We’re kicking off this series with a breakthrough for jetlagged hamsters, a hot tub that’ll take you on a journey, a better ketchup bottle, a solution for one of the world’s most common tech annoyances, and some very bad news: chickens are definitely judging you. Plus, we meet the man who brought the smell of outer space to earth.

We’re giving away great prizes every day this week! Head over to our Instagram @parttimegenius to find out how you can win.

Discover Steve Pearce’s work with fragrances and flavors here!

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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.  

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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. 

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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!

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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! 

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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.]

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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!) 

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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!) 

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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! 

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From ancient Chinese lie detection methods involving a mouthful of rice, to the clever ways toddlers, apes and drongo birds stretch the truth, to the surprisingly honest way that Charles Ponzi got his start in business, Will and Mango have a whole lot to say about lying (honestly!).

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Is cooking and preserving your food underground the hottest new culinary trend?! Probably not. But it is fascinating! From mummified victuals to Appalachian cabbage, bean hole suppers to Peruvian pachamancas, Will and Mango dig into a world of underground cuisines.

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