Part-Time Genius
303 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days 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
Why are Humans so Obsessed with Chocolate?
February 21, 2018 14:14 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBWill and Mango are on a mission to uncover chocolate's darkest secrets. What's the difference between cacao and cocoa? Why have Swiss scientists been working on a pink chocolate for so long? (And what's it taste like?) Plus, why does chocolate melt so perfectly in our mouths? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are the Most Incredible Technologies Coming Soon(-ish)?
February 16, 2018 19:22 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBFrom rockets on pogo-sticks to nuclear powered toasters, there's a whole strange world of emerging technologies that will improve and/or ruin everything in our future! Will and Mango chat with author Zach Weinersmith about the hilarious, future-looking text book he and his wife Kelly wrote, Soonish. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Delightful Facts about Office Supplies
February 15, 2018 11:30 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBNeed some new material for the water-cooler? Will and Mango chat about the tragedy of cubicles, how a fit of rage led to better pen design, and why bread might just be the best eraser. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How did Putin come to power?
February 14, 2018 14:07 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBBetween practicing judo, wrestling bears, and meddling with democracies, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has a lot on his plate. But how did the former KGB operative come to power? And how has he sustained his grip on the country for so long? Will and Mango dig into his biography to try to understand one of the most fascinating figures on the political stage. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does Rick Steves Think You Should Travel?
February 09, 2018 17:45 - 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...
9 Outstanding Facts About Aussie Animals
February 08, 2018 14:06 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBIs the Walking Sausage the most romantic insect? What happens when Wallabies get high on poppies? And why do wombats have super strong wombutts? Will, Mango and Gabe explore the wonderful world of Australian animals. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are the Greatest Things We Just Learned about Japan?
February 07, 2018 19:35 - 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.
Is Flu Season Really as Dangerous as We're Told?
February 02, 2018 17:28 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBAs sniffles and coughs abound (and Tristan tries to inoculate the whole office), Will and Mango try to figure out why some flu seasons are worse than others. Also: How do scientists know when some seasons will be particularly bad? What goes into deciding what this year’s vaccine is going to look like? And was the Spanish flu really that Spanish? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Thrilling Mysteries... Solved!
February 01, 2018 16:52 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBWhy was FDR so obsessed with mysteries? What's hiding in KFC's super secret Spice Mix vault? And what was the murder rate in the town from Murder She Wrote? (Pretty darn high!) Will and Mango put on their Sherlock Holmes hats and try to solve some cases. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Chinese is our Chinese Food?
January 31, 2018 17:19 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBChinese restaurants have an incredible history in America. (They actually pre-date the Civil War!) But is the food we scarf down every week actually Chinese? Will and Mango stuff themselves with takeout facts: from the origin of the Lazy Susan, to Buster Keaton's obsession with Chop Suey, to why everyone needs to make a pilgrimage to Butte, Montana. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How did Reference Books Shape Civilization? (And what will their death mean?)
January 26, 2018 16:48 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBRemember when Pliny the Elder thought women were cursed and unicorns had elephant feet, so he wrote long encyclopedia entries on both of them? Neither did we. From Roget to Britannica, Webster's to Wikipedia, we're exploring the history of the most important reference books on the shelves... while digging for some truly weird entries. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Head-spinning Facts about Hats
January 25, 2018 18:04 - 10 minutes - 9.85 MBWhy did straw hats once spur a revolt? Did Nixon kill the top hat trend? And where on Earth is Jackie O's pill box hat? Will and Mango discover some extremely important facts you'll want to know about hats. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Recycling Worth the Hassle?
January 24, 2018 16:13 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBWhy does Germany use 5 different bins for their recycling efforts? Is recycling a smart business to be in? And can you really trick Bros into being greener by putting wolves on packaging? Will and Mango take a deep dive into the state of American recycling and discover some great facts. Plus, why Totes McGoats is one of the worst phrases of all time... but also, perhaps the best recycling mascot ever. Featuring HSW's Christopher Hassiotis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ih...
What was the Golden Age of Hijacking?
January 19, 2018 19:48 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MBIt's hard to believe skyjacking was once a weekly occurrence in America. But for over a decade, planes were rerouted for ransoms, political causes, and occasionally-- for a couple of beers! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Wacky Facts about the Marx Brothers
January 18, 2018 20:39 - 6 minutes - 5.94 MBFrom Harpo's ridiculous croquet uniform to Groucho's penchant for Heavy Metal, Will and Mango uncover 9 facts you probably don't know about the Marx Brothers. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How did the Winter Olympics change Sports?
January 17, 2018 18:36 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBWho's the Michael Phelps of the early winter games? Why did the 1924 British curling team just get their gold medals? And what are the greatest sports we wish were still in the Olympics (a round of Korfball, anyone?) Will and Mango dive into Olympic history and investigate how one little rule-change affected how future sports were played. Featuring American ski-archer Dave Bergart. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...
Is the Kraft Single America's Greatest Invention?
January 12, 2018 17:06 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBFrom elaborate cheddar heists to a Serbian donkey cheese scandal to the most sacred grilled cheese ever (#blessed), Will and Mango dive headlong into dairy to praise cheeses. Featuring Rotten’s Christine Haughney. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Snowy Facts to get you through your Snow Day
January 11, 2018 14:47 - 8 minutes - 7.64 MBGrab a mug of cocoa and hit play already! From Renaissance snow angels to an award-winning trick for never slipping in the snow, Will and Mango have a special wintery mix ready for your snow day. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the Science of Perfect Timing?
January 10, 2018 18:43 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBWhat's the secret to making the end of your vacation less depressing? Why is it better for a basketball team to be down by a point at the half? And can you trick your kids into better math scores just by changing when they practice math? From when to nap to when not to schedule a doctor's appointment, best-selling author Daniel Pink knows there's a perfect time for everything. And he's dishing all the secrets from When, his brand-new book, on today's Part-Time Genius. Learn more about your...
9 Facts About Buttons that Aren't Nuclear
January 04, 2018 20:11 - 8 minutes - 7.76 MBWill, Gabe and Mango take the focus off the nuclear button, and put it squarely on all the other buttons out there that are feeling a little neglected. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are some Easy Tricks to Improve Your Life in 2018?
January 03, 2018 16:11 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBCan smiling during running improve your marathon time? Will an old age app help you make better resolutions? And is there real science behind the Coffee Nap? Will and Mango examine big and little ways to improve your 2018, including why you'll probably need to carry a plunger around with you in the New Year. Featuring Lizzie Jacobs. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will we ever Travel Faster than Light Speed?
December 29, 2017 11:00 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBWill and Mango have so many questions: What is Quantum Teleportation? Are we all swimming in Dark Matter? And why are scientists so obsessed with smashing particles together? Luckily, we've got astrophysicist Daniel Whiteson, co-author of the wonderful new book We Have No Idea, ready to tour us through the universe. Buckle up! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Things to Look forward to in 2018
December 28, 2017 17:47 - 10 minutes - 9.64 MBTime to get excited! From NASA's incredible space plans to an electronic hat that's going to change a whole lot of lives, Will, Gabe and Mango unveil some really good reasons to be optimistic about the new year. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are the Strangest, Craziest Sounds in the Universe?
December 27, 2017 11:00 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBEver wondered what the Big Bang sounds like (it's much weirder than you think!) Or why Britishers 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... and all the reasons to block them out! Sponsored by Beats by Dre. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are the most Surprising Jobs at the White House?
December 22, 2017 13:55 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBWho decided there should be a beekeeper on staff at the White House? Who manages the First Family's budget and makes sure they're paying for their own toothpaste? And can you just find these job postings on Craigslist? Will and Mango look at some of the most surprising non-political jobs in the White House. Featuring Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Cat Facts in Honor of National Cat Herder's Day!
December 21, 2017 20:44 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBFrom Iceland's hottest (cat-based) Reality TV Show to the feline that changed Nikola Tesla's career, Will, Mango and Gabe are all about cats on today's episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the Secret to Nintendo's Success?
December 20, 2017 14:42 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBFrom Nintendo's history with the Yakuza to its dabbling in the seedy motel business, the House of Mario has a much longer and stranger history than most people would guess. Hear what happened when the company tried to make knitting popular; how America's obsession with robots helped them nudge their way into retailers; and why a grabber called the Ultra Hand was the breakthrough the company needed. Featuring Ramsey Yount. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork...
Does Trash Talking Really Work?
December 18, 2017 23:47 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBMeet the Bad Boy of Bowling, learn how Ivan Lendl intimidated his opponents (it all started with his sneakers!), and why Australia's women's cricket team is considered the best group of trash talkers in the world. From Michael Jordan's incredible philosophy on distracting his opponents, to which sport is considered the Algonquin Round Table of loudmouths, Will and Mango dig deep into the Art of Trash Talking while discussing some of the funniest stories in sport. Featuring Jason Who. Sponsor...
Introducing Omnibus
December 16, 2017 11:00 - 43 minutesA bonus for Part-Time Genius listeners: Will and Mango talk to their old friend Ken Jennings about his new show at HowStuffWorks. It’s called Omnibus, and it’s terrific. Check out this sample episode and hop on over to Omnibus to subscribe. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
What Makes the Happiest Places on Earth?
December 15, 2017 14:39 - 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.
9 Sloth Facts Worth Clinging To
December 14, 2017 16:04 - 8 minutes - 7.77 MBFrom their glorious once a week dance parties, to why they're so self-conscious about their feet, we've got 9 strange and wonderful facts about one of the internet's favorite creatures. Featuring Will, Mango, and Will playing the role of Gabe. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are the Most Incredible Things the Human Body can do?
December 08, 2017 16:46 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBDid you realize that when your fingers get wrinkly in the bath, there's a crazy, superhero reason for it? Or that everyone's body is covered in invisible stripes? Or that a single snipped foreskin can yield a football field full of new skin in the lab? Will and Mango investigate the wonders (and strangeness!) of the human body. Featuring Jonathan Strickland. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Piping Hot Facts about Bath Tubs
December 07, 2017 17:32 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBWill, Mango and Gabe get in the spirit of National Bath Tub Day by talking Rubber Duckies, Jacuzzi origins, and whether one particular President got stuck in a bath tub (he didn't!). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are We Eating Sushi All Wrong?
December 06, 2017 16:36 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBIt's time to get real about raw fish! Will and Mango have their chopsticks ready and way too many questions on hand: Is blue fin 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 intrigued by American rolls, we're going all in on sushi. Featuring The Story of Sushi author Trevor Corson. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/...
Is there a Rosy Future for Libraries?
December 01, 2017 16:19 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBIt's no secret that Will and Mango love libraries. But are these wonderful institutions built to last? (Our research says: Yes!) Join our Part-Time Geniuses as they trace how libraries have evolved from ultra-secret dens for the elite to community pillars that are happy to lend out neckties along with job advice. Featuring author Brian Abrams. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Prize-winning Facts about Game Shows
November 30, 2017 15:09 - 11 minutes - 11 MBScandals, police chases, and why one notorious episode of "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" will never ever get aired. Plus-- why Dana Carvey should have had the slimiest job in TV! It's all right here in today's 9 Things. Featuring Gabe Luzier. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why don't Squid and Octopus Get More Love?
November 29, 2017 14:19 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBWill and Mango dive deep to uncover the greatest facts about Octopuses, Squid and Jellyfish. Learn the proper octopus throwing etiquette for Red Wings games, why whales are so good at defeating Giant Squid, and why Oclantis ranked #1 on our list of 2017's Greatest Octopus Cities. Featuring Spineless author Juli Berwald. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How did the Sears catalog take over the world?
November 24, 2017 13:00 - 37 minutes - 34 MBBoth companies started as innovative retailers-- shops without storefronts. But is Amazon unintentionally following Sears' path 100 years later? Will and Mango explore the genius and pitfalls of the early Sears business, while sorting through the weirdest products in the celebrated catalog. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Ridiculous Thanksgiving Facts to Pass Around the Table
November 23, 2017 13:00 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBFrom Big Bird's shameful secret to one American president who hated the holiday, Will and Mango share some of the weirdest facts they could find. Featuring FoodStuff's Lauren Vogelbaum. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Was Mister Rogers the Best Neighbor Ever?
November 22, 2017 13:00 - 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.
Are Truckers the Backbone of the US Economy?
November 17, 2017 14:04 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBThere's no doubt that truckers are underappreciated. From the mom and pop trucks that haul milk from local dairies to the long-distance married couples who tag team driving cross-country, Will and Mango take a peek under the industry's hood. Plus, we rewind back to a time when truckers were America's folk heroes. Featuring Roger Chappalear. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Hilarious Monuments (probably) not worth the Road Trip
November 16, 2017 15:48 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBWe know these statues are supposed to be art, but they also kind of feel like mistakes. Will, Gabe and Mango discuss some colorful and confusing tributes... and the ridiculous stories behind them! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who Was the Woman Behind American Codebreaking?
November 15, 2017 13:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MBEvery week, the FBI, CIA and Treasury Department would show up to Elizebeth Friedman's door and hassle the mother of two-- not for any crime, but because she had an insane talent: she solved puzzles to protect America. Meet the Quaker poet who caught gangsters, defeated Nazis and unlocked a new world of Codebreaking in this episode-long interview with "The Woman Who Smashed Codes" author Jason Fagone. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.c...
What are the Greatest Cookbooks on American Shelves?
November 10, 2017 13:17 - 39 minutes - 36 MBCookbooks have come a long way from their Mesopotamian origins. Will and Mango try to pinpoint the Joy in Joy of Cooking, peek inside the world of cookbook ghostwriters and debate whether an official Titanic cookbook is better than the one from Coolio (it isn't.) Featuring “Leave Me Alone with the Recipes” editor Sarah Rich. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Big is Amazon?
November 08, 2017 14:53 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBWe all know Amazon.com started as a bookseller, that’s now a grocery store and personal assistant and online streaming service. But how did this Seattle start-up outlast the hundreds of other online stores that started at the same time? Will and Mango take a look under the hood to explore the secret ways Amazon hopes to dominate the future. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing Movie Crush
November 06, 2017 21:51 - 1 hourEpisode two of Movie Crush is a very special one. Comedian Tig Notaro dropped in minutes after a very important, life changing phone call to chat with Chuck about the movie Mask. Have a listen! And don't forget to subscribe. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
Is China the Next Green Superpower?
November 03, 2017 14:47 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBChina is going all in on green technologies. Banks are slowing down the investment in domestic coal mines. People are buying more electric cars than anywhere else. And the country is investing in wind, solar and hydro power unlike any other nation. They're also doubling down on nuclear energy. But what's the end goal? Is this environmental movement really about pleasing the middle class and clearing out the smog? Or is China just positioning itself for economic success? Learn more about yo...
9 Mustache Facts to Kick off Movember!
November 02, 2017 14:12 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBFrom the super strange reason Burt Reynolds grew a mustache to why you need to invest in a mustache spoon, Will and Mango chat all about facial topiaries with their good pals Yves and Alex. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are the only 10 Foods You'd Need to Survive?
November 01, 2017 15:45 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBWe have ZERO intention of eating less food! But if you had to pare down your pantry to the bare minimum, what are the only foods you'd need to survive? Is an all potato diet healthy? Plus, Will and Mango discuss the Woodstock for Fruit Lovers; why the Elderberry might be the most overlooked berry, and did Steve Jobs' strange diet affect his business decisions? Featuring Spudfit.com's Andrew Taylor Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/l...
What's Everyday life like on Antarctica?
October 27, 2017 12:52 - 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.