Hey, Wowzer fans, Mindy here. And before we start the show, I've got a question for you. Are you ready to make it? Okay, here's the deal. My buddy Carly Q and I are hitting the road to make it wow with you in the D.C. area. That's right. We'll be making it wow in Bethesda, Maryland on Saturday, March 29th. Make It Wow is a live bonker balls competition game show where real kids are the star of the show.
Two teams of Wowzers will turn their wildest and weirdest ideas into jaw-dropping inventions live on stage. Tickets? are on sale now. Grownups visit Tinkercast.com slash events to get your ticket today. That's Tinkercast.com slash events. We count. wait to make it wow with you this spring, but until then, let's get on with the show. Hello and welcome to WeWow. A hands-on...
Crash Course in Fun Fun 101 for science seekers and inventoritos everywhere. I'm Mindy. And I'm Guy Raz. And we've got a serious mystery on our hands this week. Golden fake teeth that I got Grandma G-Force for her birthday have gone missing.
And we found one clue so far, and we're looking for more, which is why I brought out my trusty magnifying glass, which has something called a convex lens. So convex, meaning that it... bulges outwards and lens like something you can see through that angles light. In a certain way? That's exactly right. You see, light travels through the lens, and because the lens is curved, it changes the direction the light travels. So that means when we look at something through a convex...
It looks different than if we were looking at something with our regular old eyeballs? Exactly. And in this case, it makes small things look bigger. I figured it could help us notice things we wouldn't have noticed before. Great idea, detective guy, private eye. Here, let's try it out. Okay, so let's try pointing the magnifying glass at the ground near the safe.
Whoa, look at how big the carpet fibers look. Like big fuzzy chonka pillars. Mindy, your carpet has a ton of crumbs in it. Oh, so that's where those went. Let me taste it. Well, this is interesting. The further I walked... the more the carpet is changing color. And if I didn't know any better, I'd say that those carpet fibers look less like carpet hairs and more like face hairs. Oh, ouch. Hello there. Ah!
What are you doing on my floor? I'm just taking a nap. It's a very comfortable floor you got here. Hmm. Well, wouldn't you say this looks a little suspicious detective guy, private eye? That Mr. Fingerling broke into your house? No, that he returned to the scene of the crime! Crime? What crime? Someone took Grandma G-Force's fake... Gold dentures. Oh, gross. I wouldn't touch someone's old teeth. Not old, gold. I wouldn't touch those either. Well, Wowsers.
The mystery continues. If you want to make your own magnifying glass, go to Tinkercast.com slash WeWow. And send us photos or videos to Tinkercast.com slash share. And now, here's an episode. of Who Went Wow Mystery Edition. Can I get back to my nap now? Today's super secret podcast episode is all about dogs. Well, not entirely, but there are a lot of them in this episode. So cat people, be warned.
Today I traveled back in time to the 1950s, I created a disguise, and I solved a mystery. Kind of. And it all started with man's best friend. I'm Carly Q, and this is Who, When, Wow? Mystery Edition. has been compiled some important details have slipped away in our spectacular shared existence Nice, up, give up. It was a regular old, normal day at the Bureau of Universal Time Travel Historical Exploration Division, also known as Butthead. Or so I thought. Oh, hi! Dogs!
It only took me a second to remember that today was take your dog to work day. Wow, so many dogs. And the Bureau went all in. Oh, hey, look at you. There were dogs everywhere. They even made an entire canine resources department. Suddenly I felt weird about not having one. Kevin's got two dogs. It's busy up there.
At least down here, I can have some peace. Hey, Carlican! Lewis, you scared me! What are you doing down here? It's okay, buddy. Did the mean old lady scare you? Lewis is one of my two... You can't see this, but air quotes, friends here at Butthead. And he's really more of a, air quotes again, frenemy in a way. Seems pretty obvious to me that we do not get along, but sometimes he comes down and just hangs out by my desk for some reason.
I was just down here giving Mr. Snarkypan some quiet time and maybe a chance to do his business in private. There's so many other dogs up there, he gets a little anxious. Wait, do you mean do his business or do his business? Because I got to work down here and... You want to say hi to the lady with the wild hair, Snarky? Do you? Huh? Wow, he's so small. What breed is he? He's a Palmer Huawa Doodle.
Carly, this is Mr. Snarkypants. You can call him Mr. Snarkypants. Snarky, you want to say hi to Carly? Oh, I think that's a no. Where's your dog, Carly? You do have a dog, right? I have no idea why I suddenly cared about this so much. But I did not want Louis to have something I didn't.
You know how dogs are. So I reached out to my other office friend, Nibbles. Come here, girl. And if you've been listening, you know she's a rat. She was napping in her usual spot behind the fake plant by my desk. Oh, look at you. There she is. I scooped her up and quickly wrapped her in the extra hoodie I had on my chair. Lewis, Mr. Snarky Pants, say hello to Nibble. Ew! What kind of breed is that? Oh, she's a...
Well, she is a Yorkin Schnauzer Russell Terrier Doodle. Very rare and unique. Yeah, I'm not sure that's a legit pedigree for a dog. In fact, I'm not sure that's a dog. Or a pet of any kind. That looks like a... Hey, excuse me. Nibbles is my friend. Hmm. Well, I may have to talk to canine resources about this. We'll see what they say.
Anywho, thanks for letting us have some quiet time down here. Sorry about the puddles. Puddles? Paper towels are over there by the restrooms. Say bye, Mr. Snurkypants. Bye, Carl. Thank you. Tell me about it. Talking to Louis is like putting shaving cream on your pie instead of whipped cream. Yeah, I know, but I only did it once. And sorry about that, Nibbles. Thanks for being my substitute pet.
Okay, gotta get back to work. Those files won't catalog themselves. When I finally sat down to work, there were a few files waiting for me to catalog. That's basically all I do here at the Bureau. File away random events in history. I'm an excellent detective, but I never get to actually investigate anything. Unless... Oh, here comes a new one. Event, New York, May 29th, 1953. Masterpiece.
missing. Yes! Another time-sealed event! Technically, I'm not supposed to do anything with these files, but I can't resist a mystery. What kind of detective would I be if I didn't explore? I immediately pulled out my company-issued handheld device. H-Dad, give me everything you've got on Masterpieces in New York in 1953. Analyze it. Analyze it. Analyze it.
are the best-selling shoe. H. Dad, refined search. New York 1953 masterpiece. Analyzing. I'm thinking maybe a stolen painting or something, or maybe a culinary masterpiece. Like... perfect dessert or a really unique jello mold. This is not going to get me anywhere. Nibbles, what do you think? Want to see if Odie can help? I really need to get HDAD to IT for a tune-up. Odessa is our resident elevator operator.
She's been working here forever, and she operates the Time Portal, which is basically just a basement service elevator that can take you to any point in history. Hello, Miss Odessa. How are you today? Greetings again, basement companion. Why so formal? Because today is a special day. I know. It's take your dog to work day. I'm more of a cat person.
That is a very ugly dog. Odie, this is Nibbles. She's a basement rat. You've seen her before. Yes, but it's probably better if I pretend to think she's a dog. Fair point. Anyway, I got this, you know... Time-sealed file. And I was wondering if maybe... Of course you do. Okay. But this is definitely the last time. Or maybe second to last.
Could be third. If you bring me more bico, those sweet rice cakes would just really hit the spot right about now. Okay, noted. So we need to go to New York City, late May, 1953. There's a missing masterpiece we need to find. Yes, there is. You know this mystery? A little. So, what kind of masterpiece are we talking about here? You'll see.
There's an old saying that goes, that which is priceless has no cost. You would do well to remember that. That doesn't answer my question, Odie. And of course, remember the time traveling rules, no interfering. You may observe, but not meddle. You cannot change anything in the past and no chewing gum of any kind, even sugar-free. Uh, okay, that's new.
Got it. A card key reader will remain where the time travel elevator deposits you, and you must return prior to the end of your break period. Any questions? Nope. No meddling, no changing, no gum, no sugar. Got it. I'm ready to go. It was New York City, all right, but not the way I knew it. Hey, watch out! This was 1953, and everything was different. Okay, all right, buddy, you too. The cars were old-timey. The people were dressed all fancy.
And there were lost dog flyers posted on walls and telephone poles everywhere. Ah, the city! Nibbles, you startled me! I always forget that Nibbles can talk when we time travel.
In a natural habitat. It's a weird side effect. This is more like it. I don't understand the logic of this science. Over there, they got the best. Or is it magic? Just the right amount of mold. Science magic. The freedom of the big city. Science magic? Yeah. It's better than being somebody else's pet chihuahuanian or whatever. Oh, I don't know.
No, I bet Louis' dog has a very comfortable life. Hey, freedom is freedom. I like making my own choices. Fair enough. And I'm glad you're here, Nibbles. We have a who-when-wow mystery to solve. We know the when. It's 1953 New York. Yeah, it is. The city's almost clean. Almost. We know the wow is a missing masterpiece, but we don't know the who. Or the what. It could be a what.
Yeah, but what when wow doesn't sound as good. Very valuable. Reward offered for any information. Hang on, what's that? Lost dog. We lost Masterpiece. The most valuable dog in the world. He's missing. And his name is Masterpiece. What, have you been living under a rock? Yeah, his name is Masterpiece. He's only the most famous poodle on the planet. Wait, more dolls. Say, that's a cute little...
Dog thing you got there in your bag. You're obviously a friend to animals. You think you could help? I could not believe that my missing masterpiece was just another lost dog. I traveled back seven decades for this. But still, I could see how upset this lady was.
She obviously needed help finding her poodle. Of course I can help. In fact, she kind of looked like a poodle. That's what I'm here for. Puffy hair, skinny legs and all. You must be that private eye they said they were going to hire to help with the investigation. Yes. Yes, I am. Great. I'm Betty. I'm the dog's beautician. The dog has his own beautician? This is not any normal dog, honey. This is Masterpiece. He's the champion of champion show dogs.
He's won all the top dog shows. He's been in fashion shows. He was even in Vogue magazine. Okay, so he's a big deal. He's the top dog. Literally. His owner is Count Alexis Pulaski, a rich Russian fellow who owns the dog-breaming place with poodles across the street. You mean the one with the sign that says Poodles Incorporated? That's the one. There's that keen detective's eye. You know...
I could give your little friend here a really nice makeover while we're there. She looks a little ratty. Thank you, but we're fine. She's kind of her own masterpiece, trust me. Come on, Nibbles! See you later, yeah, bye! Oh, look out! Oh, watch out. Lady from the future, coming through. Ooh, this place is very fancy. Oh, suddenly being someone's pet doesn't seem so bad now, huh? As pet habitats go, this is the nicest I've seen.
Poodles Incorporated was not like any dog kennel I'd seen before. There were dogs here, sure. Poodles. Lots of them. But they were all laying around on pillows, chewing dog toys, and lounging about. May I help you? Ah, hello, yes. I'm Carly Quinn. I'm investigating the Masterpiece disappearance. I was wondering if... Sorry. That's Count Pulaski, the dog's owner. He's lying down in the back room. He's been inconsolable since the dog vanished. Did someone say dog?
We have to be very careful what we say, obviously. Maybe we could step outside. Would you get a load of all these ribbons and trophies? It was true. The walls and shelves were covered with ribbons and trophies. But the pictures were what caught my eye. This little gray poodle was a big deal. He posed with major movie stars. He was in advertisements.
He was even on a magazine cover under the headline, Most Valuable Dog in the World. Come on, Nibbles. Sorry about that. It's been a little hectic around here, as you can see. Is Mr... Er, Count Pulaski always this emotional? No, not really. He's usually pretty professional with the dogs, but Masterpiece was different. He actually dedicated his life to that dog. He got him his own bodyguard, his own beautician. Yeah, we met earlier, actually. He hired a lion trainer to teach the dog tricks.
He even turned down an offer from the Pakistani ambassador who was willing to pay 25,000 big ones to buy the dog as a gift for his wife. Whoa! In today's money, that would be nearly a quarter of a million dollars. Say what now? Uh, well, I said...
He probably wouldn't sell him for a million dollars. You got that right, sister. Would you mind if we, I mean I, looked around a little? Nah, of course not. Just don't mess with the dogs. I gotta go check on the boss. I'll be right inside the back if you need me. Hey, Nibbles, come out of the backpack for a sec. We gotta recap. This dog is living the good life, right? You can say that again. His own petition, bodyguard, good food, cushions to chew on, a warm place to make his nest. What else?
does he need? He's the most valuable dog in the world. So valuable that his owner wouldn't part with him for a quarter of a million dollars in today's money. That would buy a lot of cushions. I don't know, Nibbles. Something doesn't add up here. I smell a rat. Sorry. Sometimes I get gassy when I'm nervous. No, no, no. That's just an expression. It means something doesn't seem right. Let's go back in. Good idea! Also, you might not want to open the backpack for a while.
So, any theories, detective? Not as many as I'd like. So is it normal to have dogs just lying around like this? No leashes or crates or anything? That's not necessary. These are very sophisticated animals. Our dogs are too well trained for leashes. Oh, and they'd love it here. Oh, look! Precious here is making herself a puppuccino. Aw, see, Nibbles? Wouldn't you like to be able to have a puppuccino once in a while? Meh, I'm more of a rat espresso girl myself.
Touche. Just two weeks ago, we were all here. Just like this. It was the morning after the big Easter fashion show and Masterpiece was relaxing in his red lounger. Count Pulaski had an errand to run, and I went downstairs for a bit to check on the inventory. Shortly after 1 p.m., the Count returned and called for Masterpiece, but the dog didn't respond.
I knew something was wrong right then, but we kept calling and calling. Eventually, we had to accept the fact that Masterpiece was... gone. And what did you do then? We called the police. The police called more police, who also called police. Wait, so how many police departments were involved? Thirteen different states! Plus we had dozens and dozens of volunteers. The Count has offered a reward. Even a free poodle, no questions asked.
But so far, no one has come forward. I smell a rat. Yeah, well, the lack of evidence does lean towards foul play. No, I actually smell a rat. I have a very keen sense of smell. Maybe you're just smelling the puppuccinos. Oh no, I wouldn't. Did someone say puppuccino? Masterpiece loved puppuccinos. Excuse me. I don't get it, Nibbles. Me neither.
No, I'm talking about this mystery. If somebody dog-napped Masterpiece, they would have come for the reward by now, right? Or demanded ransom. True. There's gotta be a reason why you'd go to the trouble of stealing a dog like this. And money is usually a pretty good reason!
Carly, I'm glad you're still here. Oh, hi, Betty. There's something you should know, Carly. I just heard a rumor that one eyewitness told the police that they saw a mysterious woman in a red coat leaving here the day of the disappearance. with a small gray poodle following her. And the dog was not on a leash. Well, there are a lot of gray poodles in here. Yeah, but Masterpiece wasn't kept on a leash. Ever.
He was so well trained, no one thought he needed one. Ooh, I got the chills. Your dog, a pet here, looks a little chilly in your handbag. Can I get you a puppuccino? Puppuccino? A mysterious lady in red. The mystery gets more mysterious. It's a little weird that Masterpiece would just follow a stranger out the door, though. He's so happy here, you know? He's never run off before, right? No, never. Well...
Once. He ran away once? Actually, twice. Twice? Well, the first time he was only nine months old. He ran into the woods and spent a few days in the New Jersey countryside before wandering back home. Ooh, Jersey can be lovely this time of year! Sorry, what? Nothing. What about the other time Masterpiece ran away? Oh, that was just a little thing. A day trip, really. He snuck out the door and wandered around the city before strolling into a store on Park Avenue.
Okay, that time I definitely heard somebody. Is there something in your bag? You know what? I actually think I will have that. Puppuccino! Puppuccino! Come on! Sure, I'll be right back. Come on, Nibbles, let's go. We gotta get back to the time elevator anyway. This is what I'm saying, Carly. No matter how comfortable your cage is, it's still a cage. Even the most loyal pup knows that.
So you think Masterpiece just ran away? He did it twice before. Third time's the charm? But no one ever found him, and the whole city was looking. Besides, we can't ignore the lady in red. The lady who kidnapped the dog, but never collected the reward? for any ransom? Why do that? I don't know. This is why it's a mystery. Well, Inspector Q, here we are back at the time elevator. I think we have, what, 90 seconds left on your lunch break? Ugh, another granola bar at the desk again for lunch.
It's actually never gonna get old, though. I'd rather be doing this with lunch. It's fine. I don't mind. King's basement companion and animal companion. How are the poodles of New York? Hmm, confusing. It seems like we have two options. Either Masterpiece was dog-napped by someone who didn't want money or anything... They just wanted to keep him as their pet? Or he just ran away on his own? I don't think we'll ever know what happened. Do you know what did not happen? Well...
Masterpiece did not stay in his very posh and comfortable living space. And if someone kidnapped him, they did not do it for money or fame. So what does that tell you? Well... I guess this shows that there are some things that are more important or valuable than being rich or comfortable, like freedom or friendship. Oh, wait. I remember now.
That which is priceless has no cost. Now you see? I think so? Because I don't ring these chimes for my health, you know. Of course not. I get it. All right. Thank you, Odie. Have a good rest of your day, basement companion. And just like that, it was back to bring your dog to work day. Although now, I didn't mind it so much.
Down you go, Nibbles. Nibbles snuck back to her favorite spot, and I settled back into my work. Hey, thanks again for coming with. I could still hear the occasional bark or paw steps of the dogs in the upstairs office, and it reminded me of how much Masterpiece meant to his people.
I'm bummed we never found out what happened to him, but maybe this episode will help some folks see the really important things in life more clearly. You want one of these? Like love. These are dog treats. And friendship. and good company on big adventures. Okay, all right, here you go. I know this is a secret podcast and everything, but maybe this is one idea we should share with the world, huh? Until next time, this is Carly Q signing off. And remember... You never heard this.
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. Initiating end credits mode. Who and Wow Mystery Edition is an original Tinkercast production with help from Gen Z Media. Handshake emoji. High five emoji. For Tinkercast, the executive producers are Guy Raz, Mindy Thomas, and Meredith Halpern-Ranzer.
The shows are written by Aaron Weissman, Danielle Nicky, Tom Van Calkin, Kenny Curtis, and Mindy Thomas. Carly Shiraki is a producing consultant. Big shout-outs to Jed Anderson, Steph Sosa, Henry Moskell, Jessica Bode, Natasha Crandall. Rebecca Kaban, Sona Ali Mohamed, Anna Daniker, Anna Zagorski, and the rest of the team at Tinkercast. Megaphone emoji, applause emoji. Who Went Well's theme song was composed and performed by The Pop-Ups.
For more information on their three-time Grammy-nominated all-ages music, find them at thepopups.com. Producers for Gen Z Media are David Kreisman, Ben Strauss, Chris Terry. Claire McClanahan and Amy Cervini at gzmshows.com. Sound design and editing is by Chris Terry and Oded Lev Ari. Voice editing by Yoni Reckham. Headphones emoji. Microphone emoji. Thumbs up emoji.
Original music was created by Jennifer Rokamp, and voice direction is handled by David Kreisman. Our main cast features Carly Shiraki as Carly Q, Brandon Salerno as Louis, Melissa Vandershift as Nibbles the Rat, Kenny Curtis as H-Dad, and Angela Desai as Odie. Want to explore Who Went Wow's mysteries even further? You can find free activities and resources to extend the wow at whowentwow.com.
And if you have a time-sealed mystery you want Carly Q to explore, email us at hello at tinkercast.com. H-Den, powering off.