Thecuriousmanspodcast Matt Crawford

Matt Crawford speaks with author Jason Bell about his book, Cracking the Nazi Code. For those that think history is boring this is the book to read. Bell uncovers just declassified information about Winthrop Bell, also known as agent A12. A true Renaissance man Agent A12 uncovered the Nazis before they even had that moniker and also broke Hitler's final solution to the world years before the start of WWII. A truly unbelievable piece of history, this book reads like a spy novel. 

Matt Crawford speaks with philosopher, psychoanalyst and author Jon Mills about his book, End of the World: Civilization and Its Fate. End of the World is a much-needed wake up call for all the emergencies (mostly manmade) that could destroy our world. With the world even more divided than ever Mills explores the psychological aspect of what divides us and keeps us from reaching impactful solutions to global concerns.

Matt Crawford speaks with journalist and author Warren Kozak about his book, Waving Goodbye. Kozak wrote this book to describe what he went through after losing his lovely wife, Lisa. Grief is as unique as our fingerprints, and we all go through it differently, however, there are throughlines. Kozak shares his grief and how he and his daughter dealt with it as well as how we can all prepare for ourselves and our loved ones, so we don't make an already difficult time more intolerable. A truly touching read that I implore all my listeners to pick up.

Matt Crawford speaks to poet and author Sydney Lea about his book Now Look: A Novel. His first novel in 35 years, Lea writes about the pain and grip of addiction on an intimate level. Set against the backdrop of remote northern Maine, Now Look highlights two friends who are from different worlds but struggle against the same demons. A touching read that welcomes you into the characters kitchen, this will resonate deeply with all its readers.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Jeffrey Lewis about his book, Leonard Cohen: A Novel. The Leonard Cohen at the center of Leonard Cohen: A Novel is an everyman, a would-be artist, a would-be lover, a would-be tragic figure, yet a man haunted by the greatness of his namesake. He struggles to compete with the "real" Leonard Cohen wishing to do some as equivocal to the great bard. Traveling to Hydra in Greece seems like the logical Leonard Cohen thing to do. Leonard then meets Daphne, and he has his muse. Will she be the inspiration he needs? A great read of reflection that we can all relate to in some way, I highly recommend it.

Matt Crawford speaks with author Jerome Petty about his book, From Broken to Blessed: An Attempt at Suicide that Ended with Blessings Beyond My Dreams. Jerome shares with us the heartbreaking decision to end his own life and how that failure turned into the most beautiful gift he could imagine. Truly and emotional, inspiring and uplifting read that everyone can take something from. Give this a read and please share what you find with others, we have no idea who may be suffering in silence and talking about this book may open the door to a deeper conversation.