Thecuriousmanspodcast

Matt Crawford speaks with author Ronald Drabkin about his book, Beverly Hills Spy: The Double Agent War Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbor. Frederick Rutland was an accomplished aviator, British WWI war hero, and real-life James Bond. He was the first pilot to take off and land a plane on a ship, a decorated warrior for his feats of bravery and rescue, was trusted by the admirals of the Royal Navy, had a succession of aeronautical inventions, and designed the first modern aircraft carrier. He was perhaps the most famous early twentieth-century naval aviator. So how did this hero end up working for the Japanese stealing American aviation trade secrets while living in a mansion in Beverly hills, throwing lavish parties for the Hollywood elite? Drabkin details all this through recently declassified FBI files and through exhaustive research through MI5 and Japanese Naval archives that few English speakers have access to, and sources thought to be lost to history. A book that reads like a novel this is one that should not be missed and will have you entranced!

Matt Crawford speaks with Psychiatrist Dr. Steven Lesk about his book, Footprints of Schizophrenia: The Evolutionary Roots of Mental Illness. Schizophrenia remians one of the most misunderstood mental illnesses and thos that suffer from even more so. Dr. Steven Lesk brings over 40 years of expierience in the psychiatric field and reserach to posit a new theory of its causes and how we may better treat thos afflicted. A truly intresting read that shines a light on a dark corner of our soceity.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Jennifer Belle about her book, Swanna In Love. Set in the summer of 1982 14-year-old Swanna, is picked up late from camp by her mother Val, her lovable younger brother Madding and mom's boyfriend Borislav. Instead of heading home as expected they are dragged to Vermont—to an artist colony where kids are not welcome, and they are forced to sleep in the back of the truck. Swanna then meets Dennis, a handsome married father of two and she sets out to convince Dennis to help her by seducing him. But love seldom obeys rules, and even a tough, smart, city girl like Swanna might not be able to handle falling in love. 

Matt Crawford speaks with author Dr. Peter McGraw about his book, Solo: Building a Remarkable Life of Your Own. We live in a world built for two, think about renting hotel rooms, insurance and taxes. There are many benefits baked onto society when you are two but what about when you are one? Societal pressures make it almost unacceptable to be Solo. McGraw gives the Solos out there the blueprint to live their best life and enjoy their choices. For the so-called spinster or bachelor, Solo is the resource for people who are happily single.

Matt Crawford speaks with editors and authors David Head and Timothy Hemmis about their book, A Republic of Scoundrels: The Schemers, Intriguers, and Adventurers Who Created a New American Nation. The founding of our nation is crowded with names like Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Hamilton. However, there are many names unknown to many that were of a different and some would say more unscrupulous nature, who had significant influence on how our nation was shaped. Head and Hemmis edit and contribute to this fantastic work that is sure to keep you reading. 

Matt Crawford speaks with author H.L Howard about his book, A Journey Must Be Taken-Playlist. This a story of love between Tauri, and older man and Libi a younger woman. Although they only meet a couple of times before COVID-19 looks them down there is a connection. Along and now divorced Tauri reaches out for that love and Libi expresses it through musical playlists. Tauri also uses Tarot to guide him towards his love, but it is not an easy courtship. A deep read that has many underlying meanings we can all take something away from.

Matt Crawford speaks with author and Vermont Poet Laureate Sydney Lea about his work, What Shines. Poetry can be intimating to some and even pretentious, Lea writes poems that are accessible and stirring. If you'd like to dip your toes into the art of poetry this is a good place to start.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Maria Baltazzi about her book, Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct, and Produce the Life You Want. As one of the original lead supervisors on Survivor, Mria knows all about high pressure situations. While working in the fast-paced entertainment industry Maria realized that while successful, she wasn't happy. Thus started her search for true happiness and why she wrote this book. Maria walks the walks and shares that journey with all of us so we can find our own version of happiness. Everyone is sure to take something meaningful and inspirational away from this book. It could also change your life so what are you waiting for?

Matt Crawford speaks with author Dr. Catherine Zipf about her book, Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water: America Architecture During the Depression Era. Frank Lloyd Wright was a polarizing figure and many books have been written about his life and work. However, the pivotal era in his life between his initial fame and his great works like Falling Water often go under covered. The depression era would help set the stage for his pivotal peace and Zipf takes the deep dive to show us how that arose. A great read that is sure to entertain.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Amy Pollack about her children's book, The Adventures of Jelly Bean. Jelly Bean is precocious 4th grader who has a lot to deal with. Many children's books talk down to their readers, but Pollack includes many difficult situations that tackle what many young people have to face.  A great read for young children and even their parents!