Arts
**Cross Word Books**

mysteryhints@gmail.com

Listen. Learn. Engage.

**Welcome to** ***Cross Word Books,*** **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.

Latest Episodes:

Socrates and Plato are Super Heroes Sep 17, 2021

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Join me in this dynamic interview with Dr Louis Markos, author of From Plato to Christ; How Platonic Thought Shaped the Christian Faith. People of all religious backgrounds or no religious backgrounds will benefit from this very accessible and enjoyable discussion about Plato and Socrates. These old dusty philosophers are actually more important than ever as we talk about the social cultural issues of the day. Dr Marko writes "I can attest that reading Plato has made me want to become a better man. a better teacher, and a better Christian, to ascend the rising path and to find my true telos, the higher purpose for which I was born." Socrates and Plato talk to us through the centuries to find the truth of who are and who we can become as individuals and a society.
You can follow Dr Markos on https://www.amazon.com/Louis-Markos/e/B001JSBEBG%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Follow Michele on twitter @MicheleMcAloon1

Lafayette; Hero of Two Worlds Sep 11, 2021

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This is a heck of an interview with the one and only Mike Duncan, creator of the History of Rome series podcast about his blockbuster, best seller Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution published by Public Affairs. Mike Duncan has written an engaging biography of the Marquis de Lafayette, famous and infamous in both America and France. From the dizzying heights of the world of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI to a prison in Eastern Europe, Mr. Duncan follows the life of the irrepressible Lafayette as he pursues the ideals of freedom and liberty. Lafayette's life is a glimpse into the foundation of Modern Europe and the birth of America. His life is a novel and Mr. Duncan writes the biography of Lafayette in a way that is both profound and fun to read.
Help celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette's 1824-1825 return trip to the United States. Check out http://thelafayettetrail.org

Follow me on twitter MicheleMcAloon1

Close to the Soul. Sep 02, 2021

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A discussion with award winning author Mary Jo Thayer about her novel Close to the Soul, published by Full Quiver Publishing. The story follows the life of a sixteen year old girl, in the early 1960's. who is sexually assaulted at a party. When she chooses to carry the child her life takes a predictably difficult, but rich and rewarding path. Ultimately Close to the Soul is a story about choices and love. This is a timely discussion in the wake of last week's Supreme Court decision not to block a Texas law banning most abortions after six weeks.
You can connect with the author at maryjothayer.com
and Michele at Twitter: MicheleMcAloon1

An 18th century Hottie!!! Aug 27, 2021

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Join me in a great discussion with author Rhonda Ortiz about her historical romantic fictional tale In Pieces. For those out there who think "I do not read this genre," I understand. This is not what I am normally search to read either. Foolish me. This is a great story about the adventure of human relationships and the enduring tale of life's questions of family, marriage and careers. The novel set in 18th century Boston follows the travails of a young beautiful woman who tries to establish an adult life after suffering a traumatic loss. Only when she is able to see clearly can she truly come to know the reality of herself and those around her.
Catholic fiction is an emerging genre on the literary scene. Chrism Press is a new exciting publisher paving the way for high quality fiction with a Catholic character.
You can connect with Rhonda at https://rhondaortiz.com/ and Chrism Press at https://chrismpress.com/
Follow Michele on twitter @michelemcaloon1.

Step aside Harry potter! Aug 20, 2021

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Mystery tales and morality in a medieval setting woven into a charming coming of age story. Join me in my discussion with author Antony Barone Kolenc as he talks about his award winning mystery series The Harwood Mysteries Series published by Loyola Press. A three book series that follows the life of a 12 year old boy in 12th century England as he discovers his identity and learns of life, faith, and friendship.
Follow Michele on twitter @MicheleMcAloon1
Antony Barone Kolenc can be found at www.antonykolen.com

Constitutional thought Endangered Aug 13, 2021

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An interview with Dr Ronald J Pestritto , author of America Transformed: The Rise and Legacy of American Progressivism published by the fabulous Encounter Books. Dr Pestritto of Hillsdale College illustrates how progressive thought, in the past and today. endangers the fundamental understanding of basic freedoms as framed in the US Constitution. Go to my twitter account to see where I had to record this episode @MicheleMcAloon1.

My brother is a Werewolf Aug 05, 2021

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Where are the Werewolves?? Join me for a thrilling discussion with Catholic author Eleanor Bourg Nicholson in her new Gothic Catholic Thriller Brother Wolf published by the brand new Chrism Press. A thrilling adventure story with the truth of Catholic teaching.
You can find Eleanor at eleanorbourgnicholson.com and Chrism Press @ chrismpress.com.

Life Everlasting, Life Beyond Jul 29, 2021

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Where do we go after this life? Join in a fascinating discussion with author Catherine Wolff about her book Beyond: How Humankind Thinks About Heaven published byRiver house Books an imprint of Penguin Random House Publishing. In this wonderfully well researched and well written book Catherine explores the realms of human imagination through a survey of beliefs and faiths about the afterlife. Her work is simultaneously informative and uplifting as she tells the history of our pursuit to define heaven, humanity, divinity. and consciousness.
You can purchase Beyond at The Kings English Bookshop in Salt Lake City Utah or online at https://www.kingsenglish.com/
You can follow Michele on Twitter @MicheleMcAloon1

Hope for the Future Jul 22, 2021

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The Church and America is in Crisis. But there is hope for a brighter future. Todd Hartch author of A Time to Build Anew ; How to Find the True, Good and Beautiful in America, published by the beautiful Angelico Press, describes how different groups are courageously and boldly building from Tradition to find innovative and loving solutions for today. Yes things are bad, but we can find our way by ordering our reality to what is good true, and beautiful. This is truly an uplifting conversation.. a self help book for society.
If you are doing something that is true, good and beautiful in your community contact me Michele McAloon @ michelem@archangelradio.com or twitter @michelemcaloon1