Thecuriousmanspodcast

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks with author Dr. Megan Kate Nelson about her book The Three-Cornered War. An amazing story that tells the tale of how the Civil War spread to the west and the people it affected. That is correct, the Civil War in the West. Nelson introduces us to nine larger than life individuals and brings us along on their journey. A fresh and exciting look into the Civil War and America as a whole. Enjoy!

In this episode, Matt Crawford speaks with author Boaz Dvir about his book Saving Israel. This is an unbelievable story about the effort to arm the newborn state of Israel in 1948. Surrounded by 5 well equipped and hostile neighbors Israel had no rifles, no ammunition, and no planes. Faced with an international arms embargo Israel had to turn to a communist Czechoslovakia for surplus Nazi weapons to defend itself. This is truly almost impossible to believe and will leave you turning the pages!

This episode, Matt Crawford speaks with author William Hazelgrove about his new book Henry Knox's Noble Train. Hazelgrove traces Knox's unbelievable journey from a Boston bookseller to an indispensable man of the American Revolution. To fight the British in Boston Washington needed artillery that was over 300 miles away in Fort Ticonderoga and he needed it fast. Who could move over 60 tons of canon in winter through some of the harshest terrains? A Boston bookseller with no military experience, that's who!

In this episode, Matt Crawford speaks with author Stephen Brumwell about his book Turncoat. A truly enjoyable and informative read that casts a new light on the man we think we all know, Benedict Arnold. This is one of those books that truly test your assumptions and pushes you to think. I thought I knew all I needed to about Arnold and I think I can safely assume that most people who will read this book do as well. Brumwell has proven me wrong and will for you as well. Great read!

In this episode, Matt Crawford speaks to author Gareth Russell about his book Ship of Dreams: The Sinking of the Titanic and the End of the Edwardian Era. We all think we know the story of the Titanic but Russell finds a way to evade the immense shadow cast by the Titanic and focus on what matters most, the people aboard. An in-depth tale about the climate of the era, the culture and the hopes and dreams of those aboard. Painstakingly researched and eloquently written this is simply a must-read. Well done.

In this episode, Matt Crawford speaks to educator and author David Head about his book A Crisis of Peace. This book focuses in on the time between the British surrender at Yorktown and the signing of the Treaty of Paris. What happened between those two dates could have torn this fledgling country asunder and led to the Newburgh Conspiracy, a possible military uprising in the making. A great read and quite funny at times thanks to David Head's ease of prose and humor. Enjoy!

In this episode, Matt Crawford speaks with author Barry Strauss about his book Ten Caesars. A great book to delve into the history of the Roman Empire, Strauss's choice of Emperors really paints a broad and interesting picture and gives us an interesting perspective. Hard to put this book down and now I am even more interested in this topic than before. You could not make the stories in this book up, sex, murder, incest, intrigue, and love. A great, easy and enjoyable read!

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks to journalist and author Julie Satow about her book The Plaza: The Secret Life of America's Most Famous Hotel. In this thoroughly enjoying read Satow brings The Plaza leaping of the page and into your heart. This book reads like a fiction at times with some unbelievable tales. Murder, suicide, dyed dogs, a live in celebrity, a princess with a private zoo and even our future President are just some of the juicy stories told in this book. A highly enjoyable read.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks to author and educator Kevin Levin about his book Searching for Black Confederates: The Civil War's Most Persistent Myth. I don't think this book could have come at a more opportune time. This book debunks the myth that African Americans slaves served in the Confederate Army and also delves into the underlying issues that breed that myth. I highly recommend this book for anyone searching for answers to the current racial climate. This book is a very good place to start.

In this episode Matt Crawford speaks to Author Claudia Rowe about her book The Spider and the Fly. This is an amazing book about a reporters relationship with a serial killer that sparks her own introspection. Rowe is painfully open and honest in this book and while I came for the story of a serial killer I stayed for her honesty about her own journey in life. A very moving read that I highly recommend.