Thecuriousmanspodcast

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning author and historian Judy Pearson to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Radical Sisters: Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner, Evelyn Lauder and the Dawn of the Breast Cancer Movement.

For much of the 20th century, breast cancer was shrouded in silence and stigma. Judy brings to life the stories of three extraordinary women — a child star turned diplomat, a fearless journalist, and a visionary philanthropist — who defied cultural taboos and ignited a movement that changed medicine, public discourse, and the lives of millions of women.

In this episode, I sit down with journalist, professor, poet, and activist Omar Zahzah, author of Terms of Servitude. The book examines how systems of power—from colonial histories to contemporary technologies—shape the way we understand freedom, identity, and resistance.

We explore how language and culture reinforce structures of servitude, the intersections of Palestinian liberation with other global justice movements, and why art and storytelling are vital tools of resistance. Omar challenges us to question the narratives we inherit, uncover the hidden dynamics of power, and imagine new terms for liberation.

History often remembers generals and presidents, but what about the spies who worked in the shadows? In this episode, I speak with journalist and author Gerri Willis about her new book Lincoln's Lady Spymaster: The Untold Story of the Abolitionist Southern Belle Who Helped Win the Civil War.

Gerri uncovers the incredible life of Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond-born abolitionist who used her privilege, intelligence, and courage to run a Union spy network deep in Confederate territory. We discuss Van Lew's daring missions, the hidden world of Civil War espionage, and why her story remained untold for so long.

In 1642, England stood on the edge of civil war. The winter of that year was a turning point—when mistrust, division, and failed compromise finally pushed the nation toward conflict.

In this episode, I speak with historian and Oxford professor Dr. Jonathan Healey, author of The Blood in Winter: England on the Brink of Civil War, 1642. We explore the causes of division, the experience of ordinary people, and the leadership struggles that drove the kingdom into chaos. Jonathan explains why this pivotal moment still resonates today and what lessons we can draw from a society on the brink.

What's it really like to live undercover inside one of the world's most dangerous drug cartels? In this gripping episode, I sit down with former FBI agent Martin Suarez and Ian Frisch authors of Inside the Cartel: How an Undercover FBI Agent Smuggled Cocaine, Laundered Cash and Dismantled a Colombian Narco-Empire.

Martin shares the extraordinary story of how he built a convincing cover identity, smuggled drugs and laundered millions—all while risking his life to take down a cartel from the inside. We discuss the dangers, close calls, and psychological toll of undercover work, as well as the surprising human dimensions of cartel life that few outsiders ever see.

Words can build, heal, inspire—and sometimes hurt. In her children's book Words, author Katherine Davis-Gibbon reminds us of the incredible power language holds, even in the smallest voices.

In this episode, Katherine shares the inspiration behind her story, the creative process of writing for young readers, and why she believes helping children understand the impact of their words is essential. We also explore how parents, teachers, and caregivers can use Words to spark meaningful conversations about kindness, empathy, and communication.

What does it mean to belong, to adapt, and to grow roots in unfamiliar soil? In this episode, I sit down with Cedric Muhikira, Rwandan author of the debut novel Libaax: Grow Your Roots Where You Land.

Cedric's novel explores resilience, identity, and the search for home in the face of displacement and change. Through his characters, he tells a story of struggle, adaptation, and hope that resonates far beyond borders. We talk about the role of heritage, the meaning of home, and how storytelling can help us navigate both personal and collective journeys.

Economics can seem intimidating, but what if it's actually easier to understand than we think—and more important than we realize? In this episode, I sit down with Howard Yaruss, economist, attorney, professor, and author of Understandable Economics: Because Understanding Our Economy is Easier Than You Think and More Important Than You Know.

Howard explains how economics impacts our daily lives, from taxes and inflation to trade and government spending. We discuss how economic literacy empowers citizens, how politicians misuse economic arguments, and why having a clearer grasp of money, markets, and policy is essential for a healthy democracy.

Are we really the center of the universe—or just acting like it? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sterlin Mosley, author of Center of the Universe, to explore how self-perception, ego, and culture shape the way we see ourselves and our place in the world.

From philosophy and psychology to modern culture and relationships, Dr. Mosley unpacks how our sense of "centrality" influences our behavior, our wellbeing, and our connections with others. We discuss how social media fuels self-centeredness, how humility restores balance, and why shifting from ego-driven living to community-centered living may be the most powerful change we can make.

In this thought-provoking episode, physician and public health leader Dr. Philip Polakoff, founder of A Healthier We, explains how democracy and public health are deeply intertwined. From the erosion of trust in institutions to the impacts of polarization, misinformation, and inequality, he lays out why weakening democratic systems can lead to worsening health outcomes for individuals and communities alike.

We explore how civic engagement, equity, and community resilience are not just democratic values—they're prescriptions for healthier lives.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why democracy should be seen as a public health issue

• How threats to democratic institutions undermine community wellbeing

• The mental and physical health consequences of political instability and polarization

• Why civic participation builds healthier societies

• Steps communities and individuals can take to strengthen both democracy and health