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PODCAST

A Bend in the Road

Ridgewood Public Library

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

arts

All Episodes

39:52

Episode 48: Author Russell Shorto: Taking Manhattan

A Bend in the Road ·

2026/04/01

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 uniqu...

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63:29

Episode 47: Author and Podcaster Adnan Virk: Let's Go...

A Bend in the Road ·

2026/03/04

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...

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57:32

Episode 46: Author Laurie Gwen Shapiro

A Bend in the Road ·

2026/02/04

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...

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36:04

Episode 45: Author Gretchen Rubin: Get Happy...

A Bend in the Road ·

2026/01/07

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 clarit...

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50:06

Episode 44: Writer John Seabrook: From Fields of...

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/12/03

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 em...

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62:10

Episode 43: Dispatch & Duty: The Human Side of the...

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/11/01

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 th...

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52:12

Episode 42: Author Susan Shaprio Barash

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/10/01

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 thank...

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43:37

Episode 41: Author and Austen Expert Brenda Cox

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/09/03

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 JA...

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51:05

Episode 40: Author and Rare Book Dealer Rebecca...

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/08/06

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 Rebe...

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39:47

Episode 39: Jeannette Cooperman and Lorri...

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/07/01

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 ...

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31:03

Episode 38: Musician Gary Solomon: Dylan, The Band & Me

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/06/04

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 sh...

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39:48

Episode 37: Sue Rodin: The Great Connector

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/05/07

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 epi...

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31:42

Episode 36b: Pádraig Ó Tuama: In the Shelter of Each...

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/04/02

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 t...

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40:53

Episode 36a: Pádraig Ó Tuama: In the Shelter of Each...

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/04/02

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 t...

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36:37

Episode 35: Ellen Jovin & Brandt Johnson: Rebel(s)...

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/03/05

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 (Ser...

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27:45

Episode 34: Ted Opderbeck: Empathy into Action

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/02/05

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 journe...

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40:21

Episode 33: Melissa Davey: Filmmaker on a Mission

A Bend in the Road ·

2025/01/01

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 LifeBeyond Sixty ProjectDierdre WolownickAlex HonnoldFree SoloM. Night ShyamalanEpisode Credits:Our thanks to Melissa Davey for joi...

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33:01

Episode 32: Joni Mitchell @ the Hollywood Bowl

A Bend in the Road ·

2024/12/04

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...

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86:11

Episode 16 (Rebroadcast): One Weekend This Summer

A Bend in the Road ·

2024/12/04

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 liv...

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35:27

Episode 31: Directors Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis

A Bend in the Road ·

2024/11/06

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 ho...

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