
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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