A Bend in the Road

Ridgewood Public Library
  • 4.9 (11)
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  • 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. 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.

    58 min

  2. 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.

    36 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    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: John Seabrook’s The Spinach King: The Rise and Fall of an American DynastyJohn Seabrooks’ writings for The New YorkerLIfe and Labor at Seabrook Farms, Rutgers UniversitySeabrook Farms documentary short1934 Seabrook Farms Strike: Black Workers in the Agricultural Industry of South Jersey 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)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.

    50 min

  4. 11/01/2025

    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 Ricardo Martinez Within the Trenches MediaPTSD911 DocumentaryBeverly Police DepartmentCopline (An Officer's Lifeline): 1-800-COPLINE (1-800-267-5463)Safe Call Now (for all first responders): (206) 459-3020McLean LEADER (Law Enforcement, Active Duty, Emergency Responder) Program, Mass General (for all first responders): (617) 855-3141FBI Academy, Law Enforcement Training Programs and ResourcesEpisode 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.

    1h 2m

  5. 10/01/2025

    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  Estranged: How Toxic Female Friendships Can be Mended or Ended by Susan Shapiro BarashSula by Toni MorrisonEpisode 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.

    52 min

  6. 09/03/2025

    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: Brenda S. Cox’s Faith, Joy, and Jane Austen blogAusten Chat Podcast with Breckyn WoodJane Austen Festival in Bath, EnglandJane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and  Mansfield ParkJASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America)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.

    44 min

  7. 08/06/2025

    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.

    51 min

  8. 07/01/2025

    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 & JuanA 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.

    40 min
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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
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ridgewood Public Library
  • Show Website
    A Bend in the Road