In this episode, we jump into the background of the transcontinental railroad and the companies and government initiatives designed to complete this monumental infrastructure project.

Today, we have historian Dr. Sandra Bonura on the show. Dr. Bonura is a frequent storyteller and lecturer on the importance of using a multitude of primary sources to gain perspective on historical events, and the author of the 2020 biography of John D. Spreckles (the Hotel Del Coronado’s longest owner) entitled, “Empire Builder: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego” and more recently "The Sugar King of California: The Life of Claus Spreckels." Please enjoy our conversation.

Dr. Bonura's Website Link Here

Today we have Dr. Richard J. Goodrich on the show. Dr. Goodrich is an author and historian.

After 20 years as a history professor, Dr. Goodrich decided to move full time into writing. His interests range from ancient history, the Roman Empire, and early church history to the modern age. His latest book is L.A. Birdmen, A Gripping History of Early Aviation on America's West Coast.

This joins his previous publication, Comet Madness, How the 1910 Visit of Halley's Comet Almost Destroyed Civilization, which was published in February 2023. Dr. Goodrich and I discussed a wide range of topics, which tend to be my favorite types of conversations. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Buy his book here