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

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."

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.

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.