In this episode of The Wandering Pen, host Christine Musser welcomes historian and author Shannon D. Smith, President of the Mari Sandoz Heritage Society, for a compelling conversation about the life, work, and enduring legacy of Mari Sandoz—one of the most powerful voices of the American High Plains.

Born in 1896 in a sod house in northwest Nebraska, Mari Sandoz faced relentless hardship, rejection, and personal sacrifice on her path to becoming a published author. With only an eighth-grade education and a fierce determination, she rose to literary prominence with books like Old Jules, Crazy Horse: Strange Man of the Oglala, The Buffalo Hunters, and Miss Morissa. Sandoz was more than a writer—she was a truth-teller, a creative nonfiction pioneer, and a fierce advocate for authentic Plains history, especially Indigenous perspectives.

Together, Christine and Shannon explore:

• How Sandoz’s gritty upbringing shaped her voice and purpose

• Why her meticulous research and index card system became legendary

• What made her writing style controversial yet visionary

• Her legacy as an ally, educator, and story-catcher of the Plains

• Why her books remain relevant today, especially for writers, historians, and lovers of the American West

Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, biography, Western history, or women's stories of perseverance, this episode brings Mari Sandoz’s unique journey vividly to life.

🔗 Learn more at mariSandoz.org and thewanderingpen.net

#MariSandoz #AmericanWest #WomenWriters #HistoricalNonfiction #HighPlainsHistory #CrazyHorse #OldJules #NebraskaHistory #IndigenousHistory #StorycatcherofThePlains #WritingWithGrit #WomensVoices #LiteraryLegacy #TheWanderingPenPodcast #NebraskaSandhills

In this heartfelt episode, author Julie Burtinshaw joins host Christine Musser to explore the healing power of writing through personal loss and life’s most challenging moments. Julie opens up about her journey back to writing after deep grief, sharing how creativity can be both a refuge and a path to renewal. Together, Christine and Julie reflect on resilience, the challenges of staying motivated, and finding hope even when life feels overwhelming. This candid conversation blends laughter with honest emotions, offering inspiration for writers and anyone navigating grief or creative roadblocks.

If this episode moves you, please share it with others who might benefit—and don’t forget to follow The Wandering Pen Podcast on any podcast platform for more powerful conversations and stories that remind us: storytelling can heal. Julie’s contact is https://burtinshaw.wordpress.com/.

You can find her books on Amazon or by googling for her.

#WritingThroughGrief #JulieBurtinshaw #AuthorInterview #HealingThroughWriting #PodcastForWriters #CreativityAndResilience #GriefJourney #TheWanderingPenPodcast #StorytellingHeals

In this episode of The Wandering Pen, Christine Musser welcomes Cristen Hemingway Jaynes—great-granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, author, and environmental journalist—for a thoughtful conversation on legacy, creativity, and the natural world. 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.

You’ll hear about:

• How her JD, creative writing, and journalism converge

• The story behind her biography on the places Ernest Hemingway traveled to and lived - Ernest’s Way: An International Journey Through Hemingway’s Life.

• Her upcoming novel about traveling on buses and trains.

• Her reflections on growing up in the Hemingway family.

• Insights into climate control, sustainable agriculture, Indigenous wisdom, and storytelling as activism.

Whether you’re a writer, wanderer, or someone who finds meaning in place and purpose, this episode will inspire you to keep exploring and writing!!

📚 Books: Ernest Way, The Smallest of Entryways 🌿 Connect: Instagram & Facebook @CristenHemingwayJaynes - Email cristenjaynes@gmail.com

#PodcastInterview #WritersOnWriting #StorytellersOfInstagram #CreativeVoices #WomenWhoWrite #AuthorInterview #CristenHemingwayJaynes #HemingwayLegacy #EnvironmentalJournalism #TravelWriting #NatureInspired #SustainableLiving #EcoWatch #ClimateStories #IndigenousWisdom #OrganicFarming #LegacyAndVoice #WritingThroughWanderlust #StoriesThatMatter #FindingYourVoice #WriteYourLegacy #WordsAndWilderness #TheWanderingPen

In this episode of The Wandering Pen Podcast, Christine Musser sits down with Dennis Owens—longtime ABC27 anchor, political reporter, and host of This Week in Pennsylvania—for a compelling conversation about the transformation of journalism over the past 30 years.

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.

Whether you’re curious about how newsrooms operate, how media decisions are made, or what the future of journalism looks like, this episode offers rare insight from someone who’s been behind the headlines for over three decades. #DennisOwens #LocalJournalism #MediaTrust #PoliticalReporting #StatePolitics #BroadcastNews #NewsroomStories #JournalismThenAndNow #MediaEvolution #TheWanderingPenPodcast #PodcastInterview #StorytellingMatters #SupportLocalNews #PhiladelphiaEaglesFan #PhiladelphiaPhilliesFan

In this episode of The Wandering Pen, Christine talks with 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.

Brian shares how his interest in documenting the farmstead evolved into a passionate mission to protect it from commercial development and demolition by neglect. We explore the property’s archaeological significance, environmental concerns surrounding nearby sinkholes, and the creative vision for turning the homestead into a space for community learning and historical events.

This conversation examines the intersection of local history, grassroots advocacy, and what it really takes to prevent stories like these from being lost.

In this episode:

• The history and legacy of the Peebles family

• National Register eligibility and its limitations

• Karst topography and risks to Newville’s water supply

• Preservation efforts, community outreach, and future plans

• Why saving old places matters to all of us

Learn more on the Peebles Homestead and Alexander Peebles of Shippensburg Facebook page, or find the property on Peebles Family Homestead. -

Find a grave - Captain Alexander Peebles, Sr. 1740-1824

#HistoricPreservation #PeeblesFarmstead #ShippensburgHistory #RevolutionaryWar #HistoricHomes #GrassrootsPreservation #SaveOldHouses #WanderingPenPodcast #savingplaces #pennsylvania #stonehouses ##farming #agriculture

In this episode of The Wandering Pen, host Christine Musser welcomes guest Judy Bailey—a retired nurse anesthetist, lifelong conservationist, and now candidate for Upper Allen Township Commissioner. Judy shares her inspiring journey from her early days in a student conservation program in the Smoky Mountains to her leadership in the South Mountain Trolley Greenway project.

They discuss the power of community-driven conservation, the legacy of trails and open spaces, the urgent need for sustainable township planning, and how Judy’s personal story—raising two daughters as a single parent, maintaining her family farm, and stepping up in the face of community challenges—has shaped her mission.

Together, Christine and Judy reflect on the importance of preserving what makes a place feel like home, and how every voice can make a difference.

Topics include:

• Judy’s candidacy and campaign values

• The history and future of the South Mountain Trolley Greenway

• Land use, development pressures, and open space preservation

• Personal stories of resilience, responsibility, and grassroots leadership

Tune in and hear show one person’s voice, paired with passion and purpose, can help shape the future of a community.

#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. Darci shares her inspiring journey of launching her cosmetic line, the importance of clean ingredients and U.S.-based manufacturing, and why beauty should always enhance—not mask—who you are.

They also discuss product formulation, industry trends, simplifying your skincare routine, and finding the proper foundation for your skin tone. Whether a beauty enthusiast or an entrepreneur, you’ll walk away with fresh insight and practical takeaways.

In a fun personal twist, Christine and Darci discovered they share a connection through the Cumberland Valley School District, where Darci’s father was Christine’s 7th-grade science teacher. It’s a full-circle moment rooted in community, with a conversation that’s all heart.

🌐 Explore Darci’s products: darcyhenrybeauty.com

📲 Follow @darcyhenrybeauty on Instagram and Facebook

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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.

Once a bustling iron-making site, this South Mountain treasure has become a valued destination for hikers, campers, anglers, aqua adventurers, and history enthusiasts. Andre provides insights into the park’s iron industry origins, its role as the Appalachian Trail midpoint, and the rich cultural heritage preserved within its museums and historic sites. We also discuss the vital work of the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace in maintaining and improving the park through facility upkeep, fundraising, volunteer efforts, and community events such as the Fall Furnace Fest.

Andre shares information on his living history presentations, where he dons period attire to bring the past to life! If you’re curious about Pennsylvania’s industrial heritage, the intersection of history and nature, or just looking for your next outdoor adventure, this episode is a valuable source of information and enlightenment for you.

📍 Pine Grove Furnace State Park Contact Info: 🌐 Friends of Pine Grove Furnace 📧 Email: pinegrovefriends@gmail.com 📍 Visit the park office for more details!

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🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow history buffs and nature lovers!