Thecuriousmanspodcast
437 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 7 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 24 ratingsThe curious man Matt Crawford interviews authors and interesting people about topics ranging from history to politics to everyday stimulating topics. If you like to learn and are as curious as I am please join in!
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Episodes
Alexander Lobrano Interview Episode 43
June 10, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 39.2 MBIn this interview Matt Crawford speaks with author Alec Lobrano about his book My Place At The Table. This book is a delectable treat. Lobrano is open and honest in this book about his life, his love of travel and food and his career. "Jumping out a window" and taking a job in Paris as a fashion writer, despite the fact that he was not fluent and knew nothing about fashion. A story of following your dreams and being true to thine self. This book is a shower for the brain.
Brian Hall Interview Episode 42
June 09, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 35.5 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Brian Hall about his novel The Stone Loves The World. This is a deep and layered novel about family, lose, loneliness and communication. How do we define the word lonely? I think we all have learned a little more about that word through the pandemic. Hall taps into that and so many more emotions in this engrossing read. Science, math, music and psychology all play a part in this absorbing read.
Philip D'Anieri Interview Episode 41
June 08, 2021 07:00 - 55 minutes - 28.6 MBIn this interview Matt Crawford speaks with author Philip D'Anieri about his book The Appalachian Trail. Almost everyone has heard of this massive trail that travels from Georgia to Maine, but how did it come into existence? Why and by whom? D'Anieri goes back to its inception and how the trail has evolved over time while highlighting the people involved and the hard work it took and takes to maintain this American treasure.
Michelle Seiler Tucker Interview Episode 40
June 04, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutes - 27.9 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author, Founder and CEO of Seiler Tucker Inc. about her new book Exit Rich. Over 90% of businesses do not sell. Why is that? Tucker brings her vast expertise in the Merger & Acquisition field for over 20 years to this book and shows us how to build a business to sell from its inception. Even if you don't yet own a business this is the place to start.
Leah Garrett Interview Episode 39
June 03, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 36.3 MBAuthor Leah Garrett details the amazing exploits of X Troop, a World War II German-Jewish commando unit. These commandos were Jewish refugees who escaped persecution while some of their family members had not. At first considered alien enemies by Britain these men would go on to becoming one of its most effective fighting forces. A true story of justice, these men were literally fighting against the clock to try and save their families from the Nazi scourge. A heart-wrenching yet uplifting r...
Claire Nelson Interview Episode 38
June 02, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutes - 15 MBMatt Crawford speaks with author Claire Nelson about her book Things I Learned From Falling Down. In 2018 Nelson made international headlines after falling 25 feet in Joshua Tree Park and seriously injuring herself. Alone with no cell service and unable to move for 4 days, her's is a true story of perseverance and resolve. An honest and unvarnished look at her life and what happened before and after the accident will have you contemplating your own. While you will come for the fall you will...
Robert M. Smith Interview Episode 37
June 01, 2021 10:57 - 1 hour - 35.2 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Robert Smith about his book Suppressed. As a former New York Times Washington correspondent Smith details how some stories get told and why some don't. From hiring reporters of a certain party, holding back negative stories about business, covering the My Lai massacre and even Smith's involvement in Watergate. This book is a useful tool to navigate the partisan climate we are now in and Smith uses his many years as a reporter, lawyer and media...
Eric Lindner Interview Episode 36
May 27, 2021 11:09 - 1 hour - 39.6 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Eric Lindner about his book Tiger In The Sea. On a moonless September night in 1962, a Flying Tiger lost 3 of 4 engines and had to ditch into a roiling Atlantic Ocean with 20 foot swells, 1000 miles from land. A story of unequaled bravery and heroism this is a story that need to be read. Lindner details the grace and fortitude exampled by Captain Jon Murray and his crew on that chilly evening in their efforts to save the passengers after survi...
Tom Vartanian Interview Episode 35
May 24, 2021 15:37 - 1 hour - 30.3 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Tom Vartanian about his book 200 years of American Financial Panics. Vartanian brings his vast experience in the financial sector, both on the private and public side of the equation. Why does the United States continue to suffer financial crisis after crisis? Whether we have regulations to avoid these moments or not they still seem to find us, why? Dive into to this informative yet easy to follow read to better understand why and how we can avoid it...
Michael Blanding Interview Episode 34
May 20, 2021 07:00 - 59 minutes - 33.1 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Michael Blanding about his book North by Shakespeare. Did Shakespeare actually right all his plays? I didn't know this was even a question that needed to be asked. Who is Thomas North? The plot thickens and Blanding takes us along on his search for the answers. Plagiarism software, digital term searches and archival finds are just some of the tools that unravel this juicy story. A book that reads like a detective novel this one is hard to put ...
Sebastian Junger Interview Episode 33
May 18, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 28.9 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speak with author and filmmaker Sebastian Junger about his book Freedom. What does Freedom mean? I guess that depends on who you are asking. Sebastian and I get into it and discuss how that word has evolved over time and how it translates to today's issues. From the MAGA to the WAGA crowd, from the Apache to modern day military, Junger shines a light on an important issue that we should all consider.
David B. Williams Interview Episode 32
May 14, 2021 12:42 - 56 minutes - 27.9 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author David B. Williams about his book Homewaters. Williams introduces us to The Puget Sound by taking us back in time and deep under the surface to show us what makes this beautiful ecosystem tick and envelopes us with its rich history. As Williams goes on scientific studies regarding, Herring, Rockfish, Kelp and the terrifying Geoduck he brings us along to learn in the most vibrant prose, engaging all our senses while we read. You might find yours...
Daniel James Brown Interview Episode 31
May 11, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 38.1 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Daniel James Brown about his book Facing The Mountain. Pearl Harbor changed everything, and for Japanese Americans more so than most. Bigotry already on display raged, forced from homes and businesses into internment camps and then asked to serve the very country imprisoning their families. This is a story of unexampled heroism and grace in the face of ignorance and hate. Brown does it again and you will find yourself weeping, when you experie...
Heino Falke Interview Episode 30
May 04, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 32.2 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Heino Falcke about his book Light In The Darkness. This is one of those books that leaves you with so many more questions than when you began reading. And that is in the best of ways. Falcke describes his and his teams search to capture the first image of a Black Hole. With levity and knowledge he takes us along for the search and shares his faith with us as well. Religion, philosophy and science have never been blended so well. An utter joy t...
Dr. Bonnie Kaplan Interview Episode 29
April 28, 2021 01:48 - 1 hour - 37.9 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Dr. Bonnie Kaplan about her and co-author Dr. Julia Rucklidge's book The Better Brain. We are in the midst of a mental health crisis and for the most part we look to prescription medication to treat these illnesses. What if we could treat our brains, not with drugs but with nutrients through good clean TRUE food? The Better Brain lays out the scientific evidence that proves how effective a clean diet can be. A paradigm shifting read in the treatment...
Blaine Harden Interview Episode 28
April 27, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 35.7 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Blaine Harden about his book Murder At The Mission. The story of missionaries forging west to the Oregon Territory in 1836 to convert the Nez Perce and Cayuse tribes would echo through American history through today. Harden details how a failed missionary and a harrowing trip to save his career would have a monumental impact on the Cayuse tribe and Native American relations writ large for years to come. A pivotal and important moment that need...
Tom Eisenmann Interview Episode 27
April 21, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 37.7 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Tom Eisenmann about his book Why Startups Fail. Eisenmann takes us through how some startups fail and how to avoid those same pitfalls. A professor of business at Harvard, Eisenmann takes us into his classroom and lets us benefit from the trust he has established with these entrepreneurs. A masterclass on honesty and learning from mistakes this is a must read for anyone who appreciates the process of learning.
Amy Russo Interview Episode 26
April 20, 2021 07:00 - 58 minutes - 33.4 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Amy Russo about her book Women of the White House. Russo takes us through the history of all the first ladies and surrogate first ladies that have served. A position with no set responsibilities this has been a post that has been made by those first ladies themselves. From Martha Washington, Mary Todd Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy and Jill Biden, we learn their effects on the Presidency, the populace and society writ large.
Hadassah Lieberman Interview Episode 25
April 19, 2021 07:00 - 54 minutes - 31.4 MBIn this interview Matt Crawford speaks with author Hadassah Lieberman about her book Hadassah. Hadassah covers the amazing life of Hadassah Liberman. Born in Prague to Holocaust survivors to within a hairs breadth of being the 2nd Lady of The United States, this book tracks Hadassah's travels and accomplishments. An inspiring and emotional read.
Ian Logan and Jonathan Glancey Interview Episode 24
April 07, 2021 10:57 - 1 hour - 39.5 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with authors Ian Logan and Jonathan Glancey about their book Logomotive. Ian Logan shows his love for the great iconography of train design from the bygone heyday of the great Locomotives with his beautiful photographs. With Jonathan Glancey's elegant prose this book is a historical work of art that transports us back in time and takes us on a transcontinental ride in the boxcars of our imagination. A hand in glove collaboration this book is a must have f...
Shannon Bontrager Interview Episode 23
April 05, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 46.7 MBMatt Crawford speaks with author Shannon Bontrager about his book Death at the Edges of Empire. How has the burial and commemoration of our war dead shaped our history and our culture? What was Lincoln promising to those who died on the Civil War battlefields in his Gettysburg Address? Bontrager examines these aspects of our past and explains how they continue to shape the lens through which we view our past. A fresh and captivating look at a piece of our history I hadn't understood until ...
Harold Schechter Interview Episode 23
April 02, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 37.4 MBMatt Crawford speaks with author Harold Schechter about his book Maniac. This is the unbelievable and horrible true story of the nations deadliest school massacre in 1927 Bath Michigan. What prompted Andrew Kehoe to rig the school to explode on the last and busiest day of school? Why did he then load his truck with explosives and blow himself and others up in a suicide attack. Read and see for yourself.
Glenn Stout Interview Episode 22
March 30, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 36.6 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Glenn Stout about his book Tiger Girl And The Candy Kid. Set in the heart of the Jazz Era this story reveals the dark and roiling emotions of the time. Those that had, had a lot and those that didn't had nothing. Prohibition drove many to crime, including politicians and law enforcement Tiger Girl and The Candy Kid felt they were just getting their piece of the pie. Fast paced and hard to put down this is an amazing part of our history and Sto...
Nicholas Griffin Interview Episode 21
March 26, 2021 07:00 - 55 minutes - 34.8 MBMatt Crawford speaks with author Nicholas Griffin about his book The Year of Dangerous Days. This is a frenetically paced story capturing one pivotal year in the history of Miami. 1980 would prove to be a foundational year that the current city and its future still rest on today. Jimmy Carter, Fidel Castro, Janet Reno, Edna Buchanan, Mayor Ferre are just a few of the players in this story. Then of course you have racial unrest and riots, 120,000 Cuban refugees, 150 percent murder rate increa...
Kevin Maurer Interview Episode 20
March 24, 2021 07:00 - 59 minutes - 34.2 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Kevin Maurer about his book Rock Force. WWII is such a wide ranging and detailed part of our history that it still holds tales of heroism barely recounted. Maurer takes us back to The Pacific theatre and the men who were tasked with taking back an American foothold. There are many stories that detail what happened but few capture the personality of the men involved as well as Maurer. I felt like I was landing on topside with these men and enjo...
Nathanial Gronewold Interview Episode 19
March 22, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 41.2 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Nathanial Gronewold about his book Anthill Economics. Does modern economic theory violate basic laws of nature and physics? Why would it matter if it did? Gronewold shows us how interconnected those fields of science actually are, or at least how they should be. A book that will take your mind to many different places and challenge you to look at many assumptions in your every day life. This is a book that begs discussion. Great read!
Menachem Kaiser Interview Episode 18
March 19, 2021 07:00 - 57 minutes - 30.4 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Menachem Kaiser about his book Plunder. Kaiser tells his story of trying to recover Nazi stolen family property in Poland and the amazing chain of events that led him down that path. Encounters with the residents of the stolen property, a Polish lawyer known as "The Killer", Nazi treasure hunters and a surprise family discovery are all contained within. Kaiser is intimately honest with the reader and holds nothing back in his telling of his fa...
Jamal Greene Interview Episode 17
March 18, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 40.7 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Jamal Greene about his book How Rights Went Wrong. In this much needed read Greene describes how our idea of rights, and how absolute those rights are has pushed us into separate camps and divides us further. While judges are meant to be the arbiters of those cases they have also driven a wedge between us and inflamed passions instead of tempering them. This book offers common sense solutions and examples in how we may bring down the temperatu...
David Laskin Interview Episode 16
March 17, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 40.9 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author David Laskin about his book What Sammy Knew. A touching and engrossing novel about a young man's coming of age story in the turbulent 60's and 70's. Laskin tells the story of Sammy and brings us back to the politics, drugs and activism of the era through Sammy's eyes and actions. What really brings us back is the relationship between this young Jewish man and his African American housekeeper Tutu Carter. This is a fun, thought provoking and em...
Dr. Ray Dorsey Interview Episode 15
March 16, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 39.4 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Dr. Ray Dorsey about his book Ending Parkinson's Disease. Brain diseases are the world's leading source of disability and the fastest growing is Parkinson's. Four top experts outline a plan to prevent, improve care and treatment and educate the public about a disease that can be prevented and hopefully cured. All proceeds go to the efforts to do so, please buy this book, read and join in the fight to end Parkinson's disease.
Robert Strauss Interview Episode 14
March 11, 2021 13:09 - 1 hour - 35.8 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Robert Strauss about his book John Marshall: The Final Founder. What time period defines our Founding, and what defines a Founding Father? Strauss dives into that debate and demonstrates that not only could John Marshall be considered a Founder but what he did as Chief Justice would reverberate throughout history and his actions are still felt today, and will be continued to shape our future. An important book about an oft overlooked, indispen...
Dr. Richard Gunderman Interview Episode 13
March 09, 2021 08:00 - 28 minutes - 15.6 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Dr. Richard Gunderman about his book Contagion. This is the history of the world's deadliest diseases and the fight to understand and combat them. A book that could not have come at a more apt time, this is a book that needs to be read by all. Follow the science and the history, please read this book and inform yourselves.
Giles Sparrow Interview Episode 12
March 05, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 38.6 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Giles Sparrow about his book A History of the Universe in 21 Stars. Sparrow guides us through the universe using 21 stars we can see easily in our sky. With humor, wit and drawings we follow along in this expertly laid out map of the stars and learn how they tell us about our past. Sparrow breaks down the stars in a way that is enjoyable and easy to follow. This is a great read for those just learning about the universe and I highly recommend it.
Tim Wendel Interview Episode 11
March 04, 2021 08:00 - 59 minutes - 35.4 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Tim Wendel about his book Escape from Castro's Cuba. The sequel to Castro's Curveball we go back to Cuba with Billy Bryan for a new adventure. Billy becomes involved in a scheme to help a top baseball prospect escape from Cuba to the U.S. Even if you are not a baseball fan this book is a great fun read and will make you look at the game in a different light. I loved this book and cant wait till I can sit and enjoy a game.
Michael Heller and Jim Salzman Interview Episode 10
March 03, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 36 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with authors Michael Heller and Jim Salzman about their book Mine! "Mine" challenges those ideas of ownership that we think we know. Who owns the space behind your airplane seat? Who has rights to a street spot after shoveling it out? Why is plagiarism wrong? These are the questions that Heller and Salzman tackle in this fantastic read. Like Freakonomics for the law, I cant recommend this book enough!
Judith Pearson Interview Episode 9
March 02, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 46.9 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author and Cancer survivor Judith Pearson about her book From Shadows to Life. A touching read about the history of the Cancer fight and survivorship. The creation of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, the medical history of the fight and the social movement that continues to improve life for millions surviving with Cancer around the world, this book is a must read for all.
Michael Patrick F. Smith Interview Episode 8
February 16, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 32.9 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Michael Patrick F. Smith about his memoir The Good Hand. This is Michael's story which centers around him heading out west to North Dakota during the oil boom, searching for work. While Michael describes that search and the work that follows he also opens a door to his past and shares the most intimate of memories with us. A book about searching, loss, friendship and honesty this is a book that all can relate to.
Heather Chavez Interview Episode 7
February 16, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 39.7 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Heather Chavez about her debut Novel No Bad Deed. This is a fast paced thriller that you will find hard to put down. Cassie Larkin is driving home late one evening from her veterinarian practice when she spots a man and a woman fighting on the side of the road. Cassie gets out of the car to help and this starts a chain of events she could not have imagined. An instant classic, I recommend this book to all looking for a great thriller.
Scott Farris Interview Episode 6
February 09, 2021 08:00 - 58 minutes - 32.3 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Scott Farris about his book Freedom On Trial. This book covers the important but largely ignored period of Reconstruction. The Union won the Civil War but the Confederacy was quickly winning the peace, enacting laws that limited the newly won civil rights of African Americans. The rise of the Ku Klux, segregation and even Supreme Court cases were the new obstacles that replaced slavery. This book is required reading and I hope you all will.
Greg Everett Interview Episode 5
February 08, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Greg Everett about his book Tough. Everett defines what tough truly means and captures ways in which we can push ourselves and reach our peak self. Filled with exercises and techniques to help achieve our goals this book is an inspirational read. Filled with philosophical quotes this book is a great motivational read.
Tom Zoellner Interview Episode 4
January 18, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 33.4 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Tom Zoellner about his book The National Road, a collection of essays written by Tom over twenty years. Different parts of the country at different times and a wanderlust, blend beautifully to give us a great view of our land and the people contained within. A great read at any time but even more so now, in the divided times we live in.
Elizabeth Mitchell Interview Episode 3
January 13, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 34.7 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Elizabeth Mitchell about her book Lincoln's Lie. This book proves that history is anything but boring. In 1864 the Civil War is raging and the casualty count is rising. In the dead of night a proclamation calling for 400,000 more Union soldiers, allegedly authored by President Lincoln is printed by two newspapers and panic abounds. Mitchell unwraps this mystery piece by delicious piece. Did Lincoln write the notice, who lied, what part did hon...
Doug Most Interview Episode 2
January 07, 2021 11:00 - 56 minutes - 26.7 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Doug Most about his book The Race Underground. This is the incredible story about the race to built America's first subway in the late nineteenth century. Two brothers, William and Henry Whitney would both play pivotal roles in this endeavor, one in New York and one in Boston. A time of great innovation Most brings us back in time with intimate details and writing. A great and fast paced read with wonderful historical tidbits. Highly recommend...
Lesley M.M. Blume Interview Episode 1
January 05, 2021 13:32 - 1 hour - 32.3 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with award winning journalist, historian and author Lesley Blume about her book Fallout. This is the story of how the U.S tried to hide the true nature of the bombs dropped on Japan. An almost year long cover-up was broken by New Yorker journalist John Hersey in what was the scoop of the century. Hersey detailed the events and aftermath of the bombings through the eyes of six civilian victims in a way that captured the world's attention and compassion. Re...
Scott Ellsworth Interview Episode 52
December 15, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 34.2 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Scott Ellsworth about his book The World Beneath Their Feet. This is the story of the race to climb the world's tallest peaks. Multiple countries and many expeditions risked money, treasure and the lives of their best climbers to achieve these feats. Ellsworth introduces us to those men in the most intimate of ways and takes us along for the climb. A great inspiring and motivational read!
John Harris Interview Episode 51
December 09, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 30.9 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Dr. John Harris about his book The Last Slave Ships. This is the story of merchants based in the U.S still sending hundreds of illegal slave ships to the African coast from American ports decades after the international slave trade was outlawed. Harris tracks how the U.S government ignored and abetted this act and how the British, with the use of spies tried to stop it. An in depth and engrossing read that should be read by all.
Jonathan Daniel Wells Interview Episode 50
December 04, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 30.3 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Jonathan Daniel Wells about his book The Kidnapping Club. This is the amazing story of a powerful network of NYC judges, lawyers and police officers who enabled the kidnapping and sale of free and fugitive African Americans in the early 1800's. This occurred while slavery had already been banned in the northern states. A must read in understanding our history and the true relationship between the North and the South.
Jonathan C. Slaght Interview Episode 49
December 01, 2020 11:00 - 57 minutes - 28.6 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with biologist and author Jonathan Slaght about his book Owls of the Eastern Ice. This is the story of Slaght's quest to save the endangered Blakiston Fish Owl an owl which reaches a height of two and a half feet with a six foot wingspan. At times this reads like a detective novel you will find yourself looking to the trees in search of a hidden bird.
David Daley Interview Episode 48
November 18, 2020 13:54 - 1 hour - 32.5 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author David Daley about his book Unrigged. This is a compilation of stories from around the country about our fellow citizens pushing back against voter suppression in many forms to make their and our voices heard. Unbelievably timed before the 2020 election this is most of all a story of hope and how our voices and votes do matter. Daley does a fantastic job showing how we are all closer on many issues than we may think despite what party or state ...
Garrett Cathcart Interview Episode 47
November 10, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 36.3 MBIn this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Executive Director of Mission Roll Call Garrett Cathcart. Almost half of all veterans are unaffiliated with the VA or any veteran serving organization. The purpose of Mission Roll Call is to coalesce these voices into a cohesive message for our leaders to make sure veterans are served better.