David Watson

watsondavid1974
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The more you talk to people the more you realise how much we all have in common.

  1. 2D AGO

    The David Watson Podcast #255 Stonehenge SECRETS Revealed: The Astonishing Truth Behind the Ancient Stones

    Join host David Watson as he sits down with journalist and author Alun Rees for a mind-blowing discussion about Stonehenge's astonishing secrets that mainstream archaeology has overlooked. In this revealing interview, Alan shares ground breaking discoveries from his investigative book "Stonehenge Deciphered" that will change how you see this ancient wonder forever. Discover the revolutionary findings that answer Stonehenge's biggest mysteries: Why the bluestones were transported 150 miles from Wales (it's not what you think!) The incredible audio properties of these "ringing stones" that chimed like bells How ancient builders used golden protractors to create precise celestial alignments The visual magic of polished stones that looked like the Milky Way Mathematical genius revealed through 5,000-year-old golden artifacts Alun Rees, a veteran journalist with unprecedented access to Stonehenge research, presents evidence-based conclusions that challenge conventional theories. Learn about the Bush Barrow Lozenge, the Upton Lovell Button, and the Clandon Barrow Lozenge - three golden artifacts that prove Stonehenge's builders possessed advanced mathematical knowledge far beyond what we previously believed. This interview reveals: The Bristol Channel tide theory that could explain stone transportation Connections between Stonehenge and the Nebra Sky Disc Evidence of ancient trade routes and knowledge exchange across Europe Why archaeologists resist these ground breaking discoveries The ceremonial and sensory purposes of Stonehenge that go beyond simple calendar functions Whether you're a history enthusiast, archaeology lover, or simply fascinated by ancient mysteries, this conversation presents compelling evidence that Stonehenge's builders were far more sophisticated than we've ever imagined. Key Topics Covered: ✓ Stonehenge's true purpose revealed ✓ Lithophonic stones and ancient acoustics ✓ Neolithic mathematics and engineering ✓ Golden protractors older than Egyptian tools ✓ Bristol Channel transportation theory ✓ Nebra Sky Disc connections ✓ Bush Barrow archaeological discoveries ✓ Ancient trade routes and knowledge exchange Find Alun Rees book "Stonehenge Deciphered": Available on Amazon and other major retailers Hardback version coming soon in the UK Currently available in hardback in the US Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and local Stonehenge connections 1:51 - Why Avebury might be better than Stonehenge for visitors 3:14 - Alan's personal journey covering Stonehenge since 1985 4:25 - The famous Stonehenge free festival battles 6:11 - Local stone sites and the Sarsen stones 7:42 - How Alan began investigating Stonehenge mysteries 8:36 - The Bush Barrow treasure and Wiltshire Museum 10:04 - Understanding burial mounds around Stonehenge 12:57 - The misty, mystical atmosphere of Stonehenge 14:23 - The Bristol Channel stone transportation theory 17:00 - Revolutionary tide-powered transport method 18:25 - Why Stonehenge was built at this specific location 19:40 - The glacial stripes pointing to winter solstice 21:04 - The bluestones' incredible properties 22:31 - Lithophonic stones that ring like bells 25:09 - The religious significance of chiming stones 27:46 - Stonehenge as a sensory banquet for ancient worship 29:09 - The Bush Barrow Lozenge's mathematical significance 30:02 - Ancient protractors discovered in golden artifacts 32:25 - Ivy Yang's mathematical breakthrough with Stonehenge's geometry 33:04 - Independent confirmation by British mathematician David Gregg 34:54 - The 360-degree connection and Sumerian influence 36:01 - DNA evidence of Anatolian migration to Britain 37:14 - The Nebra Sky Disc connection 39:19 - Why archaeologists ignore these mathematical discoveries 41:13 - The missing discussion of ancient engineering tools 42:27 - Evidence of ancient European trade networks 45:06 - What readers will discover in "Stonehenge Deciphered" 46:49 - Alan's time machine question: Stonehenge in a 4x4 with "Riders on the Storm" Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION bell for more fascinating archaeological discoveries and ancient mystery investigations!

    48 min

  2. 2D AGO

    The David Watson Podcast #254 Writing Historical Fiction: Michelle Torrey on Capturing Complex Characters & Point of View

    Join host David Watson as he sits down with Michelle Tori, author of the powerful historical novel "Fox Creek," for an intimate conversation about writing complex characters, understanding historical perspectives, and mastering the art of point of view in fiction. In this revealing interview, Michelle shares her unique journey from growing up across Europe to becoming a published author, discussing: Her unconventional path to becoming a writer through deconstructing acclaimed novels. The 3 years of intensive research into plantation life and slave narratives How she approached writing from both slaveholder and enslaved perspectives The shocking discovery that changed her understanding of historical "good people" Why understanding point of view is crucial for creating authentic characters Her method of breaking down scenes like a film director to master storytelling Michelle also shares invaluable writing advice, including her recommendation of Orson Scott Card's "Characters and Viewpoint" and explains how she learned to write marketable fiction by studying the techniques of successful authors. Whether you're an aspiring writer, history enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the complexities of human nature, this conversation offers profound insights into how we understand the past and bring it to life through storytelling. Key Topics Covered: ✓ Historical fiction writing techniques ✓ Point of view mastery for authors ✓ Research methods for historical accuracy ✓ Character development and complexity ✓ The challenge of representing diverse perspectives ✓ Writing lessons from acclaimed authors ✓ Understanding cultural context in history Find Michelle Tori's work: Website: www.metorrey.com Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION bell for more author interviews and writing insights! Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Michelle's international upbringing 3:34 - The joy of authentic travel experiences 7:47 - Michelle's early life and return to America 10:50 - Discovering her passion for writing in 5th grade 13:27 - Learning to write through deconstructing novels 15:22 - The critical importance of point of view 17:58 - Christoph Waltz and understanding character perspectives 20:04 - The complexity of writing about slaveholding characters 22:12 - Understanding historical context vs modern judgments 27:17 - What inspired Michelle to write about the Antebellum South 29:01 - The whitewashed plantation tours that sparked her mission 30:16 - The vast spectrum of slave experiences 32:41 - The shocking diary entry that changed everything 38:45 - The degradation of character through ownership 52:01 - Why we can't judge historical figures by today's standards 55:42 - Michelle's advice for aspiring writers on point of view 1:00:46 - Time machine question: Jaguar, Stairway to Heaven, and the future

    1h 2m

  3. MAR 5

    The David Watson Podcast #253 Trisha Gardella: The Author Turning National Parks Into Kids’ Adventures

    In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I’m joined by Trisha Gardella, a children’s author with 30 published books and the creator of a beloved picture-book series featuring Mouse, a tiny character with a big message: never give up. Trisha shares how her passion for America’s national parks became the heart of her stories, why kids’ books must be fun first (with deeper lessons quietly woven in), and how creativity often comes from “listening” to the characters that show up in your imagination. We also talk about resilience, adapting when life changes direction, and her calm, grounded outlook on mortality after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) at 33. If you love writing, creativity, children’s books, national parks, or conversations that leave you feeling lighter and more hopeful, you’ll enjoy this one. Guest and links Trisha’s website: https://triciagardella.com/ Topics we cover Writing picture books that children actually want to read How Mouse became a 12+ book national parks series   Protecting national parks and helping kids care about nature Creativity, ideas, and “letting the story lead” Resilience, detours, and finding joy in each phase of life HCM, mortality, and a surprisingly peaceful mindset Illustration, collaboration, and how Trisha finds artists

    49 min

  4. MAR 5

    The David Watson Podcast #252 The Elephant in the Family Room: Why Family Businesses Really Break

    Family businesses don’t usually fail because of bad numbers. They fail because of broken trust, unspoken resentment, and the conversations nobody wants to have. In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I’m joined by Rene Sonneveld, a Dutch executive coach based in Uruguay and author of The Elephant in the Family Room. Rene works at the intersection of leadership, governance and human psychology, helping family enterprises tackle the real problem underneath the “business problem”: the invisible capital of trust, identity, communication, role clarity and belonging. We also explore a powerful parallel from my work in head injury rehabilitation: when life changes in an instant, families often grieve the person who was, struggle with who someone is becoming, and collide over expectations, fear and control. Rene shares a deeply personal story about his first wife’s brain cancer and the question that haunts families in crisis: if they wake up, who will they be? If you’re navigating family conflict, succession planning, sibling rivalry, inheritance disputes, or tension inside a family-owned business, this conversation will help you understand what’s really happening, why it’s so hard to fix alone, and how honest communication becomes the load-bearing wall that holds everything up. Key topics in this episode The “elephant in the family room” and why families walk around it for generations Why family businesses fail relationally, not financially The hidden drivers beneath conflict: relevance, respect, safety, fairness, belonging Why governance structures can look perfect but still collapse How sibling rivalry and old emotional patterns show up as “strategy debates” Listening vs hearing: what people are telling you vs what they’re trying to tell you Why bringing in a neutral facilitator can unlock stuck family systems How Rene went from governance and banking to coaching families worldwide Writing as a tool for self-awareness, perspective and better leadership Find Rene and his book Website: https://www.renesonneveld.com/ Book: The Elephant in the Family Room (available on major retailers including Amazon) If this episode helped you, please consider: Subscribe for more long-form conversations with authors, coaches, entrepreneurs and creatives Like and share to help the podcast reach more people Comment below: what’s the “elephant” people avoid in families, workplaces, or relationships?

    1h 1m

  5. FEB 26

    The David Watson Podcast #251 How a Death Metal Legend Writes a Novel: The Jeremy Wagner Story

    Jeremy Wagner on Wretch, Broken Hope, and the Magic of Letting Stories Write Themselves Join David Watson for a captivating conversation with author, musician, and master storyteller Jeremy Wagner. In this episode, Jeremy delves into the creation of his new dark crime novel, "Wretch," shares the fascinating origins of his death metal band Broken Hope, and discusses the profound joy of the creative process. From the nostalgic magic of vinyl and paperback books to the raw energy of channelling characters, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about art, music, and writing. 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more incredible conversations! // TIMESTAMPS // 00:00 - Introduction to Jeremy Wagner and the new novel, "Wretch" 00:41 - The magic of physical media: A love for Bucket of Blood Books and Records 02:14 - Why younger generations are rediscovering vinyl, books, and tangible art 06:17 - The lost art of album covers and the experience of dropping the needle 08:43 - Jeremy's Chicago roots and the formation of Broken Hope in high school 14:57 - The nostalgia of youth: Chasing adventures before the internet and smartphones 19:05 - The creative spark: How Jeremy's love for writing began in grade school 26:52 - The priceless artifact: Jeremy's first storybook from his grandmother 30:11 - Writing lyrics for Broken Hope as "micro horror fiction" 33:23 - The different creative processes for writing songs vs. novels 37:13 - The magic of channelling characters and letting them tell the story 42:40 - The story behind "Wretch": Three converging storylines in a brutal Chicago summer 45:18 - Creating authentic characters with the help of a real Chicago police detective 48:52 - The inspiration for the antagonist, Derek Hoffman, and the horrors of big pharma 52:04 - Crafting the mob boss, Tico Tortellio, and the clash of three storylines 57:07 - The long road to publication: How ideas can haunt you for decades 1:01:07 - Where to find Jeremy Wagner and his work 1:02:39 - Time Machine Question: Mad Max's V8 Interceptor and Slayer's "Reign in Blood" This episode is a deep dive into the creative mind of Jeremy Wagner. He discusses the launch of his new novel, "Wretch," a gritty dark crime story set in Chicago, and explains how the book's three interconnected storylines were inspired by real people and "what if" scenarios. Jeremy traces his passion for storytelling back to his childhood, sharing the touching story of his first storybook. He also details his parallel career as a lyricist for the death metal band Broken Hope, comparing the condensed, punchy nature of writing "micro horror fiction" for songs to the expansive process of novel-writing. The conversation is a celebration of the creative process, the importance of passion, and the magic that happens when you get out of the way and let the story tell itself. // KEY TAKEAWAYS // • Jeremy Wagner's new novel, "Wretch," follows a Chicago detective, a chemically-fueled monster, and a mob boss whose stories violently collide. • He believes physical media like vinyl and paperbacks offer a tangible, artistic experience that digital formats can't replicate. • The creative process for Jeremy involves "channelling" his characters, allowing them to surprise him and guide the narrative. • He wrote lyrics for his band Broken Hope for over 30 years, treating them as intense, short-form horror stories. • A great story idea can haunt an author for years, waiting for the right moment to be fully brought to life. // RESOURCES & LINKS // • Book: "Wretch" by Jeremy Wagner Available through Dead Sky Publishing and major retailers. • Author's Website: jeremyxwagner.com (Find all his books, music from Broken Hope and Earth Burner, and more.) • Social Media: @JeremyXWagner (on all platforms) • Publisher: deadskypublishing.com

    1h 8m

  6. FEB 26

    The David Watson Podcast #250 The Spanish Silver that Won the American Revolution: The Story of Francisco de Saavedra

    In this episode of the David Watson Podcast, we dive deep into the forgotten history of the American Revolutionary War with author James Giesler. Discover the crucial, often overlooked, role Spain played in securing America's final victory at Yorktown. Learn about Francisco de Saavedra, the Spanish diplomat and strategist whose logistical genius and access to Spanish silver were the deciding factors that turned the tide of war. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history, European empires, and the financial realities of warfare. 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into history! 00:00 - Introduction to James Kegeler and his book on the American Revolutionary War 00:55 - James's background and what drew him to this history 02:30 - The historical context: The Bourbon Family Compacts and European rivalries 04:27 - The Seven Years' War and its impact on the American Revolution 07:14 - The financial trigger: Britain's taxes and the Boston Tea Party 09:21 - France's strategic goal: Weakening Britain, not just aiding America 11:59 - The military stalemate in North America before 1781 12:07 - The entrance of Spain and the power of the combined Franco-Spanish fleet 16:07 - Spain's strategic advantage: The silver mines of Mexico and the Havana base 18:32 - The importance of the Spanish silver dollar (the piece of eight) 21:03 - The difference between commodity-based money and fiat currency 22:02 - Who was Francisco de Saavedra? Theologian, soldier, and diplomat 26:04 - The critical year of 1781: Saavedra arrives in Havana 27:32 - The De Grasse-Saavedra Convention: A plan to win the war 28:37 - Securing the funds: Saavedra gets 500,000 silver pesos for the French fleet 29:44 - The Siege of Yorktown: How naval supremacy and money sealed Cornwallis's fate 31:57 - The aftermath of Yorktown and the shift in British strategy 40:00 - The Battle of the Saints: A massive naval clash and the failed invasion of Jamaica 45:14 - The Treaty of Paris and the end of the war 46:35 - Saavedra's later career: From Venezuela to the Spanish Court 50:55 - Saavedra's final stand: Leading the defense against Napoleon at the Battle of Bailén 54:19 - Where to find the book "Francisco de Saavedra's American Revolutionary War" 55:26 - James's time machine question This episode reveals the hidden side of the American Revolution, highlighting the indispensable contributions of Spain and its agent, Francisco de Saavedra. We explore how the Bourbon Family Compacts allied France and Spain against Britain, setting the stage for their intervention. The discussion covers the financial motivations behind the war, from Britain's taxation of colonists to Spain's unique advantage of vast silver reserves in Mexico. The core of the interview focuses on Saavedra's remarkable logistical and diplomatic efforts in 1781, where he unified Spanish and French commanders, secured the vital funds from Havana that financed the French fleet's campaign, and directly enabled the decisive victory at Yorktown. We also cover Saavedra's fascinating life story, from his unlikely entry into the army to his later role as a national hero in Spain's fight against Napoleon. • The American victory at Yorktown was made possible by a massive loan of 500,000 silver pesos from Spain, secured by Francisco de Saavedra. • The combined French and Spanish navies (around 120 ships) challenged British dominance at sea, a key factor in the war's outcome. • The Spanish silver dollar (piece of eight) was a trusted global currency, unlike the rapidly devaluing American continental paper money. • Francisco de Saavedra was a master diplomat and logistician who resolved rivalries between Spanish and French commanders to create a unified war effort. • The war was as much about finance and draining an opponent's resources as it was about battlefield victories. • Book: "Francisco de Saavedra's American Revolutionary War" by James Giesler Available on Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .es, etc.) Available in bookshops via Barnes & Noble and Ingram Spark Available as an ebook on major platforms. • Author's Website: The Book — James Giesler

    57 min

  7. FEB 19

    The David Watson Podcast #249 The Culling of Souls: Can You Cut Away Your Past to Grow?

    Join host David Watson for a candid and wide-ranging conversation with his returning guest, author Martin R. Nelson. In this episode, they tackle everything from the universal comfort of cookies and milkshakes to the heavy burdens of self-doubt and financial struggle. Martin opens up about his hectic life juggling a full-time teaching job, a move, and a second child on the way, all while promoting his latest high-fantasy novel, The Culling of Souls, the sequel to Children of the Dying Hearth. He shares the profound themes of his Annals of Tessian series, exploring how characters must leave their comfort zones and "cull their souls" to grow. The discussion then pivots to the harsh realities of the creative world. Martin and David have a raw and honest talk about the challenges of indie publishing, the feeling of creating for an empty stadium, and the constant battle with the question: "What will people think?" They also dive into broader societal issues, touching on the housing market, the paradox of tolerance, and the state of free speech and politics in the UK and beyond. This is a must-watch for aspiring authors, fantasy fans, and anyone who has ever questioned their own worth or path in life. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Martin's Busy Life 1:45 - The Power of Cookies & Milkshakes 7:00 - The Gift That Gets You Out of Trouble 10:16 - The Male Struggle with Self-Worth & Spending 12:36 - David's Story: Bankruptcy and Homelessness 17:08 - Then vs. Now: The Housing Market Crisis 19:00 - The Frugal Path to Home Ownership 24:04 - The Man Who Chose Status Over Freedom 29:58 - The Problem with Class and Status Systems 34:02 - The Japanese Mindset of Service 45:00 - Airport Horror Stories 51:19 - Focusing on the Books! 52:10 - Introducing the Annals of Tessian Series 58:45 - The Theme of Children of the Dying Hearth 1:00:12 - The Theme of The Culling of Souls 1:03:00 - Trauma, Growth, and Using Emotions as a Window 1:09:15 - The Creator's Dilemma: Self-Doubt & The Empty Stadium 1:18:03 - The Gatekeepers of Publishing & The Noise of Indie Authorship 1:25:15 - The Power of a "Body of Work" 1:31:00 - The Humanizing Power of a Conversation 1:49:00 - Tolkien, Politics, and the Real-World Scouring of the Shire 1:55:00 - The State of Free Speech in the UK 2:06:00 - The Epstein Files, Legal Realities, and Systemic Corruption 2:19:50 - A Ruler's True Role: To Serve 2:22:59 - Outro Find Martin's Books: https://martinraynelson.com/

    2h 23m

  8. FEB 19

    The David Watson Podcast #248 Can You "Cull Your Soul" to Find Success?

    Fantasy author Martin R. Nelson joins David Watson for a candid conversation about the brutal reality of the creative life, the deep themes in his high fantasy series "The Annals of Tessian," and the relentless struggle to get noticed in a saturated world. We dive into his new book, "The Culling of Souls," and its predecessor, "Children of the Dying Hearth," exploring the powerful ideas that fuel them. Martin breaks down how the first book is about the courage to leave your comfort zone—a theme embodied by a teenage boy who might be the heir to a lost empire, a 600-year-old elf who’s still just a kid, and a noble ruler forced to get his hands dirty. The sequel, "The Culling of Souls," tackles a more internal battle: the painful but necessary act of cutting away the parts of yourself that hold you back, like a traumatic memory that no longer has to define your tomorrow. This isn't just a book talk; it's a raw look into the heart of an indie author. Martin opens up about the crushing self-doubt that comes with asking people to buy your work, the frustration of hitting a wall with gatekeepers and expensive (and sometimes useless) editorial reviews, and the overwhelming noise of 4,000+ books published every single day. He shares the "empty stadium" feeling of creating incredible work with no crowd watching, and the crucial difference between an athlete's measurable "personal best" and a creator's invisible race. But the conversation is also filled with hope and hard-won wisdom. They discuss the power of building a "body of work" and waiting for that one brick to be knocked out of the wall, as described by podcaster Dan Carlin, so the people on the other side can finally see you. Martin shares stories from the band Stereophonics about how their biggest hit was a song they almost threw away, proving that sometimes you just have to keep showing up. They also touch on the practical side of book promotion, debating the merits of targeted Amazon ads versus scattergun PR and the hilarious potential (and pitfalls) of using AI to create promotional videos. If you're a writer, artist, or anyone trying to create something meaningful, this episode is a must-watch. It's a testament to the idea that even if the stadium is empty, you have to lace up your boots and run the race anyway—because the only thing you can control is showing up for tomorrow. Timestamps: 0:00 - The Indie Author's Dilemma 1:09 - Introducing Martin R. Nelson & "The Annals of Tessian" 2:18 - The Theme of "Children of the Dying Hearth": Leaving Your Comfort Zone 4:45 - The 600-Year-Old Elf: A Fun Fantasy Trope 6:00 - The Honorable Ruler Who Needs to Get His Hands Dirty 8:14 - The Bilbo Baggins Principle: No Hero's Journey from an Armchair 9:07 - "The Culling of Souls": Cutting Away What Holds You Back 11:13 - The Trauma That Defines You vs. The Trauma You Learn From 14:34 - Emotions Are a Window to the Soul 16:11 - The Truman Show: How Trauma Traps You 17:02 - The Universal Struggle: Jesus, Buddha, and Marcus Aurelius 18:36 - The Crushing Self-Doubt of Selling Your Own Work 20:11 - The Joe Rogan Comparison & The Empty Stadium 22:50 - The Athlete's "Personal Best" vs. The Creator's Invisible Race 24:02 - Van Gogh, Bob Ross & Finding Success After You're Gone 26:25 - The Power of a Good Conversation (and Respecting Boundaries) 29:01 - The Stereophonics Story: "Just Some Shit" Becomes a Hit 32:13 - Dan Carlin's "Wall" Theory & the Body of Work 34:39 - The Gatekeepers: Agents, Publishers, and 4,000 Daily Books 38:10 - The $700 Kirkus Review That Was Total Garbage 40:06 - AI Video Promotion: Hilarious Failures & Huge Potential 43:56 - Amazon Ads: Targeting the Right Niche 45:05 - The Power of the "Everyman" Podcast 48:06 - Turning Up the Volume for the RIGHT People 51:00 - The Fascination with the "Everyman" in History 52:28 - How You Can Support Indie Authors Martin https://martinraynelson.com/

    54 min
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About

The more you talk to people the more you realise how much we all have in common.

Information

  • Creator
    watsondavid1974
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    David Watson