A Bend in the Road Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:28:10 -0400 https://bendintheroad.org en-us © 2026 Ridgewood Public Library yes ee5b6877-5844-5fe5-947c-2f88c028e0a0 Ridgewood Public Library episodic false Has there ever been, over the course of your life, a moment or event that changed things forever? Where life zigged instead of zagged? Where suddenly you were on a new path, staring out at a horizon you never thought possible? For our guests, there have.Welcome to A Bend in the Road, where our host, Roberta Panjwani, interviews people from all walks of life about the times they took their own journey down a new path, just after a bend in the road. A Bend in the Road from the Ridgewood Public Library is sponsored by the Friends Foundation of the Ridgewood Library and was created by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Ridgewood Public Library https://storage.buzzsprout.com/aqyktwphgpeo75192q033d9ikwxc?.jpg A Bend in the Road https://bendintheroad.org Roberta Panjwani Episode 53: Lyndon Harris: Forgiveness at Ground Zero Episode 53: Lyndon Harris: Forgiveness at Ground Zero Twenty-five years after 9/11, the haunting images remain etched in our collective memory. But some of the most extraordinary stories began after the smoke cleared.

Lyndon Harris was the priest-in-charge of St. Paul's Chapel, just steps from Ground Zero, where he led a massive volunteer effort caring for first responders around the clock. To the world, he became a symbol of hope. Behind the scenes, however, he was struggling with profound grief, trauma, and bitterness.

Roberta sits down with Lyndon to see how his unexpected journey toward forgiveness transformed his life and became the inspiration for his book, Forgiveness at Ground Zero.

Things We Talked About in This Episode

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Lyndon Harris for joining us today.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editor and Digital Media Producer is Kaleigh Diamond. 
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Matt Giannotti.
  • Original theme music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Twenty-five years after 9/11, the haunting images remain etched in our collective memory. But some of the most extraordinary stories began after the smoke cleared.

Lyndon Harris was the priest-in-charge of St. Paul's Chapel, just steps from Ground Zero, where he led a massive volunteer effort caring for first responders around the clock. To the world, he became a symbol of hope. Behind the scenes, however, he was struggling with profound grief, trauma, and bitterness.

Roberta sits down with Lyndon to see how his unexpected journey toward forgiveness transformed his life and became the inspiration for his book, Forgiveness at Ground Zero.

Things We Talked About in This Episode

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Lyndon Harris for joining us today.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editor and Digital Media Producer is Kaleigh Diamond. 
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Matt Giannotti.
  • Original theme music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-19737475 Wed, 02 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2567 1 53 full false Episode 52: Curtis Duffy: One of the Best Chefs “Ever” (Rebroadcast) Episode 52: Curtis Duffy: One of the Best Chefs “Ever” (Rebroadcast) What happens when one of America's most celebrated chefs meets one of television's biggest hits?

At Ever, the worlds of fine dining and 'The Bear' collide. As the inspiration and filming location for the series' acclaimed restaurant, Chef Curtis Duffy's two-Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant helped bring some of the show's most memorable moments to life, including the iconic “Forks” episode.

This month, as 'The Bear' closes out its 5-year run, we re-broadcast an episode from 2022 where Roberta as she sat down with Curtis to hear the riveting story of a tumultuous childhood and the drive that made him into a world-renowned Michelin-starred chef.

Things We Talked About in This Episode

Awards/Stars

  • Ever: two Michelin stars (2022), AAA Five-Diamond rating, and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating
  • Grace: three Michelin stars, four years in a row (2015-2018)
  • Avenues (The Peninsula, Chicago): two Michelin stars
  • Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star rating
  • James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef, Great Lakes Award in 2016.

Episode Credits (Rebroadcast)

  • Our thanks to Curtis Duffy for joining us back in September 2022.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers and Editors for this episode are me, Elias Rosner, and Kaleigh Diamond. 
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Kaleigh Diamond.
  • Original theme music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> What happens when one of America's most celebrated chefs meets one of television's biggest hits?

At Ever, the worlds of fine dining and 'The Bear' collide. As the inspiration and filming location for the series' acclaimed restaurant, Chef Curtis Duffy's two-Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant helped bring some of the show's most memorable moments to life, including the iconic “Forks” episode.

This month, as 'The Bear' closes out its 5-year run, we re-broadcast an episode from 2022 where Roberta as she sat down with Curtis to hear the riveting story of a tumultuous childhood and the drive that made him into a world-renowned Michelin-starred chef.

Things We Talked About in This Episode

Awards/Stars

  • Ever: two Michelin stars (2022), AAA Five-Diamond rating, and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating
  • Grace: three Michelin stars, four years in a row (2015-2018)
  • Avenues (The Peninsula, Chicago): two Michelin stars
  • Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star rating
  • James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef, Great Lakes Award in 2016.

Episode Credits (Rebroadcast)

  • Our thanks to Curtis Duffy for joining us back in September 2022.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers and Editors for this episode are me, Elias Rosner, and Kaleigh Diamond. 
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Kaleigh Diamond.
  • Original theme music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Buzzsprout-19598047 Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2664 1 52 full false Episode 51: House of Gael: Live from Northern Ireland Episode 51: House of Gael: Live from Northern Ireland Live! From Portrush, Northern Ireland, it's host Roberta Panjwani and Laura and Gavin, the founders of the Belfast-based band House of Gael! They discuss blending traditional Irish sounds with a modern spirit, the power of music to celebrate unity and diversity, and how music helped transform their lives after a devastating loss. You'll also hear “Calling Me Home,” their new song written for the Festival of Ireland—Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann—which returns to Belfast this August for the first time in more than 75 years.

Things We Talked About in this Episode

Music

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Ryan Sabnani. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Ryan Sabnani, Matt Giannotti, and me, Elias Rosner.
  • Our Videographer in Portrush is Alyssa Panjwani.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Kaleigh Diamond.
  • Original theme music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Our credits song this episode is House of Gael's cover of "Beeswing."
  • Our thanks to Laura and Gavin for coming up from Belfast to join us in Portrush, Northern Ireland.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Live! From Portrush, Northern Ireland, it's host Roberta Panjwani and Laura and Gavin, the founders of the Belfast-based band House of Gael! They discuss blending traditional Irish sounds with a modern spirit, the power of music to celebrate unity and diversity, and how music helped transform their lives after a devastating loss. You'll also hear “Calling Me Home,” their new song written for the Festival of Ireland—Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann—which returns to Belfast this August for the first time in more than 75 years.

Things We Talked About in this Episode

Music

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Ryan Sabnani. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Ryan Sabnani, Matt Giannotti, and me, Elias Rosner.
  • Our Videographer in Portrush is Alyssa Panjwani.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Kaleigh Diamond.
  • Original theme music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Our credits song this episode is House of Gael's cover of "Beeswing."
  • Our thanks to Laura and Gavin for coming up from Belfast to join us in Portrush, Northern Ireland.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-19426794 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2904 1 51 full false Episode 50: Pluribus Executive Producer and Writer Alison Tatlock Episode 50: Pluribus Executive Producer and Writer Alison Tatlock Apple TV+’s Plur1bus is one of the most talked-about shows of the year. Why? Well, the tagline says it all: “The most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.”

This month, Roberta sits down with Plur1bus Executive Producer and Writer, Alison Tatlock, to talk storytelling, world-building, and creating shows that stay with you long after the screen goes dark. Tatlock is an Emmy-nominated producer and WGA-nominated writer, previously having worked on Better Call Saul, Stranger Things, and Halt and Catch Fire.

Things we talked about in this episode

Movies and Shows:

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Kaleigh Diamond and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Kaleigh Diamond.
  • Original theme music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Clips from Pluribus are courtesy of Apple TV+ and Sony Pictures Television.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Our thanks to Alison for joining us today. 
]]> Apple TV+’s Plur1bus is one of the most talked-about shows of the year. Why? Well, the tagline says it all: “The most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.”

This month, Roberta sits down with Plur1bus Executive Producer and Writer, Alison Tatlock, to talk storytelling, world-building, and creating shows that stay with you long after the screen goes dark. Tatlock is an Emmy-nominated producer and WGA-nominated writer, previously having worked on Better Call Saul, Stranger Things, and Halt and Catch Fire.

Things we talked about in this episode

Movies and Shows:

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Kaleigh Diamond and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Kaleigh Diamond.
  • Original theme music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Clips from Pluribus are courtesy of Apple TV+ and Sony Pictures Television.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Our thanks to Alison for joining us today. 
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-19276348 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2439 1 50 full false Episode 49: Anna Quindlen: Live from the Friends Foundation Author Luncheon Episode 49: Anna Quindlen: Live from the Friends Foundation Author Luncheon At the beginning of April, the Ridgewood Library Friends Foundation hosted their 36th Annual Author Luncheon with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anna Quindlen. It sold out - 416 tickets! - in an unprecedented 5 days. We are so pleased that Anna allowed us to publish her interview and talk from the event, moderated by host Roberta Panjwani. We talked about her book More Than Enough, aging, the joy of getting older, living in the moment, and how reading makes us greater and more human, because it requires us to walk in someone else’s shoes.

Things we talked about in this episode: 

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to the Friends Foundation of the Ridgewood Public Library for putting on an outstanding author luncheon and supporting the library in such meaningful ways. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editor is Kaleigh Diamond with additional edits by Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producers are Elias Rosner and Kaleigh Diamond. 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> At the beginning of April, the Ridgewood Library Friends Foundation hosted their 36th Annual Author Luncheon with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anna Quindlen. It sold out - 416 tickets! - in an unprecedented 5 days. We are so pleased that Anna allowed us to publish her interview and talk from the event, moderated by host Roberta Panjwani. We talked about her book More Than Enough, aging, the joy of getting older, living in the moment, and how reading makes us greater and more human, because it requires us to walk in someone else’s shoes.

Things we talked about in this episode: 

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to the Friends Foundation of the Ridgewood Public Library for putting on an outstanding author luncheon and supporting the library in such meaningful ways. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editor is Kaleigh Diamond with additional edits by Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producers are Elias Rosner and Kaleigh Diamond. 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-19123377 Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 4373 1 49 full false Episode 48: Author Russell Shorto: Taking Manhattan Episode 48: Author Russell Shorto: Taking Manhattan This month Roberta talks to Russell Shorto about his new book Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America, which drawing on deep archival research to offer a fresh take on America’s beginnings and the transfer of power in the region from the Dutch to the British. 

Rebecca Fraser of the Times Literary Supplement says of the book:

"Shorto is earnest, humorous, intellectual, intense and high-minded. . . Any reader curious about New York, and the unique energy and warmth of its inhabitants, will be fascinated by Russell Shorto’s highly enjoyable reconstruction of Manhattan Island’s transition to English rule."

Things we talked about in this episode:

Episode Credits:

  • For more information about Russell, his books and writings, and tour schedule, please visit russellshorto.com.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producers are Elias Rosner and Kaleigh Diamond.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> This month Roberta talks to Russell Shorto about his new book Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America, which drawing on deep archival research to offer a fresh take on America’s beginnings and the transfer of power in the region from the Dutch to the British. 

Rebecca Fraser of the Times Literary Supplement says of the book:

"Shorto is earnest, humorous, intellectual, intense and high-minded. . . Any reader curious about New York, and the unique energy and warmth of its inhabitants, will be fascinated by Russell Shorto’s highly enjoyable reconstruction of Manhattan Island’s transition to English rule."

Things we talked about in this episode:

Episode Credits:

  • For more information about Russell, his books and writings, and tour schedule, please visit russellshorto.com.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producers are Elias Rosner and Kaleigh Diamond.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Buzzsprout-18933904 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2392 1 48 full false Episode 47: Author and Podcaster Adnan Virk: Let's Go to the Movies! Episode 47: Author and Podcaster Adnan Virk: Let's Go to the Movies! This month on A Bend in the Road, Roberta is joined by broadcaster, film critic, and host of the Cinephile podcast Adnan Virk for a lively deep dive into the movies that matter now.

Known for his sharp insights and contagious love of cinema, Virk brings his passion, encyclopedic knowledge, and signature blend of humor to talk Oscars buzz, under-the-radar gems, the state of movie theaters, streaming’s impact on film culture, and the performances everyone will be arguing about this year.

Things We Talked About

Referenced Films

  • Good Fellas
  • Taxi Driver
  • Mean Streets
  • End of the Affair
  • Blue Moon
  • Train Dreams
  • The Last Temptation of Christ
  • The Royal Tenenbaums
  • Citizen Kane
  • The Magnificent Ambersons
  • Silence
  • Hugo
  • The King of Comedy
  • Raging Bull
  • Dead Poets Society
  • Boyhood
  • First Reform
  • Ash Wednesday
  • True West
  • Before Sunrise Trilogy
  • The Substance
  • Poor Things
  • Bugonia
  • Moonlight
  • Green Book
  • Battleship Potemkin
  • One False Move
  • The Man Who Wasn’t There
  • Fargo
  • Secrets and Lies
  • Hard Truce
  • First Reformed
  • Affliction
  • I, Tonya
  • Barbie
  • Wolf of Wall Street
  • Lady Bird
  • Magnolia
  • There Will Be Blood
  • Boogie Nights
  • Uncut Gems
  • A Complete Unknown
  • Call Me By Your Name
  • Field of Dreams
  • Walk the Line
  • Bohemian Rhapsody
  • Rocketman
  • Song Sung Blue
  • Sweet Dreams
  • Deliver Me From Nowhere
  • The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is me, Elias Rosner and Kaleigh Diamond. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti, John Lubas, and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producers are Elias Rosner and Kaleigh Diamond.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Our thanks to Kaleigh for joining us in the studio today.
  • The clip of “Hooray for Hollywood,” written by Johnny Mercer and performed by Rosemary Clooney, is courtesy of Concord Jazz, Taxi Driver is courtesy of Columbia Pictures Entertainment and One Battle After Another is courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment.
]]> This month on A Bend in the Road, Roberta is joined by broadcaster, film critic, and host of the Cinephile podcast Adnan Virk for a lively deep dive into the movies that matter now.

Known for his sharp insights and contagious love of cinema, Virk brings his passion, encyclopedic knowledge, and signature blend of humor to talk Oscars buzz, under-the-radar gems, the state of movie theaters, streaming’s impact on film culture, and the performances everyone will be arguing about this year.

Things We Talked About

Referenced Films

  • Good Fellas
  • Taxi Driver
  • Mean Streets
  • End of the Affair
  • Blue Moon
  • Train Dreams
  • The Last Temptation of Christ
  • The Royal Tenenbaums
  • Citizen Kane
  • The Magnificent Ambersons
  • Silence
  • Hugo
  • The King of Comedy
  • Raging Bull
  • Dead Poets Society
  • Boyhood
  • First Reform
  • Ash Wednesday
  • True West
  • Before Sunrise Trilogy
  • The Substance
  • Poor Things
  • Bugonia
  • Moonlight
  • Green Book
  • Battleship Potemkin
  • One False Move
  • The Man Who Wasn’t There
  • Fargo
  • Secrets and Lies
  • Hard Truce
  • First Reformed
  • Affliction
  • I, Tonya
  • Barbie
  • Wolf of Wall Street
  • Lady Bird
  • Magnolia
  • There Will Be Blood
  • Boogie Nights
  • Uncut Gems
  • A Complete Unknown
  • Call Me By Your Name
  • Field of Dreams
  • Walk the Line
  • Bohemian Rhapsody
  • Rocketman
  • Song Sung Blue
  • Sweet Dreams
  • Deliver Me From Nowhere
  • The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is me, Elias Rosner and Kaleigh Diamond. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti, John Lubas, and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producers are Elias Rosner and Kaleigh Diamond.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Our thanks to Kaleigh for joining us in the studio today.
  • The clip of “Hooray for Hollywood,” written by Johnny Mercer and performed by Rosemary Clooney, is courtesy of Concord Jazz, Taxi Driver is courtesy of Columbia Pictures Entertainment and One Battle After Another is courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-18784831 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500 3809 1 47 full false Episode 46: Author Laurie Gwen Shapiro Episode 46: Author Laurie Gwen Shapiro What really happened inside the marriage that helped turn Amelia Earhart into a legend? That's the question author Laurie Gwen Shapiro sought to answer in her new book: The Aviator and the Showman. Through newly uncovered letters and archival material, she reexamines the partnership between Amelia Earhart and George Putnam, revealing a marriage far more complex, modern, and strategic than the myths suggest.

Join host Roberta as she sits down with Laurie to discuss this riveting book, Amelia's life, and the ambition, gender, power, and fame of early 20th-century America.

Things We Talked About This Episode

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is me, Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producers are Elias Rosner and Kaleigh Diamond. 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • The clip of Amelia’s remarks from 1935 after landing in Hawaii is courtesy of Historicus Joe. The clip from Amelia’s “A Woman’s Place in Science Speech” is courtesy of 20th Century Time Machine. 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> What really happened inside the marriage that helped turn Amelia Earhart into a legend? That's the question author Laurie Gwen Shapiro sought to answer in her new book: The Aviator and the Showman. Through newly uncovered letters and archival material, she reexamines the partnership between Amelia Earhart and George Putnam, revealing a marriage far more complex, modern, and strategic than the myths suggest.

Join host Roberta as she sits down with Laurie to discuss this riveting book, Amelia's life, and the ambition, gender, power, and fame of early 20th-century America.

Things We Talked About This Episode

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is me, Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producers are Elias Rosner and Kaleigh Diamond. 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • The clip of Amelia’s remarks from 1935 after landing in Hawaii is courtesy of Historicus Joe. The clip from Amelia’s “A Woman’s Place in Science Speech” is courtesy of 20th Century Time Machine. 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-18618770 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 3452 1 46 full false Episode 45: Author Gretchen Rubin: Get Happy (Rebroadcast) Episode 45: Author Gretchen Rubin: Get Happy (Rebroadcast) Kick off the new year with a special rebroadcast of episode 18!

Yale graduate Gretchen Rubin had quite the pivot when she went from clerking for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to founding the Happiness Project. How that came to be and what her surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love entails (hint: tune in to the five senses) is the focus of this month's episode. An acclaimed communicator, known for her ability to distill and convey complex ideas with humor and clarity, Gretchen's books have sold millions of copies and been translated into over thirty languages, she has an award-winning podcast, and she also has an app. Join Roberta as she sits down with Gretchen to discuss this lifelong exploration into happiness, how we respond to expectations and her daily trips to the Met Museum.

Things We Talked About in This Episode:


Episode Credits:

  • Clips featured in this episode are courtesy of Gretchen Rubin.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editor this episode is Roberta Panjwani with additional edits by Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Gretchen Rubin for being with us today.
  • You can find information about The Happiness Project and Gretchen’s books, podcasts, quizzes, resources, and articles at gretchenrubin.com.
]]> Kick off the new year with a special rebroadcast of episode 18!

Yale graduate Gretchen Rubin had quite the pivot when she went from clerking for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to founding the Happiness Project. How that came to be and what her surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love entails (hint: tune in to the five senses) is the focus of this month's episode. An acclaimed communicator, known for her ability to distill and convey complex ideas with humor and clarity, Gretchen's books have sold millions of copies and been translated into over thirty languages, she has an award-winning podcast, and she also has an app. Join Roberta as she sits down with Gretchen to discuss this lifelong exploration into happiness, how we respond to expectations and her daily trips to the Met Museum.

Things We Talked About in This Episode:


Episode Credits:

  • Clips featured in this episode are courtesy of Gretchen Rubin.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editor this episode is Roberta Panjwani with additional edits by Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Gretchen Rubin for being with us today.
  • You can find information about The Happiness Project and Gretchen’s books, podcasts, quizzes, resources, and articles at gretchenrubin.com.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-18426500 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 2164 1 45 full false Episode 44: Writer John Seabrook: From Fields of Ambition to a Fallen Empire Episode 44: Writer John Seabrook: From Fields of Ambition to a Fallen Empire For those who want an extra visual component, this episode is also available on YouTube.

This month, Roberta sits down with The New Yorker writer John Seabrook to talk about his new book The Spinach King, a chronicle of the rise and fall of his family's empire: Seabrook Farms. Recently selected as one of the 100 Most Notable Books of 2025 by the New York Times, it tells a story of ambition, innovation, and betrayal that built, and ultimately destroyed, one of America’s largest agricultural empires.

Things We Talked About This Episode:

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to John Seabrook for joining us today.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Digital Media Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Clip from the 1934 Seabrook Farms Strike clip is courtesy Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, and the clip from the Seabrook Farms documentary is courtesy Indie Tommy Tips Restore and Review.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> For those who want an extra visual component, this episode is also available on YouTube.

This month, Roberta sits down with The New Yorker writer John Seabrook to talk about his new book The Spinach King, a chronicle of the rise and fall of his family's empire: Seabrook Farms. Recently selected as one of the 100 Most Notable Books of 2025 by the New York Times, it tells a story of ambition, innovation, and betrayal that built, and ultimately destroyed, one of America’s largest agricultural empires.

Things We Talked About This Episode:

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to John Seabrook for joining us today.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Digital Media Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Clip from the 1934 Seabrook Farms Strike clip is courtesy Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, and the clip from the Seabrook Farms documentary is courtesy Indie Tommy Tips Restore and Review.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-18281742 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 3006 1 44 full false Episode 43: Dispatch & Duty: The Human Side of the Call with Lt. Mark Panjwani & 911 Dispatcher Ricardo Martinez Episode 43: Dispatch & Duty: The Human Side of the Call with Lt. Mark Panjwani & 911 Dispatcher Ricardo Martinez For those who want an extra visual component, this episode is also available on YouTube.

First responders are there for the community, continually caring and respond to the needs of others, but rarely do they take care of their own. This month, Roberta talks with Lt. Mark Panjwani and 9-1-1 Dispatcher Ricardo Martinez about the mental health issues and stigmas they face as well as the initiatives they are creating to support the heroes who keep us safe every day. A vital conversation about those who serve and protect us, often in silence.

Things we talked about in this episode

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Ricardo Martinez and Mark Panjwani for joining us today.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Digital Media Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> For those who want an extra visual component, this episode is also available on YouTube.

First responders are there for the community, continually caring and respond to the needs of others, but rarely do they take care of their own. This month, Roberta talks with Lt. Mark Panjwani and 9-1-1 Dispatcher Ricardo Martinez about the mental health issues and stigmas they face as well as the initiatives they are creating to support the heroes who keep us safe every day. A vital conversation about those who serve and protect us, often in silence.

Things we talked about in this episode

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Ricardo Martinez and Mark Panjwani for joining us today.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Digital Media Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-18111017 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0400 3730 1 43 full false Episode 42: Author Susan Shaprio Barash Episode 42: Author Susan Shaprio Barash Watch this episode on YouTube as well!

Can even our closest friendships fall apart? This month Roberta Panjwani talks with Susan Shapiro Barash about her new book Estranged: How Toxic Female Friendships can be Mended or Ended which explores the hidden reality of female friendship—when bonds break, and what comes next.

Things we talked about in this episode 

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Susan Shapiro Barash for joining us today.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer, Editor, and Digital Media Producer is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Watch this episode on YouTube as well!

Can even our closest friendships fall apart? This month Roberta Panjwani talks with Susan Shapiro Barash about her new book Estranged: How Toxic Female Friendships can be Mended or Ended which explores the hidden reality of female friendship—when bonds break, and what comes next.

Things we talked about in this episode 

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Susan Shapiro Barash for joining us today.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer, Editor, and Digital Media Producer is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-17939389 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400 3132 1 42 full false Episode 41: Author and Austen Expert Brenda Cox Episode 41: Author and Austen Expert Brenda Cox We continue our celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary with Brenda S. Cox: Austen expert, scientist, and author of the new book Fashionable Goodness, which explores how Austen wove deep moral truths into her characters’ lives, shedding light on the faith and values that shaped her work. Join us for an insightful discussion on Austen’s enduring moral lessons, her faith, and the timeless wisdom embedded in her novels plus a special introduction from Breckyn Wood, host of the official JASNA podcast: Austen Chat!

Things we talked about in this episode:

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Brenda Cox and Breckyn Wood for joining us today.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Digital Media Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • The clip of Sonatina No. 4 from "Six Sonatinas" by Ignace Joseph Pleyel is courtesy of PianoXML.
  • The clip from the Mansfield Park audiobook read by Frances Barber is courtesy of Audible.
  • The clip from the 2008 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility is courtesy of BBC, WGBH Boston.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> We continue our celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary with Brenda S. Cox: Austen expert, scientist, and author of the new book Fashionable Goodness, which explores how Austen wove deep moral truths into her characters’ lives, shedding light on the faith and values that shaped her work. Join us for an insightful discussion on Austen’s enduring moral lessons, her faith, and the timeless wisdom embedded in her novels plus a special introduction from Breckyn Wood, host of the official JASNA podcast: Austen Chat!

Things we talked about in this episode:

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Brenda Cox and Breckyn Wood for joining us today.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Digital Media Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • The clip of Sonatina No. 4 from "Six Sonatinas" by Ignace Joseph Pleyel is courtesy of PianoXML.
  • The clip from the Mansfield Park audiobook read by Frances Barber is courtesy of Audible.
  • The clip from the 2008 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility is courtesy of BBC, WGBH Boston.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-17773624 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2617 1 41 full false Episode 40: Author and Rare Book Dealer Rebecca Romney: Jane Austen’s Bookshelf … and Beyond Episode 40: Author and Rare Book Dealer Rebecca Romney: Jane Austen’s Bookshelf … and Beyond Jane Austen inspired millions… but who inspired her? That is the question rare books dealer and author Rebecca Romney set out to explore in her new book Jane Austen's Bookshelf. Join Roberta Panjwani as she sits down to talk with Rebecca about the lives and works of the women writers Austen admired, the fascinating world of rare books, and the stories they still have to tell.

Watch this episode on YouTube!

Things we talked about in this episode:

Rebecca Romney and Jane Austen’s Bookshelf

Rebecca Romney on Instagram

Rebecca Romney on TikTok

Type Punch Matrix (Rare Book company)

Jane Austen @ 250 RPL Celebration

Rebecca Romney A Bend in the Road episode on YouTube

JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America)

Frances Burney and Evelina

Ann Radcliffe and The Mysteries of Udolpho

Amy Winehouse’s, Allen Ginsburg, and Howl

Pride & Prejudice (2005 film)

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Rebecca Romney for joining us today.
  • You can learn more about Rebecca, Jane Austen’s Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector’s Quest to Find the Women Who Shaped a Legend, and Type Punch Matrix rare book firm at rebeccaromney.com.
  • A Bend in the Road from the Ridgewood Public Library is sponsored by the Friends of the Ridgewood Library and created by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and  Digital Media Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Jane Austen inspired millions… but who inspired her? That is the question rare books dealer and author Rebecca Romney set out to explore in her new book Jane Austen's Bookshelf. Join Roberta Panjwani as she sits down to talk with Rebecca about the lives and works of the women writers Austen admired, the fascinating world of rare books, and the stories they still have to tell.

Watch this episode on YouTube!

Things we talked about in this episode:

Rebecca Romney and Jane Austen’s Bookshelf

Rebecca Romney on Instagram

Rebecca Romney on TikTok

Type Punch Matrix (Rare Book company)

Jane Austen @ 250 RPL Celebration

Rebecca Romney A Bend in the Road episode on YouTube

JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America)

Frances Burney and Evelina

Ann Radcliffe and The Mysteries of Udolpho

Amy Winehouse’s, Allen Ginsburg, and Howl

Pride & Prejudice (2005 film)

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Rebecca Romney for joining us today.
  • You can learn more about Rebecca, Jane Austen’s Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector’s Quest to Find the Women Who Shaped a Legend, and Type Punch Matrix rare book firm at rebeccaromney.com.
  • A Bend in the Road from the Ridgewood Public Library is sponsored by the Friends of the Ridgewood Library and created by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and  Digital Media Producer for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Buzzsprout-17619789 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 3065 1 40 full false Episode 39: Jeannette Cooperman and Lorri Steinbacher: "What’s in a Name?" Episode 39: Jeannette Cooperman and Lorri Steinbacher: "What’s in a Name?" Roberta sits down with RPL director Lorri Steinbacher and “What’s in a Name?” journalist and essayist Jeannette Cooperman for a lively and thought-provoking conversation about the power of names. From given names and nicknames to hyphenation and reinvention, the trio explores how names shape identity, carry meaning, and spark emotion. At the heart of the discussion is The Names, a brilliant new novel by Florence Knapp that raises big questions about who we are—and who we might become.

Things we talked about in this episode:

Jeannette Cooperman

“Naming Names: From Birth Names to Stage Names, from HUAC to Gravestones, Why Your Name becomes a Form of Fate”  by Jeannette Cooperman from The Common Reader

The Names by Florence Knapp

Episode Credits:

  • Our thanks to Jeannette Cooperman and Lorri Steinbacher for joining us today. 
  • You can learn more about Jeannette at jeannettecooperman.wordpress.com and her essays for The Common Reader at commonreader.wustl.edu/authors/jeannette-cooperman/
  • The 1964 clip of “What’s Your Name?” was performed by Don & Juan
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Melissa Egan.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Roberta sits down with RPL director Lorri Steinbacher and “What’s in a Name?” journalist and essayist Jeannette Cooperman for a lively and thought-provoking conversation about the power of names. From given names and nicknames to hyphenation and reinvention, the trio explores how names shape identity, carry meaning, and spark emotion. At the heart of the discussion is The Names, a brilliant new novel by Florence Knapp that raises big questions about who we are—and who we might become.

Things we talked about in this episode:

Jeannette Cooperman

“Naming Names: From Birth Names to Stage Names, from HUAC to Gravestones, Why Your Name becomes a Form of Fate”  by Jeannette Cooperman from The Common Reader

The Names by Florence Knapp

Episode Credits:

  • Our thanks to Jeannette Cooperman and Lorri Steinbacher for joining us today. 
  • You can learn more about Jeannette at jeannettecooperman.wordpress.com and her essays for The Common Reader at commonreader.wustl.edu/authors/jeannette-cooperman/
  • The 1964 clip of “What’s Your Name?” was performed by Don & Juan
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Melissa Egan.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-17431145 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0400 2387 1 39 full false Episode 38: Musician Gary Solomon: Dylan, The Band & Me Episode 38: Musician Gary Solomon: Dylan, The Band & Me Singer/songwriter Gary Solomon was just 19 when he found himself in the crowd at The Last Waltz—The Band’s iconic 1976 farewell concert. Filmed by Martin Scorsese and widely considered the best concert film of all time, it was stacked with legends like Robbie Roberston, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, and Neil Diamond. In this episode, Gary shares what it was like to witness that historic night firsthand, and digs into other iconic shows that shaped a generation—from Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue to Simon & Garfunkel’s 1981 Central Park reunion. This is music history through the eyes of someone who lived it.

Things we talked about in this episode:

The Last Waltz documentary (1978); live show from 1976

The Band: Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson & Richard Manuel)

Bob Dylan and The Band during The Last Waltz

Joni Mitchell and Neil Young sing “Helpless” during The Last Waltz

The Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco

Gary Solomon’s upcoming dates for The THE BAND Band

Gary Solomon’s Bob Dylan show

Episode Credits: 

  • Our thanks to Gary Solomon for joining us in the studio today. You can learn more about Gary and his upcoming dates with “The Band’s” shows at thethebandband.com.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Melissa Egan.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Singer/songwriter Gary Solomon was just 19 when he found himself in the crowd at The Last Waltz—The Band’s iconic 1976 farewell concert. Filmed by Martin Scorsese and widely considered the best concert film of all time, it was stacked with legends like Robbie Roberston, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, and Neil Diamond. In this episode, Gary shares what it was like to witness that historic night firsthand, and digs into other iconic shows that shaped a generation—from Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue to Simon & Garfunkel’s 1981 Central Park reunion. This is music history through the eyes of someone who lived it.

Things we talked about in this episode:

The Last Waltz documentary (1978); live show from 1976

The Band: Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson & Richard Manuel)

Bob Dylan and The Band during The Last Waltz

Joni Mitchell and Neil Young sing “Helpless” during The Last Waltz

The Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco

Gary Solomon’s upcoming dates for The THE BAND Band

Gary Solomon’s Bob Dylan show

Episode Credits: 

  • Our thanks to Gary Solomon for joining us in the studio today. You can learn more about Gary and his upcoming dates with “The Band’s” shows at thethebandband.com.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Melissa Egan.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-17274477 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1863 1 38 full false Episode 37: Sue Rodin: The Great Connector Episode 37: Sue Rodin: The Great Connector 1993, when Sue Rodin saw gender inequality in her workplace, she didn’t just get frustrated—she took action. Tapping into her network, she founded Women in Sports and Events (WISE), an organization built to support and elevate professional women in the sports industry. More than 30 years later, WISE is still going strong, with 25 chapters across the U.S. and Canada and over 6,000 members. Rodin has been called an “Eternal Optimist”—and today, you’ll see why.

Things we talked about in this episode:

WISE (Women In Sports Events)

Women in the Business of Sports — Then and Now

WISE Executive Leadership Institute: Rodin Scholarship

She’s Got Game podcast with Swin Cash

Julie Foudy

Episode Credits: 

  • Our thanks to Sue Rodin for joining us today in the studio. For information about WISE please visit: wiseworks.org
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Elias Rosner and Roberta Panjwani.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Melissa Egan.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> 1993, when Sue Rodin saw gender inequality in her workplace, she didn’t just get frustrated—she took action. Tapping into her network, she founded Women in Sports and Events (WISE), an organization built to support and elevate professional women in the sports industry. More than 30 years later, WISE is still going strong, with 25 chapters across the U.S. and Canada and over 6,000 members. Rodin has been called an “Eternal Optimist”—and today, you’ll see why.

Things we talked about in this episode:

WISE (Women In Sports Events)

Women in the Business of Sports — Then and Now

WISE Executive Leadership Institute: Rodin Scholarship

She’s Got Game podcast with Swin Cash

Julie Foudy

Episode Credits: 

  • Our thanks to Sue Rodin for joining us today in the studio. For information about WISE please visit: wiseworks.org
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Elias Rosner and Roberta Panjwani.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Melissa Egan.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-17109250 Wed, 07 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2388 1 37 full false Episode 36b: Pádraig Ó Tuama: In the Shelter of Each Other & Saying Hello to the Questions (Rebroadcast) Episode 36b: Pádraig Ó Tuama: In the Shelter of Each Other & Saying Hello to the Questions (Rebroadcast) This is a rebroadcast of episodes 6 & 7 from October 19, 2022. 

What power does poetry have to help us navigate the challenges of life? How do we approach art and how does it approach us? Join our guest host Diane Sims for a journey through these questions, and many others, with Pádraig Ó Tuama in an episode so big, we had to split it into two.

In Part 1, Pádraig Ó shares his relationship with art, reconciliation and the ongoing road toward finding ourselves.

In Part 2, we dig into the questions of acceptance and identity Pádraig grappled with as a youth growing up in Ireland, and in the tall shadow of the Catholic Church, and what innate sensibility gave him the fortitude to step into those headwinds, instead of turning away, with a brief stop in the land of knitable television near the end.

For those new to Pádraig’s work, he is an Irish poet and the host of the hugely popular podcast Poetry Unbound – now on its sixth season – as well as a theologian and conflict mediator.

Links mentioned in the episodes:

Pádraig’s Website

The TenX9 Storytelling Project

Corrymeela

Morton Deutsch

Billy Collins

Six Feet Under

“If You’re Going To Look Like a Wolf They Have to Love You More Than Fear You”

Original Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Our Digital Media producers are Sabrina Garcia and Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Pádraig Ó Tuama for talking with us today and to Shannon Hearn for her help
]]> This is a rebroadcast of episodes 6 & 7 from October 19, 2022. 

What power does poetry have to help us navigate the challenges of life? How do we approach art and how does it approach us? Join our guest host Diane Sims for a journey through these questions, and many others, with Pádraig Ó Tuama in an episode so big, we had to split it into two.

In Part 1, Pádraig Ó shares his relationship with art, reconciliation and the ongoing road toward finding ourselves.

In Part 2, we dig into the questions of acceptance and identity Pádraig grappled with as a youth growing up in Ireland, and in the tall shadow of the Catholic Church, and what innate sensibility gave him the fortitude to step into those headwinds, instead of turning away, with a brief stop in the land of knitable television near the end.

For those new to Pádraig’s work, he is an Irish poet and the host of the hugely popular podcast Poetry Unbound – now on its sixth season – as well as a theologian and conflict mediator.

Links mentioned in the episodes:

Pádraig’s Website

The TenX9 Storytelling Project

Corrymeela

Morton Deutsch

Billy Collins

Six Feet Under

“If You’re Going To Look Like a Wolf They Have to Love You More Than Fear You”

Original Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Our Digital Media producers are Sabrina Garcia and Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Pádraig Ó Tuama for talking with us today and to Shannon Hearn for her help
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-16898318 Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1902 1 36 full false Episode 36a: Pádraig Ó Tuama: In the Shelter of Each Other & Saying Hello to the Questions (Rebroadcast) Episode 36a: Pádraig Ó Tuama: In the Shelter of Each Other & Saying Hello to the Questions (Rebroadcast) This is a rebroadcast of episodes 6 & 7 from October 19, 2022. 

What power does poetry have to help us navigate the challenges of life? How do we approach art and how does it approach us? Join our guest host Diane Sims for a journey through these questions, and many others, with Pádraig Ó Tuama in an episode so big, we had to split it into two.

In Part 1, Pádraig Ó shares his relationship with art, reconciliation and the ongoing road toward finding ourselves.

In Part 2, we dig into the questions of acceptance and identity Pádraig grappled with as a youth growing up in Ireland, and in the tall shadow of the Catholic Church, and what innate sensibility gave him the fortitude to step into those headwinds, instead of turning away, with a brief stop in the land of knitable television near the end.

For those new to Pádraig’s work, he is an Irish poet and the host of the hugely popular podcast Poetry Unbound – now on its sixth season – as well as a theologian and conflict mediator.

Links mentioned in the episodes:

Pádraig’s Website

The TenX9 Storytelling Project

Corrymeela

Morton Deutsch

Billy Collins

Six Feet Under

“If You’re Going To Look Like a Wolf They Have to Love You More Than Fear You”

Original Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Our Digital Media producers are Sabrina Garcia and Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Pádraig Ó Tuama for talking with us today and to Shannon Hearn for her help
]]> This is a rebroadcast of episodes 6 & 7 from October 19, 2022. 

What power does poetry have to help us navigate the challenges of life? How do we approach art and how does it approach us? Join our guest host Diane Sims for a journey through these questions, and many others, with Pádraig Ó Tuama in an episode so big, we had to split it into two.

In Part 1, Pádraig Ó shares his relationship with art, reconciliation and the ongoing road toward finding ourselves.

In Part 2, we dig into the questions of acceptance and identity Pádraig grappled with as a youth growing up in Ireland, and in the tall shadow of the Catholic Church, and what innate sensibility gave him the fortitude to step into those headwinds, instead of turning away, with a brief stop in the land of knitable television near the end.

For those new to Pádraig’s work, he is an Irish poet and the host of the hugely popular podcast Poetry Unbound – now on its sixth season – as well as a theologian and conflict mediator.

Links mentioned in the episodes:

Pádraig’s Website

The TenX9 Storytelling Project

Corrymeela

Morton Deutsch

Billy Collins

Six Feet Under

“If You’re Going To Look Like a Wolf They Have to Love You More Than Fear You”

Original Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Our Digital Media producers are Sabrina Garcia and Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Pádraig Ó Tuama for talking with us today and to Shannon Hearn for her help
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-16894124 Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2453 1 36 full false Episode 35: Ellen Jovin & Brandt Johnson: Rebel(s) with a Clause Episode 35: Ellen Jovin & Brandt Johnson: Rebel(s) with a Clause In their new film Rebel with a Clause, grammar guru Ellen Jovin and director Brandt Johnson head off on a road trip to all 50 states to show how comma fights, rather than divide, can bring us closer together. Join Roberta as they talk about the power of language, taking a grammar stand, and the New York Times bestselling book that started it all.

Things we talked about in this episode:

Rebel with a Clause film

Rebel with a Clause book and Ellen Jovin’s Grammar Table

Brandt Johnson

Oxford (Serial) Comma

Syntaxis Communication


Episode Credits: 

  • Our thanks to Ellen Jovin and Brandt Johnson for joining us today. You can learn more about Ellen, Brandt, and the book and film at rebelwithaclause.com and grammartable.com. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Melissa Egan.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> In their new film Rebel with a Clause, grammar guru Ellen Jovin and director Brandt Johnson head off on a road trip to all 50 states to show how comma fights, rather than divide, can bring us closer together. Join Roberta as they talk about the power of language, taking a grammar stand, and the New York Times bestselling book that started it all.

Things we talked about in this episode:

Rebel with a Clause film

Rebel with a Clause book and Ellen Jovin’s Grammar Table

Brandt Johnson

Oxford (Serial) Comma

Syntaxis Communication


Episode Credits: 

  • Our thanks to Ellen Jovin and Brandt Johnson for joining us today. You can learn more about Ellen, Brandt, and the book and film at rebelwithaclause.com and grammartable.com. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Melissa Egan.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-16732974 Wed, 05 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500 2197 1 35 full false Episode 34: Ted Opderbeck: Empathy into Action Episode 34: Ted Opderbeck: Empathy into Action Have you ever had a teacher who completely changed the way you see the world? Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one of those incredible educators—Ted Opderbeck! With 30 years of award-winning teaching under his belt, Ted has dedicated his career to putting empathy and global awareness at the heart of every lesson. 

Roberta talks to Ted about how he’s taking his passion even further in his new role with TEEEM (The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship Mission). He’s here to share his journey, his inspiring work, and his thoughts on “refirement” (not retirement!)—a fresh approach to purpose and impact in life’s next chapter.

Don’t miss this chance to be inspired by Ted’s story and learn how small acts of empathy can ripple out into big change.

Things we talked about in this episode:

Ted Opderbeck

TEEEM (The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship Mission

Social Entrepreneurship in the Classroom

50 Inspiring Ideas of Social Entrepreneurship

Refirement

Episode Credits: 

  • Our thanks to Ted Opderbeck for joining us in the studio today. You can learn more about Ted and his work at teeem.org/ (that’s teeem).
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Editing by Elias Rosner and Roberta Panjwani. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Melissa Egan. 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
]]> Have you ever had a teacher who completely changed the way you see the world? Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one of those incredible educators—Ted Opderbeck! With 30 years of award-winning teaching under his belt, Ted has dedicated his career to putting empathy and global awareness at the heart of every lesson. 

Roberta talks to Ted about how he’s taking his passion even further in his new role with TEEEM (The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship Mission). He’s here to share his journey, his inspiring work, and his thoughts on “refirement” (not retirement!)—a fresh approach to purpose and impact in life’s next chapter.

Don’t miss this chance to be inspired by Ted’s story and learn how small acts of empathy can ripple out into big change.

Things we talked about in this episode:

Ted Opderbeck

TEEEM (The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship Mission

Social Entrepreneurship in the Classroom

50 Inspiring Ideas of Social Entrepreneurship

Refirement

Episode Credits: 

  • Our thanks to Ted Opderbeck for joining us in the studio today. You can learn more about Ted and his work at teeem.org/ (that’s teeem).
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Editing by Elias Rosner and Roberta Panjwani. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Melissa Egan. 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-16562070 Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500 1665 1 34 full false Episode 33: Melissa Davey: Filmmaker on a Mission Episode 33: Melissa Davey: Filmmaker on a Mission How did a fateful meeting with filmmaker M Night Shyamalan, ignite Melissa Davey’s own career of becoming a director herself. At age 65? Roberta talks with the documentarian and activist about taking risks, shining a light on the value of women over 65, and the importance of living each day to its fullest. 

Things we talked about in this episode:

Climbing Into Life

Beyond Sixty Project

Dierdre Wolownick

Alex Honnold

Free Solo

M. Night Shyamalan

Episode Credits:

  • Our thanks to Melissa Davey for joining us. For more information about Climbing Into Life, Beyond Sixty and future projects, please visit melissadavey.com. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Melissa Egan.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> How did a fateful meeting with filmmaker M Night Shyamalan, ignite Melissa Davey’s own career of becoming a director herself. At age 65? Roberta talks with the documentarian and activist about taking risks, shining a light on the value of women over 65, and the importance of living each day to its fullest. 

Things we talked about in this episode:

Climbing Into Life

Beyond Sixty Project

Dierdre Wolownick

Alex Honnold

Free Solo

M. Night Shyamalan

Episode Credits:

  • Our thanks to Melissa Davey for joining us. For more information about Climbing Into Life, Beyond Sixty and future projects, please visit melissadavey.com. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Melissa Egan.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Buzzsprout-16359877 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500 2421 1 33 full false Episode 32: Joni Mitchell @ the Hollywood Bowl Episode 32: Joni Mitchell @ the Hollywood Bowl Take a trip to the Hollywood Bowl with Roberta and her sister Andrea and experience two once-in-a-lifetime shows with the legendary Joni Mitchell, alongside all-star guests like Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Marcus Mumford, Elton John, Meryl Streetp, and her Joni Jam band, performing deep cuts and classics like “Cherokee Louise,” “California,” “Sire of Sorrow,” “The Circle Game,” and “Come in from the Cold.” Please see the notes below for the full list of artists. 

(This is a companion to the documentary-length Episode 16 which features the June 2023 shows at the Gorge Amphitheatre, which is being rebroadcast with this episode.)

Things we talked about in this episode:
Joni Mitchell
Brandi Carlile
The Hollywood Bowl
Variety magazine review of the Hollywood Bowl shows
“Echoes through the Canyon” shows at the Gorge Amphitheatre, June 9-11, 2023 
The Artists:
Abe Rounds
Allison Russell
Annie Lennox
Ben Lusher
Blake Mills
Celisse Henderson
Elton John
Jon Batiste
Josh Neumann
Lucius
Marcus Mumford
Mark Isham
Meryl Streep
Phil Hanseroth
Rick Whitfield
Rita Wilson
Robin Pecknold
Sista Strings
Taylor Goldsmith
Taylor Mackall
Tim Hanseroth
Wendy & Lisa

Episode Credits: 

  • Please be sure to listen to the companion documentary-length Episode 16, One Weekend Last Summer, with Roberta and Andrea’s trip to the Gorge Theatre in Seattle featuring Joni, Brandi, and many of the artists you just heard.
  • Our thanks to Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Marcus Mumford, Annie Lennox, Jon Batiste and the many artists who are featured in the  episode.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims. 
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Elias Rosner, Matt Giannotti and Roberta Panjwani.
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer for this episode are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner. 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims. 
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Melissa Egan. 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas. 
]]> Take a trip to the Hollywood Bowl with Roberta and her sister Andrea and experience two once-in-a-lifetime shows with the legendary Joni Mitchell, alongside all-star guests like Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Marcus Mumford, Elton John, Meryl Streetp, and her Joni Jam band, performing deep cuts and classics like “Cherokee Louise,” “California,” “Sire of Sorrow,” “The Circle Game,” and “Come in from the Cold.” Please see the notes below for the full list of artists. 

(This is a companion to the documentary-length Episode 16 which features the June 2023 shows at the Gorge Amphitheatre, which is being rebroadcast with this episode.)

Things we talked about in this episode:
Joni Mitchell
Brandi Carlile
The Hollywood Bowl
Variety magazine review of the Hollywood Bowl shows
“Echoes through the Canyon” shows at the Gorge Amphitheatre, June 9-11, 2023 
The Artists:
Abe Rounds
Allison Russell
Annie Lennox
Ben Lusher
Blake Mills
Celisse Henderson
Elton John
Jon Batiste
Josh Neumann
Lucius
Marcus Mumford
Mark Isham
Meryl Streep
Phil Hanseroth
Rick Whitfield
Rita Wilson
Robin Pecknold
Sista Strings
Taylor Goldsmith
Taylor Mackall
Tim Hanseroth
Wendy & Lisa

Episode Credits: 

  • Please be sure to listen to the companion documentary-length Episode 16, One Weekend Last Summer, with Roberta and Andrea’s trip to the Gorge Theatre in Seattle featuring Joni, Brandi, and many of the artists you just heard.
  • Our thanks to Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Marcus Mumford, Annie Lennox, Jon Batiste and the many artists who are featured in the  episode.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims. 
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Elias Rosner, Matt Giannotti and Roberta Panjwani.
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer for this episode are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner. 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims. 
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Melissa Egan. 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas. 
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-16215454 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500 1981 1 32 full false Episode 16 (Rebroadcast): One Weekend This Summer Episode 16 (Rebroadcast): One Weekend This Summer Please note: We are rebroadcasting Episode 16 which originally aired in August 2023 as a companion to Episode 32. We hope you enjoy!

Take a trip to the Pacific Northwest with Roberta to experience the epic return of the legendary musician Joni Mitchell during Brandi Carlile’s “Echoes through the Canyon” weekend at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington State. Roberta talks with concertgoers who traveled across the country—and the world–about the impact that Joni and music has played in their lives.

We hear many remarkable moments from the June 9 & 10, 2023 shows featuring Joni, Brandi, Sarah McLachlan, Annie Lennox, Marcus Mumford and many more. Highlights include “A Case of You,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Both Sides Now,” and “The Circle Game.”

Things we talked about in this episode:
Gorge Amphitheatre
Joni Mitchell at Newport CD featuring the Joni Jam

The Musicians
Joni Mitchell
Brandi Carlile
Annie Lennox
Sarah McLachlan
Marcus Mumford
Allison Russell
Lucius
Taylor Goldsmith
Blake Mills
Celisse Henderson
Wendy & Lisa
Ben Lusher
Tim Hanseroth
Phil Hanseroth
Rick Whitfield
Josh Neumann

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Editor for this episode is Roberta Panjwani with consultation from Diane Sims and additional edits by Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Special thanks to the Gorge Amphitheatre, Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Sarah McLachlan, Marcus Mumford and all of the musicians featured in this episode.
  • Additional thanks to Greg Raj, Kelly, Ellen and everyone who shared their experiences. And to Andrea–this episode is for you.
]]> Please note: We are rebroadcasting Episode 16 which originally aired in August 2023 as a companion to Episode 32. We hope you enjoy!

Take a trip to the Pacific Northwest with Roberta to experience the epic return of the legendary musician Joni Mitchell during Brandi Carlile’s “Echoes through the Canyon” weekend at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington State. Roberta talks with concertgoers who traveled across the country—and the world–about the impact that Joni and music has played in their lives.

We hear many remarkable moments from the June 9 & 10, 2023 shows featuring Joni, Brandi, Sarah McLachlan, Annie Lennox, Marcus Mumford and many more. Highlights include “A Case of You,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Both Sides Now,” and “The Circle Game.”

Things we talked about in this episode:
Gorge Amphitheatre
Joni Mitchell at Newport CD featuring the Joni Jam

The Musicians
Joni Mitchell
Brandi Carlile
Annie Lennox
Sarah McLachlan
Marcus Mumford
Allison Russell
Lucius
Taylor Goldsmith
Blake Mills
Celisse Henderson
Wendy & Lisa
Ben Lusher
Tim Hanseroth
Phil Hanseroth
Rick Whitfield
Josh Neumann

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Editor for this episode is Roberta Panjwani with consultation from Diane Sims and additional edits by Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Special thanks to the Gorge Amphitheatre, Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Sarah McLachlan, Marcus Mumford and all of the musicians featured in this episode.
  • Additional thanks to Greg Raj, Kelly, Ellen and everyone who shared their experiences. And to Andrea–this episode is for you.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-16215741 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500 5171 full false Episode 31: Directors Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis Episode 31: Directors Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis Director siblings Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis are on a mission! A mission to get you to join a club. A mission, based on the groundbreaking work of legendary social scientist Bob Putnam, that led them to make a documentary: Join or Die: a film about why you should join a club … and why the fate of America might depend on it. They stopped by to talk to Roberta about this hopeful and engaging film and how it explores the power of coming together, the importance of real-life connections, and how joining groups can transform communities. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation!

Things we talked about in this episode:

Join or Die: A film about why you should join a club…and why the fate of America depends on it.

Bowling Alone by Bob Putnam

Episode Credits:

  • Our thanks to Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis for joining us today. 
  • You can learn all about the film, team, and how to attend or host a community screening at joinordiefilm.com. 
  •  To read more about Dr Bob Putnam and his book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community please visit bowlingalone.com. 
  • You can follow Pete on twitter @PeteDDavis, and subscribe to Pete’s newsletter at PeteDavis.substack.com.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer, Technical Director, and Editor & Audio Engineer for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Melissa Egan 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you at the next bend in the road.
]]> Director siblings Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis are on a mission! A mission to get you to join a club. A mission, based on the groundbreaking work of legendary social scientist Bob Putnam, that led them to make a documentary: Join or Die: a film about why you should join a club … and why the fate of America might depend on it. They stopped by to talk to Roberta about this hopeful and engaging film and how it explores the power of coming together, the importance of real-life connections, and how joining groups can transform communities. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation!

Things we talked about in this episode:

Join or Die: A film about why you should join a club…and why the fate of America depends on it.

Bowling Alone by Bob Putnam

Episode Credits:

  • Our thanks to Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis for joining us today. 
  • You can learn all about the film, team, and how to attend or host a community screening at joinordiefilm.com. 
  •  To read more about Dr Bob Putnam and his book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community please visit bowlingalone.com. 
  • You can follow Pete on twitter @PeteDDavis, and subscribe to Pete’s newsletter at PeteDavis.substack.com.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer, Technical Director, and Editor & Audio Engineer for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Melissa Egan 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you at the next bend in the road.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-16053333 Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500 2127 1 31 full false Episode 30: Ben Avery, Australian Journalist/True Crime Podcast Host Episode 30: Ben Avery, Australian Journalist/True Crime Podcast Host In April 1994, Anthea Bradshaw married her high school sweetheart in a beautiful Adelaide wedding. 96 days later, she was found lifeless in a pool of blood,  in Brunei, South East Asia, half a world away from home. This month, Roberta talks with Ben Avery, an Australian journalist and host of the Just Married podcast, who is investigating what really happened to Anthea and dives into our love, and obsession, with True Crime.

Things we talked about in this episode: 

Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery

9 News Adelaide Coverage of the Anthea Bradshaw Case

Criminal podcast with Phoebe Judge

Adelaide, South Australia

Brunei, Southeast Asia

Episode Credits:

  • Our thanks to Ben Avery for joining us from his home in Adelaide, Australia today. You can listen to Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Editing by Roberta Panjwani with additional edits by Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner
  • Original Theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media Producers are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> In April 1994, Anthea Bradshaw married her high school sweetheart in a beautiful Adelaide wedding. 96 days later, she was found lifeless in a pool of blood,  in Brunei, South East Asia, half a world away from home. This month, Roberta talks with Ben Avery, an Australian journalist and host of the Just Married podcast, who is investigating what really happened to Anthea and dives into our love, and obsession, with True Crime.

Things we talked about in this episode: 

Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery

9 News Adelaide Coverage of the Anthea Bradshaw Case

Criminal podcast with Phoebe Judge

Adelaide, South Australia

Brunei, Southeast Asia

Episode Credits:

  • Our thanks to Ben Avery for joining us from his home in Adelaide, Australia today. You can listen to Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Editing by Roberta Panjwani with additional edits by Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner
  • Original Theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media Producers are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-15845244 Wed, 02 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2195 1 30 full false Episode 29: Live at RPL: Davy Rothbart’s FOUND Tour Episode 29: Live at RPL: Davy Rothbart’s FOUND Tour Join the FOUND Magazine crew for a raucous celebration of the best lost, tossed and forgotten items from across the country. Davy Rothbart — bestselling author, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, and frequent presence on NPR’s This American Life — shares his all-time favorite finds, while his brother Peter, a rising folk music star, performs exquisite (and rowdy) songs based on found notes. The Rothbart Bros. are joined by world-famous sword swallower and magician Brett Loudermilk, winner of America’s Got Talent. Roberta talked with the gang before the live show which was filmed at the Ridgewood Public Library for an upcoming TV documentary series, Executive Produced by Mark Duplass (The Morning Show; The League) & Jay Duplass. Details to come!

Things we talked about in this episode:
Found Magazine & Tour
Davy Rothbart on This American Life: Mr. Rothbart’s Neighborhood: I Found Your Letter; Bad Morning America
Peter Rothbart’s YouTube Channel

Episode Credits:

  • Our thanks to Davy Rothbart, Peter Rothbart, Brett Loudermilk, and their crew for joining us in the studio today
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Editing by Melissa Egan and Roberta Panjwani. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • The clip at the end of the episode is Peter Rothbart performing “Seattle, Our Town” which was recorded live in 2019 at Northwest Seaport's Monthly Sea Chantey Singalong in December, 2019, in Seattle. 
  • The FOUND live show our guests performed before an audience of 100 at the library tonight was filmed for an upcoming television documentary series. Details to come! 
  • You can learn more about Davy, Peter, Brett, and FOUND magazine and tour at foundmagazine.com. Links for Davey’s stories on This American Life are posted in the show notes. 
  • Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you at the next bend in the road.
]]> Join the FOUND Magazine crew for a raucous celebration of the best lost, tossed and forgotten items from across the country. Davy Rothbart — bestselling author, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, and frequent presence on NPR’s This American Life — shares his all-time favorite finds, while his brother Peter, a rising folk music star, performs exquisite (and rowdy) songs based on found notes. The Rothbart Bros. are joined by world-famous sword swallower and magician Brett Loudermilk, winner of America’s Got Talent. Roberta talked with the gang before the live show which was filmed at the Ridgewood Public Library for an upcoming TV documentary series, Executive Produced by Mark Duplass (The Morning Show; The League) & Jay Duplass. Details to come!

Things we talked about in this episode:
Found Magazine & Tour
Davy Rothbart on This American Life: Mr. Rothbart’s Neighborhood: I Found Your Letter; Bad Morning America
Peter Rothbart’s YouTube Channel

Episode Credits:

  • Our thanks to Davy Rothbart, Peter Rothbart, Brett Loudermilk, and their crew for joining us in the studio today
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Editing by Melissa Egan and Roberta Panjwani. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • The clip at the end of the episode is Peter Rothbart performing “Seattle, Our Town” which was recorded live in 2019 at Northwest Seaport's Monthly Sea Chantey Singalong in December, 2019, in Seattle. 
  • The FOUND live show our guests performed before an audience of 100 at the library tonight was filmed for an upcoming television documentary series. Details to come! 
  • You can learn more about Davy, Peter, Brett, and FOUND magazine and tour at foundmagazine.com. Links for Davey’s stories on This American Life are posted in the show notes. 
  • Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you at the next bend in the road.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-15687886 Wed, 04 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2249 1 29 full false Episode 28: Camp Stories Episode 28: Camp Stories Inspired by This American Life’s “Notes on Camp” episode, we asked you for camp stories, and you delivered! Roberta listens to memories of summer days spent at camps, and see how a few short weeks can leave impressions for a lifetime.

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Jay Friedman, Rebecca Rubenstein, Roberta and Harvey Bernstein, Jin Lee, Mickey Kim, Andrea Panjwani, Liv Barkley, Lauren Larkin, and Mike Beatty for sharing their stories with us and to Camp Pontiac and Camp Cedarbrook for sharing clips. 
  • For a slideshow of all of our guests at camp and in our studio, please visit bendintheroad.org or check out our Facebook and Instagram. 
  • To learn more about Jay Friedman, her CDs, and tour dates, please visit blueplatespecialmusic.com
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer and Technical Director for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Mastering done by Matt Giannotti.
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Melissa Egan. 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.

Music Clips: 

  • “Just a Boy and a Girl and a Little Canoe” courtesy of Girl Scout Songs
  • “Master of the House” from Les Miserable courtesy of Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Walt Disney Music Company, and Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
  • “Stayin’ Alive” © Universal Music Publishing Group

Things we talked about this Episode:

Westchester County Center

Blue Plate Special

Camp Pontiac

Camp Cedarbrook

]]> Inspired by This American Life’s “Notes on Camp” episode, we asked you for camp stories, and you delivered! Roberta listens to memories of summer days spent at camps, and see how a few short weeks can leave impressions for a lifetime.

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Jay Friedman, Rebecca Rubenstein, Roberta and Harvey Bernstein, Jin Lee, Mickey Kim, Andrea Panjwani, Liv Barkley, Lauren Larkin, and Mike Beatty for sharing their stories with us and to Camp Pontiac and Camp Cedarbrook for sharing clips. 
  • For a slideshow of all of our guests at camp and in our studio, please visit bendintheroad.org or check out our Facebook and Instagram. 
  • To learn more about Jay Friedman, her CDs, and tour dates, please visit blueplatespecialmusic.com
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer and Technical Director for this episode is Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner. 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Mastering done by Matt Giannotti.
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Melissa Egan. 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.

Music Clips: 

  • “Just a Boy and a Girl and a Little Canoe” courtesy of Girl Scout Songs
  • “Master of the House” from Les Miserable courtesy of Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Walt Disney Music Company, and Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
  • “Stayin’ Alive” © Universal Music Publishing Group

Things we talked about this Episode:

Westchester County Center

Blue Plate Special

Camp Pontiac

Camp Cedarbrook

]]> Buzzsprout-15539726 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400 5208 1 28 full false Episode 27: J.D. Jackson: To Act You Have to Listen (Rebroadcast) Episode 27: J.D. Jackson: To Act You Have to Listen (Rebroadcast) As we prepare for our special Camp Stories episode in August, we wanted to take a look back at our very first episode that aired on May 18, 2022 featuring J.D. Jackson

J.D. is an award-winning audiobook narrator with 400 credits to his name and counting. A 2020 inductee into AudioFile Magazine’s Golden Voices Hall of Fame, J.D. has plenty of experience behind a mic. For this inaugural episode of A Bend in the Road, join Roberta as she talks with J.D. about the teacher that changed his life, the process of interpreting books of all genres, and his magic remedy for keeping his voice in top form (hint: it involves a lot of licorice tea.) And who knows? Maybe that recipe will lead to your own bend in the road.

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Director, Audio Engineer, Editor, and Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Audiobooks narrated by J.D. are available to borrow or download at your library and on Audible.



]]> As we prepare for our special Camp Stories episode in August, we wanted to take a look back at our very first episode that aired on May 18, 2022 featuring J.D. Jackson

J.D. is an award-winning audiobook narrator with 400 credits to his name and counting. A 2020 inductee into AudioFile Magazine’s Golden Voices Hall of Fame, J.D. has plenty of experience behind a mic. For this inaugural episode of A Bend in the Road, join Roberta as she talks with J.D. about the teacher that changed his life, the process of interpreting books of all genres, and his magic remedy for keeping his voice in top form (hint: it involves a lot of licorice tea.) And who knows? Maybe that recipe will lead to your own bend in the road.

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Director, Audio Engineer, Editor, and Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Audiobooks narrated by J.D. are available to borrow or download at your library and on Audible.



]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-15348953 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2037 1 27 full false Episode 26: Danielle Cohen: Sustainable Nutrition and Community Connection Founder and President (SNACC) Episode 26: Danielle Cohen: Sustainable Nutrition and Community Connection Founder and President (SNACC) Ridgewood resident Danielle Cohen embraces not only the importance of eating high quality food, but also of culinary education. Danielle created SNACC, an after-school youth development program that provides weekly at-home cooking lessons led by professional chefs, helping students create healthy and eclectic dishes. Danielle knows top-grade food can impact quality of life and believes programs like SNACC can improve food security and youth outcomes.

Things We Talked About in This Episode:

SNACC Official website 

SNACC Instagram 

New York City Public Schools

Mayor Eric Adams

Episode Credits: 

  • Our thanks to Danielle Cohen for joining us.
  • You can learn more about the SNACC program by visiting https://www.snaccprogram.org/.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and executive produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producers and editors for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Melissa Egan
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you at the next bend in the road.
]]> Ridgewood resident Danielle Cohen embraces not only the importance of eating high quality food, but also of culinary education. Danielle created SNACC, an after-school youth development program that provides weekly at-home cooking lessons led by professional chefs, helping students create healthy and eclectic dishes. Danielle knows top-grade food can impact quality of life and believes programs like SNACC can improve food security and youth outcomes.

Things We Talked About in This Episode:

SNACC Official website 

SNACC Instagram 

New York City Public Schools

Mayor Eric Adams

Episode Credits: 

  • Our thanks to Danielle Cohen for joining us.
  • You can learn more about the SNACC program by visiting https://www.snaccprogram.org/.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and executive produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producers and editors for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Melissa Egan
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you at the next bend in the road.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-15192047 Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400 1882 1 26 full false Episode 25: Author Mary Beth Keane Episode 25: Author Mary Beth Keane The New York Times bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes, stopped by the Ridgewood Library for an author event to discuss her latest novel The Half Moon about a couple in a small town navigating the complexities of marriage, family, and longing. Host Roberta Panjwani–and audience members–asked Mary Beth about her creative process, writing during a pandemic, and the personal connections to the characters in this book.

Things we talked about in this episode:

The Half moon
Ask Again, Yes
Mary Beth Kean’s website

Additional authors mentioned: 

Elizabeth Strout

Seamus Heaney

Colson Whitehead

Hernan Diaz 

Mohsin Hamid

William Trevor

Maggie O’ farrell

Claire  Keegen

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Mary Beth Keane for allowing us to record this September 13, 2023 author visit for the podcast.
  • You can learn more about Mary Beth, her books, and upcoming events at marybethkeane.co
  • Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and executive produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Editing by Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you at the next bend in the road.
]]> The New York Times bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes, stopped by the Ridgewood Library for an author event to discuss her latest novel The Half Moon about a couple in a small town navigating the complexities of marriage, family, and longing. Host Roberta Panjwani–and audience members–asked Mary Beth about her creative process, writing during a pandemic, and the personal connections to the characters in this book.

Things we talked about in this episode:

The Half moon
Ask Again, Yes
Mary Beth Kean’s website

Additional authors mentioned: 

Elizabeth Strout

Seamus Heaney

Colson Whitehead

Hernan Diaz 

Mohsin Hamid

William Trevor

Maggie O’ farrell

Claire  Keegen

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Mary Beth Keane for allowing us to record this September 13, 2023 author visit for the podcast.
  • You can learn more about Mary Beth, her books, and upcoming events at marybethkeane.co
  • Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and executive produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Editing by Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you at the next bend in the road.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-14984140 Wed, 01 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400 3116 1 25 full false Episode 24: Singer/Songwriter, Sherma Andrews: “Messenger of Hope” Episode 24: Singer/Songwriter, Sherma Andrews: “Messenger of Hope” From Trinidad and Tobago to the world stage, Sherma Andrews' journey is nothing short of extraordinary.  Starting at Boston's Berklee School of Music, she's played with some of the greats at venues like Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden, leaving audiences spellbound.  Roberta talks to Sherma about some of her greatest inspirations (Aretha, Whitney, Billie) and her lifelong mission of being a messenger of hope.

Things we talked about in this episode:

Sherma Andrews Website

Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland

Billboard Music Awards

Ridgewood Library’s 100th Anniversary Celebration (Sherma enters at 1:16)

Berklee College of Music

The Lincoln Center

Other Musicians mentioned:

Aretha Franklin

Branford Marsalis

Britney Spears

Chaka Khan 

Donna Summer

Etta James

Michael Feinstein

Roberta Flack 

Whitney Houston

Episode Credits:

  • Thanks to Sherma for providing clips. “Looking for Something” from her album Guilty, is written and performed by Sherma Andrews. 
  • “I Have Nothing” appears on her album Legendary Lady Singers is written by David Foster and Linda Thompson “"
  • Over the Rainbow", from the Ridgewood Library’s 100th anniversary celebration is written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Editing by Melissa Egan and Roberta Panjwani. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you at the next bend in the road.





]]> From Trinidad and Tobago to the world stage, Sherma Andrews' journey is nothing short of extraordinary.  Starting at Boston's Berklee School of Music, she's played with some of the greats at venues like Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden, leaving audiences spellbound.  Roberta talks to Sherma about some of her greatest inspirations (Aretha, Whitney, Billie) and her lifelong mission of being a messenger of hope.

Things we talked about in this episode:

Sherma Andrews Website

Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland

Billboard Music Awards

Ridgewood Library’s 100th Anniversary Celebration (Sherma enters at 1:16)

Berklee College of Music

The Lincoln Center

Other Musicians mentioned:

Aretha Franklin

Branford Marsalis

Britney Spears

Chaka Khan 

Donna Summer

Etta James

Michael Feinstein

Roberta Flack 

Whitney Houston

Episode Credits:

  • Thanks to Sherma for providing clips. “Looking for Something” from her album Guilty, is written and performed by Sherma Andrews. 
  • “I Have Nothing” appears on her album Legendary Lady Singers is written by David Foster and Linda Thompson “"
  • Over the Rainbow", from the Ridgewood Library’s 100th anniversary celebration is written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. 
  • Editing by Melissa Egan and Roberta Panjwani. 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you at the next bend in the road.





]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-14813396 Wed, 03 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400 1819 1 24 full false Episode 23: Fernando Fernandez, From Wall Street to Wine country Episode 23: Fernando Fernandez, From Wall Street to Wine country Fernando Fernandez has always had a passion for wine, so when his time in NYC's financial industry was thrown into chaos by the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, he transformed that passion into an award-winning career out on the opposite coast. Join A Bend in the Road host Roberta Panjwani as she talks to Fernando about Puerto Rico, his favorite places to spend time, and creating a meaningful label.

Things we talked about in this episode:

Colluvialwine.com
Ron del Barrilito rum
Wine Education Council
Allen Meadows’ Burgohund
Felix Bonilla - artist
Willem de Kooning - artist
Blind Ambition - documentary
Mondovino - documentary
Colluvial Wine Facebook
Colluvial Wine Instagram
Harriman State Park

Episode Credits: 

  • Our thanks to Fernando Fernandez for joining us in the studio today and for our colleague and friend Theresa Callaghan for the introduction
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producers and editors for this episode are Melissa Egan and me, Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • The clip of Allen Meadows is courtesy of the Wine Education Council 
  • Finally, the clinking and clanking you heard while Fernando was talking about his wines were, in fact, his wines! Or at least their lovely bottles.
]]> Fernando Fernandez has always had a passion for wine, so when his time in NYC's financial industry was thrown into chaos by the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, he transformed that passion into an award-winning career out on the opposite coast. Join A Bend in the Road host Roberta Panjwani as she talks to Fernando about Puerto Rico, his favorite places to spend time, and creating a meaningful label.

Things we talked about in this episode:

Colluvialwine.com
Ron del Barrilito rum
Wine Education Council
Allen Meadows’ Burgohund
Felix Bonilla - artist
Willem de Kooning - artist
Blind Ambition - documentary
Mondovino - documentary
Colluvial Wine Facebook
Colluvial Wine Instagram
Harriman State Park

Episode Credits: 

  • Our thanks to Fernando Fernandez for joining us in the studio today and for our colleague and friend Theresa Callaghan for the introduction
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producers and editors for this episode are Melissa Egan and me, Elias Rosner. 
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • The clip of Allen Meadows is courtesy of the Wine Education Council 
  • Finally, the clinking and clanking you heard while Fernando was talking about his wines were, in fact, his wines! Or at least their lovely bottles.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-14633210 Wed, 06 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500 2066 1 23 full false Episode 22: Deborah Kampmeier, "The Gilded Age" Director Episode 22: Deborah Kampmeier, "The Gilded Age" Director Deborah Kampmeier's move from the independent filmmaker on silver screen to prestige TV on The Gilded Age has a surprise first act appearance from Oprah and Ava DuVernay? Join Deborah as she sits down with Bend in the Road host Roberta Panjwani to talk about “The Ava Effect,” an accidental email that connected her to many of the best directors in the business, and some fascinating moments from Season 2 of The Gilded Age and Harlan Coben’s Shelter.

Things we talked about in this episode:
Deborahkampmeier.com
Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY arts & social impact collective
Queen Sugar on OWN
The Gilded Age on HBO
Harlan Coben's Shelter on Prime
Star Trek: Picard on Paramount+

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Deborah Kampmeier for being with us today
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editors are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Elias Rosner and Melissa Egan
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Audio clips are courtesy of HBO Max and Amazon Prime
]]> Deborah Kampmeier's move from the independent filmmaker on silver screen to prestige TV on The Gilded Age has a surprise first act appearance from Oprah and Ava DuVernay? Join Deborah as she sits down with Bend in the Road host Roberta Panjwani to talk about “The Ava Effect,” an accidental email that connected her to many of the best directors in the business, and some fascinating moments from Season 2 of The Gilded Age and Harlan Coben’s Shelter.

Things we talked about in this episode:
Deborahkampmeier.com
Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY arts & social impact collective
Queen Sugar on OWN
The Gilded Age on HBO
Harlan Coben's Shelter on Prime
Star Trek: Picard on Paramount+

Episode Credits

  • Our thanks to Deborah Kampmeier for being with us today
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editors are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Elias Rosner and Melissa Egan
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Audio clips are courtesy of HBO Max and Amazon Prime
]]> Buzzsprout-14446683 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500 2132 1 22 full false Episode 21: Victim Advocates Aiza Stevens & Hoku and Library Therapy Dog Coordinator Victoria Schnure Episode 21: Victim Advocates Aiza Stevens & Hoku and Library Therapy Dog Coordinator Victoria Schnure As we embark on Year 3 of our podcast journey, A Bend in the Road is thrilled to share an inspiring episode that we hope will warm your hearts this winter. Joining us in this episode is Aiza Stevens and the incredible therapy dog Hoku, both vital members of the Orem Police Department's Victim Advocacy Program in Utah, along with Ridgewood Public Library’s very own Victoria Schnure, who helps run the library's fantastic Read to a Dog program. Both discuss their passion for what they do and their hope for the future. Stay tuned at the end for a special appearance by Carol and Liberty, the therapy dog as they prepare to hear a wonderful story from a young reader. 

Things we talked about in this episode: 

Additional therapy dog programs in Utah that were mentioned:

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editors are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Elias Rosner .
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Audio clips are courtesy Aiza Stevens and KEUR Radio.
  • Special thanks to Aiza Stevens and Hoku for joining us today from the Orem Police Dept, to our very own Victoria Schnure for sharing her experience coordinating the Ridgewood Library's Read of to a Dog program and to Carol & therapy dog Liberty.
]]> As we embark on Year 3 of our podcast journey, A Bend in the Road is thrilled to share an inspiring episode that we hope will warm your hearts this winter. Joining us in this episode is Aiza Stevens and the incredible therapy dog Hoku, both vital members of the Orem Police Department's Victim Advocacy Program in Utah, along with Ridgewood Public Library’s very own Victoria Schnure, who helps run the library's fantastic Read to a Dog program. Both discuss their passion for what they do and their hope for the future. Stay tuned at the end for a special appearance by Carol and Liberty, the therapy dog as they prepare to hear a wonderful story from a young reader. 

Things we talked about in this episode: 

Additional therapy dog programs in Utah that were mentioned:

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producers for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editors are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Our Digital Media Producer is Elias Rosner .
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Audio clips are courtesy Aiza Stevens and KEUR Radio.
  • Special thanks to Aiza Stevens and Hoku for joining us today from the Orem Police Dept, to our very own Victoria Schnure for sharing her experience coordinating the Ridgewood Library's Read of to a Dog program and to Carol & therapy dog Liberty.
]]> Aiza Stevens and Victoria Schnure Buzzsprout-14235826 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500 1512 1 21 full false Episode 20: Roger Durling, Santa Barbara Film Festival Executive Director Episode 20: Roger Durling, Santa Barbara Film Festival Executive Director From universities to coffee shops, from Broadway shows to the local movie theater, from Panama to NJ to France to NY to Santa Barbara, our guest this episode has had quite the journey to where he is now. Join guest host Diane Sims for a riveting conversation with Roger Durling, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Film Festival for the last 20 years, on how he fell in love with the silver screen, found his way to Santa Barbara, and saved & transformed the nearly dead film festival.

Things we talked about in this episode:
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Cinema In Flux by Roger Durling
SBIFF 2023 - Angela Bassett Discusses "The Jacksons" & "What's Love Got To Do With It?"
SBIFF 2022 - Roger Durling Opening Night Speech
SBFF 2023 - Outstanding Performer of The Year Award Honoring Cate Blanchett (Complete Event)
The Telluride Film Festival
Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts
The Peddie School

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is Melissa Egan.
  • Our editors are Melissa Egan and Roberta Panjwani with additional edits by Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Melissa Egan
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Roger Durling and our guest host Diane Sims
  • Clips of Roger Durling and Angela Bassett are courtesy of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival
]]> From universities to coffee shops, from Broadway shows to the local movie theater, from Panama to NJ to France to NY to Santa Barbara, our guest this episode has had quite the journey to where he is now. Join guest host Diane Sims for a riveting conversation with Roger Durling, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Film Festival for the last 20 years, on how he fell in love with the silver screen, found his way to Santa Barbara, and saved & transformed the nearly dead film festival.

Things we talked about in this episode:
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Cinema In Flux by Roger Durling
SBIFF 2023 - Angela Bassett Discusses "The Jacksons" & "What's Love Got To Do With It?"
SBIFF 2022 - Roger Durling Opening Night Speech
SBFF 2023 - Outstanding Performer of The Year Award Honoring Cate Blanchett (Complete Event)
The Telluride Film Festival
Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts
The Peddie School

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is Melissa Egan.
  • Our editors are Melissa Egan and Roberta Panjwani with additional edits by Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Melissa Egan
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Roger Durling and our guest host Diane Sims
  • Clips of Roger Durling and Angela Bassett are courtesy of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival
]]> Roger Durling Buzzsprout-14094787 Wed, 06 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500 4313 1 20 full false Episode 19: Guggenheim Curator Megan Fontanella: "Every Painting Tells a Story" Episode 19: Guggenheim Curator Megan Fontanella: "Every Painting Tells a Story" You've certainly heard of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and its varied collections. What you may not know is what guides those collections. Megan Fontanella, the Guggenheim's Curator for Modern Art and Provenance, would tell you a good exhibit, and good art education, comes down to two statements: Every painting tells a story. Every object has lived a life. Join Roberta as she talks with Megan about those statements, about the history of the Gugg' and her role in bringing art to life.

Megan is a strategic leader, art historian, and curator whose research encompasses late 19th- and early 20th-century European and U.S. avant-gardes and specializes in the field of provenance research - the study of an object's ownership history, from its creation to present day. Since joining the curatorial staff at the Guggenheim in 2005, she has organized or co-organized over thirty exhibitions for the Guggenheim’s museums in Bilbao, New York, Venice, and formerly Berlin.

Things we talked about in this episode:

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Kandinsky and the “Blue Mountain”
Visionaries: Creating a Modern Guggenheim
Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Episode Credits:

  • Clips featured in this episode are courtesy of the Guggenheim Museum. Our thanks to Sara Fox for providing clearances. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is me, Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner with additional edits by Melissa Egan.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Megan Fontanella for being with us today.  
]]> You've certainly heard of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and its varied collections. What you may not know is what guides those collections. Megan Fontanella, the Guggenheim's Curator for Modern Art and Provenance, would tell you a good exhibit, and good art education, comes down to two statements: Every painting tells a story. Every object has lived a life. Join Roberta as she talks with Megan about those statements, about the history of the Gugg' and her role in bringing art to life.

Megan is a strategic leader, art historian, and curator whose research encompasses late 19th- and early 20th-century European and U.S. avant-gardes and specializes in the field of provenance research - the study of an object's ownership history, from its creation to present day. Since joining the curatorial staff at the Guggenheim in 2005, she has organized or co-organized over thirty exhibitions for the Guggenheim’s museums in Bilbao, New York, Venice, and formerly Berlin.

Things we talked about in this episode:

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Kandinsky and the “Blue Mountain”
Visionaries: Creating a Modern Guggenheim
Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Episode Credits:

  • Clips featured in this episode are courtesy of the Guggenheim Museum. Our thanks to Sara Fox for providing clearances. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer for this episode is me, Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editors are Roberta Panjwani and Elias Rosner with additional edits by Melissa Egan.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Megan Fontanella for being with us today.  
]]> Megan Fontanella Buzzsprout-13882470 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0400 2469 1 19 full false Episode 18: Author Gretchen Rubin: Get Happy Episode 18: Author Gretchen Rubin: Get Happy Yale graduate Gretchen Rubin had quite the pivot when she went from clerking for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to founding the Happiness Project. How that came to be and what her surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love entails (hint: tune in to the five senses) is the focus of this month's episode. An acclaimed communicator, known for her ability to distill and convey complex ideas with humor and clarity, Gretchen's books have sold millions of copies and been translated into over thirty languages, she has an award-winning podcast, and she also has an app. Join Roberta as she sits down with Gretchen to discuss this lifelong exploration into happiness, how we respond to expectations and her daily trips to the Met Museum.

Things We Talked About in This Episode:

Books: Life in Five Senses, The Four Tendencies, The Happiness Project, and more.
Podcasts: Get Happier and More Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Happier app
The Happiness Project
Quizzes: The Four Tendencies and Five Senses
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Episode Credits:

  • Clips featured in this episode are courtesy of Gretchen Rubin.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editor this episode is Roberta Panjwani with additional edits by Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Gretchen Rubin for being with us today.
  • You can find information about The Happiness Project and Gretchen’s books, podcasts, quizzes, resources, and articles at gretchenrubin.com.
]]> Yale graduate Gretchen Rubin had quite the pivot when she went from clerking for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to founding the Happiness Project. How that came to be and what her surprising path to a life of more energy, creativity, luck, and love entails (hint: tune in to the five senses) is the focus of this month's episode. An acclaimed communicator, known for her ability to distill and convey complex ideas with humor and clarity, Gretchen's books have sold millions of copies and been translated into over thirty languages, she has an award-winning podcast, and she also has an app. Join Roberta as she sits down with Gretchen to discuss this lifelong exploration into happiness, how we respond to expectations and her daily trips to the Met Museum.

Things We Talked About in This Episode:

Books: Life in Five Senses, The Four Tendencies, The Happiness Project, and more.
Podcasts: Get Happier and More Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Happier app
The Happiness Project
Quizzes: The Four Tendencies and Five Senses
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Episode Credits:

  • Clips featured in this episode are courtesy of Gretchen Rubin.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editor this episode is Roberta Panjwani with additional edits by Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Gretchen Rubin for being with us today.
  • You can find information about The Happiness Project and Gretchen’s books, podcasts, quizzes, resources, and articles at gretchenrubin.com.
]]> Gretchen Rubin Buzzsprout-13709766 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400 2125 1 18 full false Episode 17: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: Learning to Be Brave Episode 17: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: Learning to Be Brave "Being brave is not a singular occurrence; it’s a journey that we can choose to undertake every day. " - How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith and Life, 

In June of 2020, with the eyes of the world watching and the ears of the world listening,  Bishop Mariann Budde had the courage to speak up about the mistreatment of protestors at the hands of the police and the misuse of St. John's Church in Washington D.C.  Her experience during that time, and the days and weeks that followed, led her to write How We Learn to be Brave.

As the ninth bishop of Washington, Bishop Budde is the spiritual leader for 86 Episcopal congregations and ten Episcopal schools in the District of Columbia and four Maryland counties. She is also the first woman elected to this position. Join Roberta as she talks to Bishop Budde about that seminal moment in 2020, courage and faith, and a little bit of Eleanor Roosevelt to round things out.

Things we talked about in this episode:

Episcopal Diocese of Washington
How to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith and Life
Eleanor Roosevelt: The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

Episode Credits

  • Clips featured are copyright FDR Library and CNN.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Our thanks to Bishop Mariann Budde for being with us today.
  • You can find How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith and Life wherever you get your books. For  more information about all of Bishop Budde’s writings and work, please visit the Episcopal Diocese of Washington at edow.org.
]]> "Being brave is not a singular occurrence; it’s a journey that we can choose to undertake every day. " - How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith and Life, 

In June of 2020, with the eyes of the world watching and the ears of the world listening,  Bishop Mariann Budde had the courage to speak up about the mistreatment of protestors at the hands of the police and the misuse of St. John's Church in Washington D.C.  Her experience during that time, and the days and weeks that followed, led her to write How We Learn to be Brave.

As the ninth bishop of Washington, Bishop Budde is the spiritual leader for 86 Episcopal congregations and ten Episcopal schools in the District of Columbia and four Maryland counties. She is also the first woman elected to this position. Join Roberta as she talks to Bishop Budde about that seminal moment in 2020, courage and faith, and a little bit of Eleanor Roosevelt to round things out.

Things we talked about in this episode:

Episcopal Diocese of Washington
How to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith and Life
Eleanor Roosevelt: The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

Episode Credits

  • Clips featured are copyright FDR Library and CNN.
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Our thanks to Bishop Mariann Budde for being with us today.
  • You can find How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith and Life wherever you get your books. For  more information about all of Bishop Budde’s writings and work, please visit the Episcopal Diocese of Washington at edow.org.
]]> Buzzsprout-13535231 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400 2599 1 17 full false Episode 16: One Weekend This Summer: Our Time in the Canyon with Joni, Brandi & 27,000 Friends Episode 16: One Weekend This Summer: Our Time in the Canyon with Joni, Brandi & 27,000 Friends Take a trip to the Pacific Northwest with Roberta to experience the epic return of the legendary musician Joni Mitchell during Brandi Carlile’s “Echoes through the Canyon” weekend at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington State. Roberta talks with concertgoers who traveled across the country—and the world–about the impact that Joni and music has played in their lives. We hear many remarkable moments from the June 9 & 10, 2023 shows featuring Joni, Brandi, Sarah McLachlan, Annie Lennox, Marcus Mumford and many more. Highlights include “A Case of Blue,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Both Sides Now,” and “The Circle Game.”

Things we talked about in this episode:
Gorge Amphitheatre
Joni Mitchell at Newport CD featuring the Joni Jam

The Musicians
Joni Mitchell
Brandi Carlile
Annie Lennox
Sarah McLachlan
Marcus Mumford
Allison Russell
Lucius
Taylor Goldsmith
Blake Mills
Celisse Henderson
Wendy & Lisa
Ben Lusher
Tim Hanseroth
Phil Hanseroth
Rick Whitfield
Josh Neumann

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Editor for this episode is Roberta Panjwani with consultation from Diane Sims and additional edits from Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Special thanks to the Gorge Amphitheatre, Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Sarah McLachlan, Marcus Mumford and all of the musicians featured in this episode.
  • Additional thanks to Greg Raj, Kelly, Ellen and everyone who shared their experiences. And to Andrea–this episode is for you.
]]> Take a trip to the Pacific Northwest with Roberta to experience the epic return of the legendary musician Joni Mitchell during Brandi Carlile’s “Echoes through the Canyon” weekend at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington State. Roberta talks with concertgoers who traveled across the country—and the world–about the impact that Joni and music has played in their lives. We hear many remarkable moments from the June 9 & 10, 2023 shows featuring Joni, Brandi, Sarah McLachlan, Annie Lennox, Marcus Mumford and many more. Highlights include “A Case of Blue,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Both Sides Now,” and “The Circle Game.”

Things we talked about in this episode:
Gorge Amphitheatre
Joni Mitchell at Newport CD featuring the Joni Jam

The Musicians
Joni Mitchell
Brandi Carlile
Annie Lennox
Sarah McLachlan
Marcus Mumford
Allison Russell
Lucius
Taylor Goldsmith
Blake Mills
Celisse Henderson
Wendy & Lisa
Ben Lusher
Tim Hanseroth
Phil Hanseroth
Rick Whitfield
Josh Neumann

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Editor for this episode is Roberta Panjwani with consultation from Diane Sims and additional edits from Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Special thanks to the Gorge Amphitheatre, Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Sarah McLachlan, Marcus Mumford and all of the musicians featured in this episode.
  • Additional thanks to Greg Raj, Kelly, Ellen and everyone who shared their experiences. And to Andrea–this episode is for you.
]]> Ridgewood Public Library Buzzsprout-13244743 Wed, 19 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0400 5171 1 16 full false Episode 15: String Things Studio Owner Felicia Eve Episode 15: String Things Studio Owner Felicia Eve Felicia Eve has been everything: a podiatrist, a stay at home mom, a fundraising consultant, and, currently, a business owner as the CEO and founder of String Thing Studio, a yarn shop in Brooklyn. Join Felicia as she sits down with host Roberta and shares her stories on life, loss, and most importantly, yarn.

Things we Discussed in the Episode:

String Thing Studio

Felicia on Now This News

Keep a Child Alive

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Olivia Esteban.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Olivia Esteban.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Special thanks to Felicia and Parker for being with us today.
]]> Felicia Eve has been everything: a podiatrist, a stay at home mom, a fundraising consultant, and, currently, a business owner as the CEO and founder of String Thing Studio, a yarn shop in Brooklyn. Join Felicia as she sits down with host Roberta and shares her stories on life, loss, and most importantly, yarn.

Things we Discussed in the Episode:

String Thing Studio

Felicia on Now This News

Keep a Child Alive

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Olivia Esteban.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Olivia Esteban.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Special thanks to Felicia and Parker for being with us today.
]]> Felicia Eve Buzzsprout-12989890 Wed, 21 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400 2396 1 15 full false Episode 14: Writer Ben Greenman Episode 14: Writer Ben Greenman Have you ever thought about sneezing on Larry King? Well, if you have, then you and Ben Greenman have that in common. Join Roberta Panjwani as she interviews Ben about some of his work and his forays into almost becoming a doctor. For the unfamiliar, Ben Greenman is the New York Times bestselling author of The Slippage and Superbad and the former longtime editor for The New Yorker. Not content to only do that, he’s also Questlove’s long-time collaborator and has written memoirs with George Clinton and Brian Wilson as well.

Things we Discussed in the Episode:

Ben’s Books

Ben in the New Yorker

Ben in the New York Times

Interview with Questlove and George Clinton

Prince Interview

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Olivia Esteban.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Olivia Esteban.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Special thanks to Ben for being with us today.
]]> Have you ever thought about sneezing on Larry King? Well, if you have, then you and Ben Greenman have that in common. Join Roberta Panjwani as she interviews Ben about some of his work and his forays into almost becoming a doctor. For the unfamiliar, Ben Greenman is the New York Times bestselling author of The Slippage and Superbad and the former longtime editor for The New Yorker. Not content to only do that, he’s also Questlove’s long-time collaborator and has written memoirs with George Clinton and Brian Wilson as well.

Things we Discussed in the Episode:

Ben’s Books

Ben in the New Yorker

Ben in the New York Times

Interview with Questlove and George Clinton

Prince Interview

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Olivia Esteban.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Olivia Esteban.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Special thanks to Ben for being with us today.
]]> Buzzsprout-12859285 Wed, 17 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400 2169 1 14 full false Episode 13: Oprah's Book Club Director Leigh Haber Episode 13: Oprah's Book Club Director Leigh Haber You know Oprah? Yeah. That Oprah. We don’t have Oprah but we do have the next best thing. Leigh Haber is the editor and former Vice President of Book at O magazine. Join us as she joins host Roberta Panjwani on a deep dive into Leigh’s role as Director of Oprah’s Book Club, what it’s like to interview writers (or as she calls them, Rock Stars) and the power of books to make change and do good in the world. 

Things we Discussed In the Episode:

Oprah's Book Club

Colum McCann Interview

Diana Gabaldon Interview

You Are Here by Karen Lin-Greenberg

Victory City by Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie New Yorker Article

Dances by Nicole Cuffy

A Small Sacrifice for Enormous Happiness by Jai Chakrabarti


Episode Credits:
Special thanks to Leigh for being with us today.

A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.

Our Associate Producer and Editor for this episode is Olivia Esteban with additional edits by Elias Rosner.

Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.

Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Olivia Esteban.

Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.

Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.

]]> You know Oprah? Yeah. That Oprah. We don’t have Oprah but we do have the next best thing. Leigh Haber is the editor and former Vice President of Book at O magazine. Join us as she joins host Roberta Panjwani on a deep dive into Leigh’s role as Director of Oprah’s Book Club, what it’s like to interview writers (or as she calls them, Rock Stars) and the power of books to make change and do good in the world. 

Things we Discussed In the Episode:

Oprah's Book Club

Colum McCann Interview

Diana Gabaldon Interview

You Are Here by Karen Lin-Greenberg

Victory City by Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie New Yorker Article

Dances by Nicole Cuffy

A Small Sacrifice for Enormous Happiness by Jai Chakrabarti


Episode Credits:
Special thanks to Leigh for being with us today.

A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.

Our Associate Producer and Editor for this episode is Olivia Esteban with additional edits by Elias Rosner.

Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.

Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Olivia Esteban.

Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.

Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.

]]> Buzzsprout-12306921 Wed, 19 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400 2458 1 13 full false Episode 12: Actor Robert Sean Leonard Episode 12: Actor Robert Sean Leonard What do you want to do? Who do you want to be? These are the questions that Tony Award winning actor Robert Sean Leonard grapples with. Join him and Roberta as they talk about his work as an actor and some of the artists he’s collaborated with. Wondering why that name sounds familiar? You might recognize Robert as Neil Perry from Dead Poets Society, Dr. James Wilson in House MD, or onstage as Edmund on O’Neill’s A Long Day's Journey Into Night.

Things we Discussed in the Episode:

Dead Poets Society
House M.D.
The Invention of Love
Arcadia
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
The Gilded Age

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Olivia Esteban.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Olivia Esteban.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Special thanks to Robert for being with us today.
]]> What do you want to do? Who do you want to be? These are the questions that Tony Award winning actor Robert Sean Leonard grapples with. Join him and Roberta as they talk about his work as an actor and some of the artists he’s collaborated with. Wondering why that name sounds familiar? You might recognize Robert as Neil Perry from Dead Poets Society, Dr. James Wilson in House MD, or onstage as Edmund on O’Neill’s A Long Day's Journey Into Night.

Things we Discussed in the Episode:

Dead Poets Society
House M.D.
The Invention of Love
Arcadia
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
The Gilded Age

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Olivia Esteban.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Olivia Esteban.
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Special thanks to Robert for being with us today.
]]> Robert Sean Leonard Buzzsprout-12400371 Wed, 15 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400 2468 1 12 full false Episode 11: Comedian and NPR Host Ophira Eisenberg Episode 11: Comedian and NPR Host Ophira Eisenberg Hot off the release of her latest standup comedy special, Plant Based Jokes, comedian and podcast host Ophira Eisenberg joins Roberta to discuss what it’s like to tell stories at The Moth, the riskiness involved with audience interactions, and how storytelling has changed since the pandemic. Ophira is currently the host of the podcast Parenting Is A Joke and as well as hosting the now-concluded Ask Me Another, NPR’s comedy trivia show, with Jonathan Coulter for 9 years.

Things we Discussed in the Episode:

Ophira’s Website: www.ophiraeisenberg.com 

Plant Based Jokes: https://800pgr.lnk.to/PlantBasedJokesID

Parenting Is A Joke: https://link.chtbl.com/PIAJ

Ophira on the Moth: https://themoth.org/search/results?q=ophira

NPR’s Ask Me Another: https://www.npr.org/programs/ask-me-another/ 

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Olivia Esteban
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Olivia Esteban
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Special thanks to Ophira for being with us today
]]> Hot off the release of her latest standup comedy special, Plant Based Jokes, comedian and podcast host Ophira Eisenberg joins Roberta to discuss what it’s like to tell stories at The Moth, the riskiness involved with audience interactions, and how storytelling has changed since the pandemic. Ophira is currently the host of the podcast Parenting Is A Joke and as well as hosting the now-concluded Ask Me Another, NPR’s comedy trivia show, with Jonathan Coulter for 9 years.

Things we Discussed in the Episode:

Ophira’s Website: www.ophiraeisenberg.com 

Plant Based Jokes: https://800pgr.lnk.to/PlantBasedJokesID

Parenting Is A Joke: https://link.chtbl.com/PIAJ

Ophira on the Moth: https://themoth.org/search/results?q=ophira

NPR’s Ask Me Another: https://www.npr.org/programs/ask-me-another/ 

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Olivia Esteban
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Olivia Esteban
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Special thanks to Ophira for being with us today
]]> Buzzsprout-12211126 Tue, 14 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0500 1840 1 11 full false Episode 10: True Crime Author Sarah Weinman Episode 10: True Crime Author Sarah Weinman Best-selling author Sarah Weinman loves true crime and loves wondering why we all love true crime. Her books probe these questions and more, bolstered by impeccable research, immensely readable prose and, at the heart of the story, the desire to present the humanity of the subjects, not the perpetrators, of the crimes. Join Roberta as she talks with Sarah from her home in Brooklyn about her books The Real Lolita, Scoundrel, & Women Crime Writers of the 1940 & 1950s and the reasons why we are all so obsessed with true crime.

Things discussed in the episode:
Sarah Weinman’s Website
Serial Podcast
New York Times Crime Column
Etan Patz Case
Firing Line with William F. Buckley Jr.: “The Edgar Smith Story: Part I,” Firing Line broadcast records, Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Program S0029
Dorothy B. Hughes- In A Lonely Place (Amazon)
Crime Reads Article: "In A Lonely Place and Postwar America"
Robin Gigl
Stephen Spotswood
Danya Kukafka

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Olivia Esteban
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • The clip from Firing Line with William F. Buckley is copyrighted by the Hoover Institution.
  • Special thanks to Sarah for being with us today.
  • Transition music via https://www.FesliyanStudios.com
]]> Best-selling author Sarah Weinman loves true crime and loves wondering why we all love true crime. Her books probe these questions and more, bolstered by impeccable research, immensely readable prose and, at the heart of the story, the desire to present the humanity of the subjects, not the perpetrators, of the crimes. Join Roberta as she talks with Sarah from her home in Brooklyn about her books The Real Lolita, Scoundrel, & Women Crime Writers of the 1940 & 1950s and the reasons why we are all so obsessed with true crime.

Things discussed in the episode:
Sarah Weinman’s Website
Serial Podcast
New York Times Crime Column
Etan Patz Case
Firing Line with William F. Buckley Jr.: “The Edgar Smith Story: Part I,” Firing Line broadcast records, Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Program S0029
Dorothy B. Hughes- In A Lonely Place (Amazon)
Crime Reads Article: "In A Lonely Place and Postwar America"
Robin Gigl
Stephen Spotswood
Danya Kukafka

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Olivia Esteban
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • The clip from Firing Line with William F. Buckley is copyrighted by the Hoover Institution.
  • Special thanks to Sarah for being with us today.
  • Transition music via https://www.FesliyanStudios.com
]]> Sarah Weinman Buzzsprout-12063437 Wed, 18 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0500 2605 1 10 full false Episode 9: Nina Groop & Noah Taylor: Telling the Truth to Ourselves Episode 9: Nina Groop & Noah Taylor: Telling the Truth to Ourselves When one shares a story, they can become a part of a healing and empowering experience. Stories are powerful - cathartic, emotive, and full of truths, hidden or not - and our guests this week know that quite well. Nina is a life coach and the author of a new book Creek Music: What a Year in the Woods Taught Me About Seasons, Surrender and Joy. Her son Noah Taylor is a 28 year old café manager, storyteller and an aspiring writer. They are frequent performers at the The Moth StorySLAMS in Philly. Join host Roberta Panjwani as she talks with them about their experiences on the stage, how they got there, and the life events that shaped what they tell and how they tell it.

Links for things discussed in the episode:
Nina Groop's Website
The Moth

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Sabrina Garcia 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • The excerpt you heard at the beginning of the episode is from Nina's new book: Creek Music: What a Year in the Woods Taught Me about Seasons, Surrender & Joy.
]]> When one shares a story, they can become a part of a healing and empowering experience. Stories are powerful - cathartic, emotive, and full of truths, hidden or not - and our guests this week know that quite well. Nina is a life coach and the author of a new book Creek Music: What a Year in the Woods Taught Me About Seasons, Surrender and Joy. Her son Noah Taylor is a 28 year old café manager, storyteller and an aspiring writer. They are frequent performers at the The Moth StorySLAMS in Philly. Join host Roberta Panjwani as she talks with them about their experiences on the stage, how they got there, and the life events that shaped what they tell and how they tell it.

Links for things discussed in the episode:
Nina Groop's Website
The Moth

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Sabrina Garcia 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • The excerpt you heard at the beginning of the episode is from Nina's new book: Creek Music: What a Year in the Woods Taught Me about Seasons, Surrender & Joy.
]]> Nina Groop; Noah Taylor Buzzsprout-11897905 Wed, 21 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500 1931 1 9 full false Episode 8: Maite Alberdi: The Most Heartwarming Spy Movie Ever Made Episode 8: Maite Alberdi: The Most Heartwarming Spy Movie Ever Made Director Maite Alberdi had a great idea for a new film, one that merged her love of film noir with documentaries, so she began working as an assistant to a Chilean private eye. But when the lead detective broke his hip before filming, she wound up making a very different film - a film that earned her a nomination for a 2021 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Join Roberta as she sits down with Maite to discuss The Mole Agent, filmmaking and the importance of community during any season of life.

Links for things discussed in the episode:
Micromundo Productions
Maite and The Mole Agent
Maite’s new project: The Eternal Memory

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Consulting for this episode done by Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Sabrina Garcia.
  • Logo and website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • We are grateful to Maite Alberdi and Daniela Sandoval and to Micromundo Productions for permission to include audio clips from The Mole Agent.
  • Original music from The Mole Agent composed by Vincent Van Warmerdam. Additional music composed by Jose Luis Perales ["Te Quiero"]
]]> Director Maite Alberdi had a great idea for a new film, one that merged her love of film noir with documentaries, so she began working as an assistant to a Chilean private eye. But when the lead detective broke his hip before filming, she wound up making a very different film - a film that earned her a nomination for a 2021 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Join Roberta as she sits down with Maite to discuss The Mole Agent, filmmaking and the importance of community during any season of life.

Links for things discussed in the episode:
Micromundo Productions
Maite and The Mole Agent
Maite’s new project: The Eternal Memory

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
  • Consulting for this episode done by Diane Sims.
  • Our Assistant Producer is Elias Rosner.
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner.
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner.
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Sabrina Garcia.
  • Logo and website created by Parker Gaidimas.
  • We are grateful to Maite Alberdi and Daniela Sandoval and to Micromundo Productions for permission to include audio clips from The Mole Agent.
  • Original music from The Mole Agent composed by Vincent Van Warmerdam. Additional music composed by Jose Luis Perales ["Te Quiero"]
]]> Maite Alberdi Buzzsprout-11700142 Wed, 16 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500 1860 1 8 full false Episode 7: Pádraig Ó Tuama, Part 2: Saying Hello to the Questions Episode 7: Pádraig Ó Tuama, Part 2: Saying Hello to the Questions As a youth growing up in Ireland, and in the tall shadow of the Catholic Church, Pádraig Ó Tuama grappled with questions of acceptance and identity.  In part 2 of our interview with the poet and theologian, we dig into those questions and what innate sensibility gave him the fortitude to step into those headwinds, instead of turning away, with a brief stop in the land of knitable television near the end.

For those just joining us, Pádraig is an Irish poet and the host of the hugely popular podcast Poetry Unbound - now on its sixth season - as well as a theologian and conflict mediator. This episode is guest hosted by Diane Sims.

Links mentioned in the show:
Padraig's Website
The TenX9 Project
Corrymeela
Morton Deutsch
Billy Collins
Six Feet Under
“If You’re Going To Look Like a Wolf They Have to Love You More Than Fear You”

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Sabrina Garcia 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Pádraig Ó Tuama for talking with us today and to Shannon Hearn for her help. 


]]> As a youth growing up in Ireland, and in the tall shadow of the Catholic Church, Pádraig Ó Tuama grappled with questions of acceptance and identity.  In part 2 of our interview with the poet and theologian, we dig into those questions and what innate sensibility gave him the fortitude to step into those headwinds, instead of turning away, with a brief stop in the land of knitable television near the end.

For those just joining us, Pádraig is an Irish poet and the host of the hugely popular podcast Poetry Unbound - now on its sixth season - as well as a theologian and conflict mediator. This episode is guest hosted by Diane Sims.

Links mentioned in the show:
Padraig's Website
The TenX9 Project
Corrymeela
Morton Deutsch
Billy Collins
Six Feet Under
“If You’re Going To Look Like a Wolf They Have to Love You More Than Fear You”

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producers are Elias Rosner and Sabrina Garcia 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Special thanks to Pádraig Ó Tuama for talking with us today and to Shannon Hearn for her help. 


]]> Pádraig Ó Tuama Buzzsprout-11564893 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 18:00:00 -0400 1902 7 1 full false Episode 6: Pádraig Ó Tuama, Part 1: In the Shelter of Each Other Episode 6: Pádraig Ó Tuama, Part 1: In the Shelter of Each Other What power does poetry have to help us navigate the challenges of life? How do we approach art and how does it approach us? Join our guest host Diane Sims for a journey through these questions, and many others, with Pádraig Ó Tuama as he shares his relationship with art, reconciliation and the ongoing road toward finding ourselves in an episode so big, we had to split it into two. For those new to Pádraig's work, he is an Irish poet and the host of the hugely popular podcast Poetry Unbound - now on its sixth season - as well as a theologian and conflict mediator. Part 2 will be available on October 26.

Links mentioned in the show:
Padraig's Website
The TenX9 Project
Corrymeela
Morton Deutsch
Billy Collins

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner and Sabrina Garcia 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Please join us again in a week for Part 2 of Diane’s conversation with Pádraig Ó Tuama.
]]> What power does poetry have to help us navigate the challenges of life? How do we approach art and how does it approach us? Join our guest host Diane Sims for a journey through these questions, and many others, with Pádraig Ó Tuama as he shares his relationship with art, reconciliation and the ongoing road toward finding ourselves in an episode so big, we had to split it into two. For those new to Pádraig's work, he is an Irish poet and the host of the hugely popular podcast Poetry Unbound - now on its sixth season - as well as a theologian and conflict mediator. Part 2 will be available on October 26.

Links mentioned in the show:
Padraig's Website
The TenX9 Project
Corrymeela
Morton Deutsch
Billy Collins

Episode Credits

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner and Sabrina Garcia 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Please join us again in a week for Part 2 of Diane’s conversation with Pádraig Ó Tuama.
]]> Padraig O Tuama Buzzsprout-11521709 Wed, 19 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0400 2376 1 6 full false Episode 5: Curtis Duffy: One of the Best Chefs "Ever" Episode 5: Curtis Duffy: One of the Best Chefs "Ever" Before Curtis Duffy was a world-renowned, Michelin-starred chef and restaurant owner, he was a troubled youth, left alone as a teenager after experiencing unimaginable tragedies. That is, until he took a mandatory middle school home economics class, introducing Curtis to the kitchen, his gift and his purpose.

Join Roberta as she sits down with Curtis from his new Chicago-based restaurant Ever to talk about those early years and his rise to the top, indomitable work ethic and passion for motorcycles, tattoos and martial arts.

Special Event: On Nov 2, 2022 at 7:00pm (EST), the Ridgewood Library will show the 2016 documentary “For Grace,” which chronicles the creation of Curtis’s former restaurant and tells the riveting story of how the chef’s turbulent past shaped the person he is today. A live Q&A with directors Mark Helenowsk and Kevin Pang will follow the screening. This event is offered at the Ridgewood Library and via Zoom. Please visit ridgewoodlibrary.org for details and the Zoom link

For the curious, here are just a few of Curtis' accolades: Ever was awarded two Michelin stars in the 2022 Guide, Grace (his previous restaurant) earned three Michelin stars, four years in a row (2015-2018), two Michelin stars at Avenues at The Peninsula Hotel Chicago, Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star rating, AAA’s Five-Diamond rating, and the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef, Great Lakes Award in 2016.

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road from the Ridgewood Public Library was made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner and Sabrina Garcia 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Cover Photo of Curtis Duffy by Michael Muser 
  • We would like to thank Curtis Duffy for spending time with us today and Melissa Harris for helping us to put this interview together.
]]> Before Curtis Duffy was a world-renowned, Michelin-starred chef and restaurant owner, he was a troubled youth, left alone as a teenager after experiencing unimaginable tragedies. That is, until he took a mandatory middle school home economics class, introducing Curtis to the kitchen, his gift and his purpose.

Join Roberta as she sits down with Curtis from his new Chicago-based restaurant Ever to talk about those early years and his rise to the top, indomitable work ethic and passion for motorcycles, tattoos and martial arts.

Special Event: On Nov 2, 2022 at 7:00pm (EST), the Ridgewood Library will show the 2016 documentary “For Grace,” which chronicles the creation of Curtis’s former restaurant and tells the riveting story of how the chef’s turbulent past shaped the person he is today. A live Q&A with directors Mark Helenowsk and Kevin Pang will follow the screening. This event is offered at the Ridgewood Library and via Zoom. Please visit ridgewoodlibrary.org for details and the Zoom link

For the curious, here are just a few of Curtis' accolades: Ever was awarded two Michelin stars in the 2022 Guide, Grace (his previous restaurant) earned three Michelin stars, four years in a row (2015-2018), two Michelin stars at Avenues at The Peninsula Hotel Chicago, Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star rating, AAA’s Five-Diamond rating, and the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef, Great Lakes Award in 2016.

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road from the Ridgewood Public Library was made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 
  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner and Sabrina Garcia 
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Cover Photo of Curtis Duffy by Michael Muser 
  • We would like to thank Curtis Duffy for spending time with us today and Melissa Harris for helping us to put this interview together.
]]> Curtis Duffy Buzzsprout-11319733 Wed, 21 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0400 2661 1 5 full false Episode 4: Pippa Ehrlich: Free Dive Episode 4: Pippa Ehrlich: Free Dive How did one tiny octopus change so many lives?

To combat burnout and depression, filmmaker & diver Craig Foster had taken up diving in the icy waters of South Africa's Kelp Forest where he met one very special Common Octopus. A year of observing and filming the octopus' short life later, he sent the film to fellow documentarian Pippa Ehrlich, who crafted the footage into a meditation on the importance of wildlife and a moving tale about her friend and his octopus teacher.

Join Roberta as she chats with Pippa about the Academy-Award winning documentary, her work with the Sea Change Project, and some of her favorite advice from Jane Goodall.

This episode was originally recorded as part of the Ridgewood Public Library's Reel Voices program on July 14, 2021. It has been lightly edited for clarity.

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Our Digital Media producers are Sabrina Garcia and Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Very special thanks to our guest Pippa Ehrlich. 
  • My Octopus Teacher is a trademark and copyright of Off the Fence & the Sea Change Project. All rights reserved.
  • My Octopus Teacher can be streamed on Netflix. 
  • The film’s tie-in book Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World by Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck is available at the Ridgewood Library and wherever you get your books. The children’s picture book version Journey Under the Sea comes out this October.
  • Sound effects used include “Underwater Ambience” by Fission9
]]> How did one tiny octopus change so many lives?

To combat burnout and depression, filmmaker & diver Craig Foster had taken up diving in the icy waters of South Africa's Kelp Forest where he met one very special Common Octopus. A year of observing and filming the octopus' short life later, he sent the film to fellow documentarian Pippa Ehrlich, who crafted the footage into a meditation on the importance of wildlife and a moving tale about her friend and his octopus teacher.

Join Roberta as she chats with Pippa about the Academy-Award winning documentary, her work with the Sea Change Project, and some of her favorite advice from Jane Goodall.

This episode was originally recorded as part of the Ridgewood Public Library's Reel Voices program on July 14, 2021. It has been lightly edited for clarity.

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Our Digital Media producers are Sabrina Garcia and Elias Rosner
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Very special thanks to our guest Pippa Ehrlich. 
  • My Octopus Teacher is a trademark and copyright of Off the Fence & the Sea Change Project. All rights reserved.
  • My Octopus Teacher can be streamed on Netflix. 
  • The film’s tie-in book Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World by Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck is available at the Ridgewood Library and wherever you get your books. The children’s picture book version Journey Under the Sea comes out this October.
  • Sound effects used include “Underwater Ambience” by Fission9
]]> Pippa Erlich Buzzsprout-11140401 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0400 2012 1 4 full false Episode 3: Olivia Barkley: Dreams From the Depths Episode 3: Olivia Barkley: Dreams From the Depths Olivia Barkley loved diving. She ate, slept and breathed it, so much that her one dream was to get a full diving scholarship at a Division 1 school. After a serious accident on a dive left her with a life-altering concussion, the dream vanished…and then reformed in an unexpected new way.

Join Roberta as she sits down with Olivia to discuss how she managed the many different types of loss, how she found a new identity, and what it’s like to run an Ultra Marathon (50km!).

And did we mention she sings too?

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Consulting for this episode done by Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner
  • Our Digital Media producer is Sabrina Garcia
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Consulting for this episode done by Diane Sims
  • Additional consultation from Nancy Carswell and Andrea Panjwani.
  • Thanks to our guest Olivia Barkley for sharing her story–and, yes, for singing for us today. 
  • All I Know So Far is written by Alecia Moore, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and Cover Me In Sunshine is written by Maureen Anne McDonald and Amy Rose Allen 
]]> Olivia Barkley loved diving. She ate, slept and breathed it, so much that her one dream was to get a full diving scholarship at a Division 1 school. After a serious accident on a dive left her with a life-altering concussion, the dream vanished…and then reformed in an unexpected new way.

Join Roberta as she sits down with Olivia to discuss how she managed the many different types of loss, how she found a new identity, and what it’s like to run an Ultra Marathon (50km!).

And did we mention she sings too?

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Consulting for this episode done by Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner
  • Our Digital Media producer is Sabrina Garcia
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Consulting for this episode done by Diane Sims
  • Additional consultation from Nancy Carswell and Andrea Panjwani.
  • Thanks to our guest Olivia Barkley for sharing her story–and, yes, for singing for us today. 
  • All I Know So Far is written by Alecia Moore, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and Cover Me In Sunshine is written by Maureen Anne McDonald and Amy Rose Allen 
]]> Olivia Barkley Buzzsprout-10964698 Wed, 20 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0400 1432 1 3 full false Episode 2: Florence Williams: The Science of Awe Episode 2: Florence Williams: The Science of Awe Florence Williams is a contributing editor for Outside magazine and the New York Times bestselling author of Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey (2022) and The Nature Fix (2017). For the unfamiliar, these books ask questions like: Why do the emotional effects of heartbreak manifest physically? and; how can exposure to nature make: us healthier, not only physically but mentally, emotionally, and socially too?

In this episode, Florence joins Roberta from her home in Washington, D.C. to discuss these questions, the difficult life changes that underpin them and how, to get us all outside, she claimed Oscar Wilde’s famously generous definition of nature: “Nature is where the birds fly around uncooked.”

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Consulting for this episode done by Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner
  • Our Digital Media producer is Sabrina Garcia
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Special thanks to our guest, Florence Williams. For more information about Florence Williams’ books, podcasts, retreats and more, please visit florencewilliams.com
  • Sound effects used include "Footsteps, Dry Leaves, G.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org
]]> Florence Williams is a contributing editor for Outside magazine and the New York Times bestselling author of Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey (2022) and The Nature Fix (2017). For the unfamiliar, these books ask questions like: Why do the emotional effects of heartbreak manifest physically? and; how can exposure to nature make: us healthier, not only physically but mentally, emotionally, and socially too?

In this episode, Florence joins Roberta from her home in Washington, D.C. to discuss these questions, the difficult life changes that underpin them and how, to get us all outside, she claimed Oscar Wilde’s famously generous definition of nature: “Nature is where the birds fly around uncooked.”

Episode Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Consulting for this episode done by Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is me, Elias Rosner
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner
  • Our Digital Media producer is Sabrina Garcia
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Special thanks to our guest, Florence Williams. For more information about Florence Williams’ books, podcasts, retreats and more, please visit florencewilliams.com
  • Sound effects used include "Footsteps, Dry Leaves, G.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org
]]> Florence Williams Buzzsprout-10791561 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400 1693 1 2 full false Episode 1: J.D. Jackson: To Act You Have to Listen Episode 1: J.D. Jackson: To Act You Have to Listen J.D. Jackson is an award-winning audiobook narrator with 400 credits to his name and counting. An 2020 inductee into AudioFile Magazine's Golden Voices Hall of Fame, J.D. has plenty of experience behind a mic. For this inaugural episode of A Bend in the Road, join Roberta as she talks with J.D. about the teacher that changed his life, the process of interpreting books of all genres, and his magic remedy for keeping his voice in top form (hint: it involves a lot of licorice tea.) And who knows? Maybe that recipe will lead to your own bend in the road.

Follow us on Instagram @bendintheroadpodcast or at bendintheroad.org for updates and the latest episodes.

Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Our Digital Media producer is Parker Gaidimas
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Audiobooks narrated by J.D. are available to borrow or download at your library and on Audible.
]]> J.D. Jackson is an award-winning audiobook narrator with 400 credits to his name and counting. An 2020 inductee into AudioFile Magazine's Golden Voices Hall of Fame, J.D. has plenty of experience behind a mic. For this inaugural episode of A Bend in the Road, join Roberta as she talks with J.D. about the teacher that changed his life, the process of interpreting books of all genres, and his magic remedy for keeping his voice in top form (hint: it involves a lot of licorice tea.) And who knows? Maybe that recipe will lead to your own bend in the road.

Follow us on Instagram @bendintheroadpodcast or at bendintheroad.org for updates and the latest episodes.

Credits:

  • A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims
  • Our Assistant Producer is Elias Rosner 
  • Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Charles Gallo and Elias Rosner
  • Our Editor is Elias Rosner 
  • Our Digital Media producer is Parker Gaidimas
  • Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas
  • Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims
  • Audiobooks narrated by J.D. are available to borrow or download at your library and on Audible.
]]> https://bendintheroad.org/ J.D. Jackson Buzzsprout-10609039 Wed, 18 May 2022 11:00:00 -0400 2012 1 1 full false