Dr. James Tejani, an associate professor of history at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and author of "A Machine to Move Ocean and Earth," dives into his writing journey shaped by his immigrant background. He shares how feedback transformed his approach, emphasizing clarity in academia. Tejani discusses the complexities of U.S. westward expansion during the California Gold Rush, revealing personal ambitions intertwined with larger historical forces. He also reflects on the art of descriptive writing, merging history and personal experiences to create captivating narratives.