Detailed Summary of "The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds" Episode 660 - President Benjamin Franklin - Part One

Release Date: November 19, 2024

In Episode 660 of "The Dollop," hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds embark on a comedic exploration of Benjamin Franklin's life, blending historical facts with their signature humor. This first part of the series delves into Franklin's early years, his ventures into the printing business, personal relationships, and pioneering experiments with electricity.

1. Introduction to Benjamin Franklin

The episode kicks off with the hosts discussing their upcoming tour dates before seamlessly transitioning into Benjamin Franklin's story. This humorous segue sets the tone for the blend of comedy and history that follows.

2. Early Life and Family Background [06:04 - 09:16]

Benjamin Franklin is introduced as being born in Boston, Massachusetts, into a devout Protestant family during a time when Protestantism was illicit under Queen Mary’s Catholic rule.

Notable Quote:

• Gareth Reynolds ([07:05] - 07:05): "He was born into a religious middle-class family. Josiah, Ben's dad had kept the family Protestant in England."

Franklin's father, Josiah Franklin, intends for Benjamin to become a minister, sending him to a Boston school for priest education at the age of eight. However, due to financial constraints, Franklin is pulled out after a year, leading to conflicting narratives between Franklin's autobiography and biographer Ronald Clark regarding his departure from religious studies.

Notable Quote:

• Dave Anthony ([09:39] - 09:39): "Not just for her, but for... I always empathize with the man."

3. Entry into the Printing Business [14:53 - 25:22]

At the age of ten, Franklin leaves school to assist his father with the tallow candle business. His passion for reading steers him towards the printing trade, working alongside his older half-brother, James Franklin, a printer.

Franklin's entry into the printing business is marked by familial tensions, especially when James launches the New England Courant, which adopts an anti-inoculation stance during a smallpox outbreak. Franklin, a proponent of vaccinations, begins writing anonymously to advocate for inoculation, leading to further conflicts.

Notable Quote:

• Dave Anthony ([19:50] - 19:50): "And Ben really wanted to have an article printed in the paper, but his brother wouldn't let him. He's like, fucking 16 year old."

Franklin's efforts are met with resistance, branding him as a heretic and atheist, which strains his relationship with his brother and the broader Boston community.

4. Move to Philadelphia and Career Development [25:35 - 36:00]

Facing hostility in Boston, Franklin decides to relocate to Philadelphia. His journey is fraught with challenges, including surviving a storm and grappling with his vegetarian beliefs while stranded at sea.

Upon arrival in Philadelphia, Franklin secures a position with Sparks Keemer, a religious and rigidly disciplined printer, leading to cultural clashes. Franklin's progressive ideas and resistance to Keemer's strict practices highlight his innovative and independent nature.

Notable Quote:

• Dave Anthony ([29:35] - 29:35): "You could Die right there."

5. Personal Life and Relationships [37:08 - 58:33]

Franklin's personal life is depicted with a blend of historical facts and comedic embellishments. His interactions with Deborah Reed, eventual marriage, and humorous anecdotes about his unconventional behaviors add depth to his character.

Notable Quote:

• Gareth Reynolds ([58:05] - 58:05): "Man, Benjamin. Ben, don’t be an idiot. Take this deal."

Franklin's relationship with Deborah Reed signifies his stable personal life amidst his professional upheavals, portrayed humorously through interactions involving pigs and inventive marital arrangements.

6. Printing Career and Innovations [60:07 - 65:15]

Franklin's establishment of the Pennsylvania Gazette and the publication of Poor Richard’s Almanac are highlighted as major milestones in his printing career. These ventures not only solidify his reputation as a savvy printer but also serve as platforms for disseminating his progressive ideas.

Notable Quote:

• Dave Anthony ([63:50] - 63:50): "He that drinks fast pays slow to be intimate with a foolish friend."

Franklin's innovative approach to printing and business ethics contribute significantly to his growing influence in Philadelphia society.

7. Experiments with Electricity [66:06 - 83:56]

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to Franklin's experiments with electricity, portrayed with a mix of historical accuracy and comedic exaggeration. From setting up lightning rods to creating electrical batteries, Franklin's fascination with electricity is both innovative and humorously depicted.

Notable Quotes:

• Gareth Reynolds ([73:45] - 73:45): "That's pretty cool. Yeah, I'm an electrical weirdo."
• Dave Anthony ([75:03] - 75:03): "In the early 18th century, it was noted that lightning electricity had the same qualities."

Franklin’s demonstrations, such as the notorious turkey experiments and electric feasts, are recounted with lively banter, emphasizing his role as a pioneer in the field of electricity.

8. Public Contributions and Recognition [84:23 - 88:14]

Franklin's public contributions, including founding Philadelphia's first public library, establishing fire brigades, and setting up the first city hospital in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, are celebrated. His receipt of the prestigious Copley Medal from the Royal Society underscores his scientific achievements and societal impact.

Notable Quote:

• Dave Anthony ([86:29] - 86:29): "Ben installed the lighting rod on his property along with bells."

Franklin's growing reputation as a scientist and public servant sets the stage for his future role as a statesman and President, concluding Part One with a promise of more adventures in subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution and Timestamps

• Dave Anthony ([07:27] - 07:27): "Bringing the dogs. The dogs also love the mattresses."
• Dave Anthony ([19:50] - 19:50): "They’re already, we have the one we got. We only need one news source."
• Gareth Reynolds ([19:58] - 19:58): "Right, because you're pro-pirate."
• Dave Anthony ([63:32] - 63:32): "He that drinks fast pays slow to be intimate with a foolish friend."
• Gareth Reynolds ([73:45] - 73:45): "That's pretty cool. Yeah, I'm an electrical weirdo."
• Dave Anthony ([75:03] - 75:03): "In the early 18th century, it was noted that lightning electricity had the same qualities."

Conclusion

Part One of President Benjamin Franklin's saga on "The Dollop" successfully intertwines historical narrative with comedic interludes, presenting Franklin as a multifaceted individual—an innovative printer, a pioneering scientist, and a charismatic public figure. The dynamic between Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds brings Franklin's story to life in an engaging and humorous manner, setting the foundation for the continuation of his intriguing journey in Part Two.

Stay tuned for Part Two of Episode 660, where Dave and Gareth continue unraveling the fascinating and humorous tales of Benjamin Franklin's rise to prominence.