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Franklin’s Curiosity Unpacked with Richard Munson

AMSEcast

Release Date: 11/26/2025

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Alan Lowe talks with Richard Munson about his book Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist. Munson’s book aims to highlight Franklin’s often overlooked scientific achievements. He describes Franklin’s rise from a penniless runaway to a successful printer whose curiosity fueled his scientific breakthroughs. Franklin’s experiments helped define core electrical concepts and led to inventions like the lightning rod, reflecting his Enlightenment commitment to reason and inquiry. His scientific fame later boosted his diplomatic mission in France, where his celebrity status...

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Alan Lowe talks with Richard Munson about his book Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist. Munson’s book aims to highlight Franklin’s often overlooked scientific achievements. He describes Franklin’s rise from a penniless runaway to a successful printer whose curiosity fueled his scientific breakthroughs. Franklin’s experiments helped define core electrical concepts and led to inventions like the lightning rod, reflecting his Enlightenment commitment to reason and inquiry. His scientific fame later boosted his diplomatic mission in France, where his celebrity status helped secure essential support for American independence.
 
Episode Highlights
  • (1:18) How Benjamin Franklin’s printing success allowed him to pursue science
  • (4:59) The role of Poor Richard’s Almanac in Franklin’s life
  • (7:27) What was known about electricity before his experiments and how he advanced it  
  • (9:35) Benjamin Franklin’s invention of the lightning rod
  • (11:22) What motivated Franklin to be constantly active
  • (16:55) His role in America’s future alliance with France
  • (17:45) Why so many biographers have pushed Benjamin Franklin’s scientific work to the side
  • (19:40) What Richard Munson is working on now
Guest Biography
Richard Munson is an award-winning author and longtime leader in environmental and clean-energy innovation. His career spans influential roles in nonprofits, academia, business, and on Capitol Hill, including serving as a director at the Environmental Defense Fund. A prolific writer, Munson explores the intersection of technology, sustainability, and public policy in works such as Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food. His latest book, Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist, examines the scientific curiosity and innovations of one of America’s most iconic founders. Munson returns to AMSEcast to share fresh insights into Franklin’s legacy and the power of science-driven problem-solving.
Links Referenced