In this episode, Mark Kinsley dives into the deep end with Charlie Hall, the legendary inventor of the waterbed.

Charlie spills the story of how a graduate project aimed at comfort morphed into a nationwide sensation that made waves in the bedroom (literally). From his original vision of a super-comfy chair to pioneering an entire sleep revolution, Charlie gives us the behind-the-scenes scoop on the highs, lows, and splashes along the way.

Plus, he talks about his other ventures, like creating sun showers for happy campers, and even a few tales about frolicking (interpret that as you wish) on early waterbed prototypes. Whether you’re a sleep enthusiast, a curious inventor, or just someone who appreciates comfort, this episode will have you floating with interest.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Genesis of the Waterbed: What started as a chair evolved into a mattress, and it all came down to comfort and a quest to conquer pressure points.

The Wild Ride to Market: From art galleries to head shops, the waterbed's rise was full of quirky detours, investors with deep pockets, and surprising celebrity endorsements.

Changing the Game: Before waterbeds, "firmer is better" was the mantra. Charlie's wavy creation made the industry rethink comfort, paving the way for memory foam and beyond.