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7: The Industrial Revolution and its Consequences pt.1: The Unabomber

Writer: Maia WarnerMaia Warner


Things are spicing up in this episode as Maia and Grant begin a new series in their podcast on the industrial revolution and its consequences. In this podcast episode that draws elements from a storytelling podcast, Maia tells Grant and their listeners about the tale of the infamous Unabomber through the lens of the authorities trying to solve the case. The podcast opens up a vault of mysteries and their answers that somehow leave the listeners with even more questions.

 

But don't worry, Maia and Grant are not condoning the actions of the Unabomber in their podcast! They are just saying that maybe some of the ideas in his manifesto weren't all that crazy and if it sounds like something you are into, this is the podcast recommendation for you!

 

 

Key Highlights

 

Ted Kaczynski: Grant and Maia start the podcast by discussing the history of the infamous Unabomber, Theodore John Kaczynski, who was an American mathematician and a domestic terrorist. They talk about the events surrounding him, including the FBI investigation centered around his crimes, drawing elements from a true crime and history podcast in their episode.

 

Political Philosophy: After discussing the crimes of Unabomber, Grant and Maia move the discussion of the podcast to the political ideology and manifesto he held. They present various perspectives regarding his beliefs leaving the final interpretation of whether they were totally baseless or held some truth up to their listeners after providing their own opinions in the podcast.

 

Unabomber's Psychopathy: Towards the final section of the podcast, Grant and Maia discuss the Unabomber's personality. They talk about his crystal clear thinking, his incredible genius and the elements of psychopathy within him that led him to commit the crimes he did. The podcast leaves the listeners with questions about human nature and how it can manifest in several ways and behaviors.

 

 

Key Quotes

  • “The Unabomber had this little song, it's time for political violence against my enemies, you either agree with me politically or you get the violence.”

  • “I absolutely hate that I was so prepared for him to be absolutely off the wagon and instead he's crystal clear in his thinking just as a really messed up cause and effect relationship in his brain.”

  • “Ted was incredibly smart…he graduated high school two years early and went to Harvard at the age of 16 and after Harvard he went to the University of Michigan to get his PhD in Theoretical Mathematics.”

 

Interested in listening to more of such comedic, humor-packed, and educational podcasts? Make sure to tune in to our upcoming episodes and stay engaged with the podcast. Subscribe, rate, and share your favorite episodes to support "Well, I Laughed"!

 

Socials

Instagram and TikTok: @wellilaughed

 

Photos:

Unabomber Police Sketch - Courtesy of the Associated Press
Unabomber Police Sketch - Courtesy of the Associated Press

Ted Kaczynski outside of courthouse April 4, 1996 - courtesy of John Youngbear/Associated Press 
Ted Kaczynski outside of courthouse April 4, 1996 - courtesy of John Youngbear/Associated Press 

Inside of the Unabomber's Cabin - courtesy of FBI Evidence Photos
Inside of the Unabomber's Cabin - courtesy of FBI Evidence Photos

Outside of Ted Kaczynski's Montana Cabin April 6 1996 - courtesy of AP Photo, Elaine Thompson, File
Outside of Ted Kaczynski's Montana Cabin April 6 1996 - courtesy of AP Photo, Elaine Thompson, File

 

Sources:

Unabomber in his own words on Netflix


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