Iwan Morus

Simon Schaffer, an expert from Cambridge, Jill Jonnes, historian and author of "Empires of Light," and Iwan Morus, a history professor, dive into the intriguing world of Nikola Tesla. They explore Tesla's rise from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to America, where he revolutionized electrical systems and pioneered alternating current. The discussion reveals the debunking of the Edison-Tesla rivalry, highlighting Tesla's genius and eccentricities, and how his showmanship contributed to his legacy as a misunderstood innovator.

Catherine Bohart, comedian and writer, brings sharp humour and reflections. Professor Iwan Morus, Victorian science historian, explains early telephone tech and culture. They discuss the 1876 patent race, how telephones worked, Bell’s promotional tours, wire-crossing and eavesdropping, rise of female switchboard operators, and Victorian anxieties about etiquette and privacy.

Iwan Morus, a history professor and author of Nikola Tesla and the Electrical Future, immerses listeners in the life of the remarkable inventor. He unpacks Tesla's eccentricities and examines his ambitious ideas, like the infamous death ray and dreams of wireless electricity. The discussion also dips into Tesla's fraught relationship with Edison and explores how he might react to Elon Musk's use of his legacy. Morus highlights the contrast between Tesla's groundbreaking vision and his personal struggles, shedding new light on this enigmatic figure.