In the first episode of our three part arc on phage genetics pioneers, we discuss the early life and career of physicist Max Delbruck. From failing his PhD exams to failing out of Nazi indoctrination camps, Max worked under the mantra of "Go big or go home." Well, mostly he went home. Until he stumbled into the field of phage genetics. Join us as we examine Max's life in the shadow of his famous father and his realization that he wasn't that great at physics.