In this episode of Quotable History, we shine a light on the life and legacy of Thomas Edison — the inventor who recorded the first sound, lit up cities with his electric vision, and redefined modern life. From his humble beginnings to his groundbreaking inventions, we explore not just the man behind the lightbulb, but the relentless drive, failures, and controversies that shaped his career. Along the way, we’ll hear his famous recording of Mary Had a Little Lamb, and uncover what made Edison one of history’s most quotable — and complex — figures.

Listen now to discover the story of America’s most prolific inventor, and what we can learn from his spark of genius.

🔔 New episodes every Tuesday

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TikTok → @quotable.history

🙏 Special thanks to Rachel Henry—for her unwavering support and essential editing work behind the scenes.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, text the link to one friend who loves history and don’t forget to subscribe. That’s how we grow—one curious mind at a time.

Sources:

https://www.biography.com/inventors/thomas-edison

https://www.nps.gov/edis/learn/kidsyouth/the-phonograph.htm

https://edison.rutgers.edu/life-of-edison/essaying-edison/essay/myth-buster-topsy-the-elephant

https://www.thomasedison.org/the-edison-family

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Edison

We celebrate the Fourth of July—but John Adams was convinced it would be the Second. Why?

In this episode of Quotable History, host Will Henry dives into the political drama behind America's founding. From the Boston Massacre and the Tea Party to the fierce debates in the Continental Congress, this is the real story of how 13 colonies voted to break away from the British Empire—on July 2nd, 1776.

Featuring Adams’s iconic letter to Abigail and the clash between radicals and reconciliationists, we trace how independence was born—and why the ideals behind it still matter.

🎇 Hear why Adams thought July 2nd would be the day Americans would celebrate forever.

🔔 New episodes every Tuesday

📲 Follow on social:

X, Instagram, Facebook → @quotehistorypod

TikTok → @quotable.history

🙏 Special thanks to Rachel Henry—for her unwavering support and essential editing work behind the scenes.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, text the link to one friend who loves history. That’s how we grow—one curious mind at a time.

Sources:

https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/online-exhibitions/timeline-american-revolution

https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2014/07/02/john-adams-vision-of-july-4-was-july-2/

https://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/archive/doc?id=L17760703jasecond

Joe Rogan Experience #2336 – Ken Burns, published June 11, 2025

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration/how-did-it-happen

In this episode of Quotable History, host Will Henry unpacks one of the most iconic quotes in the history of science, and the centuries of bold thinkers who made it possible. From Copernicus quietly challenging church doctrine, to Galileo facing the Inquisition, to Newton himself calculating the laws of the universe during a plague lockdown, we trace the legacy of those who dared to question the world around them.

This isn’t just the story of Newton. It’s the story of a revolution, the Scientific Revolution, and the brave minds who built the intellectual scaffolding that modern science stands on.

We’ll also examine why institutions often resist groundbreaking ideas, and what this history can teach us about the pursuit of truth in today’s world.

🔔 New episodes every Tuesday

📲 Follow on social:

X, Instagram, Facebook → @quotehistorypod

TikTok → @quotable.history

🙏 Special thanks to Rachel Henry—for her unwavering support and essential editing work behind the scenes.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, text the link to one friend who loves history. That’s how we grow—one curious mind at a time.

Sources:

https://www.biography.com/scientists/isaac-newton

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Isaac-Newton

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Galileo-Galilei

https://www.biography.com/scientists/nicolaus-copernicus

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicolaus-Copernicus

https://iep.utm.edu/rene-descartes/

https://galileo.library.rice.edu/sci/brahe.html

https://galileo.library.rice.edu/sci/kepler.html

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/24520/6-things-you-should-know-about-isaac-newton

https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/bacon_francis.shtml