Part-Time Genius
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.
What's the Science of Invisibility?
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, th
Aug 7
42 min
Can Spicy Foods Make You Live Longer?
Does a fondness for spicy food mean you've got an aggressive personality? Did putting spices on our foods help cavemen avoid illnesses?
Aug 4
32 min
Why Do Rich People Love Lobster, Squash, and Monograms?
Remember when monograms were considered tacky, squash was played in back alleys and barn-yard flavored beers weren't expensive?
Jul 31
37 min
How Did a Surfer Create SpongeBob SquarePants?
From the heartwarming origin of everyone's favorite undersea-pineapple resident, to lingo like 'gidget' and 'big kahuna,' to business suits designed for catching waves, surfing has made a massive splash in the world. Get ready to ride a wave of stories, because today Will and Mango have nine surfing facts for you! This episode originally aired on August 21, 2024. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email [email protected]. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Joseph Greve via Unsplash. Thanks, Joseph! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 28
28 min
Who Built the First Swimming Pool?
Want to know what makes the only swimming pool on the National Registry of Historic Places so special? Or who built the first pool specifically for swimming? Or the strange reason Boston invested in an indoor public pool? From the secret pool hiding in the White House to New York's zaniest swim team, Will and Mango dip into the surprisingly refreshing history of pools.  This episode originally aired on February 7, 2025. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email [email protected]. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Emilio Garcia via Unsplash. Thanks, Emilio! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 24
34 min
How Did Dolly Parton Become Such a Legend?
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.
Jul 21
38 min
What Does Stress Really Do to Our Bodies?
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?
Jul 17
34 min
Did Shirley Temple Drink Shirley Temples?
Did Shirley Temple like Shirley Temples? Do you need a screwdriver to make an authentic screwdriver?
Jul 14
21 min
Who Invented the Hawaiian Shirt? And More Hawaii Secrets!
Who knew there was so much to know about our 50th state? From ice caves hidden under a volcano, to the wonderful reason you should never bring pork to the windward side, to the kinda disgusting way parrotfish have shaped the islands’ landscape, Will and Mango are taking a dip into Hawaii’s history. Download SAILY in your app store and use our code PTG at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For details go to https://saily.com/PTG. This episode originally aired on April 11, 2018. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email [email protected]. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo of Local Motion surf shop in Honolulu by little plant via Unsplash. Thanks, little plant! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10
41 min
What Are Blue Zones?
It’s a Part-Time Genius x Skyline Drive: How to Live Forever crossover episode! Places like Ikaria, Greece and Okinawa, Japan are said to hold the secret of longer, healthier life. But how did these so-called Blue Zones get discovered, and is their longevity power real or just a myth? What made them “blue”? (Spoiler, it has nothing to do with the ocean.) And why did the researchers behind the Blue Zones concept have a falling-out that sent them down two dramatically different paths? Subscribe to Skyline Drive: How to Live Forever wherever you get your podcasts! Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email [email protected]. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo of Trapalou beach on Ikaria by Dimitris Kiriakakis via Unsplash. Thanks, Dimitris! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 7
28 min
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