Thecuriousmanspodcast

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Ravi Shankar about his book Correctional. Ravi Shankar details his harrowing experiences with the law in this brutally honest and vulnerable memoir. Incarcerated once innocently, and then again justly as his promotion to full professor was finalized. Shankar details his time in Hartford Correctional Center with us and those he shared time with. A story about the criminal justice system, mental health and self-journey. A book that all can relate to in some way, this is a powerful read.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Peter Boni about his book Uprooted. How would you react if you found out, at age fifty that your father was not your biological father? Boni lived that scenario and it led him on a personal quest to discover where he came from and who he really was. Now a Donor Conceived rights activist Boni also details how unregulated, deeply flawed and traumatizing the AI industry can be. I hope you will read this book and spread the word.

In this brief episode Matt Crawford has some final words for his listeners and supporters. Thank you all and stay safe. Here is to a better year for all of us!

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Jordan Salama about his book, Every Day the River Changes. This book is about a journey on many levels and Salama takes us along for that ride in the most intimate of ways. Some Travel-Logs detail the culture and people of the locales they visit in a superficial and condescending way. Salama however immerses himself in the culture and history of the Magdalena and its people, and reports what he finds in an unflinching, respectful and honest accounting. If you want the real Columbia, read this book!

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Brian Castner about his book Stampede. This is one of those stories we all know something about, the question is, how much do we actually know and is that accurate. The Alaskan Gold Rush is the stuff of legend and stories abound regarding this moment in history. Castner takes us on a journey back in time and introduces us to the people who made this journey and risked their lives to strike it rich. You better bundle up, because you will feel the chill of the bitter Alaskan wind while reading this.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Ben Guest about his book, Zen and the Art of Coaching Basketball. A beautiful memoir about living in the moment, surrendering and letting the world take you where it will. A book set on a basketball court in Namibia and the lessons both the coach (Ben) and his players learned while playing that game. However, this book transcends the sport and includes insights and tools we can all use, no matter our situation or walk of life. Read this book folks, trust me.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author and illustrator Edward Carey about his book B: A Year in Plagues and Pencils. This is such a unique work of sketches and words that capture Edward's, and also a lot of our collective experience through the pandemic. A drawing a day while Covid raged ends up chronicling the world around us. These sketches will take you back to pivotal moments and memories that will connect you to the book in a most personal way. Great coffee table or anywhere read.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Julian Sancton about his book Madhouse at the End of the Earth. For those who think history is boring, they need nothing more than to read this book. Sancton takes us back in time to 1897 aboard the Belgica for a three-year expedition to Antarctica. A crew comprised of a young commandant and future famous polar explorers they would all get to know each other very well as they get trapped in ice for months of polar night. Plagued by cabin fever, lack of nutrition, monotony, and a mysterious illness, some would descend into madness. 

In this episode I speak with author Dr. Kara Cooney about her book, The Good Kings. A self-proclaimed recovering Egyptologist, Cooney and I discuss her book as well as a whole host of current events through the long lens of ancient history. I never expected to read about ancient Egypt and to see such stark parallels to what we are living through now. I know all will enjoy this book and the insight Dr. Cooney brings to all conversations. Give a listen, I'm sure you'll agree.

I get to speak with one of my heroes in this episode. Matthew Hoh is a Senior Fellow with the Center for international Policy since 2010. In 2009 Matt famously resigned in protest from his post in Afghanistan with the State Department over the American Escalation of the war. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss U.S Military Policy, veteran's issues, the veteran suicide epidemic and how they are linked. We also speak about Matt's life, his service and his own struggles with PTSD, Depression, Moral Injury and thoughts of suicide. I hope you will all give it a listen and read some of his work.