A Bend in the Road

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 shaped a generation—from Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue to Simon & Garfunkel’s 1981 Central Park reunion. This is music history through the eyes of someone who lived it.Things we talked about in this episode:The Last Waltz documentary (1978); live show from 1976The Band: Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson & Richard Manuel)Bob Dylan and The Band during The Last WaltzJoni Mitchell and Neil Young sing “Helpless” during The Last WaltzThe Winterland Ballroom, San FranciscoGary Solomon’s upcoming dates for The THE BAND BandGary Solomon’s Bob Dylan showEpisode Credits: Our thanks to Gary Solomon for joining us in the studio today. You can learn more about Gary and his upcoming dates with “The Band’s” shows at thethebandband.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.

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 episode:WISE (Women In Sports Events)Women in the Business of Sports — Then and NowWISE Executive Leadership Institute: Rodin ScholarshipShe’s Got Game podcast with Swin CashJulie FoudyEpisode Credits: Our thanks to Sue Rodin for joining us today in the studio. For information about WISE please visit: wiseworks.orgA 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 and Roberta Panjwani.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.

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 the questions of acceptance and identity Pádraig grappled with as a youth growing up in Ireland, and in the tall shadow of the Catholic Church, and what innate sensibility gave him the fortitude to step into those headwinds, instead of turning away, with a brief stop in the land of knitable television near the end.For those new to Pádraig’s work, he is an Irish poet and the host of the hugely popular podcast Poetry Unbound – now on its sixth season – as well as a theologian and conflict mediator.Links mentioned in the episodes:Pádraig’s WebsiteThe TenX9 Storytelling ProjectCorrymeelaMorton DeutschBilly CollinsSix Feet Under“If You’re Going To Look Like a Wolf They Have to Love You More Than Fear You”Original Episode Credits:A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane SimsOriginal Music is written and performed by Diane SimsOur Assistant Producer is, Elias Rosner Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Elias RosnerOur Editor is Elias Rosner Our Digital Media producers are Sabrina Garcia and Elias RosnerLogo and Website created by Parker GaidimasSpecial thanks to Pádraig Ó Tuama for talking with us today and to Shannon Hearn for her help

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 the questions of acceptance and identity Pádraig grappled with as a youth growing up in Ireland, and in the tall shadow of the Catholic Church, and what innate sensibility gave him the fortitude to step into those headwinds, instead of turning away, with a brief stop in the land of knitable television near the end.For those new to Pádraig’s work, he is an Irish poet and the host of the hugely popular podcast Poetry Unbound – now on its sixth season – as well as a theologian and conflict mediator.Links mentioned in the episodes:Pádraig’s WebsiteThe TenX9 Storytelling ProjectCorrymeelaMorton DeutschBilly CollinsSix Feet Under“If You’re Going To Look Like a Wolf They Have to Love You More Than Fear You”Original Episode Credits:A Bend in the Road is written, hosted and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane SimsOriginal Music is written and performed by Diane SimsOur Assistant Producer is, Elias Rosner Our Technical Director and Audio Engineer is Elias RosnerOur Editor is Elias Rosner Our Digital Media producers are Sabrina Garcia and Elias RosnerLogo and Website created by Parker GaidimasSpecial thanks to Pádraig Ó Tuama for talking with us today and to Shannon Hearn for her help

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 filmRebel with a Clause book and Ellen Jovin’s Grammar TableBrandt JohnsonOxford (Serial) CommaSyntaxis CommunicationEpisode Credits: Our thanks to Ellen Jovin and Brandt Johnson for joining us today. You can learn more about Ellen, Brandt, and the book and film at rebelwithaclause.com and grammartable.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.

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 journey, his inspiring work, and his thoughts on “refirement” (not retirement!)—a fresh approach to purpose and impact in life’s next chapter.Don’t miss this chance to be inspired by Ted’s story and learn how small acts of empathy can ripple out into big change.Things we talked about in this episode:Ted OpderbeckTEEEM (The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship MissionSocial Entrepreneurship in the Classroom50 Inspiring Ideas of Social EntrepreneurshipRefirementEpisode Credits: Our thanks to Ted Opderbeck for joining us in the studio today. You can learn more about Ted and his work at teeem.org/ (that’s teeem).A 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 Elias Rosner and Roberta Panjwani. Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.Original theme Music is written and performed by Diane SimsOur Digital Media producer is Melissa Egan. Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas

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.