

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

Feb 25, 2025 • 34min
How did Thurgood Marshall become such an Incredible Lawyer?
Maybe it was his dad? Or all the punishments he got as a naughty high schooler? Or perhaps it was inspired by watching so many Soap Operas? Whatever the cause, Thurgood Marshall's life story is remarkable. From watching trials as a child to almost getting lynched for trying cases in the deep South, Will and Mango look back at the life and legacy of one of America's greatest legal minds. Got notes for us? Questions? Visit our Instagram @parttimegenius. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 44min
Luddite Power! Why the Luddites were Smarter than you Think
Oz Woloshyn, co-host of the TechStuff podcast, joins Mangesh and Will to shed light on the often-misunderstood Luddite movement. They discuss how the Luddites weren't anti-technology, but rather pro-worker, fighting against industrial exploitation in the early 1800s. The conversation unveils the socio-economic factors behind their resistance and its relevance today, especially concerning job displacement due to modern tech like AI. Expect surprising historical parallels and a nod to Lord Byron amidst the rich discussion!

Feb 18, 2025 • 39min
What’s the World’s Greatest Tiny Museum?
From the Museum of Mollusks crammed into a hospital kiosk, to the supercool collection housed in a New York City elevator shaft, Mango and Gabe visit some of the tiniest, most delightful, and absolutely strangest museums worth your time. Plus, we dig into why every good host needs to invest in this after-dinner furniture piece. To see a few of the museums we referenced or hit us up for questions, visit our Instagram @parttimegenius. Photo by Alina Vilchenko. Thanks Alina! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 13, 2025 • 33min
9 Romantic Gestures That Went Horribly, Terribly Wrong
Looking for a last-minute idea to impress your valentine? Don’t follow the lead of anyone in this episode! Today we’re celebrating nine of history’s most over-the-top expressions of love… and the epic ways they failed. Raise a glass to the man who surprised his wife with an ancient monument, the legendary political figure whose way with words didn’t prevent him from getting rejected, the Hollywood stars with big diamonds and even bigger problems, and more. If you have a great (or so-bad-it’s-great) Valentine’s Day gift story, tell us about it on Instagram @parttimegenius. [Pictured: Catherine the Great, and someone who was NOT the man who gave her a very very fancy diamond.]See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 7, 2025 • 34min
Who Built the First Swimming Pool?
Want to know what makes the only swimming pool on the National Registry of Historic Places so special? Or who actually built the first pool specifically for swimming? Or the strange reason Boston invested in an indoor public pool? From the secret swimming pool hiding in the White House to New York's zaniest swim team, Will and Mango dip into the surprisingly refreshing history of pools. (Jump in, already! The water's fine.) If you have a question or comment for the show, hit us up on Instagram at the handle @parttimegenius. We're waiting to hear from you!!! Photo by Julie Aagaard. (Thank you, Julie!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 4, 2025 • 19min
9 Chomp-worthy facts about Alligators
In this classic episode, we’re all about Gators as Will and Mango chat about the best way to get an alligator to duet with you, why gators are surprisingly good mothers, and how a California theme park taught Americans to share their water slides with these toothy beasts. If you have a question or comment for the show, hit us up on Instagram at the handle @parttimegenius. We're waiting to hear from you!!! Photo courtesy of Jan Venter (Thank you Jan!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 28, 2025 • 43min
How to Treasure Hunt in Denmark!
This episode, we're fastening our seatbelts and armchair traveling to Denmark-- a land where treasure hunting is encouraged, Disney stole ideas for his theme parks, and there are very specific ways to eat your sandwich. Plus: a Danish conspiracy involving... the Swedish Chef! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 25, 2025 • 34min
How to Spot a Lying Liar!
From ancient Chinese lie detection methods involving a mouthful of rice, to the clever ways toddlers, apes and drongo birds stretch the truth, to the surprisingly honest way that Charles Ponzi got his start in business, Will and Mango have a whole lot to say about lying (honestly!).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 2025 • 33min
Should We Be Burying Our Food?
Is cooking and preserving your food underground the hottest new culinary trend?! Probably not. But it is fascinating! From mummified victuals to Appalachian cabbage, bean hole suppers to Peruvian pachamancas, Will and Mango dig into a world of underground cuisines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 16, 2025 • 29min
🏆 🏆 🏆 2024 PART-TIME GENIUS AWARDS! 🏆 🏆 🏆
Join Will and Mango as they announce the very prestigious 43rd Annual Part-Time Genius Awards, where the duo celebrates everything from 2024's greatest economic innovation (it involves Seagulls) to advances in human-snail relations, to celebrating the year's best villain (you'll definitely want to invite him over to your place). If you have a question or comment for the show, hit us up on Instagram at the handle @parttimegenius. We're waiting to hear from you!!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.