A Bend in the Road

Ridgewood Public Library
  • 4.9 (11)
  • Arts
  • Updated Monthly

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.

  1. Aug 5

    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 Curtis DuffyEver restaurantThe Bear and Curtis Duffy/Ever connectionFor Grace documentary about CurtisAwards/Stars Ever: two Michelin stars (2022), AAA Five-Diamond rating, and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ratingGrace: three Michelin stars, four years in a row (2015-2018)Avenues (The Peninsula, Chicago): two Michelin starsForbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star ratingJames 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.

  2. Jul 1

    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 House of Gael Laura, Gavin, James, Jordie, and SeanFleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (Festival of Ireland)Coney Island, Country Down, IrelandNorthern Ireland’s “Troubles”Music “Zombie” by the Cranberries“Grace”: Music and lyrics by Jim McCann “When You Were Sweet Sixteen” by the FureysAmbleKingfishr The ChieftansChristy MooreVan MorrisonPaddy ReillyEpisode 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.

  3. Jun 3

    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 PluribusRhea SeahornVince Gilligan Movies and Shows: In TreatmentDreamyardStranger ThingsEpisode 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.

  4. May 6

    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:  Anna Quindlen’s Fiction and Nonfiction BooksOne True Thing film Pulitzer Prize New York Times writingVillanova Commencement Speech (2000)Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour in Vogue; interviewed by Greta GerwigAuthor Amy BloomAuthor Jennifer EganAuthor Maggie O’FarrellAuthor Tana FrenchFriends Foundation of the Ridgewood Public LibraryEpisode 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.

  5. Apr 1

    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: New Netherland InstituteIsland at the Center of the WorldThe New Amsterdam Project at The New York HistoricalNew York Historical Museum: ld Masters, New Amsterdam (May 1 to August 30, 2026.) This first-of-its-kind exhibition uses the paintings of Rembrandt and his contemporaries to help us envision life in the little Dutch settlement that would become New York. Ridgewood Library cardholders, reserve free NY Historical passes here! Rancho Mirage Writers FestivalEpisode 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.

  6. Mar 4

    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 Adnan Virk's podcast, Cinephile with Adnan Virk (Spotify, Apple Podcasts)Adnan Virk’s book, Cinephile: Interviews, Essays, and Tales from the Red Carpet (You can also borrow a copy from the Ridgewood Public Library!)2026 Academy Award NominationsReferenced Films Good FellasTaxi DriverMean StreetsEnd of the AffairBlue MoonTrain DreamsThe Last Temptation of ChristThe Royal TenenbaumsCitizen KaneThe Magnificent AmbersonsSilenceHugoThe King of ComedyRaging BullDead Poets SocietyBoyhoodFirst ReformAsh WednesdayTrue WestBefore Sunrise TrilogyThe SubstancePoor ThingsBugoniaMoonlightGreen BookBattleship PotemkinOne False MoveThe Man Who Wasn’t ThereFargoSecrets and LiesHard TruceFirst ReformedAfflictionI, TonyaBarbieWolf of Wall StreetLady BirdMagnoliaThere Will Be BloodBoogie NightsUncut GemsA Complete UnknownCall Me By Your NameField of DreamsWalk the LineBohemian RhapsodyRocketmanSong Sung BlueSweet DreamsDeliver Me From NowhereThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold FryEpisode 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.

  7. Feb 4

    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 Laurie Gwen Shapiro and her writingsAmelia greets the press after landing in Hawaii in January 1935 Amelia Earhart’s Speech: “A Woman’s Place in Science (20th Century Time MachineEpisode 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.

  8. Jan 7

    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: Books: Life in Five Senses, The Four Tendencies, The Happiness Project, and more.Podcasts: Get Happier and More Happier with Gretchen RubinHappier appThe Happiness ProjectQuizzes: The Four Tendencies and Five SensesMetropolitan 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 SimsOur 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 RosnerOriginal Music is written and performed by Diane SimsOur Digital Media producer is Elias RosnerLogo and Website created by Parker GaidimasSpecial 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.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ridgewood Public Library
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ridgewood Public Library
  • Show Website
    A Bend in the Road