Andrew Moskos

Matt Crawford speaks with authors, creators and producers Andrew Moskos and Pep Rosenfeld about their book, Boom Chicago Presents The 30 Most Important Years In Dutch History. What do Ted Lasso, Get Out, Late Night with Seth Meyers, 30 Rock, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Breaking Bad and Saturday Night Live, just to name a few have in common? They all feature writers, creators, directors or stars who got their start at Boom Chicago. Andrew and Pep discuss what made them start and American Improv show in Amsterdam 30 years ago, and created a comedic institution that continues to cultivate amazing talent.

Matt Crawford speaks with authors, creators and producers Andrew Moskos and Pep Rosenfeld about their book, Boom Chicago Presents The 30 Most Important Years In Dutch History. What do Ted Lasso, Get Out, Late Night with Seth Meyers, 30 Rock, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Breaking Bad and Saturday Night Live, just to name a few have in common? They all feature writers, creators, directors or stars who got their start at Boom Chicago. Andrew and Pep discuss what made them start and American Improv show in Amsterdam 30 years ago, and created a comedic institution that continues to cultivate amazing talent.

Andrew Moskos and Pep Rosenfeld Interview Episode 57

Stephen Furlich

Matt Crawford speaks with Dr. Stephen Furlich about his book, Sex Talk: How Biological Sex Influences Gender Communication Differences Throughout Lifes' Stages. Sex Talk can benefit all readers, from teens to senior citizens, when interacting with friends, families, and other relationships, along with helping to advance their careers through strategic communication. It precisely tracks how gender communication differences change as one's biology and physiology changes and shows how these changes occur throughout different stages of life. This is a thread through every aspect of our lives and care with which we receive, I highly recommend it.

Matt Crawford speaks with Dr. Stephen Furlich about his book, Sex Talk: How Biological Sex Influences Gender Communication Differences Throughout Lifes' Stages. Sex Talk can benefit all readers, from teens to senior citizens, when interacting with friends, families, and other relationships, along with helping to advance their careers through strategic communication. It precisely tracks how gender communication differences change as one's biology and physiology changes and shows how these changes occur throughout different stages of life. This is a thread through every aspect of our lives and care with which we receive, I highly recommend it.

Dr. Stephen Furlich Interview Episode 56

Thom Hartmann

Matt Crawford speaks with Thom Hartmann about his book, The Hidden History of American Democracy: Rediscovering Humanity's Ancient Way of Living. Hartmann presents a sweeping history of and searing analysis of American democracy, showing how democracy is the one form of governance most likely to produce peace and happiness among people. He offers a clear call to action and a set of solutions with road maps for individuals and communities to follow to create a safer, more just society and a more equitable and prosperous economy, ensuring democracy's survival.

Matt Crawford speaks with Thom Hartmann about his book, The Hidden History of American Democracy: Rediscovering Humanity's Ancient Way of Living. Hartmann presents a sweeping history of and searing analysis of American democracy, showing how democracy is the one form of governance most likely to produce peace and happiness among people. He offers a clear call to action and a set of solutions with road maps for individuals and communities to follow to create a safer, more just society and a more equitable and prosperous economy, ensuring democracy's survival.

Thom Hartmann Interview Episode 55

Michael Strassfeld

Matt Crawford speaks with Rabbi Michael Strassfeld about his book, Judaism Disrupted: A Spiritual Manifesto for the 21st Century. This book is a call for individuals seeking a deeper connection with their faith. Rabbi Strassfeld urges us all to let goof outdated rituals and embrace a more open and modern approach to Judaism. While this is a book about Judaism, we discuss how this can relate to all religions and the issues they face, with the next generations steering away from organized religions writ large. A thought-provoking book no matter your beliefs.

Matt Crawford speaks with Rabbi Michael Strassfeld about his book, Judaism Disrupted: A Spiritual Manifesto for the 21st Century. This book is a call for individuals seeking a deeper connection with their faith. Rabbi Strassfeld urges us all to let goof outdated rituals and embrace a more open and modern approach to Judaism. While this is a book about Judaism, we discuss how this can relate to all religions and the issues they face, with the next generations steering away from organized religions writ large. A thought-provoking book no matter your beliefs.

Rabbi Michael Strassfeld Interview Episode 54

Judith Peck

Matt Crawford speaks with sculptor and author, Judith Peck about her book, Art and Social Interaction: A Guide For College Internships Serving Correctional, Rehabilitation, and Human Service Needs. This manual contains the information needed for human service institutions, liberal arts colleges, and community volunteers to present a program of creative visual arts in jails, psychiatric facilities, drug rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, shelters and facilities for youth in need. Students not only perform community service but gain unique personal understanding of the major domestic issues of our time- crime, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence and aging.

Matt Crawford speaks with sculptor and author, Judith Peck about her book, Art and Social Interaction: A Guide For College Internships Serving Correctional, Rehabilitation, and Human Service Needs. This manual contains the information needed for human service institutions, liberal arts colleges, and community volunteers to present a program of creative visual arts in jails, psychiatric facilities, drug rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, shelters and facilities for youth in need. Students not only perform community service but gain unique personal understanding of the major domestic issues of our time- crime, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence and aging.

Judith Peck Interview Episode 53

Alan Mack

Matt Crawford speaks with author and retired MH-47E pilot Alan Mack about his book: Razor 03: A Night Stalker's Wars. Mack shares his behind-the-scenes perspective of the Horse Soldier's infill into Afghanistan. The hunt for Osama Bin Laden at Tora Bora and describes his shootdown during Operation Anaconda. Years later, he chased Bowe Bergdahl, rescued hostages in Iraq, and the U.S Navy Seal 'Lone Survivor' from the Kunar Valley. Mack also discusses the sacrifices he and his family made while serving this country and how they coped. A truly inspirational read that all should pick up.

Matt Crawford speaks with author and retired MH-47E pilot Alan Mack about his book: Razor 03: A Night Stalker's Wars. Mack shares his behind-the-scenes perspective of the Horse Soldier's infill into Afghanistan. The hunt for Osama Bin Laden at Tora Bora and describes his shootdown during Operation Anaconda. Years later, he chased Bowe Bergdahl, rescued hostages in Iraq, and the U.S Navy Seal 'Lone Survivor' from the Kunar Valley. Mack also discusses the sacrifices he and his family made while serving this country and how they coped. A truly inspirational read that all should pick up.

Alan Mack Interview Episode 52

Mary Pieroni Harper

Matt Crawford speaks with author Mary Harper about her book, The Sound of Her Voice: My Blind Parents' Story. An inspiring chronicle of a remarkable couple (both blind since childhood) who - against all odds- lived full and productive lives. Mario became the first blind graduate of Notre Dame Law School and was later elected a Judge of two different counties. Jane ran a household of four sighted children without assistance. Both born in the early 20th century before the ADA and many programs for assistance that we take for granted today. What this story is mostly about though is that of love, and love for each other. This is a beautiful book that is sure to inspire and warm your heart.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Mary Harper about her book, The Sound of Her Voice: My Blind Parents' Story. An inspiring chronicle of a remarkable couple (both blind since childhood) who - against all odds- lived full and productive lives. Mario became the first blind graduate of Notre Dame Law School and was later elected a Judge of two different counties. Jane ran a household of four sighted children without assistance. Both born in the early 20th century before the ADA and many programs for assistance that we take for granted today. What this story is mostly about though is that of love, and love for each other. This is a beautiful book that is sure to inspire and warm your heart.

Mary Pieroni Harper Interview Episode 51

Ken Rusk

Matt Crawford speaks with author Ken Rusk about his book, Blue Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life. This book lays out in straightforward and accessible ways a path to success and happiness that doesn't require a mortarboard and gown. White-collar jobs are being threatened by AI. Economists have estimated that at least 4/5's of the jobs created by the infrastructure bill and the broader economic plan would not require college degrees. Add in the Baby Boomer retirements, and this nation is primed for a blue-collar resurgence. 

Matt Crawford speaks with author Ken Rusk about his book, Blue Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life. This book lays out in straightforward and accessible ways a path to success and happiness that doesn't require a mortarboard and gown. White-collar jobs are being threatened by AI. Economists have estimated that at least 4/5's of the jobs created by the infrastructure bill and the broader economic plan would not require college degrees. Add in the Baby Boomer retirements, and this nation is primed for a blue-collar resurgence.

Ken Rusk Interview Episode 50

Larry Freeland

Matt Crawford speaks with author Larry Freeland about his book, Legacy of Honor: The Patriarch. A tale of courage, sacrifice, love, and honor, this 20th century historical fiction saga addresses the horrors of WWI and the challenges that military men faced upon returning including mental trauma, and physical illness in addition to the hardships of the Great Depression. All told through the eyes of the character, Doughboy Sam McCormack who was based on author Larry Freeland's own grandfather, Sam Freeland. 

Matt Crawford speaks with author Larry Freeland about his book, Legacy of Honor: The Patriarch. A tale of courage, sacrifice, love, and honor, this 20th century historical fiction saga addresses the horrors of WWI and the challenges that military men faced upon returning including mental trauma, and physical illness in addition to the hardships of the Great Depression. All told through the eyes of the character, Doughboy Sam McCormack who was based on author Larry Freeland's own grandfather, Sam Freeland.

Larry Freeland Interview Episode 49

William Hazelgrove

Matt Crawford speaks with author William Hazelgrove about his book, The Last Charge of the Rough Rider: Theodore Roosevelt's Last Days. There have been many books about Teddy Roosevelt but few that focus on his last moments. Racked by rheumatism, pathogens in his blood, an embolism, a bad leg from an accident and a bullet lodged in his chest from an assassin's attempt, he was still trying to recapture his "Crowded Hour." With the U.S on the verge of joining The Great War, Roosevelt wanted nothing more than to make that one last charge up the hill and recapture his former glory or, go out in a blaze of glory. As always Hazelgrove transports us back in time and takes us along on T.R's last ride. Hop on!

Matt Crawford speaks with author William Hazelgrove about his book, The Last Charge of the Rough Rider: Theodore Roosevelt's Last Days. There have been many books about Teddy Roosevelt but few that focus on his last moments. Racked by rheumatism, pathogens in his blood, an embolism, a bad leg from an accident and a bullet lodged in his chest from an assassin's attempt, he was still trying to recapture his "Crowded Hour." With the U.S on the verge of joining The Great War, Roosevelt wanted nothing more than to make that one last charge up the hill and recapture his former glory or, go out in a blaze of glory. As always Hazelgrove transports us back in time and takes us along on T.R's last ride. Hop on!

William Hazelgrove Interview Episode 47

The curious man Matt Crawford interviews authors and interesting people about topics ranging from history to politics to everyday stimulating topics. If you like to learn and are as curious as I am please join in!

Kwame Dawes

Matt Crawford speaks with author, poet and editor Kwame Dawes about his and Chris Abani's edited work, Tisa: New-Generation African Poets, A Chapbook Box Set. This twelve-piece, limited-edition box set, an African Poetry Book Fund (APBF) project, features the work of eleven new African poets. For those of you out there who are daunted by poetry, I implore you to listen to this interview and then go and get the box set. professor Dawes, completely lifts the veil on poetry and makes it accessible to us all. In this set I discovered how an African poet could transport me to their home and convey their struggle with one verse. 

Matt Crawford speaks with author, poet and editor Kwame Dawes about his and Chris Abani's edited work, Tisa: New-Generation African Poets, A Chapbook Box Set. This twelve-piece, limited-edition box set, an African Poetry Book Fund (APBF) project, features the work of eleven new African poets. For those of you out there who are daunted by poetry, I implore you to listen to this interview and then go and get the box set. professor Dawes, completely lifts the veil on poetry and makes it accessible to us all. In this set I discovered how an African poet could transport me to their home and convey their struggle with one verse.

Kwame Dawes Interview Episode 48

Alex Wheatle

Matt Crawford speaks with author Alex Wheatle about his book, Sufferah: Memoir of a Brixton Reggae Head. In this breathtaking memoir, acclaimed author Alex Wheatle details how reggae music became his salvation through a childhood marred by abuse, imprisonment, and police brutality.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Alex Wheatle about his book, Sufferah: Memoir of a Brixton Reggae Head. In this breathtaking memoir, acclaimed author Alex Wheatle details how reggae music became his salvation through a childhood marred by abuse, imprisonment, and police brutality.

Alex Wheatle Interview Episode 46

James M. Zimmerman

Matt Crawford speaks with author James M. Zimmerman about his book, The Peking Express: The Bandits Who Stole a Train, Stunned the West, and Broke the Republic of China. In May 1923 publisher and reporter John Benjamin Powell bought a first-class ticket for the Peking Express. Along with the other 300 passengers he expected an idyllic overnight journey. Bandit leader Sun Mei-yao and his band had other ideas, descending upon the train in the dark of night to take hostages and force the government to meet their demands. A true tale of adventure and intrigue this is a book that takes you for a ride and impossible to put down.

Matt Crawford speaks with author James M. Zimmerman about his book, The Peking Express: The Bandits Who Stole a Train, Stunned the West, and Broke the Republic of China. In May 1923 publisher and reporter John Benjamin Powell bought a first-class ticket for the Peking Express. Along with the other 300 passengers he expected an idyllic overnight journey. Bandit leader Sun Mei-yao and his band had other ideas, descending upon the train in the dark of night to take hostages and force the government to meet their demands. A true tale of adventure and intrigue this is a book that takes you for a ride and impossible to put down.

James M. Zimmerman Interview Episode 45

Brett Forrest

Matt Crawford speaks with journalist and author Brett Forrest about his new book, Lost Son: An American Family Trapped Inside the FBI's Secret Wars. Forrest uncovers what brought an altruistic Billy Reilly to Russia in 2015, what happened to him there, and what the FBI's role was in this small-town Midwestern family's worst nightmare. This book will have you enraged but more importantly it will bring you into the Reilly's home and into Billy's life. Forrest takes the deep dive, does the research and tells the whole story. An exhaustively researched and nuanced read that you will be engrossed in and find hard to put down.

Matt Crawford speaks with journalist and author Brett Forrest about his new book, Lost Son: An American Family Trapped Inside the FBI's Secret Wars. Forrest uncovers what brought an altruistic Billy Reilly to Russia in 2015, what happened to him there, and what the FBI's role was in this small-town Midwestern family's worst nightmare. This book will have you enraged but more importantly it will bring you into the Reilly's home and into Billy's life. Forrest takes the deep dive, does the research and tells the whole story. An exhaustively researched and nuanced read that you will be engrossed in and find hard to put down.

Brett Forrest Interview Episode 44

Winnie M. Li

Matt Crawford speaks with author Winnie M. Li about her book, Complicit: A Novel. While lecturing at an obscure college, Hollywood has-been, Sarah Lai is visited by a journalist asking about her past work with celebrated film producer Hugo North. As Sarah recounts the dark and sordid details of her past life and the industry, she gave her all to, she realizes that she also has some sins to atone for. A prescient novel that makes us all contemplate how we would react in certain situations; Li and I dive into that and so much more. How do the actions of these individuals' mar hundreds of people's work and livelihood? How do we measure the acceptable social punishment these people received based on their actions. This book will stir emotions and thoughts and I highly recommend it.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Winnie M. Li about her book, Complicit: A Novel. While lecturing at an obscure college, Hollywood has-been, Sarah Lai is visited by a journalist asking about her past work with celebrated film producer Hugo North. As Sarah recounts the dark and sordid details of her past life and the industry, she gave her all to, she realizes that she also has some sins to atone for. A prescient novel that makes us all contemplate how we would react in certain situations; Li and I dive into that and so much more. How do the actions of these individuals' mar hundreds of people's work and livelihood? How do we measure the acceptable social punishment these people received based on their actions. This book will stir emotions and thoughts and I highly recommend it.

Season 6 Episode 43 Winnie M. Li Interview

Eli Merritt

Matt Crawford speaks with author and Political Historian about his book, Disunion Among Ourselves: The Perilous Politics of The American Revolution. As always, Eli takes what we think we know about history and turns it on its head. The United States as we know it was not a fait accompli, in fact far from it. Merritt details the many compromises it took for the Colonies to reach an agreement and move forward, from choosing George Washington as the leader of the Army, to Jefferson writing The Declaration of Independence and of course our biggest sin, perpetuating slavery. We also discuss Juneteenth and how we need to understand that history is not zero-sum but additive. As always, I cannot recommend Merritt's work enough and hope you will give a listen, a read and then discuss it with your peers.

Matt Crawford speaks with author and Political Historian about his book, Disunion Among Ourselves: The Perilous Politics of The American Revolution. As always, Eli takes what we think we know about history and turns it on its head. The United States as we know it was not a fait accompli, in fact far from it. Merritt details the many compromises it took for the Colonies to reach an agreement and move forward, from choosing George Washington as the leader of the Army, to Jefferson writing The Declaration of Independence and of course our biggest sin, perpetuating slavery. We also discuss Juneteenth and how we need to understand that history is not zero-sum but additive. As always, I cannot recommend Merritt's work enough and hope you will give a listen, a read and then discuss it with your peers.

Eli Merritt Interview Episode 42

Neil King Jr

Neil King

Matt Crawford speaks with author Neil King Jr. about his book, American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal. A desire to walk from Washington D.C, to New York City began as a whim and then quickly formed into an obsession for King. By the spring of 2021 amongst the backdrop of one of the most pivotal years in our country, it was time to take that walk. A 26-day journey to places that tell some of this nation's story, King also embraces the ramble and the happenstance meetings with his fellow citizens. A salve against our current climate and maybe a path to remembering our better angels, this is a book that is sure to stir its reader. I hope you will take the journey as well.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Neil King Jr. about his book, American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal. A desire to walk from Washington D.C, to New York City began as a whim and then quickly formed into an obsession for King. By the spring of 2021 amongst the backdrop of one of the most pivotal years in our country, it was time to take that walk. A 26-day journey to places that tell some of this nation's story, King also embraces the ramble and the happenstance meetings with his fellow citizens. A salve against our current climate and maybe a path to remembering our better angels, this is a book that is sure to stir its reader. I hope you will take the journey as well.

Neil King Jr. Interview Episode 41

William Anderson

Matt Crawford speaks with author William Anderson about his book, The Price of Perfect. Atlanta's oppressive racial past rises up to threaten the reputation of controversial architect Jack Collier. When it is discovered that a black man had been hung at the site of his new project, social advocate Shandra Berry demands the tree be saved as a memorial. As the community becomes involve and Jack pushes back to leave his building unaltered, questions of racism and hate take the oxygen out of the room and tempers and accusation abound. A timely piece of fiction that is sure to make us all sit back and think about how race is and isn't talked about in our current climate. Maybe this book could be the conversation starter.

Matt Crawford speaks with author William Anderson about his book, The Price of Perfect. Atlanta's oppressive racial past rises up to threaten the reputation of controversial architect Jack Collier. When it is discovered that a black man had been hung at the site of his new project, social advocate Shandra Berry demands the tree be saved as a memorial. As the community becomes involve and Jack pushes back to leave his building unaltered, questions of racism and hate take the oxygen out of the room and tempers and accusation abound. A timely piece of fiction that is sure to make us all sit back and think about how race is and isn't talked about in our current climate. Maybe this book could be the conversation starter.

William Anderson Interview Episode 40

Manuel Lima

Matt Crawford speaks with designer and author about his book, The New Designer: Rejecting Myths, Embracing Change. The choices made by designers have a significant impact on the world, yet many of them focus more on the aesthetics than the ethics. Lima takes a deep dive in this book and cracks open our mind to expose how we are all complicit in the longevity of these products and how we can all be more mindful of what we use and how we use it. This is a book that will fundamentally change the way you view things and I hope you will all give this book a read and have a conversation regarding it.

Matt Crawford speaks with designer and author about his book, The New Designer: Rejecting Myths, Embracing Change. The choices made by designers have a significant impact on the world, yet many of them focus more on the aesthetics than the ethics. Lima takes a deep dive in this book and cracks open our mind to expose how we are all complicit in the longevity of these products and how we can all be more mindful of what we use and how we use it. This is a book that will fundamentally change the way you view things and I hope you will all give this book a read and have a conversation regarding it.

Manuel Lima Interview Episode 39

Peter Grinspoon

Matt Crawford speaks with Dr. Peter Grinspoon about his book, Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles the Truth About Marijuana. The information we have regarding Cannabis is skewed for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, racism and how we have regulated this drug has played a huge role in shaping what society thinks they "know" about Cannabis. Dr. Grinspoon touches on the medical value and potential benefits of Cannabis, as well as why Doctors and patients don't have the correct data to truly understand its potential. This is a complex issue, and we all need to step back, drop our assumptions and think anew about this drug and its place in society. Seeing Through the Smoke is a good place to start that journey.

Matt Crawford speaks with Dr. Peter Grinspoon about his book, Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles the Truth About Marijuana. The information we have regarding Cannabis is skewed for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, racism and how we have regulated this drug has played a huge role in shaping what society thinks they "know" about Cannabis. Dr. Grinspoon touches on the medical value and potential benefits of Cannabis, as well as why Doctors and patients don't have the correct data to truly understand its potential. This is a complex issue, and we all need to step back, drop our assumptions and think anew about this drug and its place in society. Seeing Through the Smoke is a good place to start that journey.

Dr. Peter Grinspoon Interview Episode 38

Excellent and informative, if you looking to learn something new and just want easy listening about interesting topics, I highly suggest the curious man podcast.

Curious man- easy and informative listening

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