Part-Time Genius
by iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope
Are you a knowledge junkie who loves when facts are stranger than fiction? Do you find yourself constantly tripping down Wikipedia rabbit holes (and delighting in the journey)? Have you ever been told you ask a lot of questions? If so, congrats! You’re one of us: a Part-Time Genius! Join Will, Mango, and the team as we scour the globe in search of obscure facts, offbeat locales, and hidden histories. Along the way, we’ll chat with experts, play some games, get in touch with our silly side, and celebrate the fine art of staying curious.
Episodes
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A Message from Mango
Hey there, podcast listeners. Please check out this brief message from Mango with an important announcement about the future of Part-Time Genius. We really appreciate it (and you). Leave us a message! Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email [email protected].
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Are Narwhals Real? (Yes, and We'll Tell You About Them)
Will and Mango dive deep on the unicorn of the sea, aka the narwhal! Find out how to tell a real narwhal tusk from a fake, why one university chose these majestic beasts as their mascot, and why everyone's on the lookout for a baby narluga (that's the hot new beluga/narwhal hybrid). This episode...
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Why Do We Call 911 in an Emergency?
From the strange reason people used to call funeral home directors after an accident, to the incredible train robbery that was stopped using a makeshift phone, to the heartbreaking ways that emergency operators learn to cope on the job, this week we're dialing into the surprising story of…
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Introducing: The Builders with Walter Isaacson
From Walter Isaacson, best-selling author and biographer of the era’s most ingenious minds, The Builders is a series of groundbreaking interviews with the architects of tomorrow. From Elon Musk to Fei-Fei Li, Alex Karp to Dario and Daniela Amodei, the series features candid and essential...
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Are You Eating Sushi All Wrong? ft. Trevor Corson
It's time to get real about raw fish! Will and Mango have their chopsticks ready and way too many questions on hand: Is bluefin really a delicacy? How do sushi chefs apply their soy sauce? And how California is the California roll? From the dish's Chinese origins to why Japanese foodies are...
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Are We Living Through a Rudeness Epidemic? ft. Danny Wallace
How rude! After author Danny Wallace got the world's worst customer service (and possibly the world's worst hot dog), he decided to search for the root causes of rudeness. Danny joins Will and Mango to talk about snarky celebrity judges, why surgeons are in dire need of a rudeness vaccine (it's…
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Do Healing Crystals Really Work?
Spoiler: No. But crystals are still pretty magical! Producer Mary visits the American Museum of Natural History’s Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals to find out how crystals are formed, what makes them so colorful, and why you should never leave your collection in a department store window....
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Why Is the Michelin Man White, If Tires Are Black?
What do Smokey the Bear and the Beatles have in common? How did Mr. Peanut influence Canadian politics? Whatever happened to Tony the Tiger's mom? And why on earth does a tire company represent itself with a guy who looks like a pile of marshmallows? Today Will and Gabe dive into the bizarre…
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What’s the Best Way to Remember Things?
Why do you have trouble remembering people’s names? What’s the real difference between long-term and short-term memory? Is it true that the human brain can only remember seven things at a time? And what do you need to know in order to build your very own mind palace? Today Will and Mango are…
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How Can You Overcome Writer's Block?
Whether you're struggling with a report or the next great novel, Will and Mango have nine genius-approved ways to get through a creative slump. This episode originally aired on September 20, 2018. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email…
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9 Places You Can't Go
Want to visit a beautiful lake in Canada? How about a stunning historic mountain in Greece? Or an island full of adorable monkeys? Well, too bad… you can’t! Enjoy sitting at home while Mango and producer Mary tell you about nine fascinating places you’ll never get to see. Got a question or idea…
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What Did the Big Bang Sound Like?
Ever wondered what sound the origin of the universe made? Or why British people are so turned off by the sound of Tasmanian Devils? From the crowds at Shakespeare's Globe to the ugly grunts of baby koalas, we're covering the funniest, strangest, most annoying sounds in the universe. This episode...
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9 Talented Cheetahs You Should Know!
Cheetahs are fast, endangered, and surprisingly multi-talented. Not only are they great vocalists, they’re also artistic muses, spokesmodels, and TikTok chefs (sort of). It’ll all make sense after Mango and producer Mary share nine facts about cheetahs—from their biology and behavior to their...
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Who Really Invented the Moonwalk? (And Other Dance Secrets!)
How do ballet shoes keep dancers balanced on their tippy-toes? Why do so many kids learn square dancing in gym class? And if Michael Jackson didn't invent the Moonwalk... who did?! This episode originally aired on September 21, 2018. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302)...
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What Are the Must-See Sights if You Travel to Denmark?
Pack your bags and grab your bike, because today we're taking a virtual trip to Denmark—a land where treasure-hunting is encouraged, Walt Disney stole his ideas for theme parks, and there are very specific ways to eat your sandwich. Plus: A shocking conspiracy involving the Swedish Chef. This...
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9 Deliciously Cheesy Facts About Nachos
Whether you're headed to the ballpark or a movie theater this weekend, chances are you'll encounter one of our favorite snacks: melted cheese on a pile of tortilla chips. You know how delicious this is, but do you know how nachos were invented? Or what happened when an American baseball team flew…
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Is Monopoly Socialist?
Turns out, the history of board games isn't as simple as passing Go and collecting $200. From the surprising way Abraham Lincoln's beard changed Milton Bradley's career, to the dramatic shift in Monopoly's political orientation, to the ancient Sumerian board game you can play online right now,...
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Will We Ever Live Without Sleep? Featuring Simone Giertz!
Will thinks sleep is a waste of time. But will scientists ever find a way to let us survive without it? Why do we sometimes wake up feeling so groggy? And is it true that eating certain foods before bed leads to crazy dreams? Plus, our pal Simone Giertz stops by! This episode originally aired on...
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Are Gummy Bears Good For Your Muscles?
What can't gummy candies do? From helping kids gross out their parents (thank you gummi worms!), to helping Disney revive their animation division (Adventures of Gummy Bears was a catalyst!), to aiding senior citizens in regaining jaw strength (seriously!), these little treats have a big story to...
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How Did a Family Feud Launch Aldi Supermarkets?
From Mark Twain's bizarre hatred of Jane Austen, to the heated argument that launched two great grocery stores, to the strange prank that ended a legendary comedy partnership, Mango and producer Mary go looking for historical beef and find plenty of sizzle! This episode originally aired on…
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Why Are We So Obsessed with Time Capsules?
If you think about it, burying a bunch of random stuff in the ground isn’t the most logical practice. But for centuries, people have created time capsules for future generations to find. Today Will and Mango dig in, literally, to this strange phenomenon. What counts as a time capsule? Are there...
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Why Do Kids Play Recorders in School?
From the history of recorders (the OG flute), to a celebrity fart-flute performer, to the flautist who pulled off a museum heist in order to buy a new instrument... today's episode features nine fascinating facts about flutes! This episode originally aired on May 9, 2024. Got a question or idea…
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How Have Rats Outsmarted Us for So Long?
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...
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Are Cow Burps Hurting the Environment?
From making cows a little less gassy, to seasoning your clouds with salt, to creating floating pastures and hospitals, communities and scientists have come up with a whole lot of ingenious solutions to deal with climate change. Today Will and Mango explore the sunnier side of climate resilience....
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9 Weird Championships You Can Win!
Are you a careful observer of seagulls? Do you have a passion for paddling in shallow, murky water? Could you spend an entire month circling the same city block? Do you like oatmeal? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, great news: there’s a world championship event for you. Grab your...
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What's the Science of Invisibility?
Sure, invisibility is about magic cloaks and invisible inks. But it’s so much more than that! From the way butterflies see a secret world of light that humans can’t, to the real reason polar bears are completely undetectable to infrared cameras, there’s a whole big world you ought to hear about…...
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Can Spicy Foods Make You Live Longer?
Does a fondness for spicy foods mean you've got an aggressive personality? Did putting spices on food help cavemen avoid illnesses? Is it true that super-spicy diets are linked to longevity? And what's the most effective way to soothe the heat if you bite off more than you can chew…
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Why Do Rich People Love Lobster, Squash, and Monograms?
Once upon a time, lobster was considered trash meat, monograms were seen as tacky, squash was played in rundown back alleys, and the only people doing Pilates were prisoners. So how did these things turn into expensive status symbols, beloved by the world's elites? Plus: How business casual made...
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How Did a Surfer Create SpongeBob SquarePants?
From the heartwarming origin of everyone's favorite undersea-pineapple resident, to lingo like 'gidget' and 'big kahuna,' to business suits designed for catching waves, surfing has made a massive splash in the world. Get ready to ride a wave of stories, because today Will and Mango have nine...
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Who Built the First Swimming Pool?
Want to know what makes the only swimming pool on the National Registry of Historic Places so special? Or who built the first pool specifically for swimming? Or the strange reason Boston invested in an indoor public pool? From the secret pool hiding in the White House to New York's zaniest swim...
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How Did Dolly Parton Become Such a Legend?
Everyone loves Dolly Parton. The American country singer has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, and her career has included six decades of chart-topping songs. But how did Dolly become Dolly? Where does she find inspiration for her lyrics? And why is she extra-popular in Zimbabwe? This…
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What Does Stress Really Do to Our Bodies?
You've heard the saying "stress kills." But are there good and bad stresses? Why does stress affect our appetites? And why do scientists think that mowing the lawn can make you less tense? Will and Mango take a carefree dive into the science of stress, from why it can help us to how we can get…
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Did Shirley Temple Drink Shirley Temples?
How did flight delays lead to the invention of Irish coffee? Do you need a screwdriver to make an authentic screwdriver? And who the heck is Tom Collins, anyway? We hope you're thirsty, because Will and Mango have whipped up 9 cocktail facts that you can enjoy shaken or stirred. For details go to...
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Who Invented the Hawaiian Shirt? And More Hawaii Secrets!
Who knew there was so much to know about our 50th state? From ice caves hidden under a volcano, to the wonderful reason you should never bring pork to the windward side, to the kinda disgusting way parrotfish have shaped the islands’ landscape, Will and Mango are taking a dip into Hawaii’s…
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What Are Blue Zones?
It’s a Part-Time Genius x Skyline Drive: How to Live Forever crossover episode! Places like Ikaria, Greece and Okinawa, Japan are said to hold the secret of longer, healthier life. But how did these so-called Blue Zones get discovered, and is their longevity power real or just a myth? What made...
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Did Lafayette Save America? with Nathan Hale!
Sure, we know Lafayette as a street. And a college. And some of us know him as the charismatic Frenchman from Hamilton. But did you know he was France's richest orphan? And that his real name was Gilbert? And he might have been closer to George Washington than anyone really knew. Best-selling...
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We Got Milk… But Why?
When did humans develop a taste for other animals’ milk, and how did dairy go from being a public health threat to a daily cereal topping? Why are some people lactose intolerant, while others chug milkshakes without a care in the world? Is A2 milk really better for you? And who’s behind those...
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Why Are We Obsessed with World Records?
There’s a reason the Guinness Book of World Records keeps getting stolen from libraries! Learn just how hard it is to grow the world’s longest fingernails, why India’s lone records judge has the hardest job in the world, and how chainsawing apples out of your mouth can lead to glory. Featuring…
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The Strangest Summer Festivals You NEED to Visit!
Music festivals? Ho hum. This summer, treat yourself to a real adventure—like a super-gloopy mud festival, or the world’s greatest (and only, as far as we can tell) belly button festival. For details go to https://saily.com/PTG. This episode originally aired on June 13, 2024. Got a question or…
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Do Dad Jokes Help Kids’ Brains?
Happy Father’s Day! Will and Mango are celebrating with nine facts about dads, from the origin of the term “founding fathers” to the oldest dad on record. For details go to https://saily.com/PTG. This episode originally aired on June 16, 2018. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline...
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Where Did the Alphabet Come From? with Danny Bate!
Why is Z the last letter of the English alphabet (and why do British people insist on calling it zed)? Who stuck a tail on C and called it G? And is there a reason why the I in ‘child’ and ‘children’ sounds different? (Spoiler alert: Yes!) Linguist Danny Bate stops by to unpack the mysteries of…
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Secrets of the FIFA World Cup
Should goalies get more bathroom breaks? Can a daily banana basket help players feel less homesick? And did a North Korean dictator invent a secret technology to guarantee more wins? Gear up, because Will and Mango have nine strange-but-true facts about the biggest tournament in soccer (which…
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Let's Travel to Indonesia!
Want to know why Indonesian postal workers have one of the hardest jobs in the world? Or why the country is the best place to find new bird species? Or why it's an honor when someone makes you a tall glass of jammu? From the best types of fabric to throw into a volcano to make it stop erupting…
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Skyline Drive: Homecoming
Skyline Drive season 2 starts June 9! Subscribe on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. While Mangesh (aka Mango) is busy working on season 2 of his other show, Skyline Drive, we’re revisiting season 1 right here, and we’ve reached the finale! Mangesh makes some...
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What's in Antarctica? (An ATM, for One Thing!)
Antarctica has lots of penguins, but only one ATM. Will and Mango bundle up for this look at everyday life on the iciest continent, from the plumbing challenges to the reason why the South Pole moves every year. Featuring all-star Antarctica Artist-in-Residence Jynne Dilling Martin. EXCLUSIVE...
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What’s the Plural of Platypus? Plus More Platypus Facts!
They’re nature’s biggest weirdo: adorable egg-laying mammals that can inflict some serious pain. Today Will and Mango drop nine facts about the platypus, including the actual correct pluralization (hint: it’s not what you think it is) and the time scientists were convinced its existence was a...
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Skyline Drive: Chalta Hai
While Mangesh (aka Mango) is busy working on season 2 of his other show, Skyline Drive, we’re revisiting season 1 right here, and we’re up to episode 7! Mangesh travels to India to find a horoscope written about him centuries ago and waiting for him in a shop in rural Tamil Nadu... but it isn't...
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What's a Sousaphone, and Why Is It So Funny?
Who invented the vuvuzela, and why? Should every party include a sousaphone? And is it possible to make music with vegetables? Today Will and Mango discuss 9 instruments they don't want their kids practicing inside the house! EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/ptg Try it risk-free now...
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Were Real Ninjas Sneaky?
Why did so many ninjas walk around with crickets? Why did they like to keep pocket change on them? And what does it mean when a ninja sends you a packet of dried fish? Today Will and Mango look to the past to distinguish ninja truths from ninja fiction! EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼...
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Skyline Drive: George and the Experience Treadmill
While Mangesh (aka Mango) is busy working on season 2 of his other show, Skyline Drive, we’re revisiting season 1 right here, and we’re up to episode 6! As George navigates the Los Angeles dating scene, one thing keeps derailing his relationships: every girl he’s into is "too into astrology."…
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About this show
Are you a knowledge junkie who loves when facts are stranger than fiction? Do you find yourself constantly tripping down Wikipedia rabbit holes (and delighting in the journey)? Have you ever been told you ask a lot of questions? If so, congrats! You’re one of us: a Part-Time Genius! Join Will, Mango, and the team as we scour the globe in search of obscure facts, offbeat locales, and hidden histories. Along the way, we’ll chat with experts, play some games, get in touch with our silly side, and celebrate the fine art of staying curious.
Hosted by
iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope