Part-Time Genius

Do You Have to Pay These Strange Taxes?

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

If you enjoy biking in Finland, eating a bagel with cream cheese in New York, or avoiding the sun in Italy, bad news: you may owe tax on that. The good news is, we’ve got nine of the world’s most unusual tax laws to distract you from the pain in your pocketbook.

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Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash. Thanks, Kelly!

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Are Pay Phones Making a Comeback?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:41:04 +0000

How did an ailing Connecticut wife inspire the pay phone? Why did thousands of people flock to the Mojave Desert just to use one? And do people really talk for longer when they know someone else is waiting? Today Mango and Gabe answer the call of nostalgia by tracing the rise, fall, and possible resurgence of the public pay phone.

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Photo by Robin Jonathan Deutsch via Unsplash. Thanks, Robin!

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Why Are Whales So Big? with Nick Pyenson!

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

How long do whales live, and how do scientists figure out their age? What does it take to sustain a whale's enormous size? And why do whales have mustaches and belly buttons? Featuring Nick Pyenson, author of Spying on Whales and curator of marine mammal fossils for the Smithsonian.

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This episode originally aired on September 12, 2018.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Chinh Le Duc via Unsplash. Thanks, Chinh!

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9 Facts About Buttons That Aren't Nuclear

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Will, Gabe and Mango take the focus off the nuclear button, and put it squarely on all the other buttons out there that are feeling a little neglected, from colonial button molds to Jimmy Carter’s panic button accident in a bathroom.

This episode originally aired on January 4, 2018.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Olga Kovalski via Unsplash. Thanks, Olga!

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How to Make a Scottish Tartan (Without Going to Scotland!)

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

What unique title do you earn if you climb Scotland’s tallest mountains? How is the Scots language being preserved? What’s the deep, dark secret behind bagpipes? And most important, do you support Will and Mango’s plan to register an official Part-Time Genius tartan with the Scottish government? Today we’ve got 9 kilt-tilting facts about Scotland!

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by K. Mitch Hodge via Unsplash. Thanks, K. Mitch!

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How Did the Avocado Conquer the World?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Forget boring toast—the world has been making all sorts of avocado advances. Why aren't you using an avocado sock? Should you be investing in diet avocados from Spain? And why aren't you drinking your lattes out of avocado shells, like Australians do? Will and Mango dive deep into the tasty world of avocados to determine why they took so long to catch on, and what Baywatch Nights has to do with their popularity. (Spoiler: Very little.)

This episode originally aired on April 27, 2018.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Estúdio Bloom via Unsplash.

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Is The Legend of Zelda the Perfect Video Game?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Strap on your sword and grab your ocarina, because today we're celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda! Join Mango and Gabe as they uncover the secrets of Nintendo's landmark fantasy series, including the real-world inspirations and technical breakthroughs that helped bring the games to life. Plus: The inspiring story of a nonagenarian Zelda fan, and the reason why Link is so darn handsome.

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Photo by Ben Hamler via Unsplash. Thanks, Ben!

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9 Last Words Worth Remembering

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

On his deathbed, Winston Churchill’s last words were: “I’m bored with it all.” What a missed opportunity! In this slightly morbid but highly entertaining episode, Will and Mango dig up more last words, from Marie Antoinette's polite remark en route to the guillotine to the businessman who used his final breath to win a game. Plus: the infamous word that helped create one of the world's most famous sneaker brands.

This episode originally aired on March 22, 2018.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Portrait of Marie Antoinette via Wikimedia Commons.

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9 Helpful Facts About Assistive Technology

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

What’s an ear trumpet, and where can you find the world’s biggest collection of them? How did a frustrated young watchmaker transform the wheelchair forever? Why does a robotic arm make such a great dining companion? Today, Will and Mango discover some incredible inventions, past and present, that have made life a little easier for millions of people.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Ear trumpet diagram from the National Archives & Records Administration via Wikimedia Commons.

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How Did Settlers Create New Orleans from Swampland?

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

New Orleans is one of the most charming and unique cities in the United States… but 300 years ago, it would've been hard to see that potential. In this episode, Will and Mango dig into how French the French Quarter really is, why the local graveyards look like little villages, and whether the Peacemaker sandwich really can keep an angry couple together.

This episode originally aired on August 26, 2019.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo of the French Quarter by Rosie Kerr via Unsplash. Thanks, Rosie!

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What’s the Best Passport to Carry? (And Why Do We Carry Passports?)

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Travel identification has taken many forms over the years, from stone tablets to an exhausting process that involved posting your itinerary on a church door. But how did we arrive at the standardized booklets many of us carry today? How do different countries use art and technology to distinguish their passports? And what’s the best (and worst) passport in the world, according to experts? Plus: Why you can blame a German spy for your embarrassing passport photo.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Spencer Davis via Unsplash. Thanks, Spencer!

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Is Recycling Worth the Hassle?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Why does Germany use five different bins for recycling? Can you trick people into being greener by putting wolves on packaging? And is recycling a good business to be in? Plus, why Totes McGoats is one of the worst phrases of all time... but also perhaps the best recycling mascot ever. Featuring Christopher Hassiotis from HowStuffWorks.

This episode originally aired on January 24, 2018.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski via Unsplash. Thanks, Pawel!

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9 Nutty Facts About Hard-Shelled Fruit

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Why did people start (and stop) dyeing pistachios red? How do thieves pull off high-stakes nut heists? What’s up with the coconut that looks like a butt? And why do so many members of the PTG team have beef with pine nuts? Today, we’re cracking the delicious mysteries of nuts (and, yes, things that aren’t technically nuts).

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Mae Mu via Unsplash. Thanks, Mae!

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How Clean Should We Be?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Is our obsession with cleanliness keeping us from peak health? Also, can hookworm cure allergies? Will harvesting panda poop make you rich? Plus: Why Amish dust is superior to other dust (seriously!). Featuring Penny Sarchet.

This episode originally aired on June 14, 2017.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Crystal Chabot via Unsplash. Thanks, Crystal!

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What’s the Best Way to Break a Bad Habit?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Why is it so hard to stop oversleeping and eating candy? Why is it equally hard to start going to the gym and preparing healthy snacks? If you’ve been struggling with New Year’s resolutions, you’re not alone—turns out humans have wrestled with habits for centuries, like the guy who paid his servant to drag him out of bed in the morning. Will and Mango have the answers you need, with a little help from behavior change expert Dr. Katy Milkman.

Buy Katy Milkman’s book, How to Change, and subscribe to her newsletter, Milkman Delivers!

Remember, Monday, March 2 is the official 2026 Part-Time Genius Habit Change Fresh Start Day! Mark your calendars and let us know what habit you’re trying to change. Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

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What Are the Only 10 Foods You'd Need to Survive?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

We have ZERO intention of eating less food! But if you had to pare down your pantry to the bare minimum, what are the only foods you'd need to survive? Is an all-potato diet healthy? And did Steve Jobs' strange diet affect his business decisions? Plus, Will and Mango discuss the Woodstock for fruit lovers and find out why the elderberry might be the most overlooked berry. Featuring Spudfit.com's Andrew Taylor.

This episode originally aired on November 1, 2017.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Lars Blankers via Unsplash. Thanks, Lars!

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9 Awesome Facts about Opossums

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

We honk at them in the street and shoo them away from our trash cans, but opossums are so much more than nocturnal nuisances. In today’s episode, Mango and Gabe get better acquainted with America’s only native marsupials, including the truth behind their famous talent for playing dead and their surprising connections to President Taft and Captain John Smith. Plus: A stirring ode to the opossum on Mango’s balcony and a tongue-in-cheek recipe for “planked possum.”

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by The New York Public Library via Unsplash. Thanks, NYPL!

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Why Are Humans So Obsessed With Chocolate?

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Will and Mango are on a mission to uncover chocolate's darkest secrets. What's the difference between cacao and cocoa? Why have Swiss scientists been working on a pink chocolate for so long, and what does it really taste like? Plus, why does chocolate melt so perfectly in our mouths?

This episode originally aired on February 21, 2018.

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Is There Such a Thing as “Authentic” Food?

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Let’s be real: eating at Olive Garden isn’t the same as dining in Tuscany. But does that mean the food is inherently worse? Today Will and Mango explore the concept of culinary authenticity, including how it’s measured, who it benefits, and what it really means for one dish to be “more authentic” than another. Plus: The political calculus of wolfing down corn dogs, and the shocking origin of Outback Steakhouse (spoiler alert: it does not involve Australia!).

Did you know that instant mashed potatoes are authentic Canadian cuisine? Check out this episode on Great Inventions from the Great White North to learn more!

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Photo by Maximilian Zahn via Unsplash. Thanks, Maximilian!

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How Did the Winter Olympics Change Sports?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Who's the Michael Phelps of the early winter games? Why did the 1924 British curling team just get their gold medals? And what are the greatest sports we wish were still in the Olympics (who's up for a round of Korfball)? Will and Mango dive into Olympic history and investigate how one little rule change affected how future sports were played. Featuring American ski archer Dave Bergart.

This episode originally aired on January 17, 2018.

Photo by Todd Trapani via Unsplash. Thanks, Todd!

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Does Listening to Music Make You Healthier? with Daisy Fancourt

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Reading a book, going to the movies, listening to your favorite band… you call them hobbies, but acclaimed scientist Daisy Fancourt calls them public health strategies. She joins producer Mary to discuss her new book, Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives, and shares insights from her research—like the fact that engaging with the arts reduces the risk of depression, and listening to music before surgery results in faster healing. Daisy also explains why she’s hopeful in the face of widespread cuts to arts funding, and why you don’t have to be good at the arts to benefit from them.

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

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Human ingenuity knows no limits! Today Will, Gabe, and Mango raid the United States Patent Office to find some of the weirdest, funniest, and most confusing inventions of all time.

This episode originally aired on April 7, 2020.

Photo of a gerbil (not in the gerbil transport vest) by Silje Roseneng via Unsplash. Thanks, Silje!

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9 Map-Slapping Border Disputes

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Join Will and Mango as they try to mediate the world’s weirdest arguments about borders, including the ongoing fight for an island of puffins and a centuries-old struggle to control a quarter mile of mountain. Plus: One man’s efforts to make his daughter an abandoned desert princess, and “the turducken of border disputes,” which involved a corner of India inside Bangladesh which was inside India but also inside Bangladesh.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Kyle Glenn via Unsplash. Thanks, Kyle!

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What Does Plastic Surgery Have to Do With the Civil War?

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Why are people getting plastic surgery on their fingerprints? Why was the Civil War such a golden era for procedures? And why is everyone suddenly obsessed with the length of their philtrums? Will and Mango take a brisk walk through the history of plastic surgery.

This episode originally aired on January 25, 2019.

Photo of Civil War veterans by the American Press Association via the Library of Congress.

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How Close Are We to Teleporting?

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:15:00 +0000

Teleportation is a major mode of travel in science fiction, but when will it become a reality? To find out, Mango and Gabe are grappling with the history and theoretical science behind one of humanity’s most anticipated technologies. Along the way, they explore the surprising connection between teleportation and ancient stage magic, and introduce you to the most romantic song about quantum entanglement that you’ve ever heard. (Probably.)

Check out David Nagler’s website and his band, As For the Future!
Listen to Mangesh’s conversation with Daniel Whiteson about aliens, physics, and alien physics!
Learn more about Daniel’s work, books, and podcast at his website!

Photo by Logan Gutierrez via Unsplash. Thanks, Logan!

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9 Things Hiding on Your Money

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

From the treasury joker who snuck his face on some cash, to Theodore Roosevelt’s drastic redesign for the penny, to the very best reason Harriet Tubman belongs on the $20, Will and Mango are diving into dollar bill facts Scrooge McDuck-style.

This episode originally aired on January 31, 2019.

Photo by Giorgio Trovato via Unsplash. Thanks, Giorgio!

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9 Classic Works That Belong to Everyone Now

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Will and Mango are starting the new year strong by counting down their favorite cultural works that just entered the public domain. From cartoon queens and detective stories to Dutch abstract art and one of the most recorded songs in history, this year’s crop has something for everyone. Plus: How the Harlem Globetrotters got their theme song, and the origin of the Dagwood sandwich!

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How Do People Game the Lottery?

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

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.

This episode originally aired on June 13, 2018.

Photo by Erik Mclean via Unsplash. Thanks, Erik!

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Why Did the Inventor of Shopping Malls Hate Malls?

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

While no one is going to malls (or so it seems), everyone seems to be talking about them: the CDC is writing up reports on mall walkers, people are growing beards to get into the mall Santa game, and writers are waxing nostalgic about them. But what exactly were malls intended to be? Why did the inventor of the mall try to distance himself from his greatest invention? And why are there never any escalators in the middle of them? Will and Mango dig in.

This episode originally aired on May 28, 2019.

Photo of Boston's Copley Place Mall by Ethan Hansen via Unsplash. Thanks, Ethan!

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9 High-Flying Facts About Skywriting!

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… an ad for cigarettes?! For the past 102 years, people have been using airplanes to turn exhaust into ads, political slogans, birthday greetings, and more. But where did this strangely brilliant idea come from? What kind of sorcery do pilots use to make it happen? And why is it at risk of becoming a lost art?

This episode originally aired on December 3, 2024.

Photo by Sebastian Davenport-Handley via Unsplash. Thanks, Sebastian!

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Cake in Space, a Musical Mushroom, and a Very Lonely Snail

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

It’s the 44th annual Part-Time Genius Awards! We’re honoring the people—and creatures—behind the year’s best stories, including a fungus that plays keyboards, a rare snail looking for love, a very nerdy math holiday, an incredible invention for astronauts who enjoy baking, an experiment with Batman, and more. Grab your tuxedo and let’s send 2025 off in style.

We’re on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social.

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9 Very Important Facts About Bears

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Whether you're an amateur bear enthusiast or prepping for a bear convention, these are the bear facts you'll need! Will and Mango explore a Canadian bear jail, learn why Pizzlies are taking over the world, and discover why Paddington Bear was once the pride of Africa.

This episode originally aired on May 3, 2018.

Photo by Mark Basarab via Unsplash. Thanks, Mark!

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Is Flavor Really All In Your Brain?

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Believe it or not, heavier bowls, a pair of headphones, and an electronic lollipop can trick your mind grapes into making tasty food even tastier. But how? And why?! Plus, the legend of the PB-and-mayo sandwich, and one very cute pepper to avoid. Featuring Bob Holmes.

This episode originally aired on June 30, 2017.

Photo of tasty, tasty potato chips by Emiliano Vittoriosi via Unsplash. Thanks, Emiliano!

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How Much Did Jane Austen Earn From Her Books (And Why Wasn’t It More)?

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Jane Austen worked at a 12-sided desk, was great at singing, and earned shockingly little money from her novels. Today’s her 250th birthday, so we’re celebrating with nine niche literary facts about the beloved author, from the way she helped soldiers in WWI to the reason why Kelly Clarkson couldn’t buy her ring. (Sorry, Kelly.)

We’re on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social.

Drawing of Jane Austen by her sister Cassandra via Wikimedia Commons.

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9 Weird Things Hiding Underground

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

From the world's most secretive cinema to an internet for plants, to the perfect job for lazy people who also want to hide underground, Will, Gabe, and Mango go deep—very, very deep—in search of 9 weird things that lurk just below the surface.

This episode originally aired on April 20, 2020.

Photo of the Paris Catacombs by Nico Knaack via Unsplash. Merci, Nico!

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Why Were C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien Frenemies?!

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, so Will and Mango are uncovering some seriously surprising stories about author C.S. Lewis. Did you know he was famous for his terrible fashion… but also his financial generosity? Or that he almost converted to Hinduism for reasons that involve soup? And that he had a long, complicated frenemy-ship with J.R.R. Tolkien, which led to the two authors hating on a Disney movie together? Well, you will after this episode!

We’re on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social.

Photo of Lewis by John S. Murray via Wikimedia Commons.

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9 Wonderful Wintertime Inventions

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Did a 15-year-old really invent the snowmobile? What was the original use for a Kleenex? How come Eddie Bauer gets zero credit for his genius idea? And what's so special about Greenwood Champion Ear Protectors, anyway? Will and Mango spend a cold winter's day digging into some spectacular seasonal inventions.

This episode originally aired on January 24, 2019.

Photo by Diana Polekhina via Unsplash. Thanks, Diana!

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9 Door-Busting Facts About Holiday Shopping

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Tis the season for commerce, and Gabe and Mary are standing by with answers to all the questions you didn’t know you had. Like: What was the Tickle Me Elmo of ancient Rome? Why was Black Friday almost called Big Friday? And what happened when FDR messed with Thanksgiving in order to give people more time to shop? (Chaos, that’s what happened.) Plus: Helpful suggestions for anyone struggling to find the perfect gift.

We’re on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social.

Photo of a Macy’s holiday window display via Wikimedia Commons.

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What Are the Secrets of the World’s Largest Birds?

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Is Florida the birthplace of ostrich racing? Why do male Emperor penguins get an extra stomach flap? And why should you be extra wary of a loose cassowary? Today Mango and Gabe run through some of the world's biggest questions about the world’s biggest birds.

This episode originally aired on July 20, 2018.

Want an official, numbered, limited edition Part-Time Genius membership card? Of course you do. Get in touch and share a fun fact, your name, and your mailing address and we’ll send you one for free. Email higeniuses@gmail.com, DM us on our socials, or leave a message at (302) 405-5925. (We may share your fact on an upcoming episode, but don’t worry, your contact info is private.)

Ostrich photo by Catherine Merlin via Unsplash. Thanks, Catherine!

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Taking Risks and Traveling the World, with Tom Freston!

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Tom Freston’s resume is real, but reads like fiction: he served cocktails in the Caribbean, created a fashion brand in India, co-founded MTV, became CEO of Viacom… and after he was unceremoniously fired, he helped launch a TV network in Afghanistan and became an advocate for global health initiatives. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s written an extraordinary memoir, Unplugged: Adventures from MTV to Timbuktu. So today Tom sits down with Mango to talk about some of those adventures, including the time he ended up in a sauna with David Bowie and Paul McCartney, how The Real World came to be, and why he believes TV can change the world.

Buy Unplugged: Adventures from MTV to Timbuktu, or request it at your local bookstore or library!

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How Scientists Are Reviving Lost Smells

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000

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'd like to experience the fragrance of extinct Hawaiian flowers? In this episode, Will and Mango get nosy about how scientists have been working hard to build a scent library of disappearing smells.

This episode originally aired on July 11, 2024.

Photo of Cleopatra street mural in Barcelona by r2hox via Wikimedia Commons. Thanks, r2hox!

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Super Food Science Excellence Trivia Blow Out! with Science Friday

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000

What a treat! It’s a fact-packed food science trivia game, created in collaboration with our good pals at Science Friday. Mango and SciFri’s Flora Lichtman put one lucky listener to the test with questions about peppers, panda diets, and more, with special prizes on the line.

Check out Science Friday, and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow them on Instagram @scifri and Bluesky @scifri.bsky.social.

We’re on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social.

Pepper photo by Hari Krishnan via Unsplash. Thanks, Hari!

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Why Does New Zealand Have an Official Wizard?

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Everything Will and Mango read about New Zealand made them want to visit! From how Hokey Pokey became the country's favorite ice cream flavor, to why the nation is giving away free gym memberships... to birds, to the reason the coffin clubs are taking off, Will and Mango dig deep into the country's history to discover why New Zealand is so much better than the Old one.

This episode originally aired on December 5, 2019.

Photo of Lake Pukaki by Casey Horner via Unsplash. Thanks, Casey!

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9 Saucy, Savory Facts About Pasta

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Whether you love fusilli or spaghetti (actually, turns out many of you don’t love spaghetti), today’s episode will whet your appetite… for pasta facts. Join Will and Mango as they discover the rarest noodles on earth, a daring macaroni-powered prison break, and the visionary chef who paved the way for red sauce. Plus: Listeners weigh in on the best pasta shapes of all time.

Photo by Mae Mu via Unsplash. Thanks, Mae!

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What Did Teddy Roosevelt Do to Dr. Seuss?!

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Today Mango sits down with Erin McCarthy, editor-in-chief of Mental Floss, to talk about our 26th president, 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 scared of him.

This episode originally aired on February 19, 2020.

Photo (actually, it's a photomechanical print) via the Library of Congress.

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9 Mustache Facts to Kick Off Movember!

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000

From the super strange reason Burt Reynolds grew a mustache to why you need to invest in a mustache spoon, Will and Mango chat all things facial topiaries with their good pals Yves and Alex.

Special thanks to @doodlynoted on Instagram, whose amazing sketchnotes of this episode made us want to listen to it again!

This episode originally aired on November 2, 2017.

Photo by Alan Hardman via Unsplash. Thanks, Alan!

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Exploring Alien Science with Daniel Whiteson!

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000

What if aliens came to earth… and helped us unlock the mysteries of the universe? That’s the premise of our pal Daniel Whiteson’s new book, Do Aliens Speak Physics?, and today on the show he tells us how thinking through this wacky scenario can tell us a lot about ourselves, our science, and the boundaries of knowledge. Plus: Why sci-fi is just as important as sci-non-fi.

Buy Do Aliens Speak Physics or request it at your local bookstore or library!
Check out Daniel’s podcast, Daniel & Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe!
Learn more about Daniel’s research and other work!

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PTG Recommends: Origin Stories!

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000

On today's Rec Center, Mango introduces listeners to his pal Matthew Shaer's brand new podcast Origin Stories. If you're someone who misses the Longform podcast, loves to learn about the craft of writing, or just want to hear more from your favorite author and filmmaker, Origin Stories is probably what you've been looking for. On today's episode, Matthew interviews the bestselling author Stephanie Foo about her memoir "What My Bones Know." If you want to hear about why morning pages don't work for everybody, how to approach a rewrite, and why it's ok to include more fart jokes than your editor might want, give it a listen.

For more Origin Stories, including Stephanie's episode, be sure to click here. Or find it wherever you get your podcasts.

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9 Spooky, Ooky Facts About Charles Addams

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

We all know the famous family—but what about the man behind them, lurking in the shadows? Mango and Gabe decided to celebrate Halloween by unearthing some weird, delightful, and weirdly delightful stories about cartoonist Charles Addams, from his childhood love of creeping around vacant houses to the unexpected way his TV show made tech history.

Photo of Addams by Irving Penn, via Wikimedia Commons.

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9 Halloween Facts to Stuff in Your Pillowcases!

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In Iowa, you can't just show up on your neighbor's doorstep with a costume... kids have to work for the treats! Grab your pillowcase, bucket, or plastic pumpkin-shaped pail and join Will, Mango, and Gabe for a very sweet-and-spooky episode to get yourself excited for Halloween

This episode originally aired on October 26, 2017.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Beth Teutschmann via Unsplash. Thanks, Beth!

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Being Curious for a Living with Josh & Chuck from Stuff You Should Know

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

We’re closing out this week of curiosity with our good pals Josh and Chuck (and super producer Jeri!) from Stuff You Should Know. It’s a wide-ranging, brain-tickling conversation that touches on everything from childhood obsessions to SYSK behind-the-scenes stories to the shocking truth about off-mic personas. Plus: Everyone tries to figure out which Muppet they are, for some reason.

What’s your favorite fact you learned this week? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Instagram (@parttimegenius) or Bluesky (parttimegenius.bsky.social). We’ll pick one comment at random to win a prize! For a bonus entry, make a post with your answer and tag us. Deadline is 11:59pm ET, Sunday Oct. 26.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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Are We Doomed to Lose Curiosity As We Age?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Today Will and Mango explore the science of curiosity at different ages: how school can help (or hurt) kids’ curiosity, why middle age may make you less curious, and what we know about babies’ curiosity, even though they can’t fill out questionnaires. Plus: A conversation with a researcher who made a surprising discovery about elderly people, and expert tips for practicing curiosity, whether you’re 1 or 100.

Join our slow(er) curiosity exercise! Think of something you’re curious about—big or small—then don’t Google it. Instead, go for a walk or sit someplace quiet. Use a pen and paper to jot down any ideas that come to mind. Then head over to our Instagram (@parttimegenius) or Bluesky (parttimegenius.bsky.social) and tell us how it went. We’ll pick one comment at random to win a prize! For a bonus entry, take a photo or video of your walk/quiet place, upload it and tag us. Deadline is 11:59pm ET, Sunday Oct. 26.

Learn more about Jamie Jirout’s work at the UVA REAL lab.
Learn more about Mary Whatley’s work at the Motivated Memory & Successful Aging Lab.
Learn more about Celeste Kidd’s work at the Kidd Lab.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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Can Pets Be Curious? How About Wild Chimps?

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Today we’re taking a break from human curiosity and turning our attention to other animals. What makes hummingbirds explore different flowers? Are we to blame for rats’ curiosity? Are animals in the wild more or less curious than animals in captivity? And if you were a zebrafish, which would you find more interesting: a white shell or a purple cup?

Day 3 listener activity: Grab an assortment of objects and present them one at a time to the nearest animal (as long as it’s friendly) to see what it’s curious about. Then head over to our Instagram (@parttimegenius) or Bluesky (parttimegenius.bsky.social) and tell us how the experiment went. We’ll pick one comment at random to win a prize! For a bonus entry, take a photo or video of your animal, upload it and tag us. Deadline is 11:59pm ET, Sunday Oct. 26.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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Is Curiosity Dangerous?

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Where did the saying “curiosity killed the cat” come from, and is it just a way for the rich and powerful to oppress everyone else? (Hint: yes.) Today on the show, Will and Mango take a look at curiosity’s checkered history: from the Middle Ages (when it was considered a threat to society) to the 17th century (when it became downright trendy) to today (when we can Google anything we want).

Day 2 listener activity: Head over to our Instagram (@parttimegenius) or Bluesky (parttimegenius.bsky.social) and tell us which three objects you’d include in a cabinet of curiosities. We’ll pick one comment at random to win a prize! For a bonus entry, take a photo or video of your objects, upload it and tag us. Deadline is 11:59pm ET, Sunday Oct. 26.

Buy Barbara Benedict’s book, Curiosity: A Cultural History of Early Modern Inquiry.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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What Does Curiosity Really Do To Our Brains?

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Every day this week, we’re exploring a different aspect of curiosity—you know, the thing that makes you listen to this show. We’re starting off by discovering what happens in our brains when we experience curiosity, why some things make us curious and others don’t, how a lack of novelty can lead to pretty strange behavior, and how all of this ties in to our willingness to buy oat milk.

Take the Which Part-Time Genius Co-Host Are You? quiz! Leave a comment on our Instagram (@parttimegenius) or Bluesky (parttimegenius.bsky.social) and tell us your result. We’ll pick one comment at random to win a prize! For a bonus entry, make a post about your result and tag us. Deadline is 11:59pm ET, Sunday Oct. 26.

Learn more about Celeste Kidd’s work at the Kidd Lab.
Subscribe to Jack Shepherd’s newsletter, On Words and Up Words.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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How Come Esperanto Never Took Off?!

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

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.

This episode originally aired on May 2, 2024.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Volodymyr Hyrshchenko via Unsplash. Thanks, Volodymyr!

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Can Pneumatic Tubes and Robot Sharks Solve Our Garbage Crisis?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Today Mango and producer Mary are talking trash! Discover how people used to deal with trash (hint: it involved thousands of feral pigs), and why garbology is an actual science that can teach us a lot about ourselves. Plus, we take a look at the most creative modern garbage disposal technologies, from underground tubes to robot sharks to giant anthropomorphic wheels, and dig up some incredible things that were found in the trash.

Meet Baltimore’s Trash Wheel family here!

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Pittsburgh travel tips? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo of a garbage pile in the Himalayas by Sylwia Bartyzel via Unsplash. Thanks, Sylwia!

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Why Did Venus Flytraps Develop a Taste for Meat?

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

From plants that eat rats and frogs, to the strange reason bats curl up in pitcher plants, Will and Mango explore the eerie world of carnivorous plants.

This episode originally aired on November 9, 2018.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Andi Superkern via Unsplash. Thanks, Andi!

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The Mystery of the Missing Tintin Plays

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

It’s the second episode of our two-part series about Tintin! Today Gabe and Mango look beyond the books to discuss Tintin adaptations, including Steven Spielberg’s hit movie (which was forever changed by a random encounter in a grocery store) and two long-lost stage plays co-authored by Hergé himself. We also unpack Hergé’s legacy: from questions about his actions during WWII to his depictions of other countries, and the importance of having conversations about flawed art.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo of a Tintin mural in Bruxelles by Johan Mouchet via Unsplash. Thanks, Johan!

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What’s the Best Day of the Week?

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

We all know which day Garfield hates. But what’s the best day to avoid a bank robbery? And when can you get the freshest sushi? And why are there seven days in a week, anyway? Will and Mango dive into your calendars, and emerge with some pretty surprising answers. Featuring author Melissa Heckscher.

This episode originally aired on August 25, 2017.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Bich Tran via Pexels. Thanks, Bich!

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Was Tintin a Real Person?

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Millions of readers have been captivated by the adventures of Tintin, a swoopy-haired young journalist who races around the world with his little dog, Snowy. But it turns out the story behind the stories is just as interesting! Today Mango and Gabe bring you part one of our two-part dive into all things Tintin. We’ll meet the failed characters who served as prototypes (shout out Totor and Flup!), and we’ll discover how Tintin’s creator, Hergé, became more open-minded about other cultures… all thanks to a friendly art student. Tune in next week for part two!

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Gang Hao via Unsplash. Thanks, Gang!

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9 Facts to Get You in the Apple-Picking Mood

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Which apple could also be a hair metal band? Why is New York City the Big Apple and not the New Orange? And how did Japanese farmers figure out the secret to the biggest, sweetest apples in the world? Grab a flannel shirt and a bag of fresh cider doughnuts, because today Will and Mango are taking you apple-fact picking!

This episode originally aired on September 28, 2018.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Ryan Arnst via Unsplash. Thanks, Ryan!

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9 Sneaky Ways to Send a Message

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

There are lots of ways we could tell you about the art of secret messaging: we could waggle a blanket, grab a bucket of gallnuts and iron supplements, flutter our fans, or tattoo some information on a hapless intern’s scalp. But that’s pretty complicated, so Mango and Gabe made a podcast about it instead.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo of wigwag flags by the U.S. Army Center of Military History via Wikimedia Commons.

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Did Picasso Try to Steal the Mona Lisa?

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

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? Today, Will and Mango go deep on the mysterious beauty and discover what—and who!—is behind that sly smile.

This episode originally aired on May 30, 2024.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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Why Is It So Hard to Get Rid of Lice?!

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

For a tiny insect, lice sure can cause big problems! Today Mango and producer Mary—both veterans of the head lice wars—dive into the ancient history of this itchy critter (including mummies with lice!), explore bizarre superstitions and home remedies you shouldn’t try (please don’t dunk your head in kerosene!), and finally, talk to some experts about treatments that do work… and why you might want to take a moment to appreciate your lice before you destroy them.

Check out Dale Clayton’s Clayton & Bush Lab at the University of Utah.
Learn more about Dale’s AirAlle device.
Watch Laurie Moyer’s videos on YouTube and TikTok, or visit Lice Centers of Wisconsin.
Learn more about Ian Burgess’s work at Insect Research & Development.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

“Hunting for Lice” (1652) by Gerard ter Borch, via Wikimedia Commons.

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Does Pizza Bring Out the Worst In People?

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Everyone says money is the root of all evil... but are you 100% certain it isn’t pizza? Will and Mango take a deep dive into a shallow dish (more of a pan, really) to discuss pizza wars, mafia ties, and why the proper term for a pizza rat in Australia is a Charlie Cheese. Featuring Scott Weiner from Scott’s Pizza Tours.

This episode originally aired on August 30, 2017.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Sylwia Pietruszka via Unsplash. Thanks, Sylwia!

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What's the Worst Mascot of All Time? (And Who Invented Mascots, Anyway?)

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Today Will and Mango are tipping their hats to the true MVPs of competitive sports: mascots! Find out how these costumed characters became a fixture of modern ballgames, and take a trip back to antiquity to meet the avian mascots of ancient Greece and Rome. Plus: the Muppet-y pedigree of the Philly Phanatic, the wacky world of Japanese civic mascots, and the tragic tale of the most maligned mascot in MLB history (RIP Crazy Crab).

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Chris Chow via Unsplash. Thanks, Chris!

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Are There Benefits to Procrastinating?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Why do so many smart people procrastinate? Is there a link between extreme achievement and putting off your work? And should you behead a roadside statue of St. Expedite if you miss a deadline? Will and Mango chat with author Andrew Santella about his book SOON: An Overdue History of Procrastination, from Leonardo and Darwin to You and Me, to discuss why taking a lazy approach to your responsibilities may not be the worst thing. Plus: Why to-do lists might be the ultimate vehicle for procrastination!

This episode originally aired on April 13, 2018.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash. Thanks, Vitaly!

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A Hungry Fungus and the Epic Quest to Save Wet Books!

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

It’s the grand finale! Our last four greatest science ideas of the past 25 years include a very hungry super fungus, a chemical-free (but not dubstep-free) insect repellent, a poignant story of agricultural polymers and wet books, and a cure for sleep apnea that may require some negotiations with your neighbors.

Check out the Zorbix website and YouTube channel!

This episode originally aired on March 7, 2025.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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Dancing Molecules and a Plywood Miracle!

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

It’s the home stretch! Buckle up for ideas 8 through 5, which include some magical molecules, a sea creature that helped reinvent plywood, a medical treatment with terrifying origins, and a discovery that practically upended the world of classical music.

This episode originally aired on March 6, 2025.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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Caffeinated Concrete and a Song About Particle Physics!

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Today we’re covering ideas 13 through 9! These include a fascinating discovery about NASCAR and psychology, a clock that’s so accurate it’s reshaping our understanding of time, a tasty way to make concrete stronger (and more environmentally friendly), and some truly delightful revelations about dinosaurs. Plus: We explain particle physics through song.

Check out musician David Nagler’s website and his band, As For the Future!

This episode originally aired on March 5, 2025.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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Self-Healing Glass and Virtual Dolphins!

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

The countdown continues with ideas 19 through 14, and today we’re talking virtual dolphins, a bike helmet you’ll actually want to wear, glass that un-breaks itself, unusual diet tips from the Amazon, personal germ clouds, and a high-tech approach to eating lobster.

Check out Shucks Maine Lobster here!

This episode originally aired on March 4, 2025.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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Jetlagged Hamsters and the Smell of Space!

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

While we take a short break this week, we're revisiting our countdown of the 25 greatest science ideas of the past 25 years! It all kicks off right here with a breakthrough for jetlagged hamsters, a hot tub that’ll take you on a journey, a better ketchup bottle, a solution for one of the world’s most common tech annoyances, and some very bad news: chickens are definitely judging you. Plus, we meet the man who brought the smell of outer space to earth.

Learn more about Steve Pearce’s work with fragrances and flavors here!

This episode originally aired on March 3, 2025.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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Why Does Rocking Put Babies to Sleep?

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Babies! We’ve all been one, and some of us have them. But did you know that baby talk serves an important purpose? Or that babies can fake tears to get attention? Today Mango and producer Gabe dig into some big science about tiny humans. Plus: What are zusers and bofels? Only a well-rested baby can answer that!

Check out Candy Is Dandy: The Candy Review Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Minnie Zhou via Unsplash. Thanks, Minnie!

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What Are the Greatest Things We Didn't Know About Brazil?

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

When's the best time to surf the Amazon? Can Brazilian termites help you make a better pizza? And did you pay too much for that venomous snake? (Spoiler alert: You probably did.) Today Will and Mango are uncovering some little-known facts about the big, beautiful country of Brazil!

This episode originally aired on March 1, 2019.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo of Rio de Janeiro street art by Milos Hajder via Unsplash. Obrigado, Milos!

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9 Head-Spinning Facts About Carousels

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Grab your riding crop and hold on tight, because today we’re taking a spin through the history of merry-go-rounds! Why do British carousels rotate in the opposite direction from the rest? Which future U.S. president had a summer job sanding ponies? And what’s the connection between carousels and Eggo waffles? Saddle up your speakers, because Will and Mango have the answers! Plus: The world’s first rocket-powered carousel, and the Michelangelo of horse carving.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Katneyl via Unsplash. Thanks, Katneyl!

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Who Invented the Dunce Cap? (And Other Unusual School Supplies)

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Why is there a bull on the Elmer's glue bottle? What did kids use to carry their books around before they had backpacks? And why does a giant cone tree get everyone excited about starting school in Germany? Will and Mango dig deep into their Trapper Keepers to bring you some stories you definitely didn't learn in school.

This episode originally aired on October 16, 2019.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Art by Henri-Jules-Jean Geoffroy via Wikimedia Commons.

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9 Crazy Stories About Debt (Including when you could pay your rent in Eels?!)

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

What’s more fun than financial debt? Honestly, just about anything! But the team here has a knack for finding the silly side of any subject, and the history of people owing money to each other is no exception. Today, the guys share some out-of-the-box ideas for settling a debt, including paying your rent with a bunch of dead eels (looking at you, medieval England!) and recording an IRS-themed country album (looking at you, Willie Nelson!). They also discover why a small town in Oregon decided to foot the bill for the Boston Tea Party, and reveal which country is the most reliable debtor in the EU (hint, they’re also big into saunas).

Check out Dr. Greenlee’s Eel-Rents Project at historiacartarum.org!

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya via Unsplash. Thanks, Towfiqu!

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How to Build the Ultimate Theme Park!

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

If you want to build a theme park, there are some big questions to answer. Is it really a theme park, or is it an amusement park? (There’s a difference!) Also, how many Santa Clauses should you have? (Important.) And what do you need to do to be more eccentric than Walt Disney? (Start by picking a favorite juice, and then act irrationally when people don’t want to drink it.) Featuring author David Younger and Theme Park Insider's Robert Niles.

This episode originally aired on September 6, 2017.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by Sung Jin Cho via Unsplash. Thanks, Sung Jin!

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9 Bonzer Tips for Traveling Across Australia

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Summer may be winding down, but we’re not done traveling yet—so grab your SPF and join Will and Mango on a big trip across the world’s smallest continent! Want to know the secret to Aussie slang? Or why the country is littered with ghost towns? We cover all that and more, including the best place to spot a pod of orcas and the least sweltering time of year to visit. Plus, we answer the age old question: Which side of the dingo fence has bigger kangaroos?

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by James Wainscoat via Unsplash. Thanks, James!

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Why Is It More Dangerous to Be a Park Ranger Than an FBI Agent?

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Park rangers do so much more than just keeping Yogi Bear from stealing picnic baskets. Whether it’s outsmarting poachers, fending off the Klan, protecting tourists from gator attacks, or helping tiny endangered species make their way to sea, Will and Mango celebrate the heroes who keep our national parks running.

This episode originally aired on April 6, 2018.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Vintage ranger photo via the National Park Service.

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What Did Ancient Egyptian Bread Taste Like? with Sam Kean

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Experimental archaeology is the science (and art!) of discovering what ancient worlds smelled, tasted, sounded, and felt like… a process that often involves going to some truly incredible lengths. Author Sam Kean stops by to recount his adventures researching his new book, Dinner with King Tut—from hurling stones with a 30’ tall catapult to modern mummification to an unfortunate incident involving a piece of urine-soaked salmon skin.

Buy Sam’s books: samkean.com

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo of the Coffin of Nesykhonsu by the Cleveland Museum of Art, via Unsplash. Thanks, CMA!

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Where Do the World's Best Band Names Come From?

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

What band was named as a tribute to their high school gym coach? Why did The Earwigs change their name to Alice Cooper (hint: it might have something to do with a Oujia board)? And would Chubby Checker have been as popular if he'd taken the name Chubby Chesspiece? Get ready to turn it up to eleven, because Will and Mango are exploring some of the funniest, quirkiest and greatest band names in music history.

This episode originally aired on March 7, 2018.

Photo by Matthew Cheng via Unsplash. Thanks, Matthew!

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9 Highly Reactive Facts About the Periodic Table

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Grab your lab goggles and gloves, because today we’re taking a close look at the periodic table! From the visionary scientist who created it, to a 1980s war over element names, to the very strangest elements on the chart, Will and Mango have nine facts that’ll melt your brain like it’s made of gallium. (You’ll get the joke after you listen.)

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo by David Ballew via Unsplash. Thanks, David!

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How Close Are We to Resurrecting a Woolly Mammoth?

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Every living thing dies—but sometimes, they come back to life! Perhaps unsurprisingly, Will and Mango have a lot of questions about this phenomenon. For example: How hard it is to bring a species back from extinction? Why do some people wake up in the morgue after being declared dead? Are fish markets the best places to look for extinct species? And can resurrecting the woolly mammoth help solve climate change?

This episode originally aired on May 10, 2019.

Photo by Thomas Quine via Wikimedia Commons. Thanks, Thomas!

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Is 3D-Printed Food Worth Eating?

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Today Will and Mango are exploring the world of 3D printing, from the 1940s sci-fi writer who anticipated its invention to some of its strangest modern uses, like rescuing turtles, making snacks, and solving the housing crisis. Plus: can a 3D printer 3D print a 3D printer?

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Photo of a 3D-printed Grogu by Girl with red hat via Unsplash. Thanks, Girl with red hat!

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9 Deliciously Frosty Facts About Ice Cream

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Can grapefruit ice cream cure your hangovers? Have Japanese scientists really cracked the code on ice creams that won't melt? And why does seafood ice cream make patriots' mouths water? Gabe and Mango are serving up a big dish of our favorite summertime treat, with extra facts sprinkled on top!

This episode originally aired on May 31, 2018.

Photo by Zach Camp via Unsplash. Thanks, Zach!

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9 Bizarre Areas of Expertise

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Have you ever met a pharologist? Neither have we, but we know Princess Anne is one—she’s a lighthouse expert! Also, apparently there are lighthouse experts! Today Will and Mango explore nine weird and wonderfully specific fields of study, from bell-ringing to bats to the end of the world.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Send an email or voice memo to higeniuses@gmail.com, and we might use it in an upcoming episode.

Photo by Joshua Hibbert via Unsplash. Thanks, Joshua!

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What's the Most American Place in the World?

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

We all know the American places in America (Cleveland is one). But where should a U.S. citizen go to feel at home abroad? Will and Mango visit a wee America in Brazil (?!), tour the territories, and look for the Kentucky in Japan’s KFCs. Featuring our pal and Snack Stack author Doug Mack.

This episode originally aired on July 14, 2017.

Photo of a KFC in Toyohashi, Japan by Huu Huynh via Pexels. Thanks, Huu!

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Debunking Muscle Myths with Casey Johnston!

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Should men and women work out differently? Are rest days really necessary? And how did a group of 19th century German gymnastics enthusiasts transform America? Casey Johnston, author of the She’s a Beast newsletter and the new book A Physical Education, stops by to share some fitness facts that will really pump you up. Plus: The importance of strength training for cat owners.

Casey's links: caseyjohnston.website and shesabeast.co!

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Send an email or voice memo to higeniuses@gmail.com, and we might use it in an upcoming episode.

Photo via the Library of Congress. Check out our episode “9 Page-Turning Secrets of the Library of Congress” to learn more about this incredible institution!

We're on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social!

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Part-Time Genius on The Puzzler: "True True False False" w/ Will Pearson and Mangesh Hattikudur

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: hosts of the "Part-Time Genius" podcast, Will Pearson and Mangesh Hattikudur!

Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals such as “Ask AI” and audio rebuses.

Subscribe to The Puzzler podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

"The Puzzler with A.J. Jacobs" is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is a co-production with Neuhaus Ideas.

Our executive producers are Neely Lohmann and Adam Neuhaus of Neuhaus Ideas, and Lindsay Hoffman of iHeart Podcasts.

The show is produced by Jody Avirgan and Brittani Brown of Roulette Productions.

Our Chief Puzzle Officer is Greg Pliska. Our associate producer is Andrea Schoenberg.

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Your Weird Summer Travel Guide!

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Guess what happens when we try to pick the top 8 U.S. museums to visit? (Spoiler: we accidentally end up with 11 on the list.) From a mecca of kazoos to a dinner theater in a mine, here are some wonderfully bizarre places you shouldn’t miss. Plus, facts about SPAM! Featuring Dylan Thuras.

This episode originally aired on July 5, 2017.

Photo by Kindel Media via Pexels.

Going someplace interesting this summer? Take a photo and tag us on Instagram @parttimegenius!

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Can You Make a Puppet Out of Ice?

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

We pull their strings and stick them on our hands, but puppets are so much more than toys! Today Mango and producer Mary are taking you on a whirlwind world tour of puppetry, from Indonesian puppet shows that run until dawn to an avant-garde French ice marionette to… emo puppets? That’s right, emo puppets.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Send an email or voice memo to higeniuses@gmail.com, and we might use it in an upcoming episode.

Photo by Bruno Guerrero via Unsplash. Thanks, Bruno!

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Who Invented Fentanyl, and How Did It Become a Crisis?

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 21:46:41 +0000

Nowadays we often hear about fentanyl in the context of the opioid epidemic. But it began as a medical breakthrough, created by a pharmaceutical genius who was once ranked the second-best Belgian of all time. In this excerpt from the podcast Panic World, Mango and producer Mary explain fentanyl’s fascinating origin story—and the chemistry that makes it such a lucrative investment for cartels.

Want to hear the full conversation? Look for Panic World wherever you get your podcasts!

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Why Do NASCAR Fans Drive Trucks and Formula One Fans Drive Yachts?

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Sure, we've watched Pixar's Cars a few times. But that doesn't mean we know anything about racing. Will and Mango dive into the strangely boozy origins of NASCAR, why you might need a yacht to enjoy Formula One, and how driver Dick Trickle made sure every race got off to a smoking start. Spoiler: it involved drilling a couple holes in his helmet.

This episode originally aired on March 19, 2018.

Photo by Paolo Feser via Unsplash. Thanks, Paolo!

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Is Mexico City Really Sinking?

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

From the floating gardens of Xochimilco, to the sinking sights of El Zócalo, Mango and Gabe explore some of the most fascinating, offbeat attractions in Mexico City. Along the way we'll dole out some helpful travel tips, including the best drink to beat the heat (and the altitude!), a must-try carb-on-carb breakfast sandwich, and the only subway station in the world with its very own woolly mammoth!

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Send an email or voice memo to higeniuses@gmail.com, and we might use it in an upcoming episode.

Trajineras photo by Roberto Carlos Román Don via Unsplash. Thanks, Roberto!

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Why Can’t You Copyright a Chicken Sandwich?

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In 2019, a new cache of works entered the public domain—from Charlie Chaplin to Jane Austen stories to Felix the Cat cartoons. But what does that really mean? Will and Mango dig into how Mickey Mouse changed copyright laws, why Woody Guthrie got foiled by his publishers, and why British clowns check a case of eggs before putting on their makeup.

This episode originally aired on January 18, 2019.

Photo by Ali Dashti via Pexels. Thanks, Ali!

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Inside the Fact Vault: Bird Drama and a Tormented Statue

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Today producers Gabe and Mary are opening the top-secret PTG fact vault to share bonus stories from recent episodes, including an international seagull incident, a pioneering artist who painted chickens with eggs, and a novelty space song that must be heard to be believed. Plus: Breaking news about pennies and government puns.

Listen to “The Ballad of Balladonia Night,” the official PTG song of summer 2025, here!

Check out Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s “Catching Chickens” here!

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Send an email or voice memo to higeniuses@gmail.com, and we might use it in an upcoming episode.

Padlock photo by Yogesh Pedamkar via Unsplash. Thanks, Yogesh!

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What's the Secret to Nintendo's Success?

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

From Nintendo's history with the Yakuza to its dabbling in the seedy motel business, the House of Mario has a much longer and stranger history than you might guess. Find out what happened when the company tried to make knitting popular, how America's obsession with robots helped them nudge their way into retailers, and why a grabber called the Ultra Hand was the breakthrough the company needed. Featuring Ramsey Yount.

This episode originally aired on December 20, 2017.

Photo by Cláudio Luiz Castro via Unsplash. Thanks, Cláudio!

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9 Prime-Time Secrets of TV Guide

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

What do TV listings have to do with the arc of American history? Quite a lot, it turns out! From hard-hitting journalism that exposed fake news, to billion-dollar business deals, to a photo manipulation scandal that made Oprah very angry, Will and Mango uncover the many ways this little magazine has made a big impact on our lives. Thanks to Ken at TV Guidance Counselor for the inspo—and for having Mango on his podcast!

Got a question you’d like us to answer? An obscure rabbit hole you think we should explore? Send an email or voice memo to higeniuses@gmail.com, and we might use it in an upcoming episode.

TV photo by Diego González via Unsplash. Thanks, Diego!

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Thanks, Canada! 9 Great Inventions from the Great White North

Fri, 30 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

If you’ve ever taken out the trash, bought eggs, or gotten immersed in Avatar, you have Canada to thank for it. Pop on your toques and join Will and Mango for a deep dive into some fascinating Canadian inventions—and yes, hockey is mentioned. Twice.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? An obscure rabbit hole you think we should explore? Send an email or voice memo to higeniuses@gmail.com, and we might use it in an upcoming episode.

Photo by Maxime Doré via Unsplash. Merci, Maxime!

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Are Pigeons Smarter Than They Look?

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:46:33 +0000

Sure, they nuzzled their way into Mike Tyson's heart (and Nikola Tesla's, and Bert's from Bert and Ernie!), but how intelligent are pigeons? Have scientists really trained them to read? Did they actually play a role in discovering the Big Bang? And why are they so darn good at finding their way home? Plus: Are catfish their new nemesis?

This episode originally aired on July 11, 2019.

Photo via Sneha Cecil on Unsplash. Thanks, Sneha!

Seen a good pigeon lately? Take a pic and tag us on Instagram @parttimegenius!
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Did a Volcano Eruption Really Help Invent the Bicycle?

Fri, 23 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Will and Mango dig into all the biggest bicycle questions: From how bikes seriously altered the dating scene, to how blind people ride bikes through traffic, to the ingenious way Kermit pedaled his Schwann in the Muppets Movie. Grab a helmet and join us!

This episode originally aired on November 7, 2019.

Got a bike we should see? Tag us on Instagram @parttimegenius!
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Why Do We Blow Out Birthday Candles?

Tue, 20 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

You are cordially invited to this very festive episode about parties! Will and Mango unpack Italy’s history of painful confetti, the surprisingly violent origin of surprise parties, and the accidental invention of glitter. (Hint, it involved schnibbles in New Jersey.) Plus: Will makes a convincing case for having MORE clowns at parties.

Photo by Aneta Pawlik via Unsplash. Thanks, Aneta!

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

Fri, 16 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Sure, Animal Crossing is cute. But what about a Tetris sequel that features Abe Lincolns and Frankensteins? Or a game that somehow blends Honey, I Shrunk the Kids with an anti-smoking campaign? Or the greatest (and maybe only?) game based on Noah's Ark? Today Will, Gabe, and Mango try to outdo each other with funniest, silliest, and most ridiculous video games they can find.

This episode originally aired on September 1, 2020.

Screenshot from Untitled Goose Game. HONK.

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Let's Kiss the Cod in Newfoundland!

Tue, 13 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Today Will and Mango are taking you on an adventure to the far-flung Canadian island of Newfoundland, a place known for its rugged beauty, majestic icebergs, sneaky fairies, rare fossils, and... moose bologna. Along the way we'll discover some of its unique traditions, like welcoming visitors by making them smooch a fish. Pack your bags and pucker up!

Photo of St. John's, Newfoundland by Ritche Perez via Pexels. Thanks, Ritche!

Have you ever visited Newfoundland? Do you live there right now? Tell us about it on Instagram @parttimegenius!

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PTG Classic: 9 Surprising Facts about Moms

Fri, 09 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In honor of Mother's Day, Will and Mango talk about what make moms special, from why their hearts are so in sync with their babies to their impact on your driving habits. Plus: how Thomas Edison's mom challenged his teacher—and helped him believe in his own genius.

Photo: Yes, that's Mango and his mom Lalita!

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Why Chickens are Smarter Than You Think! with Sy Montgomery

Tue, 06 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Chickens are full of surprises, from their understanding of property boundaries to their unique personalities to their ability to recognize (and name!) the humans around them. Author and longtime chicken enthusiast Sy Montgomery stops by to share some fascinating facts—and hilarious true stories—from her new book, What the Chicken Knows.

Buy Sy’s book: https://symontgomery.com/what-the-chicken-knows/

If you have backyard chickens, we want to see them. Tag us on Instagram @parttimegenius!

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Photo by Finn Mund via Unsplash. Thanks, Finn!

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PTG Classic: Who's the Greatest Pirate of All Time?

Fri, 02 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

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.

Photo via Chris Robert on Unsplash. Thanks, Chris!

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9 Super Catchy Facts About Theme Songs

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Chances are, you’ve heard all these songs made famous by film and TV… but you probably haven’t heard the stories behind them. Why did young Will Smith overrule music legend Quincy Jones? How did a contract clause influence the lyrics to one of the best-known theme songs of the 1960s? And what did Joe DiMaggio really think when Paul Simon wrote a song about him? Turn the volume up, because Will and Mango have the answers!

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Inside Baseball: Magic Mud, Torpedo Bats, and High-Altitude Homers

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Baseball season is underway, so Will and Mango are celebrating with a deep dive into America’s pastime. What’s the secret feminist message of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”? Why are you more likely to hit a home run in Denver than in Miami? And how did the pipe organ become baseball’s semi-official soundtrack? Our brain-bases are loaded and we’re ready to answer these questions, plus many more!

Photo by Jose Francisco Morales via Unsplash. Thanks, Jose!

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PTG Classic: How Did P. T. Barnum Trick the World Into Riding Elevators?

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000

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.

Photo via Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash. Thanks, Jin!

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9 Extremely Valuable Facts About Pennies

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000

It may be on the verge of extinction, but the humble penny is rich with history. Will and Mango dig deep into their pockets and discover stories like the origin of the phrase “a penny for your thoughts,” the rare penny that’s worth $2.4 million, and an English trend of chopping pennies in half. Plus: The real reason why you shouldn’t swallow a penny from 1982. (Actually, just don’t swallow any pennies ever, please.)

Will you miss the penny if it’s taken out of circulation? Tell us on Instagram @parttimegenius!

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PTG Classic: Why Are We So Fascinated By the Titanic?

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 13:46:02 +0000

Today marks the 113th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking, so we're bringing back this classic episode! 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 third class passengers have it? And did Hollywood really produce a silent movie about the disaster just two weeks after it occurred? Will and Mango investigate.

Sorry, we know the song's stuck in your head now. Tell us about it on Instagram @parttimegenius!

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PTG Classic: What Flavor Is Dr Pepper?

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000

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? Will and Mango have a lot of questions... and at least 9 answers for you.

What's your favorite soda (or do you call it pop)? Tell us about it on our Instagram @parttimegenius!

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 Page-Turning Secrets of the Library of Congress

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:13:15 +0000

Shh! Today Will and Mango are exploring the Library of Congress, one of the world’s greatest repositories of literature, science, art, and… old cake? They also discover how this legendary institution came to be, and what the Librarian of Congress actually does all day (no, it doesn’t involve stamping books). Plus: The inside story of Thomas Jefferson’s short-lived pasta-making career.

Check us out on Instagram @parttimegenius!

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PTG Classic: What's the Science Behind Introverts?

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 15:36:51 +0000

Are extroverts happier than introverts? Is coffee bad for an introvert's brain? And does your personality type make you more likely to be arrested? (Spoiler: it does!) Will and Mango take a closer look at the secret talents lurking inside your friendly neighborhood introvert.

Image Via Nothing Ahead at Pexels

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Drama Kings: Meet Emperor Norton, the Pickle King & other Self-Declared Royalty

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Want to know how a British pickle merchant was almost crowned Chinese royalty? Or why San Francisco's policemen regularly doffed their caps to a man who claimed to be America's Emperor? And what happened when a lion tamer just started wandering around pretending to be King of Albania? This week Will and Mango dive into the ridiculous stories of some very unusual royals and what happened when they declared themselves king.

Photo of Emperor Norton on his royal chariot, via the Emperor Norton Trust.

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PTG Classic: Why Are There So Many Cheese Crimes?

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 15:48:43 +0000

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?!

Image by Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels (thanks Polina!)

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9 Extra-Spicy Facts About Atomic Fireballs

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

It’s the official candy of Part-Time Genius, but there’s so much more to know about these delicious red-hot treats, from why NASA can’t work without them to what gives them their signature burn. Along the way Will and Mango discover the story of the enterprising young law student who invented them, and reveal the recipe that takes two weeks (!) to make.

Do you like Atomic Fireballs? Or do you love Atomic Fireballs? Tell us on our Instagram @parttimegenius!

Photo via Ferrara Pan.

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9 Surprising Tips for Visiting Bhutan

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:05:00 +0000

So, it turns out there are a LOT of rules for visiting Bhutan. DON'T climb the mountains (it's illegal!). DO buy a stamp (especially one you can play on your record player!). DON'T ask anyone about their birthday. DO make yourself happier-- by thinking about death three times a day?! This episode, Will and Mango learn what makes the Himalayan kingdom just so special... while trying to grab a jar of fresh mountain air in the process!

Have you visited Bhutan? Or flown into their tiny airport? Drop us a line on Insta @parttimegenius... we want to hear your stories!

Photo by Peng Lim via Pexels. (Thanks Peng!)

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PTG Classic: What are the Craziest Applications for Lasers? (Including washing your dishes!)

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 13:39:14 +0000

Forget Dr. Evil and his ridiculously evil plans... lasers are so much more practical than that! In this episode, Will and Mango discover why lasers are perfect for precision-cooking your bacon, how they can be used as chopsticks, why washing dishes is so much better when it's done by laser, and a simple laser trick for keeping pesky pirates at bay. Plus, we take a look at the very strange way Texas tried to educate aliens about queso. (Spoiler: It involved a laser.)

Got a tip? Question? Comment? Drop us a line already on our Insta @parttimegenius!

Image by Vika Glitter via pexels. (Thanks Vika!)

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Are Cow Burps Hurting the Environment?

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:39:13 +0000

From making cows a little less gassy, to seasoning your clouds with salt, to creating floating pastures and hospitals, communities and scientists have come up with a whole lot of ingenious solutions to deal with climate change. Dig in as Will and Mango explore the sunnier side of climate resilience.

Got a fact to share? Want to drop us a line? Hit us up on our Insta @parttimegenius

Photo via Pexels by Julie Aagaard. (Thanks Julie!)

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Who is Pablo Eggs-cobar? (And why is he obsessed with bird eggs?!)

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

From climbing a tree under gunfire to dangling out of helicopters, people have gone to incredible lengths to steal wild bird eggs—risking arrest, fines, and even jail time. Why? And more importantly, who's doing this? Will and Mango discover some of the craziest stories in egg theft history, including a British club that ran a-fowl of the law by hiding 11,000 illegal eggs and the man known as Pablo Egg-scobar, a naturalist who spent decades supplying the rare egg black market. Plus: A peek inside the high-stakes world of Middle East falconry.

Photo by Rijin Raj, via Unsplash. Thanks, Rijin!

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PTG Classic: How do Dollar Stores stay in Business?

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Will and Mango have so many questions about the dollar store business: Why have so many more of these stores cropped up recently? How do you make a profit when everything in your store sells for under a buck? Is a $1 steak a good deal? Plus: the tea on why dollar store employees hate Hot Wheels so much!

Got a comment? Question? Drop us a line on our Insta @parttimegenius!

Photo by Liza Lova via Pexels. (Thanks Liza!)

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SURPRISE! It's a Part-Time Genius Pop Quiz

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

With Will out of town, Mango tries out a *brand new* quiz show format with his buddies Mary and Gabe.

Like the Pop Quiz? Hate it? Drop us a line on our Insta @parttimegenius and let us know what you think...

Photo via Pexels by Leeloo The First (Thanks Leeloo!)

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9 Very Important Facts About Donuts

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 06:08:17 +0000

In the words of Homer Simpson: "Donuts... is there anything they can't do?" From curing scurvy, to bringing religions together, to explaining the universe, Will and Mango dig into 9 incredible donut facts... plus, Emily Post gives us a workaround for dunking your donuts the polite way.

Got a fact to share about donuts? Something we missed? Drop us a line on our insta @parttimegenius

Photo by Cottonbro Studio. (Thank you Cottonbros!)

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25 Greatest Science Ideas Countdown: Day 5

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000

We’re giving away great prizes every day this week! Head over to our Instagram @parttimegenius to find out how you can win.

Check out the Zorbix website and YouTube channel!

Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.
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25 Greatest Science Ideas Countdown: Day 4

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000

We’re giving away great prizes every day this week! Head over to our Instagram @parttimegenius to find out how you can win.

Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.
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25 Greatest Science Ideas Countdown: Day 3

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000

We’re giving away great prizes every day this week! Head over to our Instagram @parttimegenius to find out how you can win.

Check out musician David Nagler’s website and his band, As For the Future!

Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.
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25 Greatest Science Ideas Countdown: Day 2

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Our countdown continues with ideas 19 through 14! Today we’re talking virtual dolphins, a bike helmet you’ll actually want to wear, glass that un-breaks itself, unusual diet tips from the Amazon, personal germ clouds, and a high-tech approach to eating lobster.

We’re giving away great prizes every day this week! Head over to our Instagram @parttimegenius to find out how you can win.

Check out Shucks Maine Lobster here!

Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.

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25 Greatest Science Ideas Countdown: Day 1

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000

We’re kicking off this series with a breakthrough for jetlagged hamsters, a hot tub that’ll take you on a journey, a better ketchup bottle, a solution for one of the world’s most common tech annoyances, and some very bad news: chickens are definitely judging you. Plus, we meet the man who brought the smell of outer space to earth.

We’re giving away great prizes every day this week! Head over to our Instagram @parttimegenius to find out how you can win.

Discover Steve Pearce’s work with fragrances and flavors here!

Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Caused the Golden Age of Novelty Songs?

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 04:19:05 +0000

Will and Mango get serious about novelty songs, learning: why there was a Golden Age of this unique music; how the Monster Mash got invented; who was really doing the kung-fu when "everyone" was kung fu fighting; and why a song about Itsy-Bitsy, Teeny-Weeny, Yellow Polka Dot Bikinis isn't what you think it is. Plus: Will and Mango reveal two shocking truths about The Purple People Eater.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did Thurgood Marshall become such an Incredible Lawyer?

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:33:08 +0000

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.

Luddite Power! Why the Luddites were Smarter than you Think

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

It’s a crossover episode with our pals at TechStuff! Mango and Oz Woloshyn sit down with author Brian Merchant to discuss his incredible (and incredibly timely) book, Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech. Did you know the Luddites were pro-worker, not anti-progress? Neither did we! Brian explains how industrial automation in the 19th century threatened workers’ livelihoods and dignity—and what happened when a decentralized movement rose up to fight back. Plus: What this means for us today, and an unexpected Lord Byron cameo.

Buy Brian’s book, Blood in the Machine.

Listen to more TechStuff!

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What’s the World’s Greatest Tiny Museum?

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 22:01:48 +0000

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!

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9 Romantic Gestures That Went Horribly, Terribly Wrong

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:31:49 +0000

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.]

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Who Built the First Swimming Pool?

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

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.

9 Chomp-worthy facts about Alligators

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:01:29 +0000

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.

How to Treasure Hunt in Denmark!

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

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!

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How to Spot a Lying Liar!

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 15:56:47 +0000

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.

Should We Be Burying Our Food?

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 02:20:24 +0000

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.

🏆 🏆 🏆 2024 PART-TIME GENIUS AWARDS! 🏆 🏆 🏆

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:29:18 +0000

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.

FAN FAVORITE: How do Michelin Stars Work?

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:05:54 +0000

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 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 PTGeniusMoms@gmail.com. Don't worry. They'll pass the message along.

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Where's the Beef? 9 of History's Greatest Feuds

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:04:15 +0000

From Mark Twain's bizarre hatred of Jane Austen, to the heated argument that launched two great grocery stores, to the strange prank that ended two comedians' legendary partnership, this episode, Mango and super-producer Mary go looking for historical beef and find plenty of sizzle!

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What are the World's Oldest Board Games?

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Turns out, the history of Board Games isn't as simple as just passing Go and collecting $200. From the surprising way Abraham Lincoln's beard changed Milton Bradley's career, to the socialist board game that took off on Ivy League campuses, to the ancient Sumerian board game you can still play, this episode Will and Mango go wild game hunting and come back with plenty of stories to tell.

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Fan Favorite: Easy Tricks to Improve Your Life this New Year!

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Can smiling during running improve your marathon time? Will an old age app help you make better resolutions? And is there real science behind the Coffee Nap? Will and Mango examine big and little ways to improve your 2018, including why you'll probably need to carry a plunger around with you in the New Year. Featuring Mango's wife, Lizzie.

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Fan Favorite: 9 Snowy Facts to get you through your Snow Day

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 19:20:54 +0000

Grab a mug of cocoa and hit play already! From Renaissance snow angels to an award-winning trick for never slipping in the snow, Will and Mango have a special wintery mix ready for your snow day.

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Riots, Donkeys and Pretty Lights: History's Most Memorable Holiday Parties!

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:12:53 +0000

Want to know why George Washington's eggnog was so potent? Or how new immigrants partied on Ellis Island? Or what was the wildest party to ever take place at West Point? Or the very particular way that Thomas Edison changed the way we make shrubbery more festive? You're in luck! Will and Mango get the lowdown on just a few of the historical parties they weren't invited to.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's all go to... Indonesia!

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:34:30 +0000

Want to know why Indonesian postal workers have one of the hardest jobs in the world? Or why the country is the best place to find new bird species? Or why it's an honor when someone makes you a tall glass of jammu? From the best types of fabric to throw into a volcano to make it stop erupting, to how to track a super-short Sasquatch, Will and Mango scour the country's 17,000+ islands to bring you Indonesia's best facts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Latest Advances in Doggy Science

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:11:33 +0000

Whether you're trying to analyze your sled dogs' athletic performance, get your pooch to stop barking at the mailman or simply trying to get an extra year or two with man's best friend, the newest doggy technologies have a solve for you and your very best boy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the Story Behind Our Favorite Pens?

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 22:47:34 +0000

People have been writing by hand for thousands of years—ever since the Mesopotamians started doodling in cuneiform. That means there’s a vast, inky world for Will and Mango to explore, from the difference between scribes and scriveners to the best feathers for quill pens. They also reveal a shocking truth about fountain pens, and discover all the ways handwriting benefits our brains. (Yes, we recognize the irony of typing that.)

Photo by Lucia Macedo via Unsplash. Thanks, Lucia!

Have a favorite pen? Upload a photo and tag us on Instagram @parttimegenius.

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9 Warm, Cozy Facts About Sweaters

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:02:00 +0000

'Tis the season for knitwear! So we’re celebrating sweaters of all shapes and sizes. Did you know that the ugly Christmas sweater trend got its start over a hundred years ago? Or that American soldiers in WWI had beef with amateur knitters? We cover all that and more, including the most expensive sweater ever sold and delightful facts about sweater-loving celebrities like Mr. Rogers, Weezer, and… Sting? Look, if this episode doesn’t give you the warm fuzzies, we don’t know what will.

Show us your best, weirdest, and/or ugliest sweaters! Tag us on Instagram @parttimegenius.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liechtenstein: The Little Country with A Lot of Teeth!

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 09:15:40 +0000

Pack your bags! Today, Will and Mango are taking you on a trip to Europe’s second-least visited country: Liechtenstein. Along the way, we’ll discover how this tiny spot on the map came to exist (spoiler alert, it’s all thanks to a guy named Karl), and we’ll delve into its fascinating economy, which relies heavily on tax incentives and false teeth. Need a lunch break? No problem, we’ll pull over at the country’s only McDonald’s, and learn about the world-famous Liechtenstein wines (Liechtenwines?).

If you have a Liechtenstein travel story of your own, please share it with us on Instagram! We’re @parttimegenius.

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9 ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ High-Flying Facts ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ About Skywriting!

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:07:00 +0000

If you have a question or comment for the show, hit us up on Instagram @parttimegenius (it’s easier than renting a plane).

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Fan Favorite: Secrets from the World’s Most Unique Airports

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 05:02:00 +0000

Which airport should you hang out at if you want to meet a mini-horse? Why is the art in the Denver Airport so evil? And are TSA agents more likely to search you if you're carrying an Almanac? Will and Mango investigate.

You don’t need to travel to find us on Instagram. Just go to @parttimegenius.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 Grandmas You Should Meet!

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:02:00 +0000

This week Will and Mango celebrate their own wonderful grandmas by paying tribute to a whole world of awesome grandmothers. From a cuddly graffiti gang in Europe, to a group of grandmas who advanced our understanding of marine science, to a few celebrities who never would have gotten where they were if it weren't for their Mamaws, here's to all the grandmothers and grandmother-figures we're so lucky to have in our lives.

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9 Not-So-Elementary Facts About Sherlock Holmes!

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:03:00 +0000

Today’s an important day in Holmes history, so Mango is joined by Part-Time Genius super producer/Sherlockian Mary to explore some lesser-known facts about the greatest detective ever written. Grab a magnifying glass and your deerstalker, and discover the weird connection between Sherlock and Popeye, the real-life man who may have inspired Professor Moriarty, and the unsolved mystery of the first Sherlock Holmes movie!

Yes-- that's a photo of Mangesh as a 3rd grader the first of two years in a row that he went as Sherlock Holmes for Halloween.

You don’t need any deductive skills to find us on Instagram. Just go to @parttimegenius.

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Transformers! Are They More Than Meets the Eye?

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 05:07:00 +0000

If you’re anything like Will and Mango, you remember playing with Transformers as a kid. Or maybe you still enjoy transforming bots, in which case you should know the correct verb is “converting.” On today’s episode, we take a closer look at this ubiquitous toy with a surprising history that includes tea-serving dolls, WWII scrap metal, and a strangely touching example of corporate collaboration.

Here’s another fun fact: we’re on Instagram! Find us @parttimegenius, and feel free to leave comments or questions for the show.

Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why did France give us a Statue of Liberty?

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:43:48 +0000

Look, we love Lady Liberty as much as the next patriot. But why on Earth did France give America a massive and exoribitant gift that wasn't on our registry? Will and Mango dig into the bizarre Parisian dinner party that led to the idea, the mathematical word problem of a way the statue was built, why it competed with a walrus for early tourists' attention, and why Brigham Young, Ulysses S. Grant and Gustave Eiffel from Eiffel Tower fame all have more to do with it than you'd think!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the Story Behind Dogs Playing Poker?

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 05:07:00 +0000

Everyone knows the painting "A Friend in Need" aka Dogs Playing Poker. But did you know the artist behind it started a bank? And had patents? And also once got an apology from Far Side creator Gary Larson? We didn't either! Tune in as Will and Mango discuss the most important painting about whiskey-drinking dogs playing cards and also visibly cheating while doing those two other ridiculous things.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adventures in Patriotism with the wonderful A.J. Jacobs!

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:02:00 +0000

Need a reason to be optimistic about democracy? Will and Mango welcome best-selling author A.J. Jacobs to chat about his new book The Year of Living Constitutionally. From walking around the upper West Side with a musket (a 2nd amendment right!), to delivering quill-written petitions to Congress (he spilled a lot of ink in the process), to meeting the last person to get a new amendment added (all the guy wanted was a better grade in his college class!), A.J. discusses his sweet and ridiculous experiments in patriotism, and how it helped him gain new insight into America's founding documents.

To order AJ's wonderful new book, click here.

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How to Win Everything: Ridiculous and Unorthodox Ways to Get the Upper Hand

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:56:14 +0000

In this classic episode, Will and Mango look into why do short people dominate soccer? Is owning a library more important than actually reading the books? And is being handsome important to being taken seriously as a scientist? Tune in as we delve into some super weird ways people wield advantage.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Is Tajikistan Obsessed with RC Cola? ... and other Snack Secrets!

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:07:00 +0000

In today’s extra-tasty episode, Mango is joined by Doug Mack, the brilliant and hilarious author of the Snack Stack newsletter (which you should subscribe to right now). Doug breaks down the most fascinating snack stories, including the link between astrology and Goldfish crackers, the chaotic launch of Pop Rocks, and why Tajikistanis have such a love for one underdog American soda. Plus, Doug shares a little intel from the Minnesota State Fair.

Check out Snack Stack: https://snackstack.net

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7 Blunders of the Ancient World

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:05:48 +0000

From the acting blunder that historians couldn't stop talking about to a confusingly shaped pyramid to the world's most coveted bucket (yes, bucket!), Will and Mango take a tour through seven of antiquity's strangest mistakes.

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Bringing Soap Operas to Afghanistan

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:51:55 +0000

Saad Mohseni hadn't seen Afghanistan since he was a kid. But when America swept in to scatter the Taliban in the early 2000s, Mohseni felt a calling to return to rebuild his beloved homeland. This is the story of how Mohseni and his three siblings took a chance launching a radio station-- a Quixotic venture that quickly blossomed into a television empire-- and the ways that he and his family helped beam music, culture and the scaffolding of a fragile democracy into people's homes.

Interview based on Saad's beautiful new memoir Radio Free Afghanistan. Available at bookstores everywhere.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incredible Facts about Springfields across America! (Plus: what it has to do with 🧀 🧀 🧀 and 🐍 !)

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:12:47 +0000

There are a lot of towns named Springfield. This week, Will and Mango learned about all of them! From the best Springfield to store your cheese (if you're looking to store 7 million pounds of cheese), to the reason so many Springfields aren't even located on springs, to the craziest mystery that involves cobras in a Springfield. So stuff your face with all the Springfield facts your heart desires! (We've got plenty for everyone.)

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Is Itching Contagious? (and does scratching actually help?)

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:23:21 +0000

Finally, an episode that scratches at all those answers you've been craving (in the most satisfying way.) Did an itching epidemic really halt the Revolutionary War? What happens when you scratch an itch and look in the mirror? And can tiny electrocutions really help your itchy skin?

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PTG Classic: Why do Cats get such a Bad Rap?

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:47:51 +0000

With Single Cat Ladies all over the news, Will and Mango revisit a classic cat episode: from why cats were unfairly blamed for so many divorces, to how a bag of clay forever changed their prospects, to what a lion's sneeze tells us about their instincts. Plus-- the number one country you HAVE to travel to (if you want a cat to massage your back.)

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Are Gummy Bears Good For Your Muscles? (And other very important Gummy Questions... Answered!)

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 09:01:00 +0000

What can't gummy candies do? From helping kids gross out their parents (thank you gummi worms!), to helping Disney revive their animation division (Adventures of Gummy Bears was a catalyst!), to aiding senior citizens in regaining jaw strength (seriously!), these little gummy treats have a great big story to tell.

have a big story to tell!

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Does Sunscreen Actually Work?

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 03:21:42 +0000

From the reason Australians love to "slip, slop, slap," to a pretty good reason to smear salad dressing on your body, Will and Mango explore the biggest questions in sunscreen, starting with, does it actually work.

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What Happened to the Coney Island Narwhal? (and other Important Narwhal Stories!)

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 18:10:45 +0000

Will and Mango go deep on Narwhals-- from how they became one of New York City's greatest mascots, to how to spot a real Narwhal tusk from a fake at your local pawn shop, to why you might want to avoid ordering the Narwhal sushi... plus, we explain why everyone's on the look out for a baby Narluga (the hot new designer Beluga/Narwhal hybrid).

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9 Essential Facts You (Probably) Need to Know about... Surfing!

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 13:46:16 +0000

From SpongeBob's sweet origin story to the Japanese business suits that are perfect for catching waves, Will and Mango explore the greatest facts from the world of surfing.

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Poodle Grooming and Other (Nearly) Olympic Sports

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 01:52:52 +0000

How great were the Olympics?! Pretty great. But that doesn't mean they couldn't be better. From Poodle clipping to ski ballet, Will and Mango resurface 9 incredible and obscure sports that ought to be included in the next Olympic Games.

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What's the Best Way to Sit? (And Other Important Questions about Work)

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 05:14:04 +0000

For all our schooling, no one ever told us the very best way to sit. (Note this Seth Kinman Grizzly Bear Chair is NOT the best way to sit.) Also, no one taught us what temperature to keep our office at for maximum productivity. Or why cracking jokes might be helpful for elevating status in the workplace. And certainly NONE of our English professors told us how writing in the nude might be a great hack for hitting deadlines. For this week's episode, Will and Mango explore all the very best ways to work. (Note: the answer may involve Amtrak.)

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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 PTGeniusMoms@gmail.com. Don't worry. They'll pass the message along.

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Say My Name, Say My Name: 9 Fantastic Eponyms and the People Behind Them

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 22:09:27 +0000

From boycotts to mavericks, nachos to Zamboni's, there are a whole lot of words we mindlessly use without thinking about the namesakes behind them. This week Will and Mango pay tribute to the fantastic gentleman the leotard is named for, a doctor who did not want a machine named after him, and the wonderful inventor behind the world's most sensational berry! (Supposedly.)

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PTG Classic: The Incredible Life of Jacques Cousteau

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:58:14 +0000

Whether you knew him as a conservationist, an explorer, a spy or a fashion icon, Jacques Cousteau showcased the sea's mysteries to a curious world. But how did the rebellious teenager with a penchant for breaking windows grow up into a marine legend? Will and Mango explore.

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PTG Classic: How Did Sharks Get Such a Bad Rap?

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:11:00 +0000

As summer reaches its height, everyone gets nervous about shark attacks. But how afraid should we be of these Jabberjaws? (Spoiler: not very.) From the hilarious way goblin sharks catch their prey, to the strange effect AC/DC has on sharks, to why Will and Mango wish they could trade out their chompers for shark teeth, Part-Time Genius goes all-in on sharks.

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Will I Regret Having an AI Voice? Featuring Evan Ratliff! (And his AI voice)

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 11:20:04 +0000

In this episode, Mangesh interviews journalist and host Evan Ratliff about his new show Shell Game, and they discuss what happens when you take control of artificial intelligence and set an AI version of you out into the world. From talking to scammers to making plans with your wife, things get weird quickly! PLUS: Stay tuned for a sneak preview of Episode 1 of Shell Game!

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How Scientists are Reviving Lost Smells

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 07:02:00 +0000

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.

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

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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.

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Mango Recommends: The Sicilian Inheritance

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 03:29:18 +0000

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.

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9 Incredible Sicily Facts to Share over Cannoli!

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:55:25 +0000

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.

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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 PTGeniusMoms@gmail.com. Don't worry. They'll pass the message along.

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The Strangest Summer Festivals You NEED to Visit (Probably)

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 23:39:52 +0000

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.

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What Flavor is Dr Pepper?

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:07:00 +0000

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.

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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 PTGeniusMoms@gmail.com. Don't worry. They'll pass the message along.

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Did Picasso try to Steal the Mona Lisa?

Thu, 30 May 2024 07:07:00 +0000

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.

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Mango Recommends: Afghan Star, hosted by John Legend

Fri, 24 May 2024 15:04:02 +0000

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.

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

Thu, 16 May 2024 09:01:00 +0000

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.

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9 Very Important Facts about Flutes

Thu, 09 May 2024 07:07:00 +0000

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!

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How Come Esperanto Never Took Off?!

Thu, 02 May 2024 04:01:00 +0000

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.

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Why Are There So Many Cheese Crimes?

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 14:09:08 +0000

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How do Michelin Stars Work?

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:15:45 +0000

...

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Why are we so Obsessed with Slime?

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:01:00 +0000

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!

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Was Sandra Day O'Connor Our Last Independent Justice?

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:30:00 +0000

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.

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9 Starch-tastic Facts about Potatoes!

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 14:47:00 +0000

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.

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9 Chomp-worthy facts about Alligators

Sat, 30 Apr 2022 13:39:08 +0000

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.

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9 Surprising Things Invented by Women

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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!

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

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 09:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 17:19:14 +0000

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.

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What's So Bad about the Philistines?

Fri, 01 May 2020 14:40:00 +0000

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?

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9 Weird Things Hiding Underground

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

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

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9 Stompy Facts about Godzilla

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 09:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 05:28:00 +0000

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.)

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What did Teddy Roosevelt do to Dr. Seuss?!

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 22:44:02 +0000

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.

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

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 05:00:00 +0000

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.

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Fan Favorite: Why are Russians so good at Chess?

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 05:00:00 +0000

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?

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

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 05:00:00 +0000

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.

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9 Ridiculous Things about "The 12 Days of Christmas"

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:15:00 +0000

Researcher Gabe joins Will and Mango in the studio to talk about why his family likes to Christmas carol so slowly. (They take over a week to to sing one song!) Plus, the crew discusses bird boxes, conspiracy theories and whether 12 days of gift giving from your true love is just a little excessive. (It is.)

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What are the Craziest Applications for Lasers? (Including washing your dishes!)

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 05:00:00 +0000

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Why Does New Zealand Have an Official Wizard?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 18:16:00 +0000

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Fan Favorite: How did Charlie Brown win over America?

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Every holiday season, Will and Mango rewatch The Peanuts classics. But how did Charles Schulz get his inspiration for the comic strip?

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Do Lucky Charms Really Work? (Plus, other ways to get the upper hand)

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 16:13:00 +0000

Why do short people dominate soccer? Is owning a library more important than actually reading the books? And is being handsome important to being taken seriously as a scientist? Will and Mango delve into some super weird ways people wield advantage.

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Did a Volcano Eruption Really Help Invent the Bicycle?

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 16:33:00 +0000

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Halloween Special: The Mystery Show!

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 17:04:00 +0000

How did Agatha Christie churn out so many novels? Was Woodrow Wilson more important to the mystery genre than Sherlock Holmes? And what happened to Inspector Gadget's mustache (because he used to have one!) Also, Mango uses incredible deduction skills to squash a neighborhood lie.

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How do Dollar Stores stay in Business?

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 04:00:00 +0000

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Who Invented the Dunce Cap? (And other unusual School Supplies)

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 12:00:00 +0000

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How did settlers create New Orleans from swampland?

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 18:13:42 +0000

New Orleans is one of the most charming and distinct cities in America… but 300 years ago, it would have been hard to see that potential. In this episode, Will and Mango dig into how French the French quarter really is, why the graveyards look like little villages, and whether the Peacemaker sandwich really can keep an angry couple together.

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Is a Funny Boss better for your Workplace? (And other Secrets from Office Culture!)

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 04:01:00 +0000

Will and Mango take a look around the office, from why cubicles were actually a forward-thinking invention, to how knives became a wonderful way to show your applause at the workplace in Cuba to why that office rumor we’re spreading this week about Tristan is probably true (studies prove it!) Plus, nap pods, office ferris wheels and so much more!

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Are Pigeons Smarter Than They Look?

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 14:23:15 +0000

Sure, they nuzzled their way into Mike Tyson's heart (and Nikola Tesla; and Bert from Bert and Ernie!), but how intelligent are pigeons? Have scientists really trained the birds to read? Did they actually play a role in discovering the Big Bang? And why are they so darn good at finding their way home? Plus: are catfish their new nemesis?

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Fan Favorite: Why are we so Nostalgic for Sugary Breakfast Cereals?

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 18:57:16 +0000

Is Cap'n Crunch Really a Captain? Is the Silly Rabbit using psychological tricks on kids? And why did everyone stop putting prizes in cereal boxes? Will and Mango take a trip down memory lane, exploring why America is so nostalgic for those sugary sweet breakfast treats. Featuring Cereal Time TV's Gabe Fonseca.

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Fan Favorite: What are the Movie Industry's Biggest Secrets?

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 15:34:52 +0000

Why do movie theaters limit their audiences to 299 seats? Did dishware really save the movie industry? And why is Lara Croft: Tomb Raider considered a Hollywood masterpiece? (spoiler: it has nothing to do with the plot!) Grab your popcorn and turn off your ringers as Will and Mango head to the movies.

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Why did the Inventor of Shopping Malls Hate Malls?

Tue, 28 May 2019 15:19:53 +0000

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How Close Are We to Resurrecting a Woolly Mammoth?

Fri, 10 May 2019 16:25:42 +0000

Will and Mango dig wonder: how hard it is to bring a species back from extinction? Plus: why do people wake up in the morgue after being declared dead? Why are fish markets the best places to look for extinct species? And can resurrecting the Wooly Mammoth help us solve climate change?

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How did Thurgood Marshall become such an Incredible Lawyer?

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000

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Fan Favorite: How Did Wine Fraud Become Such a Big Business?

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 19:22:11 +0000

When a billionaire realized his $125,000 bottle of wine might be fake, he hired a crack team to solve the case. This is the story of a private investigator, a motley crew of geniuses, and a fine wine that supposedly belonged to Thomas Jefferson! Plus: Will and Mango discuss Prohibition wines, the Scottish Four Loko, and why badminton gave wine crimes a bad name.

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Fan Favorite: How does Rick Steves Think You Should Travel?

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 18:24:00 +0000

9/11 changed Rick Steves and how he wanted to approach writing about the world. In this special interview, Will and Mango sit down with legendary PBS host and travel writer Rick Steves to talk about the newest edition of "Travel as a Political Act", why watching a Sufi dance can be such a transcendent moment, and whether the best French cheeses really smell like "Angel's Feet." (They don't.)

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Fan Favorite: How Do People Game the Lottery?

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 19:26:00 +0000

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.

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Fan Favorite: What's the Science of Painkillers?

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 20:19:27 +0000

When you've got a headache, those bottles of over-the-counter medicines can feel interchangeable. But the truth is, the drugs work in different ways... and each has their own benefits and side-effects. From which drugs work best on toothaches, to which ones are best for hangovers, Will and Mango explore the strange world of painkillers. Plus: why, 5 years from now, you might be replacing your pills with a phone, a pair of goggles and some green apple air freshener.

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What are the Greatest Things We Didn't Know about Brazil?

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 15:07:00 +0000

When's the best time to surf the Amazon? Can Brazilian termites help you make a better pizza? And: did you overpay on the black market for that venomous snake? Will and Mango scour the web for some fun facts on Brazil. (Plus, you probably did overpay for that snake.)

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Fan Favorite: What Makes the Happiest Places on Earth?

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 16:08:26 +0000

What do sauna culture, "Right to Roam" laws and all-you-can-eat buffets (for monkeys!) have to do with putting smiles on citizens faces? Will and Mango explore why some countries always end up at the top of the Happiness Index, and how other nations can (politely) elbow their way in. Featuring Suzanne Jones, Mayor of Boulder, CO.

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Did (Everyone's Favorite Frenchman) Lafayette Really Save America?

Sat, 16 Feb 2019 17:03:05 +0000

Sure, we know Lafayette as a street. And a college. And some of us know him as the charismatic Frenchman from Hamilton. But did you know he was France's richest orphan? And that his real name was Gilbert? And he might have been closer to George Washington than anyone really knew. Will and Mango have best-selling children's author Nathan Hale on to talk about his new book Lafayette and explain all.

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9 Valentine's Day Facts You'll Want to Share

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 17:33:47 +0000

From the worst Valentines cards in history, to why candy necklaces are so meaningful in Alabama, to a few salmon that are not excited about this special day, Will and Mango have cobbled facts to warm your heart.

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9 Delightful Corners of the Internet

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 18:40:00 +0000

From the best place to do your book shopping to a very sweet rodent with too much to carry, Will and Mango explore some of the World Wide Web's weirdest corners.

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How Did Jacques Cousteau Fall in Love with the Sea?

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 19:41:38 +0000

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9 Things Hiding on your Money

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 19:49:52 +0000

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What does Plastic Surgery have to do with the Civil War?

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 22:29:12 +0000

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9 Wonderful Wintertime Inventions

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 00:21:53 +0000

Did a 15-year old really invent the snowmobile? Why was the original use for a Kleen-Ex? How come Eddie Bauer gets zero credit for his genius idea? And what's so special about the Greenwood Champion Ear Protectors? Will and Mango spend a cold, wintry day digging into some spectacular inventions.

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Why Can’t You Copyright a Chicken Sandwich?

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 22:08:36 +0000

In 2019, a new cache of works entered the Public Domain— from Charlie Chaplin to Jane Austen stories to Felix the Cat cartoons. But what does that really mean? Will and Mango dig into how Mickey Mouse changed copyright laws, why Woody Guthrie got foiled by his publishers and why British clowns check a case of eggs before putting on their makeup.

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The Surprising Origins of 9 TV Spin-Offs

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 12:00:00 +0000

What was the worst cartoon inspired by Happy Days? Why did The Golden Girls try to open a hotel? And which dysfunctional character from The Office almost got a starring role on Parks and Rec? Will and Mango explore the weird world of sitcom spin-offs in today's 9 things.

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Fan Favorite: Will Coffee Make Me Live Longer?

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 22:34:00 +0000

Want to know who to blame for your coffee addiction? From goats, Turks to the Archangel Gabriel, Will and Mango chase down a whole world of (coffee) pot stirrers while shedding light on whether monkey spit coffee is tastier than your traditional beans and whether coffee is good for cats (Spoiler: probably).

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Why Did Ben Franklin Look Up to Genghis Khan?

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 19:39:36 +0000

Sure, Genghis Khan pillaged lands with glee and killed millions of people in his ruthless quest for power. But was he kind of a good person? Like, was he pro-justice and pro-environment? And also, did he invent the hamburger? Will and Mango dig in.

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Fan Favorite: 9 Very Important Facts about Bears

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Whether you're an amateur bear enthusiast or prepping for a bear convention, these are the bear facts you'll need! Will and Mango explore a Canadian Bear Jail, why Pizzlies are taking over the world, and how Paddington Bear was once the pride of Africa.

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Fan Favorite: Why Were These Books Banned?

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:00:41 +0000

Where's Waldo isn't allowed in prisons, Winnie the Pooh can't set foot in China, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear is forbidden from schools in... Texas?! From Ulysses to sinful Bibles, Will and Mango dive into the story of banned books to tell you all about the titles they don't want you to read.

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9 Christmas Tree Facts that are totally lit!

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 16:35:34 +0000

From why a giraffe might want your Christmas tree leftovers, to why your tree is so darn thirsty all the time, to why a traditionalist might want to start mounting their trees upside-down, Will and Mango explore some Griswold-sized Christmas tree facts to please the whole family.

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Fan Favorite: What's Everyday life like on Antarctica?

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 14:28:10 +0000

From plumbing to catering, everything’s a little harder in Antarctica. Will and Mango dive into everyday life on The Ice. Plus, we talk glamping on the continent, why the South Pole pole moves every year, and why the Antarctica only has one ATM. Featuring all-star Antarctica Artist-in-Residence Jynne Dilling Martin.

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9 Great Facts about People Named Tony

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 17:05:04 +0000

There are a lot of people named Tony. (Tony Hawk is one of them!) Will and Mango share some wonderful facts about 8 Tonys (Tony Hawk is not one of them.)

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What are the Secret Rules the Royal Family has to Obey?

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 19:04:46 +0000

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Fan Favorite: Why is it more dangerous to be a Park Ranger than an FBI Agent?

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 16:55:33 +0000

Park rangers do so much more than just keeping Yogi Bear from stealing picnic baskets. Whether it’s outsmarting poachers, fending off the Klan, protecting tourists from gator attacks or helping tiny endangered species make their way to sea, Will and Mango celebrate the heroes who keep our National parks running. Plus, why robbing a bank then hiding in the forest isn’t a great idea.

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9 Cocktail Facts to Enjoy Shaken or Stirred!

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 15:47:05 +0000

Did Shirley Temple like Shirley Temples? Do you need a screwdriver to make an authentic screwdriver? And who the heck is Tom Collins anyway? Will and Mango mix up a perfectly balanced cocktail of weird facts just for you.

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9 Reasons to Love Raccoons (Yes, Raccoons)

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 22:53:04 +0000

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How did Charlie Brown win over America?

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 10:00:00 +0000

Every holiday season, Will and Mango rewatch The Peanuts classics. But how did Charles Schulz get his inspiration for the comic strip? Why did the network almost cancel the Charlie Brown Christmas special? And why does winning a Snoopy award mean so much if you work at NASA? From kite-eating trees, to footballs that never get kicked, Will and Mango go deep on Peanuts.

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Fan Favorite: Was Mister Rogers the Best Neighbor Ever?

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 17:43:16 +0000

From the real reason Mister Rogers used to wear sneakers on the show to why Ella Fitzgerald's band members used to tune in to the last 5 minutes of every show, Will and Mango pay tribute to one of our favorite humans, Mr. Fred Rogers. Featuring journalist Tom Junod.

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9 Deliciously Cheesy Facts about Nachos

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 15:44:52 +0000

Will and Mango dig into their favorite ballpark treat to talk about the surprisingly layered story of nachos.

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Why are Russians so good at Chess?

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 22:10:45 +0000

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Why did Venus Flytraps Develop a Taste for Meat?

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 22:25:00 +0000

From plants that eat rats and frogs, to the strange reason bats curl up in pitcher plants, Will and Mango explore the strange world of Carnivorous Plants.

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9 Things about Unicorns, Zombies and... Darth Baggins?!

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 22:24:30 +0000

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.)

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Were Ninjas Actually Good at Hiding?

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 20:03:40 +0000

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?

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Fan Favorite: 9 Halloween Facts to Stuff in your Pillowcases!

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 19:19:46 +0000

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.

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Fan Favorite: What are the Weirdest Experiments in Science?

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 18:58:08 +0000

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.

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Things for Rich People (that were Originally for Poor People)

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 16:31:55 +0000

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.

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Why Are We So Fascinated by the Titanic?

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 23:00:41 +0000

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.

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How did North Korea become such a Scary Place?

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 17:07:58 +0000

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.

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What are the Best Fall Festivals in America?

Sun, 14 Oct 2018 15:23:24 +0000

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.

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Fan Favorite: What are the Greatest Things We Just Learned about Japan?

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 02:42:59 +0000

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.)

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Who's the Greatest Pirate of All-Time?

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 14:19:48 +0000

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.

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Fan Favorite: 9 Weirdest things Intentionally Buried by People

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 18:46:31 +0000

There are the things you accidentally bury, and then there’s everything on this list. Will, Mango and Gabe discuss the weirdest facts they've unearthed about things that have been unearthed.

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Can Showing Gratitude Help You Live Longer?

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 20:57:23 +0000

Will and Mango have their good pal AJ Jacobs on the program to talk about his new book Thanks a Thousand, where he decided to thank the thousands of people who made his cup of coffee possible. Along the way they hear stories of "the Elon Musk of coffee lid design," how gratitude can help you sleep better, and why Jonas Salk was kind of a terrible person.

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9 Facts to Get You in the Apple-Picking Mood

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 16:39:33 +0000

From the most heavy metal apples out there, to the reason New York City transitioned from a New Orange to the Big Apple, to the insane lengths Japanese farmers go to to grow the perfect apple, Will and Mango pluck some the best apple stories they can find.

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Secrets from the World’s Most Unique Airports

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 22:37:29 +0000

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The Controversial Origins of Famous Dance Moves

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 21:35:13 +0000

Why do we square dance in class? Where did Madonna learn to vogue? Did David Bowie actually inspire Michael Jackson's dance moves? And what does the Chicken Dance have to do with skiing? Will and Mango get to the bottom of the biggest dance mysteries.

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9 Genius-Approved Ways to Avoid Writer's Block

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 19:18:19 +0000

Okay, maybe some of these tricks aren't that genius (building your office on a giant Lazy Susan, for instance). Dig in as Will and Mango investigate the tricks artists have used to claw their way out of creative slumps.

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What are the Strangest Mating Habits in the Animal Kingdom?

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 00:39:37 +0000

Why does a female camel need to see a gross neck bubble before she'll swipe right? Why do bald eagles need to hug it out before they decide they're right for one another? And what do tennis grunts have to do with any of this? Will and Mango take a look at the world's strangest dating techniques, all plucked from Animalia.

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How do you Build a Civilization from Scratch?

Sat, 15 Sep 2018 15:31:26 +0000

If your time machine got jammed in the past, what would you need to rebuild all of modern civilization? Mango sits down with Ryan North, author of the new book How to Invent Everything, to talk about how to make soap, why leeches were pretty useful for a very short period, how to invent a better horse harness, and why windmills just might be superior to waterwheels. Oh, and how to understand all of Western religion and philosophy through high-fives.

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Fan Favorite: Will we ever Travel Faster than Light Speed?

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 14:52:00 +0000

In honor of the new show, Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe, Will and Mango revisit some of their favorite questions: What is Quantum Teleportation? Are we all swimming in Dark Matter? And why are scientists so obsessed with smashing particles together? And we've got astrophysicist Daniel Whiteson, co-author of the wonderful new book We Have No Idea, ready to answer them all. Buckle up!

Daniel & Jorge Explain the Universe starts September 25th.

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What's the Secret Science Behind Whales?

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 02:47:47 +0000

Will and Mango pester their pal Nick with all their whale questions: Why are whales so large? How do they sustain those massive bodies? And also-- why do they have belly buttons? Featuring Nick Pyenson, author of Spying on Whales and curator of marine mammal fossils for the Smithsonian.

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Inside the Secret World of Hotel Operations

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 21:57:35 +0000

Will and Mango check out the strangest requests ever fielded at hotels. Plus, they look into how you can tell if your concierge is part of a secret society, why you probably shouldn’t use the glass cups in your room, and why you should always (always) book a hotel room that comes with a Dingle.

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How Did LEGO Take Over the World?

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 17:24:22 +0000

Will and Mango brick-roll the show with questions about LEGO: What are the most amazing things to be built from LEGO bricks? How have they been used to solve real-world problems? And why should you never ever pluralize it as LEGOs?

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What are the Greatest Stories from the Appalachian Trail?

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 15:26:00 +0000

Ever since Bill Bryson wrote A Walk in the Woods, Will and Mango have been fascinated with the Appalachian Trail. But who was the first person to actually hike the path? What is a Trail Angel? And will hiking the path actually take you through Norway one day?

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9 Outrageous Stories about Cars

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 18:12:23 +0000

From the funniest, most ridiculously cursed Porsche on record to the car that infuriated Houdini, Will and Mango test-drive some ridiculous car stories.

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What is time? And why do we rely on Greenwich for it?

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 14:56:03 +0000

It's about time! From the birth of time zones, to the invention that made us rethink time travel, to the location of the world's largest cuckoo clocks, Will and Mango usher you into a very, very brief history of time.

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Fan Favorite: Is Exercising to Lose Weight a Myth?

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 20:00:01 +0000

Usain Bolt can scarf down 47,000 calories worth of chicken nuggets and look great, while some dieters work out 4 hours a day and never shed a pound. So is exercising to lose weight a big scam? And what does Calvin Coolidge's exercise horse have to do with it? Featuring Dr. Herman Pontzer.

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9 Unusual Instruments Worth Trumpeting About

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 19:21:08 +0000

From musical instruments that run on explosions and gasoline, to why every party needs at least one Sousaphone-player, Will and Mango discuss 9 instruments they don't want their kids practicing inside the house.

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What's the Science Behind Introverts?

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 21:01:23 +0000

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Fan Favorite: What are the most Surprising Jobs at the White House?

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 14:55:56 +0000

Who decided there should be a beekeeper on staff at the White House? Who manages the First Family's budget and makes sure they're paying for their own toothpaste? And can you just find these job postings on Craigslist? Will and Mango look at some of the most surprising non-political jobs in the White House. Featuring Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown.

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9 Surprising Ways Celebrities Made Money

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 20:54:20 +0000

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.

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Who are the Secret Inspirations for these Characters?

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 23:05:28 +0000

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?

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How Did Dolly Parton Become Such a Legend?

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 22:30:46 +0000

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?

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9 Wonderful Grammar Stories for Language Nerds (like Us!)

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 17:17:27 +0000

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.

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What are Allergies and How Close Are We to a Cure?

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 15:18:21 +0000

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?

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What are the Most Important Moments in Dog History?

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 14:36:54 +0000

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.

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9 Fascinating Facts about Money

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 21:57:06 +0000

From the strange reason Abe Lincoln started the Secret Service to how to use the phrase Horse Blanket in a sentence (we know you've been wondering!) to the weirdest prank people used to play on Rembrandt, Will and Mango are making it rain with money facts.

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Fan Favorite: What are the Most Incredible Things the Human Body Can Do?

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 19:37:25 +0000

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.

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Who is America's Worst President?

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 22:10:56 +0000

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.

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Fan Favorite: 9 Hilarious Monuments (probably) not worth the Road Trip

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 19:30:10 +0000

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!

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Is your Grocery Store Trying to Manipulate You? (Plus, how a Piggly Wiggly inspired the Hoggly Woggly)

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 19:58:41 +0000

Join Gabe and Mango as they trace the birth of the supermarket and answer tons of ridiculous questions along the way. From why flexing your arm is terrible for impulse shopping, to the reason North Korean spies train in grocery stores, to how Johannes Kepler made the world better for grocers, we've got tons of facts to load up your cart with.

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What are the Secrets of the World’s Largest Birds?

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 20:00:10 +0000

Is Florida the birthplace of ostrich racing? Why do male Emperor penguins get an extra stomach flap? And why should you be extra wary of a loose Cassowary? Mango and Gabe run through their biggest questions about the world’s biggest birds.

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9 Weird and Incredible Rule Changes

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 15:05:21 +0000

Is aiming for your opponent's caddy a good strategy in golf? Did old-timey baseball umpires really sit in rocking chairs? And why are there 8-pointers in North Korean basketball? Will and Mango explore the hilarious ways games ought to be played.

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Fan Favorite: Are we in the middle of a Rudeness Epidemic?

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 17:02:56 +0000

After author Danny Wallace received the world's worst customer service (and possibly the world's worst hotdog) from a hotdog vendor, he decided to search for the root cause of rudeness. Danny joins Will and Mango on this week's episode to talk about snarky celebrity judges, why surgeons are in dire need of a rudeness vaccine (it's for our own safety!), and how one politician effectively fought rudeness... with mimes!

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What's the Science of Changing Someone's Mind?

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 18:31:52 +0000

As the world becomes more and more polarized, and people become more entrenched in their ideas, Will and Mango explore how we can find consensus, and what the science tells us about shifting public opinion. Plus, we look at how Heinz's disastrous attempt to change Australia's opinion on condiments and why it took such a long time for the pie chart to catch on.

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9 Incredible Inventors You'll Want to Meet

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 15:29:30 +0000

From houses the clean themselves to how a merry-go-round helped Eggo's waffle business grow, Will and Mango explore the world of hobbyist inventors and the incredible ideas they brought forth.

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How did Nickelodeon Revolutionize Television?

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 19:48:53 +0000

Spoiler: it involves lots of slime! Will and Mango explore the channel's early history from how Double Dare horrified the sanitation department, the (savvy) reason one TV show never used purple, and why a channel that had no business getting into cartoons staked their business on 3 groundbreaking shows.

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What are the Movie Industry's Biggest Secrets?

Fri, 06 Jul 2018 20:06:03 +0000

Why do movie theaters limit their audiences to 299 seats? Did dishware really save the movie industry? And why is Lara Croft: Tomb Raider considered a Hollywood masterpiece? (spoiler: it has nothing to do with the plot!) Grab your popcorn and turn off your ringers as Will and Mango head to the movies.

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9 Soccer-ish Facts about the World Cup

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 17:20:46 +0000

Can a daily banana basket help players feel less homesick? Should goalies be given more bathroom breaks? And did Kim Jung-Il invent a top secret technology to guarantee more wins? Will and Mango share some strange facts about soccer's biggest tournament.

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What’s so special about Twins?

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000

What’s the timing in the womb that leaves some twins conjoined? Where did the idea of evil twins and doppelgängers come about? And how does facial recognition technology work when you look so alike? Will and Gabe answer some of your biggest questions about twins.

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Fan Favorite: Why are we so Nostalgic for Sugary Breakfast Cereals?

Sat, 30 Jun 2018 09:00:00 +0000

Is Cap'n Crunch Really a Captain? Is the Silly Rabbit using psychological tricks on kids? And why did everyone stop putting prizes in cereal boxes? In this classic episode, Will and Mango take a trip down memory lane, exploring why America is so nostalgic for those sugary sweet breakfast treats. Featuring Cereal Time TV's Gabe Fonseca.

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How Close are we to Curing Alzheimer's?

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:00:00 +0000

Scientists have made all sorts of discoveries about Alzheimer's in the last 20 years. But can changing your diet, the way you sleep, or even picking up Portuguese really protect your mind? Will and Mango take a look at the earliest cases of Alzheimer's, and discuss some of ways you might be able to keep the disease at bay.

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9 Surprising Origin Stories Behind Corporate Mascots

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 09:00:00 +0000

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.

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What's the Greatest World's Fair of All-Time?

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 09:00:00 +0000

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.

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Fan Favorite: Who was the Woman Behind American Codebreaking?

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 14:30:21 +0000

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.

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9 Surprising Restaurants We Can't Stop Talking About

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 19:03:50 +0000

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.

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Why Are Kids So Attracted to Shel Silverstein's Poetry?

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 13:12:56 +0000

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.

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Are Dad Jokes Actually Good For Kids’ Brains?

Sat, 16 Jun 2018 15:23:38 +0000

To celebrate Father’s Day, Will and Mango share 9 of their favorite dad facts.

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What are the Best Shoes for Atheists, Marathon Runners, and Criminals?

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 19:14:38 +0000

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.

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How Do People Game the Lottery?

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 11:00:00 +0000

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Fan Favorite: What's the Science of Invisibility?

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 19:20:12 +0000

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.

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9 Highly Unusual Courting Techniques

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 16:54:20 +0000

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.

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Is the Earth really Running Out of Sand, Dirt and Bacon?

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 12:00:00 +0000

From toilet paper to Norwegian butter, people are quick to panic in a shortage. But why are gangs around the world stealing truckloads of sand from beaches? What should we be stockpiling? And what are the resources Earth is truly running short on? Will and Mango investigate.

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9 Deliciously Frosty facts about Ice Cream

Thu, 31 May 2018 12:07:23 +0000

Will grapefruit ice cream cure your hangovers? Have Japanese scientists really cracked the code on ice creams that won't melt? And why does seafood ice cream make patriots' mouths water? It's a Gabe and Mango ice cream episode (with plenty of extra facts sprinkled on top!)

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How Did MythBusters Work?

Wed, 30 May 2018 18:03:00 +0000

Will and Mango pester co-host Kari Byron on how to build a human catapult, what the worst smells on set were, why Jamie's safety lectures might make you terrified of building anything... and how her new book 'Crash Test Girl' uses the Scientific Method to answer your biggest life questions.

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Will Coffee Make Me Live Longer?

Fri, 25 May 2018 22:10:00 +0000

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9 Highly Specific Robots You Need to Meet

Fri, 25 May 2018 00:32:34 +0000

From the robot who desperately wants to feed you tomatoes to the one that likes to hitch rides on turtles, Will and Mango explore the strange, hilarious world of robots (including at least two of them that might want to eat you.)

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Fan Favorite: What are the Greatest Secrets Hiding in the Vatican?

Wed, 23 May 2018 20:52:03 +0000

There are a lot of things we don't know about the Vatican: How did Doc Martens become the unofficial walking shoe of the Pope? Why has no one told you about the Vatican's top-notch cricket team? Will and Mango explore Vatican secrets in this classic episode featuring Jo Piazza, host of the new podcast Committed.

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Who's Going to Put a Colony on Mars First?

Fri, 18 May 2018 19:20:00 +0000

The Space Race is on! With Elon Musk, NASA and plenty of other countries all hustling to get to Mars, just how long will it actually us to get there? And how hard will it be to build a space civilization? From sucking oxygen from the soil to 3D printing villages to the Dutch reality TV shows that might finance the whole thing, Will and Mango dive into the many angles of the Mars Mission we should all get excited about.

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9 Somewhat Tasteful Facts about Salad!

Thu, 17 May 2018 18:05:33 +0000

When America declared May National Salad Month, these weren't the salads they were thinking about. Will and Mango dive into the world of Coke Salads, why successful CEO's remove olives from their salads, and how to trick a hungry kid into trading in his Sloppy Joe for a salad fork.

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What's the Science Behind the Perfect Party?

Wed, 16 May 2018 18:45:33 +0000

Priya Parker hasn't just studied how gatherings work; she's lived it. From running conflict negotiations with high level diplomats, to making conference goers feel comfortable, to creating more intimate and memorable experiences at dinner parties, Priya's new book The Art of Gathering includes tricks and tips for rethinking your next event. Join Will and Mango as they pester Priya for advice on throwing better parties and how to get onto more invite lists.

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9 Surprising Facts about Moms

Sat, 12 May 2018 13:00:00 +0000

In honor of Mother's Day, Will and Mango talk about what make Mom special: from why mothers' hearts are so in sync with their infants, to the moms who hold shotguns up to a gang leaders to tell them to stay away from their kids.

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What do we actually Know about J. Edgar Hoover?

Fri, 11 May 2018 21:34:27 +0000

Few men held as many secrets as the long-lasting FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. And while he had thousands of files documenting the secret lives of intellectuals, celebrities and politicians, Hoover had no shortage of secrets of his own. Will and Mango dig into the man, how his PR genius saved the FBI's reputation, and why Richard Nixon just couldn't work up the nerve to fire him.

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Why Were These Books Banned?

Thu, 10 May 2018 01:44:00 +0000

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What are the Weirdest Experiments in Science?

Fri, 04 May 2018 23:51:49 +0000

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9 Very Important Facts about Bears

Thu, 03 May 2018 18:37:28 +0000

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Can Spicy Foods Make Us Live Longer?

Wed, 02 May 2018 20:27:52 +0000

Does a fondness for spicy food mean you've got an aggressive personality? Did putting spices on our foods help cavemen avoid illnesses? And if you shouldn't drink water after a hot bite, what should you guzzle to put out your blazing mouth fire? Will and Mango investigate all the ups (and a few downs) of an incredibly spicy diet.

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How did the Avocado Conquer the World?

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 20:56:48 +0000

While America has been smugly eating their guacamole and avocado toast, the rest of the world has been making all sorts of avocado advances. Why aren't you using an avocado sock? Should you be investing in the new Diet Avocados from Spain? And why aren't you drinking your lattes out of avocado shells like Australians do? Will and Mango dive deep into the world of avocados to determine why they took so long to catch on, and what Baywatch Nights has to do with their popularity. (Spoiler: Very little.)

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9 Mouth-puckering Stories about Pickles!

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 18:03:52 +0000

Will and Mango pay tribute to pickles! From a Mississippi variation on Fun Dip, to the most romantic overture ever made with a pickle jar, to some of the very worst pickle jokes you'll hear all year, we're serving up a 9-course meal of delicious pickle facts.

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How did Sesame Street Change TV Forever?

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 17:12:04 +0000

Next year Children's Television Workshop turns 50, and Will and Mango are scouring the street for all the best dirt. From why the show started out on NBC, to how Ernie and Bert got downgraded from being the show's only stars, to the reason Jim Henson was so against children's programming, we'll explore the evolution of show and why it continues to be one of the most important experiments in American television.

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What Does Stress Really do to our Bodies?

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 21:57:00 +0000

The idea that "stress kills" is all over the internet. But are there good and bad stresses? Why does stress affect our appetites? And why do scientists think that mowing the lawn can make you less tense? Will and Mango take a care-free dive into stress: what it does to our bodies, how we can use it for good, and what are the best ways to relieve it.

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9 Incredible Stories about Accountants! (Yes, Accountants.)

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 17:27:52 +0000

Will and Mango celebrate our favorite number crunchers, from Mick Jagger's strange pre-concert ritual to the homeless accountant who got us fascinated with the number 70 million.

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Do Superstar Athletes Have Superior Brains?

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 20:00:00 +0000

The scouts claimed that Steph Curry was too slow-footed and unathletic to play in the pros. But maybe they should have asked a neuroscientist? Will and Mango talk to Zach Schonbrun, author of The Performance Cortex, to understand why darts is so hard, how your skin helps you play sports, whether tennis stars are actually math geniuses and why Shaq had such a tough time mastering that free throw.

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Are there Benefits to Procrastinating?

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 21:26:54 +0000

Why do so many smart people procrastinate? Is there a link between extreme achievement and putting off your work? And should you behead a roadside statue of St. Expedite if you miss a deadline? Will and Mango chat with author Andrew Santella about his new book SOON: An Overdue History of Procrastination from Leonardo and Darwin to You and Me, to discuss why taking a lazy approach to your responsibilities may not be the worst thing. PLUS: Why to-do lists might be the ultimate vehicle for procrastination!

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9 Incredible Classic Toys (and How They've Changed)

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 18:47:21 +0000

Why did a cucumber that changed Mr. Potato Head's world? Why are so many Cabbage Patch dolls delivered by C-section? And why didn't Go-Bots win the battle over Transformers? Will and Mango parade through the world of classic toys, and discover how many of them have changed over the years.

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What are the Greatest Things We Just Learned about Hawaii?

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 18:59:37 +0000

Who knew our 50th state held so many secrets! From the ice caves hiding under a volcano, to the wonderful reason you should never bring pork to the windward side to why we should be thanking Hawaii for casual Fridays, Will and Mango take a dip into Hawaii's history. PLUS: The most disgusting reason to thank a parrot fish!

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Why is it more dangerous to be a Park Ranger than an FBI Agent?

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 20:31:20 +0000

Park rangers do so much more than just keeping Yogi Bear from stealing picnic baskets. Whether it’s outsmarting poachers, fending off the Klan, protecting tourists from gator attacks or helping tiny endangered species make their way to sea, Will and Mango celebrate the heroes who keep our National parks running. Plus, why robbing a bank then hiding in the forest isn’t a great idea.

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9 Fresh Ideas in Science

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 20:53:03 +0000

If these new studies are right, lampposts are about to get a crazy makeover, Harry Potter should be on everyone's curriculum and cities are going to start importing leopards. (Well, probably not the last one.)

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What Makes Waffle House Such a Brilliant Business?

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 14:34:21 +0000

There's a reason the chain doesn't have any ovens and won't serve you pancakes. Will and Mango explore the brilliant business of Waffle House. Learn why high end chefs love to hire Waffle House grill operators, how the restaurants keep open when their water lines break, and why on earth Waffle House got into the music video business. Plus, why you'll want to make a reservation at Waffle House this Valentine's Day.

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How Could All These Things Possibly Happen on One Weekend?!

Sat, 31 Mar 2018 13:00:00 +0000

Will and Mango investigate one of the most important weekends of all-time. (Assuming you consider celebrations of mollusks, felt and flames as important as we do.)

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How Did Wine Fraud Become Such a Big Business?

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 11:09:52 +0000

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9 Crazy Newspapers Worth Getting Your Hands On

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 17:00:40 +0000

This week Gabe and Mango scour the library for the strangest newspapers they can find-- from an elementary school paper that nabbed a landmark scoop to a progressive Civil War rag filled with useful lifehacks. Plus, why you'll never want to get on this Alaskan paper's bad side.

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What's the Science of Anger?

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:00:00 +0000

Will and Mango have lots of questions about why people get angry. Like: Why do humans all make the same angry face? Is lying down while angry better for your health? And will being angry actually make you more creative? (Spoiler: your boss and kids might be working overtime to make you more creative.) Plus, we look at the science of tickling and solve the puzzle of how to tickle yourself!

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Why Doesn't Disney Celebrate these Princesses?

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:45:49 +0000

There are plenty of princesses with fairy tale endings. These aren't those princesses! Will and Mango chat with Princesses Behaving Badly author Linda Rodriguez McRobbie to determine which princess you'd want on your wrestling team, which princess left royalty for the circus, and which princess parties you definitely want to avoid.

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9 Last Words worth Remembering

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 23:38:50 +0000

On his deathbed, Winston Churchill’s last words were: “I’m bored with it all.” What a missed opportunity! Will and Mango discuss their favorite geniuses, why their final words lived up, and how two different phrases inspired America’s greatest shoe company.

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How Did Google Get Its Start?

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 20:50:17 +0000

From Youtube to Nest, Maps to Android, it's hard to imagine life without Google. But how did the web giant really get its start? Will and Mango travel back to the mid-90s to see how a horrible campus tour, some extra Lego bricks and a week at Burning Man all contributed to the making of Google. Also, the weird reason Larry Page didn't sell the company for $1.6 million when he got the chance (spoiler: it wasn't because the offer was too low!).

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What's the Science of Painkillers?

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 19:49:00 +0000

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9 Incredible Stories Imported from Remote Islands

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 18:42:14 +0000

From a dangerous island the Brazilian Navy refuses to let you visit (it's for your own good!), to a place where monkeys think they're training for the Kentucky Derby, Will and Mango are scouring the globe for water-locked lands and the incredible stories that come from them.

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Why do Cats get such a Bad Rap?

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 11:00:02 +0000

Everyone knows herding cats is impossible. But is it because we never fully domesticated them? Will and Mango dig into a history of cats-- from why they were unfairly blamed for so many divorces, to how a bag of clay forever changed their prospects, to what a lion's sneeze tells us about their instincts. Plus-- the number one country you HAVE to travel to (if you want a cat to massage your back.)

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Why do NASCAR fans drive trucks and Formula One fans drive yachts?

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 18:30:06 +0000

Sure, we've watched Pixar's Cars a few times. But doesn't mean we know anything about racing. Will and Mango dive into the strangely boozy origins of NASCAR, why you might need a yacht to enjoy Formula One, and how driver Dick Trickle made sure every race got off to a smoking start. (Spoiler: it involved drilling a couple holes in his helmet.)

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9 Rinkrinkerfink Facts about Dr. Seuss

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:00:05 +0000

From the imaginary daughter Dr. Seuss made up (just so he had an excuse to brag to his friends) to the remote town in Switzerland where he stole all his ideas from (it's hard to find on a map) to the one children's author he wished he'd gotten to read as a child, Will and Mango dive headfirst into the spectacular world of Dr. Seuss.

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Where do the World's Best Band Names Come From?

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 14:21:36 +0000

What band was named as a tribute to their high school gym coach? Why did The Earwigs change their name to Alice Cooper (it might have something to do with a Ouji Board)? And would Chubby Checker have been as popular if he'd taken the name Chubby Chesspiece? Setting aside the quality of the music (KISS), Will and Mango explore some of the funniest, quirkiest and greatest band names in music history.

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Will we ever Cure Blindness?

Fri, 02 Mar 2018 20:46:36 +0000

Sure, one time in the '80s a blind guy was struck with lightning and it shocked his system into seeing again. But striking people with lightning bolts isn't exactly a safe and easy procedure. So what are scientists working on? From stem cells to bat helmets to why putting some algae in your eye socket could restore your vision, Will and Mango explore the most fascinating advances in vision science today.

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What are the World's Weirdest Theme Restaurants?

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 15:18:01 +0000

If chugging mead at Medieval Times and downing burgers at Johnny Rockets feels tired to you, check out these wacky theme restaurants from around the world. Will and Mango explore what happens when you surprise diners with regular earthquakes, and why filling your cafe with giant David Copperfield statues might not be the smartest thing.

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How did WHAM-O become America's Greatest Novelty Toy Company?

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 15:34:51 +0000

From Hula Hoops to Frisbees, Superballs to Slip-n-Slides, Wham-O has put smiles on generations of American kids. But how did the little toy company that could get its start? (Spoiler: a meat-pellet shooter for your pet falcon!) And what are some of their greatest duds? (Spoiler 2: Instant fish!) Join Will and Gabe as they romp through the history of WHAM-O.

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Are we in the Middle of a Rudeness Epidemic?

Fri, 23 Feb 2018 14:49:13 +0000

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9 Leafy Facts about Houseplants

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 12:30:02 +0000

How did a potted plant named Jeff become an internet celebrity? Does Switzerland really manufacture 'Luxury Manure'? And what's your Valentine trying to tell you with that vase full of basil? Plus: why you should never, ever poach a Venus Flytrap!

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Why are Humans so Obsessed with Chocolate?

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 14:14:05 +0000

Will and Mango are on a mission to uncover chocolate's darkest secrets. What's the difference between cacao and cocoa? Why have Swiss scientists been working on a pink chocolate for so long? (And what's it taste like?) Plus, why does chocolate melt so perfectly in our mouths?

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What are the Most Incredible Technologies Coming Soon(-ish)?

Fri, 16 Feb 2018 19:22:28 +0000

From rockets on pogo-sticks to nuclear powered toasters, there's a whole strange world of emerging technologies that will improve and/or ruin everything in our future! Will and Mango chat with author Zach Weinersmith about the hilarious, future-looking text book he and his wife Kelly wrote, Soonish.

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9 Delightful Facts about Office Supplies

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 11:30:03 +0000

Need some new material for the water-cooler? Will and Mango chat about the tragedy of cubicles, how a fit of rage led to better pen design, and why bread might just be the best eraser.

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How did Putin come to power?

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 14:07:24 +0000

Between practicing judo, wrestling bears, and meddling with democracies, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has a lot on his plate. But how did the former KGB operative come to power? And how has he sustained his grip on the country for so long? Will and Mango dig into his biography to try to understand one of the most fascinating figures on the political stage.

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How does Rick Steves Think You Should Travel?

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 17:45:02 +0000

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9 Outstanding Facts About Aussie Animals

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 14:06:42 +0000

Is the Walking Sausage the most romantic insect? What happens when Wallabies get high on poppies? And why do wombats have super strong wombutts? Will, Mango and Gabe explore the wonderful world of Australian animals.

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What are the Greatest Things We Just Learned about Japan?

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 19:35:14 +0000

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Is Flu Season Really as Dangerous as We're Told?

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 17:28:00 +0000

As sniffles and coughs abound (and Tristan tries to inoculate the whole office), Will and Mango try to figure out why some flu seasons are worse than others. Also: How do scientists know when some seasons will be particularly bad? What goes into deciding what this year’s vaccine is going to look like? And was the Spanish flu really that Spanish?

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9 Thrilling Mysteries... Solved!

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 16:52:53 +0000

Why was FDR so obsessed with mysteries? What's hiding in KFC's super secret Spice Mix vault? And what was the murder rate in the town from Murder She Wrote? (Pretty darn high!) Will and Mango put on their Sherlock Holmes hats and try to solve some cases.

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How Chinese is our Chinese Food?

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 17:19:24 +0000

Chinese restaurants have an incredible history in America. (They actually pre-date the Civil War!) But is the food we scarf down every week actually Chinese? Will and Mango stuff themselves with takeout facts: from the origin of the Lazy Susan, to Buster Keaton's obsession with Chop Suey, to why everyone needs to make a pilgrimage to Butte, Montana.

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How did Reference Books Shape Civilization? (And what will their death mean?)

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 16:48:44 +0000

Remember when Pliny the Elder thought women were cursed and unicorns had elephant feet, so he wrote long encyclopedia entries on both of them? Neither did we. From Roget to Britannica, Webster's to Wikipedia, we're exploring the history of the most important reference books on the shelves... while digging for some truly weird entries.

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9 Head-spinning Facts about Hats

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 18:04:01 +0000

Why did straw hats once spur a revolt? Did Nixon kill the top hat trend? And where on Earth is Jackie O's pill box hat? Will and Mango discover some extremely important facts you'll want to know about hats.

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Is Recycling Worth the Hassle?

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 16:13:04 +0000

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What was the Golden Age of Hijacking?

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 19:48:29 +0000

It's hard to believe skyjacking was once a weekly occurrence in America. But for over a decade, planes were rerouted for ransoms, political causes, and occasionally-- for a couple of beers!

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9 Wacky Facts about the Marx Brothers

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 20:39:33 +0000

From Harpo's ridiculous croquet uniform to Groucho's penchant for Heavy Metal, Will and Mango uncover 9 facts you probably don't know about the Marx Brothers.

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How did the Winter Olympics change Sports?

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 18:36:32 +0000

Who's the Michael Phelps of the early winter games? Why did the 1924 British curling team just get their gold medals? And what are the greatest sports we wish were still in the Olympics (a round of Korfball, anyone?) Will and Mango dive into Olympic history and investigate how one little rule-change affected how future sports were played. Featuring American ski-archer Dave Bergart.

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Is the Kraft Single America's Greatest Invention?

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 17:06:08 +0000

From elaborate cheddar heists to a Serbian donkey cheese scandal to the most sacred grilled cheese ever (#blessed), Will and Mango dive headlong into dairy to praise cheeses. Featuring Rotten’s Christine Haughney.

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9 Snowy Facts to get you through your Snow Day

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 14:47:41 +0000

Grab a mug of cocoa and hit play already! From Renaissance snow angels to an award-winning trick for never slipping in the snow, Will and Mango have a special wintery mix ready for your snow day.

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What's the Science of Perfect Timing?

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 18:43:38 +0000

What's the secret to making the end of your vacation less depressing? Why is it better for a basketball team to be down by a point at the half? And can you trick your kids into better math scores just by changing when they practice math? From when to nap to when not to schedule a doctor's appointment, best-selling author Daniel Pink knows there's a perfect time for everything. And he's dishing all the secrets from When, his brand-new book, on today's Part-Time Genius.

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9 Facts About Buttons that Aren't Nuclear

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 20:11:02 +0000

Will, Gabe and Mango take the focus off the nuclear button, and put it squarely on all the other buttons out there that are feeling a little neglected.

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What are some Easy Tricks to Improve Your Life in 2018?

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:11:36 +0000

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Will we ever Travel Faster than Light Speed?

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 11:00:05 +0000

Will and Mango have so many questions: What is Quantum Teleportation? Are we all swimming in Dark Matter? And why are scientists so obsessed with smashing particles together? Luckily, we've got astrophysicist Daniel Whiteson, co-author of the wonderful new book We Have No Idea, ready to tour us through the universe. Buckle up!

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9 Things to Look forward to in 2018

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 17:47:01 +0000

Time to get excited! From NASA's incredible space plans to an electronic hat that's going to change a whole lot of lives, Will, Gabe and Mango unveil some really good reasons to be optimistic about the new year.

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What are the Strangest, Craziest Sounds in the Universe?

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 11:00:03 +0000

Ever wondered what the Big Bang sounds like (it's much weirder than you think!) Or why Britishers are so turned off by the sound of Tasmanian Devils? From the crowds at Shakespeare's Globe to the ugly grunts of baby koalas, we're covering the funniest, strangest, most annoying sounds in the universe... and all the reasons to block them out! Sponsored by Beats by Dre.

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What are the most Surprising Jobs at the White House?

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 13:55:00 +0000

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9 Cat Facts in Honor of National Cat Herder's Day!

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 20:44:00 +0000

From Iceland's hottest (cat-based) Reality TV Show to the feline that changed Nikola Tesla's career, Will, Mango and Gabe are all about cats on today's episode.

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What's the Secret to Nintendo's Success?

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:42:41 +0000

From Nintendo's history with the Yakuza to its dabbling in the seedy motel business, the House of Mario has a much longer and stranger history than most people would guess. Hear what happened when the company tried to make knitting popular; how America's obsession with robots helped them nudge their way into retailers; and why a grabber called the Ultra Hand was the breakthrough the company needed. Featuring Ramsey Yount.

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Does Trash Talking Really Work?

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:47:00 +0000

Meet the Bad Boy of Bowling, learn how Ivan Lendl intimidated his opponents (it all started with his sneakers!), and why Australia's women's cricket team is considered the best group of trash talkers in the world. From Michael Jordan's incredible philosophy on distracting his opponents, to which sport is considered the Algonquin Round Table of loudmouths, Will and Mango dig deep into the Art of Trash Talking while discussing some of the funniest stories in sport. Featuring Jason Who. Sponsored by Beats by Dr. Dre

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What Makes the Happiest Places on Earth?

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 14:39:53 +0000

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9 Sloth Facts Worth Clinging To

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:04:54 +0000

From their glorious once a week dance parties, to why they're so self-conscious about their feet, we've got 9 strange and wonderful facts about one of the internet's favorite creatures. Featuring Will, Mango, and Will playing the role of Gabe.

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What are the Most Incredible Things the Human Body can do?

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 16:46:17 +0000

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9 Piping Hot Facts about Bath Tubs

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 17:32:24 +0000

Will, Mango and Gabe get in the spirit of National Bath Tub Day by talking Rubber Duckies, Jacuzzi origins, and whether one particular President got stuck in a bath tub (he didn't!).

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Are We Eating Sushi All Wrong?

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 16:36:01 +0000

It's time to get real about raw fish! Will and Mango have their chopsticks ready and way too many questions on hand: Is blue fin really a delicacy? How do sushi chefs apply their soy sauce? And how California is the California roll? From the dish's Chinese origins to why Japanese foodies are intrigued by American rolls, we're going all in on sushi. Featuring The Story of Sushi author Trevor Corson.

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Is there a Rosy Future for Libraries?

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 16:19:48 +0000

It's no secret that Will and Mango love libraries. But are these wonderful institutions built to last? (Our research says: Yes!) Join our Part-Time Geniuses as they trace how libraries have evolved from ultra-secret dens for the elite to community pillars that are happy to lend out neckties along with job advice. Featuring author Brian Abrams.

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9 Prize-winning Facts about Game Shows

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 15:09:24 +0000

Scandals, police chases, and why one notorious episode of "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" will never ever get aired. Plus-- why Dana Carvey should have had the slimiest job in TV! It's all right here in today's 9 Things. Featuring Gabe Luzier.

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Why don't Squid and Octopus Get More Love?

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 14:19:00 +0000

Will and Mango dive deep to uncover the greatest facts about Octopuses, Squid and Jellyfish. Learn the proper octopus throwing etiquette for Red Wings games, why whales are so good at defeating Giant Squid, and why Oclantis ranked #1 on our list of 2017's Greatest Octopus Cities. Featuring Spineless author Juli Berwald.

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How did the Sears catalog take over the world?

Fri, 24 Nov 2017 13:00:04 +0000

Both companies started as innovative retailers-- shops without storefronts. But is Amazon unintentionally following Sears' path 100 years later? Will and Mango explore the genius and pitfalls of the early Sears business, while sorting through the weirdest products in the celebrated catalog.

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9 Ridiculous Thanksgiving Facts to Pass Around the Table

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 13:00:05 +0000

From Big Bird's shameful secret to one American president who hated the holiday, Will and Mango share some of the weirdest facts they could find. Featuring FoodStuff's Lauren Vogelbaum.

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Was Mister Rogers the Best Neighbor Ever?

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 13:00:04 +0000

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Are Truckers the Backbone of the US Economy?

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 14:04:23 +0000

There's no doubt that truckers are underappreciated. From the mom and pop trucks that haul milk from local dairies to the long-distance married couples who tag team driving cross-country, Will and Mango take a peek under the industry's hood. Plus, we rewind back to a time when truckers were America's folk heroes. Featuring Roger Chappalear.

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9 Hilarious Monuments (probably) not worth the Road Trip

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 15:48:39 +0000

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!

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Who Was the Woman Behind American Codebreaking?

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:00:00 +0000

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 episode-long interview with "The Woman Who Smashed Codes" author Jason Fagone.

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What are the Greatest Cookbooks on American Shelves?

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 13:17:57 +0000

Cookbooks have come a long way from their Mesopotamian origins. Will and Mango try to pinpoint the Joy in Joy of Cooking, peek inside the world of cookbook ghostwriters and debate whether an official Titanic cookbook is better than the one from Coolio (it isn't.) Featuring “Leave Me Alone with the Recipes” editor Sarah Rich.

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How Big is Amazon?

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 14:53:57 +0000

We all know Amazon.com started as a bookseller, that’s now a grocery store and personal assistant and online streaming service. But how did this Seattle start-up outlast the hundreds of other online stores that started at the same time? Will and Mango take a look under the hood to explore the secret ways Amazon hopes to dominate the future.

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Is China the Next Green Superpower?

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 14:47:57 +0000

China is going all in on green technologies. Banks are slowing down the investment in domestic coal mines. People are buying more electric cars than anywhere else. And the country is investing in wind, solar and hydro power unlike any other nation. They're also doubling down on nuclear energy. But what's the end goal? Is this environmental movement really about pleasing the middle class and clearing out the smog? Or is China just positioning itself for economic success?

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9 Mustache Facts to Kick off Movember!

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 14:12:29 +0000

From the super strange reason Burt Reynolds grew a mustache to why you need to invest in a mustache spoon, Will and Mango chat all about facial topiaries with their good pals Yves and Alex.

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What are the only 10 Foods You'd Need to Survive?

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 15:45:56 +0000

We have ZERO intention of eating less food! But if you had to pare down your pantry to the bare minimum, what are the only foods you'd need to survive? Is an all potato diet healthy? Plus, Will and Mango discuss the Woodstock for Fruit Lovers; why the Elderberry might be the most overlooked berry, and did Steve Jobs' strange diet affect his business decisions? Featuring Spudfit.com's Andrew Taylor

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What's Everyday life like on Antarctica?

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 12:52:54 +0000

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9 Halloween Facts to Stuff in your Pillowcases!

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 17:22:56 +0000

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What's so great about Canada? (Spoiler: Lots of things!)

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 12:00:02 +0000

Grab your sleeping bags and hop in the station wagon… we’re off to Canada! Will and Mango take a whirlwind tour through America’s hat as we make pit stops at a jail for delinquent bears, a single’s scene for Canada’s most eligible snakes and a bar pouring the nation’s strangest cocktail. Featuring superstar astronaut Chris Hadfield.

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What are the World’s Worst Jobs?

Fri, 20 Oct 2017 14:28:42 +0000

From being Saddam Hussein’s body double to being a whale snot collector there’s a whole world of jobs our guidance counselors thankfully forgot to tell us about. Will and Mango take a deep dive into things you probably don’t want to do for a living. Featuring the New York Review of Comics’ Lucas Adams.

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9 Disney Facts to Work into Conversations Immediately!

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 12:00:02 +0000

That time Richard Nixon got kidnapped at Disney, why John Lennon had bittersweet memories of his Disney hotel, and other stories you (probably) haven’t heard. Featuring HowStuffWork.com’s Allison Loudermilk.

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Why don't we use Rockets to Send Mail Anymore?

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 13:34:59 +0000

When Ben Franklin took over the US Postal Service, he couldn’t have predicted the crazy ways the institution would evolve. From pneumatic tubes to missiles filled with mail, Will and Mango dig into the post office's weirdest experiments, while discussing why Olympic athletes can no longer mail themselves home when they lose a wallet. Featuring Nancy Pope of the National Postal Museum.

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Why are we so Nostalgic for Sugary Breakfast Cereals?

Fri, 13 Oct 2017 12:00:05 +0000

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9 Mouthwatering Facts about Sandwiches

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 12:00:01 +0000

From Wonder Bread's worst idea to the greatest sandwich to ever emerge from a Ramada Inn, Will and Mango celebrate the handiest food of all time. Featuring Lauren Vogelbaum from FoodStuff.

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How Big is the US Military?

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 12:00:05 +0000

America spends over $700 billion on the US Military. But where does that money go? And as long as Will and Mango are talking about the military, they try to figure out: Does a golf course count as a military base? What’s the most fun night on a submarine? And is Bob Ross’ calm demeanor all thanks to his military training?

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What's it take to be a Superfan?

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 15:34:34 +0000

Why are Lego fans so into "Swooshability?" Did a single giant banana really help Manchester City fans regain their love for the sport? And can windmill fans and members of the Roundabout Appreciation Society ever get along? From Cheeseheads to Potterheads, Sherlockians to Beliebers, Will and Mango take you into the superfun, strange and curious world of fandoms.

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The 9 Weirdest Things Intentionally Buried By People

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 14:55:58 +0000

There are the things you accidentally bury, and then there’s everything on this list. Will, Mango and Gabe discuss the weirdest facts they've unearthed about things that have been unearthed.

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Are Bananas Going Extinct?

Wed, 04 Oct 2017 14:23:19 +0000

From monkey lifehacks, to Victorian shame about bananas to why slipping on a peel became the go-to gag, Will and Mango are ready to dish on the Cavendish. Featuring the International Banana Club’s Top Banana, Ken Bannister.

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What's the Secret to a Better Prison System?

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 14:15:47 +0000

Something isn't working. American prisons are overcrowded and relapse rates are high. But why is Norway so good at helping the incarcerated become productive citizens again? And can taking away the walls and guards help? Plus, the ingenious scam Bernie Madoff pulled off in prison! (Spoiler: It involves hot chocolate.) Featuring Doran Larson.

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BONUS: 9 Strange, Fun and Wonderful Non-Profits we Just Learned About

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 13:48:28 +0000

Whether you’re covertly adding to a New Hampshire sock collection or crocheting a pair of knockers in your spare time, there are all sorts of ways to give back. Will, Gabe and Mango put a spotlight on some unusual charity work in this bonus episode.

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What will Computer Implants do for our Brains?

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 14:18:56 +0000

Scanners that allow people to type with their mind; fresh memories that can be implanted into mice; and an immersive video game that helps people regain motor control by teaching them to be... dolphins?! Computer implants are getting weirder, and already changing the world in ways you can’t imagine. Featuring John Krakauer, MD from BLAM labs.

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Which Country has the Secret to the Smartest Students?

Fri, 22 Sep 2017 12:06:07 +0000

Are sneakers in the classroom bad for your education? Should schools keep investing in janitors? And why does no one do homework anymore? Join Will and Mango on an Open House of the World's Best Schools (and what works in building a better pupil.) Featuring reporter Lauren Camera.

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Bonus: 9 Facts about Rich People and/or Sigourney Weaver

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 13:22:53 +0000

Sometimes you find facts about rich people. Sometimes you find facts about Sigourney Weaver. But rarely will you find both in one place. In this exclusive, never-been done before feat, the team presents 9 facts about rich people and/or Sigourney Weaver.

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Why do Democrats like Coke and Republicans like Pepsi? (and other Revelations from the Cola Wars)

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 14:35:46 +0000

Will and Mango dig deep into the Cola Wars: from the official soda of the KKK, to the time Coke tried to convince Eisenhower to create a new currency, to the very best soda named after Jesus (not that Jesus). Featuring John Nese of Galco’s Soda Pop Stop.

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What Does the Internet Know About You?

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 13:08:30 +0000

Most of us have given Facebook, Amazon, Google and Twitter a lot of information. These companies know what you search, where you live and what shows you hate-watch with your friends. But what exactly do they know about your life off-line? The answer might shock you. Featuring Ben Bowlin and Matt Frederick from Stuff They Don’t Want You To Know.

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Bonus: 9 Super Facts Hiding in your Supermarket

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 13:20:45 +0000

Here’s what happens when wild fact-finders are accidentally released into a supermarket… Join us for a bonus Fact-Off, featuring Researcher Gabe.

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What Invention Deserves Way More Credit Than We Give It?

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 14:30:15 +0000

From the Billy Bookcase to the air conditioner, the gramophone to the stacks of paper we needed for the Guttenberg press to work, history is filled with important-but-overlooked inventions. Will and Mango spend this episode giving some less glamorous ideas their due (did you know a bag of concrete is one of the best weapons against poverty?). Featuring a big assist from economist Tim Harford.

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Can you Game a Dog Show?

Fri, 08 Sep 2017 13:38:38 +0000

The Westminster Kennel Club show is America’s second oldest continuous sporting event! But are there any shortcuts to entering Fido and taking home some hardware? Will and Mango look for easy tricks as they study the “Michelangelo of Poodle Groomers,” decipher how to get an obscure breed recognized, and question why there are separate bathrooms for male and female dogs at the shows. Featuring photographer Sophie Gamand.

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How to Build the Ultimate Theme Park

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 17:38:00 +0000

If you want to construct a theme park, there are some big questions to answer: do you want to create a theme park or an amusement park (there’s a difference!) Also, how many Santa Clauses do you want on hand? (Important.) And what do you need to do to be more eccentric than Walt Disney (Start by picking a favorite juice, and then acting irrationally when people don’t want to drink it.) Featuring author David Younger and Theme Park Insider's Robert Niles.

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What's the Science of Invisibility?

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 12:00:00 +0000

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Does Pizza Bring Out the Worst In People?

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 13:41:42 +0000

People always say money is the root of evil. But are you 100% certain it isn’t Pizza? Will and Mango take a deep dive into a shallow dish (more of a pan really) to discuss pizza wars, mafia ties, and why the proper term for a pizza rat in Australia is a Charlie Cheese. Featuring Scott Weiner from Scott’s Pizza Tours.

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Bonus: 9 Facts to Make You Smile

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 12:00:05 +0000

We’re tired of the news cycle. You might be too… Join us for a little bonus Fact-Off, featuring our head research Gabe Luzier.

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What’s the Best Day of the Week?

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 12:24:09 +0000

We all know what day Garfield hates. But what’s the best day to avoid a bank robbery? And when can you get the freshest sushi? And why are there 7 days in a week, anyway? Will and Mango dive into your calendars, and emerge with some pretty surprising answers. Featuring author Melissa Heckscher.

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What should you Plant in your Poisonous Garden?

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 13:09:26 +0000

If you’re looking for the Bad Boys of plant life, look no further! Will and Mango discover squirting cucumbers, dynamite trees, and salacious orchids that have ruined more than one wasp's marriage. Plus, we’ll tackle the origins of the guerrilla gardening movement and chat up Trevor Jones, head gardener of The Poison Garden.

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What are the Strangest College Classes We Desperately Want to Take?

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 16:24:00 +0000

Dinosaurs and Other Failures! Uncreative Writing! Tree Climbing! There are plenty of classes out there that would have mom and dad scratching their heads and wondering why they're paying so much on tuition. Will and Mango dive into the course catalog to find the craziest, funniest and most specific classes they can, and try to figure out what's actually getting taught. Featuring Kenneth Goldsmith and Tyler Shores.

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Who's gonna live to 100?

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 13:00:02 +0000

From tips from a 122-year old rap star, to the latest research on how many eggs a week is too many (80 eggs a week is probably too many), Will and Mango dig into the most recent science on longevity and investigate the best ways to hit the triple digits. Featuring Howard Friedman of the Longevity Project. And special celebrity guest, Mamaw.

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Bonus: I need some Weird Eclipse Facts, pronto! Please Help!

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 20:29:31 +0000

We know you're prepared for next week's eclipse: You know where you'll be viewing the event from. You've ordered your special glasses. You've even on top of your appetizer game (Eclipse chips and dips are a MUST!) But if you haven't planned for the awkward small talk, Will and Mango have you covered with plenty of weird, quirky and fun facts to have on hand in this week's bonus edition.

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Why is IKEA obsessed with building a Better Meatball?

Fri, 11 Aug 2017 14:36:34 +0000

Will and Mango push aside the Fyrkantigs and Grönkulla, to hunt for IKEA’s secrets. Want to know why it considers 'air' the enemy? Or why IKEA cafeteria prices are really a Jedi mind-trick? Or how cheap the billionaire founder really is? (Spoiler: pretty cheap.) Featuring author Grady Hendrix, and STDWYTK’s Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown.

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How Do Con Artists Keep Fooling Us?

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 12:00:00 +0000

America has a soft spot for scoundrels. From the (evil) genius who kept selling the Brooklyn Bridge to foreigners to the original snake oil salesman, we race through history's most legendary cons and discover why Denver was the Florence of the Con-Man Renaissance. Featuring Maria Konnikova and Patrick Hoffman.

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What are our favorite secrets about the Vatican?

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 12:00:02 +0000

There are a lot of things we don’t know about the Vatican: Why did the Popes of yore sit on chairs with holes in the seats? How did Doc Martens become the unofficial walking shoe of John Paul II? And why has no one told you about the Vatican’s top-notch cricket team? We’ve got all these secrets and more. Featuring Jo Piazza.

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What are the Weirdest Things the Government Invests In?

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 13:29:00 +0000

From onions hawked by animated ogres, to upbeat soundtracks created explicitly for sharks, there’s a lot of pork in the government’s budget. But just how outraged should we be? Will and Mango try to get an answer for you. Featuring James Ledbetter and the editors of CoinWeek.

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What Does the Future of Water Look Like?

Fri, 28 Jul 2017 17:20:18 +0000

Americans get an incredible deal on tap water. For just $.03, you can draw 10 gallons of drinkable, bathable, flushable liquid easily from your faucet. But is there a water crisis on the horizon? (Spoiler: yes.) And can a whole slate of incredible inventions save the world? (Spoiler #2: also, yes!) Featuring water sommelier Martin Riese.

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Are We Really Breathing Julius Caesar's Last Breath?

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 15:45:31 +0000

From air fresheners to air molecules, Montgolfier’s stinky hot air balloon to Alfred Nobel’s floating death barge, we’re taking deep breaths and pausing to savor all the incredible stories hidden in the air around us. Also, why Marie Curie would have gone bananas for bananas. Featuring Sam Kean.

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Is Exercising to Lose Weight a Myth?

Fri, 21 Jul 2017 12:40:40 +0000

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Do Personality Tests Work?

Wed, 19 Jul 2017 11:56:32 +0000

Long before there were sorting hats and Buzzfeed quizzes, Walt Whitman and Clara Barton were obsessed with personality tests. But can a scalp massage and 4-letter code really determine your potential success? And what do octagonal houses have to do with any of this? Featuring our sisters. And Jonathan Katz.

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What's the Most American Place in the World? (Outside the States, that is)

Fri, 14 Jul 2017 12:00:02 +0000

We all know the American places in America (Cleveland is one). But where should a US citizen go to feel at home abroad? Will and Mango visit a wee America (in Brazil?!), tour the territories, and look for the Kentucky in Japan’s KFCs. Featuring Doug Mack.

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How the Boy Scouts Conquered America

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 13:04:41 +0000

Get out your Horsemanship Badge and dust off your neckerchief-- we’re going deep on the Scouts! From its surprising roots in South Africa, to how it kickstarted Steven Spielberg’s career, Will and Mango wade their way through Boy Scout history. Featuring Chuck Bryant.

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Why Are We Obsessed with World Records?

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 12:03:40 +0000

There’s a reason records books are routinely stolen from libraries! Learn just how hard it is to grow the world’s longest fingernails; why India’s lone records judge has the hardest job in the world, and how chainsawing apples out of your mouth can lead to glory. Featuring Dan Rollman.

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Your Weird Summer Travel Guide!

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 18:06:11 +0000

Guess what happens when we try to pick the top 8 U.S. museums to visit? (Spoiler: we accidentally end up with 11 on the list.) From a mecca of Kazoos to a dinner theater in a mine, here are the places you shouldn’t miss. Plus, facts about SPAM! Featuring Dylan Thuras.

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Is Flavor Really All In Your Brain?

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 17:54:08 +0000

Why heavier bowls, a pair of headphones and an electronic lollipop can trick your mind grapes into making food tastier. Plus, the legend of the PB and Mayo sandwich. (And one very cute pepper to avoid!) Featuring Bob Holmes.

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Who's our Weirdest President?

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 12:00:04 +0000

Will and Mango plan to build a new Rushmore. But who deserves to be on it? Chester "too many pants" Arthur? Calvin "Vaseline Head" Coolidge? Or just the legendary M Van B? Featuring Cormac O'Brien.

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Can We Feed 10 Billion?

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 12:00:02 +0000

It won’t be long before we get more roommates on Planet Earth. But how will we feed them? Here are some of the weirdest solutions: from Teddy Roosevelt’s Hippo scheme, to bunny balls, to the miracle hiding in the Congo. Featuring William MacAskill.

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Let's Build the Ultimate Superhero Animal!

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 17:01:04 +0000

Sure, cheetahs are fast, and blue whales are big. But when it comes to skills, those chumps have nothing on platypus honkers and salamander brains. Meet the animals who deserve Marvel spin-offs. Featuring Emily Graslie.

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Why is Ayn Rand a Political Rock Star?

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Rand consistently tops polls of influential authors. Libertarians worship her; teens can’t stop reading her. But what makes her so compelling? Also, why was she obsessed with Morris the Cat? Featuring John Green.

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How Clean Should We Be?

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Is our obsession with cleanliness keeping us from peak health? Also, can hookworm cure allergies? Will harvesting panda poop make you rich? And why Amish dust is superior to other dust (seriously!). Featuring Penny Sarchet.

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Will We Ever Live Without Sleep?

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 16:43:00 +0000

Will thinks sleep is a waste of time. But how far are scientists from a cure? Plus, ridiculous facts about Margaret Thatcher, tips on NFL gambling and why you can’t trust science from Garfield. Featuring Simone Giertz.

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Why Have Rats Outsmarted Us For So Long?

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 16:42:00 +0000

Rats are our grossest of foes. They’re also geniuses. (Respect, rats.) Hear how they foiled Pablo Escobar; why Chuck E. Cheese transitioned to a mouse; and why tiny trousers are their kryptonite. Featuring AJ Jacobs.

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Is Cryonics Really a Thing?

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 16:41:00 +0000

The idea of freezing yourself for the future feels silly. But if Ben Franklin, Ted Williams and a wood frog all believe in it, should we give it a second look? Here’s how it could revolutionize medicine. Featuring Streeter Seidell.

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What are the Sunniest Places to Hide My Taxes?

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 16:40:00 +0000

Need a new way to avoid paying your taxes? (We’re kidding. Pay your taxes!) But here’s how Swiss bank accounts and the art of tax avoidance works. Plus, positive things you can say about Delaware! Featuring Holly Frey.

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Episode Zero: Hi There, From Part-Time Genius!

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Buckle up as your friendly hosts Will and Mangesh race you through a world of fascinating questions. Oh, and they brought Mamaw along, too! Series debuts with four new episodes on Wed, Jun 7. From HowStuffWorks.

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