Thecuriousmanspodcast

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.