A Bend in the Road

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A Bend in the Road

Ridgewood Public Library

46 episodes

1 week ago

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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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...

Show more...

Episodes (20/46)

A Bend in the Road

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 em...

1 month ago

50 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 th...

2 months ago

1 hour 2 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 thank...

3 months ago

52 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 JA...

4 months ago

43 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 Rebe...

5 months ago

51 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 ...

6 months ago

39 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 sh...

7 months ago

31 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 epi...

8 months ago

39 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 t...

9 months ago

40 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 t...

9 months ago

31 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 (Ser...

10 months ago

36 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 journe...

11 months ago

27 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 Da...

1 year ago

40 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 t...

1 year ago

33 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 li...

1 year ago

1 hour 26 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 ho...

1 year ago

35 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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...

1 year ago

36 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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 Ameri...

1 year ago

37 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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...

1 year ago

1 hour 26 minutes

A Bend in the Road

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, ...

1 year ago

33 minutes