Part-Time Genius - podcast cover

Part-Time Genius

iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscopewww.iheart.com

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.

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Episodes

How Scientists are Reviving Lost Smells

Want to know what the Chanel No. 5 of Ancient Egypt smelled like? Or how the interior of Queen Elizabeth's royal car smelled? Or maybe you've wanted to experience the fragrance of extinct Hawaiian flowers? In this episode, Will and Mango get nosey about how scientists have been working hard to build a scent library of disappearing smells. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 11, 202433 min

Do Bald Eagles Really Steal Babies?! (And other Eagle Questions... Answered!)

Is America's national bird really a baby snatching scoundrel? What animal did Ben Franklin hope would replace eagles on the American seal (hint: not a turkey!) And why do people think eagles taste like veal? (One famous ornathologist might be to blame.) Tune in as Will and Mango explores all things eagles on this week's special holiday episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 03, 202421 min

Mango Recommends: The Sicilian Inheritance

As a follow up to Thursday’s 9 Incredible Facts about Sicily, we’re posting the first episode of guest host Jo Piazza’s podcast The Sicilian Inheritance. Hope you dig it! Want your own taste of Sicily – grab a bottle of The Sicilian Inheritance inspired OLIVE OIL direct from Sicily to BUY - GO HERE . Snag your copy of THE SICILIAN INHERITANCE , the novel! Like what you hear? Follow us @kscope_nyc on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jun 29, 202433 min

9 Incredible Sicily Facts to Share over Cannoli!

Did you know that Sicily is the home of brain freeze? Or that the so-called snakes on Medusa's head might actually be eels? Or that Sicily is home to one very very specific type of revenge architecture? From Sicily's delicious space program to cutest animals to ever roam the land, dig in as Mango and his pal Jo Piazza-- author and host of The Sicilian Inheritance -- talk all things Sicily. ... Want to get in touch? Whether you want to share a fact, story, or even just let us know how we're doing...

Jun 26, 202438 min

The Strangest Summer Festivals You NEED to Visit (Probably)

If you've got a station wagon packed with dogs and kids, but nowhere to point it, we've got you covered! From the world's greatest mud festival to, well, the world's greatest belly button festival, Will and Mango have scoured the internet to provide only the best (and weirdest) in summer festivals. ... Want to get in touch? Whether you want to share a fact, story, or even just let us know how we're doing, you can write our moms at [email protected]. Don't worry. They'll pass the message alo...

Jun 13, 202425 min

What Flavor is Dr Pepper?

Dr Pepper's flavor is just one of many questions we have about the drink. Who is the doctor behind Dr Pepper? Is tomato one of the soda's 23 secret ingredients? Should you actually be drinking your Dr Pepper hot? And why doesn't Dr Pepper have a period in its name? (Does the good doctor think it's above the laws of grammar?!) Also, what did Dr Pepper do to make Guns 'n Roses so angry with it? Will and Mango have a lot of questions... and at least 9 answers for you. ... Want to get in touch? Whet...

Jun 06, 202422 min

Did Picasso try to Steal the Mona Lisa?

How did the Mona Lisa get so famous? Why doesn't she have any eyebrows? And why was Picasso investigated for the painting's theft? This episode Will and Mango go deep on the smirking beauty and try to figure out what's really going on behind that sly smile. ... Want to get in touch? Whether you want to share a fact, story, or even just let us know how we're doing, you can write our moms (Lalita and Paulette) at [email protected]. Don't worry. They'll pass the message along. See omnystudio.c...

May 30, 202431 min

Mango Recommends: Afghan Star, hosted by John Legend

Will and Mango are off this week, but check out this new series Mango's been working on called Afghan Star , hosted by the one and only John Legend. It's the story of how a little music talent show changed the lives and ambitions of Afghans and brought music back to the nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 24, 202439 min

How Did Dialing 9-1-1 Become a Thing?

Will and Mango are determined to figure out the origin of the emergency hotline. From the strange reason people used to call up funeral home directors after an accident, to the incredible train robbery that was stopped using a makeshift phone, to the heartbreaking ways that emergency operators learn to cope on the job, this week we're dialing up a whole host of 911 facts. ... Want to get in touch? Whether you want to share a fact, story, or even just let us know how we're doing, you can write ou...

May 16, 202428 min

9 Very Important Facts about Flutes

Ever found yourself standing between Lizzo and André 3000 at yet another cocktail party , and can't think of anything to say to them? Well, you're not alone. A lot of people don't come to parties with enough flute facts in their arsenal. Luckily, we can help. Just memorize every single word of this podcast, and you'll be golden. Guest starring the wonderful Mary Phillips-Sandy! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

May 09, 202420 min

How Come Esperanto Never Took Off?!

Want to know which billionaire speaks Esperanto fluently? Or what country almost adopted Esperanto as its national language? Or why Hitler and Stalin were both afraid of Dr. Esperanto (actually Doktoro Esperanto ). Join Will and Mango as they dive into the incredible world of constructed languages and also discover why William Shatner isn't just the greatest Esperanto actor of all time ... but also probably the worst. ... Want to get in touch? Whether you want to share a fact, story, or even jus...

May 02, 202431 min

Why Are There So Many Cheese Crimes?

From the Parmesan Mafia to the gas station hot dog Will accidentally ate, there are way too many cheese crimes out there! This episode Will and Mango investigate a fondue cartel, ride with food detectives, and look into an Ocean's 11... of cheese?! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 25, 202435 min

How do Michelin Stars Work?

Whether you're trying to spot a Michelin critic in the wild, or you're on the hunt for the world's best reindeer tartar with moss and fermented mushroom (a very common thing listeners ask us about), we've got you covered. From Katy Perry's Michelin mishap, to chefs trying to sue the guide because they want more stars, to the bizarre reason the Michelin Man prefers to pair his meals with a goblet full of nails, we've prepared a piping hot plate of facts for you. (Go ahead and tuck in!) ... Want t...

Apr 18, 202429 min

Why are we so Obsessed with Slime?

Will and Mango are back in studio to form a slime appreciation society! From the first time astronauts took slime to space, to the incredible way snails surf (SURF!) their own slime, to the architectural beauty of slime molds, put on your galoshes and jump right in! ... Want to get in touch? Whether you want to share a fact, story, or even just let us know how we're doing, you can write our moms (Lalita and Paulette) at [email protected]. Don't worry. They'll pass the message along. See omn...

Apr 11, 202430 min

Was Sandra Day O'Connor Our Last Independent Justice?

Reposting this classic ep in honor of Sandra Day O'Connor. From her hardscrabble upbringing on cattle ranch (where she tamed a bobcat!) to her incredible sway on the Supreme Court, Will and Mango explore Justice O'Connor's incredible life, the glass ceilings she broke through along the way, and what made her both such a practical and a fiercely independent voice on the court. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

Dec 01, 202338 min

9 Starch-tastic Facts about Potatoes!

This week Will and Mango revel in the beauty, majesty and immense grandeur of... the potato. From Ben Franklin's role as a potato influencer, to the strange reason part of a potato is preserved in a baseball museum, to the ridiculous parade float that inspired the word couch potato, Will and Mango are serving up an all-you-can-eat heaping of potato facts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 15, 202224 min

9 Chomp-worthy facts about Alligators

This 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 30, 202219 min

9 Surprising Things Invented by Women

For this International Women's Day episode, Will and Mango handed the mic to their good pal Jo Piazza. Here are the lady geniuses you should be thanking for your trash can foot pedal, your quieter airplane, and so much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 08, 202117 min

What's the World's Most Ridiculous Video Game?

Remember how fun it was to save up your quarters and go to the arcade? These are the games you didn't want to play. From the Tetris sequel that features Abe Lincolns and Frankensteins, to a game that somehow blends Honey, I Shrunk the Kids with an anti-smoking campaign, to the greatest (maybe only?) game based on Noah's Ark; Will, Gabe and Mango try to out-do each other with the most ridiculous video games they can find. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Se...

Sep 01, 202025 min

What's the Correct Way for a Queen to Eat a Banana?

Ever wonder what the Royal family's preferred way to eat fruit is? Or why the British Monarchy insists on weighing dinner guests before a meal? Or what type of humor makes the Windsors the happiest (spoiler: it's plane humor.) Join Will, Gabe and Mango as we serve up a boatload of royally silly facts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Aug 21, 202026 min

What's So Bad about the Philistines?

When Mango's kids show off their bad table manners, he scolds them for being Philistines... but do the Philistines actually deserve their bad rap? Was Goliath the actual underdog? And why did someone make a video game that featured them? Will, Gabe and Mango answer one of the most important question on everyone's minds in today's 9 Things: What's so bad about the Philistines? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

May 01, 202023 min

9 Weird Things Hiding Underground

From the world's weirdest cinema (it serves couscous with viewings?!) to an internet for plants, to the perfect job for lazy people who also want to hide underground, Will, Gabe and Mango dig deep in search of 9 great facts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 20, 202023 min

9 Absurd Inventions You (Probably) Won't See on Shark Tank

This episode Will, Gabe and Mango raid the US Patent office to find some of the weirdest, funniest, and most confusing inventions of all time. Plus, the trio discusses the easiest way to scam $6 off of us. Instagram Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Apr 07, 202018 min

9 Stompy Facts about Godzilla

Gabe loves monster moves! And Will and Mango... tolerate them. But, it turns out, we all love facts about Godzilla. From how Godzilla changed paleontology, to the giant monster's (secret) signature move, to why flattened buildings aren't the worst part of a Godzilla attack, this episode we tip our hats to the King of the Monsters. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Apr 03, 202023 min

How did P. T. Barnum Trick the World into Riding Elevators?

Elevators seem pretty mundane, until you realize a certain king used them to hide his mistresses; a certain politician used them to exaggerate the height of his buildings, and all of America refused to ride them until a certain marketing genius (the one and only P. T. Barnum!) designed a stunt to get everyone on board. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Mar 30, 202032 min

9 Oddball Comic Book Characters (Who Won't Be Getting Their Own Movie)

Will, Mango and Gabe are stuck inside this week, and decide to hop on the phone to chat comics... specifically, some of the worst comic creations in all of history. Want to know what killed Captain Tootsie? Or why Arm-Fall-Off-Boy was rejected from super hero glory twice? Plus, we discuss why you should never, ever try to crash an X-Men birthday party disguised as a food product. (There's a good reason.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/...

Mar 25, 202023 min

What did Teddy Roosevelt do to Dr. Seuss?!

In today’s special episode, Mango sits down with Erin McCarthy, editor-in-chief of Mental Floss to talk about everything Teddy Roosevelt… from whether he really climbed a mountain out of spite, to how a seal inspired his fossil collection, to what made him so darn productive (hint: it helps to drink coffee from a mug the size of a bathtub). Plus, we get into just how high-pitched TR’s voice was, and why Dr. Seuss was so darn scared of him. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpo...

Feb 19, 202046 min

Fan Favorite: 9 Reasons to Love Raccoons (Yes, Raccoons)

Trash pandas. Nature's ninjas. Sure, these ring-tailed rascals go by plenty of names. But whether you love 'em or hate 'em, they're clearly taking over Toronto. Will and Mango discuss everything raccoons, and why they deserve a little respect. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 30, 201920 min

Fan Favorite: Why are Russians so good at Chess?

Will and Mango go deep into their chess cave to determine: what's the most dangerous styles of chess, why did the game move from the battlefield to the royal court, and if a billion people to play chess, can that stop an alien invasion? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 26, 201937 min

Fan Favorite: What are the Secret Rules the Royal Family has to Obey?

Why can't princes wear pants? Why does Prince Charles carry a bag of blood with him on his vacations? Is the Queen allowed to use a Pooper Scooper? Why is it so hard to make a perfect tuna sandwich for the royal family? And who is responsible for ironing the Queen's money so that it is perfectly crisp? Will and Mango dig into all the Queen's business and find some delightful stories in the process. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listen...

Dec 23, 201932 min
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