In this conversation, historian Seth Rockman shares his expertise on labor history and the ties between slavery and capitalism. He discusses the challenges of writing and the importance of mentorship in shaping a historian's journey. Rockman dives into his new book, revealing the connections between New England artifacts and their influence on Southern plantation communities, highlighting the roles of women in this complex economy. He also reflects on the iterative nature of the writing process and the influence of various literary styles on his craft.