
Imagine a world without the electric hum that powers our lives. Much of that reality was conceived in the mind of one man: Nikola Tesla, a visionary who amassed hundreds of patents and could have been one of history's wealthiest men, yet chose a different path.
This episode journeys into the extraordinary life of the genius who literally electrified our modern world. We uncover his unique childhood, where a photographic memory and the ability to build complex inventions entirely in his mind set him apart. We dive deep into the fierce "War of Currents," exploring his intense rivalry with Thomas Edison—a clash of personalities that culminated in a shocking act of sabotage and a public smear campaign.
But the most incredible story is one of sacrifice. Discover why Tesla, in an astonishing act of selflessness, tore up a contract that would have earned him billions, simply to ensure his dream of alternating current (AC) power would survive. From his grand, unfinished dream of free wireless energy for all with the Wardenclyffe Tower to his final, solitary years spent with only pigeons for company , this is the story of a man who lived centuries ahead of his time.
Join us as we explore the legacy of the man whose inventions you use every single day, and ask the powerful question: What is the true cost of a world-changing idea?