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Hey, Wowzer fans, Mindy here.
And before we start the show, I gotta let you know that this November, with a special new episode featuring our friends at Circle Round and Terrestrials on Radiolab for Kids,
And don't miss when Elmo from Sesame Street stops by Wow in the World to make us all belly laugh on November 24th.
Oh, but that's not all, Reg.
On December 1st, we are sharing our 250th episode of Wow in the World with all of you.
We think this one is going to be music to your ears.
Literally.
Did I mention it's a musical?
And if you're a member of the World Organization of Wowzers...
Oh boy, do I have a surprise for you.
You can listen to our 250th episode early with me and other members from around the world on Saturday, November 22nd, at 7 pm.
Eastern.
That's right, we are throwing another listening party.
Join us as we dance along to our new songs.
React to the episode with other members in the chat and more.
Grownups.
If you want your wowzer to join this members-only listening party, you can sign up to become a member today at Tinkercastcom.
Slash wow.
Already a member?
Well, you can find the link and password to join the event when you sign in at Tinkercastcom.
Slash wow.
That's it.
It's going to be a November to remember.
But for now, let's get on with the show.
Woo!
Guy Raz?
Present.
Ooh, a present?
No, Mindy.
I just mean I'm here.
Oh, OK.
Well, that's no fun.
OK, let's see here.
Who's next?
Dennis?
Here.
I'm here.
Great.
Thomas Fingerling.
Fingerling?
Thomas Fingerling?
Has anyone seen Thomas Fingerling?
No, but I'll call him.
Thomas Fingerling!
What?
I'm coming, I'm coming.
Thomas Fingerling!
How are you?
We said to meet here at 10 a.m. sharp.
What?
No, you didn't.
You said 10 a.m. parm.
10 a.m. parm?
Yeah, that's why I went home and grabbed this.
That's weird.
Is that an entire wheel of Parmesan cheese?
Yep.
Ain't she a beauty?
That's...
Get it away from me.
No, wait, dude.
We might need this later.
Nuh-uh.
Why would we ever need a giant wheel of cheese?
Okay, and last one on the list, Grandma G-Force?
Did somebody say my name?
Yeah, Mindy did.
Well, okay.
Let me just make sure everyone's on the list here.
And, yep, gang's all here.
All right, everyone, into the ice cream truck.
Oh, oh, me first, me first.
Yeah.
Nice and cozy.
Now, let me just get out my megaphone here.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Hello, everyone, and thank you for coming along to another surprise neighborhood field trip.
Yay!
I can't wait to see where we're going this week.
I just hope it's as informative as last week's box factory.
Who knew there were so many uses for corrugated cardboard?
I did.
So, is everyone ready to hear where we're going this week?
Uh-huh.
Uh, Reggie, drum roll, please.
We are going to... a cellular tattoo parlor!
A tattoo parlor?
Yeah, but not the kind you're thinking about, Guy Raz.
Okay, everyone buckled up?
Yes!
Okay, here we go.
To the tattoo parlor!
Huzzah!
Mindy, we're not really going to an actual tattoo parlor, are we?
Well, I mean, we're not going to an imaginary tattoo parlor, Guy Raz, if that's what you mean.
But don't worry.
The tattoo I'm getting is for science.
For science?
Yeah.
You see, the tattoo I'm getting is a very very, very teeny tiny eensy weensy, little bitty tattoo.
For science.
How teeny tiny of a tattoo are we talking about, Mindy?
Even more teeny tiny than you could possibly imagine, Guy Raz.
Well, like, uh, the size of my fingernail?
Teenier?
A grain of rice?
Tinier?
A pinhead?
Even teeny tinier than that.
Even teeny tinier than a pinhead?
Yep.
About 50 times teeny tinier than the tip of a pinhead.
50 times teeny tinier than the tip of a pinhead?
Mindy, you won't be able to see it at all.
Well, I'm not getting the tattoo to show it off, like Grandma G-Force does with her chili pepper tattoos.
Her what?
Uh, excuse me?
I'm getting them for science.
Okay, Mindy, I'm a little confused.
Okay, so it's not my skin that I'm getting tattooed today.
It's my cells.
Your cells?
You mean the tiny little organisms that make up our bodies?
Yep.
It's a new technology developed by a scientist from John Hopkins University named David Grasius.
Why would a scientist be interested in tattooing cells inside the human body?
Oh, well, I can explain.
That don't sound good.
Sounds like we've got a flat tire, Mindy.
No, I don't think so.
Okay, maybe we do.
Hold tight, everyone.
Everyone okay?
Barely.
Great.
All right, everyone out of the ice cream truck.
Ooh, yeah. this doesn't look good.
Uh, Mindy, aren't ice cream trucks supposed to have four wheels?
Uh, yep.
And, uh, how many wheels does this ice cream truck currently have?
Uh, let me count here.
One, two, and three.
Uh-huh.
Well, looks like you're missing something.
Oh, no!
What are we going to field trip is ruined.
Stand back, everybody.
Parmesan cheese to the rescue.
The cheese wheel.
Now somebody help me jack up this truck.
Mindy, is Thomas Fingerling doing what I think he's doing?
Well, if you think he's replacing our busted wheel with a giant wheel of Parmesan cheese, then yes.
He's doing exactly what you think he's doing.
You don't need no jack.
You got a G-Force.
Okay, now just hold it there, G-Force.
Hold it.
Hold it.
Hold it.
Just change the ding-dong wheel, Fingerling.
Okay, okay.
So, Mindy, I'm still a little confused about this place that we're going to today.
Oh, the tattoo parlor?
Right.
I mean, why would scientists want to tattoo cells?
Well, at the moment, it's just to prove that they can do it.
But in the future, scientists are hoping that they'll be able to tattoo these cells with trackers.
With trackers?
Yeah, little things that could tell doctors about the health of individual cells as they whiz around the body.
And that would be perfect.
Pretty handy when trying to diagnose diseases or find out why a particular patient is sick.
Exact Doritos.
Hurry up, fingerling, or this ice cream truck's gonna drop on your head.
Okay, one last turn.
There.
Hooray!
See you, fella.
I told you that wheel of parm would come in handy.
You did say that.
I'm surprised that actually worked.
I didn't doubt you for a second, Thomas Fingerling.
Come on, everyone, back in the ice cream truck.
We're almost at the tattoo parlor.
Boo-yah.
OK, let's see what this wheel of cheese can do.
All right, moment of truth.
OK, the tattoo parlor should be just up here on the right.
I see it.
Cellular Tattoo Parlor.
The leading biomedical experts in cell tattooing?
What?
I ain't going to sell none of my tattoos.
What?
No.
No.
Nobody is selling any of their tattoos.
Come on.
We're already late for my appointment.
Let's go.
All right.
Oh, this place looks so cool and hip.
Come on, everyone.
Let's get inside.
Whatever.
Oh, uh, please be careful.
Sorry.
And hello, ma'am.
Can I help you?
Oh, hi, hi.
I had an appointment for a cellular tattoo today, but we're a little late.
We had a little cheese wheel situation on the way here, if you know what I mean.
I don't, but let me see.
Ah, yes.
Here you are.
Mindy?
That's me.
Your cellular tattoo artist slash bartender.
The medical engineer should be with you in just a moment in the other room.
Ooh, uh, okay, uh, can my friends come too?
Oh, I'm afraid only one other person can come through with you.
Ah, bonker balls.
Uh, okay, Reggie?
Keep an eye on everyone here, okay?
Uh, Guy Raz?
You're coming with me.
Oh, me?
Great.
Oh, well, lead the way.
Just head on through to room number three, the one through the beaded curtain.
Ooh, beads.
Hey, Tommy.
What?
You want to get best buds tattooed on a cell with me?
No.
Hey, Reggie, you want to get best buds?
So, Mindy, you were saying that these tattoos might be able to be used as trackers in the future?
Uh-huh.
But right now, they don't do anything?
Right, but they're still pretty cool, Guy Raz.
I mean, for starters, these tattoos are not made out of ink.
They're not?
No, these tattoos are made out of gold.
Gold cellular tattoos?
That's right.
Well, why are these scientists tattooing cells with gold?
Because it turns out that gold is a really good material for making trackers.
Ah, so this is sort of like a test run.
Exactly.
But there is one little problem that these tattoos have at the moment.
Well, what?
They don't last for a super long time.
Tattoos are supposed to be permanent.
Well, how long do these cellular tattoos last for?
Only about 16 hours.
Huh.
Well, that's not even a whole day.
I know.
So what you're actually getting today is a temporary cellular tattoo.
Yeah, I guess I am.
But these scientists are hoping that in the future these gold cellular tracker tattoos can last for months or years, even.
Huh.
So let me get this straight.
You're getting a tattoo that is microscopically small...
Uh-huh.
Smaller than anyone could possibly see.
Uh-huh.
One that doesn't really do anything.
Uh-huh.
And it's only going to last 16 hours?
You got it.
So why are you doing this again?
I already told you, Guy Raz.
I'm doing it for science.
Oh, right.
Hey there.
Sorry I'm late.
There's a ton of rats outside the building that I had to deal with.
What?
Rats?
Yeah, apparently someone drove an ice cream truck here with a giant wheel of cheese instead of a tire.
Every rat in the city is outside.
Oh, who would do such a thing?
Anyway, that's a problem for future me.
What can I help you with today?
I'm looking to get my cells tattooed.
Oh, okay, great.
So to get started, I'm gonna have to extract the cells.
Uh, what?
Well, what did you think was gonna happen, Mindy?
I don't Okay, Roz.
I thought it would be like getting my face painted.
Or when we played tic-tac-toe on Dennis' cast last summer.
Don't worry.
Just sit back and relax.
This won't hurt a bit.
Now, roll up your sleeves.
Uh, you know what?
I think I'm good.
I'm just, I'm, I'm, I think I'm changing my mind.
What?
What?
Yeah, I'm just gonna wait until you get your tracker tech stuff sorted out.
Oh, are you sure?
Yeah, you know, I was just thinking about it and it's like my friend Guy Raz here said.
You know what's the point?
It's only temporary.
Oh.
Right.
Right.
Now, why don't we all try to figure out who left all that cheese out in front of the building?
Okay.
Well, let me know if you change your mind.
I won't.
Mindy, are you okay?
Oh, yeah.
Sure.
Totally fine.
Uh-huh.
You're not scared of getting that cellular tattoo, are you?
What?
Scared?
Scared?
No way, Jose.
What?
Jose's here?
Jose?
Where is he?
Uh, what?
Mindy, are we leaving? did you get your tattoo?
Did you show it to Jose?
Uh, yes, no, and no.
Oh, wait, you didn't get your tattoo.
Well, she got a little scared.
I did not get scared.
I just decided to wait until the technology gets better.
Oh, right.
You know, it's okay to be a little scared, Mindy.
Okay, fine.
I did get scared, but who I mean?
Maybe next time I go in for a medical operation or a blood test I'll be a little less scared and I'll be able to get one of those tattooed cells to help me track my health.
Exactly.
Who knows what the future holds?
Well, I know what the immediate future holds.
You do what?
A tow truck.
A tow truck?
What?
Why?
Them rats there have decided to chew through half of our whale.
What?
Runt, runt, runt, runt, runt, runt.
Half of our cheese wheel is gone!
Shoo!
Shoo!
Get out of here, rat!
Shoo!
I knew I should have brought a backup wheel of cheese.
I guess I'll call the tow truck.
Wow in the World will be right back.
Grown-ups, this message is for you.
Hey, grown-ups.
It's Mindy and Guy Raz here from Wow in the World.
Mindy and I have some Wow in the World toys out in the world just in time for the holidays.
Made for the kids who love science and for the ones who don't yet.
From our 100 experiments, that wow kit to the telescope and astronomy kit.
Our Wow in the World toys help your wowzer learn about their world through play.
What?
You can hear exclusive audio content from me and Guy Raz to help your wowzer discover even more wows.
Grownups.
Give the gift of wow and wonder this holiday season with our latest Wow in the World toys designed with your curious wowzer in mind.
You can shop our Wow in the World toys at Tinkercast.com slash toys.
That's Tinkercast.com slash toys.
Hi, thanks for calling Wow in the World.
After the beep, get ready to record.
Hi, Guy Raz and Mindy.
I'm Claire and I'm nine years old from Buffalo, New York.
My Wow in the World is every year, adults each shed eight pounds of skin which gathered up all together would weigh about the weight of a Siamese cat, which is a wowzer to me.
Love your show.
Bye.
Hi, Mindy and Guy Ross.
I'm five years old, and my name is Lily.
I live in Tampa Florida and my wow in the world is that there are 300 types of pigeons in the world and my Bye, Minty and Guy Raj.
I love your show.
Hi, Minty and Guy Raj.
My name is Daniel, and I live in Washington, D.C.
I'm five years old.
My wow in the world is that elephants can hear with their feet.
Bye, Minty and Guy Raj.
I love your show.
Mindy and Guy Ross, my name is Delaney, and I am eight years old.
And I am a deaf, and I am six years old, and we live in St.
Louis, Missouri.
Our wow in the world is that an octopus has three hearts, nine brains, and blue blood.
Bye, love your show.
Hi, Mindy and Guy Ross.
My name is Luke St.
Vonage, and I live in Texas Bay, Massachusetts.
My wow It's that not even light can escape a black hole.
Love you, show.
Hi, my name is Zenitya.
I'm from Maplewood, New Jersey.
I'm five and three quarters and my well in the world is that the moon is sometimes up in the daytime.
Bye.
Say hi to your cuckoo bird, Reggie, for me.
Hi, Minnie and Guy, Roz.
My name is Jack, and I live in Illinois.
My wow in the world is that in Antarctica, it can go all the way down to 120 degrees below zero.
Bye.
I love your show.
Hi, I'm Merit from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
And my wow is that there's more caribou than people in Alaska.
Bye.
Love your show.
Hi, my name is Ulet, and I live in upstate New York.
I am 10 years old.
My wow is that there is a mushroom called the cordyceps fungi.
This mushroom is so wow because it drops its spores on passing insects.
The spore reprograms the bug's brain, so it will travel to the perfect place for the fungus to live and grow.
Then the insect dies and the mushroom sprouts from its head.
It's like a zombie!
I love your show.
Bye!
End of messages in the world is written by mindy thomas and tom van kalken, with help from me, guy roz.
Original sound design and music editing is done by our supervising producer, jed anderson.
You can also hear jed anderson in the voices of dennis thomas fingerling, reggie and many of the other silly characters that you hear on our show, And Lizzie Freilich can also be heard as some of the silly characters on our show.
Jessica Bode keeps our facts straight as our fact checker.
And Meredith Halpern-Ranzer powers the wow at Tinkercast.
Our theme song was composed and performed by three-time Grammy nominees, the Pop-Ups.
Find them at thepopups.com.
Special thanks to Kit Ballinger, Rebecca Caban, Dr Natasha Crandall, Kenny Curtis, Kristen Yang, Thuy Mac, Erica Medina, Henry Moskal, Jodi Nussbaum, Ali Paksima, Linda Rothenberg, Steph Sosa, Joanna Weber, Anna Zagorski, Tyler Tholl and all of the other tinkerers at Tinkercast HQ.
And to keep the wow rolling after you finish this episode, visit us at Tinkercast.com.
There you can become a member of the World Organization of Wowzers to get year-round mailings and weekly activities.
Shop our Wow Shop.
Get tickets for upcoming events, find our best-selling books and learn about some of the other amazing podcasts from Tinkercast.
Grown-ups.
You can follow Wow in the World on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at Wow in the World, and our email address is hello at Tinkercastcom.
And if you're a kid with a big wow to share with us, Call us at 1-888-7WOW-WOW for a chance to be featured at the end of our show or an upcoming episode of Two.
What's in a Wow?
Thanks again for listening.
We're here every Monday or you can check out Two What's in a Wow every Friday right here in the Wow in the World podcast feed.
And don't forget, we wow on the weekend with Dennis, Saturday and Sunday.
Keep on wowing!
Wow in the World! the world was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.
