Was Benjamin Franklin a fraud?

Was Benjamin Franklin a fraud?

March 18, 2026 · 1h 1m · Episode 55

About this episode

The episode investigates whether Benjamin Franklin was a fraud, featuring historian Claire Aubin.

We know Benjamin Franklin as a founding father, crucial in the establishment of the United States, discoverer of electricity, kooky writer of almanacs, and inventor of much, much more. But is it possible that good old Benny is actually a complete scammer? We investigate a conspiracy theory that Mr. $100 is not all he’s cracked up to be.  Our guest this week is Claire Aubin, historian and host of  This Guy Sucked , with a special thanks to our instigating debaters Kelsey and Rich.  Buy Manny's Book, Colored People Time , and see NO SUCH THING in conversation about the book on March 29 in NYC . For links to research and more, check out our  newsletter .  Have a question you want us to answer? Email us at  mannynoahdevan@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(860) 325-0286 . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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