Thecuriousmanspodcast

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with author Jessica Dulong about her book Saved at the Seawall. A seaborn evacuation which rivaled that of Dunkirk and yet too few know this story. Dulong curates the stories of that day, from the mariners turned rescuers to the people trying to escape the devastation of downtown. These are the stories that show how we came together that day and this book is a perfect reminder of who we really are when it counts. An emotional, detailed and beautiful book that needs to be read now more than ever.

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with Meteorologist and Co-Author Jay Anderson about his book the Peterson Field Guide to Weather. We all pay attention to the weather when we plan our day, weekends or vacations but many of us stop there. Anderson sparks that weather curiosity in this beautifully illustrated and down to earth book. Broken down into an easily digestible format and with plenty of "For instances" this is a great read that will continue to teach long after its initial reading.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Co-Author Casey McFarland about his book The Peterson Field Guide to North American Bird nests. McFarland and I speak about what a field guide actually is, what type of field work is involved in the writing of it and how the images are captured. This guide will open up a world of wonders and I hope you will all dive in and enjoy it as much as I did.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Michelle Elman about her book The Joy of Being Selfish. What does it mean to be selfish and what is the difference between that and practicing self-love? Michelle and I dive into those questions and explore her book and the boundaries she outlines. A great read that helps us navigate how to be a better friend to ourselves and others. 

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with author Arthur Herman about his book The Viking Heart. We all think we know Vikings, but what do we actually know about them? For most I believe it is a caricatured version of an amazing people. Herman disabuses us of that view and details these impactful people and their beautiful culture. Scandinavians have shaped both our ancient and current world in ways still felt today. This is a detailed and exhaustive work that is easy to get lost in. 

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Daniel Sherrell about his book Warmth. A very interesting take on climate change, Sherrell is brutally honest about the affect his work in this field has had on him. Imagining future generations and what we will leave them in such an intimate way is what makes this such a powerful read. We also have a great chat about the climate fight and where Sherrell stands on some of the issues. A great conversation that I think all would love to hop in on. I hope you all do!

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with author Eric Garcia about his book We’re Not Broken. Autism is such a complex disorder with many gradations and too many of us know little about it and how it affects the people who live with it. Garcia brings his own personal experience, living and working with Autism as a journalist to help us better understand it. We discuss the myths behind Autism, the social and policy gaps that leave those in need of treatment wanting and how we can all better support those people that need our help the most. Autism is difficult to understand for those who have it and their relatives, imagine trying to understand it when you are removed from its effects. Garcia bridges that gap and shows us the way.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Derek Miller about his book How to Find Your Way In The Dark. I really loved this one folks. A deep and rich story about loss, revenge, love and hope, all set with the backdrop of WWII, a hurricane, and the rise of Jewish comedy in the Catskills. Sheldon Horowitz is a character you are going to love and Miller will transport you back in time with him as he subtly includes moments in history that will envelop you. Enjoyable and also thought provoking, Miller explores a question I think we all should. Please read and find out.

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with authors Scott Peters and Daniel O'Connell about their book In The Struggle. Peters and O'Connell highlight the stories of eight scholars that put their hands in the dirt and got politically engaged in the fight against industrial scale agribusiness in California. While the subject matter is farming the struggle contained within this book is the basic tenet of democracy, fair and agrarian treatment for all. Water rights, labor organizing, land grabs and corporate intimidation are all part of the battle we should all be aware off. This book will light a fire of activism and curiosity for its readers.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Judy Scott about her book Leonard, Marianne and Me. Judy takes us back in time and describes her time on the Greek island of Hydra over the past forty years. An artist community, there is no shortage of interesting people and experiences to pull you in, including Judy's relationship with singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. An open and honest read with excerpts from her own diary over the years, Judy pulls us in and introduces us to her world. Struggling with her own sexuality to deciding whether or not to have a child are all the intimate moments Judy welcomes us to share. A truly touching and engrossing read.