In this episode Matt Crawford speaks to Christina Thompson about her book Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia. This is an amazing book about how the Polynesians managed to navigate the Pacific without instruments, maps or even having a written language. Colonizing the remotest islands in the Pacific until the arrival of Europeans explorers they were the only people to have ever lived there. A story that is fun to read and needs to be told this is one of those lessons we all should have learned in school.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Christian di Spigna about his book Founding Martyr. In this in depth book Di Spigna covers the life of a man whose influence still echoes throughout our lives. What would this country look like if not for Dr. Joseph Warren? It is a hypothetical that requires some thought when weighed against Warren's achievements and contributions to the early Revolution. A truly amazing man and a fantastic book. Please read!

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with NYT best selling author Norman Ohler about his book Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich. In this amazing and until now untold story, Ohler exposes the Nazis as speed freaks and the Blitzkrieg fueled by a pill called Pervitin. It turns out the German army wasn't fueled by superior training as touted but by methamphetamine! This story is almost too outlandish to believe. Ohler lays it all out there for us in a thoroughly enjoyable read. Hard to put down. Read it!

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks to author David Kieran about his book Signature Wounds: The Untold Story of the Military's Mental Health Crisis. This is an in depth book that covers the many different challenges veterans and the VA face in trying to solve and care for those afflicted with mental health issues. David Kieran takes a deep dive into those veterans and families affected by PTSD and TBI and shows us the issues and heart ache they face. Very impactful book, please read.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Alan Huffman about his book Sultana. This is the harrowing account of men who had to survive the Civil War, then being imprisoned in unspeakable conditions and finally the deadliest maritime disaster in American history. A close up view of the horrors experienced by these men will leave you deeply effected. Huffman brings you in close and points out that survival is not an accomplishment but living with that survival is the true test. Read this book!

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author William Hazelgrove about his new book, Wright Brothers, Wrong Story: How Wilbur Wright Solved the Problem of Manned Flight. A book that turns history on its head and tells the true story of the relationship between the Wright brothers and flight. An astounding read that unequivocally proves Wilbur was the mastermind behind flight. You will not want to put this book down.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks to New York Times bestselling author Adam Higginbotham about his fantastic book Midnight in Chernobyl. Adam really dives deep into the history of the people that built and surrounded it. The story of Chernobyl is one of the sacrifice made by everyday people and the herculean effort on their part to mitigate this disaster. You get to know these people on such an intimate level it is hard not to get emotional while reading about their struggles. A book well worth the read!

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks to author and journalist Brian Murphy about his book Adrift. The story of the John Rutledge packet ship making the journey from Liverpool to New York in the winter of 1856 in a sea packed with ice. No modern communication and low visibility put this ship on a collision course with fate. An amazing story of survival and the struggle to retain ones humanity and morality at the most trying of times. Brian Murphy puts you aboard the Rutledge with compassion and prose.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks to author and journalist Chris McGreal about his book American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts. This book is an in depth look into the opioid crisis from the very beginning. Chris McGreal covers how big Pharma hooked Americans on opioids to make a buck and deceived the government and doctors on the addictive nature of the drugs they were marketing. A truly eye opening book that needs to be read and demystifies the opioid epidemic.

In this episode Matt Crawford talks to author and activist Sean Strub about his book Body Counts: A Memoir of Activism, Sex and Survival. This book recounts the AIDS epidemic from the very beginning through the lens of Sean's life as a gay man. From attending more funerals than parties, scared to angry he turned to activism to fight the discrimination and stigma attached to HIV and AIDS. A truly moving story of survival and compassion and an enlightening read.