The Boy Scout | Criminal Podcast
- Sep 11, 2026
- 42:54
- Full Episode
When David Hahn was 16, he started working on something that caught the attention of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the FBI.
Ken Silverstein’s book is The Radioactive Boy Scout. (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/167319/the-radioactive-boy-scout-by-ken-silverstein/)
Criminal is a show about people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. Hosted by Phoebe Judge. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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Episode 340 originally published November 14, 2025. https://thisiscriminal.com/episode-340-the-boy-scout-11-14-2025
Music in this episode: “Basic Curiosity” by Blue Dot Sessions “Cat’s Eye” by Blue Dot Sessions “Palladian” by Blue Dot Sessions “Trailrunner” by Blue Dot Sessions “Selena Leica” by Blue Dot Sessions “Decompression” by Blue Dot Sessions “Paramo Ocho” by Blue Dot Sessions “Golden Grass” by Blue Dot Sessions “Mercurial Vision” by Blue Dot Sessions “Inamorata” by Blue Dot Sessions “Hedgeliner” by Blue Dot Sessions “House of Grendel” by Blue Dot Sessions “Rally” by Blue Dot Sessions “Lesser Gods of Metal” by Blue Dot Sessions
Brief Summary
Teenager David Han builds a nuclear reactor in his backyard, alarming authorities and revealing the dangers of unchecked scientific curiosity.
Key points
- Criminal Plus Membership. Join Criminal Plus for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and live events.
- Strange Happenings in Golf Manor. Doy Peace witnesses men in moonsuits dismantling a potting shed in her neighborhood.
- David's Scientific Obsession. David Han's childhood fascination with science leads to dangerous experiments.
- Dangerous Experiments. David's reckless experiments lead to explosions and hospital visits.
- Building a Breeder Reactor. At 16, David attempts to build a nuclear reactor, a feat attempted by the government.
- The Radium Clock Find. David finds a clock containing radium paint, leading to a thrilling moment of discovery.
Episode highlights
- Criminal Plus MembershipJoin Criminal Plus for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and live events.“It's like being in the room with us while we work.”0:18Sep 11, 2026
- Strange Happenings in Golf ManorDoy Peace witnesses men in moonsuits dismantling a potting shed in her neighborhood.“They were focused on this potting shed in the backyard.”2:27Sep 11, 2026
- David's Scientific ObsessionDavid Han's childhood fascination with science leads to dangerous experiments.“He started making his own fireworks using a formula he'd found.”6:48Sep 11, 2026
- Dangerous ExperimentsDavid's reckless experiments lead to explosions and hospital visits.“His parents thought it was cool, but then they started getting a little concerned.”7:50Sep 11, 2026
- Building a Breeder ReactorAt 16, David attempts to build a nuclear reactor, a feat attempted by the government.“David decided to try to build a nuclear reactor called a breeder reactor.”14:15Sep 11, 2026
- The Radium Clock FindDavid finds a clock containing radium paint, leading to a thrilling moment of discovery.“He never had a score like that. I mean, this was like, you know, robbing a bank.”25:11Sep 11, 2026
- David's Backyard Lab DiscoveryAuthorities discover David's backyard lab filled with radioactive materials, triggering a major response.“What the police had found in David's trunk had set into motion something called the federal radiological emergency response plan.”34:04Sep 11, 2026
- David's Radioactive ReputationAfter his experiments, David is labeled as a danger, affecting his social life and reputation.“Some of the kids at the high school started calling him radioactive boy.”39:13Sep 11, 2026
