Wow in the World

Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz have built something special here. Wow in the World is the kind of science podcast that kids actually ask to listen to again, which says a lot when you're competing against YouTube and video games. Each Monday brings a new episode where Mindy and Guy chase down some genuinely surprising piece of science news and turn it into what they call a "cartoon for your ears" -- complete with goofy characters, sound effects, and enough energy to power a small city. The show has been running since 2017, produced by Tinkercast (the same team behind other NPR kids hits), and it's grown into a massive catalog of over 1,100 episodes. That's not a typo. They also run companion shows like Two Whats?! And A Wow!, which is more of a science game show format. The main feed covers everything from microbes to black holes, and the hosts have a natural chemistry that keeps things moving without talking down to their audience. With a 4.6-star average from over 30,000 Apple ratings, the numbers back up what parents already know: this one works. Episodes run about 20 to 30 minutes, which is the sweet spot for car rides and dinner prep. Guy Raz brings his public radio chops (you might know him from How I Built This), while Mindy brings a manic, silly energy that kids absolutely love. The result is a show that somehow makes photosynthesis as entertaining as a Saturday morning cartoon.