Now I've Heard Everything

In this episode, host Bill Thompson sits down with Dr. Pius Kamau, a surgeon, author, and human rights advocate, to discuss his powerful new memoir, *Running with Lions*. Growing up in Kenya under the shadow of British colonialism and the violent Mau Mau uprising, Dr. Kamau’s future was entirely uncertain. Yet, fueled by his father's unwavering belief that education was his "northern star," he onc...

In this episode of *Now I've Heard Everything*, host Bill Thompson sits down with Dr. Durga Larkin, MD, an ophthalmologist and author of the new book *Timeless Vision: Empowered Aging Redefined*. Dr. Larkin shares how her decades-long career as an eye surgeon inspired her to view aging not as a structural decline or a narrowing field of view, but as a profound opportunity for inner growth and rein...

In this episode of *Now I've Heard Everything*, host Bill Thompson sits down with biographer and author Ruth Franklin to discuss her book, *The Many Lives of Anne Frank*. Far from a simple biography, Franklin’s work takes a kaleidoscopic approach to one of history’s most famous figures, examining how Anne Frank has been transformed into a global icon and co-opted by various groups to fit different...

What if the iconic blue-and-white pottery sitting on your grandmother’s mantle was actually the key to an art history mystery? In this episode of *Now I've Heard Everything*, host Bill Thompson sits down with decorative art advisor, author, and former *Antiques Roadshow* expert Genevieve Wheeler Brown to discuss her new book, *Beyond Blue and White*. Genevieve shares the serendipitous story of ste...

What if everything we are told about the border crisis is completely missing the point? In this episode, Bill Thompson sits down with Gil Gillenwater, author of *Hope on the Border* and founder of Rancho Feliz. Over nearly 40 years of hands-on work on the US-Mexico border, Gil has discovered a radical truth: traditional charity doesn't work, and a wall cannot fix a crisis of dignity. Gil share...

Eighty years after the end of World War II, parts of its history remain shrouded in secrecy and political convenience. In this episode of *Now I’ve Heard Everything*, Bill Thompson sits down with Jenny Chan, co-founder and Director of Pacific Atrocities Education. Inspired by a surprising discovery after her grandmother’s passing, Jenny has dedicated her life to uncovering the forgotten history of...

What happens when an aristocratic British warlord meets a stickball-playing general from Texas? In this episode of "Now I've Heard Everything", host Bill Thompson sits down with acclaimed military historian Jonathan W. Jordan, author of "Ike and Winston", to unpack the extraordinary, turbulent, and unbreakable friendship between Dwight D. Eisenhower and Winston Churchill. iscover how this legendar...

Eight unpublished books. Endless rejection letters. A family straight out of Charles Dickens. In this unforgettable interview, author Jay Neugeboren opens up about the experiences that shaped his life and work, from mental illness in the family to conversations with the late Oliver Sacks. It’s a moving, wise, and surprisingly funny discussion about literature, aging, perseverance, and the stories...

Danielle Crittenden shares her deeply personal journey through grief after losing her daughter, exploring the emotional landscape, the lack of existing literature that captures this pain, and insights into navigating profound loss. Get your copy of Dispatches From Grief by Danielle Crittenden As an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Chapter...

In this episode Michael Schwartz shares his deeply personal and painful journey of grief and becoming a single father. The sudden and unexpected death of his wife Vanessa left Michael alone to raise their nine month old daughter Luciana. At 40 Michael was a widower still processing his own feelings of despair and guilt. To help him through that emotional valley Michael wrote letters for Luciana to...

In this insightful interview, Craig Yorke shares the origin of his book 'Steep,' his life journey from a Boston Latin School student to a neurosurgeon and author, and explores themes of personal growth, racial identity, and the metaphorical meaning of 'steep.' Discover how his experiences shape his understanding of liberation, identity, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. As an A...

In this engaging interview, Pulitzer prize-winning novelist Jayne Anne Phillips discusses her first nonfiction book, the memoir in essays 'Small Town Girls,' exploring themes of memory, place, and perception. She shares insights into small-town life, the influence of culture and history, and the power of literature to preserve vanished worlds. Get your copy of Small Town Girls by Jayne Anne Philli...

Cultural researcher Patricia Martin discusses the rapid changes in society driven by technology, social media, and AI, exploring their impact on human identity, mental health, and the importance of inner self-awareness in the digital age. Get your copy of Will The Future Like You? by Patricia Martin As an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases....

Dr. Nizam Missaghi discusses the history, current situation, and future prospects of Iran, including the impact of the Islamic Republic, recent protests, and his upcoming memoir 'Passport to Freedom.' Get your copy of Passport to Freedom by Nizam Missaghi As an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nizam Missaghi...

Danny O'Connor shares his personal journey with a 20-year battle with an eating disorder, highlighting the dangers of weight manipulation in combat sports and the importance of awareness and early intervention. Get your copy of Weight Class by Danny O’Connor As an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Chapters00:00 **The Reality of Binge Eatin...

In this conversation, Mai Pham discusses her memoir 'Bridge From Saigon,' detailing her experiences as a Vietnam refugee and the journey of self-discovery that followed. She reflects on the impact of her family's history, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and the role of therapy in her healing process. Mai also explores the complexities of identity, the distinction between refugees and...

In this conversation, Gayle Feldman discusses her book 'Nothing Random,' which explores the life of Bennett Cerf, the founder of Random House. She delves into Cerf's early life, his career in publishing, his relationships with authors, and the impact of his television presence on his reputation. Feldman also addresses the challenges Cerf faced, including anti-Semitism in the publishing industry, a...

Janine Matho shares her personal journey through burnout and her concept of living your opus, an intentional, meaningful life that balances success with self-awareness. Discover how to redefine success, build inner resilience, and create a life masterpiece. Guest InformationJanine Matho Website Social:| Facebook | Instagram Get your copy of Live Your Opus by Janine Matho As an Amazon Associate, No...

In this conversation, Dorothy Roberts discusses her memoir, 'The Mixed Marriage Project,' which explores her family's history and the evolution of interracial marriage in America. Through her father's extensive research, she uncovers insights about race, identity, and the societal changes surrounding interracial relationships. The conversation delves into the anthropological perspectives of her fa...

In this conversation, Jo Giese shares her inspiring journey chronicled in her memoir, 'You'll Never Walk Alone.' She discusses the life-altering accident that led to a series of medical challenges and surgeries, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and support in her recovery. Jo reflects on redefining her sense of normalcy and finding new communities that align with her current abilities, all w...

n this conversation, Glenn Kurtz discusses his book 'Men at Work: The Empire State Building and the Untold Story of the Craftsman Who Built It,' shedding light on the often-overlooked workers who constructed the iconic skyscraper. He emphasizes the lack of documentation about these laborers, the dangers they faced, and the diverse backgrounds they came from, primarily as immigrants. The discussion...

In this conversation, Rachel Tzvia Back discusses her memoir 'The Dark-Robed Mother,' exploring her experiences with high-functioning depression, the complexities of motherhood, and the metaphor of Persephone in relation to her struggles. She reflects on the nuances of grief and depression, the importance of representation in literature, and the therapeutic process of writing her book, which invol...

In this conversation, Jonathan Tepper discusses his memoir 'Shooting Up,' which explores his childhood experiences growing up in a drug rehab center in Madrid, the impact of addiction and HIV on his community, and the personal loss he faced with the tragic death of his brother. Tepper reflects on the lessons learned from these experiences, the importance of empathy, and how they shaped his worldvi...

In this conversation, John Ficklin discusses his book 'An Unusual Path,' which chronicles his family's history intertwined with significant events in American history, particularly their experiences in the White House. He reflects on the impact of historical moments such as the assassination of President Kennedy and 9/11, shares personal anecdotes from his time working in the White Hou...

In this conversation, Daniella Mestyanek Young discusses her experiences growing up in a cult and her transition to military life. She explores the dynamics of cults, their recruitment tactics, and their impact on individuals and society. Daniella also reflects on the parallels between cult behavior and current political climates in America, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and understand...