The Battery Dope

The Battery Dope

From The Disappearing Spoon: a science history podcast with Sam Kean by Sam Kean

May 19, 2026 · 19 min · Season 12 · Episode 7

About this episode

The episode discusses how scientists in the 1950s had to engage in politics after the firing of Allen Astin to avoid professional annihilation.

In the 1950s, scientists hated politics. Then one Allen Astin got fired. After that, scientists knew they had to play politics—or face professional annihilation. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

People in this episode

Host: Sam Kean

Topics covered

  • politics
  • science
  • 1950s
  • scientists
  • professional challenges

Keywords

  • science history
  • politics
  • 1950s
  • scientists
  • Allen Astin

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