Topic: Sharper Image

Paul Shatzkin describes how an anonymous email in 2002 led him to investigate T. Townsend Brown, an inventor whose work influenced the Ionic Breeze air purifier. Shatzkin eventually connected with Brown’s daughter, Linda Brown, in Yucca Valley, California, to begin researching his biography. The discussion introduces a mysterious figure codenamed "Morgan," a former colleague of Brown who provided insider information for the book.

The "Ion Fan," an invention by T. Townsend Brown that moves air without moving parts, eventually became the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze air purifier. Shatzkin recounts a story where Brown demonstrated the fan to Edward Teller, the father of the hydrogen bomb, who was baffled by its operation. The segment also notes the class-action lawsuits against Sharper Image due to ozone-related health issues caused by the device.