A Bend in the Road

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 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.

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 MitchellBrandi CarlileThe Hollywood BowlVariety magazine review of the Hollywood Bowl shows“Echoes through the Canyon” shows at the Gorge Amphitheatre, June 9-11, 2023 The Artists:Abe RoundsAllison RussellAnnie LennoxBen LusherBlake MillsCelisse HendersonElton JohnJon BatisteJosh NeumannLuciusMarcus MumfordMark IshamMeryl StreepPhil HanserothRick WhitfieldRita WilsonRobin PecknoldSista StringsTaylor GoldsmithTaylor MackallTim HanserothWendy & LisaEpisode 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. 

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 AmphitheatreJoni Mitchell at Newport CD featuring the Joni JamThe MusiciansJoni MitchellBrandi CarlileAnnie LennoxSarah McLachlanMarcus MumfordAllison RussellLuciusTaylor GoldsmithBlake MillsCelisse HendersonWendy & LisaBen LusherTim HanserothPhil HanserothRick WhitfieldJosh NeumannEpisode CreditsA 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.

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 PutnamEpisode 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 SimsOur Assistant Producer, Technical Director, and Editor & Audio Engineer for this episode is Elias Rosner. Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane SimsOur Digital Media producer is Melissa Egan Logo and Website created by Parker GaidimasThanks for joining us and we’ll see you at the next bend in the road.

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 Mystery9 News Adelaide Coverage of the Anthea Bradshaw CaseCriminal podcast with Phoebe JudgeAdelaide, South AustraliaBrunei, Southeast AsiaEpisode 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 RosnerOur Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias RosnerOriginal Theme Music is written and performed by Diane SimsOur Digital Media Producers are Melissa Egan and Elias RosnerLogo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.

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 & TourDavy Rothbart on This American Life: Mr. Rothbart’s Neighborhood: I Found Your Letter; Bad Morning America Peter Rothbart’s YouTube ChannelEpisode Credits:Our thanks to Davy Rothbart, Peter Rothbart, Brett Loudermilk, and their crew for joining us in the studio todayA Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane SimsOur 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 RosnerOriginal theme Music is written and performed by Diane SimsOur Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner Logo and Website created by Parker GaidimasThe 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.

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 CreditsOur 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.comA Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane SimsOur 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 GroupThings we talked about this Episode:Westchester County CenterBlue Plate SpecialCamp PontiacCamp Cedarbrook

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. JacksonJ.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 SimsOur Assistant Producer is Elias RosnerOur Technical Director, Audio Engineer, Editor, and Digital Media producer is Elias RosnerLogo and Website created by Parker GaidimasOriginal Music is written and performed by Diane SimsAudiobooks narrated by J.D. are available to borrow or download at your library and on Audible.

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 SchoolsMayor Eric AdamsEpisode 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 SimsOur Assistant Producers and editors for this episode are Melissa Egan and Elias Rosner. Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Melissa Egan and Elias RosnerOriginal theme Music is written and performed by Diane SimsOur Digital Media producer is Melissa EganLogo and Website created by Parker GaidimasThanks 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 moonAsk Again, YesMary Beth Kean’s websiteAdditional authors mentioned: Elizabeth StroutSeamus HeaneyColson WhiteheadHernan Diaz Mohsin HamidWilliam TrevorMaggie O’ farrellClaire  KeegenEpisode CreditsOur 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.coBend in the Road is written, hosted, and executive produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane SimsOur 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 RosnerOriginal theme Music is written and performed by Diane SimsOur Digital Media producer is Elias Rosner Logo and Website created by Parker GaidimasThanks for joining us and we’ll see you at the next bend in the road.