What band was named as a tribute to their high school gym coach? Why did The Earwigs change their name to Alice Cooper (hint: it might have something to do with a Oujia board)? And would Chubby Checker have been as popular if he'd taken the name Chubby Chesspiece? Get ready to turn it up to eleven, because Will and Mango are exploring some of the funniest, quirkiest and greatest band names in music history.

This episode originally aired on March 7, 2018.

Photo by Matthew Cheng via Unsplash. Thanks, Matthew!

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Send an email or voice memo to [email protected], and we might use it in an upcoming episode.

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Grab your lab goggles and gloves, because today we’re taking a close look at the periodic table! From the visionary scientist who created it, to a 1980s war over element names, to the very strangest elements on the chart, Will and Mango have nine facts that’ll melt your brain like it’s made of gallium. (You’ll get the joke after you listen.)

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email [email protected] or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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Photo by David Ballew via Unsplash. Thanks, David!

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Every living thing dies—but sometimes, they come back to life! Perhaps unsurprisingly, Will and Mango have a lot of questions about this phenomenon. For example: How hard it is to bring a species back from extinction? Why do some people wake up in the morgue after being declared dead? Are fish markets the best places to look for extinct species? And can resurrecting the woolly mammoth help solve climate change? 

This episode originally aired on May 10, 2019.

Photo by Thomas Quine via Wikimedia Commons. Thanks, Thomas!

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Today Will and Mango are exploring the world of 3D printing, from the 1940s sci-fi writer who anticipated its invention to some of its strangest modern uses, like rescuing turtles, making snacks, and solving the housing crisis. Plus: can a 3D printer 3D print a 3D printer?

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Email [email protected] or leave us a message at (302) 405-5925.

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Photo of a 3D-printed Grogu by Girl with red hat via Unsplash. Thanks, Girl with red hat!

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Can grapefruit ice cream cure your hangovers? Have Japanese scientists really cracked the code on ice creams that won't melt? And why does seafood ice cream make patriots' mouths water? Gabe and Mango are serving up a big dish of our favorite summertime treat, with extra facts sprinkled on top! 

This episode originally aired on May 31, 2018.

Photo by Zach Camp via Unsplash. Thanks, Zach!

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Send an email or voice memo to [email protected], and we might use it in an upcoming episode.

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Have you ever met a pharologist? Neither have we, but we know Princess Anne is one—she’s a lighthouse expert! Also, apparently there are lighthouse experts! Today Will and Mango explore nine weird and wonderfully specific fields of study, from bell-ringing to bats to the end of the world. 

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Send an email or voice memo to [email protected], and we might use it in an upcoming episode.

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Photo by Joshua Hibbert via Unsplash. Thanks, Joshua!

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We all know the American places in America (Cleveland is one). But where should a U.S. citizen go to feel at home abroad? Will and Mango visit a wee America in Brazil (?!), tour the territories, and look for the Kentucky in Japan’s KFCs. Featuring our pal and Snack Stack author Doug Mack.

This episode originally aired on July 14, 2017.

Photo of a KFC in Toyohashi, Japan by Huu Huynh via Pexels. Thanks, Huu!

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Should men and women work out differently? Are rest days really necessary? And how did a group of 19th century German gymnastics enthusiasts transform America? Casey Johnston, author of the She’s a Beast newsletter and the new book A Physical Education, stops by to share some fitness facts that will really pump you up. Plus: The importance of strength training for cat owners.

Casey's links: caseyjohnston.website and shesabeast.co!

Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think we should explore? Send an email or voice memo to [email protected], and we might use it in an upcoming episode.

Photo via the Library of Congress. Check out our episode “9 Page-Turning Secrets of the Library of Congress” to learn more about this incredible institution! 

We're on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social!

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Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: hosts of the "Part-Time Genius" podcast, Will Pearson and Mangesh Hattikudur!

Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals such as “Ask AI” and audio rebuses.

Subscribe to The Puzzler podcast wherever you get your podcasts! 

"The Puzzler with A.J. Jacobs" is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is a co-production with Neuhaus Ideas. 

Our executive producers are Neely Lohmann and Adam Neuhaus of Neuhaus Ideas, and Lindsay Hoffman of iHeart Podcasts.

The show is produced by Jody Avirgan and Brittani Brown of Roulette Productions. 

Our Chief Puzzle Officer is Greg Pliska. Our associate producer is Andrea Schoenberg.

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Guess what happens when we try to pick the top 8 U.S. museums to visit? (Spoiler: we accidentally end up with 11 on the list.) From a mecca of kazoos to a dinner theater in a mine, here are some wonderfully bizarre places you shouldn’t miss. Plus, facts about SPAM! Featuring Dylan Thuras.

This episode originally aired on July 5, 2017.

Photo by Kindel Media via Pexels. 

Going someplace interesting this summer? Take a photo and tag us on Instagram @parttimegenius! 

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