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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!
Okay, Mindy, I've dropped off invitations to that house over there and that house.
Okay, great.
Now, who's next on our list?
Let me see here.
Uh, looks like it's Dennis.
Oh, well, that's perfect because look, we're right outside his house.
Come on.
And... interrupting my morning snoop.
Listen, there's a pesky little squirrel in my backyard right now, and I was just about to find out what it's been doing with all my acorns.
Well, sorry to interrupt, Dennis.
We were just going around the block, inviting everyone to our neighborhood talent show.
Yeah, it's a talent show to celebrate the fact that we can finally have talent shows again.
Oh, and naturally you came to recruit me Dennis, the most talented individual in the whole neighborhood.
Um, well... Well, actually, Dennis, we're sort of going around to everybody's homes.
Oh, good thinking.
Get all the untalented amateurs in the lineup to make me look even more talented by comparison.
Anywho, Dennis, this talent show is gonna be awesome.
Bonker balls.
Reggie and I are getting the Pots and Pans band back together and playing a new song that we wrote during the early days of the lockdown.
It's called Lockdown, but moving up.
Lockdown?
What's a lockdown?
And I'm going to do a dramatic reading of the instruction manual that came with my new food dehydrator.
Those kale chips were a great companion in the early days of the pandemic.
Pandemic?
What's a pandemic?
And to top it all off, we've got Grandma G-Force riding the motor pickle through a ring of fire with a mouth full of ghost peppers.
Well, we still have to run that one by the safety team, Mindy.
What are you talking about, Guy Raz?
We are the safety team.
Okay, I think I see where this is going.
You're getting all these acts together and you want me, Dennis, to headline the show.
No need to be shy, Mindy.
I'll do it.
But the real question is, which talent should I showcase?
Well, uh... We shall consult the talent list.
Dennis!
Okay, talent list.
Where did I put that?
Oh, here we go.
Okay, we've got staring contest champion.
No.
Humming and whistling simultaneously.
No.
Eh... Ooh, close-up magic as Dennis the Magnificent.
That'd be a good one.
And I get to wear a cape.
Ooh!
Let's see, what else?
Oh, testing dead batteries and taking them to be recycled.
That would win for sure.
Uh-huh.
Dennis, don't spoil the surprise for us.
All right, good thinking.
Anywho, we're just coming over here to tell you that everyone is coming together to show off all of the new skills that we've learned during the pandemic quarantine periods.
You know, now that everyone over the age of five is able to get fully vaccinated.
Everyone is fully caffeinated?
Uh...
What?
No, Dennis, not caffeinated.
Vaccinated.
Against COVID-19?
Huh?
The coronavirus?
Corona-what-is?
SARS-CoV-2?
Oh, I don't know what that is.
Dennis, COVID-19 is the illness that the world's been dealing with for over a year and a half.
How have you not heard about this?
I don't know.
Well, didn't you realize that you haven't been able to do all the fun stuff that you usually do?
Like what?
I don't know, like go to the movies?
Yuck, with their sticky floors?
No thank you.
Or see a concert.
Eh, pass.
Too loud and somehow not loud enough.
Or get on an airplane?
An airplane, need to go anywhere.
I've got everything i need right here.
Dennis, don't you remember when i stopped by your backyard in may to tell you that i'd just gotten my second dose of the vaccine?
Guy, i don't know, may is a busy month for me.
Besides, i don't listen when people talk to me.
You weren't even listening.
No, I'm mostly thinking about what I'm going to say when it's my turn to speak.
Dennis, didn't you find it strange that everyone was standing six feet away from you all year long?
People always stand six feet away from me.
Or 12 feet, or 20 feet, or sometimes 56 feet.
OK.
Why do you think I'm always yelling?
It's because everyone is so far away.
Ow!
Dennis!
Sorry.
Wait, Dennis.
I don't mean to pry, but does that mean you're unvaccinated?
Oops.
Sorry.
Sorry.
That was my text alert.
Unvaccinated?
I don't know what that means.
It means you haven't received your COVID vaccine yet.
Oh.
What's a vaccine?
I'll take this.
So Dennis, a vaccine is a kind of medicine that you take that teaches your body how to fight a particular disease.
Uh-huh.
And in this case, if someone with COVID-19 comes near you, you might get a little bit sick, but not really sick.
Or you might not get sick at all.
Huh.
In this case, the COVID-19 vaccine is a type of medicine that helps your body fight the illness known as COVID-19 and lowers your chance of getting really sick from it.
And you get it in the form of a tiny, pinchy shot in the arm.
Oh, you mean those little needles that they poke you with to help keep you from getting the flu.
Yeah, exactly.
You've had the flu shot.
Yeah, and so have we, Dennis.
In fact, we get it every year to help keep us from getting sick with the flu.
The only difference is that this vaccine can help keep you from getting sick with COVID-19.
Right.
Got it.
So, Have you been vaccinated for COVID-19?
Uh, no.
Well, would you like to get vaccinated?
Mindy and I would be happy to take you to a vaccination site.
Yeah, you can get vaccinated almost anywhere these days.
And it's completely free.
Dennis, you love free stuff.
Eh, no.
I don't think so.
What?
Why not?
Yeah, what's going on, Dennis?
Want to talk about it?
It's just that...
My phone is really blowing up today.
Sorry.
Well, that's understandable, Dennis.
The thought of needles can be pretty scary.
But while some fears, healthy fears are there to keep us safe.
Yeah, like the fear of walking in front of a moving bus.
That's a really useful fear.
Other fears, irrational fears or phobias, are fears of things that are unlikely to cause us any harm.
I mean, they're basically just our brains playing tricks on us.
And the fear of needles might just be one of those irrational fears.
Yeah.
A shot from a needle might pinch for a split second, but it's not going to cause you any real harm.
Boo!
What about when the needle grows little arms and fists and starts punching me in the face?
Then laughs at me behind my back with all its little needle friends?
Wait, that's your fear when it comes to needles?
Well, that or a needle stealing my wallet or giving me a haircut.
Okay.
Well, sometimes for our own health and safety...
We gotta face these irrational fears head on.
And since the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads from person to person so easily, it's also important to get this vaccine for the health and safety of everyone around us.
And that's why it's so important that everyone at the talent show is vaccinated.
You know, so that we can prevent the chance of the virus working its way around and making our friends sick.
So, will you do it, Dennis?
Will you get the free vaccine?
Oh, woe, woe, woe is me.
Such a dilemma and conundrum.
On one hand, a chance to show my talents to the world.
A neighborhood.
Yeah, it's just the neighborhood.
And on the other hand, needles.
Needles!
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings?
Is that Shakespeare?
Remember, Dennis, this fear of getting a shot is not a useful, helpful fear.
It's a... Oh, full of vexation come I with complaint.
What shall I choose?
What shall I choose?
Okay, tell you what, Dennis.
If you get vaccinated today, I will give you the opening slot at the talent show.
Everyone has to go after me?
Uh-huh.
And you'll put my name in lights?
Uh-huh.
Okay, I'll do it.
That's all it took?
Great.
Oh, boy, this is going to be the best talent show ever.
Now, let's go over the stage setup.
I'm going to need pyrotechnics, a smoke machine, obviously, fully automated stage lighting.
Mindy, why don't you go get the ice cream truck so we can head off to the pharmacy to get Dennis vaccinated?
Oh, good idea, Guy Raz.
Wait, we're going right now?
Don't we have to look online for the best wait times or mentally prepare for a day or maybe a couple of months, or at least make a reservation.
Actually Dennis, these days a lot of pharmacies and vaccination centers allow walk-ins, meaning you can just walk up, give the medical workers your name and information and get vaccinated on the spot.
Super easy.
It's destination vaccination.
You first, Dennis.
Okay.
I call backseat.
It's a little cramped in the front seat here, Mindy.
Oh, sorry.
I took Grandma G-Force out for ice cream yesterday, and she likes to have her seat pushed way forward.
Here, hang on.
I'll help you get it fixed here for you.
Yep.
You took G-Force out for ice cream?
But Mindy, isn't this an ice cream truck?
There.
That better?
Ow.
Perfect.
All right.
Everyone wearing their seatbelts?
Mindy, did you finally install seatbelts in the ice cream truck?
Oh, yeah.
New feature.
And if you look closely, they're made out of 100% genuine licorice ropes.
Well, I guess it's better than nothing.
I love licorice.
Dennis.
You're not supposed to eat them.
You're supposed to use them to strap yourself in.
Oh, really?
Why?
So that if we get into an accident, you'll be safe.
You know, seatbelts are kind of like vaccines in that way.
We're not planning to get into an ice cream truck accident.
Yeah, just like how we're not planning on getting COVID-19.
But, and this is a big but, It's good to know that if the worst does happen, we'll be protected.
All right.
Now, everyone strapped in?
Yep.
Ready!
Okay, good.
Because here we go!
Woo!
Okay.
Now, can someone explain to me how this vaccine works?
Sure.
I'm just still a little confused about how getting a shot is going to keep me from getting sick.
Well Dennis, there are a few different types of vaccines available and they all work in slightly different ways, but they all do the same basic thing, and that's to keep you from getting really sick from COVID.
Yeah, you said that already, but how does it stop me from getting sick?
Oh, I got this one, Guy Raz.
Here, take the wheel.
What?
Quick, take the wheel!
What?
I can't steer this thing if the steering wheel is not... What?
Hey!
It still works.
I know.
How does the steering wheel steer if it's not attached, Mindy?
Guy, that's not important.
Ahem.
Now, Mindy, if you please, how does the vaccine keep me from getting sick?
All right, Dennis, allow me to explain.
Okay, so inside your body, your immune system has a very special way of fighting off viruses.
Everything from the common cold to COVID-19.
Oh, I have a special way of fighting off viruses, too.
Freezy pops and reality TV.
Huh?
Is that what my immune system does, too?
Not quite, Dennis.
Oh.
It does this by creating these proteins inside your body called antibodies.
And these antibodies are basically like the frontline soldiers of your body's immune system, the system that's in charge of keeping you healthy.
And these antibodies are specifically created to fight whatever virus has entered your body.
Oh, I get it.
They're like action hero special forces.
Each antibody has a particular set of skills to take out a particular set of enemies.
Uh, yeah.
At least that last part.
So most of the time with mild viruses like the common cold, your body will develop these antibodies after studying the enemy for a while.
The body snoops on the virus in order to understand how to defeat it?
Exactly.
Wow.
That's why you might feel a little sick. for a couple of weeks when a virus enters your system.
That's your body trying to understand how to defeat the virus.
Yeah, so after snooping on the virus for a while, your body is able to develop antibodies that are specifically designed to help destroy that virus over time. this have to do with a vaccine well with the vaccine you're basically able to cut out the part where you get sick really how well inside the vaccine there are instructions for your body on how to make those antibodies that are specifically designed to fight off the covid virus oh i get it the vaccine is like snooping on the enemy ahead of time Exactly, Dennis.
So if the virus does get into your body, then you'll already have the antibodies all lined up and ready to fight it off.
That is awesome!
Mindy, I think we're here at the pharmacy.
Oh, yeah, look, there's a sign.
Free vaccines available here.
Let me just take the wheel back from you there, Guy Razzi.
Here you go.
All right, pulling in.
Ah!
Perfect parking job.
All right, Dennis.
You ready to go get vaccinated?
Yeah!
All right, everyone.
Mask up.
Out of the truck.
Let's do this thing.
Hello, shoppers!
Big Dave!
Sorry.
Sorry.
Inside voices!
Just really excited.
Sheesh!
Hi there.
Are you here for the vaccine?
Our friend here is.
He's unvaccinated.
Okay, and you two are?
We're just here for moral support.
Excellent.
Well, Mr. Unfaccinated, let's start off with your name.
Dennis.
And your last name?
Neighbor.
No, wait, that can't be right.
What is it?
Huh, I might have lost it.
You lost your last name?
Well, I don't use it very much.
I think it began with a P.
No, that's not right either.
You know what?
I'm just going to put your first name down again.
Good idea.
Yeah, good idea.
Dennis Dennis.
It's not very creative, but I guess it works.
Okay, Dennis, do you have any allergies we need to be aware of?
Yes, ma'am.
I have a severe allergic reaction to raw chicken.
I get very sick every time I eat it.
I don't think that will be an issue.
All right.
We're all set to go here.
Follow me and we'll go get the shot.
Can you guys come with me and hold my hand?
That's what friends are for.
Only if you wash it first.
Thank you.
All right, Dennis, take a seat right there.
Okay.
And if you could please roll up your sleeve.
Okay.
And now I'm just going to use this sanitizing wipe to clean your skin.
Then we'll get you vaccinated, okay?
Oh, that wipe is cold.
Oh, it's really happening.
I'm getting nervous.
That's totally understandable.
But it will be over before you know it.
Mindy!
Mindy!
Give me your hand.
Okay, Dennis.
Mindy.
Dearest Mindy.
You've always been so kind to me.
If I don't make it out of here, please...
Take care of my broken sea slug collection.
You'll be fine, Dennis.
You're going to feel a little pinch and it might hurt for just a few seconds, but the pain goes away really quickly.
Okay, let go of my hand.
Dennis!
Guy!
Guy, where are you?
Oh, my dear, sweet, beautiful Guy Raz.
I want you to take my ride-on lawnmower.
Use it well.
Uh, Dennis, I'm pretty sure that's my ride-on lawnmower that I lent you last month.
Well, then you can have it back then.
And Reggie.
Where's Reggie?
Reggie!
I can't see you.
Uh, Reggie's not here, Dennis.
Oh, right.
Well, please tell Reggie.
I bequeath to him my rollerblades, but he's not allowed to go in my room.
His feathers get everywhere.
Eh.
We're all done.
And also tell Reggie to stay out of the kitchen pantry.
He always eats my cheese crackers, and I hate that.
Um, Mr. Dennis, we're done.
Oh, cruel fate.
Alas, she only raised my hopes thus high.
Dennis, it's over.
It's done.
Oh, it is?
Uh-huh.
Well, I thought it was going to be way worse than that.
You did great, Dennis.
I know.
I did.
And now, for the best part, you, Dennis, get a badge of bravery.
Oh, badge of bravery.
Uh-huh.
Want me to put it on you?
Boy, do I. There we go.
Wow.
Uh, Mindy, that's just a Band-Aid.
No, today, Guy Raz, it's a badge of bravery for Dennis.
Thanks a lot for coming in.
No, thank you.
You're more than welcome.
Have a great day.
You can just head out the same way you came in.
Thank you.
See, Dennis, that wasn't so scary after all, was it?
No, it wasn't.
And now you're vaccinated.
Yes, I am.
And you know what that means.
I sure do.
It means I have a new talent for the talent show.
A new talent?
That's right.
My talent for facing my fears head on.
My talent for getting vaccinated.
Maybe that nice medical professional can be my assistant for the show.
Dennis, getting a vaccine is not a talent.
It's just something you do to keep yourself and others around you healthy.
But I am a hero, right?
Well, the The real heroes Dennis, are the scientists and researchers from all over the world who have worked together to develop these vaccines at record time so that we could help our bodies fight off COVID-19.
Oh.
And also the health care workers who have put in countless hours since the beginning of this pandemic treating and taking care of people who have gotten sick with the virus.
Oh, right.
I guess you are kind of a hero too, Dennis.
I knew it!
Wait, why?
Well for doing what it takes to keep yourself healthy, so you don't catch and spread this thing to other people.
Wow, this new talent of mine keeps sounding better and better.
And I guess that makes me a hero too.
And you, Guy Raz.
Aww.
Fine, but I call dibs on being a hero for the talent show.
Nobody copy me!
Now I better get home and pick out a new cape for my act.
Dennis, the hero, away!
What have we done, Mindy?
You know what, Guy Raz?
We helped get our friend vaccinated, and that's all that matters.
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 Brand new 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, Mindy and Guy Raz.
My name is Ruben and I'm nine years old and I live in California.
I'm going to tell you about the time when I got my first COVID shot.
When I was going there, I was scared because I didn't know what it would feel like and I didn't want to get it.
I went to CVS, and when we got there, there was a lot of Christmas stuff.
The doctor was very patient with me when I asked for more time.
Then when he gave me the shot, I didn't feel anything.
When I was done, my mom said I could pick out any gift and that she was a claw machine.
Bye.
I love your show.
Hello.
My name is Rhea.
And my name is Nikita.
And we're from Bethesda, Maryland.
And all around the world is when you get your COVID vaccine.
Then don't look at the needle.
And everything will be okay.
Bye.
Hi, I'm Sadie.
And I'm Hazel.
We live in Pennsylvania.
We got our first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Our dad is a pharmacist and gave me mine.
He gives the vaccine to other kids and adults too.
Our grandfather, who is also a pharmacist, gave my sister hers.
It didn't hurt.
And it felt just like when we get our flu shot.
We love your show.
Bye.
Bye.
Hi, my name is Catalina.
I live in Washington, D.C., and I'm eight.
I got my COVID vaccine.
It only felt like a pinch.
And after I got water and a pretzel and a lollipop, Mindy and Guy Raz.
I am Asher.
I am 10 years old and from Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
My perspective of the COVID vaccine was a short, hard pinch like a flu shot.
I felt really tired and a little sore on my arm and a little relief.
So, bye.
Hello, I'm Elizabeth and I'm from Cumming, Georgia.
And when I got my COVID shot, it didn't even hurt one bit.
Hi, I'm Noelle from.
We're from saline, michigan.
We just wanted to tell you uh, that we got the covid vaccine and it hurts a lot less than a flu shot, so don't be scared.
Bye bye, love yourself.
Hi wild in the world.
My name is grady and i live in natchester, minnesota.
Um, when i went into my vaccination i got um really scared, but i found out what helped for me was the Look away from the needle and anybody giving it to you, and just not be as tense, because that makes it hurt.
And when I was leaving, I was really happy to be vaccinated.
And I shared it with almost everybody I knew.
So thank you.
Hi, my name is Josie.
And my experience with the vaccine was super cool.
Now I'm really happy because I'm vaccinated.
Oh my gosh.
Bye.
End of messages.
And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey at wondery.com slash survey.
Wow in the World is written by Mindy Thomas and Tom Van Kalken with help from me, Guy Raz.
Our senior producer, Jed Anderson, brings our show to life with sound design and music editing.
And is also in charge of wrangling Dennis Thomas Fingerling, Reggie and many of the other silly comedies.
Our theme song was composed and performed by three-time Grammy nominees, The Pop Ups.
Find them at thepopups.com.
Special thanks to the rest of our team of tinkerers, including Anna Zagorski, Rebecca Caban, Kit Ballinger, Henry Moskal and Tyler Thole.
To keep the wows rolling, visit us at tinkercast.com.
There you can learn more about becoming an official member of the World Organization of Wowzers.
Learn more about upcoming events.
Shop our shop and pick up a copy of our new number one New York Times bestselling book, The How and Wow of the Human Body.
Grownups, you can follow Wow in the World on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at wowintheworld.
And our email address is hello at tinkercast.com.
And if 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 our show or an upcoming episode of Two What's and a Wow.
Thanks again for listening.
And until next time, keep on wowing.
The world was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.
