In this dynamic episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, host Greg Hanna sits down with acclaimed author, journalist, screenwriter, and classical music critic Michael Walsh. His latest book, Rage to Conquer, is a powerful tribute to warriors, sacrifice, and masculinity.

With a writing career spanning 50+ years, 20 books, a Grammy-winning classical background, and reporting during the fall of the Soviet Union, Michael shares how his Marine upbringing shaped his worldview—and how the Chosin Reservoir battle, where his father fought, inspired his bestselling war history series.

[00:00] – Michael on releasing his 20th book, why writing is his life’s work, and how he lives it every day — no hobbies, just passion.
[00:01:00] – The emotional and historical roots of Rage to Conquer, tied to his father’s survival in the Korean War.
[00:02:30] – Growing up Marine: constant relocations, a love for history, and how the Corps shaped his storytelling.
[00:03:30] – Linking Rage to Conquer to Last Stands through personal interviews with his father.
[00:04:00] – Why Michael distrusts AI, and the critical importance of reading primary sources and studying the greats.
[00:05:30] – His historical research process, concert pianist training, and the parallels between music and writing.
[00:06:30] – Adventures as a Time Magazine correspondent in East Berlin and Moscow during the fall of communism.
[00:07:30] – Why Rage to Conquer might work better as a limited series — and how Hollywood has evolved.
[00:08:30] – Candid takes on the decline of spec scripts, Netflix’s pros and cons, and how writers are often sidelined.
[00:10:30] – Screenwriting tales, including Cadet Kelly — and why it wouldn’t get greenlit today.
[00:12:30] – The hard truths of screenwriting: writing and selling are just the beginning.
[00:14:00] – Why a strong editor is essential, even after 20 books — Michael trusts his to make him better.
[00:15:30] – His hope for Rage to Conquer: to inspire young men and those who love them with stories of legacy.
[00:18:30] – How modern publishing has alienated young male readers — and why stories of courage matter.
[00:20:00] – Why Colonel Jessup from A Few Good Men reflects a vital, misunderstood archetype.
[00:21:00] – A lesson from Chosin Reservoir: “We weren’t scared. We just went to work.”
[00:22:00] – Michael’s guiding truth: Never give up. Keep writing. Keep living.

Rage to Conquer by Michael Walsh
From the bestselling author of Last Stands, this military history spans legendary battles from Alexander the Great to today. A compelling narrative of courage, strategy, and legacy.

Available now at:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bookstores | St. Martin’s Press

About the Author
Michael Walsh is an award-winning author, journalist, and screenwriter. A former Time Magazine correspondent and Grammy-winning classical critic, he’s written 20 books on courage, history, masculinity, and the will to overcome.

Follow him on X (Twitter): @TheEmanu
Visit his site: the-pipeline.org
Find him on Substack and stay updated on his columns and exclusive interviews.

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