Books & Looks

Ever wondered about the real story behind a bottle of tequila? It's not just about agave and distilling; it's a dramatic saga of revolution, political betrayal, and intense family rivalries. In this episode, we're joined by author Ted Genoways to uncover the incredible history of Jose Cuervo, a story that is far more turbulent and cinematic than you can imagine. We'll explore how one man's ambition to build a business empire became entangled in a bloody struggle for the very spirit of Mexico.

Join us as we dive deep into the subjects of Ted Genoways' groundbreaking book, "Tequila Wars." Discover how the tequila industry wasn't just a bystander but a central player in Mexico's national conflicts. We explore the bitter Cuervo and Sauza family rivalry, a competition that shaped not only the business but also the political landscape of Jalisco. Learn about the Porfirio Diaz tequila industry connection, where Cuervo's own uncle, Florentino Cuervo, was a key figure in the revolution that brought Diaz to power, only to be betrayed later. This complex saga reveals how these families navigated shifting allegiances and constant violence during the tumultuous era of tequila and the Mexican Revolution. From militia leaders running distilleries to the struggle to build modern infrastructure like railroads amidst national chaos, this conversation uncovers a lost chapter of history.

This episode peels back the label to reveal the true story behind one of the world's most famous spirits. We discuss how Jose Cuervo's project to rebuild his family's empire was a narrative of genius and resilience, culminating at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, a pivotal moment that forced the industry to modernize. Yet, just as Cuervo built the infrastructure for a global business, the revolution erupted, forcing distilleries to close and pitting figures like Pancho Villa against American interests right on the distribution lines. The full history of Jose Cuervo is a tale of how a regional spirit survived near-constant warfare to become a national symbol, ironically aided by the era of Prohibition in the United States. Don't miss this fascinating discussion about Ted Genoways Tequila Wars, a story waiting to be told.

About Our Guest:
Ted Genoways is an acclaimed author and journalist. His book, "Tequila Wars: Jose Cuervo, and the Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico," is the result of years of deep investigation into a history that many believed was lost forever. Sparked by family stories from his father, a bat biologist who worked in the agave fields of Jalisco, Ted embarked on a journey to uncover the archives and family secrets of the tequila titans, revealing their central role in the shaping of modern Mexico.

Timestamps / Chapters:
(00:00) The Secret History of Tequila
(02:52) The Real "Tequila Wars": More Than Just Business
(04:53) From Family Stories to a Historical Epic
(12:05) The Cuervo and Sauza Rivalry: A Battle for Tequila's Soul
(16:55) The Porfirio Diaz Era: Tequila's Role in National Politics
(22:37) Uncovering Lost History: The Challenge of Research
(26:59) How Railroads Became Critical for Tequila's Expansion
(34:41) Surviving the Mexican Revolution and Pancho Villa
(38:59) How the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair Modernized Tequila
(44:59) Will "Tequila Wars" Become a Movie or TV Series?

Step inside a world of opulence, excess, and elaborate deception. While the Gilded Age is known for its industrial titans and lavish parties, a dark and fascinating criminal underworld was thriving, run by some of history's most audacious con artists. In this episode, we uncover the shocking true stories of the female grifters of the Gilded Age, a group of women who used society's expectations against itself to swindle fortunes. Author Annie Reed joins us to reveal how these master manipulators stole millions, outsmarted the shrewdest businessmen, and became legends of crime.

From high-stakes cons that shook the financial world to elaborate romance scams, this episode explores the lives of the most notorious Gilded Age swindlers. We begin with the incredible tale of Cassie Chadwick, the subject of Annie Reed's book, The Imposter Heiress. Chadwick masterminded one of the era's biggest scams by convincing bankers she was Andrew Carnegie's illegitimate daughter, securing millions in fraudulent loans. Her story serves as the yardstick against which all other swindlers were measured. But she was far from alone. We delve into the reasons why the Gilded Age was the perfect breeding ground for these criminals, as women began to demand more agency in a world dominated by men and speculative wealth. The conversation then turns to other legendary figures, including Ellen Peck, a lifelong "jack of all trades" swindler in New York whose criminal career spanned decades and netted her an estimated $30 million in today's money. We also uncover the story of Bertha "Big Bertha" Heyman, the "Confidence Queen" who retired from a life of crime to become a theater owner and lecturer. A particularly dark story is that of Sarah Howe, who preyed on vulnerable women with her "Ladies Deposit Bank," an early and cruel Ponzi scheme. Finally, we explore the incredible tale of the House of Hearts swindle, a massive marriage scam run by best friends Izzella Brown and Vina, who lured countless men into phony engagements to steal their money. These incredible true stories of the female grifters of the Gilded Age reveal a hidden side of American history, where cunning women built empires on lies.

About Our Guest:
Annie Reed is an author and historian specializing in American history and female criminals. She is the author of the bestselling book, The Imposter Heiress, which details the unbelievable life and crimes of Cassie Chadwick. After stumbling upon Chadwick's story, Reed fell down a rabbit hole of research into the many forgotten female swindlers, grifters, and thieves of the Gilded Age, becoming a leading expert on the topic.

Timestamps:

(00:00) The Notorious Women of the Gilded Age

(01:04) The Story of Cassie Chadwick, The Imposter Heiress

(04:24) Why Did Women Become Swindlers in the Gilded Age?

(07:11) Ellen Peck: New York’s Lifelong "Jack of All Trades" Swindler

(09:26) Big Bertha Heyman: The "Confidence Queen" Who Retired

(11:20) Sarah Howe and the "Ladies Deposit Bank" Ponzi Scheme

(13:40) Mabel Parker's Expert Forgery Ring

(15:12) Inside the "House of Hearts" Marriage Swindle

(19:26) How Gilded Age Cons Connect to Modern Scams

(22:31) International Counterparts: The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum & The 40 Elephants

Go behind the music and uncover the secrets of one of the world's most iconic supergroups. In this episode, award-winning Swedish music journalist Jan Gradvall joins us to reveal The Story of ABBA, drawing from his new book, "The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover." We explore the fascinating human drama, the cultural clashes, and the surprising musical genius that propelled a band from Sweden to global domination. What is the shocking truth behind their happiest songs? Jan Gradvall, who has interviewed all four members, pulls back the curtain on the legends.

From their formation as two couples who stumbled into a magical sound, to their complex journey through the pop world, this is The Story of ABBA as you've never heard it before. We start with their detailed ABBA Eurovision History, from the 1973 competition they lost in Sweden with "Ring Ring" to their game-changing 1974 victory with "Waterloo"—a glam-rock-infused pop track that broke the mold. Jan explains how the band faced intense opposition from the ABBA Progg Movement, a left-wing cultural force in Sweden that despised their commercial, capitalist sound and questioned their art. This deep dive uncovers the core of their unique sound, a concept Benny Andersson calls "Melancholy Undercover." Learn how the long, dark Scandinavian winters infused their music with a deep Swedish Melancholy in Music, creating a bittersweet feeling even in their most upbeat anthems, a sound rooted in Swedish folk traditions and Benny's accordion.

Beyond the cultural context, we explore the incredible and often overlooked talent of Agnetha Fältskog, musician. While many focused on her looks, Agnetha was the only member who could read music, an accomplished classical piano player, and a prolific songwriter in her own right. Jan Gradvall shares insights from his personal interviews with all four members, revealing why Björn Ulvaeus can't remember being on tour and how the rhythm for "Take a Chance on Me" came from the sound of him jogging. We discuss how the band never officially broke up, the 90s revival sparked by the gay community and artists like Kurt Cobain, and the origins of global phenomena like the musical Chess and the stage and film sensation Mamma Mia. This is the definitive inside look at the band's journey, their conflicts, their creative process, and how they became more popular today than ever before.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Jan Gradvall is an award-winning writer and one of Sweden's most respected music journalists. With over 40 years of experience, he has cultivated a close journalistic relationship with ABBA, having been the first journalist to conduct in-depth interviews with all four members for a single story. He is also an instrumental founder of the Swedish Music Hall of Fame. His book, "The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover," is built on his decades of work and unique access to the band.

TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Introduction to ABBA's Hidden Story
(02:09) ABBA's Eurovision History: From 'Ring Ring' to 'Waterloo'
(07:30) Clashing with the Culture: ABBA vs. Sweden's 'Progg' Movement
(10:26) Before the Supergroup: ABBA's Roots in Swedish Folk and Rock
(12:44) Melancholy Undercover: The Swedish Soul of ABBA's Music
(14:43) Decoding 'Tourist English': The Charm of ABBA's Lyrical Style
(16:50) More Than an Image: The Overlooked Musical Talents of Agnetha Fältskog
(30:09) A Hiatus, Not a Breakup: ABBA's Unofficial Split and 90s Revival
(34:55) The Mamma Mia Phenomenon: From a Daring Idea to a Global Sensation
(40:39) The Enduring Legacy: The ABBA Museum and the 'ABBA Voyage' Experience

Get Jan Gradvall's Book, "The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover":  https://amzn.to/46M3Qpn

During World War II, a groundbreaking group of elite female aviators flew over 60 million miles in every type of military aircraft, from the P-51 Mustang to the B-17 Flying Fortress. They were the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), and after proving that women belonged in the cockpit, their program was abruptly disbanded and their contributions were erased from history for decades. How did this happen? In this episode, we uncover the hidden history of these forgotten pioneers with bestselling author Heather B. Moore.

Heather B. Moore's meticulously researched biographical fiction novel, the Lady Flyer book, brings to life the incredible story of Nancy Harkness Love, the quiet, lead-by-example director who founded the program. We explore the immense challenges these WWII female pilots faced, not just in mastering dangerous aircraft, but in battling constant bureaucratic red tape, gender bias, and political opposition. This is the story of how over 1,000 women answered their nation's call, only to be told to go home so men could have their jobs back.

In this deep dive, Heather B. Moore reveals the fascinating details behind the WASP program. We discuss the critical difference between the WAFS (Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron) and the broader Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) organization, exploring their 60-million-mile mission to ferry newly built warplanes from factories to air bases across the country. The conversation also delves into the complex and often contentious relationship between the program's two most prominent leaders: the introverted and highly respected Nancy Harkness Love and the aggressive, self-promoting Jackie Cochran, who ran the training division. Heather shares insights from her extensive research, including stories of unimaginable bravery, heartbreaking tragedy, and the internal politics that nearly grounded the program before it could take flight. We also touch upon the shocking dismissal of the WASP in 1944 and their long, arduous fight to gain official veteran status decades later, a testament to the perseverance of these remarkable women.

About Our Guest:

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than seventy publications. She is an expert in writing biographical fiction and meticulously researched historical novels that shine a light on forgotten chapters of history. Her works, including Under the Java Moon and the acclaimed Lady Flyer book, are praised for being 90% history, bringing the past to life with compelling accuracy and narrative depth. In this episode, she also gives a sneak peek into her next project about another surprising WWII figure: the French chef Julia Child and her secret work for the OSS.

Timestamps / Chapters:

(00:00) The Hidden History of America's Female WWII Pilots

(04:16) What is Lady Flyer About? The Story of the WASP

(05:34) Nancy Love's Inspiration: Witnessing Charles Lindbergh's Landing

(09:04) From Barnstormer to Leader: The Rise of Nancy Harkness Love

(14:48) The Author's Mission: Discovering This Lost History

(23:42) WASP vs. WAFS: Explaining the Acronyms of Female Fliers

(25:21) The 60-Million-Mile Mission: What Planes Did the WASP Fly?

(31:11) Rivalry & Betrayal: Nancy Love vs. Jackie Cochran

(35:59) Dismissed & Forgotten: The Fight for Recognition After WWII

(38:34) What's Next? Julia Child's Secret Life in the OSS

Learn More From Our Guest / Episode Resources:

Get your copy of Lady Flyer by Heather B. Moore

Learn more about Heather's other books

Watch on YouTube

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

What if a centuries-old chess piece could trigger a murder spree in modern-day Iceland? Join molecular geneticist and author Sara Winokur as she delves into Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessmen Murders, a thrilling tale where ancient artifacts, cutting-edge DNA forensics, and a chilling 1627 Turkish pirate raid collide. Discover how this historical fiction/murder mystery unravels centuries-old family secrets and grab your copy of Ivory Bones today, then subscribe to Books and Looks for more deep dives into your next great read!

Links:

• "Ivory Bones" Book
• Sara Winokur Website
• Watch on YouTube
• Join the Newsletter

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Unparalleled Access: CNN journalist Jill Dougherty spent 30 years inside Russia, witnessing Vladimir Putin's rise from KGB officer to global adversary. In this interview based on her book, "My Russia," she shares unique insights, from covering Gorbachev and Yeltsin to the Ukraine war and surprising personal encounters. Understand the man behind the power, the historical context, and the future challenges in this pivotal region.

Links:

• "My Russia" Book
• Jill Dougherty Website
• Watch on YouTube
• Join the Newsletter

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Secrets, family drama, and unexpected turns of fate are revealed in author Ruth Foster's unique novel. In this Books and Looks interview, Ruth discusses how "A Perfect Year?" uses annual Christmas newsletters to trace the lives of three families over decades in a British commuter town. Discover the hidden stories in plain sight and the inspiration behind this fascinating tapestry of human experience and suburban life.

Links:

• "A Perfect Year?" Book
• Ruth Foster Website
• Watch on YouTube 
• Join the Newsletter

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Are you ready to uncover a Gilded Age mystery that blurred the lines between fiction and reality? This week on Books & Looks, join Blaine DeSantis as he talks with acclaimed historical fiction author Marie Benedict about her new book, "The Queens of Crime." Step back to 1931 London, where legendary mystery writers Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Orczy form a secret group to assert their place in a male-dominated world. But when a real-life murder occurs, these literary icons become unlikely detectives, using their mystery-writing prowess to solve a crime the police couldn't. Learn about Benedict's extensive research into the lives of these fascinating women and the historical attitudes they defied. A tale of suspense, murder, and the power of female ingenuity. Don't miss this exclusive interview!

Links:

• "The Queens of Crime" Book
• Marie Benedict Website
• Watch on YouTube 
• Join the Newsletter

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Dive into the explosive Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, disco fever, and the birth of iconic TV moments as author David Krell joins Blaine DeSantis to unpack his fascinating book "1978: Baseball and America in the Disco Era." From Louisiana Lightning's unstoppable pitching to Robin Williams' star-making alien debut, discover how this pivotal year shaped American culture both on and off the diamond. Whether you're a baseball fanatic or a pop culture enthusiast, this time-traveling journey through a defining year will captivate you with untold stories and nostalgic revelations.

Links:

• "1978: Baseball and America in the Disco Era" Book
• David Krell Website
• Watch on YouTube 
• Join the Newsletter

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Meet Rose Valland, the art historian turned spy who documented the Nazi's massive art theft operation from inside occupied Paris. In this riveting episode, author Michelle Young reveals how Valland secretly recorded details of over 650,000 stolen masterpieces using her near-photographic memory while facing a Nazi death warrant. Young shares previously unknown details about Valland's dangerous double life, her relationship with her British partner Joyce Heer, and how her meticulous documentation became essential to the Monuments Men. This true story of extraordinary courage illuminates how one determined woman risked everything to preserve France's cultural soul during history's darkest hours.

Links:

• "The Art Spy" Book
• Michelle Young Website
• Watch on YouTube 
• Join the Newsletter

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.