Historian and storyteller Norman Houser joins The Wandering Pen Podcast to share powerful tales from Pennsylvania’s forgotten past. From unsolved murders and roadside legends to hidden grave sites, this episode uncovers the voices and places time left behind. A rich conversation for anyone who loves local history, mystery, and meaningful storytelling.

A reflective journey into the sacred landscapes of the Endless Mountains, where memory, land, and Indigenous spirit trails still whisper beneath our feet.

In this episode of The Wandering Pen Podcast, host Christine Musser explores the art of poetry, literary translation, and the legacy of Mexican writer Rosario Castellanos. Through a candid conversation with poet and translator, Nancy Jean Ross, they discuss how personal stories—especially those centered on confessional writings and how they transcend language and culture. From award-winning poems to the careful translation of Castellanos’s politically charged letters, this episode highlights how words shape identity, preserve memory, and connect us across time. Perfect for writers, translators, scholars, and lovers of literature.

Writer and horsewoman Cynthia O’Neil joins Christine to talk about writing through illness, living in rhythm with nature, and honoring identity, land, and ancestry. Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Cynthia shares powerful stories of survival, deep listening, and the quiet wisdom of horses.

This episode is a turning point—a thank you to listeners, a recognition of personal growth, and a glimpse into what’s next. Christine shares how podcasting has helped her rediscover her voice and introduces listeners to upcoming guests whose stories reflect resilience, creativity, and a sense of purpose. She also invites you to join her four-week memoir class beginning June 23, based on The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr.

They challenged the norms—and changed the narrative. In this episode, we explore the extraordinary legacy of a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania family who, in the early 20th century, chose to live boldly and authentically. A mother launched a singing career at 50. One daughter earned more than most women of her time and went on to lead the National Girl Scouts. Another became a doctor and an active suffragist. And the youngest son—often called the biggest nonconformist of them all—founded a theater that still thrives today and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Join me for a conversation about conviction, creativity, and the power of legacy to inspire new generations.

When Mari Sandoz, a young girl, secretly submitted her first short story to a children’s contest and won, her father didn’t celebrate. Instead, he locked her in the root cellar and declared that “writers are the maggots of society.” That moment could have crushed her spirit, but it fueled a lifelong fire instead. In this moving episode of The Wandering Pen, host Christine Musser sits down with historian and author Shannon D. Smith, President of the Mari Sandoz Heritage Society, to explore how one of America’s most powerful literary voices overcame relentless hardship, poverty, and rejection to leave behind a legacy of 22 published books and a blueprint for fearless storytelling.

Award-winning author Julie Burtinshaw joins Christine Musser to share her personal journey of writing through grief, loss, and creative renewal. This heartfelt conversation explores how storytelling can heal, why resilience matters, and how writers can find their way back to the page—even after life’s hardest moments.

From retracing her famous ancestor’s steps to carving out her own voice through fiction, nonfiction, and environmental advocacy, Cristen’s path is one of curiosity, courage, and connection.

From his early days in sports broadcasting to becoming a trusted political voice at the Pennsylvania state Capitol, Dennis shares personal stories from the newsroom, reflects on the decline of local journalism, and weighs in on the public’s shifting trust in media. He also addresses the challenges of covering politics in a deeply divided time and explains why local news still matters—now more than ever.

Brian Fritz, a historic preservation advocate who has spent the past five years working to save the Peebles Farmstead—a limestone homestead built in 1773 just outside Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Once home to Revolutionary War veteran Alexander Peebles Sr., this historic property tells the story of early Scotch-Irish settlement, enduring architecture, and the ongoing fight to preserve what remains.

Judy Bailey joins The Wandering Pen to discuss community conservation, running for Upper Allen Township Commissioner, preserving open space, and the power of speaking up. From nurse anesthetist to trailblazer—literally—Judy’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and making a difference. #SouthMountainPA #OpenSpaceMatters #RailsToTrails #GreenwayProject #CommunityPodcast #WomenWhoLead #JudyBaileyForCommissioner #LocalLeadership #PennsylvaniaTrails #TrailToChange #ConservationVoices #TheWanderingPen

In this episode of The Wandering Pen Podcast, Christine Musser chats with Darci Henry, founder of Darcy Henry Beauty, about how beauty, confidence, and authenticity come together through her brand.

Exploring Pine Grove Furnace State Park: Its History, Industry, and Natural Beauty with Andre Weltman What hidden history lies beneath Pine Grove Furnace State Park’s trails and lakes? In this episode of The Wandering Pen Podcast, I sit down with Andre Weltman, local historian, and chair of the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park, to uncover the park’s fascinating past and vibrant present. ilZKJNIxj1gmRvgmzpHu

Did you know the Appalachian Trail’s halfway point lies within Pennsylvania’s South Mountain Region, part of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range? This ecologically and culturally rich area faces opportunities and challenges—from conservation successes and rare species preservation to increasing land development pressures.

In Episode 10, host Christine Musser welcomes historian and author Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward to discuss his latest book, Cradle of Conservation, published by Temple University. They explore Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in the conservation movement, highlighting influential figures such as Benjamin Franklin, Joseph Rothrock, and Myra Lloyd Dock. #conservation #outdoors #history #pennsylvania #pollution #

Join Christine Musser and Cliff Brackett for a thoughtful, honest discussion on The Art and Craft of Writing. Cliff will share details of why he is on a mission to complete his book, The Garden Collection of Short Stories. This conversation is for every writer, no matter what stage they are at in the writing process.  Writers and those considering writing will find practical insights in Cliff’s journey as he learns about the writing process, finding a voice, crafting a piece of good writing, and the challenges of writing. He will share his thoughts from books about writing, Francine Prose, Reading Like a Writer, Strunk and White, Elements of Style, Leon Surmelian, Techniques of Fiction Writing, and compare the writing styles of well-known authors Ernest Hemingway, Flannery O’Connor, and John Steinbeck.

Join Christine Musser in episode eight of the Wandering Pen Podcast as she welcomes the inspirational speaker and thought leader Noralee Cole. With over 25 years of experience, Noralee shares her mission to guide individuals toward becoming the stars of their own lives through intentional actions and creating a meaningful legacy. In this engaging conversation, discover the transformative power of the DASH concept, an acronym for Discover, Appreciate, Share, and Harness. Explore how shifting from a bucket list to a DASH list can revolutionize your perspective on life, focusing on what truly matters right now. Delve into Noralee’s moving personal stories and practical advice on integrating these principles into daily life, highlighting the transformative impact of mindfulness, gratitude, and kindness. Noralee’s advice is not just theoretical, but practical and applicable to everyday life. Learn how simple acts can lead to significant changes in mindset and fulfillment. Embark on a self-reflection and intentional living journey that resonates through every moment. This episode offers enlightening insights for those ready to embrace their DASH and leave a lasting legacy, inviting you to be introspective and contemplative.

In this captivating episode, host Christine Musser welcomes Melanie Stark, a remarkable writer and educator, to delve into the profound and personal narrative of an adoptee’s experiences. Melanie, acclaimed author of ”Leadership with Love,” opens her heart to share her intimate journey navigating the complex dynamics of adoption.

On Monday, January 27, 2025, I sat down with Kathleen DuVal to discuss her book Independence Lost: Lives on the Edge of the American Revolution. Dr. DuVal, a North Carolina Chapel Hill professor, highlighted her book about the American Revolution in the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River Valley, the little-known story that students and adults know little about. It involved Spain and France’s support of the American Patriots. Without their support, we may not have won our independence from Great Britain. She will also share about the 18th-century hurricane season and how it affected those fighting the war. Dr. DuVal wrote a well-written book that details the lesser-known story of the American Revolution that every American should know about.