What Caused the Golden Age of Novelty Songs?
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.
1 Mars 35min
How did Thurgood Marshall become such an Incredible Lawyer?
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.
25 Feb 34min
Luddite Power! Why the Luddites were Smarter than you Think
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.
21 Feb 44min
What’s the World’s Greatest Tiny Museum?
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.
18 Feb 39min
9 Romantic Gestures That Went Horribly, Terribly Wrong
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.
13 Feb 33min
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 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.
7 Feb 34min
9 Chomp-worthy facts about Alligators
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.
4 Feb 19min
How to Treasure Hunt in Denmark!
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.
28 Jan 42min
