Podcasts about Benjamin Franklin

The lives of these men are essential to understanding the American form of government and our ideals of liberty. The Founding Fathers all played key roles in the securing of American independence from Great Britain and in the creation of the government of the United States of America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Denise shares her journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the chaos of scaling businesses and the importance of preparation for pitch meetings. She introduces her consulting firm, Data-Driven Intuition, which focuses on helping founders navigate product pivots and market fit. Denise also discusses her writing process and the therapeutic benefits of writing, while expressing her admiration for historical figures like Benjamin Franklin.As You Listen:00:00 The Journey to Entrepreneurship03:01 Navigating the Chaos of Scaling6:06 Mastering Pitch Meetings9:12 Data-Driven Intuition: A New Approach12:01 The Writing Process and Its Benefits14:57 Inspiration from Historical Figures"It's not about me.""Be prepared for rejection.""I would love his advice."

In the latest episode of Tin Foil Hat, Sam Tripoli welcomes Matt Ehret for a condensed but provocative discussion on America's hidden history and its alleged ties to the occult, including Benjamin Franklin's efforts to bring Canada into the early United States. The conversation explores a spider web of secret societies, the role of Freemasonry among the Founding Fathers, and how power networks are said to stretch across centuries. Ehret also draws bold connections between the Jack the Ripper mystery and what he calls the “Kevin Bacon” of conspiracies, linking it all to the greater Israel project.Please check out Matt Ehret's book: "Revenge Of The Mystery Cults"- https://bit.ly/4scPBlOPlease subscribe to the new Tin Foil Hat youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TinFoilHatYoutubeGrab your copy of the 2nd issue of the Chaos Twins now and join the Army Of Chaos:https://bit.ly/415fDfYCheck out Sam "DoomScrollin with Sam Tripoli and Midnight Mike" Every Tuesday At 4pm pst on Youtube, X Twitter, Rumble and Rokfin!Join the WolfPack at Wise Wolf Gold and Silver and start hedging your financial position by investing in precious metals now! Go to samtripoli.gold and use the promo code "TinFoil" and we thank Tony for supporting our show.CopyMyCrypto.com: The 'Copy my Crypto' membership site shows you the coins that the youtuber 'James McMahon' personally holds - and allows you to copy him. So if you'd like to join the 1300 members who copy James, then stop what you're doing and head over to: https://copymycrypto.com/tinfoilhat/ You'll not only find proof of everything I've said - but my listeners get full access for just $1LiveLongerFormula.com: Check out https://www.livelongerformula.com/sam — Christian is a longevity author and functional health expert who helps you fix your gut, detox, boost testosterone, and sleep better so you can thrive, not just survive. Watch his free masterclass on the 7 Deadly Health Fads, and if it clicks, book a free Metabolic Function Assessment to get to the root of your health issues.Want to see Sam Tripoli live? Get tickets at SamTripoli.com:Morris Plains, NJ: New Year's Eve At The Dojo Of Comedy Dec 31st https://www.tiffscomedy.com/events/121228 Atlantic City, NJ: Word War Debate: WW1 Live At the ACX1 inside Caesar's Place Jan 10thhttps://www.showpass.com/wordwardebate/Please check out Matt Ehret's internet:Website: https://independent.academia.edu/MattEhretTwitter: https://x.com/ehret_matthewSubstack: https://matthewehret.substack.com/Please check out Sam Tripoli's internet:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/samtripoli Sam Tripoli's Stand Up Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@SamTripoliComedy Sam Tripoli's Comedy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samtripolicomedy/ PSam Tripoli's Podcast Clip Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samtripolispodcastclips/ Please join us in supporting our sponsors, and thank you to them for sponsoring our show:True Classic: True Classic is made with stank-free, moisture-wicking technology so you can do it all in comfort and style. From running on the treadmill to running out for beer, True Classic has the gear for you. So, if you're ready to upgrade your closet, shop now with my exclusive link at trueclassic.com/TinFoil and save up to 25% off your first order. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you. No matter how you move, make 2024 your most comfortable year yet with True Classic.Stash: Stash isn't just another investing app—it's a registered investment advisor that combines automated investing with expert, personalized guidance, so you don't have to worry about gambling or figuring it out on your own. Don't let your money sit around—put it to work with Stash. Go to get dot stash dot com slash TINFOIL to see how you can receive TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures.HIMS: No man wants to lose his hair, but for men, it's actually very common. And now with Hims, the solution is simple. Try Hims' hair loss solutions and you'll be joining hundreds of thousands of subscribers who got their flow back. Start your free online visit today at Hims dot com slash TINFOILHAT. That's hims.com/TINFOILHAT for your personalized hair loss treatment options.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before Raymond Ablack became a fan-favorite, playing Joe on Netflix's Ginny and Georgia, he was a kid who enjoyed acting, reading and Christmas. He joins The Next Chapter to share some of his childhood memories, and what it's like to play Sam Wilner in the Audibles Originals story, Mistletoe Murders. Plus, Madelaine Drohan on her book about Benjamin Franklin, the surprises and similarities in the history of Canada-US relations and two companion reads.Books discussed on this week's show include:He Did Not Conquer: Benjamin Franklin's Failure to Annex Canada by Madelaine DrohanTrading Fate: How a Little-known Company Stopped British Columbia from Becoming an American State by Graeme Menzies Elbows Up: Canadian Voices of Resilience and Resistance edited by Elamin Abdelmahmoud

In today's episode, Ryan Holiday sits down with legendary biographer Walter Isaacson for a wide-ranging, deeply thoughtful conversation recorded live at the Texas Tribune Festival. They talk about Walker Percy and The Moviegoer, how Stoicism shows up in fiction, and why the ancient virtues still matter in the modern world. They talk through Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Viktor Frankl, and why history tends to outlast the noise of the present moment.

durée : 00:58:40 - Le Cours de l'histoire - par : Xavier Mauduit, Maïwenn Guiziou, Anne-Toscane Viudes - Dans la deuxième moitié du 18ᵉ siècle, l'Europe découvre un étrange instrument : l'harmonica de verre. Contrairement à l'inventeur de cette "machine musicale", le diplomate et physicien Benjamin Franklin, son interprète, Mary Ann Davies, n'est pas retenue par l'histoire de la musique. - réalisation : Margot Page - invités : Mélanie Traversier Historienne

Episode 191: Guests:  Alexander Hamilton; John Adams; James Madison; Samuel Cooper; Benjamin Franklin; The General CongressApplied HistoryThe Workers that Keep America MovingHamilton's Defense of Congress Pt 3Life Liberty and PropertyCriminals and AccomplicesSelf-preservation and the Greater UnionChaos and Corruption as the Only OptionsWhy do the American People (2025) Support Corruption?The Example of the Congress 1774Congress 1774 vs Congress 2025British Parliament 1774 Approximates U.S. Congress 2024+Placing a Foot Forward___________________Support the show

"Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren...They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, ENEMIES IN WAR, IN PEACE FRIENDS." In this episode we explore Loyalist vs. Patriot Civil War during the Revolutionary War. Topics include: -the outbreak of violence in Lexington and Concord in 1775 and the mustering of local militias, which forced Colonial men to decide whether they supported the revolution or the King -the Sons of Liberty and the Committees of Correspondence, which urged fellow colonists both to support independence and also to engage in acts of protest against the British Empire -an exploration of Loyalists and Loyalism -British misjudgements about the extent to which Colonists--even mostly loyal Colonists--were in fact loyal to the King and satisfied with British military occupation -the use and effectiveness of loyalty oaths, which were administered an the population by both sides in the conflict -intrafamily division like that between Benjamin Franklin and his son, William, who was Governor of New Jersey and a fervent Loyalist, and that between the Patriot Officer Henry Knox and his wife's family, who were also fervent Loyalists -the post-war reconciliation, reintegration, and intentional forgetting of Loyalists

Ebenezer directed by Ken Jubenvill and starring Jack Palance, Ricky Schroder and Amy Locane. Episode Roundup: The Cowpuncher speculate on the kinds of gifts a reformed Scrooge might give for Christmas. Mel's birth is foretold by Benjamin Franklin. Amy reveals the terrifying orgins of "Tiny Tim disease". Stu quizzes Amy and Mel on Western Movie Geography. Happy Holidays everyone!

12/21/2025 Luke 3:31-32 The Man Who WILL Be King Intro: Lots of people have wanted to be king. King of a realm. King of the world even! But there is only going to be ONE king and ONE ruler of the universe eventually. You know that communism doesn't work….Islamic rule doesn't work…..Marxism doesn't work….even a constitutional republic doesn't work…..why? Because wicked people always in time ruin everything! Benjamin Franklin said that only a righteous people can govern themselves under a constitutional republic. But look at America….it is falling apart at the seams because we are not a righteous people. Only a righteous people can live together in harmony and only with a righteous king. WE will have a righteous king one day and it won't be long!

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - Exec. Dir. of American Constitutional Rights Union and bestselling author, LTC ALLEN WEST, will be here! PLUS, Terror Threat Analyst and former FBI Agent, JOHN GUANDOLO will be here! PLUS, bestselling author of Mao's America, XI VAN FLEET will be here! AND, Grammy Winning Singer/Songwriter BRYAN DUNCAN will be here!  In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...    

Send us a textDemonic PossessionIt's obvious that we have thoughts. What's a little less obvious is that sometimes . . . our thoughts have us.That's probably how the phrase “The Devil made me do it” came to be.Because let's be honest — thoughts can feel like they've taken over the house.And yes, they do have a grip on us. But here's the good news: you can hand them their walking papers.Years ago,The Grasshopper said something that stuck with me: “You're not possessed by a thought once you notice it.”That moment — the moment of noticing — is where freedom shows up. That's when the demon loses its power.Now, it's easy to see how ancient people came up with the idea of demonic possession. If something is yelling awful things in your head, won't leave, and refuses to be reasoned with . . . I mean, what else would you call it?So do you need an exorcism?Nah.The only ritual required . . . is noticing.When you notice a thought, you open the door for it to leave. And like any worthwhile habit, noticing takes a little practice.Because thoughts are the ultimate couch potatoes.They want to get comfortable, kick their shoes off, and stay way longer than the three days Benjamin Franklin warned us about.And they're loud. Insulting. Threatening. Crass. Completely inappropriate.But here's an overlooked fact — it's your house.You can show them the door anytime.How?Just pause and notice the thought while it's happening. Don't argue with it. Don't scold it. Don't try to win.Just notice it.That small bit of attention cracks the door open . . . and the thought tends to slither right out.Now, make no mistake — this isn't a one-time deal. They'll be back. They love free room and board. And oh, do they love a good argument.The key is practice.The better you get at noticing, the less often they stop by.So if you want freedom from the demon, and haven't written to Santa yet, consider asking for a truly valuable possession — the gift of noticing.All the best,John

Send us a textDr. Zeke Emanuel joins Dr. Michael Koren to discuss his new book Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life. Dr. Emanuel explains how frustrated he is at trendy, influencer-style health advice and how it accentuates intense, short-term "miracle fixes," which are almost always for sale and rarely have medical benefits. He explains his philosophy, and the philosophy of Benjamin Franklin: that, in order to make substantive change, you have to focus on one thing at a time, developing it into a habit. Dr. Emanuel also explains the title of his book, that one of the largest and most important factors in health is social well-being.Preorder Dr. Emanuel's book here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eat-your-ice-cream-ezekiel-j-emanuel-md/1147402755Be a part of advancing science by participating in clinical research.Have a question for Dr. Koren? Email him at askDrKoren@MedEvidence.comListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsWatch on YouTubeShare with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the MedEvidence! podcast to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramX (Formerly Twitter)LinkedInWant to learn more? Checkout our entire library of podcasts, videos, articles and presentations at www.MedEvidence.comMusic: Storyblocks - Corporate InspiredThank you for listening!

Benjamin Franklin, der als Drucker arbeitete, schrieb für sich selbst einst einen Grabspruch. Dieser wurde zwar nie auf seinem Grabstein verewigt, doch wegen seiner Weisheit und Kreativität ist er bis heute überliefert: „Der Leib von Benjamin Franklin, Drucker, wie der Einband eines alten Buches, seines Inhalts beraubt, von Titel und Goldschnitt befreit, liegt hier, Nahrung für die Würmer. Doch das Werk ist nicht verloren: Es wird, wie er glaubte, in einer neuen und schöneren Ausgabe wieder erscheinen, überarbeitet und korrigiert vom Autor.“ Was für ein schönes Bild für das, was uns einmal erwartet! Der Apostel Paulus benutzte das Bild eines Samenkorns: „Nun könnte jemand fragen: ‚Wie werden die Toten auferweckt? Was für einen Körper werden sie dann haben?‘ Was für eine törichte Frage! Wenn du etwas säst, muss es doch erst sterben, bevor neues Leben daraus hervorgehen kann. Und was du säst, ist ja nicht der fertige Körper, sondern nur ein Samenkorn: Von Weizen vielleicht oder einer anderen Pflanze. Gott aber gibt jedem Samen den Körper, den er vorgesehen hat“ (1. Kor 15,35–38 NGÜ). Ein Pastor erklärt es so: Wenn du ein Weizenkorn in die Erde legst, wächst daraus nicht einfach das Korn wieder hervor, sondern ein ganzer Halm – größer, schöner und beeindruckender. Genauso wird unser neuer Auferstehungsleib viel herrlicher sein als unser jetziger Körper – gemacht für das ewige Leben.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on StoicismIn this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, I sit down with Eric Weiner, celebrated author, philosophical traveler, and former NPR foreign correspondent, to explore how philosophy, travel, and character shape a meaningful life. Known for The Socrates Express and The Geography of Bliss, Eric brings a mix of humor, honesty, and depth to the conversation.We dive into the wisdom behind The Socrates Express, the surprising modern relevance of ancient philosophers, and why Stoic ideas continue to resonate today. Eric also shares insights from Ben and Me, his exploration of Benjamin Franklin's habits, virtues, and practical philosophy for living well.Whether you're into Stoicism, philosophy, or simply searching for grounded guidance in daily life, this conversation offers clear, practical takeaways. If you enjoy the episode, rate, review, and subscribe, and read our full review of The Socrates Express: https://viastoica.com/the-socrates-express/Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://twitter.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

Nationally known investment expert, economist, Chapman University professor and author of more than 25 books Mark Skousen joins us to discuss his latest book, The Greatest American, on his distant relative, Benjamin Franklin.  We talk about Franklin's legacy in science, business, economics, politics, and diplomacy, and ponder what Franklin would think about politicians like Zohran Mandami.  He also gives a preview of next year's FreedomFest, the world's largest gathering of free minds.

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - Bestselling author of American Betrayal & Death of the Grown Up, DIANA WEST will be here! PLUS, Legal Analyst for GAO and bestselling author of Red Hot Lies, CHRISTOPHER HORNER will be here! PLUS, candidate for the US Senate seat in Texas, ALEXANDER DUNCAN will be here! AND, bestselling author of Beyond Treason, LTG THOMAS McINERNEY of CCNS will be with us! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...    

Alan Lowe interviews Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute, as part of a series celebrating 250 years of American innovation. He joins AMSEcast to discuss the institute's 1824 origins, its mission to inspire curiosity in science and technology, and its deep ties to Benjamin Franklin's legacy. He highlights major exhibits, including the National Memorial, the Hamilton Collections Gallery, and historic patent models, and online series like Ingenious and The Road to 2050. Dubinski emphasizes fostering lifelong learning, diverse voices, and bold leadership to sustain innovation.   Episod Highlights (1:16) When The Franklin Institute was established and its mission (1:58) Why Benjamin Franklin still looms large over so many subjects (2:48) How Franklin's story is preserved and presented at the institute (3:33) Why the Baldwin 60000 steam locomotive is such a great engineering innovation (6:47) Exploring the museum's artifacts in "Ingenious: The Evolution of Innovation" (8:23) Why the U.S. has such an ability for creating new technologies and creative problem solving (9:06) How we can continue being leaders and innovators for the next 250 years Guest Biography Larry Dubinski is the President and CEO of The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, one of the nation's oldest and most respected centers for science education. Since taking the helm in 2014, he has led major initiatives that expand the institute's reach, modernize its exhibits, and deepen its role in inspiring curiosity about science and technology. Under his leadership, The Franklin Institute has continued to honor Benjamin Franklin's legacy while showcasing cutting-edge innovation and educational programming. A champion of lifelong learning and public engagement in STEM, Larry brings both vision and passion to the advancement of science education. Links Referenced The Franklin Institute: FiHome | The Franklin Institute https://fi.edu/

 Join host Professor Robert Allison for a dynamic conversation with historian Ronald Angelo Johnson, author of Entangled Alliances: Racialized Freedom and Atlantic Diplomacy During the American Revolution. Together they explore how the American Revolution unfolded within a vibrant and contested Atlantic world shaped by Black leadership, Caribbean revolutions, and international diplomacy. Johnson, who holds the the Ralph and Bessie Mae Lynn Chair of History at Baylor University,  highlights the  global forces—from Haiti to Europe—that influenced American independence and redefined ideas of freedom. The Revolution was not an isolated struggle, but was part of a far-reaching web of alliances, conflicts, and revolutionary change. Tell us what you think! Send us a text message!

Headlines move fast, but the root struggle rarely changes: what ideas shape our lives, our families, and our country. We follow a clear thread—from Minnesota's funding controversy to Churchill's warnings about Nazism to FDR's 1933 Christmas Eve fireside chat—to ask a hard question: do we evaluate people by ethnicity and origin, or by the ideology they carry and promote? That choice frames everything else, from policy to culture to how we raise our kids.We read from 1 Corinthians on marital fidelity and self-giving, then turn to Revelation's vision of justice and Psalm 143's cry from the depths. These passages aren't abstract; they show how private virtue sustains public courage. Proverbs adds a civic edge with small, wise creatures that model foresight, order, and presence—a reminder that strength without wisdom collapses. Along the way, we honor William S. Bond's Medal of Honor service, because history's courage steadies today's resolve.FDR's Christmas message anchors the conversation in hope and Scripture. He quotes the promise that nations should not learn war forever, a line many now miss because biblical literacy has faded. Benjamin Franklin's accounts of Scripture-saturated speech in early America reveal how a common text once set boundaries for power and protected freedom. When people know the words, leaders can't easily bend them. When that knowledge fades, new creeds slip in under familiar language.Our through-line is simple and urgent: ideology decides direction. If we abandon the principles of Christ—justice, mercy, humility, courage—we leave a vacuum that corrosive systems rush to fill. Rebuild literacy. Teach truth to children. Evaluate policies by dignity, not marketing. Support communities that pray, debate, and act with moral clarity. If this conversation moved you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a quick review so others can find the show.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Bienvenue à Philadelphie !!Une ville CAPITALE dans l'Histoire USC'est là que les Pères Fondateurs ont signé la Déclaration d'IndépendanceC'est là que les Pères Fondateurs ont signé la ConstitutionC'est là que Benjamin Franklin a inventé le paratonnerre (et ouais)Si vous avez fait grec première langue, alors vous le savez : Philadelphie : ça veut dire "la ville de l'amour fraternel"Dans cet épisode, vous pourrez croiser un cerf-volant, des éclairs, une cloche fissurée, Tom Hanks, Rocky Balboa et le dossier scolaire de Donald Trump Pour en savoir plus, une seule adresseLe podcats FIFTY STATES !Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Newt talks with Walter Isaacson, bestselling author and historian, about his new book, "The Greatest Sentence Ever Written," which explores the creation and significance of one of history’s most powerful sentences: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” from the Declaration of Independence. Isaacson emphasizes the importance of this sentence as a unifying mission statement for America, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The book delves into the historical context and the collaborative efforts of figures like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams in crafting this foundational sentence. Isaacson argues that understanding and reflecting on this sentence can help bridge current political divides and foster a renewed sense of patriotism. Their discussion also touches on the broader impact of the Declaration of Independence as a universal document advocating for individual rights and democratic governance. Isaacson's work aims to inspire dialogue and reflection on America's founding principles as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our series continues about unprecedented politics, named for the famous Benjamin Franklin line in 1787: "A republic, if you can keep it." University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket provides historic context. Then, it takes a lot of work to keep Mustang standing strong outside DIA. Also, tech firm Ibotta makes a 10-year commitment to downtown Denver, which other businesses have fled. And the family stories behind Denver's Little Saigon at History Colorado Center. 

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - BOSCH FAWSTIN, the world's first anti-Jihad comic book author and illustrator and creator of Pigman, will be here to set us straight on the truth about Islam and its plans for the West! PLUS, brilliant farceur MIKE FINE will be here! AND, Dr. STEVEN BUCCI of the Heritage FDN will be here! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...    

Benjamin Franklin and fake news… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Immigration bills, FDA admission, possible new fed chairman, and honoring a D-Day veteran. Plus, the Message of the Day, Benjamin Franklin and fake news… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 4, 2025 is: frowsy • FROW-zee • adjective Something described as frowsy has a messy or dirty appearance. // The lamp, discovered in a neglected corner of a frowsy antique store, turned out to be quite valuable. See the entry > Examples: “Footage from his early shows is sublime. In one, models with frowsy hair totter along the catwalk in clogs, clutching—for reasons not explained—dead mackerel.” — Jess Cartner-Morley, The Guardian (London), 4 Mar. 2024 Did you know? Despite its meanings suggesting neglect and inattention, frowsy has been kept in steady rotation by English users since the late 1600s. The word (which is also spelled frowzy and has enjoyed other variants over the centuries) first wafted into the language in an olfactory sense describing that which smells fusty and musty—an old factory, perhaps, or “corrupt air from animal substance,” which Benjamin Franklin described as “frouzy” in a 1773 letter. Frowsy later gained an additional sense describing the appearance of something (or someone) disheveled or unkempt. Charles Dickens was a big fan of this usage, writing of “frowzy fields, and cowhouses” in Dombey and Son and “a frowzy fringe” of hair hanging about someone's ears in The Old Curiosity Shop. Both senses are still in use today.

[SPONSORISÉ] En 1777, Benjamin Franklin, ambassadeur des États-Unis, arrive à Paris avec un objectif en tête : convaincre la France de soutenir les colonies américaines insurgées contre les colonies anglaises. La tâche devrait être facile. C'est l'occasion rêvée pour ce pays de prendre sa revanche sur son ennemi historique. Pourtant, il se heurte à un Louis XVI hésitant. Franklin met alors en place un réseau d'informateurs et de diplomates chargés de suivre les rumeurs et décisions venues de Londres. Ces informations lui permettent d'affiner ses discours et de préparer sa stratégie de négociation. Mais ce qu'il ne sait pas, c'est qu'un traître se cache parmi ses collaborateurs : Edward B. Bancroft.Edward Bancroft n'a pas de convictions politiques particulières. En revanche, il ne peut se résoudre à l'idée de voir l'Angleterre s'engluer dans un conflit qui lui causerait de lourdes pertes. Il ne s'était jamais prédestiné à l'espionnage, mais le contexte politique de son époque en a décidé autrement. Le voilà désormais agent double. Informateur pour Benjamin Franklin du mercredi au dimanche et agent du renseignement britannique les mardis soirs. Un emploi du temps bien particulier pour celui qui se prédestinait à être scientifique.Secrets d'agents • Histoires Vraies est une production Minuit.

“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” was a radical concept for the Founding Fathers. How did they get there? Walter Isaacson joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how one sentence in the Declaration of Independence set out a promise of America, how Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams wrestled with its crafting, and how we can still use these words as our common values in a polarized nation today. His book is “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) written in the form of an extended letter to his son, William Franklin (1730-1813). Ben kept good records of his life and travels, and although he was never President, he still played a crucial part in American history. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin at https://amzn.to/43cp6CV Benjamin Franklin Books available at https://amzn.to/41fUkGD ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORICAL JESUS podcast is available at https://parthenonpodcast.com/historical-jesus Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio Credit: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (Librivox, read by G. Giordano).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even the Founding Fathers had their doubts about the future of the country, but Benjamin Franklin chose to see its promise. We'll explain how one chair gave him the answer he was searching for.  Plus, Sharon talks with philosopher Alex Madva, co-author of ⁠Somebody Should Do Something⁠, about why so many of us feel powerless, but there's more common ground in America than we think. So what can we do about it? He'll tell us.  And the history of White House holiday traditions, from Adams to Eisenhower, complete with snow ball fights, Christmas trees with actual lit candles on them, and a terrifying Christmas Eve fire in the West Wing. If you'd like to submit a question for Sharon to answer, head to ⁠ThePreamble.com/podcast⁠ – we'd love to hear from you there. And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ⁠ThePreamble.com⁠ – it's free! Join the 350,000 people who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1/8. The Wild Turkey, the Bald Eagle, and the Illogical Nature of Bird Names — Steven Moss — Moss introduces the Wild Turkey, discussing its successful reestablishment in New England and its domestication origin in southern Mexico. Moss critiques the turkey's nomenclature as fundamentally illogical, derived from historical confusion involving exotic trade routes through Asia Minor. Moss examines the Bald Eagle as a scavenger species that symbolizes predatory power and dominance. Moss notes that Benjamin Franklin reportedly argued the Wild Turkey should have been designated America's national bird instead. Moss further documents how the eagle was subsequently appropriated as a sinister political symbol by authoritarian regimes, most infamously by Nazi Germany. 1859

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - Nationally syndicated Political Cartoonist (with Creators Syndicate), the Comically Incorrect AF BRANCO will be here! PLUS, Direct from South Africa, Dr. PETER HAMMOND will be here! PLUS, Founder of Stand Up America, MG PAUL VALLELY will be here! AND, Major FRED GALVIN, author or A Few Bad Men, will be here! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...    

In our 12-part podcast series, Pursuit: The Founders' Guide to Happiness, Jeffrey Rosen explores the founders' lives with the historians who know them best and filmmaker Ken Burns shares his daily practice of self-reflection.  The “pursuit of happiness” is one of the most famous phrases in American history. When America's founders wrote it in the Declaration of Independence, they intended it to mean happiness through lifelong learning and self-improvement.  In the last episode of the series, listeners share some big and small changes that they have made. Plus, Jeffrey Rosen, filmmaker Ken Burns, and scholar Robert P. George explore Benjamin Franklin's virtue of silence, which he defines as “speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.”    Listen to Pursuit: The Founders' Guide to Happiness on Apple Podcast and Spotify.  Watch the full performance of the Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles by Jeffrey Rosen.  Stay Connected and Learn More    Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit  Learn more about the NCC's and Arizona State University's new online course on civic virtue, 'What the Founders Meant by “Happiness”: A Journey Through Virtue and Character' and sign up for email updates  Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate  Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen  Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube  Support our important work:   ⁠Donate

Ready to impress your friends, students, or family at Thanksgiving dinner? In this fun, fast, and fascinating episode of English Makes No Sense, we explore 25 surprising, hilarious, and little-known Thanksgiving facts — perfect for ESL learners, teachers, and anyone who loves American culture.Discover why only male turkeys gobble, how fast wild turkeys can run, why Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey on U.S. money, what foods were actually at the first Thanksgiving, and which classic holiday dish was created as a soup advertisement.We also dig into:

In this week's re-broadcast of an episode from November of 2022, Ellen goes on an odyssey through history with the wild turkey. We discuss their path alongside humans for thousands of years, from prehistoric America to praise from Benjamin Franklin, the brink of extinction and nets fired out of cannons.  Further viewing:Rocket Netting Turkeys, a video demonstration by the LSU AgCenter Paul Kelly's Gobbling Demonstration

Father explains Benjamin Franklin's 1728 Thanksgiving Prayer to the family just before their turkey dinner.Happy Thanksgiving this coming Thursday to our listeners in the United States and to all who celebrate it wherever they live. A well-developed sense of gratitude is something we all should share, regardless of a holiday or not. To celebrate this, we are skipping ahead about 30 episodes so we can hear the Thanksgiving episode now, instead of in July. Originally aired on November 22,1951. This is episode 98 of Father Knows Best.Please email questions and comments to host@classiccomedyotr.com.Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/classiccomedyotr. Please share this podcast with your friends and family.You can also subscribe to our podcast on Spreaker.com, Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and Google podcasts.This show is supported by Spreaker Prime.

In this week's re-broadcast of an episode from November of 2022, Ellen goes on an odyssey through history with the wild turkey. We discuss their path alongside humans for thousands of years, from prehistoric America to praise from Benjamin Franklin, the brink of extinction and nets fired out of cannons.  Further viewing:Rocket Netting Turkeys, a video demonstration by the LSU AgCenter Paul Kelly's Gobbling Demonstration

If the American Revolution was, as Ken Burns put it, the biggest event since the birth of Christ, then there's probably never been a better time to explore and drastically expand on why it happened, who was involved, and what it set us up for than right now. My guest today again is David Schmidt.David is the producer and co-director, along with Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein, of American Revolution, a six-part, 12-hour series premiering on PBS this November. David is a childhood friend, but two decades after he and I played Nintendo in his basement, he began working with Florentine Films as a researcher and apprentice editor, beginning with The Roosevelts in 2014, where he also supervised the documentary's seven-episode script. David's research on the Vietnam War in 2017 won him the Jane Mercer Footage Researcher of the Year Award, and he also worked closely on that project with writer Geoffrey C. Ward and helped coordinate post-production. With Burns, Schmidt also produced the two-part biography Benjamin Franklin in 2022 for PBS. I can't wait for you to hear this discussion. I think it pairs really nicely with our conversation with Clint Smith and can't wait for you to see this piece. -----------Have feedback or questions? Tweet us, or send a message to questions@importantnotimportant.comNew here? Get started with our fan favorite episodes at podcast.importantnotimportant.com.Take Action at www.whatcanido.earth-----------INI Book Club:This Here Is Love by Princess Joy L. PerryThe Sellout by Paul BeattyFind all of our guest recommendations at the INI Book Club: https://bookshop.org/lists/important-not-important-book-clubLinks:Watch the 12-part series, The American Revolution, on PBS https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-american-revolutionRead The American Revolution book by Ken Burns and Geoffrey C. Ward https://bookshop.org/a/8952/9780525658672David is listening to: The American Revolution playlist, Hammond Song by The Roches, and The Shape of Water soundtrackFollow us:Subscribe to our newsletter at importantnotimportant.comSupport our work and become a Member at importantnotimportant.com/upgradeGet our

It's a special podcast here at Reckoning. Early American historians Dr. Liz Covart, Dr. Michael Hattem, and Dr. Craig Bruce Smith joined me to live stream Ken Burns' new series The American Revolution and answer questions from people around the world. It's kind of like a Director's Commentary, only if the director was actually four people with degrees in history. This was a blast.About our guest:Dr. Liz Covart is a historian of the American Revolution, and the creator and host of the award-winning podcast Ben Franklin's World.  In 2022, she co-founded Clio Digital Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses digital media to foster better, more robust understandings of history. And in 2026, she will launch Scholar.DIY, a public benefit company that empowers scholars to transform their expertise into compelling digital stories— building trust, promoting media literacy, and strengthening democracy along the way.Dr. Michael Hattem is an American historian, with interests in early America, the American Revolution, and historical memory. He received his PhD in History at Yale University and has taught at The New School and Knox College. He is the author of The Memory of '76: The Revolution in American History (Yale University Press, 2024), which was a finalist for the 2025 George Washington Prize, and Past and Prologue: Politics and Memory in the American Revolution (Yale University Press, 2020). He is currently the Associate Director of the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute.Hattem's work has been featured or mentioned in The New York Times, TIME magazine, The Smithsonian Magazine, the Washington Post, as well as many other mainstream media publications and outlets. He has served as a historical consultant or contributor for a number of projects and organizations, curated historical exhibitions, appeared in television documentaries, and authenticated and written catalogue essays for historical document auctions.Dr. Craig Bruce Smith  is a professor of history at National Defense University in the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) in Norfolk, VA. He authored American Honor: The Creation of the Nation's Ideals during the Revolutionary Era, Securing Victory 1781-1783 (out soon), and co-authored George Washington's Lessons in Ethical Leadership. Smith earned his PhD in American history from Brandeis University. Previously, he was an associate professor of military history at the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), an assistant professor of history, and the director of the history program at William Woods University, and he has taught at additional colleges, including Tufts University.He specializes in American Revolutionary and early American and military history, specifically focusing on George Washington, honor, ethics, war, the founders, transnational ideas, and national identity. In addition, he has broader interests in colonial America, the early republic, leadership, and early American cultural, intellectual, and political history. Smith was named a Jack Miller Center Scholar in 2025 and also serves as a member of their History Advisory Council. He is also the co-host of National Defense University's JAWbone podcast. 

America isn't a democracy — and the Founders never intended it to be. In this video, we break down exactly why the United States was designed as a constitutional republic, what Benjamin Franklin meant when he warned “A republic… if you can keep it,” and how the media, schools, and politicians have blurred this essential distinction.You'll learn:• The real meaning of a republic• Why the Founding Fathers rejected pure democracy• The dangers the Founders warned us about• How we've drifted from their original design• Why this difference matters more today than everALL links below are clickable within your podcast platform, so enjoy!________• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patriot Power Podcast Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Young Patriots Series⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Children's Book Series• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok - Patriot Power Freedom Files⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠InstaGram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet your Host, Ron Kern⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_______________Please share this podcast with others and we would love for you to leave a review.Do you have a question, comment or suggestion?  Want to suggest a topic for an upcoming show?  I'd love to hear from you, so get in touch above.

America isn't a democracy — and the Founders never intended it to be. In this video, we break down exactly why the United States was designed as a constitutional republic, what Benjamin Franklin meant when he warned “A republic… if you can keep it,” and how the media, schools, and politicians have blurred this essential distinction.You'll learn:• The real meaning of a republic• Why the Founding Fathers rejected pure democracy• The dangers the Founders warned us about• How we've drifted from their original design• Why this difference matters more today than everALL links below are clickable within your podcast platform, so enjoy!________• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patriot Power Podcast Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Young Patriots Series⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Children's Book Series• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok - Patriot Power Freedom Files⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠InstaGram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet your Host, Ron Kern⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_______________Please share this podcast with others and we would love for you to leave a review.Do you have a question, comment or suggestion?  Want to suggest a topic for an upcoming show?  I'd love to hear from you, so get in touch above.

What is the greatest sentence ever written? According to Walter Isaacson — former editor of Time, ex-CEO of CNN, and the acclaimed biographer of Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin, and Jennifer Doudna — it's this: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Yes, it's eloquent, but more than that, it gave the United States a mission statement, one that we are still striving — fitfully, imperfectly — to meet. Walter's new book, The Greatest Sentence Ever Written, unpacks that mission statement: how it came to be written, what it meant to the founders, and why it matters today. We're pleased to announce that we've chosen it as our latest selection for the Next Big Idea Club. That means current members will receive a copy in the mail any day now, along with a digital reading guide, the opportunity to discuss the book with fellow members in our WhatsApp community, and an exclusive invitation to a live Q&A with Walter in December. If you're not already a member, sign up today at nextbigideaclub.com. And if you use the code PODCAST at checkout, we'll take 20% off your order and send you a signed copy of the book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ballooning became a huge fad starting in the late 18th century, and there was a surprising amount of rioting associated with it. Fervor, excitement, and intoxication in some instances, meant that balloon events were prone to get out of control. Research: Bond, Elizabeth Andrews. “Popular Science and Public Participation.” From The Writing Public: Participatory Knowledge Production in Enlightenment and Revolutionary France. Cornell University Press. 2021. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7591/j.ctv310vktg.8 Branson, Susan. “Scientific Americans.” Cornell University Press, 2022. Cornell University Press, 2022. Coxwell, Henry Tracey. “My Life and Balloon Experiences.” W.H. Allen. 1889. https://archive.org/details/mylifeandballoo02coxwgoog/ Daily National Intelligencer. “The Balloon, and Conflagration of Vauxhall.” 9/14/1819. https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83026172/1819-09-14/ed-1/?sp=2&q=vauxhall&r=0.48,-0.027,0.621,0.225,0 Franklin, Benjamin. “Benjamin Franklin to Ingenhousz, 16 January 1784.” https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-41-02-0310#BNFN-01-41-02-0310-fn-0005 “Hot-Air Balloon: Jean-François Janinet (1752–1814).” https://www.getty.edu/publications/artists-things/things/hot-air-balloon/#fnref8 Gillespie, Richard. “Ballooning in France and Britain, 1783-1786: Aerostation and Adventurism.” Isis, Vol. 75, No. 2 (June, 1984). https://www.jstor.org/stable/231824 Glaisher, James. “Travels in the Air.” R. Bentley. 1871. https://archive.org/details/ldpd_7245144_000 Holman, Brett. “The Melbourne balloon riot of 1858.” Airminded. 3/23/2017. https://airminded.org/2017/03/23/the-melbourne-balloon-riot-of-1858/ Jackson, Joseph. “Vauxhall Garden.” The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography. Vol. LVII. No. 4. 1933. Keen, Paul. “The ‘Balloonomania’: Science and Spectacle in 1780s England.” Eighteenth-Century Studies , Summer, 2006, Vol. 39, No. 4 (Summer, 2006). https://www.jstor.org/stable/30053707 Magazine Monitor. “Victorian Strangeness: The great balloon riot of 1864.” BBC. 8/9/2014. https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-28674654 Robbins, John. “Up in the Air: Balloonomania and Scientific Performance.” Eighteenth-Century Studies, Vol. 48, No. 4, Special Issue: Performance. Summer 2015. Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/24690309 Robson, David. “The Victorians who flew as high as jumbo jets.” BBC. 4/20/2016. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160419-the-victorians-who-flew-as-high-as-jets Smith, Zoe. “Disaster at 37,000 feet.” University of Cambridge. https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/balloon-disaster Soth, Amelia. “Hot Air Balloon Launch Riot!” JSTOR Daily. 2/3/2022. https://daily.jstor.org/hot-air-balloon-launch-riot/ Sparrow, Jeff. “Wrath and awe: a short history of balloons and their power to fire up mob fury.” The Guardian. 2/14/2023. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/feb/15/wrath-and-awe-a-short-history-of-balloons-and-their-power-to-fire-up-mob-fury Sydney Morning Herald. “The Balloon Riot in the Domain: Death of Thomas Downs.” 12/19/1856. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12990254 Sydney Morning Herald. “The Sydney Balloon.” Trove. 12/16/1856. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12990120 The Rhode-Island American. “Riotous Proceedigns.” 9/14/1819. https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83025442/1819-09-14/ed-1/?sp=3&q=vauxhall&r=-0.14,1.265,0.686,0.248,0 Tucker, Jennifer. “Voyages of Discovery on Oceans of Air: Scientific Observation and the Image of Science in an Age of ‘Balloonacy.’” Osiris, 1996, Vol. 11, Science in the Field (1996). Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/301930 Wroth, Warwick. “Cremorne and the Later London Gardens.” London. Elliot Stock. 1907. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Walter Isaacson, the legendary biographer of Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, and Leonardo da Vinci, started shadowing Elon Musk, he found himself following "a guy who was one of the most popular people on the planet, and ended up with a guy who's the most controversial." Today on the show, Isaacson unpacks the transformation. (This episode first aired in September 2023.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, best-selling biographer Walter Isaacson joins to discuss his new book, The Greatest Sentence Ever Written, with Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the country's founding, Isaacson explores the intellectual inspirations and drafting history of the Declaration's famous second sentence, which lays the foundation for the American dream and defines the common ground we share as a nation.  Resources Walter Isaacson, The Greatest Sentence Ever Written (2025)   Walter Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin: An American Life (2004)   David Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature (1739)  Benjamin Franklin, “Apology for Printers,” The Pennsylvania Gazette (1731)  John Locke, Two Treatises of Government (1690) In our new podcast, Pursuit: The Founders' to Guide to Happiness Jeffrey Rosen explores the founders' lives with the historians who know them best. Plus, filmmaker Ken Burns shares his daily practice of self-reflection.  Listen to episodes of Pursuit on ⁠Apple Podcast⁠ and ⁠Spotify⁠.  Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠⁠

The Cockpit Confrontation: How Parliament Lost Their Best Advocate and Franklin's Legacy as a Founder of Science. Richard Munson discusses how Benjamin Franklin was a pivotal figure in the Revolutionary era, initially dedicated to maintaining the colonies' loyalty to the king. The critical turning point occurred in January 1774 at the Cockpit, where Parliament grilled and lambasted Franklin for over an hour without allowing him to answer. At this moment, Franklin realized the English government had lost its "best possible advocate," and he began thinking seriously about independence. Before the break with Britain, Franklin had laid a foundation for colonial unity by creating the American Philosophical Society. Franklin returned to Philadelphia in April 1775 and sailed to Paris in October 1776, where the French adored him. Franklin's legacy has been subject to various interpretations by historians, but Munson emphasizes that Franklin's enduring relevance lies in his role as a founder who championed empirical truths, observation, and experimentation, which is vital in modern times marked by the dismissal of science and facts.

The Conservation of Charge and the Practical Genius of the Lightning Rod. Richard Munson discusses how Benjamin Franklin was an endlessly busy experimenter who began his famous work by studying the Leiden jar, a rudimentary battery. Franklin conducted fundamental research and developed the law of the conservation of charge: the idea that positive and negative electrical charges always seek balance. On Christmas Day 1750, he exposed himself to danger by touching the terminals of two Leiden jars, which violently threw him across the room. In 1751, Franklin published his pamphlet, Experiments and Observations on Electricity Made in Philadelphia, America, which generated international fame before the kite experiment. Franklin sought a practical solution to the danger posed by lightning, and his experiment confirmed the connection between lightning and electricity, leading to the invention of the lightning rod, which became a great practical discovery saving lives and buildings. Franklin also invented the Franklin stove and refused a patent, viewing the invention as a public benefit. He pursued observation and experimentation with "joyfulness," viewing unexpected results as new possibilities.

Printing as High-Tech: Franklin's Wealth Creation and the Dawn of His Electrical Experiments. Richard Munson discusses how Benjamin Franklin arrived in Philadelphia at age 17 and, in just 22 years, transformed into an independently wealthy experimenter. Printing during this era was the "high-tech of the age," and Franklin's work involved scientific thinking. A powerful driving force was his ambition to be wealthy, maintaining a strong focus on the bottom line. Franklin leveraged quality to secure contracts and was a savvy real estate investor. Franklin became entangled in a bitter political fight with absentee landlord Thomas Penn, who viewed Pennsylvania solely as a source of money. Franklin's independent wealth, achieved when he sold his successful businesses around 1748, allowed him to pursue science. He immediately began experimenting with electricity, performing fundamental research and defining basic structures, introducing key terms like positive and negative, conductors and insulators. Franklin's rising fame as an experimenter eventually led his neighbors to call on him to represent Pennsylvania in London.