Part-Time Genius
303 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 1.8K ratingsWill and Mango have lots of questions. Will we ever live without sleep? How do rats keep outsmarting humans? Where are the sunniest tax havens to hide your money? Join these Part-Time Geniuses as they dive into ridiculous topics... and discover some pretty smart stuff along the way.
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Episodes
Fan Favorite: Why are we so Nostalgic for Sugary Breakfast Cereals?
June 20, 2019 18:57 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBIs Cap'n Crunch Really a Captain? Is the Silly Rabbit using psychological tricks on kids? And why did everyone stop putting prizes in cereal boxes? Will and Mango take a trip down memory lane, exploring why America is so nostalgic for those sugary sweet breakfast treats. Featuring Cereal Time TV's Gabe Fonseca. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: What are the Movie Industry's Biggest Secrets?
June 07, 2019 15:34 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBWhy do movie theaters limit their audiences to 299 seats? Did dishware really save the movie industry? And why is Lara Croft: Tomb Raider considered a Hollywood masterpiece? (spoiler: it has nothing to do with the plot!) Grab your popcorn and turn off your ringers as Will and Mango head to the movies. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why did the Inventor of Shopping Malls Hate Malls?
May 28, 2019 15:19 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBWhile no one is going to malls (or so it seems), everyone seems to be talking about them: the CDC is writing up reports on mall walkers, people are growing beards to get into the mall Santa game, and writers are waxing nostalgic about them. But what exactly were malls intended to be? Why did the inventor of the mall try to distance himself from his greatest invention? And why are there never any escalators in the middle of them? Will and Mango dig in. Learn more about your ad-choices at ...
How Close Are We to Resurrecting a Woolly Mammoth?
May 10, 2019 16:25 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MBWill and Mango dig wonder: how hard it is to bring a species back from extinction? Plus: why do people wake up in the morgue after being declared dead? Why are fish markets the best places to look for extinct species? And can resurrecting the Wooly Mammoth help us solve climate change? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing Sleepwalkers: Sleepwalking
May 03, 2019 19:13 - 41 minutesWelcome to the A.I. revolution that is already transforming our lives, for good and evil. But what exactly are we sleepwalking into? We start by investigating the connections between online dating, terrorism, and screen addiction.In this episode we hear from: Tristan Harris of the Center for Humane Technology, Gillian Brockell of the Washington Post, Yasmin Green of Jigsaw, and Dr. Helen Fisher. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
How did Thurgood Marshall become such an Incredible Lawyer?
April 26, 2019 10:00 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBMaybe it was his dad? Or all the punishments he got as a naughty high schooler? Or perhaps it was inspired by watching so many Soap Operas? Whatever the cause, Thurgood Marshall's life story is remarkable. From watching trials as a child to almost getting lynched for trying cases in the deep South, Will and Mango look back at the life and legacy of one of America's greatest legal minds. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for...
Fan Favorite: How Did Wine Fraud Become Such a Big Business?
April 12, 2019 19:22 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBWhen a billionaire realized his $125,000 bottle of wine might be fake, he hired a crack team to solve the case. This is the story of a private investigator, a motley crew of geniuses, and a fine wine that supposedly belonged to Thomas Jefferson! Plus: Will and Mango discuss Prohibition wines, the Scottish Four Loko, and why badminton gave wine crimes a bad name. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: How does Rick Steves Think You Should Travel?
March 22, 2019 18:24 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MB9/11 changed Rick Steves and how he wanted to approach writing about the world. In this special interview, Will and Mango sit down with legendary PBS host and travel writer Rick Steves to talk about the newest edition of "Travel as a Political Act", why watching a Sufi dance can be such a transcendent moment, and whether the best French cheeses really smell like "Angel's Feet." (They don't.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listene...
Fan Favorite: How Do People Game the Lottery?
March 15, 2019 19:26 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBFrom the Canadian professor who found patterns in Scratch-off lottery tickets to the Michigan couple that turned a lottery flaw into their retirement savings plan to the strange reason you should hold onto any lottery ticket that has Herbert Hoover's face on it, Will and Mango look into the long history of lotteries and the geniuses who've managed to game them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: What's the Science of Painkillers?
March 07, 2019 20:19 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBWhen you've got a headache, those bottles of over-the-counter medicines can feel interchangeable. But the truth is, the drugs work in different ways... and each has their own benefits and side-effects. From which drugs work best on toothaches, to which ones are best for hangovers, Will and Mango explore the strange world of painkillers. Plus: why, 5 years from now, you might be replacing your pills with a phone, a pair of goggles and some green apple air freshener. Learn more about your ad...
What are the Greatest Things We Didn't Know about Brazil?
March 01, 2019 15:07 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBWhen's the best time to surf the Amazon? Can Brazilian termites help you make a better pizza? And: did you overpay on the black market for that venomous snake? Will and Mango scour the web for some fun facts on Brazil. (Plus, you probably did overpay for that snake.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: What Makes the Happiest Places on Earth?
February 22, 2019 16:08 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBWhat do sauna culture, "Right to Roam" laws and all-you-can-eat buffets (for monkeys!) have to do with putting smiles on citizens faces? Will and Mango explore why some countries always end up at the top of the Happiness Index, and how other nations can (politely) elbow their way in. Featuring Suzanne Jones, Mayor of Boulder, CO. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did (Everyone's Favorite Frenchman) Lafayette Really Save America?
February 16, 2019 17:03 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBSure, 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. Will and Mango have best-selling children's author Nathan Hale on to talk about his new book Lafayette and explain all. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/l...
9 Valentine's Day Facts You'll Want to Share
February 14, 2019 17:33 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBFrom the worst Valentines cards in history, to why candy necklaces are so meaningful in Alabama, to a few salmon that are not excited about this special day, Will and Mango have cobbled facts to warm your heart. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Delightful Corners of the Internet
February 08, 2019 18:40 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBFrom the best place to do your book shopping to a very sweet rodent with too much to carry, Will and Mango explore some of the World Wide Web's weirdest corners. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Did Jacques Cousteau Fall in Love with the Sea?
February 05, 2019 19:41 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBWhether you knew him as a conservationist, an explorer, a spy or a fashion icon, Jacques Cousteau showcased the sea's mysteries to a curious world. But how did the rebellious teenager with a penchant for breaking windows grow up into a marine legend? Will and Mango explore. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Things Hiding on your Money
January 31, 2019 19:49 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBFrom the treasury joker who snuck his face on some cash, to Theodore Roosevelt’s drastic redesign for the penny, to the very best reason Harriet Tubman belongs on the $20, Will and Mango are diving into dollar bill facts Scrooge McDuck-style. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does Plastic Surgery have to do with the Civil War?
January 25, 2019 22:29 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBWhy are people getting plastic surgery on their fingerprints? Why was the Civil War such a golden era for procedures? And why is everyone suddenly obsessed with the length of their philtrums? Will and Mango take a brisk walk through the history of plastic surgery. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Wonderful Wintertime Inventions
January 25, 2019 00:21 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBDid a 15-year old really invent the snowmobile? Why was the original use for a Kleen-Ex? How come Eddie Bauer gets zero credit for his genius idea? And what's so special about the Greenwood Champion Ear Protectors? Will and Mango spend a cold, wintry day digging into some spectacular inventions. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Can’t You Copyright a Chicken Sandwich?
January 18, 2019 22:08 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBIn 2019, a new cache of works entered the Public Domain— from Charlie Chaplin to Jane Austen stories to Felix the Cat cartoons. But what does that really mean? Will and Mango dig into how Mickey Mouse changed copyright laws, why Woody Guthrie got foiled by his publishers and why British clowns check a case of eggs before putting on their makeup. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Surprising Origins of 9 TV Spin-Offs
January 16, 2019 12:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBWhat was the worst cartoon inspired by Happy Days? Why did The Golden Girls try to open a hotel? And which dysfunctional character from The Office almost got a starring role on Parks and Rec? Will and Mango explore the weird world of sitcom spin-offs in today's 9 things. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: Will Coffee Make Me Live Longer?
January 11, 2019 22:34 - 39 minutes - 36 MBWant to know who to blame for your coffee addiction? From goats, Turks to the Archangel Gabriel, Will and Mango chase down a whole world of (coffee) pot stirrers while shedding light on whether monkey spit coffee is tastier than your traditional beans and whether coffee is good for cats (Spoiler: probably). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Did Ben Franklin Look Up to Genghis Khan?
January 10, 2019 19:39 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBSure, Genghis Khan pillaged lands with glee and killed millions of people in his ruthless quest for power. But was he kind of a good person? Like, was he pro-justice and pro-environment? And also, did he invent the hamburger? Will and Mango dig in. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: 9 Very Important Facts about Bears
January 04, 2019 10:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBWhether you're an amateur bear enthusiast or prepping for a bear convention, these are the bear facts you'll need! Will and Mango explore a Canadian Bear Jail, why Pizzlies are taking over the world, and how Paddington Bear was once the pride of Africa. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: Why Were These Books Banned?
January 02, 2019 17:00 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBWhere's Waldo isn't allowed in prisons, Winnie the Pooh can't set foot in China, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear is forbidden from schools in... Texas?! From Ulysses to sinful Bibles, Will and Mango dive into the story of banned books to tell you all about the titles they don't want you to read. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Christmas Tree Facts that are totally lit!
December 20, 2018 16:35 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBFrom why a giraffe might want your Christmas tree leftovers, to why your tree is so darn thirsty all the time, to why a traditionalist might want to start mounting their trees upside-down, Will and Mango explore some Griswold-sized Christmas tree facts to please the whole family. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: What's Everyday life like on Antarctica?
December 19, 2018 14:28 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBFrom plumbing to catering, everything’s a little harder in Antarctica. Will and Mango dive into everyday life on The Ice. Plus, we talk glamping on the continent, why the South Pole pole moves every year, and why the Antarctica only has one ATM. Featuring all-star Antarctica Artist-in-Residence Jynne Dilling Martin. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Great Facts about People Named Tony
December 14, 2018 17:05 - 13 minutes - 12 MBThere are a lot of people named Tony. (Tony Hawk is one of them!) Will and Mango share some wonderful facts about 8 Tonys (Tony Hawk is not one of them.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are the Secret Rules the Royal Family has to Obey?
December 13, 2018 19:04 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBWhy can't princes wear pants? Why does Prince Charles carry a bag of blood with him on his vacations? Is the Queen allowed to use a Pooper Scooper? Why is it so hard to make a perfect tuna sandwich for the royal family? And who is responsible for ironing the Queen's money so that it is perfectly crisp? Will and Mango dig into all the Queen's business and find some delightful stories in the process. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/...
Fan Favorite: Why is it more dangerous to be a Park Ranger than an FBI Agent?
December 07, 2018 16:55 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBPark rangers do so much more than just keeping Yogi Bear from stealing picnic baskets. Whether it’s outsmarting poachers, fending off the Klan, protecting tourists from gator attacks or helping tiny endangered species make their way to sea, Will and Mango celebrate the heroes who keep our National parks running. Plus, why robbing a bank then hiding in the forest isn’t a great idea. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...
9 Cocktail Facts to Enjoy Shaken or Stirred!
December 06, 2018 15:47 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBDid Shirley Temple like Shirley Temples? Do you need a screwdriver to make an authentic screwdriver? And who the heck is Tom Collins anyway? Will and Mango mix up a perfectly balanced cocktail of weird facts just for you. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Reasons to Love Raccoons (Yes, Raccoons)
November 30, 2018 22:53 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBTrash pandas. Nature's ninjas. Sure, these ring-tailed rascals go by plenty of names. But whether you love 'em or hate 'em, they're clearly taking over Toronto. Will and Mango discuss everything raccoons, and why they deserve a little respect. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing The Brink: Sriracha Adds the Spice to Success
November 29, 2018 16:23 - 40 minutesWill introduces the new podcast The Brink. Jonathan and Ariel ask, how did a refugee build up a condiment empire? And explore the spicy story behind one of the most popular sauces on tabletops across the US. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
How did Charlie Brown win over America?
November 28, 2018 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBEvery holiday season, Will and Mango rewatch The Peanuts classics. But how did Charles Schulz get his inspiration for the comic strip? Why did the network almost cancel the Charlie Brown Christmas special? And why does winning a Snoopy award mean so much if you work at NASA? From kite-eating trees, to footballs that never get kicked, Will and Mango go deep on Peanuts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: Was Mister Rogers the Best Neighbor Ever?
November 21, 2018 17:43 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBFrom the real reason Mister Rogers used to wear sneakers on the show to why Ella Fitzgerald's band members used to tune in to the last 5 minutes of every show, Will and Mango pay tribute to one of our favorite humans, Mr. Fred Rogers. Featuring journalist Tom Junod. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Deliciously Cheesy Facts about Nachos
November 20, 2018 15:44 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBWill and Mango dig into their favorite ballpark treat to talk about the surprisingly layered story of nachos. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why are Russians so good at Chess?
November 16, 2018 22:10 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MBWill and Mango go deep into their chess cave to determine: what's the most dangerous styles of chess, why did the game move from the battlefield to the royal court, and if a billion people to play chess, can that stop an alien invasion? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing Committed: Love at First Slight
November 14, 2018 10:00 - 38 minutesIntroducing Committed. Love is not a competition. Except sometimes it is. Susan and Dan are baseball reporters at rival newspapers competing for scoops and sources. Yet they still manage to kiss goodnight and drive each other to the airport. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
Why did Venus Flytraps Develop a Taste for Meat?
November 09, 2018 22:25 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBFrom plants that eat rats and frogs, to the strange reason bats curl up in pitcher plants, Will and Mango explore the strange world of Carnivorous Plants. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Things about Unicorns, Zombies and... Darth Baggins?!
November 07, 2018 22:24 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBSure, Halloween's over. And the candy is gone. But these facts about the most searched costumes of the season will last a lifetime! (Especially if you like knowing where to get a hunting license for mythical beasts, and why your dog is a natural witch detector.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Were Ninjas Actually Good at Hiding?
November 02, 2018 20:03 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBWill and Mango dust off some ninja history and discover some pretty strange facts... like: 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? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: 9 Halloween Facts to Stuff in your Pillowcases!
October 31, 2018 19:19 - 10 minutes - 9.66 MBIn Iowa, you can't just show up on your neighbor's doorstep with a costume... kids have to work for the treats! Will, Mango and Gabe scour for the sweetest Halloween facts they can find in this special 9 Facts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: What are the Weirdest Experiments in Science?
October 26, 2018 18:58 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBWhat part of the turkey are turkeys most attracted to? Can a scene out of a ghost story make you stop biting your nails? And what's the best music to play for your house guests, if your house guests are rats and they're high on cocaine? Will and Mango explore some of the strangest science experiments and the reasons they got funded in the first place. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Things for Rich People (that were Originally for Poor People)
October 25, 2018 16:31 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBRemember when monograms were considered tacky, squash was played in back alleys and barn-yard flavored beers weren't expensive? Neither do we. Will and Mango peel back the humble origins of some supposedly elitist things. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Are We So Fascinated by the Titanic?
October 19, 2018 23:00 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBFor some reason our hearts keep going on and on for the Titanic. But what was life actually like on the ship? Why were there so many electric horses on board? How bad did the third class passengers have it? And did Hollywood really produce a silent movie about the disaster just 2 weeks after it occurred? Will and Mango investigate. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How did North Korea become such a Scary Place?
October 17, 2018 17:07 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBFor decades, North Korea has been an outlier. How did the country get to be so isolated? Why do they export so many statues? And can you actually study abroad there? Will and Mango shed a little light on the Hermit Kingdom. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are the Best Fall Festivals in America?
October 14, 2018 15:23 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MBWant to know where you can indulge in a massive, massive omelet, or why Niceville, Florida has a festival dedicated to the mullet? Will and Mango run down the most wonderful Fall festivals everyone needs to know about. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: What are the Greatest Things We Just Learned about Japan?
October 11, 2018 02:42 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBWhy is Japan's adult adoption rate so high? Why don't American car dealerships succeed in the country? And why did Colonel Sanders put a curse on a beloved Japanese baseball team? Plus, Will and Mango discover the shortest escalator in the world! (Just take the stairs, guys.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who's the Greatest Pirate of All-Time?
October 05, 2018 14:19 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBWill and Mango have so many questions about pirates: did they really exaggerate their R's? Did they all have parrots? Were lady pirates more successful than male ones? And was there really a rabbi pirate who made his crew keep kosher? From buried treasure to walking the plank, Will and Mango take a good look at the Golden Age of Piracy. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fan Favorite: 9 Weirdest things Intentionally Buried by People
October 04, 2018 18:46 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBThere are the things you accidentally bury, and then there’s everything on this list. Will, Mango and Gabe discuss the weirdest facts they've unearthed about things that have been unearthed. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.