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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!
Yeah, it's summertime.
No homework, no school.
Yeah, it's the hottest season.
Me and Reggie are keeping it cool.
But Dennis is cooler than 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.
To Wee Wow Summer Week.
Summer fun forever and ever.
That's right, Reggie.
School's out and it's time for summer, baby.
Yes, Reggie.
As a matter of fact, I do go to school.
Well, for your information, I'm getting my MBA.
That's right.
My Master's of Being Annoying at Pain in the Neck University.
But now it's summer. and you know what that means.
Yeah, we can do anything we want.
We don't have to record podcasts in the basement.
We can record outside because it's nice outside.
And we can have fun all day and stay up all night.
So, what do you want to do?
What?
What do you mean you don't know?
Reggie, I came up with the title, Summer Fun Forever and Ever.
You were supposed to plan all the things we do forever and ever.
I don't know.
Things like pool parties and hanging loose and surfing USA.
Oh, whatever.
It's okay.
Now we have nothing to do, and so I guess we'll just do nothing, right?
Okay, ready?
Here we go.
And nothing.
Wow, who knew having nothing to do would be so boring?
Reggie, I'm bored.
Well, what's everyone else doing today?
Well, let's go snoop around and find out.
Because Reggie, what if they're doing all the things like pool parties and hanging loose and surfing USA without me Dennis?
Reggie, that's it.
We should go around the neighborhood and interview everyone and find out what they do in the summer.
This is so bananas, it just might work.
No, Reggie, we can't start today.
Tomorrow.
We'll start interviewing people tomorrow.
Because I'm not ready.
Well, first off, this isn't the right microphone.
I need my interview microphone.
And my interview hat.
In the meantime, devoted listeners, what are you doing this summer?
I want to hear your summertime wows.
Summertime wows, Reggie.
Like maybe a vacation you went on in the past or a summer experience you're having right now.
Wowzers, if you have a wow summer memory you'd like to share with us, call us at 1-888-7-WOW-WOW.
That's 1-888-7-WOW-WOW.
You just may hear your Summer of Wow moment featured on Wow in the World this summer.
Good idea, Reggie.
Let's listen to an episode of Wow in the World right now.
Well, I was thinking in the spirit of doing nothing and being bored and slowing down...
That we listen to this one.
It's Wow in the World Season 4, Episode 16, called What's Slower Than Slow?
Yeah, if we learn how to go slow, then we can make the summer last forever and ever.
Okay, here we go.
And play.
WeeWow will be right back.
Grown-ups.
This message is for you grown-ups.
It's mindy and guy ross 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.
Plus, 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.
Now back to the show.
Okay, let's see.
Gluten-free pretzels, check.
Sparkling-free water, check.
Yogurt garlic dip, check.
Okay, I think everything's ready for the big race.
Now I just need to tune in to BTN here.
And that concludes our weekend-long marathon of classic television static.
Coming up on the Boring Television Network, Boring Sports featuring the 100-meter Nada Dash.
But first, a word from our sponsor.
Do you like fireworks?
Fireworks!
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
Saturday.
And you're just in time too.
The big race is about to start.
Uh, aren't you gonna say anything about my shirt?
Uh, your shirt?
Yeah, check it out Happy unbirthday Guy Roz Mindy, is this for me?
You know it is You didn't think I'd forget your unbirthday, did you?
Uh, Check it out.
I've got everything here An unbirthday cake with your name on it, An unbirthday shirt, also with your name on it, and an unbirthday t-shirt cannon with my name on it.
Huh?
Ooh, nice catch.
Yeah.
Why don't you check the pocket?
The pocket?
Yeah, the pocket on the shirt.
All right.
Let's see here.
Mindy, are these what I think they are? to the 100-meter Not-A-Dash at the Snoozefest Arena?
Happy unbirthday, Guy Razzi!
Mindy, this is amazing.
I can't believe you got us tickets to see the slowest of the slowest animals competition.
I wonder who's going to win the title of world's slowest animal.
I know.
And I heard it's a really competitive and diverse field this year.
We've got marsupials, mammals, reptiles, mollusks.
Wow.
Anywho, we got to get a move on it.
This race is about to start.
Yeah, I know.
I was just about to settle down in front of the TV to watch it.
I know.
But lucky for you, Guy Raz Reggie just got his flying license renewed and is waiting for us out in the yard.
Hey, Reg!
We'll be right there.
He says he'll get us there lickety split.
Perfect.
Just give me two seconds.
Let me grab my stuff.
Your stuff?
Yeah, wait right here.
OK.
I don't know what you've been told.
We're in a great so many discoveries.
We're in the world.
We're in the world.
We're in the world.
We're in the world.
Ta-da!
What in the?
It's all my boredom sports fan gear.
Check it out.
I've got my big foam finger, my horn, my cap.
What does it say?
Boredom?
Con?
X, X, X, C, V, I, I, I. Is this Roman numerals?
Yep.
Ah, so boring.
I got you one too, Mindy.
Thanks.
Does it also make me do math?
Yeah, here, pop it on.
Okay.
Okay, let's get out of here, Mindy.
Hey, Reggie.
Aw, he says happy birthday. say, Guy Razzi?
Oh, thanks, Reg.
Oh, man, look at the time.
You're right, Reg.
We got a bus to move.
Come on, Guy Raz.
Hop on.
Coming up right behind you.
Good morning, everyone.
My name is Mindy and I will be your pilot today on this non-stop Reggie flight to the Snoozefest Arena.
I'd just like to welcome you all aboard today and remind you to please keep your hands, feet and other objects inside the vehicle at all times.
Thank you very much and enjoy your flight.
Indy!
Because here we go!
And that's a arriving safe and sound and on time.
Nice job, Reg.
Uh, Mindy, are you sure we're at the right place?
It looks super quiet here.
Hmm.
Well, it is the Snoozefest Arena.
Maybe everyone's asleep.
Mindy, I highly doubt that everyone here is... asleep.
Well, that seems to be the case with this ticket taker.
Um...
Oh, um, sorry to wake you, sir, but we are here for the 100 meter not a dash.
I've got my tickets.
We in the right place?
Um, yes, you've arrived at the right place.
Please get your tickets.
Here you go.
It's my own birthday.
Oh, that's great, sir.
I'm so blessed. bored for you.
Now, if you have a couple of hours, I'd like to ask you a few hundred questions about how you found out about today's event.
Question the first.
How did you find out about today's event?
Was it A. A friend?
B. A friend of a friend?
C. A friend of a friend of a friend?
Or D. A friend's neighbor's dog's Pastors.
We don't have time for this.
Thank you very much.
Come on, Guy Raz.
We got to go.
You too, Reg.
Let me check the tickets here.
Let's see.
We are 23, 24, and 25, section 34 in the slow Wi-Fi stand.
I think we're over this way, Mindy.
Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk.
Whoa.
Look at this place, Mindy.
The atmosphere is electric.
Yeah, electric.
That's what I was thinking too.
Oh, good eye, Reg.
Hey, Guy Raz, over here.
Reggie found our seats.
Excuse me, uh, pardon me.
Sorry, uh, pardon me.
Oh, mind yourself.
Sorry.
Oh, sorry.
Ah, we made it.
And just in time too, Mindy.
I think it's about to start.
Testing, testing.
Hello, everyone, and welcome to the annual 100-meter Nata Dash World Championship.
Please, there's no need for that.
Thank you.
Every year, slowpokes from all over the planet come to the Snoozefest Arena to compete for the title of World's Slowest Animal.
The World's Slowest Animal?
Animal?
And now, introducing this year's contestants.
Here we go, Mindy.
Hailing from the treetops of eastern Australia, sleeping for more than 19 hours a day and eating for most of the other five.
It's the motionless marsupial, Gary the koala.
Mindy, I have all of his trading cards.
Next up and last year's reigning champion, the slowest mammal on the planet, the South American, who's always down to hang.
It's Barney the sloth.
Yes!
I love sloths!
I know you do!
I know!
Okay, but I've got a question.
Whoa, whoa.
What's that, Mindy?
Why are all of these animals so slow?
Well, there are a bunch of different reasons why one animal might be slower or faster than another, but the reason why most of the animals out here today are slow is because of their diet.
Their diet?
You mean, like, what they eat?
Yeah, take Gary the koala, for example.
Koalas are actually super fussy eaters, and they only eat one specific kind of food.
Oh yeah, koalas only eat eucalyptus leaves, right?
Yeah, but the problem with eucalyptus leaves is that they're full of tiny fibers.
Ah, which probably means that it takes koalas a long time to digest them.
You know, to turn all of those delicious eucalyptus leaves into poop.
That's right, and the best way for these koalas to digest these leaves is to sleep it off.
That's what Grandma G-Force always says after Thanksgiving dinner.
And in a In addition to this, Mindy, eucalyptus leaves aren't very nutritious either.
So you're saying that koalas don't get a lot of energy from eating leaves?
Exactly.
So the few hours that koalas are awake, they only have a small supply of energy to do everything else they need to do.
So in order to conserve their energy, they tend to move very, very slowly.
Oh.
Like when we got lost on that road trip and we had to conserve gas to get us to the hotel.
Exactly.
And so what about the sloth?
Same deal?
Pretty much, Mindy.
I mean, you are what you eat.
So the sloth also doesn't have a very nutritious diet.
Exactly.
And because of this, just like the koala, the sloth doesn't have much energy to spare.
So it simply takes it slow.
Ah!
Really slow, judging by the stats up there on the Jumbotron.
Check it out.
It says up there that the sloth only moves 41 yards a day.
That's less than half the length of a football field.
Yeah, but believe it or not, it's still not the slowest animal here.
What?
Really?
Who else we got?
Well, there's Humphrey the tortoise and Samantha the snail.
Uh-huh.
But...
There is one competitor in particular that I've been waiting to see all year.
She's actually a newcomer to the competition this year and is supposedly going to blast everyone out of the water.
Really?
Who is this slow superstar?
Oh, I think they're about to announce her, Mindy.
And finally arriving to the starting line, the reptile you've all been waiting for.
From the caves of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the amphibian that can't be moved.
Please welcome Deborah the salamander.
Thank you.
Deborah the salamander?
Yep Deborah was part of a group of European salamanders that were studied by scientists from Utvos Lorend University in Hungary.
And if you thought those other animals were slow, oh boy, just wait till you hear about this salamander.
Why?
How slow is she?
Oh, oh, oh, one second, Mindy.
I think the race is about to start.
On your marks, get set, slow.
And they're off, sort of.
OK.
So how slow is this salamander, Guy Raz?
Debra belonged to a group of salamanders called Olms.
Oh, I know Olms.
I used to have one as my old neighbor.
They're almost completely blind and typically live in damp caves in Europe.
That's right.
And this group of researchers from Hungary tagged and monitored a total of 26 of these Olms living in a small section of a cave in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Yeah?
And what did they find?
Well, they basically found this.
And it looks like the snail has moved one inch down the track.
Such incredible speed.
Coming up close behind is Humphrey the turtle who has just managed to open his eyes.
Barney the sloth and Gary the koala are both still fast asleep at the starting line.
Must have been a big lunch.
Ha, ha, ha, ha.
And Deborah, true to form, has yet to move a muscle.
Well, it doesn't look like that salamander Deborah is going anywhere in a hurry.
Is that what the researchers found, Guy Raz?
Exactly, Mindy.
Between the years 2010 and 2018, the researchers returned to the cave five, four times to check up on the ohms' progress and see how far they've moved.
Oh, yeah?
And what did they find?
These researchers found that these salamanders only moved about five meters, or 16 feet, every year.
16 feet in a year?
You're telling me that these little guys only moved the length of my ice cream truck in a whole year.
That's exactly what I'm saying, Mindy.
Man, you were not kidding when you said these things were slow.
And that's not all.
It's not?
Nope.
Out of all of those super slow salamanders, there was even one standout olm.
One olm that refused to move at all for seven years.
Seven years?
What?
That's bonger balls.
And guess what, Mindy?
What?
That salamander, that olm, was Debra.
And she's down there right now doing her thing.
Or not doing her thing.
That's right.
This one salamander sat in that exact same spot in that damp cave for 2,569 days in a row.
Man, I know I can be slow to get out of bed in the morning, but seven years slow?
That is crazy salad.
It looks like Humphrey the Turtle has finally begun shuffling forward ever so slowly.
Barney the Sloth seems to have woken up now at least.
And the down-and-out favorite, Deborah, is still to make a move.
So why is it that these salamanders move at such a glacial pace?
I mean, does it have something to do with their diet, maybe?
Are they eating something super non-nutritious, like my sugar-blasted tart pops, for example?
Well, not exactly.
You see, these little guys don't need to hurry anywhere.
Uh, what do you mean?
Well, not only do these salamanders have no natural predator in the wild, but they also seem to live their whole lives in slow motion.
Slow motion?
Yeah, these salamanders can live for up to a hundred years, so they've got plenty of time to have a good old rest.
I get it.
But on top of that, Mindy, they also only mate once every two 12 and a half years.
Huh.
And mating is one of the main reasons that animals stay mobile or move around a lot to try and find a partner to have babies and continue with their family tree.
Exactly.
So with these alms not having to worry about predators and only having to mate every 12 years and living until they're almost 100 years old well, they don't really have to move around much at all.
And it looks like Deborah the salamander is made of stone or some such.
She is still not moving, although Gary the koala, it appears, has woken up and is scanning his surroundings for something to eat.
Okay, so I get that these salamanders don't have to move around to avoid getting eaten by predators, but don't they have to move in order to grab a bite to eat themselves?
Well, actually, these ohms don't even have to move to get their food.
They simply wait for it to come to them.
What?
Did these ohms figure out how to order delivery?
Well, no, actually.
These ohms use a technique known as sit and wait to hunt.
And let me guess, they sit and they wait.
Yep.
The ohms pick a good spot to hang out at, and then they wait for the small crustaceans that they feed on to come close enough for them to snap them up rather than to use up their energy chasing them around.
Crustaceans?
You mean like crabs and lobsters?
Man, these salamanders are...
Well yeah, the crustaceans are in the same family as lobsters and crabs, but they're much, much smaller.
Okay, and so these mini seafood delicacies, they just walk straight into the open salamander mouth?
Well, basically, yeah, but it doesn't just happen overnight.
With this sort of technique, the olm can sometimes wait one or two years between meals.
Years?
Are you kidding me?
I just had a caviar burrito before we left the house and already I'm starving.
Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but it turns out that Debra and her whole species are like masters of zen.
Yeah, and check it out.
She still hasn't left her starting block.
Still very little movement from Debra here.
However, it looks like Bonnie the sloth is slowly beginning to drag himself forward.
So what was the whole point of this research, Guy Raz?
Well, because these little guys move at a slower pace than the rest of us, they're also more susceptible to things like climate change and habitat destruction.
Ah, and so the researchers are hoping that this insight into these super slow movers will help to keep them safe in the future.
Exactly, and it'll help to make laws to keep them and their habitats safe and sound.
Well, if some of them are still going to be around and kicking in 100 years, we want to make sure that they have a place to live.
You got it.
Still not much movement here at Snoozefest Arena.
Oh, excuse me.
Still anyone's race.
Wait, is this a race or is it like golf?
Oh, it is a race.
Well, whatever.
It's still super boring.
Yes, Mindy?
Do you think that this race will also go on for seven years?
I mean, with Debra the salamander competing and all?
Oh, no, I don't think so, Mindy.
Oh, good.
It'll take much longer than that.
What?
Well, just think about it, Mindy.
It took the average Ohm salamander one year to move just five meters or 16 feet.
Uh-huh.
And this is a 100 meter, not a dash.
100 meters?
So what, five meters a year?
Then carry the two minus one.
It's going to take Debra 20 years to finish this race?
Yeah, and it could be even longer, Mindy.
I mean, that was the average.
And if I know anything about Debra, well, it's that she is far from average.
Guy Raz is 20 years to burn in this arena?
I got things to do!
Well, that's perfectly fine Mindy, because it looks like this ticket you got me is a multi-day pass.
So uh, we could just come back next year for my own birthday and see how far these four have gotten.
Next year?
Yeah, and the year after that and the year after that and the year after that and the year after that and the year after that and the year after that and the year after that.
And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey at wondery.com slash survey.
And to keep the wow rolling, check out this week's scientific conversation starters at our website wowintheworldcom.
And grownups.
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.
Hello.
Our show is written by me, Guy Raz, and Thomas Van Kalken, who also provides silly characters.
Tom?
Hello there.
Thanks also to Jessica Bode, Anna Zagorski, Rebecca Caban, Kit Ballinger, and Alex Curley.
Meredith Halpern-Ranzer powers the wow at Tinkercast.
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, you can follow Wow in the World on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at wowintheworld.
And our email address is hello at wowintheworld.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 the show.
Also, if you haven't already done so, please subscribe to Wow in the World on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Yeah, leave us a few stars, a review, or just tell a friend about the show.
Thanks again for listening, and until next time, keep on wowing.
Jinx!
The world was made by Tinkercast and sent to you by Wondery.
