Ep 1. Benjamin Franklin

10 Things You Don't Know About is a documentary series which dives deep into the lives and histories of some of the world's most famous figures, uncovering unknown and surprising facts about their lives and legacies. Episode 1 of the show's first season focuses on the Founding Father and famous inventor Benjamin Franklin.

Hosted by historian and author David Eisenbach, the episode begins with a brief overview of Franklin's life and accomplishments. We learn that he was one of America's most important and influential figures, and that his innovations in science, politics, and diplomacy helped shape the United States and the modern world. However, as the episode's title suggests, there are many things we don't know about Franklin, and the bulk of the show is spent uncovering some of these unknown facts.

The first of these is the fact that Franklin was something of a ladies' man. We learn that he was a flirtatious and charming man who loved women, and that he had several romantic relationships throughout his life, both before and after his marriage. This includes a long-term affair with a woman named Madame Helvetius, which lasted for several years despite the fact that Franklin was living in France as a diplomat at the time. Eisenbach interviews the author of a book called "Franklin and Women", who sheds more light on this side of Franklin's life.

The episode also explores Franklin's invention of the lightning rod, which helped protect buildings from lightning strikes. We learn that this invention was controversial at the time, with some people believing that interfering with lightning was akin to meddling with the will of God. However, Franklin's persistence and scientific curiosity helped him convince others of the rod's benefits, and it eventually became a widespread practice. The episode also takes a look at Franklin's involvement in the creation of the United States' postal service, which he helped establish and improve.

One surprising fact about Franklin that is revealed in the episode is that he was a vegetarian. We learn that he stopped eating meat at the age of 16 after reading a book about the benefits of a plant-based diet. Eisenbach speaks to a nutritionist who explains the nutritional benefits of vegetarianism, as well as the potential drawbacks of the diet if not done properly. We also learn that Franklin was a big fan of tofu, a soy-based protein that he discovered during a visit to China.

Another interesting tidbit about Franklin is that he was an early advocate for copyright laws. At a time when piracy was rampant and intellectual property was not yet a recognized concept, Franklin spoke out about the importance of protecting creators' works. He even wrote a satirical letter pretending to be a pirate, which argued that if books and ideas could be stolen, so too could physical objects like ships and furniture. This helped spark a wider conversation about the importance of intellectual property, and eventually led to the creation of modern copyright laws.

The episode also looks at Franklin's role in the American Revolution, including his famous "Join or Die" political cartoon and his diplomatic efforts to secure French aid for the revolution. We learn that Franklin was a shrewd negotiator and a skilled diplomat, and that he played a crucial role in securing the military and financial aid that helped America win the war. The episode also explores the lasting legacy of Franklin's ideas and innovations, which continue to influence modern science, politics, and society.

Overall, 10 Things You Don't Know About season 1 episode 1 provides a fascinating and insightful look into the life of one of America's most iconic figures. Through interviews with historians, authors, and experts, as well as archival footage and re-enactments, the episode sheds light on some of the lesser-known aspects of Franklin's life and legacy. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about one of America's founding fathers, this episode is well worth a watch.