WeWow Summer Week - Day 1: Dennis is Bored! (7/7/25)

Summary

Wow in the World: WeWow Summer Week - Day 1: Dennis is Bored! (07/07/25)
Released on July 7, 2025
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Podcast: Wow in the World by Tinkercast | Wondery

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1. Embracing Summer and Battling Boredom (03:14 - 05:09)

As summer kicks off, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, along with their animated friend Reggie, express mixed feelings about the season's arrival. While the promise of no school and endless sunshine brings excitement, the trio quickly confronts the universal summer predicament: boredom.

Notable Quote:
Mindy Thomas [04:00]: "School's out and it's time for summer, baby."

Reggie enthusiastically declares, “We wow summer, yeah,” setting the tone for a week filled with exploration and discovery.

2. The Quest to Cure Summer Boredom (05:09 - 07:47)

Faced with a lack of plans, Mindy and Reggie brainstorm ways to inject excitement into their summer. The idea emerges to engage their listeners by encouraging them to share their own "summertime wows." This interactive approach aims to create a community-driven exploration of what makes summer truly amazing.

Notable Quote:
Guy Raz [05:30]: "If you have a wow. Summer memory you like to share with us, call us at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW."

The hosts decide to listen to an episode titled "What's Slower than Slow?" from Season 4, hoping to find inspiration in slowing down and appreciating the season's pace.

3. Introducing the World's Slowest Animal Race (11:09 - 33:27)

The episode shifts gears as the hosts attend the annual 100 Meter NADA Dash World Championship at the Snoozefest Arena—a whimsical race featuring some of the world's slowest animals. Among the competitors are Gary the Koala, Barney the Sloth, Humphrey the Turtle, Samantha the Snail, and the star contestant, Deborah the Salamander.

Notable Quote:
Guy Raz [19:07]: "Every year, slowpokes from all over the planet come to the Snoozefest arena to compete for the title of world's slowest animal."

a. Meet the Competitors

• Gary the Koala:
  "Eucalyptus leaves aren't very nutritious either." [21:15]
  Gary exemplifies energy conservation through a low-nutrient diet, necessitating long periods of rest.

• Barney the Sloth:
  "The sloth also doesn't have a very nutritious diet." [22:10]
  Similar to koalas, sloths conserve energy by moving minimally.

• Deborah the Salamander:
  "These salamanders only moved about 5 meters or 16ft every year." [25:51]
  Deborah stands out for her astonishingly slow pace, having not moved for seven consecutive years.

b. The Science Behind the Slowness

Mindy and Guy delve into the biological reasons why these animals move so slowly, primarily attributing their lethargy to specialized diets and energy conservation strategies.

Notable Quote:
Guy Raz [21:05]: "So the sloth also doesn't have a very nutritious diet."

They explain that both koalas and sloths consume diets that provide limited energy, compelling them to minimize movement to conserve what little energy they possess. Deborah the Salamander takes this to an extreme, adopting a "sit and wait" hunting technique that allows her to remain virtually stationary, surviving on minimal energy intake.

Notable Quote:
Mindy Thomas [29:26]: "What did these OLMs figure out how to order delivery?"
Guy Raz corrects her, explaining the "sit and wait" method.

c. Deborah the Salamander's Record

Deborah's participation highlights the fragility of such slow-moving creatures in the face of environmental changes. The hosts discuss how Deborah remained immobile for over seven years, showcasing the extreme end of energy conservation.

Notable Quote:
Guy Raz [26:03]: "That's exactly what I'm saying, Mindy."
Mindy reacts incredulously to Deborah’s lack of movement.

4. Conservation Implications (31:11 - 33:27)

The discussion shifts towards the environmental challenges these slow-moving animals face. Mindy and Guy emphasize the importance of understanding these creatures to implement effective conservation strategies.

Notable Quote:
Mindy Thomas [31:11]: "So what was the whole point of this research, Guy Raz?"
Guy Raz [31:14]: "Because these little guys move at a slower pace than the rest of us. They're also more susceptible to things like climate change and habitat destruction."

They advocate for protective measures to preserve the habitats and lives of these unique animals, ensuring their survival for future generations.

5. Humorous Conclusion and Future Engagement (33:27 - 35:42)

As the race draws to a comical standstill with Deborah still unmovable, Mindy and Guy wrap up the episode with laughter and a light-hearted outlook. They invite listeners to continue sharing their "wows" and stay engaged with the Wow in the World community.

Notable Quote:
Guy Raz [33:04]: "Well if some of them are still going to be around and kicking in 100 years, we want to make sure that they have a place to live."

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Key Takeaways

• Energy Conservation in Animals: The episode provides an insightful look into how certain animals, like koalas, sloths, and salamanders, have adapted to their environments by conserving energy through slow movement and specialized diets.

• Unique Biological Adaptations: Deborah the Salamander serves as a fascinating case study of extreme energy conservation, highlighting the diverse strategies animals employ to survive.

• Conservation Importance: Understanding the behaviors and needs of slow-moving animals is crucial for developing effective conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species.

• Community Engagement: The hosts' approach to involving listeners by sharing personal "wows" fosters a sense of community and shared discovery, making science accessible and engaging for both kids and their grown-ups.

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Final Thoughts

Wow in the World expertly blends humor, education, and interactive engagement to explore scientific concepts in an entertaining manner. This episode not only sheds light on the intriguing world of slow-moving animals but also emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to protect these unique species. Whether you're a child fascinated by nature or a grown-up seeking to inspire curiosity in your family, this episode delivers a captivating exploration of the natural world's marvels.

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]

Hey Grown Ups Mindy here. And before we start the show, it's prime time. Oh, sorry, I meant prime day. And you know what that means. Wow in the world toys are 20% off. That's right. From July 8th through July 11th, you can get 20% off. Select wow in the World toys like the everlasting volcano or the ultimate high flying air rocket that toots. And while they may be 20% off for prime days, our toys are 100% full of wow. Featuring exclusive audio from me and Guy Raz. Plus collectible stem tools to help your Wowzers keep tinkering. After playing, surprise the wowzers in your world with a wow in the World stem toy today or on their birthday or at their unbirth day. Or a sunny day or a rainy day or maybe a windy day. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay, they get it. You can shop the wow [e-mail] wonderykids that's Amazon.com wonderykids that's it. And now let's get back to the show.

[Unknown]

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[Reggie]

Hey, yeah, it's summertime. No homework, no school.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, it's the hottest season.

[Reggie]

Me and Reggie are keeping it cool.

[Mindy]

But Dennis is cooler than Reggie.

[Reggie]

School's out, sun's out. Time for fun Hanging with my friends in every way. No, I got it. I'm good, I'm good, I'm good. 2, 3, 4. We wow summer Summer forever and ever we wow summer Shallow never lexing and do cool stuff yeah we wow summer I don't know what kind of stuff, but we'll figure it out. We wow summer yeah. Hello and welcome to Wee Wow. Summer Week. Summer fun forever and ever. That's right, Reggie. School's out and it's time for summer, baby. Yes, Reggie, as a matter of fact, I do go to school. Well, for your information, I'm getting my mba. That's right. My Masters of Being Annoying at Pain in the Neck University. But now it's summer, and you know what that means. Yeah, we can do anything we want. We don't have to record podcasts in the basement. We can record outside because it's nice outside. And we can have fun all day and stay up all night. What are we waiting for? Summer fun forever and ever.

[Mindy]

Let's go.

[Reggie]

So what do you want to do? What? What do you mean you don't know? Reggie, I came up with the title Summer Fun forever and ever. You were supposed to plan all the things we do forever and ever. I don't know, things like pool parties and hanging loose and surfing usa. Oh, whatever. It's okay. Now we have nothing to do, and so I guess we'll just do nothing, right? Okay, ready? Here we go.

[Mindy]

And.

[Reggie]

Nothing.

[Guy Raz]

Wow.

[Reggie]

Who knew having nothing to do would be so boring? Reggie, I'm bored. Well, what's everyone else doing today?

[Mindy]

Hmm.

[Reggie]

Well, let's go snoop around and find out. Because, Reggie, what if they're doing all the things like pool parties and hanging loose and surfing USA without me? Dennis. Reggie, that's it. We should go around the neighborhood and interview everyone and find out what they do in the summer. This is so bananas, it just might work. No, Reggie, we can't start today. Tomorrow, we'll start interviewing people tomorrow. Because I'm not ready. Well, first off, this isn't the right Microphone. I need my interview microphone and my interview hat. In the meantime, devoted listeners, what are you doing this summer? I want to hear your summertime wows. Summertime wows, Reggie. Like maybe a vacation you went on in the past or a summer experience you're having right now. Wowzers. If you have a wow. Summer memory you like to share with us, call us at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW. That's 1-888-7- wow Wow. You just may hear your Summer of Wow moment featured on wow in the World this summer. Good idea, Reggie. Let's listen to an episode of wow in the World right now. Well, I was thinking in the spirit of doing nothing and being bored and slowing down that we listen to this one. It's wow in the World Season 4 EP called what's Slower than Slow? Yeah. If we learn how to go slow, then we can make the summer last forever and ever. Okay, here we go. And play.

[Mindy]

Wee. Wow. We'll be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you.

[Unknown]

Hey, grown ups. It may be summer, but learning doesn't have to stop. Whether you're keeping up a light homeschool curriculum through the break or just want to help your child catch up, stay sharp or get a head start on school, IXL can help. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits perfectly into your homeschool routine even during summer. It offers interactive practice across math, language arts, science and social studies and adapts to your child's learning level to provide them with just the right challenge. At Tinkercast, we love learning all year long, so we appreciate the flexibility of IXL to give homeschool families the ability to learn whenever is best for them. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and wow in the World. Listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com wow visit ixl.com wow to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Hey, grown ups. If you're planning on taking a family trip to Orlando this summer to be transported to magical universes, well, you should know there's one portal you don't want to miss. Your portal to the original universe. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where they have flying dragons too. It's about science. Where no spells are required. Walk beneath a towering Falcon 9 booster, touch a real moon rock and come face to face with space shuttle Atlantis. Plus, take a Behind the Gates bus tour for an exclusive look at NASA's legendary launch sites and the future of space exploration. Visitors also have the chance to meet an astronaut. Talk about a core memory in the making. And get this. Our friends at Kennedy Space center have offered our listeners $7 off admission. Just use code WOW at checkout. With missions to Mars, rocket launches and deep space space exploration, no trip to Orlando is complete without landing at Kennedy Space center visitor Complex. Discover something real.

[Mindy]

Hey, parents. Help your young readers imaginations take flight with Audible's incredible collection of children's audiobooks. Jessica Townsend's spellbinding new release Silverborn the Mystery of Morgan Crow turns car rides and quiet afternoons into magical adventures through the enchanted city of Nevermoor. While your child is captivated by tales of mystery and wonder, you'll love knowing their developing listening skills and a lifelong love of storytelling. With over a million titles, including thousands of family friendly options, Audible makes it easy to discover stories the whole family will treasure. Remember, there's more to imagine when you listen. Give your child the gift of story with a 30 day free trial. And get your first audiobook [e-mail] iwondery that's it. Now back to the show. What in the world?

[Guy Raz]

Okay, let's see. Gluten free pretzels. Check. Sparkling free water. Check. Yogurt, garlic dip.

[Reggie]

Check.

[Guy Raz]

Okay, I think everything's ready for the big race. Now I just need to tune into BTN here.

[Mindy]

Huh?

[Unknown]

And that concludes our weekend long marathon of classic television Static.

[Guy Raz]

Oh.

[Unknown]

Coming up on the boring television network, Boring Sports. Featuring the 100 number meter, not a dash. But first, a word from our sponsor. Do you like fireworks?

[Mindy]

Fireworks?

[Unknown]

Do you like monsters? Well then you're going to really dislike boredom.

[Mindy]

Con.

[Guy Raz]

Boredom Con.

[Unknown]

Coming this Saturday to the Snooze Fest arena. Saturday, Saturday, Saturday. A four hour long PowerPoint presentation on the nutritional benefits of spinach. And three French Canadian acrobats doing gentle low impact yoga. Namaste.

[Mindy]

Followed by.

[Unknown]

Don'T miss out on all the non action this Saturday, Saturday at Bordercon.

[Mindy]

Whoa.

[Guy Raz]

Oh, that must be Mindy. I'm coming. Mindy.

[Mindy]

Guy Razzie.

[Guy Raz]

You made it. And you're just in time too. The big race is about to start.

[Mindy]

Uh, aren't you gonna say anything about my shirt?

[Guy Raz]

Uh, your shirt?

[Mindy]

Yeah, check it out.

[Guy Raz]

Happy un birthday, Guy Raz. Mindy. Is this for me?

[Mindy]

You know it is. You didn't think I'd forget your un birthday, did you? Check it out. I've got everything here. An unbirthday cake with your name on it. An unbirthday shirt also with your name on it. And an un birthday t. Shirt cannon with my name on it.

[Guy Raz]

Huh?

[Mindy]

Oof. Ooh. Nice catch.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah? Yep.

[Mindy]

Why don't you check the pocket?

[Guy Raz]

The pocket?

[Mindy]

Yeah, the pocket on the shirt.

[Guy Raz]

All right, let's see here. Mindy, are these what I think they are?

[Mindy]

Yes.

[Guy Raz]

Three tickets to the hundred meter nada dash at the Snooze Fest Arena.

[Mindy]

Happy unbirthday, Guy Razzy.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, this is amazing. I can't believe you got us tickets to see the snow slowest of the slowest animals competition.

[Mindy]

I know, I'm the best.

[Guy Raz]

I wonder who's gonna win the title of world's slowest animal.

[Mindy]

I know, and I heard it's a really competitive and diverse field this year. We've got marsupials, mammals, reptiles, mollusks.

[Guy Raz]

Wow.

[Mindy]

Anywho, we gotta get a move on it. This race is about to start.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, I know. I was just about to settle down in front of the TV to watch it.

[Mindy]

I know, but lucky for you, Guy Raz, Reg, he just got his flying license renewed and is waiting for us out in the yard. Hey, Reg, we'll be right there. He says he'll get us there lickety split.

[Guy Raz]

Perfect. Just give me two seconds, Let me grab my stuff.

[Mindy]

Your stuff?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, wait right here.

[Mindy]

Okay. I don't know what you've been told. We're in a great. So many discoveries. Ta da. What in the.

[Guy Raz]

It's all my boredom sports fan gear. Check it out. I've got my big foam finger, my horn, my calf.

[Mindy]

What does it say? Boredomcon XXX C V I I I. Is this Roman numerals?

[Guy Raz]

Yep.

[Mindy]

Ah, so boring.

[Guy Raz]

I got you one too, Mindy.

[Mindy]

Thanks. Does it also make me do math?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah. Here, pop it on.

[Mindy]

Okay.

[Guy Raz]

Okay. Let's get out of here. Mindy. Hey, Reggie.

[Mindy]

Aw, he says happy. Not your birthday, Guy Razzy.

[Guy Raz]

Aw, thanks, Reg.

[Mindy]

Oh, man, look at the time. You're right, Reg, we got a bus to move. Come on, Guy Raz, hop on. Coming up. Right behind you. Good morning, everyone. My name is Mindy and I will be your pilot today on this non stop Reggie flight to the Snooze Fest arena. I'd just like to welcome you all aboard today and remind you to please keep your hands, feet and other objects inside the vehicle at all times. Thank you very much and enjoy your flight, Mindy, because here we go. And that's another Reggie flight arriving safe and sound and on time. Nice job, Regia.

[Guy Raz]

Are you sure we're at the right place? It looks super quiet here.

[Mindy]

Hmm. Well, it is the Snooze Fest. Arena. Maybe everyone's asleep.

[Guy Raz]

Mindy, I highly doubt that everyone here is asleep.

[Mindy]

Well, that seems to be the case with this ticket taker.

[Unknown]

Oh, that's boring.

[Mindy]

Oh, my God.

[Unknown]

What's going on?

[Mindy]

Oh, sorry to wake you, sir, but we are here for the 100 meter, not a dash. I've got my tickets. We in the right place?

[Unknown]

Yes, you've arrived at the right place. Please, guys, you tickets.

[Mindy]

Here you go.

[Guy Raz]

It's my own birthday.

[Unknown]

Oh, that's great, sir. I'm so bored for you. Now, if you have a couple of hours, I'd like to ask you a few hundred questions about how you found.

[Reggie]

Out about today's event.

[Unknown]

Question the first. How did you find out about today's event?

[Guy Raz]

Was it A, a friend, B, a friend of a friend, C, a friend.

[Reggie]

Of a friend of a friend, or D, a friend's neighbor's friend?

[Unknown]

Dogs, pastures, hairdressers.

[Mindy]

Thank you very much. Come on, Guy Raz, we gotta go. You too, Reg. Let me check the tickets here. Let's see, we are 23, 24 and 25, section 34 in the slow WiFi stand.

[Guy Raz]

I think we're over this way, Mindy. Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk.

[Mindy]

Whoa.

[Guy Raz]

Look at this place, Mindy. The atmosphere is electric.

[Mindy]

Yeah, electric. That's what I was thinking too. Good eye, Reg. Hey, Guy Raz. Over here. Reggie. Found our seats.

[Guy Raz]

Excuse me. Sorry. Pardon me. Hide yourself.

[Mindy]

Sorry. Thank you. Made it.

[Guy Raz]

And just in time too. Mindy, I think it's about to start.

[Unknown]

Testing, testing. Hello, everyone, and welcome to the annual 100 meter NADA dash world championship. Please, there's no need for that. Thank you. Every year, slowpokes from all over the planet come to the Snoozefest arena to compete for the title of world's slowest animal.

[Mindy]

The world's slowest animal.

[Unknown]

And now, introducing this year's contestants.

[Mindy]

Here we go, Mindy.

[Unknown]

Hailing from the treetops of eastern Australia, sleeping for more than 19 hours a day and eating. For most of the other five, it's the motionless marsupial, Gary the koala.

[Mindy]

Mindy.

[Guy Raz]

I have all of his trading cards.

[Mindy]

What? Hey, Gary. Hey, Gary, it's me.

[Reggie]

Oh, boy.

[Unknown]

Next up, and last year's reigning champion, the slowest mammal on the planet, the South American who's always down to hang, it's Barney the sloth.

[Mindy]

Yes, I love sloths.

[Guy Raz]

I know you do.

[Mindy]

I know, okay, but I've got a question.

[Guy Raz]

Well, well, what's that, Mindy?

[Mindy]

Why are all of these animals so slow?

[Guy Raz]

Well, there are a bunch of different reasons why one animal might be slower or faster than another. But the reason why most of the animals out here today are slow is because of their diet.

[Mindy]

Their diet? You mean like what they eat?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah. Take Gary the koala for example. Koalas are actually super fussy eaters and they only eat one specific kind of food.

[Mindy]

Oh yeah, koalas only eat eucalyptus leaves, right?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, but the problem with eucalyptus leaves is that. But they're full of tiny fibers.

[Mindy]

Ah. Which probably means that it takes koalas a long time to digest them. You know, to turn all of those delicious eucalyptus leaves into poop.

[Guy Raz]

That's right. And the best way for these koalas to digest these leaves is to sleep it off.

[Mindy]

That's what grandma G Force always says after Thanksgiving dinner.

[Guy Raz]

And in addition to this, Mindy, eucalyptus leaves aren't very nutritious either.

[Mindy]

So you're saying that koalas don't get a lot of energy from eating leaves?

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. So the few hours that koalas are awake, they only have a small supply of energy to do everything else they need to do. So in order to conserve their energy, they tend to move very, very slowly.

[Mindy]

Like when we got lost on that road trip and we had to conserve gas to get us to the hotel.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly.

[Mindy]

And so what about the sloth?

[Guy Raz]

Same deal pretty much, Mindy. I mean, you are what you eat.

[Mindy]

So the sloth also doesn't have a very nutritious diet.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. And because of this, just like the koala, the sloth doesn't have much energy to spare. So it simply takes it slow.

[Mindy]

Really slow. Judging by the stats up there on the Jumbotron, Check it out. It says up there that the sloth only moves 41 yards a day. That's less than half the length of a football field.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, but believe it or not, it's still not the slowest animal here.

[Mindy]

What? Really? Who else we got?

[Guy Raz]

Well, there's Humphrey the tortoise and Samantha the snail.

[Mindy]

Uh huh.

[Guy Raz]

But there is one, one competitor in particular that I've been waiting to see all year. She's actually a newcomer to the competition this year and is supposedly going to blast everyone out of the water.

[Mindy]

Really? Who is this slow superstar?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, I think they're about to announce her. Mindy.

[Unknown]

And finally arriving to the starting line, the reptile you've all been waiting for from the caves of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the amphibian that can't be moved. Please welcome Deborah the salamander. Thank you.

[Mindy]

Deborah the salamander.

[Guy Raz]

Yup. Deborah was part of A group of European salamanders that were studied by scientists from UTVOS Lorand University in Hungary. And if you thought those other animals were slow, oh boy, just wait till you hear about this salamander.

[Mindy]

Why? How slow is she?

[Guy Raz]

Oh, one second, Mindy. I think the race is about to start.

[Unknown]

On your marks. Get set. Slow. And they're off. Sort of.

[Mindy]

Okay, so how slow is. Where's this salamander, Guy Raz?

[Guy Raz]

Well, Deborah belongs to a group of salamanders called OLMs.

[Mindy]

Oh, I know OLMs. I used to have one as my old neighbor. They're almost completely blind and typically live in damp caves in Europe.

[Guy Raz]

That's right. And this group of researchers from Hungary tagged and monitored a total of 26 of these OLMs living in a small section of a cave in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

[Mindy]

Yeah, and what did they find?

[Guy Raz]

Well, they basically found this.

[Unknown]

And it looks like the snail has moved one inch down the track. Such incredible speed. Coming up close behind is Humphrey the turtle, who has just managed to open his eyes. Barney the sloth and Gary the koala are both still fast asleep at the starting line. Must have been a big lunch. Ha ha ha ha. And Deborah, true to form, has yet to move a muscle.

[Mindy]

Well, it doesn't look like that salamander Deborah is going anywhere in a hurry. Is that what the researchers found at Guy Raz?

[Guy Raz]

Exactly, Mindy. Between the years 2010 and 2018, the researchers returned to the cave four times to check up on the OLMS progress and see how far they've moved.

[Mindy]

Oh yeah, and what did they find?

[Guy Raz]

These researchers found that these salamanders only moved about 5 meters or 16ft every year.

[Mindy]

16Ft in a year? You're telling me that these little guys only moved the length of my ice cream truck in a whole year?

[Guy Raz]

That's exactly what I'm saying, Mindy.

[Mindy]

Man, you were not kidding when you said these things were slow.

[Guy Raz]

And that's not all.

[Mindy]

It's not?

[Guy Raz]

Nope. Out of all of those super slow salamanders, there was even one standout Olm. One Olm that refused to move at all for seven years.

[Mindy]

Seven years. What? That's bonker balls.

[Guy Raz]

And guess what, Mindy?

[Mindy]

What?

[Guy Raz]

That salamander, that Olm was Deborah.

[Mindy]

And she's down there right now doing her thing. Or not doing her thing.

[Guy Raz]

That's right. This one salamander sat in that exact same spot in that damp cave for 2,000, 569 days in a row.

[Mindy]

Man, I know I can be slow to get out of bed in the Morning. But seven years slow. That is crazy salad.

[Unknown]

It looks like Humphrey the turtle has finally begun shuffling forward ever so slowly. Barney the sloth seems to have woken up now at least. And the down and out favorite, Deborah is still to make a move.

[Mindy]

So why is it that these salamanders move at such a glacial pace? I mean, does it have something to do with their diet? Maybe? Are they eating something super non nutritious like my sugar blasted tart pops, for example?

[Guy Raz]

Well, not exactly. You see, these little guys don't need to hurry anywhere.

[Mindy]

Uh, what do you mean?

[Guy Raz]

Well, not only do these salamanders have no natural predator in the wild, but they also seem to live their whole lives in slow motion. Slow motion? Yeah, these salamanders can live for up to 100 years, so they've got plenty of time to have a good old rest.

[Mindy]

I get it.

[Guy Raz]

But on, on top of that, Mindy, they also only mate once every 12 and a half years.

[Mindy]

Huh. And mating is one of the main reasons that animals stay mobile or move around a lot to try and find a partner to have babies and continue with their family tree.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. So with these OLMs not having to worry about predators and only having to mate every 12 years and living until they're almost 100 years old, well, they don't really have to move around much at all.

[Unknown]

And it looks like Deborah the salamander is made of stone or some such. She is still not moving. Although Gary the koala, it appears, has woken up and is scanning his surroundings for something to eat.

[Mindy]

Okay, so I guess that these salamanders don't have to move around to avoid getting eaten by predators. But don't they have to move in order to grab a bite to eat themselves?

[Guy Raz]

Well, actually, these OLMs don't even have to move to get their food. They simply wait for it to come to them.

[Mindy]

What did these OLMs figure out how to order delivery?

[Guy Raz]

Well, no, actually these OLMs use a technique known as sit and wait to hunt.

[Mindy]

And let me guess, they sit and they wait.

[Guy Raz]

Yep. The OLMs pick a good spot to hang out at, and then they wait for the small crustaceans that they feed on to come close enough for them to snap them up rather than to use up their energy chasing them around.

[Mindy]

Crustaceans. You mean like crabs and lobsters? Man, these salamanders are fancy.

[Guy Raz]

Well yeah, the crustaceans are in the same family as lobsters and crabs, but they're much, much smaller.

[Mindy]

Okay, and so these mini seafood delicacies, they just walk straight into the open Salamander mouths.

[Guy Raz]

Well, basically yeah. But it doesn't just happen overnight. With this sort of technique, the OLM can sometimes wave a one or two years between meals.

[Mindy]

Years? Are you kidding me? I just had a caviar burrito before we left the house and already I'm starving.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but it turns out that Deborah and her whole species are like masters of Zen.

[Mindy]

Yeah, and check it out, she still hasn't left her starting block.

[Unknown]

Still very little movement from Deborah here. However, it looks like Barney the Sloth is slowly beginning to drag himself forward.

[Mindy]

So what was the whole point of this research, Guy Raz?

[Guy Raz]

Well, because these little guys move at a slower pace than the rest of us. They're also more susceptible to things like climate change and habitat destruction.

[Mindy]

Ah. And so the researchers are hoping that this insight into these super slow movers will help to keep them safe in the future.

[Guy Raz]

Exactly. And it'll help to make laws to keep them and their habitats safe and sound.

[Mindy]

Well if some of them are still going to be around and kicking in 100 years, we want to make sure that they have a place to live.

[Guy Raz]

You got it.

[Unknown]

Still not much movement here at Snoozefest Arena. Oh, excuse me, excuse me. Steal anyone's race? Wait, is this a race or is it like golf? Oh it is a race. Well whatever, it's still super boring.

[Mindy]

Uh, so Guy Raz.

[Guy Raz]

Yes Mindy?

[Mindy]

Do you think that this race will also go on for seven years? I mean with Deborah the Salamander competing in all.

[Guy Raz]

Oh no, I don't think so Mindy.

[Mindy]

Oh good.

[Guy Raz]

It'll take much longer than that.

[Mindy]

What?

[Guy Raz]

Well just think about it Mindy. It took the average Ulm Salamander one year to move just 5 meters or 16ft.

[Mindy]

Uh huh.

[Guy Raz]

And this is a 100 meter, not a dash.

[Mindy]

100 meters. So what, 5 meters a year then? Carry the 2 minus 1. It's going to take Debra 20 years to finish this race.

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, and it could be even longer Mindy. I mean that was the average. And if I know anything about Deborah, well it's that she is far from average.

[Mindy]

Guy Raz. I don't have 20 years to burn in this arena. I got things to do.

[Guy Raz]

Well that's perfectly fine Mindy, because it looks like this, this ticket you got me is a multi day pass. So we could just come back next year for my unbirthday and see how far these four have gotten.

[Mindy]

Next year?

[Guy Raz]

Yeah, and the year after that, and the year after that, and the year after that.

[Mindy]

And the year after that, the year after that and the year after that, the year after that. Grown Ups if you like wow in the World you can listen early and ad free right now on Wondry.

[Guy Raz]

Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts Prime. Members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.

[Mindy]

And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail] survey hey everyone, thank you so much for hanging out with us this week on wow in the World.

[Guy Raz]

And to keep the WOW rolling, check out this week's scientific conversation starters at our website wowintheworld.com and Grown Ups.

[Mindy]

There you can find more info on how your kids can become members of the World Organization of wowzers. Shop Our Wow Shop Upload photos and videos to us and check dates for our upcoming live events. That's wowintheworld.com Our show is produced by Jed Anderson who provides the bells, whistles and silly characters. Say hello Jed Yellow Our show is written by me, Guy Raz and Thomas Van Kalken who also provides silly characters.

[Guy Raz]

Tom hello there. Thanks also to Jessica Boddy, Anna Zagorski, Rebecca Caban, Kit Ballenger and Alex Curley. Meredith halpernranzer powers the WOW at Tinkercast.

[Mindy]

Our theme song was composed and performed by the Pop Ups. For more on their three time Grammy nominated all ages music, find [e-mail] and Grown Ups.

[Guy Raz]

You can follow wow in the World on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Owintheworld and our email address is helloowintheworld.com and if.

[Mindy]

You'Re a kid with a big WOW to share with us, call us at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW for a chance to be featured at the end of the show.

[Guy Raz]

Also, if you haven't already done so, please subscribe to wow in the World on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Mindy]

Yeah, leave us a few stars, a review or just tell a friend about the show.

[Guy Raz]

Thanks again for listening and until next time, keep on wowing.

[Mindy]

Ding. Wow in the World was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.