What happens when one of history's greatest inventors becomes the subject of a full-scale rock opera?

On this episode of Mostly Superheroes, Logan sits down with Mark Rodgers, writer, producer, and composer of Nikola Tesla: Light It Up, alongside legendary St. Louis performer Jason Nelson, to explore the music, history, and passion behind this groundbreaking production.

From Tesla's rivalry with Thomas Edison to the surprising connection between Tesla and The Wizard of Oz, this conversation dives deep into the research, songwriting, and creative process behind the 13 original songs that make up the show.

Whether you're a history buff, classic rock fan, or simply love great storytelling, this episode shines a light on one of the most fascinating figures who ever lived.

Learn more: teslalightitup.com

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00:00 Jason Nelson's musical journey 01:11 Becoming Nikola Tesla 03:15 The first meeting that started it all 05:11 Why Jason immediately said yes 06:00 Building the seven-piece band 07:20 Creating a cinematic rock opera 08:19 Bringing the music into the podcast 10:48 Born Tesla 🎵 11:30 The 13-song concept album 12:24 Tesla arrives in America 14:37 Money and Imagination 🎵 15:27 Researching Nikola Tesla's life 16:29 Wardenclyffe and free energy 17:57 Tesla's famous 3-6-9 philosophy 18:38 Light It Up – The Beginning (Reprise) 🎵 20:17 Presence 🎵 22:25 The meaning behind "Presence" 24:40 Standing On My Grave 🎵 26:24 I Am The Original Wizard of Oz 🎵 28:18 What fans can expect at Delmar Hall 29:58 Community support and live broadcast 31:28 Elon Musk, The Sphere, and future dreams 32:25 Nikola Tesla's greatest inventions 33:48 Tesla's St. Louis connection 35:57 The future of Light It Up 36:24 Tickets and where to attend 37:51 Jason Nelson's other bands

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