Between practicing judo, wrestling bears, and meddling with democracies, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has a lot on his plate. But how did the former KGB operative come to power? And how has he sustained his grip on the country for so long? Will and Mango dig into his biography to try to understand one of the most fascinating figures on the political stage.

 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Between practicing judo, wrestling bears, and meddling with democracies, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has a lot on his plate. But how did the former KGB operative come to power? And how has he sustained his grip on the country for so long? Will and Mango dig into his biography to try to understand one of the most fascinating figures on the political stage. Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

Are you a knowledge junkie who loves when facts are stranger than fiction? Do you find yourself constantly tripping down Wikipedia rabbit holes (and delighting in the journey)? Have you ever been told you ask a lot of questions? If so, congrats! You’re one of us: a Part-Time Genius! Join Will, Mango, and the team as we scour the globe in search of obscure facts, offbeat locales, and hidden histories. Along the way, we’ll chat with experts, play some games, get in touch with our silly side, and celebrate the fine art of staying curious.

Are you a knowledge junkie who loves when facts are stranger than fiction? Do you find yourself constantly tripping down Wikipedia rabbit holes (and delighting in the journey)? Have you ever been told you ask a lot of questions? If so, congrats! You&rsquo;re one of us: a Part-Time Genius! Join Will, Mango, and the team as we scour the globe in search of obscure facts, offbeat locales, and hidden histories. Along the way, we&rsquo;ll chat with experts, play some games, get in touch with our silly side, and celebrate the fine art of staying curious.

Part-Time Genius

Between practicing judo, wrestling bears, and meddling with democracies, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has a lot on his plate. But how did the former KGB operative come to power? And how has he sustained his grip on the country for so long? Will a

How did Putin come to power?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5aa90d1f-1b0b-41ee-a24d-ae3200944338/transcript

While Mangesh (aka Mango) is busy working on season 2 of his other show, Skyline Drive, we’re revisiting season 1 right here, and we’re up to episode 5! As Annie attempts to clean out her parents’ garage and sort their finances, she has an unusual question for our astrologer. Meanwhile, Mangesh learns how astrology is affecting the world of C-sections, discusses reading babies' palms in utero, and hears a surprising story from his sister.

Heads up: there are explicit lyrics and curses in this episode. 

Skyline Drive was selected as an Apple Podcasts Series Essential! Listen ad-free for a limited time.

Subscribe to Skyline Drive wherever you get your podcasts!

While Mangesh (aka Mango) is busy working on season 2 of his other show, Skyline Drive, we&rsquo;re revisiting season 1 right here, and we&rsquo;re up to episode 5! As Annie attempts to clean out her parents&rsquo; garage and sort their finances, she has an unusual question for our astrologer. Meanwhile, Mangesh learns how astrology is affecting the world of C-sections, discusses reading babies' palms in utero, and hears a surprising story from his sister.
Heads up: there are explicit lyrics and curses in this episode.&nbsp;
Skyline Drive was selected as an Apple Podcasts Series Essential! Listen ad-free for a limited time.
Subscribe to Skyline Drive wherever you get your podcasts!

Skyline Drive: A Little More Asian Than I Thought

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/822755f8-9391-480a-969f-b44a00e498a7/transcript

We bake them, fry them, mash them, and even turn them into toys, but potatoes weren't always so beloved. In fact, there was a time when they were considered such a threat to humanity, they were declared illegal! Today Will and Mango are serving up nine starch-tastic facts about the humble spud, from its long journey to our tables, to Ben Franklin's role as a potato influencer, to the ridiculous parade float that inspired the term "couch potato."

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/ptg Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

This episode originally aired on July 15, 2022.

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 Wouter Supardi Salari via Unsplash. Thanks for the new nightmare, Wouter!

Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.

We bake them, fry them, mash them, and even turn them into toys, but potatoes weren't always so beloved. In fact, there was a time when they were considered such a threat to humanity, they were declared illegal! Today Will and Mango are serving up nine starch-tastic facts about the humble spud, from its long journey to our tables, to Ben Franklin's role as a potato influencer, to the ridiculous parade float that inspired the term "couch potato."
EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼<a href="https://nordvpn.com/ptg"> https://nordvpn.com/ptg</a> Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
This episode originally aired on July 15, 2022.
Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.
Follow us on Instagram&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/parttimegenius/">@parttimegenius</a> and Bluesky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/parttimegenius.bsky.social">@parttimegenius.bsky.social</a>!
Photo by Wouter Supardi Salari via Unsplash. Thanks for the new nightmare, Wouter!
Learn more about your ad choices at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>.

Are Potatoes Dangerous?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2712ce8e-fd9e-4155-a446-b42c01179e4c/transcript

From ancient Chinese lie detection methods involving a mouthful of rice, to the clever ways toddlers and 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!).

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/ptg Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

This episode originally aired on January 25, 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 Eleonora Francesca Grotto via Unsplash. Thanks, Eleonora!

Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.

From ancient Chinese lie detection methods involving a mouthful of rice, to the clever ways toddlers and 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!).
EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼<a href="https://nordvpn.com/ptg"> https://nordvpn.com/ptg</a> Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
This episode originally aired on January 25, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/parttimegenius/">@parttimegenius</a> and Bluesky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/parttimegenius.bsky.social">@parttimegenius.bsky.social</a>!
Photo by Eleonora Francesca Grotto via Unsplash. Thanks, Eleonora!
Learn more about your ad choices at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>.

How to Tell When Someone Is Lying

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/c2b6e51c-adc7-427e-953f-b42c01156945/transcript

How did Putin come to power?

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