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.
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.
This is the week where we have all kinds of summer fun, but we couldn't think of anything to do.
So we're Man, my fishing line's all bungled.
Oh, hey, there's Thomas Fingerling.
Hey, Tommy.
Howdy ho there, feller.
Would you mind holding this here tackle box while I fix this winder?
Got a real bird's nest here.
Oh, boy, what's all this fishing stuff for?
For fishing.
Oh, wow.
So, are you going fishing?
Well, of course I'm going fishing.
Neat.
I was just putting my bait on the hook when my line got all tangled up here.
There we go.
Okay, watch yourself there, pigeon.
Don't get hooked here.
Wow, yeah, that's a big hook.
Oh, yeah.
You need a big hook for a big fish, Danny boy.
Oh, that makes sense.
Wait, is that a hook from a A coat hanger?
Yep.
Just got to get a worm on here.
Ew, a worm?
You're going to touch a worm?
Well, I don't know how else to get them on there without touching them.
Come here, worm.
Oh, you're using a gummy worm.
Oh, yeah.
I got a real taste for gummy worms.
You know, something me and fish got in common.
Me too.
I've also been told I smell like fish.
Oh, yeah.
Kind of like sardines.
Tommy, stop.
You're making me blush.
All righty.
Fishing time.
Wait, where are you going to fish?
We're standing on your front lawn.
And?
And don't you need like a lake or a river?
Well, yeah.
I got a pond.
Oh, a pond.
Come on.
Where's the pond?
Right here.
This little kiddie pool with unicorns on it?
Yep.
Rainbow Bay.
Okay.
Careful.
Carefully.
Don't scare away the lunkers now.
You don't know how to fish, do you, Tommy?
Nope.
Well, this was fun.
Summer fun forever and ever?
Not quite.
Oh, well.
Okay, devoted listeners.
Tommy and I are going to keep fishing in this kiddie pool.
Rainbow Bay.
Right.
Rainbow Bay.
But in the meantime, we want to hear your summertime wows.
Oh, yeah.
That sounds good.
Like maybe a vacation you went on in the past.
Or a summer experience you're having right now.
So, 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.
Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!
Whoa, I got something.
You do?
Nope, just snagged my pants.
Oh, good idea, Reggie.
Let's listen to an episode of Wow in the World.
Ooh, which one?
Well, I was thinking that we could listen to this one.
It's Wow in the World, Season 4, Episode 12, called Laughter in a Can.
Sounds delicious.
All right, here we go.
And play.
WeWow 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 WowKid created 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.
Grown-ups.
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.
That's it.
Now back to the show.
Let's see here.
I'm going to need some milk eggs, some whale blubber caviar tart pops.
Parentheses sardine flavored.
Ooh, Just a second.
Good morning, Guy... You are not Guy Raz.
Hello, ma'am.
Can I ask you a question?
Sure.
I love questions.
Do you ever find yourself wanting something more out of life?
Wanting something more out of life?
Yeah, sure.
I just ran out of caviar.
Uh, what?
Caviar.
You know, fish eggs.
I like to dip them in milk and then sprinkle them on my spaghetti.
No, I was actually talking about maybe a sense of fulfillment, a feeling of accomplishment or happiness.
Then boy, do I have a range of products for you.
Ooh, wind chimes.
Oh, no, those aren't wind chimes, ma'am.
Those are elixirs designed specifically to make your life complete.
Ooh, hey, what's this one?
Careful.
Laughter in a can?
That's one of our best sellers.
Simply open that candle after and you too can live your life like a TV show.
Like a TV show, huh?
That's right.
It'll make you funnier than your wildest dreams.
Oh, you mean the one I always have where the monkeys are driving go-karts?
What?
My wildest dream.
Okay.
You know, I have been meaning to get back into my comedy routine at the Banana Split Comedy Club.
They haven't let me back in since last time.
Hi, everyone.
Um, why was the robot angry?
Huh?
Because the programmer kept pushing his buttons.
So, how much is it?
You're in luck, ma'am.
That canned laughter is currently on sale for just $249.99.
Oh, man.
All I've got is, um...
Three buttons and a couple of old mints.
Oh, we also accept buttons.
Really?
Yeah, buttons are really valuable.
Or wait, was it bitcoins?
No, it's buttons.
I'm pretty sure it's buttons.
All right.
Well, here you go.
Oh, sorry.
They're a little bit sticky.
Oh, I see.
Well, here's my card in case you need anything else.
Thank you.
Ooh, laminated.
And, on behalf of Essential Potential, I'd like you for your purchase.
Okay bye, all right now, what does this can say here?
Uh, warning do not use this product if you are prone to giggle fits, obnoxious laughter or laugh snorting yada yada, yada.
Side effects may include a perceived funnier personality.
Blah blah, blah.
Beware Once opened, this product is irreversible and the effects of such will not be retractable until the entire can has run out.
Oh my gosh, this is so boring.
All right, here goes nothing.
Three, two, oney...
What happened?
Where in the wow are those voices coming from?
Hello?
Wait a minute.
That's one of our best sellers.
Simply open that can't laughter and you too can live your life like a TV show.
Oh boy.
Something strange is happening.
Guy Razzi!
Mindy, what in the wow is going on?
Where are those voices coming from?
Well... Look, I don't know where they're coming from, but I do know where they came from.
What?
It's canned laughter.
Canned laughter?
Yeah, is there an echo in here?
What in the wow is canned laughter?
Well, look.
Check it out for yourself.
I saved the can.
Canned laughter?
Uh-huh.
Beware.
Once opened, this product is irreversible.
Uh-huh.
And the effects of such will not be retractable until the entire can has run out.
Mindy!
What? told me it would make me funnier beyond my wildest dreams, Guy Raz.
And why would having a bunch of strangers laugh in the background of your jokes?
Well, I do 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.
And you thought that adding a laugh track to your real life would make you funnier too?
Uh, maybe?
Uh-huh.
So how exactly did this study show that laugh tracks make jokes funnier?
Well, I could tell you, but I'd rather show you.
Oh, boy.
What did you have in mind?
Hi, Roz.
You and I are heading back to the banana split to put this comical experiment to the test and to make my triumphant return to the stage of Mindy.
You do remember what happened last time, don't you?
The robots?
No, the other time.
The monkeys?
No, the other other time.
Oh, that time.
Can you promise we're not going to have another incident?
Yes, of course I can't promise you that we won't have another incident, Guy Razzi.
As usual, I've got everything out of control.
Come on, let's go.
Let me just get us a ride to the comedy club.
Excuse me for a second.
Dialing, dialing, dialing, dialing, dialing.
Jello?
Yeah, good.
Uh-huh.
Uh-huh.
Uh-huh.
Okay, great.
See you soon.
Our ride will be here any second now.
Great.
So tell me, Mindy, how is this thing going to work exactly?
How is what going to work exactly?
The experiment.
Oh, right.
Well, the study, which was performed by the University College London, started off by collecting 40 jokes from dads across the world.
Dads?
Yeah, a male parent, one's father.
What?
I don't know how else to define dad.
Dad jokes?
Yeah, dad jokes.
You know, those super corny jokes that dads are famous for.
Well, what's an example?
Okay, here's one of the actual jokes that the researchers used in the study.
You're going to want to hold on to your funny bone for this.
What American state has the smallest drinks?
American state has the smallest drinks?
I don't know.
Minnesota!
Huh?
Oh, man, that was so bad.
Want to hear another one?
No, I'm good.
Okay, okay, okay.
What does a dinosaur use to pay the bills?
I don't know, Mindy.
What does a dinosaur use to pay the bills?
Tyrannosaurus Jack!
Okay, Mindy, point made.
These jokes are cornier than a corn souffle on 4th of July.
Wait, you eat corn souffle on the 4th of July?
Yeah, a family tradition.
So what did they do after they got this collection of perfectly corny jokes together?
Well, they got a group of participants or people to rate the jokes on a scale of 1 to 7.
One being not funny at all, and seven being pretty much so funny that you'd wet your pants.
And then what did they do?
Then they got interrupted by a doorbell.
That must be our ride.
I'll tell you the rest later.
I'm coming!
I'm coming!
Reggie!
Oh, Reggie!
OK, you ready to take off? the only one that doesn't understand what this bird is saying?
Alrighty, Guy Raz.
Reg has got the motor pickle idling in the driveway.
We've got our jokes locked and loaded baked potato.
And I've got my can of laps.
Let's get this experiment underway.
I'm right behind you, Mindy.
We'll be right back after these messages. the spit take restaurant this month orange rinds only $3.99 coffee grounds at $2.99 and prepare your bitter buds for our all new ginger and dandelion summer salad just $5.99 only for unlimited time at the spit take restaurant where we'll have you saying ugh is this food even and now back to everyone's favorite group of misfits it's wow in the world Took forever.
Yeah well, we would have gotten here a lot quicker if you hadn't stopped for that roadside hot dog, Mindy.
What was I supposed to do?
It looked lost.
Okay, so what's the plan now?
Well, according to the scientific study I was telling you about, after those researchers had collected those 40 corny dad jokes, Yeah.
They got a professional comedian to record themselves delivering each joke and then took those recordings and made different versions of each one.
Okay.
The first version had no laugh track whatsoever.
Got it.
The second version had canned laughter on it.
You know the random laughter that had been recorded beforehand and then slapped over the top of a joke later on.
Okay.
And the last version had a laugh track of people actually reacting to the joke in real time.
Like a live studio audience?
Exactoritos.
And so what happened next?
Well.
The researchers then played these three versions to the participants and asked them to rate each one on a scale of one to seven.
One being not funny at all.
Seven, meaning it made them laugh so hard they peed their pants.
Basically.
And what did they find, Mindy?
Well, I think we're about to find out.
Okay, okay.
How's everybody doing tonight?
Tough crowd.
All right.
Well, we've got a great show for you tonight.
Some of the best comics in town are here in the building.
It's a great lineup.
And to get us started making a triumphant return to the Banana Split.
Please welcome to the stage, oh boy Mindy.
Hello, Banana Split.
How's everybody doing today?
Uh, fine.
Yikes.
Okay.
Tough crowd.
Let's hope this works.
Okay, stop me if you've heard this one before.
What?
What state has the smallest drinks?
Uh, I don't know.
Minnesota!
Huh?
That's actually pretty funny.
All right, all right.
What does a dinosaur use to pay the bills?
What?
Tyrannosaurus checks.
Tyrannosaurus checks.
It's working.
This crowd is loving it.
All right, one more.
What's orange and sounds like a parrot?
What?
A carrot!
Thank you, Banana Split.
I'm back, baby.
Drop the mic.
Oh, sorry.
Do I have to pay for that?
Hey, not this time.
Everyone gets one mic drop exit, am I right?
Wow.
Okay, I was not expecting that to go so well.
That was Mindy, everybody.
Coming up next on the stage, we've got Georgie.
That was incredible.
You crushed it up there.
Yeah, I guess this canned laughter thing really works.
So...
Did those researchers from London have similar results with their study?
Yeah.
They found that when they asked people afterwards to rate the jokes again on a scale of 1 to 7, 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.
That's so cool!
Hey, Mindy!
Hey, Woody!
Great set tonight!
I don't know where that came from, but...
How's about you come back tomorrow night and do the headlining spot?
I mean, as long as you got more bits, those ones tonight were killers.
Oh, boy, do I. Okay, try this one on for size.
What do you call a man with a shovel on his head?
I don't know, Mindy.
What?
Doug!
I said Doug.
Yeah, I heard you.
Like, I dug a hole with a shovel?
No, I get it.
It's just, uh...
It's not funny.
Wait a minute, Mindy.
Do you hear that?
Hear what?
I don't hear anything.
Exactly.
The canned laughter.
It stopped.
Oh, bonker balls.
I guess we must have used up the whole can.
Wait a minute.
Did you just say you were up there using performance-enhancing laughter?
Uh.
And no?
Mindy, there is no place for canned laughter here at the Banana Split.
Oh, no.
No, no.
Please no, Mr. Manager.
I need to be on that stage.
I was born to perform.
I'm sorry, but we have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to artificially enhanced jokes.
And now I'm going to have to ask you and your friends to make like a tree and get out of here.
Uh, don't you mean make like a tree and leaf?
Who owns the comedy club here, Mr. Wiseguy?
Uh, you do.
That's right.
Now, please, make like a get out of here.
Hey, I don't want none of your sassy beak, Mr. Huge Pigeon.
Now, out.
All ears.
Well, easy come, easy go, Mindy.
Yeah.
Hey, cheer up, Mindy.
It's not the end of the world.
Yeah, I guess you're right.
Hey, wait a minute.
I know what I'll do.
What?
I'll call up that salesperson again.
She gave me her card.
It's right here in my pocket.
See?
Ooh, laminated.
So what now, Mindy?
You're just going to buy some more canned laughter?
Don't be redonkulous, Guy Raz.
I don't want to go through all that again.
Good think she was also selling some spray on happiness, or maybe it was some lavender oil that was supposed to boost my cheritonin production grown-ups.
If you like wow in the world, you can listen early and ad-free right now on wondery plus.
Join wondery plus in the wondery app or on Wondery Kids Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Prime members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music.
And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey at wondery.com slash survey.
Hey, everyone.
Thank you so much for hanging out with us this week on Wow in the World.
And to keep the wow rolling, check out this week's scientific conversation starters at our website And grown-ups.
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.
