

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

Aug 16, 2018 • 15min
9 Surprising Ways Celebrities Made Money
From Lyndon Johnson's ultra-smooth money-making scheme to Akoin's surprising African investments, Will and Mango discover the weird ways some famous people have filled their piggybanks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 15, 2018 • 38min
Who are the Secret Inspirations for these Characters?
Will and Mango dig into the surprising stories behind our favorite fictional characters. Like: who was the ridiculous personality who inspired the Muppets' Swedish chef? Who was the (stinky) ladies man behind Pepe LePew? And is the Godfather actually based on a terrifying mom? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 13, 2018 • 38min
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 do people in Zimbabwe love her so darn much? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 10, 2018 • 16min
9 Wonderful Grammar Stories for Language Nerds (like Us!)
Will and Mango abused the English language with vigor as they discuss the Apostrophizer, the QuizDing, and why you should never (ever) mess with a Bengal finch's sentence structure. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 8, 2018 • 37min
What are Allergies and How Close Are We to a Cure?
As Will and Mango sniffle through their hay fever they answer this season's biggest questions: What are allergies? How close are we to a cure? And is putting Vaseline up your nose a good lifehack for stopping pollen? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 3, 2018 • 39min
What are the Most Important Moments in Dog History?
Will and Mango try to pinpoint some famous firsts, from the first dog to work as a guide dog (way back in the first century!), to the first dog trained as an Archaeologist, to the first dog to drive a car, these are the essential stories you'll need to impress your pooch on your next walk together. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 2, 2018 • 14min
9 Fascinating Facts about Money
Exploring the Secret Service's origins and connection to the Treasury Department. Childhood money-making schemes gone wrong. Introducing the podcast 'Caching Our Trillions' about unpaid female work sustaining the economy. Rapid-fire facts about money, from Teddy Roosevelt to discontinued bills. Pranks on Rembrandt and the origins of the phrase 'stinking rich'.

Aug 1, 2018 • 43min
Fan Favorite: What are the Most Incredible Things the Human Body Can Do?
Did you realize that when your fingers get wrinkly in the bath, there's a crazy, superhero reason for it? Or that everyone's body is covered in invisible stripes? Or that a single snipped foreskin can yield a football field full of new skin in the lab? Will and Mango investigate the wonders (and strangeness!) of the human body. Featuring Jonathan Strickland. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 27, 2018 • 34min
Who is America's Worst President?
Stand back far enough, and most American presidents look smart, polished and the picture of decorum... but not these gents! From a rabble-rousing arsonist to a fancy pants gossip, to a card-playing Do Nothing, Will and Mango look back at some of the greatest men to squander their time in the Oval Office. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 26, 2018 • 11min
Fan Favorite: 9 Hilarious Monuments (probably) not worth the Road Trip
We know these statues are supposed to be art, but they also kind of feel like mistakes. Will, Gabe and Mango discuss some colorful and confusing tributes... and the ridiculous stories behind them! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.