Thecuriousmanspodcast

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Paul Sexton about his book, Prince. Prince Rogers Nelson was such a prolific and enigmatic artist that it is a difficult task to fully understand the breadth and depth of his contribution to the music community. Sexton earned the trust of some of those closest to Prince through his years of journalism work in the music industry and we are welcomed into that world with intimate views of The Artist. A great read and one that will make you want to put the records on, pop in a tape, CD or download quite a few songs. 

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with author Chares Dellheim about his book Belonging and Betrayal. During WWII we all know that the Nazis attempted to exterminate Jewish people and that they pillaged Jewish property along with uncounted art masterpieces. How exactly did those masterpieces find their way into Jewish possession? Dellheim digs deep and uncovers the decades of effort it took these Jewish art collectors and curators to cull these pieces into collections that would shape the art world writ large. They then of course had them stolen by the Nazis and in some cases risked their lives to preserve them.

In this interview I speak with author and Ideas Roadshow creator and host Howard Burton. Howard and I discuss the current information climate and how it is distorted, skewed and deliberately tailored to illicit the desired response by those providing it. Howard has created the Ideas Roadshow to combat that very issue and to bring the experts to all of us. Please give a listen and check out the Ideas Roadshows videos or now, the newly launched podcast.

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with author Andres Resendez about his book Conquering the Pacific. Covering 30% of the Earth's surface and about 50% larger than the Atlantic the Pacific Ocean was the brass ring of exploration. It also was the stage for Spain to break Portugal's monopoly on trade with the Orient. Departing from a hidden Mexican port was just the beginning, the never before accomplished return would determine success and fortune.  A secret mission, covert orders, a mulatto pilot, intrigue and politics are all part of this gripping tale. A great fun read.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Marc J. Straus about his book, One Legged Mongoose. Straus takes us back to 1953 and recounts his experiences in a two year period using his amazing ability of recollection. We explore what life was like for a young Jewish boy and the discrimination, abuse, illness and injuries Marc suffered through. We are also introduced to his beautiful family and how they impacted his life during these pivotal years. A rich and deeply engrossing memoir, I recommend it to all.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with award winning author Nathaniel Philbrick about his book, Travels with George. When Washington became president, the United States was a fractured and divided country. Washington decided to tour the ex-colonies and speak directly to the people to unite them. Philbrick retraces those steps with his wife Melissa and their dog Dora and introduces us to a Washington, who few of us have ever met.

In this interview I switch seats with my friend Mario Mergola and the questions are asked of me. My father Robert J. Crawford was a NYC Firefighter who was murdered on Sept 11th. His death and that day has impacted me and so many others in a way that is hard to capture or explain. We talk about my experience that fateful day, how the loss of my father has affected me and what message I hope my listeners and beyond will take from that day. Please give a listen and share.

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with author William Hazelgrove about his book, One Hundred and Sixty Minutes. Hazelgrove does it again, he tackles a subject that is well known and turns the mythology on its head. We all think we know the story of the RMS Titanic, the hubris, the iceberg and the lack of lifeboats. However, Hazelgrove finds the real story and that is the simple fact that almost everyone on board could have been saved. Two ships within ten miles and ample time to mount a rescue witnessed the sinking but did nothing. Why? Listen and read to find out.

Matt Crawford speaks with co-author and artist Christina Conklin about her book The Atlas of Disappearing Places. Our world is in danger from multiple fronts, seas are rising, ice is melting, coasts are eroding and species are dying. Yet, most of us don't draw a correlation between these issues and how they affect us and are going to impact our future and our health. Conklin and Psaros have combined science and art to help clarify that which endangers us all. A great read that full of information, art and most importantly hope, in the form of the actions we can take to mitigate our climate crisis.

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with author William Sargent about his book Crab Wars. Who knew Horseshoe Crabs were so integral to the healthcare industry? 450 million years old these creatures have blood that is the building block for the most reliable test for deadly bacteria. Every drug certified by the FDA must be tested by using this horseshoe crab derivative. Sargent shares his life long fascination with these beautiful animals and chronicles their plight. The COVID-19 pandemic has made horseshoe crabs even more in demand and we owe them quite a lot. Start by reading this book.