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Latest Episodes:

Bringing Soap Operas to Afghanistan Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

Saad Mohseni hadn't seen Afghanistan since he was a kid. But when America swept in to scatter the Taliban in the early 2000s, Mohseni felt a calling to return to rebuild his beloved homeland. This is the story of how Mohseni and his three siblings took a chance launching a radio station-- a Quixotic venture that quickly blossomed into a television empire-- and the ways that he and his family helped beam music, culture and the scaffolding of a fragile democracy into people's homes.

Interview based on Saad's beautiful new memoir Radio Free Afghanistan. Available at bookstores everywhere.

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Incredible Facts about Springfields across America! (Plus: what it has to do with 🧀 🧀 🧀 and 🐍 !) Oct 10, 2024

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There are a lot of towns named Springfield. This week, Will and Mango learned about all of them! From the best Springfield to store your cheese (if you're looking to store 7 million pounds of cheese), to the reason so many Springfields aren't even located on springs, to the craziest mystery that involves cobras in a Springfield. So stuff your face with all the Springfield facts your heart desires! (We've got plenty for everyone.)

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Is Itching Contagious? (and does scratching actually help?) Sep 26, 2024

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Finally, an episode that scratches at all those answers you've been craving (in the most satisfying way.) Did an itching epidemic really halt the Revolutionary War? What happens when you scratch an itch and look in the mirror? And can tiny electrocutions really help your itchy skin?

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PTG Classic: Why do Cats get such a Bad Rap? Sep 19, 2024

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With Single Cat Ladies all over the news, Will and Mango revisit a classic cat episode: from why cats were unfairly blamed for so many divorces, to how a bag of clay forever changed their prospects, to what a lion's sneeze tells us about their instincts. Plus-- the number one country you HAVE to travel to (if you want a cat to massage your back.)

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Are Gummy Bears Good For Your Muscles? (And other very important Gummy Questions... Answered!) Sep 12, 2024

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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 gummy treats have a great big story to tell.

have a big story to tell!

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Does Sunscreen Actually Work? Sep 05, 2024

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From the reason Australians love to "slip, slop, slap," to a pretty good reason to smear salad dressing on your body, Will and Mango explore the biggest questions in sunscreen, starting with, does it actually work.

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What Happened to the Coney Island Narwhal? (and other Important Narwhal Stories!) Aug 29, 2024

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Will and Mango go deep on Narwhals-- from how they became one of New York City's greatest mascots, to how to spot a real Narwhal tusk from a fake at your local pawn shop, to why you might want to avoid ordering the Narwhal sushi... plus, we explain why everyone's on the look out for a baby Narluga (the hot new designer Beluga/Narwhal hybrid).

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9 Essential Facts You (Probably) Need to Know about... Surfing! Aug 21, 2024

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From SpongeBob's sweet origin story to the Japanese business suits that are perfect for catching waves, Will and Mango explore the greatest facts from the world of surfing.

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Poodle Grooming and Other (Nearly) Olympic Sports Aug 16, 2024

Show notes

How great were the Olympics?! Pretty great. But that doesn't mean they couldn't be better. From Poodle clipping to ski ballet, Will and Mango resurface 9 incredible and obscure sports that ought to be included in the next Olympic Games.

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What's the Best Way to Sit? (And Other Important Questions about Work) Aug 09, 2024

Show notes

For all our schooling, no one ever told us the very best way to sit. (Note this Seth Kinman Grizzly Bear Chair is NOT the best way to sit.) Also, no one taught us what temperature to keep our office at for maximum productivity. Or why cracking jokes might be helpful for elevating status in the workplace. And certainly NONE of our English professors told us how writing in the nude might be a great hack for hitting deadlines. For this week's episode, Will and Mango explore all the very best ways to work. (Note: the answer may involve Amtrak.)

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