How does a journalist become captivated by one of history's greatest mysteries? And what can Amelia Earhart still teach us nearly a century after her disappearance?

In this episode of What's Important To You?, James speaks with journalist and author Rachel Hartigan about her fascinating career, her years at National Geographic, and the extraordinary journey that led her to write LOST: Amelia Earhart's Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life.

Rachel shares how an unexpected invitation to join an expedition searching for Amelia Earhart sparked years of research into one of history's most enduring mysteries.

Rather than focusing solely on Earhart's disappearance, Rachel explores the remarkable woman behind the legend, her courage, ambition, resilience, and the carefully crafted public image that made her one of the most recognised women of her time.

The conversation also explores the craft of storytelling, the value of curiosity, the challenges of writing nonfiction, and why understanding the human story behind historical figures often reveals far more than the mystery itself.

Whether you're fascinated by history, journalism, adventure, or the art of writing, this episode is filled with thoughtful insights into curiosity, purpose, and the stories that continue to shape our world.

Rachel Hartigan is an award-winning journalist, editor, and author with more than 30 years of experience covering history, science, culture, education, and society.

Having spent many years writing for National Geographic and other leading publications, Rachel specialises in bringing complex historical subjects to life through compelling storytelling.

Her debut book, LOST: Amelia Earhart's Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life, explores both Amelia Earhart's remarkable life and the enduring mystery surrounding her disappearance, drawing on Rachel's own experiences taking part in two National Geographic-supported expeditions searching for answers.

• Paying attention to how you truly feel leads to greater authenticity.
• Curiosity often opens doors to unexpected opportunities.
• Great storytelling humanises history rather than simply reporting facts.
• Amelia Earhart's legacy extends far beyond her disappearance.
• Success is built through years of learning, persistence and experience.
• Public image and reality are often very different.
• History becomes more meaningful when we understand the people behind it.
• Writing a book requires patience, resilience and trust in the process.
• Not every mystery needs to be solved to be worth exploring.
• It's never too late to pursue a new creative challenge.

"Pay attention to how you actually feel."

"She would have loved this exploration."

"The story behind the mystery matters."

"I'm trying to internalise that spirit."

"I need to start having some more fun."

👉 Website

👉 LinkedIn