Thecuriousmanspodcast

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Dr. Gale Sinatra and Dr. Barbara Hofer about their book Science Denial. Why do some people believe the science behind, vaccines, climate change or the efficacy of mask wearing? Both Sinatra and Hofer dive in to the psychology behind science denial and offer us the tools to combat it. The first step is realizing your own bias and this book helps us to identify them as well as others. This is required reading and a societal salve we all need.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Jeremy Lent about his book The Web of Meaning. How do we truly connect with one and other? We have many social media apps and technology to assist but is that actually nurturing a deep and meaningful connectivity? Lent points out that we must first find out who we are and what we want before we can truly build bonds with others. Who am I? Why am I? How should I live? These are just a couple of the questions you will explore while reading. This book is a much needed read for the times we are now in.

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with Sara Gorman PhD and Jack Gorman MD about their book Denying to the Grave. Why do some parents refuse to vaccinate their children? Why do some feel that the COVID-19 is not a serious threat despite the death toll? Gorman and Gorman go into the psychology of heath science denial and break down why so many of us don't trust the science. Gently, both authors show us how to combat our own confirmation bias and how we can make each other better informed. A necessary and informative read, I hope you all will.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Entrepreneur, Coach, Motivational speaker and Author Alan Lucas about his book You Don't Need Therapy: 7 Steps To Sort Your Sh*t Out. This is a great book for those looking for some guidance in this crazy world we find ourselves in. Lucas taps into his many resources to give us 7 steps and over 70 easy to follow exercises to help us hone in on what we need to work on and how to keep track of our improvement. The tools contained within are simple and fulfilling to follow, I hope you will read.

 Matt Crawford speaks with Independent Book Editor Alexandra Shelley about her work over the past 35 years working with authors to bring the best story possible to their readers. Some of those she has worked with include: Kathryn Stockett on The Help, Eric Lindner on The Tiger in the Sea, Heather Haldeman on Kids and Cocktails Don't Mix, just to name a few. Alexandra gives us the inside details on how books are crafted collaboratively to pull the reader in and keep the story flowing. A great listen for anyone who loves a great book or who wants to dip their toes into the author pond.

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with author Heather Haldeman about her book Kids and Cocktails Don't Mix: A Memoir. I loved this book and it stirred so many emotions in me. Growing up in an exclusive gated community in L.A the granddaughter of The Governor of California had all the trappings one might expect, but what was Heather's life like behind the scenes? An open and honest memoir about divorce, bended families, forgiveness and self worth, this book has something for everyone. You will laugh, you will cry but most importantly you will enjoy this lovely read.

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with author Charles Farrell about his book (Low)Life. This is a book that will knock your head back. Farrell is brutally honest with us and with himself in this retrospective of his eclectic and unbelievable life. A world-class jazz pianist Farrell starts to work in mob clubs at a young age and slowly gets pulled into the world of boxing. Managing champions, fixing fights and sometimes running for his life are just some of the stories within. 

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author James Romm about his book The Sacred Band. This is the almost untold story, of an elite fighting force comprised of 150 pairs of male lovers that defended Theban freedom from the Spartan machine in 379BC. While Spartan warriors often get idolized as the epitome of warriors, Romm tells us the story of the true Ancient Greek superpower, one that could only be overcome by Alexander the Great himself. Phenomenal read!

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with journalist and author Lauren Cochrane about her book The Ten. What is in, what is out? Why are certain items of clothing a fashion staple? Cochrane delves into these questions and more in this utterly enjoyable read. If you think you are not interested in fashion you will be proved wrong by this book. Fashion is embroidered throughout our history and Cochrane delves into that and so much more in this breezy read.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author John Sedgwick about his book From The River To The Sea. John takes us back in time and shares a story of two men whose destinies seemed to be cosmically entwined. General William J, Palmer and William Barstow Strong would fight for over a decade in their race to build their railroads and make it to the Pacific. Intrigue abounds, spies are used, coded messages and high dollar lawyers to find whatever loopholes could give one an edge over the other. This is a rip-roaring ride through history, you better hold on.