Part-Time Genius

Believe it or not, heavier bowls, a pair of headphones, and an electronic lollipop can trick your mind grapes into making tasty food even tastier. But how? And why?! Plus, the legend of the PB-and-mayo sandwich, and one very cute pepper to avoid. Featuring Bob Holmes. This episode originally aired on June 30, 2017. Get your official Part-Time Genius membership card! Tell us your name, address, and one fun fact and we’ll send you one for free. Email higeniuses@gmail.com, DM us on our socials, or leave a message at (302) 405-5925. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo of tasty, tasty potato chips by Emiliano Vittoriosi via Unsplash. Thanks, Emiliano! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jane Austen worked at a 12-sided desk, was great at singing, and earned shockingly little money from her novels. Today’s her 250th birthday, so we’re celebrating with nine niche literary facts about the beloved author, from the way she helped soldiers in WWI to the reason why Kelly Clarkson couldn’t buy her ring. (Sorry, Kelly.) Get your official Part-Time Genius membership card! Tell us your name, address, and one fun fact and we’ll send you one for free. Email higeniuses@gmail.com, DM us on our socials, or leave a message at (302) 405-5925. We’re on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social. Drawing of Jane Austen by her sister Cassandra via Wikimedia Commons.  Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the world's most secretive cinema to an internet for plants, to the perfect job for lazy people who also want to hide underground, Will, Gabe, and Mango go deep—very, very deep—in search of 9 weird things that lurk just below the surface. This episode originally aired on April 20, 2020. Get your official Part-Time Genius membership card! Tell us your name, address, and one fun fact and we’ll send you one for free. Email higeniuses@gmail.com, DM us on our socials, or leave a message at (302) 405-5925. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo of the Paris Catacombs by Nico Knaack via Unsplash. Merci, Nico! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, so Will and Mango are uncovering some seriously surprising stories about author C.S. Lewis. Did you know he was famous for his terrible fashion… but also his financial generosity? Or that he almost converted to Hinduism for reasons that involve soup? And that he had a long, complicated frenemy-ship with J.R.R. Tolkien, which led to the two authors hating on a Disney movie together? Well, you will after this episode! Get your official Part-Time Genius membership card! Tell us your name, address, and one fun fact and we’ll send you one for free. Email higeniuses@gmail.com, DM us on our socials, or leave a message at (302) 405-5925. We’re on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social. Photo of Lewis by John S. Murray via Wikimedia Commons.  Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the surprising origins of winter inventions! Did a teenager really create the snowmobile? Learn about the evolution of earmuffs and the accidental invention of man-made snow. Ever wonder what Kleenex's original use was? It started as makeup wipes! Eddie Bauer's groundbreaking down jacket invention also gets its moment in the spotlight. The hosts dive into the quirky history of mittens and hand muffs, showcasing how these cozy essentials have changed over time. Get ready for a fun wintry exploration!

Tis the season for commerce, and Gabe and Mary are standing by with answers to all the questions you didn’t know you had. Like: What was the Tickle Me Elmo of ancient Rome? Why was Black Friday almost called Big Friday? And what happened when FDR messed with Thanksgiving in order to give people more time to shop? (Chaos, that’s what happened.) Plus: Helpful suggestions for anyone struggling to find the perfect gift. Get your official Part-Time Genius membership card! Tell us your name, address, and one fun fact and we’ll send you one for free. Email higeniuses@gmail.com, DM us on our socials, or leave a message at (302) 405-5925. We’re on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social. Photo of a Macy’s holiday window display via Wikimedia Commons.  Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the fascinating world of the largest birds! Discover why ostrich racing might have its roots in Florida and the incredible adaptations of Emperor penguins as they dive over 1,500 feet. Learn about the remarkable Wisdom, the albatross, who boasts a 67-year lifespan, and the vital ecological role of cassowaries in rainforest regeneration. Uncover myths about these majestic creatures and explore how they’ve evolved from flying ancestors. It's a thrilling journey through avian wonders!

Tom Freston, a veteran media executive and co-founder of MTV, shares his remarkable journey from bartending in the Caribbean to leading Viacom. He reveals fascinating tales, like his unexpected sauna chat with Paul McCartney and David Bowie. Tom discusses the adventurous spirit that led him to build a clothing brand in India and work in Afghanistan. He also highlights how MTV's unique culture embraced risk-taking, birthed reality TV, and asserts that television can drive social change.

Curious about the scents of history? Discover how scientists are recreating ancient fragrances, from Cleopatra's perfume to Hawaii's extinct flowers. The hosts dive into the complexities of smell perception, the impact of pollution, and how urban odors shape our identities. They even explore unique projects like the Resurrecting the Sublime, which uses DNA to bring back lost floral scents. Plus, learn about digital scent technology and its potential to evoke memories in innovative ways!

In this fun-filled trivia challenge, Flora Lichtman, a science communicator from Science Friday, teams up with contestant Emily, a trivia champion and medical student. They delve into fascinating food science topics such as why pandas can’t taste umami and the evolution of their bamboo diet. Emily impresses with her knowledge of the Maillard reaction and the Scoville scale, while Flora reveals quirky facts about peanut butter diamonds and honey's impressive shelf life. Expect laughter and learning in this exciting blend of science and fun!