Best Super Garbage Day Podcasts (2026)

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Super Garbage Day - Episode 99: Ghouls 'n Ghosts (Sega Master System) 1:17:19

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27d ago1:17:19

1:17:19

Were you aware that a Master System version of "Ghouls 'n Ghosts" existed? Us here, at Super Garbage Day, are BIG fans of the series, but does this one hold up being the step brother to the NES and Genesis version? Hit play and find out! Super Garbage Day Discord Super Garbage Day Patreon B-Ross's Twitch Stream Vanfernal's Retro Stream Show Super G…

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Why Did the Inventor of Shopping Malls Hate Malls? 33:07

6m ago33:07

33:07

While no one is going to malls (or so it seems), everyone seems to be talking about them: the CDC is writing up reports on mall walkers, people are growing beards to get into the mall Santa game, and writers are waxing nostalgic about them. But what exactly were malls intended to be? Why did the inventor of the mall try to distance himself from his…

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9 High-Flying Facts About Skywriting! 25:45

4d ago25:45

25:45

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… an ad for cigarettes?! For the past 102 years, people have been using airplanes to turn exhaust into ads, political slogans, birthday greetings, and more. But where did this strangely brilliant idea come from? What kind of sorcery do pilots use to make it happen? And why is it at risk of becoming a lost art? This ep…

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

7d 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

11d 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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From Business History: Thomas Edison and the Movie Murder Mystery 54:32

14d 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

18d 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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How Much Did Jane Austen Earn From Her Books (And Why Wasn’t It More)? 26:48

21d 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

25d 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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Why Were C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien Frenemies?! 35:50

28d 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

1M 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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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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Super Garbage Day - Episode 98: G.O.D.: Heed the Call to Awaken (SFC) 1:15:56

1M ago1:15:56

1:15:56

Stop me if this sounds familiar: an RPG on the SNES about a boy who wears a red baseball cap and a striped shirt, who lives with his mom, and has to journey to the top of a mountain where a special stone from the sky triggers an alien invasion. He’ll need help from a guy who uses technology, a girl with psychic abilities, and a monk to defeat an ot…

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How Scientists Are Reviving Lost Smells 32:40

2M 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

2M 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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Why Does New Zealand Have an Official Wizard? 32:09

2M 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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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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Super Garbage Day - Episode 97: Terranigma (SNES) 1:41:36

2M ago1:41:36

1:41:36

Guess what everyone! Another JRPG! But this time it's a sleeper, possibly hidden gem-worthy action role playing game never released in the states and places you in the shoes of a world building scallywag who must bring everything back to life on the planet for good (or evil?) Super Garbage Day Discord Super Garbage Day Patreon B-Ross's Twitch Strea…

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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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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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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

3M 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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Can Pets Be Curious? How About Wild Chimps? 32:09

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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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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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Super Garbage Day - Episode 96: Dragon Quest 5 (SFC) 1:35:47

3M ago1:35:47

1:35:47

This week we dive into our first Super Famicom game from the wheel of retro, and it is a dooozy. Fatherhood, time, and dragons ahoy! Also, B-Ross was slamming beers during this whole episode so cheers mate! Super Garbage Day Discord Super Garbage Day Patreon B-Ross's Twitch Stream Vanfernal's Retro Stream Show Super Garbage Day YouTube Support the …

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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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The Mystery of the Missing Tintin Plays 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

By iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope

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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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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 …

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Super Garbage Day - Episode 95: Kingdom Hearts (PS2) 1:23:01

3M ago1:23:01

1:23:01

What happens when Disney magic meets Final Fantasy? This week we dive into Kingdom Hearts, a game where Donald Duck and Goofy wield magic and swords, but we’re asking the real question: what if they rolled up as a biker gang instead? Imagine Mickey leading “The Magic Kingdom MC,” Cloud as the brooding alcoholic mechanic, and Maleficent running a ri…

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9 Facts to Get You in the Apple-Picking Mood 14:35

3M ago14:35

14:35

Which apple could also be a hair metal band? Why is New York City the Big Apple and not the New Orange? And how did Japanese farmers figure out the secret to the biggest, sweetest apples in the world? Grab a flannel shirt and a bag of fresh cider doughnuts, because today Will and Mango are taking you apple-fact picking! This episode originally aire…

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9 Sneaky Ways to Send a Message 31:14

4M ago31:14

31:14

There are lots of ways we could tell you about the art of secret messaging: we could waggle a blanket, grab a bucket of gallnuts and iron supplements, flutter our fans, or tattoo some information on a hapless intern’s scalp. But that’s pretty complicated, so Mango and Gabe made a podcast about it instead. Got a question you’d like us to answer? A r…

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Did Picasso Try to Steal the Mona Lisa? 30:31

4M ago30:31

30:31

How did the Mona Lisa get so famous? Why doesn't she have any eyebrows? And why was Picasso investigated for the painting's theft? Today, Will and Mango go deep on the mysterious beauty and discover what—and who!—is behind that sly smile. This episode originally aired on May 30, 2024. Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbit hole you think …

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Why Is It So Hard to Get Rid of Lice?! 39:55

4M ago39:55

39:55

For a tiny insect, lice sure can cause big problems! Today Mango and producer Mary—both veterans of the head lice wars—dive into the ancient history of this itchy critter (including mummies with lice!), explore bizarre superstitions and home remedies you shouldn’t try (please don’t dunk your head in kerosene!), and finally, talk to some experts abo…

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Does Pizza Bring Out the Worst In People? 34:28

4M ago34:28

34:28

Everyone says money is the root of all evil... but are you 100% certain it isn’t pizza? Will and Mango take a deep dive into a shallow dish (more of a pan, really) to discuss pizza wars, mafia ties, and why the proper term for a pizza rat in Australia is a Charlie Cheese. Featuring Scott Weiner from Scott’s Pizza Tours. This episode originally aire…

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What's the Worst Mascot of All Time? (And Who Invented Mascots, Anyway?) 32:01

4M ago32:01

32:01

Today Will and Mango are tipping their hats to the true MVPs of competitive sports: mascots! Find out how these costumed characters became a fixture of modern ballgames, and take a trip back to antiquity to meet the avian mascots of ancient Greece and Rome. Plus: the Muppet-y pedigree of the Philly Phanatic, the wacky world of Japanese civic mascot…

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Super Garbage Day - Episode 94: I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream (PC) 1:18:38

4M ago1:18:38

1:18:38

This week we descend into pure existential horror. What is art? What is hell? What is the deal with airline food? Join these meat bags as they dive into this chilling PC game adaptation of a 1960s short story, where the lines blur until nothing feels safe. It shook us to the core... This was written by AM. Super Garbage Day Discord Super Garbage Da…

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Are There Benefits to Procrastinating? 27:49

4M ago27:49

27:49

Why do so many smart people procrastinate? Is there a link between extreme achievement and putting off your work? And should you behead a roadside statue of St. Expedite if you miss a deadline? Will and Mango chat with author Andrew Santella about his book SOON: An Overdue History of Procrastination, from Leonardo and Darwin to You and Me, to discu…

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A Hungry Fungus and the Epic Quest to Save Wet Books! 30:55

4M ago30:55

30:55

It’s the grand finale! Our last four greatest science ideas of the past 25 years include a very hungry super fungus, a chemical-free (but not dubstep-free) insect repellent, a poignant story of agricultural polymers and wet books, and a cure for sleep apnea that may require some negotiations with your neighbors. Check out the Zorbix website and You…

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Dancing Molecules and a Plywood Miracle! 24:59

4M ago24:59

24:59

It’s the home stretch! Buckle up for ideas 8 through 5, which include some magical molecules, a sea creature that helped reinvent plywood, a medical treatment with terrifying origins, and a discovery that practically upended the world of classical music. This episode originally aired on March 6, 2025. Got a question you’d like us to answer? A rabbi…

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Caffeinated Concrete and a Song About Particle Physics! 31:30

4M ago31:30

31:30

Today we’re covering ideas 13 through 9! These include a fascinating discovery about NASCAR and psychology, a clock that’s so accurate it’s reshaping our understanding of time, a tasty way to make concrete stronger (and more environmentally friendly), and some truly delightful revelations about dinosaurs. Plus: We explain particle physics through s…