How Have Rats Outsmarted Us for So Long?

from Part-Time Genius · host iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope

Rats! For centuries, we've tried (and failed) to keep them under control, because not only are rats brave enough to swim out of toilets, they're also kind of brilliant. Find out how they foiled Pablo Escobar, why some rat owners let their pets play dentist, and why tiny trousers are their kryptonite. Featuring author and longtime friend of the show AJ Jacobs. This episode originally aired on June 7, 2017. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email [email protected]. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Nikolett Emmert via Unsplash. Thanks, Nikolett! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 18, 2026

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What this episode covers

Rats are our grossest of foes. They’re also geniuses. (Respect, rats.) Hear how they foiled Pablo Escobar; why Chuck E. Cheese transitioned to a mouse; and why tiny trousers are their kryptonite. Featuring AJ Jacobs.