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
Episode Overview
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.
Key Segments and Discussions
1. Summer Fun and Fishing Fiasco ([03:23] - [06:25])
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:
- Mindy: Sets a lighthearted tone by introducing the fishing adventure.
- Tommy: Attempts to rig a fishing hook using a coat hanger and gummy worms, leading to comedic mishaps.
- Reggie: Expresses skepticism about the fishing setup, prompting laughter from the hosts.
Notable Quote:
- Tommy ([05:18]): "Well, I don't know how else to get them on there without touching them. Come here, worm."
This segment underscores the theme of improvisation and the joy of making the most out of simple summer activities.
2. Introduction to the "Laughter in a Can" Experiment ([07:04] - [23:22])
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:
- Mindy ([10:00]): "Laughter in a Can. That's one of our best sellers. Simply open that can laughter, and you too can live your life like a TV show."
- Guy Raz ([14:37]): "So how exactly did this study show that laugh tracks make jokes funnier?"
This segment blends comedy with scientific inquiry, illustrating how external social cues like laughter can influence our perception of humor.
3. The Live Experiment at the Comedy Club ([15:00] - [25:44])
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:
- Guy Raz ([19:44]): "That's Mindy, everybody. Coming up next on the stage, we've got Georgie."
- Mindy ([23:05]): "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."
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.
4. Conclusion and Reflections ([25:44] - [28:10])
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:
- Mindy ([25:44]): "Don't be ridonculous, guy. Raz, I don't want to go through all that again."
- Guy Raz ([26:18]): "And to keep the wow rolling, check out this week's scientific conversation starters at our website, wowintheworld.com and grown ups."
The episode wraps up by encouraging listeners to engage with their own summer "wows" and stay connected through the "Wow in the World" community.
Insights and Takeaways
-
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.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Tommy ([05:18]): "Well, I don't know how else to get them on there without touching them. Come here, worm."
- Mindy ([10:00]): "Laughter in a Can. That's one of our best sellers. Simply open that can laughter, and you too can live your life like a TV show."
- Guy Raz ([14:37]): "So how exactly did this study show that laugh tracks make jokes funnier?"
- Mindy ([16:50]): "What American state has the smallest drinks?"
- Mindy ([23:05]): "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."
- Mindy ([25:44]): "Don't be ridonculous, guy. Raz, I don't want to go through all that again."
Conclusion
"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:
- Website: wowintheworld.com
- Social Media: Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @wowintheworld
- Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Wondery, and other major platforms
Join the conversation and share your summer "wows" by calling 1-888-7-WOW-WOW for a chance to be featured in future episodes!