Episode 222

Author, performer, podcaster, interviewer and host Nelson Aspen has covered a lot of ground in his highly prolific career, but he continues to return to one spot in particular, figuratively speaking: 41°43'32" N, 49°56'49" W...better known as the location of the most well known and intensely chronicled sea-faring vessel in history: White Star Line's RMS Titanic.

For Nelson, his interest in the famed ship seems fated - He's felt a lifelong affinity with Titanic passenger, Milton Long! And Nelson shares Milton’s story in a new historical fantasy/semi-autobiographical/reincarnation novel, Kindred Spirits: A Titanic Tale.

We know that Milton met fellow passenger, Jack Thayer aboard Titanic. They were together as the ship went down. One lived. One perished. Is it a gay Titanic love story?

Historical records point to the reality that a budding affection between the two men was developing at sea. As the ship met her fate, only women and children were permitted in lifeboats which were being sent into the water half full. Their only hope was to jump. Jack launched himself into the water and balanced on an overturned collapsable lifeboat for hours before his rescue. Milton slid down the now nearly vertical banister and was sucked beneath the ship where he died.

Titanic and Milton remained with Jack for long after the tragic events of April 14, 1912. Nelson's book builds on a metaphysical premise that allows readers to examine a unique juxtaposition between the constraints of Edwardian morals and the life-affirming spirit of the contemporary LGBTQ community.

We discuss the documentary 'Ship of Dreams: Titanic Movie Diaries' which Nelson worked on with Alexandra Boyd, his co-host on the Titanic Talk podcast, which captures the extent of the impact the 1997 movie made on all who were involved with the production.

Nelson shares his thoughts on why modern audiences continue to gravitate to the liner's ill-fated maiden voyage, his thoughts on collecting Titanic artifacts, why no single person or entity can shoulder the blame for the tragic event, plus where he's heading on his upcoming appearances and the latest installment in his semi-autobiographical series, Dancing Between The Raindrops!

In recommendations--

Fritz: Netflix Series, The Residence

Weezy: The Dark Money Game on HBO