{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Franklin\u2019s Curiosity Unpacked with Richard Munson","description":"Alan Lowe talks with Richard Munson about his book Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist. Munson\u2019s book aims to highlight Franklin\u2019s often overlooked scientific achievements. He describes Franklin\u2019s rise from a penniless runaway to a successful printer whose curiosity fueled his scientific breakthroughs. Franklin\u2019s 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. &amp;nbsp;  Episode Highlights  (1:18) How Benjamin Franklin\u2019s printing success allowed him to pursue science (4:59) The role of Poor Richard\u2019s Almanac in Franklin\u2019s life (7:27) What was known about electricity before his experiments and how he advanced it &amp;nbsp; (9:35) Benjamin Franklin\u2019s invention of the lightning rod (11:22) What motivated Franklin to be constantly active (16:55) His role in America\u2019s future alliance with France (17:45) Why so many biographers have pushed Benjamin Franklin\u2019s 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\u2019s most iconic founders. Munson returns to AMSEcast to share fresh insights into Franklin\u2019s legacy and the power of science-driven problem-solving. Links Referenced  Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food:  https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Tech-Table-Innovators-Reimagining-Food\/dp\/1642831905 Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist:  https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ingenious-Biography-Benjamin-Franklin-Scientist-ebook\/dp\/B0CTXNJL6Y Power Corrupts: Cleaning Up America's Biggest Industry:  https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Power-Corrupts-Cleaning-Americas-Industry\/dp\/1538199394   ","author_name":"AMSEcast","author_url":"http:\/\/amsecast.libsyn.com\/website","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39164370\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/195813670"}