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[Food Science Trivia: Exploring the 'Two Whats and a Wow' Game Show]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - What's on the Menu?]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2022-05-13

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Introduction to 'Two Whats and a Wow'

In this episode of the popular children's podcast Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz take listeners through an engaging and educational game show titled 'Two Whats and a Wow.' The show functions on a simple yet entertaining premise: the hosts present three scientific statements about a specific topic—in this case, food—where only one statement is a scientifically verified 'wow,' while the other two are fabricated 'whats.' Participants who guess incorrectly are tasked with performing humorous physical challenges, such as 'smell your own armpits' or 'write your name using only your feet.'

Round 1: The Origins of Oranges

The first round focused on the history of fruit. The contestants were presented with three options regarding oranges, apple seeds, and the national bird of New Zealand. The correct scientific fact, confirmed by a guest named Vivian, was that 'the first oranges weren't orange, they were green.' The hosts elaborated that the earliest oranges, originating in South Asia, lacked the vibrant orange color we associate with them today, highlighting the fascinating evolutionary and botanical history of common foods.

Round 2: Ancient Medicine and Moldy Bread

In the second round, the game shifted to historical medical practices. Contestants had to identify a true fact among claims about Icelandic potato chips, Egyptian medicine, and 1920s pizza laws. The winning 'wow,' identified by Dax, was that 'Ancient Egyptians used moldy bread to fight infections.' Mindy and Guy Raz explained the scientific significance of this, noting that thousands of years later, Alexander Fleming would discover that mold is the key to fighting bacteria, eventually leading to the development of modern antibiotics. This segment cleverly bridged the gap between ancient folk remedies and contemporary medical science.

Round 3: The Medicinal History of Ketchup

The final round explored the peculiar history of condiments. Between claims about cupcakes, ketchup, and giant pancakes, the correct 'wow' was that 'ketchup was once used to treat diarrhea.' The hosts shared that in the 1830s, Dr. John Cook Bennett promoted ketchup as a remedy for stomach ailments like indigestion. This historical nugget serves as a prime example of how the culinary world has evolved from medicinal purposes to purely gastronomic enjoyment.

Scientific Engagement and Conclusion

Beyond the trivia, the episode encourages listeners to engage in 'Operation Taste With Your Buds.' This challenge invites children and their families to explore the five basic tastes—sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami—by experimenting with unconventional flavor combinations, such as mixing sweet maple syrup with garlic toast. By turning scientific concepts into an interactive game, Wow in the World continues to foster curiosity in young listeners, encouraging them to treat their daily meals as opportunities for scientific discovery. The episode concludes with a reminder to continue exploring the world through the Tinkercast resources, emphasizing the show's commitment to making science accessible and fun for children.

🎯Key Sentences

1
Well, that seems about right.
2
This isn't my first rodeo.
3
Places, everyone.
4
You know it.
5
Okay, everyone ready to start the game?
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
that seems about right
4
coming right up
5
can I interest you in
Expand All

📖 Transcript

Grownups, Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Wow in the World early and ad-free right now.
Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus on Apple Podcasts.
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.

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