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Episode Summary

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history of Francisco Garcés, as explored in Jeremy Beer's new book, Beyond the Devil’s Road: Francisco Garcés and the Spanish Encounter with the American Southwest. Join us for an enlightening discussion on Garcés' life, his legacy, and the unique role he played in shaping the history of the American Southwest.

About Francisco Garcés

Francisco Garcés was a Franciscan friar, missionary, and explorer who played a crucial role in the Spanish expeditions throughout the American Southwest during the 18th century. Often overshadowed by other historical figures, Garcés' legacy is one of cultural bridging and resilient faith, making his story an important piece of history that deserves more attention.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Introducing Francisco Garcés: Jeremy shares who Garcés was and provides insights into his life as a friar and explorer who traversed some of the harshest terrains of North America.
• Inspiration Behind the Book: Jeremy discusses what first drew him to Garcés' story and why he believes it has remained underexplored until now.
• Garces and Juan Bautista de Anza: The relationship between Garcés and de Anza and its impact on the Spanish expansion into what is now California.
• Cross-Cultural Encounters: How Garcés approached interactions with Indigenous peoples in a groundbreaking manner, setting him apart from others of his time.
• Biggest Takeaways: Jeremy reflects on the most significant insights he gained while researching Garcés and his travels.

Why You Should Listen

If you’re interested in untold stories of history, Catholic missionaries, or the early American Southwest, this episode provides a deep dive into the life of Francisco Garcés. Discover why his approach to cross-cultural encounters was ahead of his time and how his legacy continues to influence discussions on cultural integration and exploration.

Jeremy's biography

Jeremy Beer is the Executive Chairman at AmPhil, a professional services firm that has worked with hundreds of nonprofits, foundations, and donors across the country. Jeremy co-founded AmPhil in 2009. He lives with his wife, Kara, in Phoenix, Arizona, where they are parishioners at St. Mary’s Basilica.

Resources & Links

• Get the Book: Purchase Beyond the Devil’s Road: Francisco Garcés and the Spanish Encounter with the American Southwest here.
• Follow Jeremy Beer: Connect with him on LinkedIn.
• Need help fundraising? Reach out to Jeremy here.

Call to Action

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who loves history or wants to learn more about the untold stories of Catholic missionaries. Stay tuned for more episodes where we highlight impactful stories from history and the people who bring them to life!

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