Next Interview:

1. What inspired you to be involved in your area of expertise?

I grew up with an innate love of history. To me, history is merely Humanity’s road trip that placed us where we are today. It would be unsettling if every person on earth were to wake up tomorrow with no knowledge of where they were or how they arrived there. History is that story for all of us collectively.

2. What do you like most about your field?

There are two elements to that answer. 

1 - History is so vast that a person could read and learn endlessly. 

2 - History contains some stories that are so wild Hollywood couldn't dream them up. Who doesn't love a great story?

3. Who do you see as an inspiring historical figure?

I marvel at the bravery of people. Some of whom are or were persecuted such as black Americans after the Civil War or the members of the French and Dutch resistance during W.W.II. How about the soldiers who climbed out of trenches to run directly at machine guns they knew would kill them. Check out the story of Roy Benavidez, Vietnam War vet.

4. What book, website, or other resource would you recommend to new students of H/AH/ARCH?

The three W.W.II books written by Stephen Ambrose are top-shelf stuff. Citizen Soldier, Band of Brothers, and D-Day.

5. What book, website, or other resource do you think is possibly the best you have ever found?

The Hardcore History Podcast is a "must listen" show for history fans.

6. Can you mention one or two emerging themes you have observed in H/AH/ARCH?

This may or may not answer your question but throughout modern history (since the Renaissance) there has been a major war in every century. One result seen in the aftermath is a realization that war is awful, solves little, and should be avoided. Yet, as time passes, each generation further removed from the last conflict seems to be more petty, defiant, and oppositional. Today hostility is simmering again.

History has proven that hate creates more problems than it solves but it feels like humanity needs a major global skirmish to push the reset button. Merely reading about or watching documentaries of the past doesn't drive the point home deeply enough.

7. What advice would you give someone starting out in H/AH/ARCH?

Find what you're passionate about under that umbrella and look for a way to build a career around it. There have never been more ways to do that, though it won't be easy.

8. If you could meet any historical figure who would it be and why?

I think it would be drinking a pint while talking to George Washington. The dude fought for, and against, the Redcoats in his time. That would have to be interesting.

9. Which era or time period would you visit?

Colonial America probably. So much possibility and so much struggle all wrapped up in one burrito.

10. Do you have a favourite historical quote, if so what is it?

 "Whoever is happy, will make others happy too."

- Anne Frank