Podcast appearances and mentions of Robert M Edsel

Summary In this episode, Cultivating Curiosity host Jeff Ikler reflects on his love of year-end "Best Books" lists and why reading sits at the heart of his podcast and personal life. He welcomes lists from institutions like The New York Times and the New York Public Library, seeing them as both a defense against book banning and a source of discovery, connection, and generosity. For Ikler, books spark curiosity, deepen empathy, and create bonds—whether through gifting or thoughtful conversation with authors. He also underscores podcast hosts' responsibility to read their guests' work in full, arguing that preparation honors both listeners and writers. Ultimately, Ikler finds himself drawn to books that slow him down through careful observation and reflection, or expand his understanding through deeply researched history, reinforcing reading as both nourishment and refuge. Three Major Takeaways Reading lists are acts of resistance, curiosity, and connection—not just recommendations. Thoughtful reading is essential to meaningful conversation, especially in podcasting. The most rewarding books either sharpen our attention to the present or deepen our understanding of the past. Jeff's favorite books in 2025 Crossings – How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet by Ben Goldfarb. Quoting from the book jacket, "Creatures from antelope to salmon are losing their ability to migrate in search of food and mates; invasive plants hitch rides in tire treads, road salt contaminates lakes and rivers; and the very, very noise of traffic chases songbirds from vast swaths of habitat." In this beautifully crafted book, Goldfarb makes the case that overpasses and underpasses are essential for reducing the deaths of animals and humans who inevitably come into brutal contact with one another. One of the chief takeaways in our era of divisiveness is that road ecologists and other scientists, insurance companies, and government officials are working collaboratively to solve problems. They have different goals for doing so, but they're working effectively at the intersection. You can access my two-part podcast interview on Getting Unstuck–Cultivating Curiosity with Ben in episodes 347 and 348. The Comfort of Crows – A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl. This title came from one of last year's best books, and it did not disappoint. Quoting from the book jacket, "Margaret Renkl presents a literary devotional: fifty-two chapters that follow the creatures and plants in her backyard over the course of a year." How often do you read a chapter or passage because the writing is so moving? If you're interested in slowing down and seeing more of your immediate world, this is a great place to start. This small volume is a course in observation and reflection. Challenger – A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space by Adam Higginbotham. Like many Americans who watched the Space Shuttle Challenger break apart just seventy-three seconds into its mission, I thought I knew the story, but I was so wrong. As the book jacket explains, "…the Challenger disaster was a defining moment in twentieth-century history–one that forever changed the way America thought of itself and its optimistic view of the future. Yet the full story of what happened, and why, has never been told." I was moved to head-shaking anger after reading how decisions were made and bungled. Higginbotham's explanation of a highly complicated topic is beautifully presented. The book is a primer on the dangers of overly complex and competing bureaucracies and ego. Remember Us – American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter. Remember Us documents twelve lives connected to the American Military Cemetery near the small village of Margraten, Netherlands. Approximately 8,300 Americans who helped liberate the Netherlands from the Nazis and the grip of fascism during World War II are buried there. One of these was a Black American soldier who, along with a company of other Black Americans, dug the graves under the harshest weather conditions. The cruel irony is that Black soldiers worked in segregated and mostly non-combat roles in a war fought to eliminate tyranny and oppression. The cemetery is remarkable because local Dutch citizens have taken it upon themselves to adopt each grave and visit it weekly. This practice reflects the citizens' ongoing gratitude, and their visits ensure that the soldiers are always remembered for their sacrifice. There is a waiting list of citizens who wish to adopt a grave. Raising Hare—a Memoir by Chloe Dalton. This title has made almost every list I've come across. From the jacket cover, "…Dalton stumbles upon a newborn hare—a leveret—that had been chased by a dog. Fearing for its life, she brings it home, only to discover how difficult it is to rear a wild hare." Dalton deftly and wisely navigates caring for the hare as a house guest versus a pet, a choice that lets the hare move between the wild of the nearby woods and the security of her home. Like Renkl, Dalton has a keen eye for observation, one that put me in her home and garden as a witness to their interactions. Origin — A Genetic History of the Americas by Jennifer Raff. When I was growing up, I watched or read with almost religious fervor anything National Geographic produced featuring Louis Leakey, a paleoanthropologist and archaeologist. I was in awe of how he dug through the layers of time to find bones and artifacts from our earliest ancestors. Leakey's work was critical in demonstrating our human origins in Africa. So, when my friend Annette Taylor, a researcher of evolutionary psychology and biology, shared an article featuring Professor Jennifer Raff, an anthropologist and geneticist trying to rewrite the history of human origins in the Americas, I knew I had to invite her on my podcast. As a history enthusiast, I found it especially rewarding to co-host, along with Annette, a discussion with Professor Raff on podcast episode 358 about how and why early peoples migrated to and within North America. Raff has a talent for simplifying complex topics and making listeners comfortable with uncertainty. Scientists have theories and are constantly testing and revising them. We don't yet know for sure how early peoples arrived here or why they migrated, but that's the beauty of science and history. There is always more to discover. If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name by Heather Lende. I read this book decades ago and was as captivated then as I was this year by Heather Lende's storytelling ability. Adapted from the back cover, "As both the obituary writer and social columnist for the local newspaper (in Haines, Alaska, population about 2,500), Heather Lende knows better than anyone the goings-on in this breathtakingly beautiful place. Her offbeat chronicle brings us inside her — and the town's — busy life." Why read about a small town in Alaska? Maybe because it helps us look critically at our own lives. Like Renkl and Dalton, Heather Lende has an eye for detail, but also the humanity beneath the detail. She has graciously agreed to be my guest in podcast episode 400 this coming February. The most interesting books read in 2025 by his friends and colleagues Steve Ehrlich – The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul by Connie Zweig.  Zweig writes from a Jungian perspective that is accessible to anyone who thinks about old and new agendas, internal and external, as we transition to later life, and reflect on what we want to hold on to, and what we're prepared to let go of to live an authentic life.   Cindy House – What Just Happened by Charles Finch. It's one person's experience of the terrible year that was the pandemic lockdown, with all the fear, uncertainty, and strangeness I had forgotten. I loved his cultural observations and witty take on one of the weirdest years of our lives. I am so glad this particular record exists.  By Edgington – The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. I first read the book in 2013, then again in '24, and now I read and refer to it every year. Singer's book is what propelled me to join his Temple of the Universe, where Mariah and I now live on the grounds. It's filled with inspiration and simple, almost homely wisdom: "The moment in front of you is not bothering you; you're bothering yourself about the moment in front of you!" Spencer Seim – To Possess the Land by Frank Waters. It follows the life of Arthur Manby, who came to the New Mexico territory in 1885 from England. He quickly tried to cash in by calling parcels of land his own. He quickly ran into resistance, often by force, and had to learn the hard way that the land of New Mexico in those days was a bit more complicated. Charlotte Wittenkamp – Shift by Ethan Kross. Kross examines Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning and the notion that we always have the freedom to choose how we respond - even to the atrocities Frankl had to put up with in a WWII concentration camp. Kross examines and supports, with scientific findings, various ways we can shift our perspectives to gain easier access to that freedom of choice. Paul McNichols – E-Boat Alert by James F. Tent. The book offers a nearly forensic yet highly readable analysis of the threat posed by the E-Boats of the German Kriegsmarine to the Allied invasion of Europe in 1944. It covers the development, use, strengths, and limitations of these fast, maneuverable craft, as well as their impact on the Normandy landings on D-Day and the weeks thereafter. The most interesting part is the chain of events that ultimately led to their neutralization. Annette Taylor – My Name is Chellis, and I'm in Recovery from Western Civilization by Chellis Glendinning. Chellis writes affectionately and respectfully about eco-psychology and nature-based peoples from whom members of Western Civilization could learn a lot. Sue Inches – The Light Eaters – How the unseen world of plant intelligence offers a new understanding of life on earth by Zoe Schlanger. A thrilling journey that leads the reader from an old paradigm of plants as separate inanimate objects, to the true nature of plants as sensing, alive beings who communicate with the world around them. An inspiring example of how human understanding of the world around us is making progress! Rich Gassen – The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. Priya teaches us how to have better parties, events, and relationships through her writing. I used this book's information (along with her podcasts) to plan a better 10-year anniversary party for the Campus Supervisors Network community of practice I lead at UW-Madison — making it exclusive, inviting, and tailored to those who attended. Mac Bogert – Renegades by Robert Ward. After some time as a college professor, Bob decided to try journalism. He spent twenty years interviewing folks from Waylon Jennings to Larry Flynt, and, damn, he's good at it! Hunter Seim – Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. The novel is set during World War II, from 1942 to 1944. It mainly follows the life of antihero Captain Yossarian, a U.S. Air Force B-25 bombardier. The term "Catch-22" itself refers to a paradoxical situation in which contradictory rules or circumstances trap a person. In the novel, Yossarian discovers that he can be declared insane and relieved from duty if he requests it, but by requesting it, he demonstrates his sanity. Remarkably accurate in describing organizational dysfunction and bureaucratic absurdity. It was the perfect book to read in 2025. Bill Whiteside – I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally. I wondered whether this memoir by a New York restaurateur (who hates the word "restaurateur" and much else), who suffered two strokes and survived a suicide attempt, would live up to its social media hype. It does.

Guest None today; just me reflecting on recent events. Summary After participating in New York City's "No Kings" march, I reflect on the urgency of defending democracy, drawing parallels between the current political climate and 1930s Germany. A conversation sparked by a protest sign leads me to contemplate his father's World War II contributions. Later, a chance visit to a bookstore uncovers Remember Us by Robert M. Edsel, deepening my appreciation for those buried at Margraten Cemetery in the Netherlands. The essay ultimately underscores how freedom is built on sacrifice—and how remembering the dead is a civic responsibility, not just a historical ritual. As you'll hear, this episode is a wonderful example of serendipity. Three Important Takeaways: Historical Memory Is a Call to Action: The march and its signs, especially those invoking fascism, reveal the importance of remaining vigilant against authoritarianism by remembering history and those who resisted it. Freedom Is Not Just a Word: The author challenges the overuse of “freedom,” urging a deeper understanding of its cost—measured not only in lives lost but in the potential and beauty those lives might have created. Remembrance Is a Moral Duty: Inspired by Dutch citizens who adopt and care for the graves of fallen American soldiers, the author reaffirms the responsibility of the living to honor those sacrifices through both remembrance and action.

NYT best-selling author Robert M. Edsel, who also wrote ‘The Monuments Men’, speaks to WGN Radio's Dave Plier about his new book ‘Remember Us', an ensemble piece that follows twelve main characters over a six-year span. It zeroes in on ordinary people from the small rural province of Limburg in the Netherlands, their gratitude for freedom […]

With his book tour underway for Remember Us, we continue our conversation with #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert M. Edsel.

This episode begins with a look back at The Monuments Men, Robert M. Edsel's bestseller—which served as the basis for Academy Award recipient George Clooney's 2014 film. Then our hosts delve into Edsel's highly anticipated, newly released book, Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II.

John first remembers his love for singer-songwriter Jill Sobule who tragically died in a house fire in Minnesota at age 66. Then, he discusses National Security Adviser Mike Waltz being fired by Trump - then shortly afterwards, Trump naming him as the next Ambassador to the United Nations, a position still open after Elise Stefanik's name was pulled from consideration. And he talks about Trump shutting down a $26 million program to end human waste backing into Alabama homes, calling it 'illegal DEI' - then Trump announced he will roll a sewage tide of his own and make the commencement address at the University of Alabama. Next, he interviews New York Times bestselling author - Robert M. Edsel about his new book "Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and A Forever Promise Forged in World War II". And winding it up, John chats with political commentator Heather Digby Parton about Man-Baby's tariff fetish, revenge tour, and lack of impulse control.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anna BottinelliPresidente e membro del consiglio di amministrazione della prestigiosa Monuments Men and Women Foundation. https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/È stata fondata nel 2007 da Robert M. Edsel, autore di molti libri sull'argomento, incluso il best seller “Monuments Men: Eroi alleati, ladri nazisti e la più grande caccia al tesoro della storia” (Sperling&Kupfer, 2015).La Monuments Men Foundation ha ricevuto la National Humanities Medal dal Presidente degli Stati Uniti d'America per il suo eccellente lavoro svolto nel campo delle discipline umanistiche.The Monuments Men Foundation for The Preservation of Art Restituzione, Formazione e TutelaLa missione della Fondazione ruota intorno a tre obiettivi principali:– la ricerca delle opere d'arte ancora mancanti dalla Seconda guerra mondiale e la loro restituzione ai legittimi proprietari;– la messa a disposizione del proprio materiale d'archivio e la creazione di percorsi educativi ai fini di facilitare l'insegnamento dell'importanza della protezione dei beni culturali durante i conflitti del passato, ma anche e soprattutto del presente e futuro; il potenziamento del proprio ruolo di ente super partes che monitora le azioni nel campo della tutela del patrimonio culturale e restituzione di beni illecitamente sottratti durante la Seconda guerra mondiale da parte di altre istituzioni governative e private.La Fondazione può essere contattata per richieste di assistenza alla ricerca e di carattere generale all'indirizzo info@monumentsmenfoundation.org. Lo staff della Fondazione è in grado di prestare assistenza anche in lingua italiana. Scoprite di più sulle attività promosse dalla Fondazione su www.monumentsmenfoundation.orgAnna Bottinelli, nata e cresciuta a Firenze, in Italia, ha conseguito la laurea triennale in Storia dell'arte con lode presso la John Cabot University di Roma. Nel 2011, ha conseguito il Master in Storia dell'arte presso il Courtauld Institute of Art di Londra. Dopo la laurea, Anna Bottinelli ha ricoperto il ruolo di ricercatrice italiana principale di Robert M. Edsel per il suo bestseller, “Saving Italy: The Race to Save a Nation's Treasure from the Nazis“.(Un libro di eccezionale valore, che raccomandiamo a tutti di leggere)  Nel 2014, ha ottenuto un incarico di ricerca a tempo pieno presso la Monuments Men and Women Foundation (allora Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art), a Dallas, in Texas. Entro il 2017, è passata a posizioni di leadership senior e nel dicembre 2019 è stata nominata nuova presidente della Fondazione, succedendo a Robert Edsel. Durante il suo mandato alla Fondazione, Anna Bottinelli ha supervisionato numerose restituzioni di beni culturali a privati ​​e musei in Europa. Ha anche lavorato come consulente per “Hunting Nazi Treasure”, una serie di documentari investigativi in ​​otto parti prodotta da Saloon Media nel 2017. Il programma continua ad andare in onda su American Heroes Channel di Discovery, History Channel-Canada e Canale Focus in Italia, con ulteriori future trasmissioni pianificate a livello internazionale.IL POSTO DELLE PAROLEascoltare fa pensarewww.ilpostodelleparole.itDiventa un supporter di questo podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/il-posto-delle-parole--1487855/support.

Having grown up in Florence, Italy, Anna Bottinelli developed an appreciation for art and its cultural significance early in life. Then, what started out as a research assistantship with Robert M. Edsel on his bestselling book Saving Italy flourished into an illustrious career dedicated to recovering and returning lost and/or stolen cultural objects from WWII. In this episode, Anna joins Enrique and Kristi to share her professional journey, the story of the Monuments Men, the Monuments Men and Women Foundation's current goals and methodologies, what it was like hanging out on set with George Clooney, and other stories from over a decade of restitution.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Logistics with Purpose: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purposeLearn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listenBook: "The Monuments men", Robert M. Edsel: https://www.amazon.com/Monuments-Men-Thieves-Greatest-Treasure/dp/0316240079Trailer of the movie inspired by the book: "The Monuments Men": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SziPDANik18Movie on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Monuments-Men-George-Clooney/dp/B00IGE80UEStore: WWII Most Wanted Art™ Deck of Playing Cards: https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/product-page/wwii-most-wanted-artNational WWII Museum: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/visit/plan-your-visit?gclid=CjwKCAjwv4SaBhBPEiwA9YzZvC5grjWxdLBgjkBGxLCI9xIBHyO_3HGxVFzQo9_hH7EBGRgUB39ithoCB3EQAvD_BwEGet in touch and support Monuments Men and Women Foundation:https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/contact-usThis episode was hosted by Kristi Porter and Enrique Alvarez. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/custodians-culture-recovering-rerouting-missing-art-monuments-men-lwp67

This week we are talking about two award winning books we've been dying to read. Amie read The Overstory by Richard Powers and Tami read All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.    Interested in learning more about the Pulitzer Prize and how it is awarded? Here's their website https://www.pulitzer.org    The Atlantic Magazine reviewed The Overstory by Richard Powers here. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/06/richard-powers-the-overstory/559106/    Don’t forget to check out our patreon site this month.  We're giving all our listeners a free glimpse of all the good stuff we offer to supporters. Biggest Little Library Patreon Link   Books Mentioned   Cadillac Desert by Mark Reisner Horizon by Barry Lopez Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez  A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson Walking to Listen by Andrew Forsthoeful Evicted by Mathew Desmond Less by Andrew Sean Greer 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Vern  The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel and Brit Witter  Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr Humble Pi by Matt Parker There There by Tommy Orange     Tami and Amie's Combined List of Pulitzer Prize Winners Read   To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry March by Geraldine Brooks Gilead by Marilynne Robinson The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead  The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt   We have a delightful, free newsletter, so don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter.  Click this link.   See you in the stacks!  

We're back! Today we’re catching up, sharing recent reads, and setting some reading goals. We've got book reviews, anticipated summer reads, and general updates to share. Be sure to stay tuned for our recommendations of the week. Show Notes Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett   HRSR Newsletter   Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin Ta Nehisi-Coates articles Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi, read along hosted by @melanatedreader The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson The Institute by Stephen King  Writers and Lovers by Lily King MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed Bin Salman by Ben Hubbard   The Fellowship of the Ring for Novel Pairings On Grand Strategy by John Lewis Gaddis Why We're Polarized by Ezra Klein The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry   Dave Chappelle 8:46 Mr. Iglesias on Netflix   The Leader’s Greatest Return by John C. Maxwell The End is Always Near by Dan Carlin Hymns of the Republic by S.C. Gwynn

This week Alice and Kim talk holiday gifts for the nonfiction book lover in your life. This episode is sponsored by Book Riot’s Read Harder Journal, and Book Riot Insiders. Subscribe to For Real using RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. For more nonfiction recommendations, sign up for our True Story newsletter, edited by Kim Ukura. NONFICTION IN THE NEWS National Book Award goes to Sarah Broom’s The Yellow House! HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Q: I am looking for a book for my grandpa for the holidays on Sociology or Ethics. He is a former Criminology Professor and so hard to buy for. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson Another Day in the Death of America by Gary Younge White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg Q: My partner is a triathlete and loves to read books about or from cyclists and triathletes. There is not that many of them so he is running out of reading material, and I’m running out of ideas for gifts. Could you recommend good nonfiction on sport or by sportspeople? I think what he enjoys is reading about personal achievements. The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown A Necessary Spectacle: Billie Jean King, Bobby Riggs, and the Tennis Match That Leveled the Game by Selena Roberts C.C. Pyle’s Amazing Foot Race: The True Story of the 1928 Coast-to-Coast Run Across America by Geoff Williams Q: I am looking for a book for my dad. And that is what I want – a good, solid dad book (frontlist) recommendation. Think The Pioneers by David McCullough or Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. My dad is in his 80s and fairly conservative. Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s History-Making Race Around the World by Matthew Goodman The City Game: Triumph, Scandal, and a Legendary Basketball Team by Matthew Goodman The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by Robert M. Edsel American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race by Douglas Brinkley Q: I find a lot of the non-fiction I read is fairly heavy. Recent reads I’ve enjoyed are Invisible Women, Prisoners of Geography and Say Nothing, and although I’ve loved them all, all the war and death and sexism is hard going. So, I’d like your favourite happy, uplifting non-fiction on any topic to read over the holiday season! Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House by Alyssa Mastromonaco From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein The Education of an Idealist: A Memoir by Samantha Power The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey I Know I Am, But What Are You? by Samantha Bee The Wonder Trail: True Stories from Los Angeles to the End of the World by Steve Hely READING NOW KIM: In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado ALICE: Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford CONCLUSION You can find us on SOCIAL MEDIA – @itsalicetime and @kimthedork RATE AND REVIEW on Apple Podcasts so people can find us more easily, and subscribe so you can get our new episodes the minute they come out.

Based on the research of author Robert M. Edsel, the 2014 film "The Monuments Men" has a big-name cast (George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, and others) and a gripping true story about rescuing the art treasures of Europe from the Nazis. The "Service on Celluloid" podcast panel weighs how well it tells that story. 

Host Cyrus Webb welcomes bestselling author Robert M. Edsel to #ConversationsLIVE to discuss the success of the book THE MONUMENTS MEN and what it's been like to share his newest book for younger readers THE GREATEST TREASURE HUNT IN HISTORY: The Story of the Momuments Men.

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with two of the central figures from the new History Channel show Hunting Nazi Treasure. First, he chats with Robert M. Edsel, author of The Monuments Men, about the book,the Monuments Men Foundation For the Preservation of Art, and the challenges of conducting research into Hitler’s art […]

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with two of the central figures from the new History Channel show Hunting Nazi Treasure. First, he chats with Robert M. Edsel, author of The Monuments Men, about the book,the Monuments Men Foundation For the Preservation of Art, and the challenges of conducting research into Hitler’s art […]

Keri describes "Rescuing DaVinci" by Robert M. Edsel.