If you think about it, burying a bunch of random stuff in the ground isn’t the most logical practice. But for centuries, people have created time capsules for future generations to find. Today Will and Mango dig in, literally, to this strange phenomenon. What counts as a time capsule? Are there limits to what can be preserved? What are the most surprising (and disappointing) objects ever hidden away? Plus: The shocking true story of Blinky, the little lizard who could. Or couldn’t, as the case may be.

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Photo of the Crypt of Civilization via Wikimedia Commons.

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From the history of recorders (the OG flute), to a celebrity fart-flute performer, to the flautist who pulled off a museum heist in order to buy a new instrument... today's episode features nine fascinating facts about flutes!

This episode originally aired on May 9, 2024.

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Photo by Tsuyoshi Kozu via Unsplash. Thanks, Tsuyoshi!

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Rats! For centuries, we've tried (and failed) to keep them under control, because not only are rats brave enough to swim out of toilets, they're also kind of brilliant. Find out how they foiled Pablo Escobar, why some rat owners let their pets play dentist, and why tiny trousers are their kryptonite. Featuring author and longtime friend of the show AJ Jacobs.

This episode originally aired on June 7, 2017.

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Photo by Nikolett Emmert via Unsplash. Thanks, Nikolett!

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From making cows a little less gassy, to seasoning your clouds with salt, to creating floating pastures and hospitals, communities and scientists have come up with a whole lot of ingenious solutions to deal with climate change. Today Will and Mango explore the sunnier side of climate resilience. 

This episode originally aired on March 21, 2025.

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Photo by Jean Carlo Emer via Unsplash. Thanks, Jean Carlo!

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Are you a careful observer of seagulls? Do you have a passion for paddling in shallow, murky water? Could you spend an entire month circling the same city block? Do you like oatmeal? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, great news: there’s a world championship event for you. Grab your entry forms and be sure to let us know how it goes!

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Photo of the World Bog Snorkelling Championship via Wikimedia Commons.

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Sure, invisibility is about magic cloaks and invisible inks. But it’s so much more than that! From the way butterflies see a secret world of light that humans can’t, to the real reason polar bears are completely undetectable to infrared cameras, there’s a whole big world you ought to hear about… even if you can’t see it. Featuring author Bob Berman.

This episode originally aired on September 1, 2017.

Buy Bob's book, Zapped: From Infrared to X-rays, the Curious History of Invisible Light.

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Does a fondness for spicy foods mean you've got an aggressive personality? Did putting spices on  food help cavemen avoid illnesses? Is it true that super-spicy diets are linked to longevity? And what's the most effective way to soothe the heat if you bite off more than you can chew, tolerance-wise? 

This episode originally aired on May 2, 2018.

Speaking of living longer, be sure to check out Mangesh's other show, Skyline Drive: How to Live Forever. All episodes are out now, wherever you get your podcasts.

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Photo by Nikola Johnny Mirkovic via Unsplash. Thanks, Nikola!

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Once upon a time, lobster was considered trash meat, monograms were seen as tacky, squash was played in rundown back alleys, and the only people doing Pilates were prisoners. So how did these things turn into expensive status symbols, beloved by the world's elites? Plus: How business casual made its way into boardrooms.

This episode originally aired on October 25, 2018.

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Photo by Sebastian Coman via Unsplash. Thanks, Sebastian!

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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.

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Photo by Joseph Greve via Unsplash. Thanks, Joseph!

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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.

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Photo by Emilio Garcia via Unsplash. Thanks, Emilio!

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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. But how did Dolly become Dolly? Where does she find inspiration for her lyrics? And why is she extra-popular in Zimbabwe?

This episode originally aired on August 13, 2018.

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Photo by Kristopher Harris via Wikimedia Commons. Thanks, Kristopher!

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