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Latest Episodes:

What Did the Big Bang Sound Like? Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

Ever wondered what sound the origin of the universe made? Or why British people are so turned off by the sound of Tasmanian Devils? From the crowds at Shakespeare's Globe to the ugly grunts of baby koalas, we're covering the funniest, strangest, most annoying sounds in the universe.

This episode originally aired on December 27, 2017.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Artist's rendering of a distant galaxy with an active quasar by Joseph Olmsted/NASA. Thanks, Joseph and NASA!

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Could a Real Cheetah Sing with the Cheetah Girls? Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Cheetahs are fast, endangered, and surprisingly multi-talented. Not only are they great vocalists, they’re also artistic muses, spokesmodels, and TikTok chefs (sort of). It’ll all make sense after Mango and producer Mary share nine facts about cheetahs—from their biology and behavior to their influence on art and culture.

Listen to “Jambo Bwana” on YouTube
Watch the original viral Ruuxa & Raina video on YouTube
Learn more about the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Watch Goodboy Noah & Ayo Cheetah on TikTok
Watch Fania All Stars in “Our Latin Thing” on YouTube

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Ahmed Galal via Unsplash. Thanks, Ahmed!

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Who Really Invented the Moonwalk? (And Other Dance Secrets!) Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

How do ballet shoes keep dancers balanced on their tippy-toes? Why do so many kids learn square dancing in gym class? And if Michael Jackson didn't invent the Moonwalk... who did?!

This episode originally aired on September 21, 2018.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Aditya Ali via Unsplash. Thanks, Aditya!

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What Are the Must-See Sights if You Travel to Denmark? Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Pack your bags and grab your bike, because today we're taking a virtual trip to Denmark—a land where treasure-hunting is encouraged, Walt Disney stole his ideas for theme parks, and there are very specific ways to eat your sandwich. Plus: A shocking conspiracy involving the Swedish Chef.

This episode originally aired on January 28, 2025.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo of Copenhagen by Maksym Potapenko via Unsplash. Thanks, Maksym!

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9 Deliciously Cheesy Facts About Nachos Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

Whether you're headed to the ballpark or a movie theater this weekend, chances are you'll encounter one of our favorite snacks: melted cheese on a pile of tortilla chips. You know how delicious this is, but do you know how nachos were invented? Or what happened when an American baseball team flew a little too close to the sun by trying to put them on a stick? You will after you listen to this episode!

This episode originally aired on November 20, 2018.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Erick Su via Unsplash. Thanks, Erick!

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Is Monopoly Socialist? Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Turns out, the history of board games isn't as simple as passing Go and collecting $200. From the surprising way Abraham Lincoln's beard changed Milton Bradley's career, to the dramatic shift in Monopoly's political orientation, to the ancient Sumerian board game you can play online right now, today Will and Mango go wild game hunting... and come back with plenty of stories to tell.

This episode originally aired on January 6, 2025.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Photo by Maria Lin Kim via Unsplash. Thanks, Maria!

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Will We Ever Live Without Sleep? Featuring Simone Giertz! Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

Will thinks sleep is a waste of time. But will scientists ever find a way to let us survive without it? Why do we sometimes wake up feeling so groggy? And is it true that eating certain foods before bed leads to crazy dreams? Plus, our pal Simone Giertz stops by!

This episode originally aired on June 7, 2017.

Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email higeniuses@gmail.com.

Possibly the greatest photo in the world by Kate Stone Matheson via Unsplash. Thanks, Kate!

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Are Gummy Bears Good For Your Muscles? Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

Photo by Adriana Saraceanu via Unsplash. Thanks, Adriana!

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How Did a Family Feud Launch Aldi Supermarkets? Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

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.

Photo by Ibrahim Guetar via Unsplash.Thanks, Ibrahim!

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Are We So Obsessed with Time Capsules? Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

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.

Photo of the Crypt of Civilization via Wikimedia Commons.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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