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
Jun 28, 2018 • 18min
9 Surprising Origin Stories Behind Corporate Mascots
Why is the Michelin Man white when tires are always black? What do Tony the Tiger and Christopher Columbus have in common? And why did they give The Noid a video game? Will and Gabe tackle the strange world of corporate mascots. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 27, 2018 • 38min
What's the Greatest World's Fair of All-Time?
From electric toothbrushes to Belgian waffles, banana splits to robot presidents, plenty of wonderful things have been introduced at World's Fairs. But does the event still occur, and why doesn't America host them anymore? Will and Mango dig into their favorite World's Fairs, their historical importance, and why we might not have Disney World without them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 22, 2018 • 47min
Fan Favorite: Who was the Woman Behind American Codebreaking?
Every week, the FBI, CIA and Treasury Department would show up to Elizebeth Friedman's door and hassle the mother of two-- not for any crime, but because she had an insane talent: she solved puzzles to protect America. Meet the Quaker poet who caught gangsters, defeated Nazis and unlocked a new world of Codebreaking in this classic episode-long interview with "The Woman Who Smashed Codes" author Jason Fagone. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 21, 2018 • 15min
9 Surprising Restaurants We Can't Stop Talking About
From the greasy joint where everyone’s rooting for a heart attack, to the insanely exclusive cafe where Alice in Wonderland meets The Little Mermaid, Will and Mango get obsessive about 9 restaurants they probably won’t visit, but can’t stop talking about. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 20, 2018 • 35min
Why Are Kids So Attracted to Shel Silverstein's Poetry?
Before he was a beloved poet, children's author and songwriter for Johnny Cash, Shel Silverstein started out his career as a cartoonist for Playboy. Will and Mango dig into why you probably shouldn't read his ABC book to your newborn, how he almost got courtmartialed, and what makes his poetry so uniquely appealing to kids. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 16, 2018 • 14min
Are Dad Jokes Actually Good For Kids’ Brains?
To celebrate Father’s Day, Will and Mango share 9 of their favorite dad facts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 15, 2018 • 38min
What are the Best Shoes for Atheists, Marathon Runners, and Criminals?
From the strangest commercial Reebok ever used to sell the Reebok Pump, to the Zen shoemaker who custom-builds sneakers for marathon runners, Will and Mango dive into the funniest stories they can find about shoes. Including why Kevin Durant better at basketball when he's only wearing one sneaker, and why one Australian's idea for Pork Chop Shoes hasn't taken off yet. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 13, 2018 • 38min
How Do People Game the Lottery?
From the Canadian professor who found patterns in Scratch-off lottery tickets to the Michigan couple that turned a lottery flaw into their retirement savings plan to the strange reason you should hold onto any lottery ticket that has Herbert Hoover's face on it, Will and Mango look into the long history of lotteries and the geniuses who've managed to game them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 8, 2018 • 43min
Fan Favorite: What's the Science of Invisibility?
Sure, invisibility is about Harry Potter cloaks and invisible inks. But it’s so much more than that, too! From the way butterflies see a secret world of light that humans can’t, to the reason polar bears are completely undetectable to infrared cameras, there’s a whole big world you ought to hear about… even if you can’t see it. Featuring author Bob Berman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 7, 2018 • 19min
9 Highly Unusual Courting Techniques
If you're tired of striking out at clubs and coffee shops, maybe one of these dating techniques will work for you? From whispering into a Courtship Stick to incorporating a ripe fruit into your dance routine, Will and Mango explore some highly suspect methods for luring your potential mate. Featuring Jo Piazza, author of the new podcast Committed. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
