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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Join Will and Mango as they announce the very prestigious 43rd Annual Part-Time Genius Awards, where the duo celebrates everything from 2024's greatest economic innovation (it involves Seagulls) to advances in human-snail relations, to celebrating the year's best villain (you'll definitely want to invite him over to your place).   

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!!! 

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Whether you're trying to spot a Michelin critic in the wild, or you're on the hunt for the world's best reindeer tartar with moss and fermented mushroom (a very common thing listeners ask us about), we've got you covered. From Katy Perry's Michelin mishap, to chefs trying to sue the guide because they want more stars, to the bizarre reason the Michelin Man prefers to pair his meals with a goblet full of nails, we've prepared a piping hot plate of facts for you. (Go ahead and tuck in!)  

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Want to get in touch? Whether you want to share a fact, story, or even just let us know how we're doing, you can write our moms (Lalita and Paulette) at [email protected]. Don't worry. They'll pass the message along.

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