Thecuriousmanspodcast

In this episode, host Matt Crawford welcomes author, ecologist, and essayist Bridget A. Lyons to discuss her beautiful and thought-provoking book, Entwined: Dispatches from the Intersection of Species. Blending science, philosophy, and lyrical storytelling, Lyons invites readers to reconsider what it means to be human in a world alive with other intelligences. Her work explores the profound connections—and responsibilities—that come with being part of Earth's living network. Together, Matt and Bridget explore how empathy, curiosity, and humility can transform our relationships with animals, ecosystems, and each other. From fieldwork encounters to reflections on climate grief and moral imagination, this conversation reveals why understanding our entanglement with other species might be one of the most urgent challenges of our time.

In this episode, host I sit down with motivational psychology expert Dr. Bobby Hoffman to explore the fascinating ideas behind his new book The Paradox of Passion: How Rewards Covertly Control Motivation. Dr. Hoffman unpacks one of the most overlooked truths in human behavior — that the very rewards we use to inspire achievement often end up sabotaging our passion and autonomy. Drawing from decades of research in cognitive and educational psychology, he explains why motivation is more fragile, complex, and deeply human than we tend to believe. Together, Matt and Dr. Hoffman discuss how to reclaim intrinsic motivation, nurture genuine passion, and resist the subtle ways systems of reward shape our choices and our identities.  

In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with author, advocate, and podcast host Kelly Cervantes to discuss her acclaimed memoir The Luckiest: A Memoir of Love, Loss, Motherhood, and the Pursuit of Self. Kelly opens her heart about the journey through her daughter Adelaide's illness and passing, the complexities of caregiving, and what it means to rediscover identity and purpose in the aftermath of unimaginable loss. With honesty, grace, and resilience, she shares how gratitude, community, and storytelling helped her reclaim her life. Together, Matt and Kelly explore love that endures beyond loss, the messy beauty of grief, and how writing can become a path toward healing.

In this gripping episode, host Matt Crawford talks with journalist and author Devon O'Neil about his powerful new book The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies. Blending the tension of a true survival thriller with the depth of a human drama, O'Neil chronicles an extraordinary real-life story of endurance, fear, and hope in one of the harshest landscapes on Earth. The conversation explores the razor's edge between life and death, how ordinary people find extraordinary strength, and what wilderness reveals about who we really are.

What if the maps we trust most — the ones hanging in classrooms or glowing on our phones — are shaping not just how we see the world, but how we think about it? In this episode, Matt Crawford speaks with William Rankin, historian of science, cartographer, and author of Radical Cartography: How Changing Our Maps Can Change Our World. Rankin reveals how every map tells a story — and how those stories influence politics, power, identity, and even empathy. From colonial borders to climate change, this conversation explores how reimagining the art and science of mapping can transform the way we understand ourselves and our planet. Because sometimes, to change the world, you have to redraw it first.

In this episode, host Matt Crawford speaks with novelist Rick Steinke about his gripping and heartfelt novel Vital Mission: A Jake Fortina Series Love Story. Set against the backdrop of courage, service, and sacrifice, Vital Mission explores what servie and heroism really mean and how novels can evoke feeling history sometime cant. Steinke shares how his military background and life experiences shaped the world of Jake Fortina, a protagonist torn between duty and desire. Together, they discuss the delicate balance between personal connection and professional mission, the emotional reality behind heroism, and how love itself can be the most vital mission of all.

What if the American Revolution wasn't just a national uprising — but a global turning point? Prize-winning historian Richard Bell joins Matt Crawford to discuss his groundbreaking new book, The American Revolution and the Fate of the World. In this episode, Bell reframes the Revolution as an event that reverberated far beyond the thirteen colonies — reshaping empires, inspiring new movements for liberty, and transforming ideas about democracy itself. Richard and I explore the global consequences of America's founding struggle, the untold stories of those left out of its triumph, and how its ideals still echo — and clash — in the world today. Join the conversation about power, freedom, and the unfinished legacy of the Revolution.

They were told they could be anything — then handed a world on fire. Award-winning journalist Charlie Wells joins Matt Crawford to discuss his new book What Happened to Millennials: In Defense of a Generation, a deeply reported and provocative look at how the largest generation in history was shaped by economic crises, digital revolutions, and cultural change. Matt and Charlie explore how millennials have been misunderstood, misrepresented, and underestimated — and why their struggles reveal so much about modern society itself. From work and wealth to meaning and identity, this conversation challenges every stereotype about "the participation trophy generation." This is the millennial story — told from the inside out.

What happens when the person searching for truth is the one most haunted by it? In this episode, host Matt Crawford speaks with Canadian author Joel Nedecky about his powerful debut novel, The Broken Detective. This isn't your typical crime story — it's a meditation on guilt, redemption, and the fragile humanity behind every investigation. Nedecky's novel follows a detective unraveling not only a mystery but also himself — exploring what it means to seek justice in a world where the lines between right and wrong are constantly shifting. Together, Matt and Joel discuss the psychology of brokenness, the tension between duty and doubt, and how writing a detective story can become an act of personal discovery.

In this episode, we're joined by Anne Hand, author of Austrian Again: Reclaiming a Lost Legacy, a powerful exploration of identity, ancestry, and rediscovery. Through personal storytelling and historical reflection, Anne takes us on her journey to reconnect with her Austrian roots—uncovering forgotten family stories, confronting the silences of the past, and reclaiming a legacy nearly lost to history. We discuss the emotional process of piecing together family identity after war and migration, what it means to belong to multiple cultures, and how uncovering our heritage can heal generational wounds. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered where they come from—and how our stories shape who we become.

For decades, we've been told the dinosaurs were wiped out by a single catastrophic asteroid impact — a story that has become almost mythic in its simplicity. But what if that isn't the full truth? In this episode, host Matt Crawford speaks with Professor Gerta Keller, one of the world's leading paleontologists and a bold voice challenging conventional science. Drawing on over 40 years of fieldwork and groundbreaking research, Keller's new book The Last Extinction: The Real Science Behind the Death of the Dinosaurs reexamines the evidence and makes a compelling case that massive volcanic eruptions — not just an asteroid — drove the greatest extinction in history. Together, they discuss scientific resistance, the importance of questioning accepted narratives, and what ancient mass extinctions can teach us about our own fragile planet today.

In this episode, we're joined by Eden Collinsworth, bestselling author and cultural commentator, to discuss her latest book The Improbable Victoria Woodhull: Suffrage, Free Love, and the First Woman to Run for President. Victoria Woodhull was one of the most audacious and unconventional women of the 19th century: a suffragist, stockbroker, publisher, spiritualist, and in 1872, the first woman to run for president—decades before American women could vote. Her advocacy for “free love” shocked Victorian sensibilities, while her business dealings and political ambitions made her both admired and reviled. Eden takes us through Woodhull's improbable rise, her controversies, her clashes with the press and fellow suffragists, and her lasting—if complicated—impact on American history.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Shirley Strum, professor of anthropology and director of the Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project in Kenya. For over five decades, Dr. Strum has observed wild baboons, uncovering surprising truths about their lives—and about our own. Her new book, Echoes of Our Origins: Baboons, Humans, and Nature, brings readers into the world of baboon society, revealing what these remarkable primates can teach us about cooperation, conflict, survival, and what it really means to be human. We discuss the joys and challenges of long-term fieldwork, the deep connections between humans and baboons, and how storytelling can inspire conservation and empathy across species.

In this episode, we talk with tutor, coach, and author Dana Sutton about her heartwarming children's book Maddie Finds Her Place. The story follows Maddie, a young girl on a journey to understand who she is and where she belongs—a theme that resonates deeply with children and adults alike. Dana shares how her work with kids inspired the book, why stories about belonging matter, and how parents, educators, and coaches can use books like Maddie Finds Her Place to support children's emotional growth.

We sit down with author Elizabeth Pines-Boyle about her novel, Choosing Her. Centered around flawed, multidimensional characters simmering with chemistry, mounting betrayals, and explosive revelations, Choosing Her is truly a fast paced psychological thriller that will keep you guessing till the end.  This book grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go!  Can't wait for the rest of the world to get a chance at reading this.

In this episode, we sit down with renowned cardiologist, researcher, and author Dr. Peter Kowey to discuss his eye-opening new book, Failure to Treat. Drawing from decades of experience in medicine, Dr. Kowey exposes the systemic flaws that are failing both patients and the professionals who care for them.  This is a must-listen conversation for patients, providers, and anyone concerned about the future of healthcare.

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning author and historian Judy Pearson to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Radical Sisters: Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner, Evelyn Lauder and the Dawn of the Breast Cancer Movement. For much of the 20th century, breast cancer was shrouded in silence and stigma. Judy brings to life the stories of three extraordinary women — a child star turned diplomat, a fearless journalist, and a visionary philanthropist — who defied cultural taboos and ignited a movement that changed medicine, public discourse, and the lives of millions of women.

In this episode, I sit down with journalist, professor, poet, and activist Omar Zahzah, author of Terms of Servitude. The book examines how systems of power—from colonial histories to contemporary technologies—shape the way we understand freedom, identity, and resistance. We explore how language and culture reinforce structures of servitude, the intersections of Palestinian liberation with other global justice movements, and why art and storytelling are vital tools of resistance. Omar challenges us to question the narratives we inherit, uncover the hidden dynamics of power, and imagine new terms for liberation.

History often remembers generals and presidents, but what about the spies who worked in the shadows? In this episode, I speak with journalist and author Gerri Willis about her new book Lincoln's Lady Spymaster: The Untold Story of the Abolitionist Southern Belle Who Helped Win the Civil War. Gerri uncovers the incredible life of Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond-born abolitionist who used her privilege, intelligence, and courage to run a Union spy network deep in Confederate territory. We discuss Van Lew's daring missions, the hidden world of Civil War espionage, and why her story remained untold for so long.

In 1642, England stood on the edge of civil war. The winter of that year was a turning point—when mistrust, division, and failed compromise finally pushed the nation toward conflict. In this episode, I speak with historian and Oxford professor Dr. Jonathan Healey, author of The Blood in Winter: England on the Brink of Civil War, 1642. We explore the causes of division, the experience of ordinary people, and the leadership struggles that drove the kingdom into chaos. Jonathan explains why this pivotal moment still resonates today and what lessons we can draw from a society on the brink.

What's it really like to live undercover inside one of the world's most dangerous drug cartels? In this gripping episode, I sit down with former FBI agent Martin Suarez and Ian Frisch authors of Inside the Cartel: How an Undercover FBI Agent Smuggled Cocaine, Laundered Cash and Dismantled a Colombian Narco-Empire. Martin shares the extraordinary story of how he built a convincing cover identity, smuggled drugs and laundered millions—all while risking his life to take down a cartel from the inside. We discuss the dangers, close calls, and psychological toll of undercover work, as well as the surprising human dimensions of cartel life that few outsiders ever see.

Words can build, heal, inspire—and sometimes hurt. In her children's book Words, author Katherine Davis-Gibbon reminds us of the incredible power language holds, even in the smallest voices. In this episode, Katherine shares the inspiration behind her story, the creative process of writing for young readers, and why she believes helping children understand the impact of their words is essential. We also explore how parents, teachers, and caregivers can use Words to spark meaningful conversations about kindness, empathy, and communication.

What does it mean to belong, to adapt, and to grow roots in unfamiliar soil? In this episode, I sit down with Cedric Muhikira, Rwandan author of the debut novel Libaax: Grow Your Roots Where You Land. Cedric's novel explores resilience, identity, and the search for home in the face of displacement and change. Through his characters, he tells a story of struggle, adaptation, and hope that resonates far beyond borders. We talk about the role of heritage, the meaning of home, and how storytelling can help us navigate both personal and collective journeys.

Economics can seem intimidating, but what if it's actually easier to understand than we think—and more important than we realize? In this episode, I sit down with Howard Yaruss, economist, attorney, professor, and author of Understandable Economics: Because Understanding Our Economy is Easier Than You Think and More Important Than You Know. Howard explains how economics impacts our daily lives, from taxes and inflation to trade and government spending. We discuss how economic literacy empowers citizens, how politicians misuse economic arguments, and why having a clearer grasp of money, markets, and policy is essential for a healthy democracy.

Are we really the center of the universe—or just acting like it? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sterlin Mosley, author of Center of the Universe, to explore how self-perception, ego, and culture shape the way we see ourselves and our place in the world. From philosophy and psychology to modern culture and relationships, Dr. Mosley unpacks how our sense of “centrality” influences our behavior, our wellbeing, and our connections with others. We discuss how social media fuels self-centeredness, how humility restores balance, and why shifting from ego-driven living to community-centered living may be the most powerful change we can make.

In this thought-provoking episode, physician and public health leader Dr. Philip Polakoff, founder of A Healthier We, explains how democracy and public health are deeply intertwined. From the erosion of trust in institutions to the impacts of polarization, misinformation, and inequality, he lays out why weakening democratic systems can lead to worsening health outcomes for individuals and communities alike. We explore how civic engagement, equity, and community resilience are not just democratic values—they're prescriptions for healthier lives. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why democracy should be seen as a public health issue How threats to democratic institutions undermine community wellbeing The mental and physical health consequences of political instability and polarization Why civic participation builds healthier societies Steps communities and individuals can take to strengthen both democracy and health

Actress, screenwriter, director, and now novelist Ally Walker joins the podcast to talk about her stunning debut novel, The Light Runner. Known for her roles in Profiler, Sons of Anarchy, and Longmire, Ally brings her gift for storytelling to fiction, crafting a powerful story about resilience, transformation, and the search for meaning. In this conversation, Ally shares the inspiration behind The Light Runner, how her career in Hollywood shaped her writing process, and why moving from the screen to the page allowed her to explore character and emotion in new ways. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What sparked Ally's journey from acting and directing to writing novels The central themes and inspirations behind The Light Runner How her experiences in Hollywood shaped her approach to storytelling The differences between screenwriting and novel-writing What Ally hopes readers take away from the book

What if the story of human history is really the story of drugs? In this episode, Matt sits down with author Sam Kelly to explore his bold and witty new book, Human History On Drugs: An Utterly Scandalous but Entirely Truthful Look at History Under the Influence. From alcohol and coffee to opium and cannabis, Sam takes us on a fascinating (and often hilarious) journey through the intoxicants that have influenced empires, revolutions, and everyday life. Expect scandalous stories, surprising truths, and a new perspective on how much of our world has been shaped under the influence. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why drugs are central to the story of human civilization The most surprising—and absurd—drug stories from history How governments and religions have shaped society's relationship with intoxicants Parallels between historical drug panics and today's “war on drugs” Why humor might be the best way to talk about taboo topics

In this inspiring episode, Matt sits down with fitness, nutrition and wellness expert Isabelle Daikeler to talk about building a healthy life from the inside out. From debunking common health myths to helping people discover their “why,” Isabelle shares her holistic approach to lasting change. You'll hear her thoughts on where we all need to start to find our happiness and overcoming the “all or nothing” mindset that derails so many health journeys. Whether you're just starting your wellness path or looking to take it to the next level, Isabelle's insights will help you stay motivated, consistent, and confident in your ability to transform. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The mindset shift that's more important than any diet or workout How to find that center that eludes many of us Why perfection isn't the goal—and what to aim for instead I hope you will all give a listen and that this conversation helps you along your path.

In this episode, we speak with, Gustav Peebles (economic anthropologist) and Benjamin Luzatto (artist and public thinker), co-authors of The First and Last Bank: Climate Change, Currency and a New Carbon Commons. Together, they propose a bold new vision of money as a tool for ecological repair—one that treats carbon not as a commodity to be traded, but as a commons to be protected, stored, and distributed fairly. We explore: Why money and climate are more intertwined than we think How a “carbon commons” could shift our economic priorities What it means to design a bank that's both metaphor and mechanism Whether it's time to let go of conventional growth-based systems Why this is a call to collective imagination—not just policy change This episode isn't just about economics. It's about possibility.

What is it about repetition that makes us feel, remember, and connect? In this episode, linguist, jazz musician, and author Samuel Jay Keyser joins us to discuss his fascinating book, Play It Again, Sam: Repetition in the Arts. Keyser explores how repetition operates across music, literature, visual art, and language—not just as a stylistic tool, but as a deep reflection of how we think, feel, and experience the world. Whether it's a repeated melody in a jazz riff, a recurring line in a poem, or a phrase in conversation, repetition shapes the way we communicate, create, and make meaning.

What if leadership wasn't about authority, but about how well you serve others? What if the secret to motivating teams and building cultures was hospitality? In this episode, we sit down with inspirational speaker, coach, and author Taylor Scott to explore the game-changing ideas in his book, Lead with Hospitality: Be Human. Emotionally Connect. Serve Selflessly. Drawing from his experiences at Walt Disney World, Wynn, Gaylord, and as a leadership consultant, Taylor shares how emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and selfless service are the foundation of truly transformational leadership.

In this thought-provoking episode, entrepreneur and author Jeff Burningham joins us to discuss his new book, The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI. In a time when algorithms generate content, answer questions, and shape decisions, Jeff asks a bold and urgent question: What does it mean to be truly human—and truly wise? We talk about what separates wisdom from intelligence, how AI is reshaping everything from creativity to ethics, and what qualities we must preserve if we want to live meaningfully in a world increasingly run by machines.

In this episode, we're joined by Carla Malden—accomplished screenwriter, memoirist, and novelist—to discuss her latest work, Playback, a gripping psychological noir set against the shadows of modern-day Los Angeles. Carla, daughter of the legendary Oscar-winning actor Carl Malden, brings a cinematic edge and emotional depth to her storytelling. In Playback, she explores the blurry lines between memory and truth, perception and reality, and how our pasts haunt our present. Join us as we talk inspiration, family legacy, the writing life, and what happens when the all converge.

Captain James Cook—celebrated explorer, national hero, and tragic figure—set out on his third and final voyage with a mission that would change the world. But what did his journey cost, and who paid the price? In this episode, acclaimed historian and bestselling author Hampton Sides joins us to discuss The Wide Wide Sea, his sweeping new chronicle of Cook's last expedition. We explore the entanglement of science, empire, and myth, and the cultural collisions that shaped a turning point in global history. Hampton shares the surprising truths he uncovered about Cook, the Indigenous cultures Cook encountered—and how one of history's most famous explorers became an agent of irreversible change.

Who was Hazel? Why was her brutal murder buried in history — and how did it inspire one of the most iconic TV shows of all time? In this episode, author Jerry Drake joins us to discuss his riveting new book Hazel Was a Good Girl, which reopens a nearly century-old cold case that eerily parallels the plot of Twin Peaks. Part investigation, part historical exposé, and part cultural reflection, the book seeks to restore the truth and dignity to a young woman whose life and death shaped a strange corner of American mythology.

Beloved children's author Kate DiCamillo joins us to discuss her enchanting new novel Ferris, a heartfelt story about family, courage, and the power of imagination. In this conversation, Kate reflects on the creation of Ferris Wilkey—a curious, kind-hearted girl navigating mystery, love, and change in her offbeat household. We explore how Kate finds magic in the mundane, what it means to write truthfully, and why laughter and loss belong in the same story. Whether you're a fan of Because of Winn-Dixie or meeting Kate for the first time, this episode will remind you why her stories stay with us long after the final page.

On today's episode, we're joined by author Samantha York to talk about her haunting and lyrical debut novel, The Foreshore. Set against a shifting coastal landscape, the novel traces the emotional tides of memory, loss, and resilience through characters who are just as vulnerable and unpredictable as the sea itself. We discuss the symbolism behind the shoreline, the role of silence and solitude, and what it means to build a life on ground that's constantly changing. It's a conversation about grief, storytelling, and the spaces between land and water—and between people.

This episode features an energizing conversation with author and leadership coach Andy Crocker about his new book The Unconditionals: Five Timeless Values to Live Without Limits and Ignite Your Superpower. Andy shares the core values that can help anyone break through fear, overcome limitations, and unlock their inner potential. Whether you're navigating a career shift, a personal setback, or simply looking to live more intentionally, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom. Internal reflection is something that many of us do not do enough, this book shows just how important that is, as well as guide us along the way.

What happens when a group of grieving grandmothers takes on a brutal dictatorship in the name of truth and justice? In today's episode, we speak with award-winning journalist and author Haley Cohen Gilliland about her extraordinary new book, A Flower Traveled In My Blood. Through deep research and personal storytelling, the book chronicles the decades-long fight of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo to uncover the fates of their stolen grandchildren—taken during Argentina's Dirty War and raised under false identities. This is a conversation about resilience, memory, science, justice—and the power of ordinary people to defy tyranny.

In this episode, we sit down with author and historian Forest Issac Jones to discuss his new book Good Trouble: The Selma, Alabama and Derry, Northern Ireland Connection 1963–1972. This powerful work uncovers the striking parallels between two seemingly distant civil rights struggles—across the American South and the streets of Northern Ireland. Forest walks us through the political, cultural, and spiritual ties that united these movements, from shared strategies of nonviolence to government crackdowns and the enduring power of grassroots resistance.

In this episode, we dive deep into the intellectual lives of two of Canada's most influential media theorists: Harold Innis and Marshall McLuhan. Author and professor Tom Cooper joins us to explore his new book, The Lives and Thought of Harold Innis and Marshall McLuhan, offering unique insights into their work, relationship, and relevance in our hyperconnected world. We unpack everything from Innis's time-biased and space-biased media framework to McLuhan's famously cryptic “the medium is the message”—and how both thinkers anticipated the digital age in uncanny ways.

Today's guest is Professor James Fishkin, a pioneering scholar in the field of deliberative democracy and the author of the timely and thought-provoking book, Can Deliberation Cure the Ills of Democracy? In a time of extreme polarization, political disillusionment, and rising authoritarianism, Professor Fishkin offers a compelling case for how structured, inclusive public deliberation can revitalize democratic systems. From global experiments to the core mechanics of deliberative polling, this episode explores how we might move beyond shouting matches and toward shared understanding.

What happens when a philosopher tries to change the world—not through words, but by shaping a king? In this episode, we sit down with James Romm, classical historian and author of Plato and the Tyrant, a gripping narrative about Plato's dramatic real-world attempt to bring his philosophical ideals to life in the court of the tyrant Dionysius of Syracuse. Through ambition, betrayal, and idealism, Romm explores the tensions between power and wisdom—and why even Plato wasn't immune to the seductions of political influence.

n today's episode, we're joined by Corinna Barrett Lain, a law professor and the author of Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection. With meticulous research and unflinching clarity, she exposes the hidden history of how lethal injection became the preferred method of execution in the U.S.—and how it's far more troubling, untested, and violent than the public has been led to believe. Together, we explore the myths that mask this method as “humane,” the legal loopholes that protect its secrecy, and the moral reckoning Americans must confront. This is a conversation about truth, justice, and the machinery of death.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Theresa Callaghan, skincare scientist of 35 years and author of Help! I'm Covered in Adjectives: Cosmetic Claims & The Consumer. With wit, science, and decades of industry experience, Dr. Callaghan helps us unpack the seductive language of the beauty industry—revealing how terms like “clinically proven” and “anti-aging” are often more about persuasion than proof. From scientific credibility to regulatory blind spots, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who buys (or sells) cosmetics, including men.

In today's episode, we're joined by Claudia Rowe, award-winning journalist and author of Wards of the State, a searing, meticulously researched account of the U.S. foster care system. Over the course of a century, America's foster care system has promised protection but often delivered pain. Through deeply human storytelling and journalistic rigor, Claudia exposes the system's structural failures—and the children caught in its web. We explore the hidden history of foster care, the emotional and ethical toll of reporting on vulnerable lives, and what real reform might look like. This is an urgent conversation on accountability, visibility, and justice.

In today's episode we speak with author Steve Eichenblatt about his memoir, Pretend They Are Dead. When Steven's dad, Allen, disappeared, he left behind more than his children-he left a legacy of loss and family secrets. Though working just miles away, Allen gave up his kids for adoption. He was soon replaced by another man, one with his own four children, whose strict rules and explosive temper made home a place of fear rather than refuge.   Steven spent decades wrestling with the wounds of abandonment and abuse, burying his pain so deep it became "the feeling of no feeling." A forced move to Florida, a brutal fist fight, and a grisly car crash pushed Steven to life's edge resulting in a move to Israel, where he discovered that "self-help" meant he would die a failure unless he learned to help himself.   Pretend They Are Deadis a gripping memoir of survival, trauma, and resilience-told with raw honesty, filmic detail, and defiant humor. Steven grew up rejected: Two men claimed to be his father but neither proved to be a dad. Determined not to repeat the past, he becomes an unwavering presence in the lives of his own five children. His story will both shock and inspire.

Jane Fischer joins us for a heartfelt and revealing conversation about her memoir If You Knew Suzy: Pushing Past the Boundaries of Never. Born with Rare Brain Disorder, Suzy Fischer Was Told She'd Never Walk, Talk, or Thrive—But She Did All That and More Doctors gave Suzy Fischer a grim prognosis at birth: she would never walk, talk, live independently, or have meaningful relationships. Born with severe brain abnormalities and the rare Joubert Syndrome, she faced a lifetime of “nevers.” But her mother, Jane Fischer, refused to accept that future—and devoted herself to giving Suzy the fullest life possible.This is the story of her journey, the trials and tribulations, the successes, and the failures. This is a story of the power of perseverance, unwavering support, and most of all love.    With honesty and grace, she discusses what it means to tell your story fully, live beyond a diagnosis, and find power in vulnerability. Whether you've faced your own "never," or are curious about how memoir can shape both writer and reader, this episode offers a wealth of insight.

Today on the podcast, we're joined by A.O. Wagner, author of the intriguing philosophical novel The Karma Sequence. In this conversation, Wagner opens up about the origins of the book, its exploration of karma, consequence, and human connection, and how fiction can serve as a powerful lens for spiritual and moral reflection. Whether you're drawn to speculative fiction, metaphysical ideas, or stories that challenge your sense of fate and free will, this episode is for you.