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 7, 2018 • 19min
9 Things about Unicorns, Zombies and... Darth Baggins?!
Sure, Halloween's over. And the candy is gone. But these facts about the most searched costumes of the season will last a lifetime! (Especially if you like knowing where to get a hunting license for mythical beasts, and why your dog is a natural witch detector.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 2, 2018 • 40min
Were Ninjas Actually Good at Hiding?
Will and Mango dust off some ninja history and discover some pretty strange facts... like: Why did so many ninjas walk around with crickets? Why did they like to keep pocket change on them? And what does it mean when a ninja sends you a packet of dried fish? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 31, 2018 • 11min
Fan Favorite: 9 Halloween Facts to Stuff in your Pillowcases!
In Iowa, you can't just show up on your neighbor's doorstep with a costume... kids have to work for the treats! Will, Mango and Gabe scour for the sweetest Halloween facts they can find in this special 9 Facts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 26, 2018 • 40min
Fan Favorite: What are the Weirdest Experiments in Science?
What part of the turkey are turkeys most attracted to? Can a scene out of a ghost story make you stop biting your nails? And what's the best music to play for your house guests, if your house guests are rats and they're high on cocaine? Will and Mango explore some of the strangest science experiments and the reasons they got funded in the first place. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 25, 2018 • 38min
Things for Rich People (that were Originally for Poor People)
Remember when monograms were considered tacky, squash was played in back alleys and barn-yard flavored beers weren't expensive? Neither do we. Will and Mango peel back the humble origins of some supposedly elitist things. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 19, 2018 • 42min
Why Are We So Fascinated by the Titanic?
For some reason our hearts keep going on and on for the Titanic. But what was life actually like on the ship? Why were there so many electric horses on board? How bad did the third class passengers have it? And did Hollywood really produce a silent movie about the disaster just 2 weeks after it occurred? Will and Mango investigate. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 17, 2018 • 40min
How did North Korea become such a Scary Place?
For decades, North Korea has been an outlier. How did the country get to be so isolated? Why do they export so many statues? And can you actually study abroad there? Will and Mango shed a little light on the Hermit Kingdom. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 14, 2018 • 38min
What are the Best Fall Festivals in America?
Want to know where you can indulge in a massive, massive omelet, or why Niceville, Florida has a festival dedicated to the mullet? Will and Mango run down the most wonderful Fall festivals everyone needs to know about. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 11, 2018 • 36min
Fan Favorite: What are the Greatest Things We Just Learned about Japan?
Why 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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 5, 2018 • 47min
Who's the Greatest Pirate of All-Time?
Will and Mango have so many questions about pirates: did they really exaggerate their R's? Did they all have parrots? Were lady pirates more successful than male ones? And was there really a rabbi pirate who made his crew keep kosher? From buried treasure to walking the plank, Will and Mango take a good look at the Golden Age of Piracy. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
