Thecuriousmanspodcast

When deadly outbreaks erupt, most people think about hospitals, governments, or the military response. Few think about the pilots, medics, and crews tasked with flying directly into the crisis. In this episode, I'm joined by former paramedic, journalist, and award-winning author Kevin Hazzard to discuss his gripping book No One Is Coming. The book tells the remarkable story of Phoenix Air, the small Georgia-based aviation company that carried out the unprecedented air evacuation of Ebola patients during the West African Ebola epidemic. This conversation explores emergency medicine, aviation, global crisis response, fear, logistics, and the extraordinary people willing to go where others won't.

What does it really mean to lead — especially during times of uncertainty, burnout, and constant change? In this episode, I'm joined by author and longtime movement leader Eveline Shen to discuss her book Choosing to Lead Against the Current: The Courageous Operating System for Changemakers. After spending more than two decades leading Forward Together, Shen has helped mentor organizers, activists, and changemakers working to build stronger communities and more sustainable movements. This conversation explores leadership, courage, burnout, systems thinking, and how people can create meaningful change without losing themselves in the process.

What begins as a personal health crisis can sometimes uncover questions far bigger than one person's story. In this episode, I'm joined by author, graphic artist, and designer Adam Finegan to discuss his book The Sleeper Agent: The Rise of Lyme Disease, Chronic Illness, and the Great Imitator Antigens of Biological Warfare. After contracting Lyme disease, Finegan began searching for answers — a journey that led him into the history of Cold War-era biological research, the work of virologist Erich Traub, and the controversial history surrounding Plum Island Animal Disease Center. This conversation explores chronic illness, investigative research, medical uncertainty, and the powerful human drive to make sense of suffering.

What if honesty — one of our most basic values — is quietly eroding all around us? In this episode, I'm joined by ethics professor and author Christian B. Miller to discuss his book The Honesty Crisis: Preserving Our Most Treasured Virtue in an Increasingly Dishonest World. From deepfakes and AI-assisted cheating to misinformation and everyday deception, we're living in a time where truth can feel increasingly unstable. Miller explores what honesty really means, why it matters, and how both individuals and society can respond to this growing crisis. This is a conversation about integrity, trust, and what it takes to live truthfully in a complicated world.

What happens when economic power, political influence, and public frustration collide? In this episode, I'm joined by acclaimed sociologist and author Charles Derber to discuss his book Fighting Oligarchy: How Positive Populism Can Reclaim America. Derber argues that America is facing a growing crisis of concentrated power — and that the answer may lie in building a broad, democratic populist movement capable of challenging oligarchy while resisting authoritarianism. We explore the history of populism in the United States, the political forces shaping the current moment, and what a more inclusive and constructive vision of populism could look like.

When we think about the American Revolution, names like Washington and Lafayette often take center stage—but what if one of the most critical players in the final victory has been largely overlooked? Today's guest is historian and author James Giesler, who brings to light a fascinating and underappreciated story in his book, Francisco De Saavedra's American Revolutionary War: The Spanish Contribution to The Battle of Yorktown. This is the story of Francisco de Saavedra, a Spanish official whose behind-the-scenes diplomacy, financial strategy, and international coordination helped make the decisive victory at Battle of Yorktown possible.

Why do certain stories stay with us long after we've finished reading them? In this episode, I'm joined by author and literary scholar Caroline Bicks, the inaugural Stephen E. King Chair in Literature at the University of Maine, to discuss her fascinating new book, Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King. As the first scholar granted extended access to Stephen King's private archives, Bicks explored unpublished manuscripts, handwritten notes, and decades of creative material in search of an answer readers have asked for generations: What makes Stephen King's stories haunt us? This conversation dives into fear, storytelling, creativity, and the psychology behind one of the most influential writers of our time.

Few figures loom larger in American history than George Washington — but how well do we really know the man behind the legend? In this episode, I'm joined by Pulitzer Prize finalist and bestselling historian H. W. Brands to discuss his new biography, American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington. This is Brands' first major presidential biography since Reagan: The Life, and here he turns his attention to America's first president — offering a sweeping portrait that reveals Washington not just as a symbol, but as a complex, evolving human being. This conversation explores leadership, character, legacy, and the enduring influence of one of history's most consequential figures.

Sometimes, the most powerful acts of courage come from the youngest voices. In this episode, I'm joined by author María Dolores Águila to discuss her middle grade novel in verse, A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez. Inspired by the real-life Lemon Grove Incident, the book tells the story of a young boy who finds the courage to stand up against injustice — and the community that stands with him. This is a conversation about history, resilience, cultural identity, and the power of storytelling to bring overlooked moments into the light.

In this episode, I'm joined by author Alexa Morris to discuss the powerful memoir The Courtyard, co-written with her father-in-law, Benjamin Parket. Set during the Nazi occupation of Paris, the book tells the extraordinary true story of how a group of neighbors came together to hide Benjamin and his family for two years — risking everything in an act of quiet, collective courage. This is a conversation about survival, moral bravery, and the profound impact of ordinary people choosing to do the right thing.

What if the nation-state — the system that has shaped global politics for centuries — is no longer the dominant force in our world? In this episode, I'm joined by internationally acclaimed novelist and essayist Rana Dasgupta, winner of the Windham-Campbell Prize, to discuss his ambitious and thought-provoking book, After Nations: The Making and Unmaking of a World Order. We explore how globalization, technology, finance, and shifting power structures are reshaping the world — and what might come after the traditional idea of nations. This is a conversation about history, power, identity, and the uncertain future of global order.

What if the most powerful way to fight cancer… isn't treatment — but prevention? In this episode, I'm joined by physician and medical researcher Adam Barsouk to discuss his book Outsmarting Cancer: Risk Reduction and the Power of Prevention. Rather than focusing only on cures, Dr. Barsouk takes a broader view — exploring the many factors that contribute to cancer risk, from biology and environment to diet, infections, and lifestyle. This conversation is about understanding risk, making informed choices, and rethinking how we approach one of the most urgent health challenges of our time.

What happens when ambition meets deception… inside one of the most elite institutions in the world? In this episode, I'm joined by author J. R. Thornton to discuss his literary thriller Lucien. Set against the backdrop of Harvard University, the novel follows a gifted artist on a full scholarship who becomes entangled with a wealthy, enigmatic roommate — a relationship that spirals into manipulation, obsession, and psychological tension. Drawing inspiration from real-life figures like Christian Gerhartsreiter and Adam Wheeler, Lucien explores identity, privilege, and the dangerous allure of reinvention.

Why does it feel like Congress can't get anything done — even when the stakes are so high? In this episode, I'm joined by political scientist and senior fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, Maya L. Kornberg, to discuss her book Stuck: How Money, Media, and Violence Prevent Change in Congress. Drawing on congressional records and interviews with lawmakers, Maya reveals a system under strain — shaped by relentless fundraising, shrinking staff capacity, the pressures of social media, and even the threat of political violence. But this isn't just a diagnosis. It's also a roadmap for reform — and a conversation about how Congress could actually start working again.

What does it mean to create something by hand in a world that's increasingly digital? In this episode, I'm joined by visual artist and educator Robynn Smith, Professor Emeritus at Monterey Peninsula College and founder of Print Day in May. Robynn has spent decades teaching, creating, and building community through printmaking — a medium that blends craft, experimentation, and collaboration. Through her work, she's helped artists around the world connect through a shared creative practice. This conversation explores the power of art, the importance of process, and how creativity can bring people together across cultures and continents.

History is often told through battles, dates, and strategy — but sometimes, the most powerful stories are found in something far more personal… letters. In this episode, I'm joined by author Jan Cress Dondi to discuss her deeply moving book, The Navigator's Letter: The True Story of Two WWII Airmen, a Doomed Mission, and the Woman Who Bound Them Together. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the book tells the intertwined stories of two airmen, John B. White, and, Bob Cress — whose lives, hopes, and wartime experiences were connected through letters written to the same woman, Polley. This is a story about love, loss, sacrifice, and the fragile threads that connect people across time and war.

What happens when history, danger, and the open sea collide? In this episode, I'm joined by career merchant mariner and award-winning writer Bill C. Wilson to discuss his debut novel, Course Over Ground. Set during the height of the American Civil War, the story unfolds in Mobile, Alabama, where Mobile Bay became a critical hub for blockade running and smuggling. Drawing from his real-life maritime experience, Bill brings authenticity and intensity to a world filled with risk, survival, and moral complexity. This is a conversation about history, storytelling, and life at sea — both real and imagined.

What if the way we think about the Earth is part of the problem? In this episode, I'm joined by award-winning Dene activist and writer Katłı̨̀ą to discuss her powerful book Mother Earth Is Our Elder: A Northern Indigenous Perspective on the Climate Crisis. Drawing from Indigenous knowledge and lived experience, Katłı̨̀ą challenges modern perspectives on the environment — inviting us to see the Earth not as a resource to be used, but as an elder to be respected and learned from. This conversation explores climate change, cultural knowledge, responsibility, and what it means to live in relationship with the natural world.

What does it mean to deliver the news… when you're living through history in real time? In this episode, I'm joined by groundbreaking journalist and former ABC News and CNN anchor Carol Lin, whose voice helped guide millions through some of the most defining moments of the 21st century — including her historic live coverage during the September 11 attacks. In her memoir, When News Breaks: A Memoir of Love and War, she shares a deeply personal and powerful account of life in journalism — navigating breaking news, global conflict, and the emotional toll of reporting from the front lines, while also balancing love, family, and identity. This is a conversation about truth, resilience, responsibility, and what it means to bear witness to history.

History isn't just found in textbooks — sometimes, it's written in stone. In this episode, I'm joined by author and historian Joe Lex to discuss his book All Bones Considered: 52 Laurel Hill Women. Set in the historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, the book brings to life the stories of 52 remarkable women whose lives helped shape Philadelphia — and in many cases, the nation itself. From reformers and pioneers to artists and unsung heroes, this conversation uncovers the powerful, often overlooked contributions of women whose legacies deserve to be remembered.

What if your memory, focus, and problem-solving skills weren't fixed traits… but abilities you could train like a muscle? In this episode, I'm joined by six-time U.S. Memory Champion and two-time Guinness World Record holder Nelson Dellis, author of Everyday Genius: Hacks to Boost Your Memory, Focus, Problem-Solving, and Much More. Nelson has dedicated his life to mastering memory — not just as a competitive skill, but as a tool for everyday life. In this conversation, we break down practical techniques to improve recall, sharpen focus, think more clearly, and unlock what he calls your "everyday genius." If you've ever forgotten names, struggled to concentrate, or wanted to think more effectively — this episode is packed with tools you can start using immediately.

In this episode, I'm joined by wellness advocate, nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, and author Deena Morris to discuss her book Lessons From the Future: STORM the Empowered Empath. Drawing from her experience in special education, communication, and emotional insight, Deena explores what it means to be an empath in today's world — and how to transform overwhelm into empowerment. This conversation dives into emotional awareness, boundaries, intuition, and how to navigate the world with both compassion and strength.

In this episode, I'm joined by lifelong mountaineer, cross-country skier, and author Tom French to discuss his memoir, The Gap Years: Climbing, Skiing, and the Journey Back. A senior partner emeritus of McKinsey & Company, Tom has spent decades operating at the highest levels of business leadership — while also pursuing a deep connection to the outdoors. In this book, he reflects on a profound personal journey of disruption, recovery, identity, and rediscovery through climbing, skiing, and nature. This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and what it means to find your way back — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

In this episode, I'm joined by medieval historian Peter Jones, author of Self-Help from the Middle Ages: What the Seven Deadly Sins Can Teach Us About Living. We explore how medieval thinkers used the idea of the Seven Deadly Sins not just as religious warnings, but as a surprisingly practical guide to understanding human habits, desires, and flaws. From pride and envy to greed and sloth, these ancient ideas reveal timeless truths about psychology, morality, and the challenge of living a balanced life.

In this episode I speak with lead singer, guitarist, writer and producer of The Quarantined. A former Army Airborne Infantryman who served in Iraq, Sean now channels his experiences into raw, unfiltered music that confronts mental health, identity and purpose head-on. We discuss transitioning from the service to civilian life, the lack of facilities for service members and what got Sean through his struggles. Please give a listen.

In this episode, I talk with Kory Stamper, author of True Color: The Strange and Spectacular Quest to Define Color—from Azure to Zine Pink. We explore the strange, funny, and complex history of color — from dictionary definitions and scientific standards to branding, fashion, art, and human perception. Why do color names change? Who decides what a color "really" is? And why is it so hard to pin down something we all think we see clearly? This conversation blends language, science, culture, and storytelling — and will permanently change how you think about color.

French cuisine is often seen as timeless, elegant, and untouchable—but what if its rise was anything but inevitable? My guest is Luke Barr, a James Beard Foundation Book Award nominee and acclaimed writer whose work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, GQ, and more. In his fascinating book, The Secret History of French Cooking, Barr uncovers the dramatic, messy, and often political story behind how French cuisine became the gold standard of the culinary world—through larger-than-life chefs, cultural upheaval, and a battle for taste itself.

In this episode, I speak with Gil Bashe, author of Healing the Sick Care System, about the urgent need to transform healthcare. From his early experience as a combat medic to his leadership in health communications, Gil shares a powerful perspective on why the system is broken — and what it will take to fix it. We explore prevention, patient empowerment, trust, innovation, and the human side of care. This conversation challenges how we think about medicine, systems, and the future of health.

In this episode, leadership strategist and bestselling author Brooke Dukes discusses her book Burn On, Not Out and her Culture Compass framework for building healthier workplace cultures. We explore why burnout has become so widespread, how leaders can create environments where people thrive, and practical strategies individuals can use to maintain energy, purpose, and resilience.

Today's episode takes us into a sweeping science-fiction universe shaped not just by imagination, but by real-world experience in medicine, travel, and the fragility of the human body. My guest is Nicholas Keating Casbarro, author of the novel Vitalerium: Descent into the Void. Born in Providence in 1990, Nicholas trained as a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northeastern University and spent years working in wound healing, burn care, and regenerative medicine—traveling constantly to hospitals and burn centers across the country. Somewhere between flights over the Rockies and late-night layovers, that experience evolved into an ambitious science-fiction saga: a planned seven-book series following Roman Matthews across a planet called Deorum, where the glittering city of Kairus sits beside the most powerful energy source in the galaxy—the Vital Fracture. It's a world of beauty, hierarchy, power, and danger- and today we're diving into how it all came to life.

My guest is Mark Kaplan, Managing Partner of the Dagoba Group and co-author, along with Mason Donovan, of the book The Parenthood Advantage: Building Corporate Cultures That Value Working Parents. In the book, Mason and Mark argue that supporting working parents isn't just the right thing to do—it's a powerful competitive advantage for organizations. They explore how companies can rethink policies, leadership practices, and workplace culture to better support employees who are raising families. This is a conversation about leadership, inclusion, productivity, and how organizations can thrive by recognizing the real lives of the people who power them.

In this episode, I speak with David King Dunaway, professor of English and author of A Four-Eyed World: How Glasses Changed the Way We See. We explore the surprising cultural and intellectual history of eyeglasses, how they transformed education and longevity, and why this small invention had such a profound impact on human civilization.

In this episode, I speak with award-winning journalist and author Tom Junod about his memoir, In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means to Be a Man. We explore how cultural expectations shape boys and men, how personal identity evolves over time, and how vulnerability, creativity, and self-awareness can challenge traditional ideas of masculinity. Junod reflects on his upbringing, career, fatherhood, ambition, failure, and emotional growth — offering a deeply personal and thought-provoking look at what it means to become a man on your own terms.

In this episode, constitutional law professor and author Gloria J. Browne-Marshall discusses her book A Protest History of the United States, a sweeping examination of American history through the lens of dissent and activism. From the nation's founding to modern social movements, we explore how protest has shaped laws, expanded rights, and defined democracy itself.

In this episode, media entrepreneur Javier Marín discusses his book Live from America: How Latino TV Conquered the United States and the extraordinary rise of Spanish-language broadcasting. From grassroots beginnings to major cultural influence, Marín shares insider stories about business challenges, community impact, political engagement, and the future of Latino media in the digital age.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, former USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator Anthony Dyer discusses his memoir Moon Child: A Warrior's Reckoning with War, Addiction, and Purpose. From high-risk combat missions to the invisible wounds of trauma and addiction, Dyer shares his journey toward recovery, meaning, and hope. This conversation offers rare insight into the realities veterans face—and the strength required to heal.

In this episode, AI pioneer and author Maya Ackerman discusses her book Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us and the rapidly evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and human creativity. We explore whether machines can truly create, how AI is reshaping artistic fields, and what this technological shift means for culture, work, and identity.

In this episode, we speak with Joel S. Wit, former U.S. State Department official and author of Fallout: The Inside Story of America's Failure to Disarm North Korea. Wit takes us inside decades of diplomatic efforts, behind-the-scenes negotiations, missed opportunities, and policy missteps that shaped North Korea's nuclear rise. We explore what went wrong, what could have been done differently, and what the future holds for nuclear diplomacy and global security.

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning poet, educator, and cultural commentator Lee Woodman to explore her book Colorscapes, a luminous collection that transforms color into poetry and emotion into imagery. We discuss how color shapes memory, identity, culture, and creativity—and how poetry can deepen the way we perceive the world.

In this episode, I speak with historian Matthew F. Delmont, author of Until the Last Gun Is Silent: A Story of Patriotism, the Vietnam War, and the Fight to Save America's Soul. We discuss the untold story of Vietnam veterans who became leaders in the antiwar movement — challenging the meaning of patriotism, confronting government power, and shaping how Americans remember the war. From battlefield experiences to political activism, Delmont reveals how veterans fought to reclaim America's moral compass — and why their story still matters today. We talk about Corretta Scott King's activism and how she shaped her husband's views as well as Dwight "Skip" Johnson, a Medal of Honor winner and what his life looked like after Vietnam

In this episode, I'm joined by Alice Lovejoy, author of Tales of Militant Chemistry: The Film Factory in a Century of War, a fascinating exploration of how film has shaped — and been shaped by — modern warfare, propaganda, industry, and scientific power. We talk about cinema as a political tool, how film factories became part of war efforts, how science and technology were turned into spectacle, and why moving images have played such a powerful role in shaping how we understand conflict. If you're interested in film history, media power, propaganda, or the hidden stories behind wartime cinema, this conversation will change the way you watch movies.  

Before Blue Note became a brand and before Impulse! turned jazz into a cosmic mission, there was Prestige Records — raw, loose, experimental, and absolutely electric. Today, I'm joined by Chris Entwisle, authors of Wail: The Art of Prestige Records 1949–1960, a stunning deep dive into the label that captured some of the most vital moments in jazz history — from Miles Davis and John Coltrane to Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, and Eric Dolphy. We talk about Prestige's iconic album art, the culture of speed-session recording, the musicians who defined the label's sound, and why Prestige still feels like the most human, gritty, and dangerous chapter in jazz's golden era. If you love jazz history, vinyl culture, or the story behind legendary records, this one's for you.

Today's episode dives into a true story that sits at the crossroads of crime, cannabis, and consequence. My guest is Scott Eden, author of A Killing in Cannabis, a gripping work of narrative nonfiction that unpacks a shocking murder connected to the legal marijuana industry—and the human decisions that led to it. Through meticulous reporting and storytelling, Scott explores not just what happened, but why it happened, exposing the risks, ethical gray areas, and real-world stakes behind an industry many assume is harmless. This is a conversation about justice, accountability, and the unintended consequences of rapid legalization.

Today's episode looks at the economy through a lens that's too often ignored—and wildly underestimated. My guest is Misty Heggeness, economist at the University of Kansas and author of Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine the Economy. In this eye-opening book, Misty challenges traditional economic assumptions by showing how women—through spending, caregiving, community-building, and collective action—are reshaping markets and redefining what economic power actually looks like. This is a conversation about data, culture, and why the future of economics may already be here—we just haven't been measuring it correctly.

Today's episode celebrates a woman who refused to behave—and changed American culture because of it. My guest is Carla Kaplan, Davis Distinguished Professor of American Literature at Northeastern University and author of Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford. In this rich and revelatory biography, Carla traces the extraordinary journey of Jessica Mitford—from British aristocrat to American radical, investigative journalist, and one of the most irreverent truth-tellers of the twentieth century. This is a conversation about dissent, wit, class, feminism, and what it means to live a life guided by conviction rather than convention.

Today's conversation explores one of the darkest and least examined chapters of modern history—and why it still matters. My guest is Susan Antonetta, author of The Devil's Castle: Nazi Eugenics, Euthanasia, and How Psychiatry's Troubled History Reverberates. In this powerful and deeply researched book, Susan examines how psychiatric institutions and medical authority were used to justify eugenics and mass murder under the Nazi regime—and how the echoes of that history continue to shape mental health care today. This is not just a story about the past. It's a conversation about ethics, power, language, and what happens when care becomes control.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Allen Saxon, a veteran general surgeon and now debut novelist, to discuss his new book Training in Charity. Drawing from decades of surgical experience, Dr. Saxon offers a rare glimpse into the world of medical training — not just the technical rigor, but also the emotional, ethical, and human challenges that define life inside an operating room. We explore the inspiration behind the novel, how fiction can reveal truths that memoirs sometimes can't, and what it means to practice medicine with both skill and compassion. Dr. Saxon shares stories from his surgical career, reflects on the mentors who shaped him, and talks about the evolution of surgery over time. We also discuss the writing process, his transition from medicine to storytelling, and what readers can learn from the characters and conflicts within the book. Whether you're fascinated by medicine, drawn to character-driven fiction, or curious about the intersections between science and art, this conversation shines light on the humanity at the core of surgical training.

Today's guest is Chester L. Richards — a retired rocket scientist, inventor, author, and co-writer of one of Star Trek's most iconic episodes, "The Tholian Web." Chester's life has unfolded at the crossroads of imagination and engineering. From working on advanced aerospace projects to helping bring bold science fiction ideas to television screens, his career reflects a lifelong belief in curiosity, creativity, and possibility. In his memoir, The Trek Continues, Chester looks back on a life shaped by science, storytelling, and exploration — and reminds us that discovery doesn't end with retirement. In this conversation, we talk about rockets, Star Trek, invention, and what it means to keep moving forward long after the credits roll.

Today's guest is Leokadia George, a mental health therapist, Wolf Center volunteer, and the author of the children's book Trumpet Becomes a Mom. Blending her love for wildlife with her professional understanding of emotional development, Leokadia has created a story that gently introduces young readers to themes of nurturing, responsibility, and change — all through the eyes of a wolf named Trumpet. In this conversation, we talk about the inspiration behind the book, how animal stories help children process big feelings, and why empathy for both others and the natural world matters so deeply, especially at a young age.

I welcome Dr. Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio back on the show to discuss her newest book, Building A Thriving Future: Metaverse and Multiverse. We discuss what the terms Metverse and Multiverse mean. How steeped they are in our everyday life (even though we may not realize it), and how we can be early adopters and evolve with the times.

The 1970s are often remembered as a decade of protest, liberation, and social change — but they were also marked by violence, fear, and political extremism. Today's guest Jason Burke is an international security correspondent for The Guardian and the author of The Revolutionists: The Story of the Extremists Who Hijacked the 1970s. In this book, he traces how radical groups across the globe turned revolutionary ideals into campaigns of terror — and how their actions reshaped politics, policing, and public life in ways we're still living with today. This is a conversation about how extremism takes hold, how societies respond, and why the lessons of the 1970s matter now more than ever.