How many threads must come together to create a storyteller? In this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry invites returning guest Thomas Maier back onto the show to discuss Mafia Spies, his series for Paramount + and Showtime. Thomas discusses his transition from behind the scenes to an on screen narrator of the production, guests he has had on the show (like notable gangster Salvatore Giancana’s daughter, and his extensive research on Cold War Espionage and U.S. involvement in Cuba. Larry and Thomas also discuss his most recent novel, Montauk to Manhattan: An American Novel, a historical fiction story set in 2016 which chronicles the unexpected rise of Donald Trump and MAGA.

After the break, Larry welcomes singer-songwriter Emma Swift onto the show to discuss her new album Blonde on the Tracks. They discuss her passion for Bob Dylan’s music, her musical influences and her happy home life with her partner and her cats. Clips are included from three tracks on the album: “I Contain Multitudes”, “You’re a Big Girl Now” and “Queen Jane Approximately”