Part-Time Genius
iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope
Are you a knowledge junkie who loves when facts are stranger than fiction? Do you find yourself constantly tripping down Wikipedia rabbit holes (and delighting in the journey)? Have you ever been told you ask a lot of questions? If so, congrats! You’re one of us: a Part-Time Genius! Join Will, Mango, and the team as we scour the globe in search of obscure facts, offbeat locales, and hidden histories. Along the way, we’ll chat with experts, play some games, get in touch with our silly side, and celebrate the fine art of staying curious.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 8, 2018 • 15min
9 Outstanding Facts About Aussie Animals
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 7, 2018 • 36min
What are the Greatest Things We Just Learned about Japan?
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.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 2, 2018 • 33min
Is Flu Season Really as Dangerous as We're Told?
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? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 1, 2018 • 15min
9 Thrilling Mysteries... Solved!
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 31, 2018 • 39min
How Chinese is our Chinese Food?
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 26, 2018 • 42min
How did Reference Books Shape Civilization? (And what will their death mean?)
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 25, 2018 • 11min
9 Head-spinning Facts about Hats
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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 24, 2018 • 43min
Is Recycling Worth the Hassle?
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. Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 19, 2018 • 35min
What was the Golden Age of Hijacking?
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! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 18, 2018 • 6min
9 Wacky Facts about the Marx Brothers
Uncover 9 wacky facts about the Marx Brothers including Harpo's croquet Hall of Fame induction, Groucho's friendship with Alice Cooper, and an impromptu performance at the New York Stock Exchange.
