Part-Time Genius

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.

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40 episodes
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September 18 · 40 min
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) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Aditya Ali via Unsplash. Thanks, Aditya! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 15 · 42 min
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 episode originally aired on January 28, 2025. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo of Copenhagen by Maksym Potapenko via Unsplash. Thanks, Maksym! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 11 · 14 min
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 a little too close to the sun by trying to put them on a stick? You will after you listen to this episode! This episode originally aired on November 20, 2018. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Erick Su via Unsplash. Thanks, Erick! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 8 · 32 min
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, today Will and Mango go wild game hunting... and come back with plenty of stories to tell. This episode originally aired on January 6, 2025. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Maria Lin Kim via Unsplash. Thanks, Maria! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 4 · 45 min
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 June 7, 2017. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Possibly the greatest photo in the world by Kate Stone Matheson via Unsplash. Thanks, Kate! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 1 · 31 min
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 tell. This episode originally aired on September 12, 2024. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Adriana Saraceanu via Unsplash. Thanks, Adriana! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 28 · 38 min
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 January 10, 2025. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Ibrahim Guetar via Unsplash.Thanks, Ibrahim! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 25 · 42 min
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 limits to what can be preserved? What are the most surprising (and disappointing) objects ever hidden away? Plus: The shocking true story of Blinky, the little lizard who could. Or couldn’t, as the case may be. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo of the Crypt of Civilization via Wikimedia Commons. Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 21 · 20 min
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 for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Tsuyoshi Kozu via Unsplash. Thanks, Tsuyoshi! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 18 · 40 min
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 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 higeniuses@gmail.com. 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.
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August 14 · 28 min
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. This episode originally aired on March 21, 2025. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Jean Carlo Emer via Unsplash. Thanks, Jean Carlo! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 11 · 30 min
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 entry forms and be sure to let us know how it goes! Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo of the World Bog Snorkelling Championship via Wikimedia Commons. Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 7 · 42 min
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… even if you can’t see it. Featuring author Bob Berman. This episode originally aired on September 1, 2017. Buy Bob's book, Zapped: From Infrared to X-rays, the Curious History of Invisible Light. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! There's an episode thumbnail image. You just can't see it. Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 4 · 32 min
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, tolerance-wise? This episode originally aired on May 2, 2018. Speaking of living longer, be sure to check out Mangesh's other show, Skyline Drive: How to Live Forever. All episodes are out now, wherever you get your podcasts. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Nikola Johnny Mirkovic via Unsplash. Thanks, Nikola! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 31 · 37 min
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 its way into boardrooms. This episode originally aired on October 25, 2018. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Sebastian Coman via Unsplash. Thanks, Sebastian! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 28 · 28 min
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 surfing facts for you! This episode originally aired on August 21, 2024. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Joseph Greve via Unsplash. Thanks, Joseph! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 24 · 34 min
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 team, Will and Mango dip into the surprisingly refreshing history of pools. This episode originally aired on February 7, 2025. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Emilio Garcia via Unsplash. Thanks, Emilio! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 21 · 38 min
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 episode originally aired on August 13, 2018. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Kristopher Harris via Wikimedia Commons. Thanks, Kristopher! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 17 · 34 min
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 rid of it. This episode originally aired on April 20, 2018. Got a question or idea for the show, or a tip for relieving stress? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo of graffiti in Finland (!) by Aarón Blanco Tejedor via Unsplash. Thanks, Aarón! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 14 · 21 min
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. Download SAILY in your app store and use our code PTG at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For details go to https://saily.com/PTG. This episode originally aired on December 6, 2018. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Evelina Wong via Unsplash. Thanks, Evelina! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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