Thecuriousmanspodcast

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.

In this episode, we sit down with renowned cardiologist, researcher, and author Dr. Peter Kowey to talk more about his eye-opening 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. We discuss what we think can be done to change the system and how most of us would probably agree, if not for the divisive political climate and social medis bytes. Please join us and hopefully this will spark your own deep discussions.

Grief has a way of stopping time — but it can also open unexpected doors. Today's guests are Bob and Tammy Cranston, authors of The Blank Journal, a deeply personal story about loss, faith, and what can happen when two grieving people meet at exactly the right moment. Their journey — which they describe as guided by divine intervention — led not only to love and marriage, but to a shared commitment to living with intention and purpose. This conversation is about grief, healing, faith, and what it means to begin again when life hands you a blank page.

In this episode I speak with former federal prosecutor, senior Justice Department official, prominent legal analyst, CNN and SiriusXM guest host Elliot Williams about his book, Five Bullets: The Story of Bernie Goetz, New York's Explosive '80s, and the Subway Vigilante Trial That Divided the Nation. A case that was a flashpoint and a nucleus for many powerful figures in New York that still shape the political narrative. The impacts of the Goetz case still resonate and shape what we think about more recent events that Williams and I touch upon. 

In this episode, host Matt Crawford speaks with award-winning journalist Matthew Davis about his book A Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore. Davis traces the mountain's transformation from sacred land to national monument, examining the artistic ambition, political motivations, labor history, and cultural conflicts embedded in Mount Rushmore's creation. The conversation addresses both the monument's symbolic power and the controversies surrounding it, including Indigenous perspectives and modern debates over public memory. This episode invites listeners to look beyond the stone faces and consider what Mount Rushmore reveals about American history—and how that history continues to be interpreted today.

My guest today is Dean Foster, a leading expert in cross-cultural communication and the author of Doing Business Beyond Borders Successfully. Dean has spent decades helping organizations, leaders, and teams navigate cultural differences with clarity, respect, and real-world results. In this conversation, we explore why cultural misunderstandings happen, how they can quietly derail global success, and what individuals and organizations can do to communicate more effectively across borders. Whether you're leading international teams, working with global clients, or simply curious about how culture shapes business, this episode is packed with practical insight.

In this episode, host Matt Crawford sits down with children's author Amy Pollack for a joyful conversation about writing for young readers, nurturing a love of books, and helping children explore big ideas through stories made just for them. Amy shares how she thinks about her audience, the role of educators and mentors in shaping lifelong readers, and how parents can use stories as a bridge for meaningful conversations. This episode is perfect for anyone who believes books can open doors—especially for kids.

In this interview I speak with former Reuter's reporter Jeremy Clift about his two science-fiction novels, Born In Space and Space Vault.  We discuss how his career in journalism started, how his international reporting influenced his world view and what led him to foray into science-fiction writing. Born In Space and Space Vault, the first in the series delves into the not-so-distant future and the implications of living and inhabiting space.

Today on TheCuriousMansPodcast I sit down with author Dennis Feece to discuss his new book, The Phantom Grasp: A T.B Stone Mystery. T.B is back at it again and as usual Feece delivers. With a great mystery to solve, good food and drink this book pulls you in just as much as the previous in the trilogy. Come join old friends, hop in the Spider and hold on!

Today on TheCuriousMansPodcast, we're joined by award-winning author and historian Ann Bausum, whose powerful new work, White Lies, examines one of the most consequential misinformation campaigns in American history: the rewriting of the Civil War. Bausum unpacks how the South — with help from surprising allies in the North — transformed defeat into mythology, recasting slavery, secession, and rebellion into a romanticized story of honor and heroism. In this conversation, we explore how those false narratives took root, how they shaped generations of American education and public memory, and why confronting them today is essential to understanding race, democracy, and truth itself. This episode is a deep dive into how history gets made — and unmade — and why the stories we choose to believe still shape the world we live in. Stay with us.

Isit down with David Eliot, author of Artificially Intelligent: The Very Human Story of AI, to explore the human drama behind the rise of artificial intelligence. They discuss the myths that shaped the field, the innovators who steered it, the promises and pitfalls of today's systems, and what AI is revealing about human creativity and identity. A deep and accessible look at the future of intelligence — both artificial and our own.

In this podcast I sit down with Lisa Endo Cooper and Bremond Berry MacDougal who founded their own publishing house Quite Literally Books.    Quite Literally Books is a small, woman-owned independent press on a mission to bring forgotten bestsellers by American women authors back to life.  

Today on the show, we're joined by Brian Potter — engineer, researcher, and author of the groundbreaking new book The Origins of Efficiency. In this conversation, Brian unpacks why certain industries evolve toward extraordinary efficiency while others stagnate, and what history can teach us about building better systems today. From 19th-century factories to modern construction sites, Brian reveals the surprising patterns that shape productivity, innovation, and the hidden forces that determine why some technologies take off and others never do. If you care about progress, engineering, or how the world actually gets built, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

This week I'm joined by Robbie Bach, former Chief Xbox Officer at Microsoft and author of The Wilkes Insurrection and its follow up The Blockchain Syndicate. The Wilkes Insurrection is a high-intensity thriller rooted in real-world technology and geopolitical tension. We discuss how fiction can reveal the current climate in a way that may surprise most. It also should make us ask the tough questions of how we got here and what can we do to prevent events from arising.  Lets dive in.

In this episode, host Matt Crawford sits down with Dr. James Bellingham, leading ocean engineer and Executive Director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Assured Autonomy, to discuss his groundbreaking new book How Are Marine Robots Shaping Our Future? We explore how robotics and AI are transforming ocean science, climate research, national security, global economics, and even the way humanity understands the 70% of Earth that remains unseen. Dr. Bellingham reveals what underwater machines are capable of today — and what they soon will be — as advancements in autonomy, sensing, machine learning, and endurance take us deeper into the ocean than ever before. From coral reef restoration to autonomous naval fleets, from seafloor discovery to ethical dilemmas, this conversation dives into the future of our oceans — and the robots preparing to explore them.

In this episode, host Matt Crawford sits down with leadership expert, coach, and author George Pesansky to explore his powerful new book Superperformance: 8 Strategies to Reach Your Full Potential for Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization. Drawing from decades of experience guiding leaders and organizations toward peak effectiveness, George outlines how everyday people can unlock extraordinary potential — not by working harder, but by working more intentionally. He dives into the eight strategies that create "superperformance" and shares how individuals, teams, and organizations can transform themselves through clarity, mindset, trust, and aligned action. This conversation is a roadmap for anyone looking to elevate their leadership, strengthen team culture, build an organization capable of sustained excellence or just to better themselves and their own purpose.

In this episode, host Matt Crawford speaks with writer and leadership collaborator Martha C. Lawrence about her insightful book Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads. Drawing on decades of insight into the leadership principles of Ken Blanchard — the bestselling author of The One Minute Manager and one of the most influential thinkers in modern leadership — Martha breaks down why his philosophy of positive reinforcement is both timeless and urgently needed. Martha and I explore the stories behind Blanchard's breakthroughs, the real-world application of his principles, and how "catching people doing things right" can transform teams, workplaces, and lives.

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.