Best Caffeinated Josh Podcasts (2026)

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Cake in Space, a Musical Mushroom, and a Very Lonely Snail 30:01

Play Pause

3d ago30:01

30:01

It’s the 44th annual Part-Time Genius Awards! We’re honoring the people—and creatures—behind the year’s best stories, including a fungus that plays keyboards, a rare snail looking for love, a very nerdy math holiday, an incredible invention for astronauts who enjoy baking, an experiment with Batman, and more. Grab your tuxedo and let’s send 2025 of…

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9 Very Important Facts About Bears 15:08

7d ago15:08

15:08

Whether you're an amateur bear enthusiast or prepping for a bear convention, these are the bear facts you'll need! Will and Mango explore a Canadian bear jail, learn why Pizzlies are taking over the world, and discover why Paddington Bear was once the pride of Africa. This episode originally aired on May 3, 2018. Get your official Part-Time Genius …

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Hormones, Brain Health, and Alzheimer’s Risk: What Women Need to Know 31:10

2h ago31:10

31:10

What if the timing of hormone therapy is increasing women’s risk of Alzheimer’s? In this special holiday episode, I answer listener questions and share critical updates every woman needs to know about hormones, brain health, and Alzheimer’s risk. New research has overturned decades of fear around hormone replacement therapy, showing that bioidentic…

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From Business History: Thomas Edison and the Movie Murder Mystery 54:32

10d ago54:32

54:32

We’re sharing a preview of another podcast we think you’ll enjoy, Business History. Former Planet Money hosts Jacob Goldstein and Robert Smith examine the surprising stories of businesses big and small, bringing to life the greatest innovations, the boldest entrepreneurs and the craziest mavericks in the archives of commerce. They share why some co…

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Is Flavor Really All In Your Brain? 39:51

14d ago39:51

39:51

Believe it or not, heavier bowls, a pair of headphones, and an electronic lollipop can trick your mind grapes into making tasty food even tastier. But how? And why?! Plus, the legend of the PB-and-mayo sandwich, and one very cute pepper to avoid. Featuring Bob Holmes. This episode originally aired on June 30, 2017. Get your official Part-Time Geniu…

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This Brain Aging Study Is Our New Favorite! 23:49

7d ago23:49

23:49

Much of what we talk about on Better Brain Fitness resolves around the demand-driven decline model we published. Well...a new study just published in Nature Communications gave that model the best test to date, and the results are pretty darn exciting. So of course we had to do an episode about it! The study looks at the relationship between brain …

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The Secret to Peak Performance for Entrepreneurs (Brain Health Habits That Actually Work) 21:25

13d ago21:25

21:25

Are you an entrepreneur struggling with mental clarity and focus? Discover the powerful habits that top performers use to boost their brain power and unlock productivity. In this episode, I am interviewed by CK Lin, founder of Wholeness Coach, about my journey from early struggles to building a thriving business and optimizing brain health. I share…

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How Much Did Jane Austen Earn From Her Books (And Why Wasn’t It More)? 26:48

17d ago26:48

26:48

Jane Austen worked at a 12-sided desk, was great at singing, and earned shockingly little money from her novels. Today’s her 250th birthday, so we’re celebrating with nine niche literary facts about the beloved author, from the way she helped soldiers in WWI to the reason why Kelly Clarkson couldn’t buy her ring. (Sorry, Kelly.) Get your official P…

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9 Weird Things Hiding Underground 23:21

21d ago23:21

23:21

From the world's most secretive cinema to an internet for plants, to the perfect job for lazy people who also want to hide underground, Will, Gabe, and Mango go deep—very, very deep—in search of 9 weird things that lurk just below the surface. This episode originally aired on April 20, 2020. Get your official Part-Time Genius membership card! Tell …

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How to Neutralize the Impact of Hearing Loss on Dementia Risk 26:36

14d ago26:36

26:36

In this episode, we tackle a question from listener Carolyn in Michigan about the potential cognitive impacts of long-term hearing loss. What You'll Learn: The research linking hearing loss to increased dementia risk and what the evidence actually shows How hearing aids impact the risk of cognitive decline The mechanisms behind why hearing loss mig…

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Reversing Alzheimer’s: How Supplements, Sleep, and Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference With Dr. Josh Helman 58:17

14d ago58:17

58:17

Can Alzheimer's really be reversed? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Josh Helman, my colleague and the chief medical officer at Brain Power Clinics, to explore groundbreaking approaches to reversing Alzheimer’s. We discuss the role of supplements like creatine, the power of sleep in brain health, and lifestyle changes that can help prevent and …

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Why Were C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien Frenemies?! 35:50

24d ago35:50

35:50

This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, so Will and Mango are uncovering some seriously surprising stories about author C.S. Lewis. Did you know he was famous for his terrible fashion… but also his financial generosity? Or that he almost converted to Hinduism for reasons that involve soup? And that he had a lo…

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9 Wonderful Wintertime Inventions 16:16

28d ago16:16

16:16

Did a 15-year-old really invent the snowmobile? What was the original use for a Kleenex? How come Eddie Bauer gets zero credit for his genius idea? And what's so special about Greenwood Champion Ear Protectors, anyway? Will and Mango spend a cold winter's day digging into some spectacular seasonal inventions. This episode originally aired on Januar…

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Caffeine, Medication, Exercise, and Social Media Impact on ADHD Symptoms With Dr. John Kruse 1:42:30

21d ago1:42:30

1:42:30

Can caffeine really help with ADHD, or is it making things worse? How does exercise impact brain function in those with ADHD? And is social media sabotaging our ability to focus? In this episode, I interview Dr. John Kruse, a psychiatrist and ADHD expert, to explore some fascinating insights about ADHD, its treatment, and its impact on brain health…

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9 Door-Busting Facts About Holiday Shopping 32:22

1M ago32:22

32:22

Tis the season for commerce, and Gabe and Mary are standing by with answers to all the questions you didn’t know you had. Like: What was the Tickle Me Elmo of ancient Rome? Why was Black Friday almost called Big Friday? And what happened when FDR messed with Thanksgiving in order to give people more time to shop? (Chaos, that’s what happened.) Plus…

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What Are the Secrets of the World’s Largest Birds? 35:31

1M ago35:31

35:31

Is Florida the birthplace of ostrich racing? Why do male Emperor penguins get an extra stomach flap? And why should you be extra wary of a loose cassowary? Today Mango and Gabe run through some of the world's biggest questions about the world’s biggest birds. This episode originally aired on July 20, 2018. Want an official, numbered, limited editio…

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Taking Risks and Traveling the World, with Tom Freston! 40:42

1M ago40:42

40:42

Tom Freston’s resume is real, but reads like fiction: he served cocktails in the Caribbean, created a fashion brand in India, co-founded MTV, became CEO of Viacom… and after he was unceremoniously fired, he helped launch a TV network in Afghanistan and became an advocate for global health initiatives. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s written an extra…

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How Scientists Are Reviving Lost Smells 32:40

1M ago32:40

32:40

Want to know what the Chanel No. 5 of Ancient Egypt smelled like? Or how the interior of Queen Elizabeth's royal car smelled? Or maybe you'd like to experience the fragrance of extinct Hawaiian flowers? In this episode, Will and Mango get nosy about how scientists have been working hard to build a scent library of disappearing smells. This episode …

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Super Food Science Excellence Trivia Blow Out! with Science Friday 14:39

1M ago14:39

14:39

What a treat! It’s a fact-packed food science trivia game, created in collaboration with our good pals at Science Friday. Mango and SciFri’s Flora Lichtman put one lucky listener to the test with questions about peppers, panda diets, and more, with special prizes on the line. Check out Science Friday, and subscribe to the show wherever you get your…

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The Ideal Sleep Schedule for Your Brain with Dr. Satchin Panda 1:20:18

1M ago1:20:18

1:20:18

Do you want to optimize your health and boost your brain function? It all starts with your circadian rhythm! In today’s episode, I’m talking with Dr. Satchin Panda, a professor at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California, and a leading expert on circadian biology, about how understanding and optimizing your body’s internal clock can transform you…

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Why Does New Zealand Have an Official Wizard? 32:09

1M ago32:09

32:09

Everything Will and Mango read about New Zealand made them want to visit! From how Hokey Pokey became the country's favorite ice cream flavor, to why the nation is giving away free gym memberships... to birds, to the reason the coffin clubs are taking off, Will and Mango dig deep into the country's history to discover why New Zealand is so much bet…

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9 Saucy, Savory Facts About Pasta 27:04

2M ago27:04

27:04

Whether you love fusilli or spaghetti (actually, turns out many of you don’t love spaghetti), today’s episode will whet your appetite… for pasta facts. Join Will and Mango as they discover the rarest noodles on earth, a daring macaroni-powered prison break, and the visionary chef who paved the way for red sauce. Plus: Listeners weigh in on the best…

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The Science of Decisions with Dr. Robert Sapolsky 47:52

2M ago47:52

47:52

If you think you understand why people do what they do, you’re probably wrong. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a legendary neuroscientist, primatologist, and bestselling author. We explore one of the most controversial questions in science: Do we truly possess free will? Dr. Sapolsky breaks down decades of research on the brai…

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What Did Teddy Roosevelt Do to Dr. Seuss?! 46:25

2M ago46:25

46:25

Today Mango sits down with Erin McCarthy, editor-in-chief of Mental Floss, to talk about our 26th president, Teddy Roosevelt… from whether he really climbed a mountain out of spite, to how a seal inspired his fossil collection, to what made him so darn productive (hint: it helps to drink coffee from a mug the size of a bathtub). Plus, we get into j…

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9 Mustache Facts to Kick Off Movember! 11:47

2M ago11:47

11:47

From the super strange reason Burt Reynolds grew a mustache to why you need to invest in a mustache spoon, Will and Mango chat all things facial topiaries with their good pals Yves and Alex. Special thanks to @doodlynoted on Instagram, whose amazing sketchnotes of this episode made us want to listen to it again! This episode originally aired on Nov…

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Influencing Your Genes with Dr. Melissa Ilardo 57:03

2M ago57:03

57:03

Can ancient divers and evolutionary biology reveal the secret to aging strong and staying sharp for life? In this fascinating episode, I interview evolutionary biologist Dr. Melissa Ilardo to explore what we can learn from one of the world’s most extraordinary populations–Korea’s Haenyeo (female divers), many in their 70s and 80s, who dive daily in…

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Exploring Alien Science with Daniel Whiteson! 38:54

2M ago38:54

38:54

What if aliens came to earth… and helped us unlock the mysteries of the universe? That’s the premise of our pal Daniel Whiteson’s new book, Do Aliens Speak Physics?, and today on the show he tells us how thinking through this wacky scenario can tell us a lot about ourselves, our science, and the boundaries of knowledge. Plus: Why sci-fi is just as …

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#88: Are Microplastics Causing Dementia? 38:08

2M ago38:08

38:08

You may have heard the alarming headline about a recent study that showed the typical brain had about a teaspoon of microplastics inside of it. And that amount appears to be increasing each year. In equally alarming fashion, that same study also revealed that those with dementia had over 5 times the amount of plastic in their brains as those withou…

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PTG Recommends: Origin Stories! 7:41

2M ago7:41

7:41

On today's Rec Center, Mango introduces listeners to his pal Matthew Shaer's brand new podcast Origin Stories. If you're someone who misses the Longform podcast, loves to learn about the craft of writing, or just want to hear more from your favorite author and filmmaker, Origin Stories is probably what you've been looking for. On today's episode, M…

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9 Spooky, Ooky Facts About Charles Addams 30:03

2M ago30:03

30:03

We all know the famous family—but what about the man behind them, lurking in the shadows? Mango and Gabe decided to celebrate Halloween by unearthing some weird, delightful, and weirdly delightful stories about cartoonist Charles Addams, from his childhood love of creeping around vacant houses to the unexpected way his TV show made tech history. Wa…

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Sugar, Alzheimer's, and Type 3 Diabetes with Mike Collins, aka Sugar Free Man 47:05

2M ago47:05

47:05

Is sugar quietly hijacking your brain chemistry and your memory? Mike Collins, aka the original “Sugar-Free Man” and founder of SugarAddiction.com, explains how fructose and refined sugar drive fatty liver, dopamine dysregulation, mood swings, and type 3 diabetes risk, then outlines a practical 90-day reset. We cover leaky gut, caffeine–sugar wirin…

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#87: Hacking the Brain: TMS, Brain-to-Brain Communication, and Predicting Your Cognitive Future (with Dr. Andrea Stocco) 1:03:55

2M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to the free Better Brain Fitness newsletter, join us when we record live, and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: betterbrain.fitness. Click here to pre-order Dr. Wood's book, "The Stimulated Mind." Click here to…

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9 Halloween Facts to Stuff in Your Pillowcases! 10:13

2M ago10:13

10:13

In Iowa, you can't just show up on your neighbor's doorstep with a costume... kids have to work for the treats! Grab your pillowcase, bucket, or plastic pumpkin-shaped pail and join Will, Mango, and Gabe for a very sweet-and-spooky episode to get yourself excited for Halloween This episode originally aired on October 26, 2017. Got a question you’d …

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Being Curious for a Living with Josh & Chuck from Stuff You Should Know 45:30

2M ago45:30

45:30

We’re closing out this week of curiosity with our good pals Josh and Chuck (and super producer Jeri!) from Stuff You Should Know. It’s a wide-ranging, brain-tickling conversation that touches on everything from childhood obsessions to SYSK behind-the-scenes stories to the shocking truth about off-mic personas. Plus: Everyone tries to figure out whi…

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Are We Doomed to Lose Curiosity As We Age? 32:31

2M ago32:31

32:31

Today Will and Mango explore the science of curiosity at different ages: how school can help (or hurt) kids’ curiosity, why middle age may make you less curious, and what we know about babies’ curiosity, even though they can’t fill out questionnaires. Plus: A conversation with a researcher who made a surprising discovery about elderly people, and e…

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Reversing Skin Aging with Dr. Mark J. Tager 1:27:56

2M ago1:27:56

1:27:56

Do you want to have smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin? Anti-aging isn’t a product–it’s a system. Anti-aging and skin-health expert Dr. Mark J. Tager, author of Feed Your Skin Right, joins me to unpack the gut-skin-brain axis: glycation, omega ratios, vitamin D, and fish oil for barrier integrity, collagen remodeling, and vagus nerve routines…

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Can Pets Be Curious? How About Wild Chimps? 32:09

2M ago32:09

32:09

Today we’re taking a break from human curiosity and turning our attention to other animals. What makes hummingbirds explore different flowers? Are we to blame for rats’ curiosity? Are animals in the wild more or less curious than animals in captivity? And if you were a zebrafish, which would you find more interesting: a white shell or a purple cup?…

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Is Curiosity Dangerous? 31:14

2M ago31:14

31:14

Where did the saying “curiosity killed the cat” come from, and is it just a way for the rich and powerful to oppress everyone else? (Hint: yes.) Today on the show, Will and Mango take a look at curiosity’s checkered history: from the Middle Ages (when it was considered a threat to society) to the 17th century (when it became downright trendy) to to…

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What Does Curiosity Really Do To Our Brains? 35:10

2M ago35:10

35:10

Every day this week, we’re exploring a different aspect of curiosity—you know, the thing that makes you listen to this show. We’re starting off by discovering what happens in our brains when we experience curiosity, why some things make us curious and others don’t, how a lack of novelty can lead to pretty strange behavior, and how all of this ties …

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How Come Esperanto Never Took Off?! 30:45

3M ago30:45

30:45

Want to know which billionaire speaks Esperanto fluently? Or what country almost adopted Esperanto as its national language? Or why Hitler and Stalin were both afraid of Dr. Esperanto (actually Doktoro Esperanto)? Join Will and Mango as they dive into the incredible world of constructed languages and also discover why William Shatner isn't just the…

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Hypnosis and the Brain with Dr. David Spiegel 1:01:00

3M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Did you know that your brain has the hidden potential to improve sleep, reduce pain, and enhance focus without drugs or gimmicks? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Spiegel, a professor at Stanford University, to explore the groundbreaking science of hypnosis. Learn how hypnosis can enhance your ability to improve sleep, manage pain, and in…

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#86: Why Your Brain Needs Friends, with guest Dr. Ben Rein 59:29

2M ago59:29

59:29

Click here to grab Ben's new book, "Why Your Brain Needs Friends"! To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to the free Better Brain Fitness newsletter, join us when we record live, and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: betterbrain.fitness. Click here…

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Can Pneumatic Tubes and Robot Sharks Solve Our Garbage Crisis? 38:59

3M ago38:59

38:59

Today Mango and producer Mary are talking trash! Discover how people used to deal with trash (hint: it involved thousands of feral pigs), and why garbology is an actual science that can teach us a lot about ourselves. Plus, we take a look at the most creative modern garbage disposal technologies, from underground tubes to robot sharks to giant anth…

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Why Did Venus Flytraps Develop a Taste for Meat? 35:02

3M ago35:02

35:02

From plants that eat rats and frogs, to the strange reason bats curl up in pitcher plants, Will and Mango explore the eerie world of carnivorous plants. This episode originally aired on November 9, 2018. 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) 405-5…

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Master Your Emotions in Conflicts and Arguments with Dr. Marc Brackett 49:19

3M ago49:19

49:19

Feeling stressed? Learn how your emotions could be your brain’s superpower. In this episode, I interview Dr. Marc Brackett, founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and a world-renowned expert on emotions, emotional regulation, and emotional intelligence. We discuss practical strategies to help you understand and manage your emotions, …

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The Mystery of the Missing Tintin Plays 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

By iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope

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#85: Unpacking the surprising results from the POINTER trial 24:15

3M ago24:15

24:15

To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to the free Better Brain Fitness newsletter, join us when we record live, and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: betterbrain.fitness. Click here to pre-order Dr. Wood's book, "The Stimulated Mind." Click here to…

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What’s the Best Day of the Week? 39:36

3M ago39:36

39:36

We all know which day Garfield hates. But what’s the best day to avoid a bank robbery? And when can you get the freshest sushi? And why are there seven days in a week, anyway? Will and Mango dive into your calendars, and emerge with some pretty surprising answers. Featuring author Melissa Heckscher. This episode originally aired on August 25, 2017.…

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Does COVID Increase Alzheimer's? with Dr. Dale Bredesen, Part 2 1:01:10

3M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Do you want to learn some practical steps to boost brain health and prevent Alzheimer’s? Today, I continue my conversation with Dr. Dale Bredesen, a leader in Alzheimer’s prevention and reversal. We explore the impact of COVID-19 on brain health and its contribution to cognitive decline. Dr. Bredesen explains the role of inflammation, particularly …

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Was Tintin a Real Person? 41:46

3M ago41:46

41:46

Millions of readers have been captivated by the adventures of Tintin, a swoopy-haired young journalist who races around the world with his little dog, Snowy. But it turns out the story behind the stories is just as interesting! Today Mango and Gabe bring you part one of our two-part dive into all things Tintin. We’ll meet the failed characters who …