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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 the unbirth day or a sunny day or a rainy day or maybe a windy day. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay. They get it. Shop the wow now@tinkercast.com toys that's tinkercast.com toys that's it. And now let's get back to the show.
Unknown
Hey Grown ups. Looking for the family movie of the summer? Smurfs, in theaters July 18, is an adventure that will blue you away. When Papa Smurf is taken by evil wizards, Smurfette, voiced by Rihanna, leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to rescue him. With the help of some new friends, the Smurfs must work together and harness new magical powers to save not only Papa Smurf, but also the universe. Smurfs features a star studded cast including Rihanna, John Goodman, Nick Offerman, Amy Sedaris, Sandra oh, Octavia Spencer, and many more familiar voices. Smurfs is filled with original new music from Tyla, DJ Khaled, Cardi B and Rihanna with her chart topping hit from the movie Friend of Mine. With a unique new animation style, all star cast and rocking soundtrack, Smurfs is the must see family movie of the summer. Don't miss Smurfs. Only in theaters starting July 18th. Hey grown ups. Ever feel like everyone's glued to their own screen? Want to actually feel good about your family's screen time? Next Playground flips the script with games that get the whole family moving, laughing and playing together. It's a motion powered game system. No controllers or wearables, just your body and a little wiggle. Explore wild adventures with how to Train youn Dragon, Dance with Barbie, Pop Bubbles in Gabby's Dollhouse or kick it with Kung Fu Panda. It's 100% 0% ads or in app nonsense. Safe, silly screen time that you'll actually feel good about. Even better, you can get 20% off now for Prime Day, but only through July 19, so don't wait. Go get yours today. Ready to play? Visit nexplayground.com that's n e xplayground.com to bring the fun home.
Reggie
Hey, yeah, it's summertime no homework, no school yeah, it's the hottest season Me and Reggie keeping it cool But Dennis.
Guy Raz
Is cooler than Reggie.
Reggie
School's out, sun's out Time for fun Hanging with my friends and everyone No, I got it. I'm good, I'm good, I'm good.
Thomas Fingerling
2, 3, 4.
Mindy
We wow.
Thomas Fingerling
Summer Summer forever and ever we wild summer Chilling and relaxing and do cool stuff yeah.
Reggie
Wee wow.
Mindy
Summer.
Thomas Fingerling
I don't know what kind of stuff, but we'll figure it out. Wee wow Summer yeah.
Reggie
Hello and welcome to Wee Wow. Summer Week. Summer fun forever and ever. That's right, Reggie. This is the week where we have all kinds of summer fun. But we couldn't think of anything to do, so we're.
Tommy
Fishing line's all bungled.
Reggie
Oh, hey, there's Thomas Fingerling.
Thomas Fingerling
Hey, Tommy.
Tommy
Howdy ho, there, feller. Would you mind holding this here tackle box while I fix this winder? Got a real bird's nest here.
Reggie
Oh, boy. What's all this fishing stuff for?
Tommy
For fishing.
Reggie
Oh, wow. So are you going fishing?
Tommy
Well, of course I'm going fishing.
Thomas Fingerling
Neat.
Tommy
I was just putting my bait on the hook when my line got all tangled up here. Here we go. O, watch yourself there, pigeon. Don't get hooked here.
Mindy
Wow.
Reggie
Yeah, that's a big hook.
Tommy
Oh, yeah. You need a big hook for a big fish, Danny boy.
Reggie
Oh, that makes sense. Wait, is that a hook from a coat hanger?
Tommy
Yep. Just gotta get a worm on here.
Reggie
Oh, a worm? You're gonna touch a worm?
Tommy
Well, I don't know how else to get them on there without touching them. Come here, worm.
Reggie
Oh, you're using a gummy worm.
Tommy
Oh, yeah. I got a real taste for gummy worms. Something me and fish got in common.
Thomas Fingerling
Me too.
Reggie
I've also been told I smell like fish.
Tommy
Oh, yeah, Kind of like sardines.
Reggie
Tommy, stop. You're making me blush.
Tommy
Alrighty, fishing time.
Reggie
Wait, where are you gonna fish? We're standing on your front lawn.
Mindy
And.
Reggie
And don't you need like, a lake or a river?
Tommy
Well, yeah, I got a pond.
Reggie
Oh, a pond. Kawa. Where's the pond right here. This little kiddie pool with unicorns on it.
Tommy
Yep. Rainbow Bay. Okay, careful. Carefully. Don't scare away the lunkers now.
Reggie
You don't know how to fish, do you, Tommy?
Tommy
Nope.
Reggie
Well, this was fun.
Tommy
Summer fun forever and ever.
Reggie
Not quite.
Tommy
Oh, well.
Reggie
Okay, devoted listeners, Tommy and I are gonna keep fishing in this kiddie pool.
Tommy
Rainbow Bay.
Reggie
Right, Rainbow Bay. But in the meantime, we wanna hear your summertime wows.
Tommy
Oh yeah, that sounds good.
Reggie
Like maybe a vacation you went on in the past or a summer experience you're having right now.
Tommy
Ooh, the Lally.
Reggie
So if you have a wow summer memory you'd like to share with us, call us at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW. That's 1-8887-WOW-WOW. You just may hear your featured on wow in the World this summer.
Thomas Fingerling
Whoa.
Tommy
I got something.
Thomas Fingerling
You do?
Tommy
Oop. Nope. Just snagged my pants.
Reggie
Oh, good idea, Reggie. Let's listen to an episode of wow in the World.
Tommy
Ooh, which one?
Reggie
Well, I was thinking that we could listen to this one. It's wow in the world. Season 4, episode 12 called Laughter in a Can.
Tommy
Sounds delicious.
Reggie
Alright, here we go. And play.
Mindy
Wee. Wow. Will be right back. Grown ups, this message is for you.
Unknown
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 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 admission. Just use code WOW at checkout. With missions to Mars, rocket launches and deep space exploration, no trip to Orlando is complete without landing at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Discover something real.
Mindy
That's it. Now back to the show. Okey doke. Let's see here. I'm gonna need some milk eggs, some whale blubber, caviar. Ooh la la. Tart pops, parentheses sardine flavored. Ooh, the door. Just a second. Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk. Good morning, Guy gra. You are not guy rats.
Thomas Fingerling
Hello, ma', am. Can I ask you a question?
Mindy
Sure. I love questions.
Thomas Fingerling
Do you ever find yourself wanting something more out of life?
Mindy
Wanting something more out of life? Yeah, sure. I just ran out of caviar.
Thomas Fingerling
Uh, what?
Mindy
Caviar. You know, fish eggs. I like to dip them in milk and then sprinkle them on my spaghetti.
Thomas Fingerling
Oh, no, I was actually talking about maybe a sense of fulfillment, a feeling of accomplishment or happiness. Then, boy, do I have a range of products for you.
Mindy
Ooh, wind chimes.
Thomas Fingerling
Oh, no, those aren't wind chimes. Those are elixirs designed specifically to make your life complete.
Mindy
Oh, hey, what's this one?
Thomas Fingerling
Be careful.
Mindy
Laughter in a Can.
Thomas Fingerling
That's one of our best sellers. Simply open that can laughter, and you too can live your life like a TV show.
Mindy
Like a TV show, huh?
Thomas Fingerling
That's right. It'll make you funnier than your wildest dreams.
Mindy
Oh, you mean the one I always have where the monkeys are driving Go karts?
Thomas Fingerling
What?
Mindy
My wildest dream. Okay, you know, I have been meaning to get back into my comedy routine at the Banana Split Comedy Club. They haven't let me back in since last time. Hi, everyone. Um, why was the robot angry? Processing. Huh. Punchline unknown. Because the programmer kept pushing his buttons. So how much is it?
Thomas Fingerling
You're in luck, ma'.
Mindy
Am.
Thomas Fingerling
That canned laughter is currently on sale for just $249.99. Oh, man.
Mindy
All I've got is three buttons and a couple of old mints.
Thomas Fingerling
Oh, we also accept buttons.
Mindy
Really?
Thomas Fingerling
Yeah, buttons are really valuable. Or wait, was it bitcoins? No, it's buttons. I'm pretty sure it's buttons.
Mindy
All right, well, here you go. Oh, sorry, they're a little bit sticky.
Thomas Fingerling
I see. Well, here's my card in case you need anything else.
Mindy
Thank you. Ooh, laminated.
Thomas Fingerling
And on behalf of essential potential, I'd like to thank you for your purchase.
Mindy
Okay, bye. I hope that your life is all right. Now, what does this can say here? Warning, do not use this product if you are prone to giggle fits, obnoxious laughter, or laugh snorting, yada, yada yada. Side effects may include a perceived funnier personality. Blah, blah, blah. Beware. Once opened, this product is irreversible and the effects of such will not be retractable until the entire can has run out. Oh my gosh, this is so boring. All right, Here goes nothing. 3, 2, 1. E. Make me funny.
Unknown
Wow.
Mindy
In the world is recorded in front.
Unknown
Of a live studio audience.
Mindy
Ah. What happened? Where in the wow are those voices coming from? Hello. Woohoo. Wait a minute.
Thomas Fingerling
That's One of our best sellers. Simply open that canned laughter and you too can live your life like a TV show. Oh, boy. Mindy. Mindy, let me in.
Guy Raz
Something strange is happening.
Mindy
Guy Razzie.
Guy Raz
Mindy, what in the wow is going on? Where are those voices coming?
Mindy
Well, look, I don't know where they're coming from, but I do know where they came from.
Guy Raz
What?
Mindy
It's canned laughter.
Guy Raz
Canned laughter?
Mindy
Yeah. Is there an echo in here?
Guy Raz
Mindy, what in the wow is canned laughter?
Mindy
Well, look, check it out for yourself. I saved the can.
Guy Raz
Canned laughter, beware. Once opened this, this product is irreversible. And the effects of such will not be retractable until the entire can has run out.
Thomas Fingerling
Mindy.
Mindy
Whoopsie. It's not my fault. The salesperson told me it would make me funnier beyond my wildest dreams. Guy Raz.
Guy Raz
And why would having a bunch of strangers laugh in the background of your jokes make you.
Mindy
Well, I do remember reading this scientific study a while ago that showed that laugh tracks on TV shows actually tricked your brain into thinking that certain jokes were funnier than they actually were.
Guy Raz
And you thought that adding a laugh track to your real life would make you funnier too?
Mindy
Uh, maybe. Uh huh.
Guy Raz
So how exactly did this study show that laugh tracks make jokes funnier?
Mindy
Well, I could tell you, but I'd rather show you. Oh, boy.
Guy Raz
What did you have in mind?
Mindy
Guy Raz, you and I are heading back to the Banana Split to put this comical experiment to the test. And to make my triumphant return to the stage of comedy.
Guy Raz
Mindy, you do. You do remember what happened last time, don't you?
Mindy
The robots?
Guy Raz
No, the other time.
Mindy
The monkeys?
Guy Raz
No, the other other time.
Mindy
Oh, that time.
Guy Raz
Can you promise we're not gonna have another incident?
Mindy
Yes, of course I can't promise you that we won't have another incident. Guy Razzie. As usual, I've got everything out of control. Come on, let. Let me just get us a ride to the comedy club. Excuse me for a second. Dialing, dialing, dialing, dialing, dialing.
Thomas Fingerling
Jello.
Mindy
Jello. Yeah, good. Uh huh. Uh huh huh. Okay, great. See you soon. Our ride will be here any second now. Great.
Guy Raz
So tell me, Mindy, how is it. Is this thing gonna work exactly?
Mindy
How is what going to work exactly?
Guy Raz
The experiment.
Mindy
Oh, right. Well, the study, which was performed by the University College London, started off by collecting 40 jokes from dads across the world.
Guy Raz
Dads?
Mindy
Yeah, a male parent. One's father. What? I don't know how else to define dad.
Guy Raz
Dad jokes.
Mindy
Yeah, dad Jokes. You know, those super corny jokes that dads are famous for?
Guy Raz
Well, what's an example?
Mindy
Okay, here's one of the actual jokes the researchers used in the study. And you're gonna wanna hold onto your funny bone for this. Ahem. What American state has the smallest drinks?
Guy Raz
What American state has the smallest drinks? I don't know.
Mindy
Minnesota.
Guy Raz
Oh, man, that was so bad.
Mindy
Wanna hear another one? No, I'm good. Okay. Okay. Okay. What does a dinosaur use to pay the bills?
Guy Raz
I don't know, Mindy. What does a dinosaur use to pay the bills?
Mindy
Tyrannosaurus Jacks.
Guy Raz
Okay, Mindy, point made. These jokes are cornier than a corn souffle on 4th of July.
Mindy
Wait, you. Did you eat corn souffle on the 4th of July?
Guy Raz
Yeah, family tradition. So what did they do after they got this collection of perfectly corny jokes together?
Mindy
Well, they got a group of participants or people to rate the jokes on a scale of 1 to 7. One being not funny at all and seven being pretty much so funny that you'd wet your pants.
Guy Raz
And then what did they do?
Mindy
Then they got interrupted by a doorbell. That must be. I'll tell you the rest later. I'm coming. I'm coming. Reggie. Oh, Reggie. Okay, you ready to take off? Nice.
Thomas Fingerling
How is that funny?
Guy Raz
Am I the only one that doesn't understand what this bird is saying?
Mindy
All righty, Guy. Raz. Regis. Guy. We've got the motor pickle idling in the driveway. We've got our jokes locked in. Loaded baked potato, and I've got my can of lax. Let's get this experiment underway.
Guy Raz
I'm right behind you, Mindy.
Reggie
We'll be right back after these messages.
Unknown
Come to the Spit Take restaurant this month. Orange rind's only $3.99, coffee grounds at $2.99. And prepare your bitter buds for new ginger and dandelion summer salad. Just $5.99 only for a limited time at the Spit Take restaurant, where we'll have you saying, ugh, is this food even?
Reggie
And now back to everyone's favorite group of misfits.
Guy Raz
It's wow in the world.
Mindy
Man, that took forever.
Guy Raz
Yeah, well, we would have gotten here a lot quicker if you had. And stop for that roadside hot dog. Mindy.
Mindy
What was I supposed to do? It looked lost.
Guy Raz
Okay, so what's the plan now?
Mindy
Well, according to the scientific study I was telling you about, after those researchers had collected those 40 corny dad jokes.
Guy Raz
Yeah?
Mindy
They got a professional comedian to record themselves delivering each joke and then took those recordings and made different versions of each one.
Guy Raz
Okay.
Mindy
The first version had no laugh track whatsoever.
Guy Raz
Got it.
Mindy
The second version had canned laughter on it. You know, the random laughter that had been recorded beforehand and then slapped over the top of a joke later on.
Guy Raz
Okay.
Mindy
And the last version had a laugh track of people actually reacting to the joke in real time.
Guy Raz
Like a live studio audience.
Mindy
Exact oritos.
Guy Raz
And so what happened next?
Mindy
Well, the researchers then played these three versions to the participants and asked them to rate each one on a scale of one to seven, one being not funny at all, seven. Meaning it made them laugh so hard they peed their pants. Basically.
Guy Raz
And what did they find, Mindy?
Mindy
Well, I think we're about to find out.
Unknown
Okay. Okay. How's everybody doing tonight?
Tommy
Whee.
Unknown
Tough crowd. All right, well, we've got a great show for you tonight. Some of the best comics in town out here in the building. It's a great lineup. And to get us started, making a triumphant return to the banana split, please welcome to the stage.
Tommy
Oh, boy.
Unknown
Mindy.
Mindy
Hello, banana split. How's everybody doing today?
Reggie
Uh, fine.
Mindy
Yikes. Okay, tough crowd. Let's hope this works. Okay, stop me if you've heard this one before. What state has the smallest drink?
Reggie
Uh, I don't know.
Mindy
Minnesota. Huh?
Reggie
That's actually pretty funny.
Mindy
All right, all right. What does a dinosaur use to pay the bills?
Thomas Fingerling
What?
Mindy
Tyrannosaurus checks.
Reggie
Tyrannosaurus checks.
Guy Raz
This crowd is loving it.
Mindy
All right, one more. What's orange and sounds like a parrot? One. A carrot. Thank you. Banana split. I'm back, baby. Drop the mic. Oh, sorry. Do I have to pay for that?
Unknown
Hey, not this time. Everyone gets one mic.
Tommy
Drop.
Unknown
Exit. Am I right? Wow. Okay, I was not expecting that to go so well. That was Mindy, everybody. Coming up next on the stage, we've got Georgie.
Guy Raz
That was incredible. You crushed it up there.
Mindy
Yeah. I guess this canned laughter thing really works.
Guy Raz
So did those researchers from London have similar results with their study?
Mindy
Yeah, they found that when they asked people afterwards to rate the jokes again, on a scale of 1 to 7, the recordings that had the added laugh track, either natural or canned, scored much higher than the recordings that didn't have any laughter at all.
Guy Raz
That's so cool.
Unknown
Hey, Mindy.
Mindy
Hey. Whaty?
Unknown
Great set tonight. I don't know where that came from, but how's about you come back tomorrow night and do the headlining spot? I mean, as long as you got more bits. Those ones tonight were killers.
Mindy
Oh, boy, do I. Okay, try this one on for some. What do you call A man with a shovel on his head.
Unknown
I don't know, Mindy. What?
Mindy
Doug. Um, I said Doug.
Unknown
Ah, yeah, I heard ya.
Mindy
Like I dug a hole with a shovel.
Unknown
No, I get it. It's just. It's not funny.
Guy Raz
Wait a minute. Mindy, do you hear that?
Mindy
Hear what? I don't hear anything.
Guy Raz
Exactly. The canned laughter, it stopped.
Mindy
Ah, bonker balls. I guess we must have used up the whole can.
Unknown
Wait a minute. Did you just say you were up there using performance enhancing laughter? Uh, no, Mindy, there is no place for canned laughter here at the Banana Split.
Mindy
Oh, no, no, no. Please, no, Mr. Manager. I need to be on that stage. I was born to perform.
Unknown
I'm sorry, but we have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to artificially enhanced jokes. And now I'm gonna have to ask you and your friends to make like a tree and get outta here.
Guy Raz
Uh, don't you mean make like a tree and leaf?
Unknown
Who owns the comedy club here, Mr. Wise Guy?
Guy Raz
Uh, you do.
Unknown
That's right. Now please make like a get outta here. Hey, I don't want none of ya sassy beak, Mr. Huge Pigeon. Now out. All ears.
Guy Raz
Well, easy come, easy go, Mindy.
Tommy
Yeah.
Guy Raz
Hey, cheer up, Mindy. It's not the end of the world.
Mindy
Yeah, I guess you're right. Hey, wait a minute. I know what I'll do.
Guy Raz
What?
Mindy
I'll call up that salesperson again. She gave me her card. It's right here in my pocket. Uh, see?
Guy Raz
Ooh, laminated. So what now, Mindy? You're just gonna buy some more canned laughter?
Mindy
Don't be ridonculous, guy. Raz, I don't want to go through all that again.
Thomas Fingerling
Good.
Mindy
I think she was also selling some spray on happiness, Mindy. Or maybe it was some lavender oil that was supposed to boost my cheeratonin product. Grown Ups. If you like wow in the World, you can listen early and ad free right now on Wondery.
Guy Raz
Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Wondery Kids plus 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 survey@wondery.com 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.
Reggie
Hello.
Mindy
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 Halpern Ranzer 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 them at thepopups.com 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 podcasts.
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.
Thomas Fingerling
Jing wow in the World Wow in.
Mindy
The World Wow in the World Wow in the World Wow in the World was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.
Wow in the World: WeWow Summer Week - Day 4: Gone Fishin' (Released July 10, 2025)
Hosts: Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz
Produced by: Tinkercast | Wondery
In this engaging episode of "Wow in the World", hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz delve into the whimsical and experimental side of summer fun. Titled "WeWow Summer Week - Day 4: Gone Fishin'", the episode blends humor, science, and creativity to explore how laughter and social cues can influence our perception of humor. Through playful skits and insightful discussions, the episode delivers a memorable exploration of the science behind what makes things funny.
The episode kicks off with Mindy, Reggie, and Tommy attempting to go fishing in a kiddie pool named "Rainbow Bay." The trio's humorous interactions highlight the playful spirit of summer:
Notable Quote:
This segment underscores the theme of improvisation and the joy of making the most out of simple summer activities.
Transitioning from playful antics, Mindy introduces an intriguing scientific experiment centered around laughter and humor perception. The segment is structured as a humorous skit where Mindy purchases a product called "Laughter in a Can", aimed at enhancing her comedic abilities.
Key Points:
Product Demonstration: Thomas Fingerling showcases the "Laughter in a Can," claiming it can make one's life as entertaining as a TV show.
Mindy ([10:05]): "What happened? Where in the wow are those voices coming from?"
Unexpected Results: Upon opening the can, real canned laughter begins echoing in the studio, leading to a chaotic yet funny situation.
Guy Raz ([13:06]): "Mindy, what in the wow is going on? Where are those voices coming?"
Scientific Basis: Mindy references a study conducted by University College London that investigates the impact of laugh tracks on humor perception.
Mindy ([14:19]): "I remember reading this scientific study a while ago that showed that laugh tracks on TV shows actually tricked your brain into thinking that certain jokes were funnier than they actually were."
Notable Quotes:
This segment blends comedy with scientific inquiry, illustrating how external social cues like laughter can influence our perception of humor.
Determined to test the efficacy of "Laughter in a Can," Mindy and Guy Raz take the experiment to the Banana Split Comedy Club. The live setting provides a practical demonstration of the study's findings.
Experiment Details:
Preparation: Mindy gathers a collection of "dad jokes" known for their corny humor. Examples include:
Mindy ([16:50]): "What American state has the smallest drinks?"
Guy Raz ([17:03]): "What? Minnesota."
Mindy ([17:26]): "What does a dinosaur use to pay the bills?"
Guy Raz ([17:30]): "Tyrannosaurus checks."
Implementation: Mindy uses "Laughter in a Can" to add canned laughter during her performance, observing the audience's reaction.
Outcome: Initially, the added laughter enhances the reception of her jokes, leading to a successful set. However, the artificial laughter eventually becomes overwhelming, causing disruption and leading to Mindy being asked to leave the club.
Notable Quotes:
This live experiment not only validates the study's findings but also humorously illustrates the potential pitfalls of artificially enhancing humor in real-life settings.
In the episode's conclusion, Mindy reflects on the experiment's outcomes, acknowledging the balance between genuine and artificial laughter. The hosts emphasize the importance of authentic social interactions in fostering true humor and connections.
Final Thoughts:
The episode wraps up by encouraging listeners to engage with their own summer "wows" and stay connected through the "Wow in the World" community.
The Power of Social Cues: The episode highlights how external cues, such as laughter, can significantly influence our perception of humor. This aligns with psychological studies on social proof and conformity.
Balance Between Authenticity and Enhancement: While enhancements like laugh tracks can amplify humor, the episode humorously demonstrates that over-reliance on artificial stimuli can undermine genuine interactions.
Science Meets Everyday Life: By embedding scientific concepts within humorous skits, the episode makes complex ideas accessible and entertaining for both kids and their grown-up listeners.
Encouraging Creative Experimentation: The hosts model how to explore scientific concepts through playful experimentation, fostering a sense of curiosity and creativity in listeners.
"WeWow Summer Week - Day 4: Gone Fishin'" offers a delightful blend of humor and science, showcasing how laughter and social dynamics shape our experiences. Through entertaining skits and insightful discussions, Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz engage listeners in a thought-provoking exploration of what makes things "wow." This episode not only entertains but also educates, embodying the essence of "Wow in the World" as the #1 science podcast for kids and their grown-ups.
Stay Connected:
Join the conversation and share your summer "wows" by calling 1-888-7-WOW-WOW for a chance to be featured in future episodes!