What was the worst cartoon inspired by Happy Days? Why did The Golden Girls try to open a hotel? And which dysfunctional character from The Office almost got a starring role on Parks and Rec? Will and Mango explore the weird world of sitcom spin-offs in today's 9 things. 

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

What was the worst cartoon inspired by Happy Days? Why did The Golden Girls try to open a hotel? And which dysfunctional character from The Office almost got a starring role on Parks and Rec? Will and Mango explore the weird world of sitcom spin-offs in today's 9 things.  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

What was the worst cartoon inspired by Happy Days? Why did The Golden Girls try to open a hotel? And which dysfunctional character from The Office almost got a starring role on Parks and Rec?

The Surprising Origins of 9 TV Spin-Offs

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/89b06454-3dd7-4ebe-b35c-ae32007a79e4/transcript

What can't gummy candies do? From helping kids gross out their parents (thank you gummi worms!), to helping Disney revive their animation division (Adventures of Gummy Bears was a catalyst!), to aiding senior citizens in regaining jaw strength (seriously!), these little treats have a big story to tell.     

This episode originally aired on September 12, 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 Adriana Saraceanu via Unsplash. Thanks, Adriana!

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

What can't gummy candies do? From helping kids gross out their parents (thank you gummi worms!), to helping Disney revive their animation division (Adventures of Gummy Bears was a catalyst!), to aiding senior citizens in regaining jaw strength (seriously!), these little treats have a big story to tell.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
This episode originally aired on September 12, 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 <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 Adriana Saraceanu via Unsplash. Thanks, Adriana!
Learn more about your ad choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>.

Are Gummy Bears Good For Your Muscles?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a85858c6-fffd-47f7-bb57-b4b200e95ef2/transcript

From Mark Twain's bizarre hatred of Jane Austen, to the heated argument that launched two great grocery stores, to the strange prank that ended a legendary comedy partnership, Mango and producer Mary go looking for historical beef and find plenty of sizzle!

This episode originally aired on January 10, 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 Ibrahim Guetar via Unsplash.Thanks, Ibrahim!

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

From Mark Twain's bizarre hatred of Jane Austen, to the heated argument that launched two great grocery stores, to the strange prank that ended a legendary comedy partnership, Mango and producer Mary go looking for historical beef and find plenty of sizzle!
This episode originally aired on January 10, 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 <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 Ibrahim Guetar via Unsplash.Thanks, Ibrahim!
Learn more about your ad choices at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com/">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>.

How Did  a Family Feud Launch Aldi Supermarkets?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/22263f75-b919-4b98-995c-b4b200e8bb64/transcript

If you think about it, burying a bunch of random stuff in the ground isn’t the most logical practice. But for centuries, people have created time capsules for future generations to find. Today Will and Mango dig in, literally, to this strange phenomenon. What counts as a time capsule? Are there limits to what can be preserved? What are the most surprising (and disappointing) objects ever hidden away? Plus: The shocking true story of Blinky, the little lizard who could. Or couldn’t, as the case may be.

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 of the Crypt of Civilization via Wikimedia Commons.

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

If you think about it, burying a bunch of random stuff in the ground isn&rsquo;t the most logical practice. But for centuries, people have created time capsules for future generations to find. Today Will and Mango dig in, literally, to this strange phenomenon. What counts as a time capsule? Are there limits to what can be preserved? What are the most surprising (and disappointing) objects ever hidden away? Plus: The shocking true story of Blinky, the little lizard who could. Or couldn&rsquo;t, as the case may be.
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 of the Crypt of Civilization via Wikimedia Commons.
Learn more about your ad choices at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>.

Why Are We So Obsessed with Time Capsules?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8eba8abf-08e5-4cbc-98a4-b4b00162f52a/transcript

The Surprising Origins of 9 TV Spin-Offs

In 1 playlist(s)

Part-Time Genius

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips