Thecuriousmanspodcast

My interview with author Dr. Troy Urdahl about his book, Chasing Influence: Transformational Coaching to Build Champions for Life, is now posted. Coaches are an often-overlooked influence on the life trajectory of our youth and with almost twice as many coaches than teachers, that is a very important resource that needs guidance. Urdahl steps into the fore to do just that and give any budding leaders the tools to be successful and impactful. With a unique delivery device, Urdahl compiles inspirational stories in a book that is hard to put down. 

My interview with author M.R O'Connor about her book, Ignition: Lighting Fires in a Burning World is now posted. In a riveting investigation of the science and ecology of wildfires, journalist M.R. O'Connor ventures into some of the oldest, most beautiful, and remote forests in North America to explore the powerful and ancient relationship between trees, fires, and humans. She also writes about her experience working the fire line, the ecological balance of building and the need to purge the forest with “good fires.” A prescient read in our times that I hope you all will pick up.

My interview with Julie Silverbrook about National Civics Day is now posted. We are in a crisis of dissolution in government today. So many people do not know what our government is responsible for and what their responsibilities to that system should be. Silverbrook and I talk about National Civics Day, what it means and how we should celebrate it. We also discuss the other civic holidays on the calendar and how we can educate ourselves and our youth better.

My interview with author Dr. Angela Sutton about her book, Pirates of the Slave Trade: The Battle of Cape Lopez and the Birth of an American Institution, is now posted. Pirates of the Slave Trade follows three fascinating figures whose fates would violently converge: John Conny, a charismatic leader of the Akan people; the infamous pirate Black Bart, who worked his way from an anonymous navigator to one of the British Empire’s most notorious enemies in the region; and naval captain Chaloner Ogle, tasked by the Crown with hunting down and killing Black Bart at all costs. At the Battle of Cape Lopez, these three men and the massive historical forces at their backs would finally find each other—and the world would be transformed forever. This book highlights the root of societies' greatest evil, Chattel Slavery. To discuss slavery and where it started is impossible without reading this book. I hope all will.

My interview with author Charles Derber about his book, Dying for Capitalism: How Big Money Fuels Extinction and What We Can Do About It, is now posted. This is an accessible book for scholars, students, activists, and the general public on the greatest crisis the world has faced. Capitalism has long been touted as the reason for U.S supremacy but Derber lifts the veil for us and shows how it is at the root of all that ails us. A primer on how to shift away from and heal the wounds that capitalism has created this is a necessary read if ever there has been one.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author David Curchio about his book, Smash Hit: Race, Crime, and Culture in Boxing Films. Boxing and film have been inextricably linked since silent movies, Curchio delves into our cultural fascination and highlights 20 movies that hold up the mirror to our culture of the time. A great exploration into film boxing that we can all appreciate and discuss.

Matt Crawford speaks to Judge Thomas Moukawsher about his book, The Common Flaw: Needless Complexity in the Courts and 50 Ways to Reduce It. Americans are losing faith in our governmental institutions and the courts are at the top of that list. Extreme delays force judges to drop cases or force litigants to settle instead of getting the justice they believe they deserve. This creates a cycle or ineffective and unjust law practices that all parties, including the judges and lawyers fail to understand. The Common Flaw steps into the fray to try and show us what needs to happen and why. With an approach that the layperson can understand Judge Moukawsher lays out a simple blueprint for us to fix and gain trust in our justice system again.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Amanda Chay about her book,The Girlfriend's Guide to Lupus: Hot to Control Your Shitty Diagnosis. While many of us have heard of Lupus very few of us, including those in the medical community understand it. With so many affected, and a vast array of symptoms and heath issues, how can we start to understand and help those diagnosed and their families? Chay has written this book for that reason and shared what it has been like for her and her family dealing with this disease. A funny, no holds barred memoir that tells it straight. I hope you will pick up this book and share it with a friend.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Richard Aldous about his book, The Dillon Era: Douglas Dillon in the Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson Administrations. How has a man, heir to a vast fortune that he put aside, and who decided to serve his country and 3 Presidential administrations instead, fade into somewhat obscurity? Serving both Republican and Democratic administrations in some of this nation's most fraught times, Dillon was a giant among politicians. Aldous introduces us to this man in vast and engrossing detail that will transport you back to Camelot days.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Jonathan Shapiro about his book, How to be Abe Lincoln: Seven Steps to Leading a Legendary Life. We live in divisive times, many would say the most since the Civil War. What better figure to discuss than Abraham Lincoln? Shapiro shows us how we can all be a little more like Lincoln and in the process enrich our own lives to make our mark. A fun read that will stimulate and inspire.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Minaa B. about her book, Owing Our Struggles:  Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World. Our struggles are unique to us, but we are not alone. Often, we isolate because of shame of the fear that we are broken, and no one can understand what we are going through. Wellness coach and licensed therapist Minaa B. shows us that thru healing happens through that sharing, connection and community care. By honestly sharing her owning struggles Minaa draws us in and shows us just how important it is for us to open up to one and other.

Matt Crawford speaks with author James Tabery about his book, Tyranny of the Gene. We are embarking on a medical revolution. Personalized or precision medicine tailored to our genomes and in some cases utilizing A.I promises cures and prevention as well as curbing costs by customization. Tabery exposes the origin of this revolution and reveals how politicians, biotech companies and pharmaceutical companies all rallied behind this idea of so called "miracle pills." But will this revolution deliver? Read the book and find out.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Carl Mitchell about his book, Friendship City: Hanging by a Thread. 2058 NYPD detective Nick Garvey and President of the United States, Lenora Allison are battling the remaining remnants of the murderous World Council. They must confront a man-made killer plague and the destruction of the newly created Friendship City. Following up the first book in the series, Sundown, Mitchell has written stories and scenarios that have proven all too feasible. A great thought provoking read that is sure to thrill.

Matt Crawford speaks with authors David and Susan Schwartz about their book, The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A to Z. We all know the name Costco, but it is more than just a gigantic store. 32 million people a day enter a Costco warehouse and where the decide to procure their goods has influenced world economies. Both lifelong fans of Costco David and Susan are well placed to tell this story and visiting over 200 Costcos around the world didn't hurt. A business model that should be followed by more this book details some inside baseball, fun facts and even tells us about some great deals. A great read that is hard to put down, I recommend it to all. Even if you aren't a Costco member.  

Matt Crawford speaks with author Alex Gambal about his book, Climbing the Vines in Burgundy: How an American Came to Own a Legendary Vineyard in France. This is a unique memoir about the first non-Frenchman to ever own one of the Montrachet Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy, France. Told through entertaining stories that celebrate the history of this world-renowned region, Gambal tells us how he went from parking lots and real estate in Washington D.C, to buying a vineyard and producing some of the world's best wine. All while learning on the fly and moving his family to France.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Scott Hoffman about his book, Inside. Inside begins in 1956 with Jimmy Williams, a 47-year-old man with two families- his wife and kids and the Outfit. A good family man who also happens to be an imposing consigliere for the Outfit. Written from the perspective of Bobby, Jimmy William's son, who from the age of 8 begins to accompany his father on Outfit business. Based on Hoffman's on life think Stand By Me meets Goodfellas. A great read and we also discuss what life in the mob is really like and what Hollywood gets wrong.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Yasmin Azad about her book, Stay, Daughter. Azad tells us of her life growing up as a young Muslim girl growing up in a stifling religious environment in Sri Lanka during the 1960-70's. With a delicate touch she details her fight for freedom while also highlighting a loving family. A touching and engrossing read that everyone can identify with.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Marvin Blake about his book: Precious In His Sight: A Novel. Precious In His Sight tells the story of multiple characters whose lives are inextricably linked by post-Civil War Reconstruction policies. Freed black slaves trying to find their identity, plantation owners trying to set back those freedoms, Plains Indians living on reservations and how we as a society are dealing with all of these shifts while trying to come together anew.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio about her book: Diversity Dividend: The Transformational Power of Small Changes to Debias Your Company, Attract Diverse Talent, Manage Everyone Better, and Make More Money. Every leader endeavors to invest in and manage their key asset-talent- to be as high-performing as possible. Cecchi-Dimeglio breaks down how diversity is the key to a winning formula in all aspects of business and overarchingly in any formula for success.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Judith Pearson about her book, Crusade to Heal America: The Remarkable Life of Mary Lasker. "I am opposed to heart disease and cancer the way one is opposed to sin." With that her battle cry, health activist and philanthropist Mary Woodard Lasker had a singular goal: saving lives by increasing medical research. The way medical research is conducted, funded and fundraised is still impacted by Mary and Albert Lasker. As only Pearson can we are taken into the Lasker's lives and into their battle.