Best Norton Library Podcasts (2025)

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A Tale of Love and a Tale of War (A Farewell to Arms, Part 1) 33:52

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15h ago33:52

33:52

In Part 1 of our discussion on Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms, we welcome Norton Library podcast host Mark Cirino to the guest seat for the first time (with producer Michael von Cannon stepping behind the microphone as host). The two discuss the balance of autobiography and fiction in the text, situate A Farewell to Arms in the establishment of Hem…

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9 Deliciously Frosty Facts About Ice Cream 15:34

3d ago15:34

15:34

Can grapefruit ice cream cure your hangovers? Have Japanese scientists really cracked the code on ice creams that won't melt? And why does seafood ice cream make patriots' mouths water? Gabe and Mango are serving up a big dish of our favorite summertime treat, with extra facts sprinkled on top! This episode originally aired on May 31, 2018. Photo b…

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9 Bizarre Areas of Expertise 22:45

6d ago22:45

22:45

Have you ever met a pharologist? Neither have we, but we know Princess Anne is one—she’s a lighthouse expert! Also, apparently there are lighthouse experts! Today Will and Mango explore nine weird and wonderfully specific fields of study, from bell-ringing to bats to the end of the world. Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you th…

1
What's the Most American Place in the World? 40:20

10d ago40:20

40:20

We all know the American places in America (Cleveland is one). But where should a U.S. citizen go to feel at home abroad? Will and Mango visit a wee America in Brazil (?!), tour the territories, and look for the Kentucky in Japan’s KFCs. Featuring our pal and Snack Stack author Doug Mack. This episode originally aired on July 14, 2017. Photo of a K…

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Debunking Muscle Myths with Casey Johnston! 29:09

13d ago29:09

29:09

Should men and women work out differently? Are rest days really necessary? And how did a group of 19th century German gymnastics enthusiasts transform America? Casey Johnston, author of the She’s a Beast newsletter and the new book A Physical Education, stops by to share some fitness facts that will really pump you up. Plus: The importance of stren…

1
Hector and Achilles are More Alike Than You Think (The Iliad, Part 2) 35:33

15d ago35:33

35:33

In Part 2 of our discussion on Homer's Iliad, translator Emily Wilson returns to discuss the red and gold cover design of the Norton Library edition, recount her decision to recreate a new translation of the epic, and give a performance in the original ancient Greek. Emily Wilson is a professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania…

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Part-Time Genius on The Puzzler: "True True False False" w/ Will Pearson and Mangesh Hattikudur 20:57

17d ago20:57

20:57

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: hosts of the "Part-Time Genius" podcast, Will Pearson and Mangesh Hattikudur! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals such as “Ask AI” and audio rebuses. Subscribe to The Puzzler pod…

1
Your Weird Summer Travel Guide! 44:25

17d ago44:25

44:25

Guess what happens when we try to pick the top 8 U.S. museums to visit? (Spoiler: we accidentally end up with 11 on the list.) From a mecca of kazoos to a dinner theater in a mine, here are some wonderfully bizarre places you shouldn’t miss. Plus, facts about SPAM! Featuring Dylan Thuras. This episode originally aired on July 5, 2017. Photo by Kind…

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Can You Make a Puppet Out of Ice? 22:59

20d ago22:59

22:59

We pull their strings and stick them on our hands, but puppets are so much more than toys! Today Mango and producer Mary are taking you on a whirlwind world tour of puppetry, from Indonesian puppet shows that run until dawn to an avant-garde French ice marionette to… emo puppets? That’s right, emo puppets. Got a question you’d like us to answer? A …

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Who Invented Fentanyl, and How Did It Become a Crisis? 23:26

22d ago23:26

23:26

Nowadays we often hear about fentanyl in the context of the opioid epidemic. But it began as a medical breakthrough, created by a pharmaceutical genius who was once ranked the second-best Belgian of all time. In this excerpt from the podcast Panic World, Mango and producer Mary explain fentanyl’s fascinating origin story—and the chemistry that make…

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Why Do NASCAR Fans Drive Trucks and Formula One Fans Drive Yachts? 39:19

24d ago39:19

39:19

Sure, we've watched Pixar's Cars a few times. But that doesn't mean we know anything about racing. Will and Mango dive into the strangely boozy origins of NASCAR, why you might need a yacht to enjoy Formula One, and how driver Dick Trickle made sure every race got off to a smoking start. Spoiler: it involved drilling a couple holes in his helmet. T…

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Is Mexico City Really Sinking? 38:12

27d ago38:12

38:12

From the floating gardens of Xochimilco, to the sinking sights of El Zócalo, Mango and Gabe explore some of the most fascinating, offbeat attractions in Mexico City. Along the way we'll dole out some helpful travel tips, including the best drink to beat the heat (and the altitude!), a must-try carb-on-carb breakfast sandwich, and the only subway st…

1
Achilles's Job is Beach (The Iliad, Part 1) 37:19

29d ago37:19

37:19

In Part 1 of our discussion on Homer's Iliad, we welcome translator Emily Wilson to discuss Homer's life as an "author," the meaning of free will in the context of intervention from gods, and how the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus shapes the climax of the epic. Emily Wilson is a professor of classical studies at the University of Penns…

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Why Can’t You Copyright a Chicken Sandwich? 31:22

1M ago31:22

31:22

In 2019, a new cache of works entered the public domain—from Charlie Chaplin to Jane Austen stories to Felix the Cat cartoons. But what does that really mean? Will and Mango dig into how Mickey Mouse changed copyright laws, why Woody Guthrie got foiled by his publishers, and why British clowns check a case of eggs before putting on their makeup. Th…

1
Inside the Fact Vault: Bird Drama and a Tormented Statue 32:19

1M ago32:19

32:19

Today producers Gabe and Mary are opening the top-secret PTG fact vault to share bonus stories from recent episodes, including an international seagull incident, a pioneering artist who painted chickens with eggs, and a novelty space song that must be heard to be believed. Plus: Breaking news about pennies and government puns. Listen to “The Ballad…

1
What's the Secret to Nintendo's Success? 42:22

1M ago42:22

42:22

From Nintendo's history with the Yakuza to its dabbling in the seedy motel business, the House of Mario has a much longer and stranger history than you might guess. Find out what happened when the company tried to make knitting popular, how America's obsession with robots helped them nudge their way into retailers, and why a grabber called the Ultr…

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9 Prime-Time Secrets of TV Guide 23:20

1M ago23:20

23:20

What do TV listings have to do with the arc of American history? Quite a lot, it turns out! From hard-hitting journalism that exposed fake news, to billion-dollar business deals, to a photo manipulation scandal that made Oprah very angry, Will and Mango uncover the many ways this little magazine has made a big impact on our lives. Thanks to Ken at …

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Jo's Elastic Heart (Little Women, Part 2) 30:57

1M ago30:57

30:57

In Part 2 of our discussion on Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, editor Sarah Blackwood returns to discuss the inspiration behind the cover of the Norton Library edition, the book's intended audience, and key elements of gender theory—as well as personal feelings—that Alcott incorporates into the characters and story. Sarah Blackwood is Professor o…

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Thanks, Canada! 9 Great Inventions from the Great White North 24:37

2M ago24:37

24:37

If you’ve ever taken out the trash, bought eggs, or gotten immersed in Avatar, you have Canada to thank for it. Pop on your toques and join Will and Mango for a deep dive into some fascinating Canadian inventions—and yes, hockey is mentioned. Twice. Got a question you’d like us to answer? An obscure rabbit hole you think we should explore? Send an …

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Are Pigeons Smarter Than They Look? 30:01

2M ago30:01

30:01

Sure, they nuzzled their way into Mike Tyson's heart (and Nikola Tesla's, and Bert's from Bert and Ernie!), but how intelligent are pigeons? Have scientists really trained them to read? Did they actually play a role in discovering the Big Bang? And why are they so darn good at finding their way home? Plus: Are catfish their new nemesis? This episod…

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Did a Volcano Eruption Really Help Invent the Bicycle? 28:44

2M ago28:44

28:44

Will and Mango dig into all the biggest bicycle questions: From how bikes seriously altered the dating scene, to how blind people ride bikes through traffic, to the ingenious way Kermit pedaled his Schwann in the Muppets Movie. Grab a helmet and join us! This episode originally aired on November 7, 2019. Got a bike we should see? Tag us on Instagra…

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Why Do We Blow Out Birthday Candles? 32:10

2M ago32:10

32:10

You are cordially invited to this very festive episode about parties! Will and Mango unpack Italy’s history of painful confetti, the surprisingly violent origin of surprise parties, and the accidental invention of glitter. (Hint, it involved schnibbles in New Jersey.) Plus: Will makes a convincing case for having MORE clowns at parties. Photo by An…

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Life Planning 101 with Louisa May Alcott (Little Women, Part 1) 32:06

2M ago32:06

32:06

In Part 1 of our discussion on Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, we welcome editor Sarah Blackwood to discuss the importance of Alcott's family background; her distinct authorial voice in books, journals, and letters; and how her time as a Civil War nurse led to her emergence into the publishing world. Sarah Blackwood is Professor of English at Pac…

1
What's the World's Most Ridiculous Video Game? 24:39

2M ago24:39

24:39

Sure, Animal Crossing is cute. But what about a Tetris sequel that features Abe Lincolns and Frankensteins? Or a game that somehow blends Honey, I Shrunk the Kids with an anti-smoking campaign? Or the greatest (and maybe only?) game based on Noah's Ark? Today Will, Gabe, and Mango try to outdo each other with funniest, silliest, and most ridiculous…

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Let's Kiss the Cod in Newfoundland! 30:06

2M ago30:06

30:06

Today Will and Mango are taking you on an adventure to the far-flung Canadian island of Newfoundland, a place known for its rugged beauty, majestic icebergs, sneaky fairies, rare fossils, and... moose bologna. Along the way we'll discover some of its unique traditions, like welcoming visitors by making them smooch a fish. Pack your bags and pucker …

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PTG Classic: 9 Surprising Facts about Moms 13:40

2M ago13:40

13:40

In honor of Mother's Day, Will and Mango talk about what make moms special, from why their hearts are so in sync with their babies to their impact on your driving habits. Plus: how Thomas Edison's mom challenged his teacher—and helped him believe in his own genius. Photo: Yes, that's Mango and his mom Lalita! Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius!…

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Why Chickens are Smarter Than You Think! with Sy Montgomery 35:02

2M ago35:02

35:02

Chickens are full of surprises, from their understanding of property boundaries to their unique personalities to their ability to recognize (and name!) the humans around them. Author and longtime chicken enthusiast Sy Montgomery stops by to share some fascinating facts—and hilarious true stories—from her new book, What the Chicken Knows. Buy Sy’s b…

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PTG Classic: Who's the Greatest Pirate of All Time? 46:44

2M ago46:44

46:44

Will and Mango have so many questions about pirates: Did they really exaggerate their R's? Did they all have parrots? Were lady pirates more successful than male ones? And was there really a rabbi pirate who made his crew keep kosher? From buried treasure to walking the plank, Will and Mango take a good look at the Golden Age of piracy. Photo via C…

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9 Super Catchy Facts About Theme Songs 18:18

3M ago18:18

18:18

Chances are, you’ve heard all these songs made famous by film and TV… but you probably haven’t heard the stories behind them. Why did young Will Smith overrule music legend Quincy Jones? How did a contract clause influence the lyrics to one of the best-known theme songs of the 1960s? And what did Joe DiMaggio really think when Paul Simon wrote a so…

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Inside Baseball: Magic Mud, Torpedo Bats, and High-Altitude Homers 36:33

3M ago36:33

36:33

Baseball season is underway, so Will and Mango are celebrating with a deep dive into America’s pastime. What’s the secret feminist message of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”? Why are you more likely to hit a home run in Denver than in Miami? And how did the pipe organ become baseball’s semi-official soundtrack? Our brain-bases are loaded and we’re r…

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PTG Classic: How Did P. T. Barnum Trick the World Into Riding Elevators? 31:50

3M ago31:50

31:50

Elevators seem pretty mundane, until you realize a certain king used them to hide his mistresses, a certain politician used them to exaggerate the height of his buildings, and all of America refused to ride them until a certain marketing genius (the one and only P. T. Barnum!) designed a stunt to get everyone on board. Photo via Sung Jin Cho on Uns…

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Tell Your Students about Edith Wharton! (The Age of Innocence, Part 2) 32:39

3M ago32:39

32:39

In Part 2 of our discussion on Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, editor Sheila Liming returns to discuss challenges for first-time readers, the correlation between fluctuations in Wharton's reputation and historical literary (and political) trends, and whether or not The Age of Innocence is truly a love story. Sheila Liming is Associate Profess…

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9 Extremely Valuable Facts About Pennies 20:13

3M ago20:13

20:13

It may be on the verge of extinction, but the humble penny is rich with history. Will and Mango dig deep into their pockets and discover stories like the origin of the phrase “a penny for your thoughts,” the rare penny that’s worth $2.4 million, and an English trend of chopping pennies in half. Plus: The real reason why you shouldn’t swallow a penn…

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PTG Classic: Why Are We So Fascinated By the Titanic? 42:13

3M ago42:13

42:13

Today marks the 113th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking, so we're bringing back this classic episode! For some reason our hearts keep going on and on for the Titanic. But what was life actually like on the ship? Why were there so many electric horses on board? How bad did third class passengers have it? And did Hollywood really produce a silent …

1
PTG Classic: What Flavor Is Dr Pepper? 22:06

3M ago22:06

22:06

Dr Pepper's flavor is just one of many questions we have about the drink. Who is the doctor behind Dr Pepper? Is tomato one of the soda's 23 secret ingredients? Should you actually be drinking your Dr Pepper hot? And why doesn't Dr Pepper have a period in its name? (Does the good doctor think it's above the laws of grammar?!) Also, what did Dr Pepp…

1
9 Page-Turning Secrets of the Library of Congress 20:56

3M ago20:56

20:56

Shh! Today Will and Mango are exploring the Library of Congress, one of the world’s greatest repositories of literature, science, art, and… old cake? They also discover how this legendary institution came to be, and what the Librarian of Congress actually does all day (no, it doesn’t involve stamping books). Plus: The inside story of Thomas Jeffers…

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A Hieroglyphic World: Social Rules in Wharton's Novel of Manners (The Age of Innocence, Part 1) 32:32

3M ago32:32

32:32

In Part 1 of our discussion on Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, we welcome editor Sheila Liming to discuss the author's friendship with Henry James, a culture of elitism in New York, and the ironic meaning of "innocence" in the novel. Sheila Liming is Associate Professor at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. She is the author of What a …

1
PTG Classic: What's the Science Behind Introverts? 38:14

3M ago38:14

38:14

Are extroverts happier than introverts? Is coffee bad for an introvert's brain? And does your personality type make you more likely to be arrested? (Spoiler: it does!) Will and Mango take a closer look at the secret talents lurking inside your friendly neighborhood introvert. Image Via Nothing Ahead at Pexels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

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Drama Kings: Meet Emperor Norton, the Pickle King & other Self-Declared Royalty 32:25

3M ago32:25

32:25

Want to know how a British pickle merchant was almost crowned Chinese royalty? Or why San Francisco's policemen regularly doffed their caps to a man who claimed to be America's Emperor? And what happened when a lion tamer just started wandering around pretending to be King of Albania? This week Will and Mango dive into the ridiculous stories of som…

1
PTG Classic: Why Are There So Many Cheese Crimes? 34:49

4M ago34:49

34:49

From the Parmesan Mafia to the gas station hot dog Will accidentally ate, there are way too many cheese crimes out there! This episode Will and Mango investigate a fondue cartel, ride with food detectives, and look into an Ocean's 11... of cheese?! Image by Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels (thanks Polina!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info…

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9 Extra-Spicy Facts About Atomic Fireballs 25:00

4M ago25:00

25:00

It’s the official candy of Part-Time Genius, but there’s so much more to know about these delicious red-hot treats, from why NASA can’t work without them to what gives them their signature burn. Along the way Will and Mango discover the story of the enterprising young law student who invented them, and reveal the recipe that takes two weeks (!) to …

1
9 Surprising Tips for Visiting Bhutan 30:17

4M ago30:17

30:17

So, it turns out there are a LOT of rules for visiting Bhutan. DON'T climb the mountains (it's illegal!). DO buy a stamp (especially one you can play on your record player!). DON'T ask anyone about their birthday. DO make yourself happier-- by thinking about death three times a day?! This episode, Will and Mango learn what makes the Himalayan kingd…

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Taylor Swift's "Anti-Hero" and Hemingway's Flawed Characters (The Sun Also Rises, Part 2) 27:55

4M ago27:55

27:55

In Part 2 of our discussion on Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, editor Verna Kale returns to discuss the vintage bullfighting posters that inspired the cover of the Norton Library edition, a "hot take" on the traditional hero of the book, and the loss of sentence-level writing in adaptations of the story. Verna Kale is an Associate Research P…

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PTG Classic: What are the Craziest Applications for Lasers? (Including washing your dishes!) 30:59

4M ago30:59

30:59

Forget Dr. Evil and his ridiculously evil plans... lasers are so much more practical than that! In this episode, Will and Mango discover why lasers are perfect for precision-cooking your bacon, how they can be used as chopsticks, why washing dishes is so much better when it's done by laser, and a simple laser trick for keeping pesky pirates at bay.…

1
Are Cow Burps Hurting the Environment? 28:40

4M ago28:40

28:40

From making cows a little less gassy, to seasoning your clouds with salt, to creating floating pastures and hospitals, communities and scientists have come up with a whole lot of ingenious solutions to deal with climate change. Dig in as Will and Mango explore the sunnier side of climate resilience. Got a fact to share? Want to drop us a line? Hit …

1
Who is Pablo Eggs-cobar? (And why is he obsessed with bird eggs?!) 34:27

4M ago34:27

34:27

From climbing a tree under gunfire to dangling out of helicopters, people have gone to incredible lengths to steal wild bird eggs—risking arrest, fines, and even jail time. Why? And more importantly, who's doing this? Will and Mango discover some of the craziest stories in egg theft history, including a British club that ran a-fowl of the law by hi…

1
PTG Classic: How do Dollar Stores stay in Business? 21:33

4M ago21:33

21:33

Will and Mango have so many questions about the dollar store business: Why have so many more of these stores cropped up recently? How do you make a profit when everything in your store sells for under a buck? Is a $1 steak a good deal? Plus: the tea on why dollar store employees hate Hot Wheels so much! Got a comment? Question? Drop us a line on ou…

1
SURPRISE! It's a Part-Time Genius Pop Quiz 30:41

4M ago30:41

30:41

With Will out of town, Mango tries out a *brand new* quiz show format with his buddies Mary and Gabe. Like the Pop Quiz? Hate it? Drop us a line on our Insta @parttimegenius and let us know what you think... Photo via Pexels by Leeloo The First (Thanks Leeloo!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
9 Very Important Facts About Donuts 28:04

4M ago28:04

28:04

In the words of Homer Simpson: "Donuts... is there anything they can't do?" From curing scurvy, to bringing religions together, to explaining the universe, Will and Mango dig into 9 incredible donut facts... plus, Emily Post gives us a workaround for dunking your donuts the polite way. Got a fact to share about donuts? Something we missed? Drop us …

1
Don't Try This At Home: Hemingway's First Major Novel (The Sun Also Rises, Part 1) 30:51

4M ago30:51

30:51

In Part 1 of our discussion on Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, we welcome editor Verna Kale to discuss a young Hemingway's life experience leading up to writing the novel, his captivation with bullfighting and insider knowledge, the distinction between fairytale and reality, and the lack of a moral of the story. Verna Kale is an Associate Re…