Thecuriousmanspodcast

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Dr. Ray Dorsey about his book Ending Parkinson's Disease. Brain diseases are the world's leading source of disability and the fastest growing is Parkinson's. Four top experts outline a plan to prevent, improve care and treatment and educate the public about a disease that can be prevented and hopefully cured. All proceeds go to the efforts to do so, please buy this book, read and join in the fight to end Parkinson's disease.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Robert Strauss about his book John Marshall: The Final Founder. What time period defines our Founding, and what defines a Founding Father? Strauss dives into that debate and demonstrates that not only could John Marshall be considered a Founder but what he did as Chief Justice would reverberate throughout history and his actions are still felt today, and will be continued to shape our future. An important book about an oft overlooked, indispensable man.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Dr. Richard Gunderman about his book Contagion. This is the history of the world's deadliest diseases and the fight to understand and combat them. A book that could not have come at a more apt time, this is a book that needs to be read by all. Follow the science and the history, please read this book and inform yourselves. 

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Giles Sparrow about his book A History of the Universe in 21 Stars. Sparrow guides us through the universe using 21 stars we can see easily in our sky. With humor, wit and drawings we follow along in this expertly laid out map of the stars and learn how they tell us about our past. Sparrow breaks down the stars in a way that is enjoyable and easy to follow. This is a great read for those just learning about the universe and I highly recommend it.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Tim Wendel about his book Escape from Castro's Cuba. The sequel to Castro's Curveball we go back to Cuba with Billy Bryan for a new adventure. Billy becomes involved in a scheme to help a top baseball prospect escape from Cuba to the U.S. Even if you are not a baseball fan this book is a great fun read and will make you look at the game in a different light. I loved this book and cant wait till I can sit and enjoy a game.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with authors Michael Heller and Jim Salzman about their book Mine! "Mine" challenges those ideas of ownership that we think we know. Who owns the space behind your airplane seat? Who has rights to a street spot after shoveling it out? Why is plagiarism wrong? These are the questions that Heller and Salzman tackle in this fantastic read. Like Freakonomics for the law, I cant recommend this book enough!

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author and Cancer survivor Judith Pearson about her book From Shadows to Life. A touching read about the history of the Cancer fight and survivorship. The creation of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, the medical history of the fight and the social movement that continues to improve life for millions surviving with Cancer around the world, this book is a must read for all.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Michael Patrick F. Smith about his memoir The Good Hand. This is Michael's story which centers around him heading out west to North Dakota during the oil boom, searching for work. While Michael describes that search and the work that follows he also opens a door to his past and shares the most intimate of memories with us. A book about searching, loss, friendship and honesty this is a book that all can relate to.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Heather Chavez about her debut Novel No Bad Deed. This is a fast paced thriller that you will find hard to put down. Cassie Larkin is driving home late one evening from her veterinarian practice when she spots a man and a woman fighting on the side of the road. Cassie gets out of the car to help and this starts a chain of events she could not have imagined. An instant classic, I recommend this book to all looking for a great thriller.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Scott Farris about his book Freedom On Trial. This book covers the important but largely ignored period of Reconstruction. The Union won the Civil War but the Confederacy was quickly winning the peace, enacting laws that limited the newly won civil rights of African Americans. The rise of the Ku Klux, segregation and even Supreme Court cases were the new obstacles that replaced slavery. This book is required reading and I hope you all will.