Can Pneumatic Tubes and Robot Sharks Solve Our Garbage Crisis?

Can Pneumatic Tubes and Robot Sharks Solve Our Garbage Crisis?

Today Mango and producer Mary are talking trash! Discover how people used to deal with trash (hint: it involved thousands of feral pigs), and why garbology is an actual science that can teach us a lot about ourselves. Plus, we take a look at the most creative modern garbage disposal technologies, from underground tubes to robot sharks to giant anthropomorphic wheels, and dig up some incredible things that were found in the trash.

Meet Baltimore’s Trash Wheel family here!

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Pittsburgh travel tips? Email higeniuses@gmail.com or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social!

Photo of a garbage pile in the Himalayas by Sylwia Bartyzel via Unsplash. Thanks, Sylwia!

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Bringing Soap Operas to Afghanistan

Bringing Soap Operas to Afghanistan

Saad Mohseni hadn't seen Afghanistan since he was a kid. But when America swept in to scatter the Taliban in the early 2000s, Mohseni felt a calling to return to rebuild his beloved homeland. This is the story of how Mohseni and his three siblings took a chance launching a radio station-- a Quixotic venture that quickly blossomed into a television empire-- and the ways that he and his family helped beam music, culture and the scaffolding of a fragile democracy into people's homes.  Interview based on Saad's beautiful new memoir Radio Free Afghanistan. Available at bookstores everywhere. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Okt 202444min

Incredible Facts about Springfields across America! (Plus: what it has to do with  🧀  🧀  🧀  and 🐍 !)

Incredible Facts about Springfields across America! (Plus: what it has to do with 🧀 🧀 🧀 and 🐍 !)

There are a lot of towns named Springfield. This week, Will and Mango learned about all of them! From the best Springfield to store your cheese (if you're looking to store 7 million pounds of cheese), to the reason so many Springfields aren't even located on springs, to the craziest mystery that involves cobras in a Springfield. So stuff your face with all the Springfield facts your heart desires! (We've got plenty for everyone.) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Okt 202434min

Is Itching Contagious? (and does scratching actually help?)

Is Itching Contagious? (and does scratching actually help?)

Finally, an episode that scratches at all those answers you've been craving (in the most satisfying way.) Did an itching epidemic really halt the Revolutionary War? What happens when you scratch an itch and look in the mirror? And can tiny electrocutions really help your itchy skin? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Sep 202428min

PTG Classic: Why do Cats get such a Bad Rap?

PTG Classic: Why do Cats get such a Bad Rap?

With Single Cat Ladies all over the news, Will and Mango revisit a classic cat episode: from why cats were unfairly blamed for so many divorces, to how a bag of clay forever changed their prospects, to what a lion's sneeze tells us about their instincts. Plus-- the number one country you HAVE to travel to (if you want a cat to massage your back.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Sep 202432min

Are Gummy Bears Good For Your Muscles? (And other very important Gummy Questions... Answered!)

Are Gummy Bears Good For Your Muscles? (And other very important Gummy Questions... Answered!)

What can't gummy candies do? From helping kids gross out their parents (thank you gummi worms!), to helping Disney revive their animation division (Adventures of Gummy Bears was a catalyst!), to aiding senior citizens in regaining jaw strength (seriously!), these little gummy treats have a great big story to tell.          have a big story to tell!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Sep 202431min

Does Sunscreen Actually Work?

Does Sunscreen Actually Work?

From the reason Australians love to "slip, slop, slap," to a pretty good reason to smear salad dressing on your body, Will and Mango explore the biggest questions in sunscreen, starting with, does it actually work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5 Sep 202434min

What Happened to the Coney Island Narwhal? (and other Important Narwhal Stories!)

What Happened to the Coney Island Narwhal? (and other Important Narwhal Stories!)

Will and Mango go deep on Narwhals-- from how they became one of New York City's greatest mascots, to how to spot a real Narwhal tusk from a fake at your local pawn shop, to why you might want to avoid ordering the Narwhal sushi... plus, we explain why everyone's on the look out for a baby Narluga (the hot new designer Beluga/Narwhal hybrid).  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Aug 202421min

9 Essential Facts You (Probably) Need to Know about... Surfing!

9 Essential Facts You (Probably) Need to Know about... Surfing!

From SpongeBob's sweet origin story to the Japanese business suits that are perfect for catching waves, Will and Mango explore the greatest facts from the world of surfing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Aug 202428min

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