Over the next few episodes, we present
Hidden Histories: stories that will make you rethink how the world works. First up, the conspiracy behind the lightbulb—and how it came to shape the entire consumer economy. If you ever wondered why your tech outdates so quickly or just plain fails, you can thank the lightbulb. (This episode originally aired in 2019.)
Guests: Sally Helm, former NPR Planet Money correspondent
Markus Krajewski, author of
The Great Lightbulb ConspiracyGiles Slade, author of
Made to Break: Technology and Obsolescence in AmericaSupport shows like Throughline with NPR+. Sign up today at plus.npr.org.See
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