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Cross Word
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Listen. Learn. Engage.
Welcome to Crossword, the podcast where we delve into compelling conversations with authors who illuminate history, politics, culture, faith, and art.
Each episode uncovers intriguing insights and untold stories that shape our understanding of today’s world and the rich tapestry of ideas that define it. Whether you’re passionate about the cultural impact of art or curious about how history informs our political landscape, Crossword invites you to explore the diverse forces that influence human experience.
Join our community of curious minds and subscribe now to embark on a journey of discovery, thoughtful reflection, and deeper connection with the world around us.
Episodes
132 episodes
Putin Unmasked
Andrew Weiss, Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, reveals how Vladimir Putin rose from mediocre KGB officer to Russian leader through a series of accidents and opportunities rather than strategic brilli...
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Season 3
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Episode 138
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46:22
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Bombs and Beasts: The Hidden Battle for Zoo Survival
"World War Zoos: Humans and Other Animals in the Deadliest Conflict of the Modern Age." University of Chicago PressTo find our more about Michele McAloon: Your host.https://www.book...
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Season 3
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Episode 137
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42:05
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The Secret Truth About Ukraine Nobody is Telling You
Michele McAloon speaks with Olena Tregub, a Ukrainian civil society leader and anti-corruption advocate, about the realities of war in Ukraine and why American support remains crucial despite political uncertainty.• Olena describes the ...
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37:25
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Hollywood's Tribute to Those Who Served Never Gets Old
This Memorial Day episode revisits a conversation with Alison Maker about her book "Making the Best Years of Our Lives," exploring the classic 1946 film that portrayed veterans returning home from World War II.• William Wyler, the film'...
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37:53
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Beyond Catastrophe: How Ancient Societies Thrived Through Change
What if apocalypse doesn't mean the end of everything, but rather a revelation of new possibilities? Archaeologist Lizzie Wade turns our understanding of catastrophe upside down in this eye-opening conversation about how ancient societies trans...
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40:10
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The End is Near, or Is It?
Dorian Linskey explores humanity's persistent fascination with apocalyptic scenarios through his book "Everything Must Go: The Stories We Tell About the End of the World." This deep dive into our cultural obsession with the end times reveals ho...
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Season 3
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Episode 136
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47:52
From Comedian to President: The Evolution of Ukraine's President
The extraordinary journey of Volodymyr Zelensky—from Ukraine's most beloved comedian to its wartime president—represents one of history's most dramatic political transformations. Simon Shuster, who has reported from Ukraine and Russia for over ...
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Season 3
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Episode 135
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53:37
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The Jesuit Legacy: From Ignatius to Francis
Delve into the captivating world of the Jesuits with Dr. Marcus Friedrich, whose monumental work "The Jesuits: A History" illuminates five centuries of one of history's most influential and controversial religious orders. From their unexpected ...
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Season 3
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Episode 134
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48:28
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From Fisherman's Ring to Final Resting Place: The Journey After a Pope's Death
The passing of Pope Francis marks a pivotal moment in Catholic history, triggering ancient protocols that few outside the Vatican understand. As a canon lawyer within the Roman Catholic Church's legal system, I'm uniquely positioned to guide yo...
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Season 3
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Episode 133
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14:04
Reliving the Battle of Lexington: A Minuteman's Story
Steve Delity brings history alive as he prepares to portray Daniel Harrington in the 250th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Lexington. Through meticulous research and authentic reproduction, he honors the legacy of the ordinary citizens...
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Season 3
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Episode 132
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26:08
Shots Heard Round the World
The Battle of Lexington marked the beginning of the American Revolution, with ordinary farmers standing against British troops in an extraordinary act of courage and defiance despite overwhelming odds.• Solomon Brown, an 18-year-old dai...
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Season 3
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Episode 131
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48:03
Change Beyond Limits
James Arbib and I explore how humanity stands at the threshold of a fundamental paradigm shift from an extractive to a stellar world, and how technological change could transform our civilization for the better.• Our current societal st...
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Season 3
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Episode 131
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48:24
The Secret History of the War in Ukraine with Adam Entous
What happens when American military expertise meets Ukrainian battlefield determination? The answer lies in one of the most extraordinary untold stories of the Russia-Ukraine war.When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February ...
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Season 2
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Episode 130
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1:06:14
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Paris 1919: Shaping Today's World
Professor Margaret MacMillan illuminates how decisions made at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 continue to shape today's geopolitical landscape, particularly in understanding current European conflicts including Russia's invasion of Ukraine....
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46:17
Paris 1919: How the Treaty That Ended World War I Continues to Shape Modern Europe
Like and subscribe to Crossword on YouTube at Crossword Author Interviews. You can also find us at bookclues.com and follow Michele McAloon on X, BlueSky and TrueSocial, all @MicheleMcAloon1.Professor Margaret MacMillan joins us to explo...
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46:27
Custodians of Culture
Step into a world where ancient customs still whisper the stories of generations in 'Custodians of Wonder.' In this episode, we chat with Eliot Stein, a passionate author and BBC journalist, who unveils the remarkable narratives of the last cus...
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37:03
The Impact of Edwin Meese III on American Constitutional Law and the Rise of Originalism
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Season 3
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Episode 111
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42:52
Jimmy Lai: A Journey of Resilience and the Fight for Hong Kong's Freedom
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Season 3
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Episode 110
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42:46
The Enduring Influence of the Bible: A Journey Through History and Culture with Professor Bruce Gordon
How has the Bible managed to influence cultures across the globe for over two millennia? Join me, Michelle McAloon, as I sit down with Professor Bruce Gordon, the distinguished Titus Street professor of ecclesiastical history at Yale Divinity S...
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Season 3
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Episode 90
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48:55
Bridging the Gap: Exploring Consciousness, Physics, and AI with George Musser
What if the mysteries of consciousness and the universe are more connected than we ever imagined? Esteemed physicist and author George Musser joins me, Michelle McElhoun, on Crossword for an enlightening conversation that explores the fascinati...
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49:48
Uncovering Thanksgiving: History, Traditions, and Global Impact
Thanksgiving holds a special place in the heart of America, and Melanie Kirkpatrick, author of "Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience," joins us to uncover the layers of history and meaning behind this cherished holi...
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35:15
Unraveling the Southern Poverty Law Center: From Civil Rights Champion to Controversial Activist
Can a civil rights icon lose its way? That's the provocative question we tackle as we dive deep into the Southern Poverty Law Center's journey from revered champion of justice to a polarizing force in activism. We're joined by Tyler O'Neill, ma...
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56:08