha.

[E]

Good one. Thank you very much, sir.

[A]

Elevator pitch. Oh, Guy Raz makin me so proud. Okay, what's up with the space elevator?

[E]

Okay, the year was 1895. The place was Paris, France. A Russian scientist named Konstantin Tsiolkovsky was on vacation.

[I]

Ah, how do I enjoy the French sun? It is so much kinder than the

[E]

Russian snow when he came across a newly built and rather spectacular monument in the middle of the city.

[A]

Oh, the Eiffel Tower.

[E]

Exactamundo. Mindy. Tsiolkovsky would later go on to invent rocket travel, but on this trip, he was so inspired by the Eiffel Tower, this magnificent feat of engineering, that he proposed a different way of getting to space. And not by rocket, but by

[A]

elevator.

[E]

Whoa.

[A]

Hello. Welcome to the elevator. Come on in. There's plenty of room for everyone. Sort of. Can I interest you in some crudite?

[G]

No, thanks. I'm actually allergic to celery.

[D]

I'll just catch the next one.

[A]

Oh, okay. Well, suit yourself.

[B]

Bye.

[A]

Okay, Guy Raz, so how exactly does a space elevator work? I mean, what does it even look like?

[E]

Well, it sort of looks like a giant version of those two tin cans with a piece of string between them. You know, that we use to talk to each other sometimes?

[A]

Oh, yeah, My guy phone. X. Right.

[E]

It kind of looks like that. With one end attached to a giant platform out at sea, and the other one way up in space, orbiting the planet.

[A]

Huh. Like a satellite.

[E]

Exactly like a satellite.

[A]

And so what would the string be made of?

[E]

It's called carbon nanotube composition ribbon.

[A]

Carbo nano what? Who ins.

[E]

Carbon nanotube composite ribbon. It's a type of cable that's incredibly strong, but also really, really light.

[A]

Huh. Okay, I think I get it. So you have this cable that goes from here all the way out into space, and then you attach an elevator card to the cable that can travel up and down the cable.

[E]

You got it, Mindy.

[A]

Okay, guy Raz. So I get how a space elevator might work, but why?

[E]

Well, Mindy, space travel is expensive.

[A]

Oh, man, you're telling me. I'm still trying to pay off those spacesuits we bought at that Black hole fashion store at the mall.

[E]

Well, Mindy, it's not just the spacesuits that are expensive. I mean, refilling the International Space Station with everything from medicine to snacks using a rocket costs almost $43,000 per pound of stuff.

[A]

Whoa, that's like. Hang on, let me see here. Carry the one slightly. That's like $20,000 per kilogram.

[E]

And scientists over at JAXA, the Japanese Space agency, right, They've predicted that once the space elevator is built, it would only cost around $100 to send up a pound of stuff, or $220 per kilogram.

[A]

Imagine how many snacks you could buy with those savings.

[I]

Hello. Enough room in there for. For the marching band?

[E]

Uh, probably not.

[A]

Sure there is. The more the merrier.

[I]

Excellent.

[D]

Come along, everyone.

[I]

Just move a little. Just move a little. Yes, yes. That's enough room for me.

[E]

I think we're all in.

[D]

Oh, someone press the button.

[A]

Way ahead of you, kid.

[E]

Mindy.

[A]

Oh, okay, okay.

[B]

Hey, excuse me.

[A]

Nice to meet you. Just trying to squeeze past you here. Just wanted to talk some science with my best friend over there in the corner.

[E]

No, I'm right here, Mindy. But I think someone cut the cheese.

[B]

What?

[A]

In this tiny elevator? Not cool, guys. Whoever taught you elevator etiquette?

[E]

No, no, Mindy, I think somebody actually cut the cheese in my cheese platter with the heel of their shoe.

[A]

Ugh, gross. So, anywho, what does JAXA have to do with the space elevator?

[E]

Oh, right. Well, Mindy, like I said, this idea of a space elevator has been around for some time, but it's never actually been done before.

[A]

But.

[E]

But the Japanese space agency has proposed building one of these space elevators to deliver cargo and astronauts to places like the International Space Station.

[B]

That's.

[A]

Oh, wow. So you'll just get into an elevator like this one, press the button that says Space Deck, and then just ride on up into space?

[E]

Well, that's the plan, yeah.

[A]

So when can I take a ride on this interstellivator?

[E]

Well, sooner than you might think, Mindy.

[A]

Yes, Just what I wanted to hear. Okay, let me just get my phone out here. Clearing my calendar for next week.

[E]

Not so fast, Mindy. At Shizuka University, where researchers are working with JAXA on the space elevator program, they're predicting that we could have an operational space elevator by 2050.

[A]

2050? That's like a million years away.

[E]

Well, it's a pretty big project, Mindy. I mean, it would easily be the longest structure on the planet.

[A]

Yeah, speaking of, how far will this space elevator be able to reach?

[E]

Mindy, this elevator will have enough cable attached to it to float as far as 60,000 miles above the Earth.

[A]

Whoa, that's bonkerballs. Let me see here. That's like traveling from New York to Los Angeles 21 times or two and a half times around the world.

[E]

That's right, Mindy. And although this astronomical structure won't be ready for another 40 years or so, the Japanese space agency is already performing tests in space to try out some of their materials.

[A]

You mean parts that might be used on the real space elevator?

[E]

That's right.

[H]

And then I said, move all of my assets out of the bond's dividends. Uh, okay.

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

Uh,

[B]

okay.

[A]

So where were we? Oh, yeah. So, Guy Raz, how are they testing out these future space elevator parts?

[E]

Okay, so JAXA has recently sent two mini satellites into space, which when in orbit.

[C]

Timeout.

[A]

An orbit is when an object, whether man made like a satellite or natural like our moon, is stuck circling around the Earth because of the planet's gravitational pull.

[B]

Time in.

[E]

Once they're circling around the planet, these two satellites will split apart. But they won't get far because these two satellites will be attached to each other by a cable about 10 meters

[A]

long, just like my guy phone X made out of tin cans and string.

[E]

And just like a mini version of the space elevator. Because over the next year or so, these two satellites that are tied to

[A]

together by a tight piece of cable,

[E]

right, These two satellites are going to be sending back and forth along that cable a teeny tiny little box.

[A]

A mini elevator car.

[E]

Exactly, Mindy. A mini elevator car about the size of a matchbox.

[B]

Huh.

[A]

So I guess these scientists first have to figure out how this kind of elevator is going to work in low elevator gravity situations.

[E]

You got it.

[A]

Oh, well, I guess I'm gonna have to wait until they work out all the kinks before I can take a ride in the space elevator. Let me just set a reminder in my calendar for 2050. And set.

[E]

Oh, looks like we're here at the top, Mindy.

[A]

Oh, Guy Raz, we've been standing in this elevator for like 52 floors and have barely even listened to the album. We're gonna have to do it all over again on the way back down.

[E]

Well, I'm glad you said that, Mindy, because I have a surprise for you.

[A]

A surprise?

[I]

Hello and welcome to the Elevates live and in concert. Tonight the band will be performing their brand new space themed album in its entirety.

[E]

They're doing a live show.

[A]

Wait, so we don't have to to sit in the elevator for 52 floors to listen to it?

[E]

Yeah, that's exactly right, Mindy.

[A]

Oh, thank you, Guy Raz. Thank you, thank you. Wait a minute. Did you say that this album was going to be for the JAXA space elevator?

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

And didn't you also say that the elevator was 60,000 miles long?

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

So exactly.

[B]

Really?

[A]

How long is this concert supposed to be?

[E]

Let me see. Ah, here it is. Seven and a half days.

[A]

This concert goes on for a week

[E]

and a half day. Isn't that great?

[I]

Um, folks, put your hands together for the Elevates.

[E]

There they are.

[G]

How's everyone doing out there? Oh, wow. Cool. Thank you so much. Thanks for coming out to the live performance of our new elevator music experience, Making space Cool.

[A]

Cool.

[G]

Super cool. All right, let's kick it off.

[D]

1, 2, 3, 5.

[A]

Isn't this great, Wendy? Oh yeah. How much longer does this go on for?

[E]

7 days, 11 hours and 58 minutes.

[B]

Oh. Yay. That was so cool.

[D]

An elevator that goes all the way to space. Well, I want to ride it. Is it 2050 yet? It's not. How about now? How about now? Okay, how about right now? This is taking forever. Distract me, Reggie. Distract me until 2050. Oh, good idea. Let's go play mini golf. Alright, let's wrap up the show first and then go play mini golf. Thanks to all you listeners out there for tuning in to WEWOW on the weekend. If you have a question for me, call and leave me a message at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW. That's 1-888-7- wow Wow. And don't forget to call in with your super cool talents for the talent show. Cause I just might answer your question or play your talent on Wii Wow on the weekend. Okay, let's go. Reggie. Do you really think playing mini golf will keep me entertained until the space elevator is ready?

[B]

What?

[D]

It will not take me 25 years just to hit the ball into the first hole. Whatever. I better get a way higher score than you. What do you mean you want a lower score? You don't want a low score? No one wants a low.

[E]

Before we get into the credits for today's episode, we want to give some special shout outs and say a huge thank you to some of the wowzers whose Families are powering the wow.

[A]

This year we broke the names up into two batches and here is our first batch of names. We are so grateful for your support.

[E]

Owen and Aubrey from California Saman and Ryan from California Ora, Lean and Esther from New York Ella from Singapore Lacey elementary from North Carolina Teddy, Silas and

[A]

Emmett from Arizona Jason from Texas Eli and Nolan from Texas Luke and Noel

[E]

from North Carolina Elan from California Emmett and Adler from Kansas John, Katie, Ethan and Amelia from Pennsylvania Nesla and Yakub from Kuwait Evelyn, Ramona and Tabitha from

[A]

Nevada John R From Wisconsin Emory and Isla from California Caroline from Massachusetts Ian and Declan from Washington Elena and Lucia

[E]

from Maryland Parker from Texas Albert and Lulu from Brighton, England Hayden, Hazel and Allie from Pennsylvania Magnus from the District of Columbia William and Allie from Virginia

[A]

Brendan, Jessica, David and Michael from Ohio Bailey, Macy and Hank from South Carolina James from Washington Peter, Teddy and Leo from Minnesota Paul from Rhode Island Nuri

[E]

from Washington Violet and Will from California Audrey and Ethan from Virginia Alex H From Tennessee, James and Madison from Utah.

[A]

And happy birthday to Otis from Minnesota.

[E]

From the bottom of our hearts and

[A]

the tops of our brains, thank you.

[D]

Thanks for joining us for this edition of We Wow. Our show is written by Ruth Morrison and Jed Anderson. The role of Baby Dennis is played by Jed Anderson.

[B]

Well then, who plays the role of Big Dennis?

[D]

Never you mind.

[B]

Tee hee.

[D]

Original sound design and production is done by Henry Moskal with contributions from Jett Anderson and Tyler Thole. Original music for wewow is composed and performed by Tyler Thol. Special thanks to Jessica Bode, Rebecca Caban, Dr. Natasha Crandall, Kenny Curtis, Kristin Yang, Meredith Helpern, Ranzer, Thuy Mack, Jody Nussbaum, Ali Paksima, Guy Raz, Linda Ruffenberg, Steph Sosa, Mindy Thomas, Anna Zagorski and all of the other tinkerers at Tinkercast HQ. Be sure to visit Tinkercast.com where you can become an official member of the World Organization of wowzers. Learn about upcoming events, shop our wow Shop, find our best selling books and learn about all the other amazing podcasts from Tinkercast. Thanks again for thinking, tinkering, experimenting and exploring with me this week. Be sure to check out episodes of wow in the world on Mondays 2 what's in a wow on Fridays and We wow on the Weekend with Dennis on the weekends. And remember who Wows.

[B]

We Wow.

[D]

Oh Baby Dennis. We wow.

[B]

All right. We wow. Wow in the World was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.