Part-Time Genius
@parttimegenius.bsky.social
Fascinating facts, delightful rabbit holes, and curious corners of the world. New episodes weekly, in all the podcast places.
Call our hotline with questions, ideas, and/or puns: (302) 405-5925.
Call our hotline with questions, ideas, and/or puns: (302) 405-5925.
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Part-Time Genius
Society & Culture Podcast · Updated Weekly · Are you a knowledge junkie who loves when facts are stranger than fiction? Do you find yourself constantly tripping down Wikipedia rabbit holes (and deligh...
podcasts.apple.com
Hi! We're Part-Time Genius, a podcast for knowledge junkies, Wikipedia rabbit-holers, and people who've been told they ask too many questions. Our hosts are Will and Mango, aka the guys who started Mental Floss.
Join us every week for a new deep dive!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Join us every week for a new deep dive!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
It's the greatest day of the year: the annual Part-Time Genius Awards! Our honorees include a guy who invented an oven for astronauts, an especially handsome water buffalo, and the team that finally figured out why ice is slippery.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Cake in Space, a Musical Mushroom, and a Very Lonely Snail - Part-Time Genius
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 ner...
omny.fm
December 30, 2025 at 5:39 PM
It's the greatest day of the year: the annual Part-Time Genius Awards! Our honorees include a guy who invented an oven for astronauts, an especially handsome water buffalo, and the team that finally figured out why ice is slippery.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Lots of people have written in to request an official Part-Time Genius membership card, so we want to take a moment to shout out the amazing graphic designer who made them: Erin Douglas!
www.erinmdouglas.com
Check out her work, and DM us your address and one fun fact if you want a card too.
www.erinmdouglas.com
Check out her work, and DM us your address and one fun fact if you want a card too.
erinmdouglas
www.erinmdouglas.com
December 29, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Lots of people have written in to request an official Part-Time Genius membership card, so we want to take a moment to shout out the amazing graphic designer who made them: Erin Douglas!
www.erinmdouglas.com
Check out her work, and DM us your address and one fun fact if you want a card too.
www.erinmdouglas.com
Check out her work, and DM us your address and one fun fact if you want a card too.
Reposted by Part-Time Genius
Behold, my one of a kind Kermit The Frog Energy Dome! And inside? A screaming Kermit mouth!
December 28, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Behold, my one of a kind Kermit The Frog Energy Dome! And inside? A screaming Kermit mouth!
Absolutely incredible replies/quotes here. We love archivists and librarians and their archives and libraries SO MUCH
Archivists/librarians please share the coolest thing in your collections that will never be digitized.
I live in the heart of California gold country. One of the richest mines ever in CA is nearby. Opened circa 1860 closed 1942. A local foundation has preserved the records on site. I know not a stitch has been digitized and am confident no more than 2 pro historians have ever been in there.
December 22, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Absolutely incredible replies/quotes here. We love archivists and librarians and their archives and libraries SO MUCH
Reposted by Part-Time Genius
Water voles are on the verge of a renaissance in London.
A little Christmas good news story about American mink getting lured to their doom:
www.thetimes.com/uk/environme...
A little Christmas good news story about American mink getting lured to their doom:
www.thetimes.com/uk/environme...
Welcome back, Ratty: water voles return to London
With their main predator, the American mink, thought to be eradicated there is hope that one of the stars of The Wind in the Willows will thrive again
www.thetimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Water voles are on the verge of a renaissance in London.
A little Christmas good news story about American mink getting lured to their doom:
www.thetimes.com/uk/environme...
A little Christmas good news story about American mink getting lured to their doom:
www.thetimes.com/uk/environme...
Reposted by Part-Time Genius
We want to share with you this charming piece of holiday ephemera from the Library's Rare Book and Special Collections Division: An 1858 interactive Christmas card featuring a patriotic Santa Claus. 🎄🎅🇺🇸
December 18, 2025 at 2:09 PM
We want to share with you this charming piece of holiday ephemera from the Library's Rare Book and Special Collections Division: An 1858 interactive Christmas card featuring a patriotic Santa Claus. 🎄🎅🇺🇸
Reposted by Part-Time Genius
Dressed in a spotted owl sweater handmade by his wife, ecologist Rocky Gutierrez explains why he thinks so many people share his love for owls. 🦉
December 14, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Dressed in a spotted owl sweater handmade by his wife, ecologist Rocky Gutierrez explains why he thinks so many people share his love for owls. 🦉
Reposted by Part-Time Genius
'Tis the season, etc. If you know a nerd who has it all, do they have letterpress posters with motivational science messages?
I've built an old-timey print shop in my basement where I use old printing presses to make modern prints. And you can purchase them!
www.etsy.com/shop/Indispe...
I've built an old-timey print shop in my basement where I use old printing presses to make modern prints. And you can purchase them!
www.etsy.com/shop/Indispe...
December 11, 2025 at 8:19 PM
'Tis the season, etc. If you know a nerd who has it all, do they have letterpress posters with motivational science messages?
I've built an old-timey print shop in my basement where I use old printing presses to make modern prints. And you can purchase them!
www.etsy.com/shop/Indispe...
I've built an old-timey print shop in my basement where I use old printing presses to make modern prints. And you can purchase them!
www.etsy.com/shop/Indispe...
I'm not in the West, so I'm going to have to figure out a strategy for working "atmospheric river" into conversations, but believe you me I'll find a way #riversinthesky
If you live in the West, you’re likely to see the words “atmospheric river” pop up in the forecast over the next several days.
This is not a new term; in fact it was coined in 1994!
But what is an atmospheric river, and what weather hazards can you expect? Meteorologist Haley Thiem explains.
This is not a new term; in fact it was coined in 1994!
But what is an atmospheric river, and what weather hazards can you expect? Meteorologist Haley Thiem explains.
December 10, 2025 at 4:27 PM
I'm not in the West, so I'm going to have to figure out a strategy for working "atmospheric river" into conversations, but believe you me I'll find a way #riversinthesky
Reposted by Part-Time Genius
Red Lobster never released a commercial with a jingle that went “Shrimply having a wonderful Fishmastime.” That’s why they went bankrupt.
December 5, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Red Lobster never released a commercial with a jingle that went “Shrimply having a wonderful Fishmastime.” That’s why they went bankrupt.
While we await Greta Gerwig's Narnia, let's discover some surprising things about C.S. Lewis, like the fact that he had very strong opinions about the movie version of Snow White.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
Why Were C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien Frenemies?!
Podcast Episode · Part-Time Genius · 12/09/2025 · 36m
podcasts.apple.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:10 PM
While we await Greta Gerwig's Narnia, let's discover some surprising things about C.S. Lewis, like the fact that he had very strong opinions about the movie version of Snow White.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
This week we dive into holiday shopping traditions, many of which involve the city of Philadelphia for some reason. Plus, listen to the end for our exclusive gift recommendations! Two words: trash calendars.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
9 Door-Busting Facts About Holiday Shopping - Part-Time Genius
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...
omny.fm
December 4, 2025 at 2:50 PM
This week we dive into holiday shopping traditions, many of which involve the city of Philadelphia for some reason. Plus, listen to the end for our exclusive gift recommendations! Two words: trash calendars.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Reposted by Part-Time Genius
🍬 Are you sweet on food science trivia, or does it leave a sour taste in your mouth? From panda diets to hot peppers, we’re teaming up with the @parttimegenius.bsky.social podcast and one lucky listener to deliver a real treat.
Attention, Trivia Nerds! It’s A Food Science Fact Feast
Flora and “Part-Time Genius” co-host Mangesh Hattikudur put one lucky listener to the test with food science trivia.
buff.ly
November 20, 2025 at 6:17 PM
🍬 Are you sweet on food science trivia, or does it leave a sour taste in your mouth? From panda diets to hot peppers, we’re teaming up with the @parttimegenius.bsky.social podcast and one lucky listener to deliver a real treat.
This is ONE way to dismount a penny-farthing. You could also make a pile of mattresses, pull up alongside, and slowly tip over
For those wondering how you get on and off a penny-farthing.
*A guy walking by said to his companion, “That looks incredibly dangerous.” 😅
*A guy walking by said to his companion, “That looks incredibly dangerous.” 😅
November 17, 2025 at 1:31 PM
This is ONE way to dismount a penny-farthing. You could also make a pile of mattresses, pull up alongside, and slowly tip over
Thanks to everyone who shared their pasta opinions for this episode, and extra thanks to @douglasmack.bsky.social for boosting our question. May your plates always be full and topped with extra parm.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9...
9 Saucy, Savory Facts About Pasta
Podcast Episode · Part-Time Genius · 11/14/2025 · 27m
podcasts.apple.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Thanks to everyone who shared their pasta opinions for this episode, and extra thanks to @douglasmack.bsky.social for boosting our question. May your plates always be full and topped with extra parm.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9...
You might think to yourself, "Self, I don't care about physics. It's too complicated. Too boring. It's not relevant to my life. And worst of all, there are no jokes and very few cartoons."
This week's episode with @danielwhiteson.bsky.social will prove you wrong.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
This week's episode with @danielwhiteson.bsky.social will prove you wrong.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
Exploring Alien Science with Daniel Whiteson!
Podcast Episode · Part-Time Genius · 11/04/2025 · 39m
podcasts.apple.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:10 PM
You might think to yourself, "Self, I don't care about physics. It's too complicated. Too boring. It's not relevant to my life. And worst of all, there are no jokes and very few cartoons."
This week's episode with @danielwhiteson.bsky.social will prove you wrong.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
This week's episode with @danielwhiteson.bsky.social will prove you wrong.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
Come for the space telescopes, stay for the poetry
🎥 What lurks behind the dense, dusty clouds of this galactic neighbor? There lies the star-powered heart of the galaxy Messier 82, also known as the Cigar Galaxy. 🔭 🧪
Heart of Messier 82 (Cigar Galaxy) - Hubble Space Telescope #shorts
What lurks behind the dense, dusty clouds of this galactic neighbor? There lies the star-powered heart of the galaxy Messier 82 (M82), also known as the Cigar Galaxy. Located just 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major (The Great Be...
youtube.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Come for the space telescopes, stay for the poetry
It's the end of our week-long series about curiosity!
Will and Mango sit down with two of the most curious people we know: Josh & Chuck from Stuff You Should Know (plus super producer Jeri) to talk childhood obsessions, behind-the-scenes stories, and Muppet personalities.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Will and Mango sit down with two of the most curious people we know: Josh & Chuck from Stuff You Should Know (plus super producer Jeri) to talk childhood obsessions, behind-the-scenes stories, and Muppet personalities.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Being Curious for a Living with Josh & Chuck from Stuff You Should Know - Part-Time Genius
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 every...
omny.fm
October 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM
It's the end of our week-long series about curiosity!
Will and Mango sit down with two of the most curious people we know: Josh & Chuck from Stuff You Should Know (plus super producer Jeri) to talk childhood obsessions, behind-the-scenes stories, and Muppet personalities.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Will and Mango sit down with two of the most curious people we know: Josh & Chuck from Stuff You Should Know (plus super producer Jeri) to talk childhood obsessions, behind-the-scenes stories, and Muppet personalities.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
It's Day 4 of our week-long series about curiosity!
Today: Are Will and Mango doomed to spend their retirement watching Scrubs reruns? And what is all that screen time really doing to your kid's ability to be curious?
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Today: Are Will and Mango doomed to spend their retirement watching Scrubs reruns? And what is all that screen time really doing to your kid's ability to be curious?
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Are We Doomed to Lose Curiosity As We Age? - Part-Time Genius
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’ curiosi...
omny.fm
October 23, 2025 at 1:37 PM
It's Day 4 of our week-long series about curiosity!
Today: Are Will and Mango doomed to spend their retirement watching Scrubs reruns? And what is all that screen time really doing to your kid's ability to be curious?
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Today: Are Will and Mango doomed to spend their retirement watching Scrubs reruns? And what is all that screen time really doing to your kid's ability to be curious?
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
A must-read piece.
And for the record, Team PTG is deeply divided: Will and Mango are anti-pumpkin spice. Gabe and Mary, on the other hand, are smart and enjoy delicious things.
And for the record, Team PTG is deeply divided: Will and Mango are anti-pumpkin spice. Gabe and Mary, on the other hand, are smart and enjoy delicious things.
I am here to reveal the truth about pumpkin spice lattes, by way of *deep* archival research (and 3,600 words)
snackstack.net/2025/10/21/t...
snackstack.net/2025/10/21/t...
The curious, contentious history of pumpkin spice lattes
Starbucks didn’t invent them. But it’s possible that Tori Amos or a Midwest grandma did.
snackstack.net
October 22, 2025 at 5:10 PM
A must-read piece.
And for the record, Team PTG is deeply divided: Will and Mango are anti-pumpkin spice. Gabe and Mary, on the other hand, are smart and enjoy delicious things.
And for the record, Team PTG is deeply divided: Will and Mango are anti-pumpkin spice. Gabe and Mary, on the other hand, are smart and enjoy delicious things.
It's Day 3 of our week-long series about curiosity!
Today we're exploring curiosity in non-human animals, from pet cats to wild chimpanzees to the tiny cleaner wrasse fish.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Today we're exploring curiosity in non-human animals, from pet cats to wild chimpanzees to the tiny cleaner wrasse fish.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Can Pets Be Curious? How About Wild Chimps? - Part-Time Genius
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 w...
omny.fm
October 22, 2025 at 1:31 PM
It's Day 3 of our week-long series about curiosity!
Today we're exploring curiosity in non-human animals, from pet cats to wild chimpanzees to the tiny cleaner wrasse fish.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Today we're exploring curiosity in non-human animals, from pet cats to wild chimpanzees to the tiny cleaner wrasse fish.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
It's Day 2 of our week-long series about curiosity!
Today: The long history of powerful people trying to suppress everyone else's curiosity, and what that has to do with killing cats (metaphorically).
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Today: The long history of powerful people trying to suppress everyone else's curiosity, and what that has to do with killing cats (metaphorically).
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Is Curiosity Dangerous? - Part-Time Genius
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 curios...
omny.fm
October 21, 2025 at 1:06 PM
It's Day 2 of our week-long series about curiosity!
Today: The long history of powerful people trying to suppress everyone else's curiosity, and what that has to do with killing cats (metaphorically).
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Today: The long history of powerful people trying to suppress everyone else's curiosity, and what that has to do with killing cats (metaphorically).
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
If you've ever wondered why you wonder so much, wonder no more! Every day this week we're dropping a new episode about curiosity—why we have it, why powerful people have tried to suppress it, how it changes as we age, and more.
Day 1: Curiosity and braaaaaiiiins.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Day 1: Curiosity and braaaaaiiiins.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
What Does Curiosity Really Do To Our Brains? - Part-Time Genius
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 experi...
omny.fm
October 20, 2025 at 1:32 PM
If you've ever wondered why you wonder so much, wonder no more! Every day this week we're dropping a new episode about curiosity—why we have it, why powerful people have tried to suppress it, how it changes as we age, and more.
Day 1: Curiosity and braaaaaiiiins.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Day 1: Curiosity and braaaaaiiiins.
omny.fm/shows/part-t...
Reposted by Part-Time Genius
the Muppets have been real quiet since the Louvre heist
October 19, 2025 at 10:19 PM
the Muppets have been real quiet since the Louvre heist