logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
34m 17s

Transformers! Are They More Than Meets t...

iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope
About this episode

If you’re anything like Will and Mango, you remember playing with Transformers as a kid. Or maybe you still enjoy transforming bots, in which case you should know the correct verb is “converting.” On today’s episode, we take a closer look at this ubiquitous toy with a surprising history that includes tea-serving dolls, WWII scrap metal, and a strangely touching example of corporate collaboration.

 

Here’s another fun fact: we’re on Instagram! Find us @parttimegenius, and feel free to leave comments or questions for the show.

 

Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
How Scientists Are Reviving Lost Smells
<p>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 wo ... Show More
32m 40s
Nov 20
Super Food Science Excellence Trivia Blow Out! with Science Friday
<p>What a treat! It&rsquo;s a fact-packed food science trivia game, created in collaboration with our good pals at Science Friday. Mango and SciFri&rsquo;s Flora Lichtman put one lucky listener to the test with questions about peppers, panda diets, and more, with special prizes o ... Show More
14m 39s
Nov 18
Why Does New Zealand Have an Official Wizard?
<p>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 d ... Show More
32m 9s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
How your childhood toys tell your life story | Chris Byrne
<p>What was your favorite toy when you were a kid? Your answer might reveal more about you than you expect, says toy historian Chris Byrne. From Matchbox cars and Barbie to Rubik's Cube and Squishmallows, he explores how playthings reflect cultural values and influence who you be ... Show More
12m 21s
Jan 2021
Curious About Robots
<p>In episode 119, we learn about robots for Antonio of Houston, Texas.  What makes a robot a robot?  Who invented robots?  What is the largest robot in the world?  Learn all about robots, and the awesome robot Olivia built, in this week's episode.</p> <p>Send Us An E-mail - curi ... Show More
13m 40s
Nov 2017
Robots In Disguise S:4 | Arif S. Kinchen Guests on Enemy Of My Enemy E:25 | AfterBuzz TV AfterShow
AFTERBUZZ TV — Robots In Disguise edition, is a weekly "after show" for fans of Transformers: Robots In Disguise. In this episode hosts Katie Cullen, Alexis Torres, and Megan Salinas break discuss episode 25 with Arif S. Kinchen. ABOUT TRANSFORMERS: Transformers: Robots in Disgui ... Show More
55m 15s
Jan 2016
PSA: Hidden Trove
Hi. We're off this week, but we have a little secret: We actually used to have another podcast about the internet for 38 episodes, called TLDR. So If you've already listened to all of Reply All, why not give TLDR a try? You can subscribe on iTunes or any other podcatcher, and her ... Show More
4m 20s
Nov 2017
Robots In Disguise S:4 | Arif Kinchen, Eric Buaza, Therese Trujillo, and David Hartman Guest on Freedom Fighters E:26 | AfterBuzz TV AfterShow
AFTERBUZZ TV — Robots In Disguise edition, is a weekly "after show" for fans of Transformers: Robots In Disguise. In this episode hosts Katie Cullen, Alexis Torres, and Megan Salinas break discuss episode 26 with Arif Kinchen, Eric Buaza, Therese Trujillo, and David Hartman. ABOU ... Show More
1h 6m
May 2025
Are we still human if robots help raise our babies? | Sarah Blaffer Hrdy (Kelly Corrigan takeover)
<p>AI is transforming the way we work — could it also reshape what makes us human? In this quick and insightful talk, evolutionary anthropologist Sarah Blaffer Hrdy explores how the human brain was shaped by millions of years of shared childcare and mutually supportive communitie ... Show More
24m 54s
Oct 2017
Do Transformers Get Tired?
In which our heroes transform from a robot into a car, from a car into a tiger, and from a tiger back into a robot as we ask do Transformers get tired?Check out our upcoming lives shows and purchase your tickets for our UK tour right here; http://www.sanspantsradio.com/live/ Want ... Show More
42m 26s
Feb 2024
1. A new upgrade for humans? + Your fav influencer is a catfish!
Welcome to the debut episode of the So Cultured Podcast! 🎙️ in todays episode Taz will explore the mind-bending possibility of humans having their own software upgrades, through unlocking the new capabilities of gene editing!Through this, Taz sheds light on the latest advancemen ... Show More
54m 4s
Sep 2024
The Arrowhead Awakening with Keegan-Michael Key | Lions vs. Chiefs | 2023 Season Opener
<p>Keegan-Michael Key is in studio! This episode is presented by Transformers One in theaters September 20th. In honor of the inaugural Transformers Day and the upcoming film, the star of Transformers One joins us to relive a milestone game in Detroit Lions history. Keegan joins ... Show More
1h 24m