Deep Dive: Patents, Patronage, and Processing Speed: Steamboats, Guggenheim, and the Brain - August 26, 2025
Kara Swift and Ethan Wells examine a 1791 patent showdown over the steamboat, unpack Peggy Guggenheim’s cultural and market influence, and translate neural processing into a striking physical metric: 120 meters per second.
In this Deep Dive episode, our hosts discuss the federal patent resolution between John Fitch and James Rumsey over the steamboat, Peggy Guggenheim’s role in shaping modern art markets and institutions, and the striking fact that the human brain can process information at about 120 meters per second.
- 📜 On this day in 1791, two rival inventors—John Fitch and James Rumsey—each received federal patents for the steamboat, settling a fierce dispute. Kara and Ethan explore how simultaneous patents changed incentives for steam navigation, clarified legal leadership in a transformative transport technology, and influenced investment, engineering standardization, and the early republic’s role in intellectual property norms.
- 🎂 We celebrate the birthdays of Peggy Guggenheim (1898), Christopher Isherwood (1904), and Albert Sabin (1906), with a focus on Guggenheim’s outsized impact: how her galleries and patronage functioned as cultural and market infrastructure—helping artists survive wartime dislocation, converting speculative interest into lasting market value, and educating audiences in ways that reshaped collectors and institutions.
- 💡 Fact of the day: the human brain can process information at roughly 120 meters per second. Kara and Ethan discuss how casting neural speed in spatial terms clarifies the immediacy of cognition, highlights latency and competitive advantage in markets and tech, and makes the brain feel like an engineered network whose speed matters for decision-making.
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- 📜 On this day in 1791, two rival inventors—John Fitch and James Rumsey—each received federal patents for the steamboat, settling a fierce dispute. Kara and Ethan explore how simultaneous patents changed incentives for steam navigation, clarified legal leadership in a transformative transport technology, and influenced investment, engineering standardization, and the early republic’s role in intellectual property norms.
- 🎂 We celebrate the birthdays of Peggy Guggenheim (1898), Christopher Isherwood (1904), and Albert Sabin (1906), with a focus on Guggenheim’s outsized impact: how her galleries and patronage functioned as cultural and market infrastructure—helping artists survive wartime dislocation, converting speculative interest into lasting market value, and educating audiences in ways that reshaped collectors and institutions.
- 💡 Fact of the day: the human brain can process information at roughly 120 meters per second. Kara and Ethan discuss how casting neural speed in spatial terms clarifies the immediacy of cognition, highlights latency and competitive advantage in markets and tech, and makes the brain feel like an engineered network whose speed matters for decision-making.
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🎧 Subscribe for more insights.
Creators and Guests

Producer
Chad Thompson
Chad Thompson is the producer of Neural Newscast, bringing his expertise in technology, cybersecurity, media production, DJing, music production, and radio broadcasting to deliver high-quality, engaging news content. A futurist and early adopter, Chad has a deep passion for innovation, storytelling, and automation, ensuring that Neural Newscast stays at the forefront of modern news delivery. With a background in security operations and a career leading cyber defense teams, he combines technical acumen with creative vision to produce informative and compelling broadcasts. In addition to producing the podcast, Chad creates its original music, blending his technical expertise with his creative talents to enhance the show's unique sound. Outside of Neural Newscast, Chad is a dedicated father, electronic music enthusiast, and builder of creative projects, always exploring new ways to merge technology with storytelling.

Guest
Ethan Wells
Ethan Wells is the financial correspondent for Neural Newscast, providing precise and measured coverage of economic developments and market trends. With a background in finance and a calm, methodical style, Ethan ensures listeners gain a clear understanding of the complexities of the economy. His reporting bridges the gap between professional insights and everyday relevance. Outside of work, Ethan enjoys studying economic history, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Guest
Kara Swift
Kara Swift is the technology reporter for Neural Newscast and the host of Prime Cyber Insights, a leading Technology and Cybersecurity podcast from Neural Newscast, available at 2PCI.com. With a passion for emerging technologies and a deep understanding of cybersecurity, Kara brings enthusiasm and clarity to her reporting, breaking down complex topics into relatable insights. Whether she's covering cutting-edge innovations or discussing the latest in digital security, Kara keeps audiences informed and engaged. Outside of her work, she enjoys coding side projects, exploring futuristic advancements, and connecting with the tech community.
