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
Nov 27, 2019 • 39min
Fan Favorite: How did Charlie Brown win over America?
Every holiday season, Will and Mango rewatch The Peanuts classics. But how did Charles Schulz get his inspiration for the comic strip? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 14, 2019 • 32min
Do Lucky Charms Really Work? (Plus, other ways to get the upper hand)
Why do short people dominate soccer? Is owning a library more important than actually reading the books? And is being handsome important to being taken seriously as a scientist? Will and Mango delve into some super weird ways people wield advantage. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 7, 2019 • 29min
Did a Volcano Eruption Really Help Invent the Bicycle?
Will and Mango dig into all the biggest bicycle questions: From how bikes seriously altered the dating scene, to how blind people ride bikes through traffic, to the ingenious way Kermit pedaled his Schwann in the Muppets Movie. Grab a helmet and join us! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 31, 2019 • 34min
Halloween Special: The Mystery Show!
How did Agatha Christie churn out so many novels? Was Woodrow Wilson more important to the mystery genre than Sherlock Holmes? And what happened to Inspector Gadget's mustache (because he used to have one!) Also, Mango uses incredible deduction skills to squash a neighborhood lie. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 23, 2019 • 22min
How do Dollar Stores stay in Business?
Will and Mango have so many questions about the dollar store business: Why have so many more of these stores cropped up recently? How do you make a profit when everything in your store sells for under a buck? Is a $1 steak a good deal? Plus: the tea on why dollar store employees hate Hot Wheels so much! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 16, 2019 • 28min
Who Invented the Dunce Cap? (And other unusual School Supplies)
Why is there a bull on the Elmer's glue bottle? What did kids use to carry their books around before they had backpacks? And why does a giant cone tree get everyone excited about starting school in Germany? Will and Mango dig deep into their Trapper Keepers to bring you some stories you definitely didn't learn in school. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 26, 2019 • 36min
How did settlers create New Orleans from swampland?
New Orleans is one of the most charming and distinct cities in America… but 300 years ago, it would have been hard to see that potential. In this episode, Will and Mango dig into how French the French quarter really is, why the graveyards look like little villages, and whether the Peacemaker sandwich really can keep an angry couple together. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 16, 2019 • 32min
Is a Funny Boss better for your Workplace? (And other Secrets from Office Culture!)
Will and Mango take a look around the office, from why cubicles were actually a forward-thinking invention, to how knives became a wonderful way to show your applause at the workplace in Cuba to why that office rumor we’re spreading this week about Tristan is probably true (studies prove it!) Plus, nap pods, office ferris wheels and so much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 11, 2019 • 30min
Are Pigeons Smarter Than They Look?
Sure, they nuzzled their way into Mike Tyson's heart (and Nikola Tesla; and Bert from Bert and Ernie!), but how intelligent are pigeons? Have scientists really trained the birds to read? Did they actually play a role in discovering the Big Bang? And why are they so darn good at finding their way home? Plus: are catfish their new nemesis? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 20, 2019 • 40min
Fan Favorite: Why are we so Nostalgic for Sugary Breakfast Cereals?
Is 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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
