Audiobooks narrated by Steve Knupp

About the book Empowering Democracy by Joseph Cece is a passionate call for strengthening American governance through practical reforms. Inspired by Cece’s immigrant background and commitment to the American Dream, the book offers a fresh perspective on key political challenges, focusing on policies that benefit everyday citizens. Cece begins by advocating for congressional term limits, arguing that they would bring new voices into Congress and prevent power from consolidating among long-serving politicians. He critiques campaign finance, proposing public financing to reduce political candidates’ dependence on wealthy donors and ensure that elected officials are more accountable to the public. The book also explores the idea of single-issue bills, suggesting that limiting legislation to one topic would streamline decision-making and prevent the bundling of unrelated items that often hinder progress. Cece emphasizes 'USA First' policies in the economic sphere, calling for reduced reliance on foreign production and investments in American manufacturing to create a stronger, self-sustaining economy. Recognizing the importance of infrastructure, the book highlights the need for urgent transportation, energy, and digital systems updates. Cece underscores the growing cybersecurity threats to these systems and calls for proactive measures to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure. Empowering Democracy offers practical solutions for revitalizing democratic principles and fostering a government that truly represents the people, advocating for change that strengthens the nation both domestically and globally.

Joseph Cece (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

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Crime and Punishment in the American Colonies: The History of the Legal Systems in North America Bef

Even though the colonists eventually broke free from Great Britain, plenty of British customs and practices affected the fledgling United States, particularly when it came to law. While the most notable ramifications can be found in the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, which forbids illegal searches and seizures by the government, the extensive legal background from Britain impacted how American lawyers and courts operated as well, even as legal codes differed considerably from colony to colony because of their charters. The local codes had to broadly conform with the current laws in England, and the early equivalent of the Colonial Office examined colonial laws if someone sued. Laws found to be inconsistent with English practice were sometimes voided. On paper, the New England codes were extremely harsh, but in practice, they were often mildly enforced, if enforced at all. One law on the books was that a son could be executed if he cursed his parents, but no one was ever executed for it. Many crimes were offenses against public decorum, but there was a wide range of things considered misbehaviors. Punishments varied but tended to be either financial or public, with humiliation and shame being a large part of it. Conversely, while the New Englanders tended to base their codes on the Old Testament, in Pennsylvania, the Quaker establishment sought to reform criminals rather than punish them. Consequently, they probably had the least number of capital offenses of any place in the English-speaking world. Furthermore, over time, the list of what constituted crimes changed somewhat, as did the emphasis. The fast growth of populations brought large numbers of immigrants and indentured servants and a more complex society. Diversity increased, and the rise of slavery concentrated in (but was not limited to) the Southern colonies, bringing with it codes of law to control slaves and deal with offenses committed by them.

Charles River Editors (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

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The Old U(VA) and I 1961 - 1965

The Old U(VA) and I: 1961-1965 By: Frank Briggs The decade of the 1960s saw sweeping changes at UVA as old barriers fell and students of new backgrounds came. Litigation that lasted from the late 1940s through the end of the 1960s eliminated historic barriers to African American and women students. No detailed UVA-specific narrative has existed until former graduates from two ends of the decade, Joel Gardner, BA 1970, Rebel Yell to Revolution, in 2018 and now Frank Briggs, BA 1965, recognized that the University had changed in the most profound ways and used their own experiences to document what happened. This book will attract anyone who lived through that heady period. It will appeal also to others, to women and men who grew up later, and who may have wondered why and how the good old days ended and America stepped beyond them. Some might say grew up. —John T. Casteen III, President Emeritus, University of Virginia, 1990–2010 Frank Briggs’s memoir is a highly entertaining trip in time to an era in UVA history that predated the social upheavals of the late 1960s. We accompany the author through his four years in a cloistered culture of tradition that had not changed over many decades. In a series of revealing and amusing anecdotes, we relive the road trips, party weekends, and collegiate shenanigans that dominated the student experience during that period. This is a must read for every Wahoo who lived through that era or anyone who has an interest in the social history of college life prior to the cultural revolution that swept across the country after Briggs’s graduation. —Joel B. Gardner, Author, From Rebel Yell to Revolution: My Four Years at UVA, 1966–1970

Frank Briggs (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

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The Younger Dryas Period: The History of the Earth’s Drastic Climate Change at the End of the Pleist

From about 12,900 to 11,700 before present (BP), near Ice Age conditions returned to the Northern Hemisphere of the planet. It was a sudden shift from the warm temperatures that had prevailed for nearly 2,000 years. This period is referred to by archaeologists, geologists, and earth scientists as the Greenland Stadial, but it is more commonly known as the Younger Dryas. The Younger Dryas marked the end of the last glacial period, the end of the Pleistocene Era, and the beginning of the Holocene Era, which is the current era. It was a period of great change, when climate change happened quite quickly, directly affecting the flora, fauna, and humans of the Northern Hemisphere in the process. The impact on the human populations was perhaps most important because, in some places, it virtually destroyed emerging cultures, while in other places, it might have propelled humans to develop new survival traits and technologies later used to move humanity into the Neolithic era. Although scholars now know quite a bit about the Younger Dryas, many elements of it are still debated. Other aspects serve as a predictor of what humans can expect in the future. There is, however, still plenty of information about the Younger Dryas that remains unknown or open to debate. Not all scholars agree on the dates of the Younger Dryas or how long it lasted. Even more controversial are the alternate theories about what caused the Younger Dryas and the effect it had on the Northern Hemisphere’s bio-populations. This book examines the background of the Younger Dryas, its effects on bio-populations, and how it contributed to the emergence of the Neolithic Era. Alternative theories will be examined and compared to more standard ideas currently prevailing in academia.

Charles River Editors (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

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The Power Of The Knock: The Real Estate Agent’s Guide to Closing More Sales

Step up, knock, and transform your real estate career. The Power of the Knock is the ultimate guide for real estate agents ready to dominate their market and achieve extraordinary sales results. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, this book will teach you how to leverage the timeless strategy of door-to-door sales to win more listings, build powerful client relationships, and close deals with confidence. Written by Duane Richins, a top-performing real estate agent who has sold over $200 million personally and helped countless agents surpass the $100 million mark, this guide is packed with proven strategies, role-play exercises, and question-based selling techniques that work in real life. Discover how to: • Overcome objections with ease and confidence. • Use strategic scripts and techniques to connect with homeowners. • Build trust and rapport quickly while standing out from competitors. • Turn a single knock into a lasting client relationship. Inspired by the principles behind RealD2D—where top agents are coached to unlock their full potential—The Power of the Knock equips you with the mindset, tools, and strategies to succeed at the door and beyond.

Duane Richins (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

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The Tocharians: The Enigmatic History of the Ancient Ethnic Groups in East Asia

Located in the Tarim Basin of Asia during the first few centuries CE, a people and a kingdom grew to prominence in medieval central and east Asian geopolitics. The people are known today as the Tocharians, and their primary kingdom was Kucha, but despite their longevity, this incredible kingdom and its people have been overlooked and misunderstood by modern societies and historians for centuries. The lack of in-depth studies on the Tocharians largely stems from the fact that they are relatively newcomers to the modern academic scene - it was only in the late 19th century that historians identified them as a distinct ethnic group, and even today, philologists, historians, and archaeologists still have much to uncover about these enigmatic people and their kingdom. A potential early misidentification caused much of this confusion, yet scholars were also left wondering how the Tocharians came to occupy the Tarim Basin, which was perhaps based on the biases of 19th century historians. What has been uncovered so far is truly fascinating and important in the larger picture of Asian and Indo-European history. When scholars first discovered the Tocharians in the late 19th century, they were amazed that Caucasian people who spoke an Indo-European language flourished so far away from the Indo-European homeland and other Indo-European peoples. Scholars immediately developed several theories to explain this apparent anomaly: some were quite logical and formed the basis for current models, while others were quickly and rightfully forgotten. An examination of the textual, archaeological, and art history sources reveals that the Tocharians played a major impact in the affairs of East and Central Asia, indirectly through their predecessors and their descendants, but also directly through trade, diplomacy, and most of all, religion.

Charles River Editors (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

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A Private Anthology: Poems from the Heart

A Private Anthology: Poems from the Heart is an inspiring collection of stream-of-consciousness poetry that invites readers to explore personal emotions and reflections on life's challenges. Written by Joe Steier, a Hall of Fame business leader and advocate for mental health, this anthology captures the emotional and spiritual journey of overcoming struggles such as dyslexia, personal loss, and the global pandemic. Steier uses simple yet powerful poetry to unpack complicated feelings, making this book an essential read for those looking to connect with their inner selves and find peace in the midst of life’s chaos. Whether you are searching for poems on faith, family, leadership, or emotional healing, A Private Anthology offers timeless reflections for readers from all walks of life.

Joe Steier (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

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Jack The Enforcer

“Jack The Enforcer” dives into the compelling life and legacy of Jack Whalen, a man often misunderstood as a contract killer but whose true identity lies in his heroic deeds during World War II. This book is a journey through Jack’s life, starting with his birth into the esteemed Whalen and Wunderlich Clan, highlighting the influences of his upbringing that shaped his character. As an adult, Jack emerges as a formidable figure, known not for violence but for his unwavering sense of justice and courage on the battlefield. Through meticulous research and personal accounts, Richard Hughes von Hurst unveils the layers of Jack’s persona, painting a portrait of courage, resilience, and the power of redemption. “Jack The Enforcer” sets the record straight, honoring a war hero whose story deserves to be told with clarity and respect.

Richard Hughes von Hurst (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

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Mastering Real Estate: Your Guide to Becoming a Top Agent and Thriving in the Industry

In 'Mastering Real Estate: Your Guide to Becoming a Top Agent and Thriving in the Industry,' you'll discover the essential strategies and insider tips to excel in the competitive world of real estate. This comprehensive guide is designed for aspiring agents, seasoned professionals, and anyone looking to elevate their real estate careers. Coming from years of experience and success in the field, the author talks about everything you need to know to become a successful real estate agent. You'll learn how to deal with the challenges and opportunities in the real estate market, develop and refine your skills in client relations, negotiation, and property marketing, and generate quality real estate leads and convert them into loyal clients. The book also covers building a solid web presence, utilizing social media to expand your reach, effectively contacting and following up with leads, and interacting with clients and prospects using proven techniques. You'll discover how to build a strong personal brand, establish a reputation as a trusted expert, and utilize the latest technology and tools to streamline your workflow and increase productivity. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your real estate career to the next level, 'Mastering Real Estate' is your ultimate guide to achieving success and thriving in the industry.

Brian Lee Burke (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

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The Columbia Disaster: The History of the Last Space Shuttle to Be Lost During a Mission

On February 1, the Columbia was due to land at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 09:16. Only a few members of the press were present to watch the landing - this was, after all, supposed to be a routine return from a routine mission, the 113th for the shuttle program and the 28th for Columbia, one of the oldest Space Shuttles. Reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere is always the most dangerous part of any space mission. The intense heat generated as a spacecraft enters the thin upper atmosphere at immense speed can be potentially lethal, but the shuttle was designed to deal with this heat, and Columbia had successfully done it 27 times in the past. For the five men and two women on board and the members of the press present, everything seemed normal, but there was a measure of concern among those in the ground control team. The team was aware that Columbia had possibly suffered damage to the thermal tiles forming the heat shield on one wing soon after liftoff, but no one knew how extensive the damage was or even if it existed at all. There was also some disagreement about how serious it might be - some on the ground were concerned this might compromise the shuttle wing’s ability to resist the heat of reentry, while others were sure it was a minor issue that would have no serious impact on the mission. Videos of the launch had been exhaustively reviewed by engineers on the ground, but it was impossible to be certain of the precise level of damage to the heat shielding on the underside and leading edge of the wing. There was no agreement on what should or could be done, so one thing was universally agreed upon: the crew would not be informed of the problem. There was nothing they could do to make repairs and no way to avoid reentry.

Charles River Editors (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

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Captain Robert Falcon Scott: The Controversial Life and Expeditions of the British Explorer

The golden age of polar exploration of the Northern and Southern continents did not reach its zenith until the turn of the 20th century, and national rivalries abounded between the major seafaring nations of the world. Where past explorers made glancing journeys to Antarctica, the superior technology of the coal engine, various new survival materials, and even the motorcar opened new possibilities for more daring treks. Backed by governments, banking organizations, and great newspapers, a small group of restless adventurers assaulted the polar continents with the intent of reaching and marking the exact locations of Earth’s northern and southernmost points. More than any other country, Britain staked its national pride on being the first to reach the poles. Britain made its first and finest statement for actually reaching the South Pole in the first years of the 20th century, even as the dangers of the Antarctic, including scurvy, dehydration, and hypothermia, were well known to all major explorers. They also understood that even the most incidental detail of an expedition going amiss could spell doom for all parties involved. The era was universally dubbed the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, and some of the explorers who were involved became household names around the world, including British explorer Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton and Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. However, one name above all others has become associated with this period: Robert Falcon Scott. Widely referred to as “Scott of the Antarctic,” Captain Scott became an icon of tenacity in the face of incredible adversity, and his final expedition to the South Pole lives on as an example of the nobility of the human spirit, even in the face of utter disaster. A monument to Scott’s persistence still stands at Observation Point, inscribed with the last line of Tennyson’s “Ulysses”: “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

Charles River Editors (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

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Byzantium: The History of the Ancient Greek City Before It Became Constantinople

Byzantium may have reached its zenith during the Middle Ages as Constantinople, but it had previously stood out among Greek and other ancient cities for its wealth, size, and strategic location. It is probable that given the location, if the Megarans had not founded their city where they did, another Greek polis would have. It is equally probable that any city in that area would have enjoyed success from the wealth generated from its involvement in the key two-way trade between the Greek states and their numerous colonies around the Black Sea and the increasing general east-west trade between the Roman Empire and the exotic lands to the east. Byzantium’s position as guardian of the Bosphorus gave it advantages that stood the city in good stead for thousands of years and consolidated the city as an intercontinental and international trading hub. Inevitably, such a vibrant international center produced many creative thinkers, and Byzantium was the birthplace or home to such figures as Homerus, a tragedian who lived in the early 3rd century BCE. Another overlooked figure was Philo, an engineer who lived from 280-220 BCE and is known as Philo Mechanicus. Although he was primarily an engineer, he was also a physicist and writer on mechanics. His most important work was the huge Syntaxis, which contained sections on general mathematics, mechanics, harbor construction, siege engine construction, pneumatics, mechanical toys, and coding for military use. The military sections Belopoeica and Poliorcetica survived, and they detailed how to build missiles, construct fortresses, and how to properly provision an army.

Charles River Editors (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Steve Knupp