Why are people getting plastic surgery on their fingerprints? Why was the Civil War such a golden era for procedures? And why is everyone suddenly obsessed with the length of their philtrums? Will and Mango take a brisk walk through the history of plastic surgery.

This episode originally aired on January 25, 2019.

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Photo of Civil War veterans by the American Press Association via the Library of Congress.

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Teleportation is a major mode of travel in science fiction, but when will it become a reality? To find out, Mango and Gabe are grappling with the history and theoretical science behind one of humanity’s most anticipated technologies. Along the way, they explore the surprising connection between teleportation and ancient stage magic, and introduce you to the most romantic song about quantum entanglement that you’ve ever heard. (Probably.)

• Check out David Nagler’s website and his band, As For the Future!
• Listen to Mangesh’s conversation with Daniel Whiteson about aliens, physics, and alien physics!
• Learn more about Daniel’s work, books, and podcast at his website!

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Photo by Logan Gutierrez via Unsplash. Thanks, Logan!

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From the treasury joker who snuck his face on some cash, to Theodore Roosevelt’s drastic redesign for the penny, to the very best reason Harriet Tubman belongs on the $20, Will and Mango are diving into dollar bill facts Scrooge McDuck-style.

This episode originally aired on January 31, 2019.

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Photo by Giorgio Trovato via Unsplash. Thanks, Giorgio!

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Will and Mango are starting the new year strong by counting down their favorite cultural works that just entered the public domain. From cartoon queens and detective stories to Dutch abstract art and one of the most recorded songs in history, this year’s crop has something for everyone. Plus: How the Harlem Globetrotters got their theme song, and the origin of the Dagwood sandwich!

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From the Canadian professor who found patterns in scratch-off lottery tickets, to the Michigan couple that turned a lottery flaw into their retirement savings plan, to the strange reason you should hold onto any lottery ticket that has Herbert Hoover's face on it, Will and Mango look into the long history of lotteries... and the geniuses who've managed to game them. 

This episode originally aired on June 13, 2018.

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Photo by Erik Mclean via Unsplash. Thanks, Erik!

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While no one is going to malls (or so it seems), everyone seems to be talking about them: the CDC is writing up reports on mall walkers, people are growing beards to get into the mall Santa game, and writers are waxing nostalgic about them. But what exactly were malls intended to be? Why did the inventor of the mall try to distance himself from his greatest invention? And why are there never any escalators in the middle of them? Will and Mango dig in.  

This episode originally aired on May 28, 2019.

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Photo of Boston's Copley Place Mall by Ethan Hansen via Unsplash. Thanks, Ethan!

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It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… an ad for cigarettes?! For the past 102 years, people have been using airplanes to turn exhaust into ads, political slogans, birthday greetings, and more. But where did this strangely brilliant idea come from? What kind of sorcery do pilots use to make it happen? And why is it at risk of becoming a lost art? 

This episode originally aired on December 3, 2024.

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Photo by Sebastian Davenport-Handley via Unsplash. Thanks, Sebastian!

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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 nerdy math holiday, an incredible invention for astronauts who enjoy baking, an experiment with Batman, and more. Grab your tuxedo and let’s send 2025 off in style.

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Whether you're an amateur bear enthusiast or prepping for a bear convention, these are the bear facts you'll need! Will and Mango explore a Canadian bear jail, learn why Pizzlies are taking over the world, and discover why Paddington Bear was once the pride of Africa.

This episode originally aired on May 3, 2018.

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Photo by Mark Basarab via Unsplash. Thanks, Mark!

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We’re sharing a preview of another podcast we think you’ll enjoy, Business History. Former Planet Money hosts Jacob Goldstein and Robert Smith examine the surprising stories of businesses big and small, bringing to life the greatest innovations, the boldest entrepreneurs and the craziest mavericks in the archives of commerce. They share why some company stocks soar, while other business ideas crash, and explore the ideas that shaped our economy—and the lessons behind their success and failure.

Today’s episode: Thomas Edison and the murky start to the movies. The man who invented the movie camera got on a train in France in 1890 and was never seen again.The wife of Louis Le Prince thought she knew who’d ordered her husband’s disappearance and presumed murder: Thomas Edison. Many people were simultaneously racing to develop moving pictures—had Edison decided to bump off his closest rival so he could win?

This is Part 3 of Business History’s series on Thomas Edison. For Parts 1 & 2, and to hear more from Jacob and Robert, find Business History on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

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Believe it or not, heavier bowls, a pair of headphones, and an electronic lollipop can trick your mind grapes into making tasty food even tastier. But how? And why?! Plus, the legend of the PB-and-mayo sandwich, and one very cute pepper to avoid. Featuring Bob Holmes.

This episode originally aired on June 30, 2017.

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Photo of tasty, tasty potato chips by Emiliano Vittoriosi via Unsplash. Thanks, Emiliano!

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