The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds 455 - The Frog Man
Nov 11, 2020
Dive into the bizarre story of Albert Broell, who claimed Polish nobility and turned a frog obsession into a dubious business. The hosts explore his outlandish claims of military heroics, integrating dubious medical practices, and the creation of American Bullfrog Industries. Amid the Great Depression, Broell's canned frog products became a questionable hit. Discover his wild marketing tips, the nationwide frog craze, and the eventual legal troubles that followed. It’s a ribbiting tale of ambition, absurdity, and the environment!
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The Count Who Became A Frog Man
- Albert Broell claimed Polish nobility, wartime scars, and a traumatic family history to bolster his persona.
- He used this backstory while drifting through YMCA life and inventing before pivoting to frogs.
From Fake Doctor To Frog Industrialist
- After being exposed for fake medical diplomas, Albert left town and followed his mother's frog advice.
- He bought a 100-acre farm near Toledo and launched American Bullfrog Industries to can frog meat.
Canned Frog Hype During The Depression
- Albert thought canned frog products would be a mass-market food and opened canneries for frog legs and soups.
- Early media hype framed frog meat as a novel Depression-era protein opportunity despite fragile economics.
