

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2024 • 36min
PTG Classic: How Did Sharks Get Such a Bad Rap?
As summer reaches its height, everyone gets nervous about shark attacks. But how afraid should we be of these Jabberjaws? (Spoiler: not very.) From the hilarious way goblin sharks catch their prey, to the strange effect AC/DC has on sharks, to why Will and Mango wish they could trade out their chompers for shark teeth, Part-Time Genius goes all-in on sharks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 7min
Will I Regret Having an AI Voice? Featuring Evan Ratliff! (And his AI voice)
In this episode, Mangesh interviews journalist and host Evan Ratliff about his new show Shell Game, and they discuss what happens when you take control of artificial intelligence and set an AI version of you out into the world. From talking to scammers to making plans with your wife, things get weird quickly! PLUS: Stay tuned for a sneak preview of Episode 1 of Shell Game! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 11, 2024 • 33min
How Scientists are Reviving Lost Smells
Want to know what the Chanel No. 5 of Ancient Egypt smelled like? Or how the interior of Queen Elizabeth's royal car smelled? Or maybe you've wanted to experience the fragrance of extinct Hawaiian flowers? In this episode, Will and Mango get nosey about how scientists have been working hard to build a scent library of disappearing smells. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 3, 2024 • 21min
Do Bald Eagles Really Steal Babies?! (And other Eagle Questions... Answered!)
Is America's national bird really a baby snatching scoundrel? What animal did Ben Franklin hope would replace eagles on the American seal (hint: not a turkey!) And why do people think eagles taste like veal? (One famous ornathologist might be to blame.) Tune in as Will and Mango explores all things eagles on this week's special holiday episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 29, 2024 • 33min
Mango Recommends: The Sicilian Inheritance
As a follow up to Thursday’s 9 Incredible Facts about Sicily, we’re posting the first episode of guest host Jo Piazza’s podcast The Sicilian Inheritance. Hope you dig it! Want your own taste of Sicily – grab a bottle of The Sicilian Inheritance inspired OLIVE OIL direct from Sicily to BUY - GO HERE . Snag your copy of THE SICILIAN INHERITANCE, the novel! Like what you hear? Follow us @kscope_nyc on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 2024 • 38min
9 Incredible Sicily Facts to Share over Cannoli!
Did you know that Sicily is the home of brain freeze? Or that the so-called snakes on Medusa's head might actually be eels? Or that Sicily is home to one very very specific type of revenge architecture? From Sicily's delicious space program to cutest animals to ever roam the land, dig in as Mango and his pal Jo Piazza-- author and host of The Sicilian Inheritance-- talk all things Sicily. ...Want to get in touch? Whether you want to share a fact, story, or even just let us know how we're doing, you can write our moms at PTGeniusMoms@gmail.com. Don't worry. They'll pass the message along. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 13, 2024 • 25min
The Strangest Summer Festivals You NEED to Visit (Probably)
Discover the weirdest summer festivals like the Belly Button Festival in Japan and the Mud Festival in South Korea. Explore quirky traditions such as bathtub racing and burning worries. Uncover the unique cultural celebrations across the globe.

Jun 6, 2024 • 22min
What Flavor is Dr Pepper?
Dr Pepper's flavor is just one of many questions we have about the drink. Who is the doctor behind Dr Pepper? Is tomato one of the soda's 23 secret ingredients? Should you actually be drinking your Dr Pepper hot? And why doesn't Dr Pepper have a period in its name? (Does the good doctor think it's above the laws of grammar?!) Also, what did Dr Pepper do to make Guns 'n Roses so angry with it? Will and Mango have a lot of questions... and at least 9 answers for you. ...Want to get in touch? Whether you want to share a fact, story, or even just let us know how we're doing, you can write our moms (Lalita and Paulette) at PTGeniusMoms@gmail.com. Don't worry. They'll pass the message along. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 30, 2024 • 31min
Did Picasso try to Steal the Mona Lisa?
How did the Mona Lisa get so famous? Why doesn't she have any eyebrows? And why was Picasso investigated for the painting's theft? This episode Will and Mango go deep on the smirking beauty and try to figure out what's really going on behind that sly smile. ... Want to get in touch? Whether you want to share a fact, story, or even just let us know how we're doing, you can write our moms (Lalita and Paulette) at PTGeniusMoms@gmail.com. Don't worry. They'll pass the message along. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 24, 2024 • 39min
Mango Recommends: Afghan Star, hosted by John Legend
Will and Mango are off this week, but check out this new series Mango's been working on called Afghan Star, hosted by the one and only John Legend. It's the story of how a little music talent show changed the lives and ambitions of Afghans and brought music back to the nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.