Thecuriousmanspodcast

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Todd Snyder about his book Bundini. "Float Like A Butterfly Sting Like A Bee" while Muhammad Ali said these famous words it was his "Hype Man" Drew "Bundini" Brown that actually wrote them. This is a book about an amazing man and his relationship with the people he loved, whether that be his Jewish wife, his son or the most famous boxer of all time, Ali. A rich book that chronicles the life of an amazing man, you will not be able to put this book down folks.

Matt Crawford speaks with author David Gessner about his book Leave It As It Is. This is the story of David's journey through our land, national monuments and parks that belong to us all. While doing so David reflects on Teddy Roosevelt's many contributions to this system, his life and his flaws. Additionally and equally importantly this book shows, through the lens of the Bears Ears case, how even things that we think are saved are in fact not. A call to sit up, get out, pay attention and do something!

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Michael Hiltzik about his book Iron Empires. This is the story of how the railroad industry shaped America as we know it and the men that built those rails to their wishes. Immediately after the Civil War this country was still very much a nation divided and the railroads were quite possibly one of the most important aspects to mending that rift. A read that comprises, business, biography, history, adventure and intrigue this is a book that begs to be read.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Jamie Holmes about his book 12 Seconds of Silence. This is the unbelievable story about the invention of the proximity fuse, what is the fuse and what does it do? In the early days of WWII it took 20,000 shells to shoot down 1 Axis aircraft, this could not stand. The creation of the fuse and the amazing people involved is the story that Holmes recounts in this fantastic and utterly engrossing read. Another example of history at its best!

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Carl Hoffman about his book Liar's Circus. Hoffman went on the road attending MAGA rallies and talking to Trump supporters all over the country. This is an in depth and personal read about what he learned, experienced and saw while he stood in line for more than 170 hours. All during impeachment and the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, an enlightening read that captures a pivotal disparity between political parties. Required reading, especially now.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Darin Strauss about his new book The Queen of Tuesday. Part biography, part novel this book is an absolute pleasure to read. While I grew up watching I Love Lucy, I never knew all the amazing things the real Lucy accomplished. The first interracial marriage on T.V, the first female head of a production company just to name a few. Strauss weaves in the real with the unreal in a most enjoyable and unique way. This book is a real treat and I recommend it to all.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks to author Sherry L. Smith about her book Bohemians West. This book is a gem of a find and a true love story. Wrapped in the pivotal events of the late 19th and early 20th century the backdrop of this story is immense, temperance, abolition, suffrage are just some of the movements shaping this era. Who were Charles Erskine Scott Wood and Sara Bard Field? listen to the interview and then read the book, you will be glad you did.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Tony Williams about his book Hamilton: An American Biography. This is a fast paced, intimate and utterly immersing biography of one of our nations most fascinating and influential founding fathers. For anyone who has yet to dip their toe into the Hamilton waters, I cant recommend this enough. Williams captures the frenetic speed at which Hamilton lived his life and brings us along for the accomplished ride. Read this book folks!

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with Dr. Tom Cooper about his book Doing the Right Thing. A great case study of twelve amazing people and a defining moment in each of their lives that shaped not only themselves but in many cases the world writ large. This book highlights the study of ethics and how it permeates through our everyday life, even while we may not know it. A delightful read that will stir the mental juices, I recommend it to all!

In this interview Matt Crawford speaks with James Campbell about his book, The Ghost Mountain Boys. This is the unbelievable and largely forgotten story of the 32nd Division's herculean march across the mountains of New Guinea. Very little jungle training and equipment were just some of the obstacles these amazing men had to face. A 42 day march that left most of them shells of their former selves, this took place before, they were expected to fight an entrenched Japanese force. This is a moving must read.