Yes, there was actually a guy named Rudolf Diesel who actually invented the diesel engine, which was incredibly revolutionary for its time. It earned Diesel a massive fortune and had huge implications for how war—especially maritime war in the early 1900’s—would be waged. As European countries scrambled for dominance just prior to WWI, Diesel disappeared, leading to speculation that he was murdered by either Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm II or by America’s John D. Rockefeller whose young petroleum empire Diesel's motor threatened. Or maybe Diesel leapt to his own death. Or maybe...something else happened. Author Doug Brunt’s new book 'The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I’ tells the story of this incredible innovator and the impact his machine continues to have on the world. Doug Brunt grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from Duke University. A former technology executive turned writer, his previous novels include 'Ghosts of Manhattan’ (which is f-in great!), 'The Means’, and 'Trophy Son'. He lives with his wife, journalist Megyn Kelly, in Connecticut. Check out Doug’s website here. 

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About Paul Ollinger and Crazy Money

After working as one of Facebook’s first 250 employees, Paul retired from the corporate world at 42, only to find himself bored, lonely, and driving his wife crazy. Today, he’s a standup comic, captivating audiences with his unique blend of humor and insight, performing alongside a diverse group of comedy powerhouses and iconic musicians, including Norm Macdonald, Dave Attell, Chelsea Handler, Styx, and Collective Soul. In 2019, Paul started this podcast, Crazy Money to explore the connection between money, happiness, work, and meaning. In one-on-one conversations with some of the world's most interesting people, he helps uncover the true sources of happiness in life and what wealth, success, and fame can (and can't) do for us. Previous guests include LL COOL J, Judd Apatow, Moby, and winners of the Nobel Prize, Heisman Trophy, PGA Championship, and Olympic gold medals. Paul is always on tour and coming to a comedy club near you. Check dates here.

This episodes Keywords:

Rudolf Diesel, boats, engines, Writing, author, novelist, Technology, Innovation, Diesel, Rockefeller, Doug Brunt, Megyn Kelly, transportation, oil industry, history, sea, invention, diesel power, invention, innovation, inventors, entrepreneurship, military, international politics, technology, war. 

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