
About this episode
🌊🏴☠️⚓
Paul and Stephen embark on a deep-sea exploration of maritime history with David Grann, author of Killers of the Flower Moon, The Lost City of Z, and most recently, The Wager. The trio unravel tales of mutinies, scurvy, and the enigmatic allure of failure.
Did you know most seamen couldn’t swim? How were sailors selected or found aboard these vessels? David shares how kidnappings were common too—people snatched and pressed into service aboard these floating wooden death traps. Join Paul, Stephen, and David as they navigate the treacherous waters of history, literature, and human nature. It’s a Chinwag like no other—come aboard!
Chin-word of the week: DICKENSIAN
Paul Giamatti is an award-winning actor and producer, and the self-proclaimed Emperor of Neptune. Stephen Asma is a professor and author specializing in the philosophy of science, religion, and art. He also is the acting Minister of Triton for the Chinwag.
David Grann is a journalist and author renowned for his investigative work and captivating storytelling. He has written for The New Yorker as well as several acclaimed books, including The Lost City of Z, and Killers of the Flower Moon, which was adapted into a Martin Scorsese’s Oscar nominated film. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder, will also be adapted into a film.
🌊🏴☠️⚓
=========
Make sure to follow us @chinwagpod 👉🏼
IG: https://www.instagram.com/chinwagpod/
Tik: https://www.tiktok.com/@chinwagpod
Website: http://chinwagpod.fm
YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chinwagpod
Send your stories, Qs, or thoughts to 📧 questions [at] chinwagpod [dot] fm
=========
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma

The Final Wag
Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma
Feb 26, 20252:01:11pending

Philosophy of Film 101 with Bill Hader
Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma
Feb 19, 20251:09:45pending

CHINWAG LIVE: He Said Droids, Not Druids!
Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma
Feb 12, 202535:59pending

CHINWAG LIVE: Monolith Mania
Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma
Feb 5, 202554:35pending