Part-Time Genius

What's the Science of Invisibility?

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. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! There's an episode thumbnail image. You just can't see it. Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Spicy Foods Make You Live Longer?

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. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Nikola Johnny Mirkovic via Unsplash. Thanks, Nikola! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Do Rich People Love Lobster, Squash, and Monograms?

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. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Sebastian Coman via Unsplash. Thanks, Sebastian! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Did a Surfer Create SpongeBob SquarePants?

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. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Joseph Greve via Unsplash. Thanks, Joseph! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social! Photo by Emilio Garcia via Unsplash. Thanks, Emilio! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.