Part-Time Genius

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!   Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius!  Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

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! Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius!  Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

For some reason our hearts keep going on and on for the Titanic. But what was life actually like on the ship?

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

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!  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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2025

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

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!)   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2025

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. 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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

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!)    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

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.)

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2025

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!)     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

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. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius—tag us if you see any cool (LEGAL) eggs! Photo by Rijin Raj, via Unsplash. Thanks, Rijin! 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.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2025

Ever wonder if your pet is lying to you, what's inside a black hole, or whether you'd survive being cryogenically frozen? With infectious curiosity, cartoonist and former roboticist Jorge Cham makes science fun and accessible as he answers your biggest questions. Listen here and subscribe to ScienceStuff on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2025

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!)       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

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!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2025

In our premiere episode, Farnoosh Torabi sits down with Will Pearson, President of the iHeart Podcast Network, to uncover how his personal journey and core beliefs guided his path from college entrepreneur to podcast industry pioneer. Pearson reveals how his early experiences—launching a company from his Duke University dorm room—instilled leadership principles that still drive his decision-making today as he oversees the world's largest podcast network. Through candid conversation, he shares the deeply personal insights that informed pivotal choices throughout his career, from identifying the right business partner to making an early, conviction-driven leap into podcasting. Pearson opens up about how each phase of his journey—including building partnerships with creative forces like Will Ferrell and Shonda Rhimes—refined his leadership philosophy and shaped iHeart's innovative approach to podcast advertising that's transforming the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2025

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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

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 [email protected]. Don't worry. They'll pass the message along.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2025

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2024

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.) Have a favorite pen? Upload a photo and tag us on Instagram @parttimegenius.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2024

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.) Have a favorite pen? Upload a photo and tag us on Instagram @parttimegenius.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2024

'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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

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.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2024