The Wandering Pen: Writers, Historians, and Everyday Stories

                       The history of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School (CIIS) remains one of the most painful chapters in Native American history. It continues to influence the well-being and cultural resilience of Native communities today. Christine speaks with Dr. Amanda Cheromiah, Executive Director of the Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples and a member of the Laguna Pueblo. Their conversation returns to the history of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School and what it continues to mean today. The Jim Thorpe Center at Dickinson College, supported by a $20 million gift from Samuel G. Rose, aims to promote Native voices and serve as a place for education and reflection. Also, the funds will support the Samuel G. Rose Art Gallery, celebrating Indigenous art and representing the largest single arts investment in Dickinson history." The legacy of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School is still felt today, and it shapes how Native communities approach healing and education. Dr. Cheromiah speaks about the history of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, which operated from 1879 to 1918 on the grounds now occupied by the United States Army Carlisle Barracks. Richard Henry Pratt founded the school with the philosophy, “Kill the Indian, save the man.” The school took children from their families and forced them to assimilate into white culture. Their languages and traditional dress were forbidden. Their long hair was cut, and their identities were suppressed. However, the impact of that history remains. Dr. Cheromiah reflects on what it means for Native people to return to these grounds. They walk through spaces where their ancestors lived, studied, and endured. She speaks of the hope that understanding can help build bridges between communities. This is not an easy conversation. But it is an important one. This episode invites listeners to pause and consider what it means to remember. While changing the past is not possible, it is possible to learn from it and support Native-led efforts for healing and reconciliation. In doing so, it encourages a deeper awareness of how the history of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School continues to live in the present and shape the future. Contact information for Dr. Cheromiah - [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram @drcheromiah Her podcast is Indigenous Revolt      

In this opening episode of Season 3 of The Wandering Pen Podcast, I sit down with Sarah Merritt, Senior Director of Community Development with Pennsylvania Creative Industries, to explore how creativity is shaping communities across the Commonwealth.   Sarah shares her journey—from growing up in Pennsylvania to traveling as a military spouse, and how those experiences led her into a career focused on arts-based community and economic development. Together, we talk about how communities are using art, local talent, and collaboration to revitalize spaces, strengthen connections, and create places where people feel they belong.   She also shares examples of completed projects across Pennsylvania—from small towns to larger cities—and the impact they're having on the community. This conversation goes deeper into what it means to build community in a meaningful and sustainable way.   If you're an artist, writer, creative entrepreneur, or someone interested in community development, this episode is especially for you.   Sarah shares valuable information about: Grant opportunities for artists and arts organizations Funding programs for creative entrepreneurs Resources to help creatives build sustainable careers How to connect with Pennsylvania Creative Industries Funding Information Website Whether you're looking for support, inspiration, or a better understanding of how imagination and community intersect, this episode offers both insight and practical direction. Contact Sarah: [email protected] & (717) 787-1521

            Season 2 closes with one of the most powerful conversations we've had.    In Episode 38, I sit down with Jane Jacobs of the Skaroreh Katenuaka Nation in North Carolina — founder of Eastern Woodland Protectors, water protector, seedkeeper, and advocate for ancestral land. This episode runs just over an hour. Part of that time includes a reflection on Season 2 — the growth, the numbers, and the voices shared — but the heart of this finale belongs to Jane and her story. Jane speaks about the deep connection between land, water, language, and people — how they are not separate things, but one and the same. She shares the history of her Nation's presence in North Carolina, the legacy of Indian Woods, and the responsibility to protect the land for seven generations. We talk about the Cape Fear River, once a traditional trade and fishing route for her people — now polluted with PFAS and GenX chemicals released by Chemours, a DuPont spin-off. Jane explains how these “forever chemicals” entered the waterway and what it means for elders who still rely on that river for food. The story of corporate pollution in this region was portrayed in the film Dark Waters starring Mark Ruffalo. Ruffalo also produced the documentary GenX, examining the ongoing contamination of the Cape Fear River and the human cost of industrial waste: The Good Mind Project — a plan to use hemp to filter toxins from water and soil, create sustainable housing materials, and restore balance. The conversation then turns to the 2024 confrontation at the Cedar Point / Bridge View archaeological site, one of the most significant Native archaeological discoveries in North Carolina in over 30 years. Jane and others gathered in ceremony to honor ancestral remains uncovered during construction. What followed was a violent assault and a legal battle that is still unfolding. She shares what happened that day, the trauma that followed, and the strength it takes to forgive. This episode is not just about activism. It is about responsibility. It is about water. It is about memory. It is about what we owe the generations coming after us. If you want to reach Jane Jacobs or support her work, you can contact her at:    [email protected]   

Across Pennsylvania, and especially here in Cumberland County, conversations about data centers are no longer abstract or far-off. They're showing up on township agendas, zoning maps, and sometimes—quietly—right in our own backyards. These decisions, often made in small rooms on weeknights, have enormous consequences for our water, our land, our energy grid, and the character of our communities. Most people don't realize that municipalities are the front line. That's where the first doors open—or close—to large data-center projects. And while these developments are marketed as progress or innovation, the reality is more complicated. Many experts are now warning about an "AI data center bubble," meaning we may be building far more of these massive facilities than the industry will actually need long-term. When a bubble forms, growth is driven by hype, not stability—and when it pops, communities are often left with stranded buildings, environmental burdens, and very few benefits. We're already seeing signs of that instability. AI-related stocks have been fluctuating wildly, rising quickly on speculation and then dropping just as fast. That kind of market volatility is a reminder that this rush to build isn't grounded in guaranteed, lasting demand. And yet, our townships—and our landscapes—are asked to carry the risks. At the same time, legislation relating to warehouses and data centers is moving through the Pennsylvania House, and the Senate could take zoning control away from residents and municipalities to regulate warehouse and data center development. Bills like HB 502 and SB 939 would shift decision-making to Harrisburg or even to a single appointed official, removing the public's voice from the process entirely. If local zoning is weakened just as the AI bubble wobbles, communities could lose both their say, their protection, and the landscape they cherish.  That's why this episode matters Today's conversation with Ginny Marcille-Kerslake of Food and Water Watch breaks down what data centers really are, what's at stake for Cumberland County, how quickly these proposals can move, and how residents can use their rights under the Sunshine Act and the Municipal Planning Code (documents) to stay informed and take action. It's a lot to take in, but knowledge is power—and being aware of what's happening at your local meetings and in the state legislature is the first step in protecting our land, our water, and our future.  Ginny Marcille - Kerslake email [email protected] Cradle of Conservation: An Environmental History of Pennsylvania Protect Cumberland County, PA       #DataCenters, #AIDataCenters, #CumberlandCountyPA, #PennsylvaniaNews, #PAZoning, #LocalGovernment, #TownshipMeetings, #CommunityRights, #EnvironmentalProtection, #WaterResources, #FoodAndWaterWatch, #SunshineAct, #MunicipalPlanningCode, #TheWanderingPen  

  Names of the men              It's been fifty years since the SS Edmund Fitzgerald was lost in Lake Superior during   a snow squall. Gordon Lightfoot's song "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" made the ship infamous. Lightfoot wrote the song because he felt the boat and its crew were not being honored the way they should have been.  My guest on this episode is Executive Director Bruce Lynn of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society & Museum. The Historical Society & Museum is located at Whitefish Point, approximately seventeen miles from where the "Fitz" went down. Bruce shares other  stories, too, about ships that have been lost on the Great Lakes, but the focus is on the Edmund Fitzgerald and those lost. What is most important here is - it's more than just a song - more than just a shipwreck story. Twenty-nine lives that were lost on November 9, 1975, for a routine trip across Lake Superior never thought they said "good-bye" to the ones they loved for the last time. Please tune in and learn about the story and the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Please share and follow The Wandering Pen Podcast so you don't miss a story.  Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum FaceBook Page  For the live memorial service either click on the link website link or the FB link for access to watch it live online. The service begins at 7 p.m. (est) on November 10.  The following link will take you to a video shared by the Upper Pennicila, Michigan Supply Company. It's a compelling short that is set to Lightfoots song. In it you will see footage of the "Fitz" being loaded with taconite pellets (iron ore), sailing Lake Superior and the crew on the ship.  Watching the video and listening to the song is powerful.  https://upsupply.co/journal/the-wreck-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald

        From the Appalachian Trail to the African savanna, this episode explores what it means to live between two wild worlds. Each year, military veteran, Brian N. Johnson leaves his home in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and travels to Kenya to lead safaris, capture wildlife through his lens, and share the powerful rhythm of life where lions hunt, zebras run, and elephants roam free. Brian is currently developing his own tour guide business, Alpine and Savanna Adventures, LLC, which he plans to kickoff in 2026.  His mission is to invite others to experience the wonder of the wild — and to see how adventure, purpose, and conservation connect across continents.  Follow the link to hear Brian's 2015 experience climbing Mt Kilimanjaro with friends Dave & Kris Gilbert to bring awareness to the "Save the Elephants" organization. All photos are courtesy of Brian N. Johnson.  Climbing Mt Kilimajaro to Save the Elephants in Africa      

Zoning might seem like a bureaucratic afterthought—but in truth, it's one of the most powerful forces shaping our daily lives. In this episode, we explore how zoning determines where and how we live, work, and gather. My guest is the author of Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World and the founder of the National Zoning Atlas, a groundbreaking tool that brings clarity to the often-invisible rules governing land use across the country.             Together, we talk about: Why zoning laws matter more than most people realize How zoning impacts housing affordability, neighborhood          design, and equit The environmental concerns around new development,  including data centers            How the National Zoning Atlas is helping communities understand and change their futures                From local ordinances to national patterns, this conversation sheds light on the code behind the curtain—and why it's time we all paid attention. National Atlas Website You can get her book at Whistlestop Book Shop https://www.whistlestoppers.com/ 129 W High St Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 243-4744      

Why does autumn feel like a story we're living inside? In What Remains: Autumn, Memory, and Meaning, Christine weaves poetry (Keats, George Eliot), paintings (Van Gogh, Millais), and music (Neil Diamond's "September Morn," Mumford & Sons' "October Skies") with the psychology of nostalgia—how scent, colder air, and seasonal change stir memory, belonging, and meaning. A short, reflective listen about beauty and loss, and what lingers when the leaves fall.   #Autumn, #Storytelling, #Nostalgia, #Psychology, #Keats, #GeorgeEliot, #VanGogh, #Millais, #NeilDiamond, #Mumford&Sons, #Memory, #Poetry, #Art , Music #Grief, #Identity

  What happens when a box of forgotten World War I love letters sparks a story too powerful to stay hidden? In this episode, author Patti Stockdale shares her twenty-year journey of transforming family history into historical fiction, marked by hope, faith, and perseverance. From balancing romance and history on the page to overcoming rejection and finding resilience in the writing life, this conversation will inspire writers, readers, and anyone who loves stories that prove love and determination never go out of style. #HistoricalFiction #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #PodcastPromo #ReadersOfInstagram #Storytelling #HopeAndHistory #AuthorInterview #WanderingPenPodcast #Perseverance  

Before Washington crossed the Delaware… before the victory at Yorktown… there was William Thompson               In June 1775, this frontier fighter from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, became the very first colonel of the United States Army—leading an elite Rifle Battalion whose skill, precision, and daring helped shape America's fight for independence. Most Americans have never heard his name. My guest, Dr. John Bonin, is a distinguished military historian who has followed Thompson's path from his stone home—named Soldier's Retreat—along the Conodoguinet Creek, to the icy waters of Lechmere Point, through the brutal hardships of the Canada campaign, and into the quiet obscurity of his final years.    This story is more than a forgotten chapter of the Revolutionary War. It's a story about leadership, resilience, and the birth of the U.S. Army, which celebrated its 250th birthday this past June.  If you love American history, military history, or storytelling that brings the past to life, you'll want to hear this. And afterwards, please share with a friend, on social media, or in an email, so we can give Thompson the recognition he deserves.  Dr. John Bonin's book can be downloaded from the Department of Defense website.  Thompson’s Rifle Battalion:  The Original Unit of the Army of the United Colonies  Contact at - [email protected] Becoming America - William Thompson, Story of the first colonel of the United States Army commissioned in June 1775 - This video was filmed at the restored William Thompson's house,  "Soldier's Retreat", Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.  #AmericanHistory #MilitaryHistory #RevolutionaryWar #USArmy #HistoryPodcast #WilliamThompson #StorytellingPodcast #ThompsonsRifleBattalion #ForgottenHistory #TheWanderingPen

What happens when a journalist who’s spent decades covering real-life crime turns to fiction to tell the stories that linger? In this compelling episode of The Wandering Pen Podcast, host Christine Musser sits down with award-winning Patriot-News journalist and thriller novelist John Luciew. John shares how his investigative reporting on the chilling Joey Miller case—a serial rapist and killer who terrorized Harrisburg, PA—shaped his understanding of justice, trauma, and storytelling. As the author of Kill the Story and several other fast-paced thrillers, John reflects on the power and responsibility that come with writing both facts and fiction. https://www.pennlive.com/staff/jluciew/      Facebook Author Page       Amazon Page Together, they explore: The blurred line between real-life reporting and fictional storytelling How journalism influences character development and plot Why some stories need to be told in more than one form The impact of local news on public awareness and policy The ethical tension between reporting, protecting, and revealing Whether you're drawn to true crime, a lover of suspense novels, or curious about the craft of storytelling from both a journalist’s and novelist’s perspective—this episode delivers. #TrueCrimePodcast #JohnLuciew #ThrillerFiction #InvestigativeJournalism #KillTheStory #WanderingPenPodcast #CrimeWriting #StorytellingMatters #HarrisburgPA #AuthorInterview #CrimeThriller #PodcastForWriters #NewsroomToNovel

n this solo episode, Christine Musser opens her heart to share a personal story of profound grief, layered over decades—the loss of her only sister, her middle brother at age 15, and her husband of 43 years. What begins as a reflection on loss becomes a compassionate offering to others walking the same path. Christine explores what it means to carry grief not once, but over a lifetime—and how healing doesn't erase the ache, but softens it. Whether you've lost a sibling, a partner, a parent, or someone who simply got you, this episode offers comfort, connection, and quiet solidarity. You are not alone. We carry these threads together. Topics include: – Grieving a sibling or sister – Losing a spouse or long-term partner – Layered grief and lifelong mourning – The emotional toll of multiple losses – Coping with grief over time – Finding hope, healing, and self-compassion 💬 If this episode resonates with your journey, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. 🔗 Visit: www.thewanderingpen.net 📧 Contact: [email protected]

What happens when poetry dares to tell the truth? This episode of The Wandering Pen dives into the raw, revealing world of confessional poetry—a groundbreaking literary genre born in postwar America that redefined poetic voice, vulnerability, and truth-telling. Hosted by writer and educator Christine Musser, this 30-minute literary exploration traces the movement’s evolution from Robert Lowell’s revolutionary Life Studies to the haunting voices of Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, and John Berryman. Christine examines how these poets exposed their inner lives—grappling with mental illness, trauma, addiction, and identity—while using powerful literary craft to transform suffering into art. She also highlights lesser-taught voices like Lucille Clifton, Etheridge Knight, and Reetika Vazirani, showing how confessional poetry expanded across race, class, and culture. Along the way, she also explores the criticism, gendered backlash, and lasting impact of this genre—from its influence on memoir and spoken word to its ability to help readers feel seen and heard.  Featuring dramatic excerpts from iconic poems Thoughtful literary analysis (craft vs. confession)  A compassionate warning about suicide and links to resources Perfect for educators, students, writers, and lovers of bold poetry #ConfessionalPoetry #SylviaPlath #AnneSexton #PoetryPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #LiteraryPodcast #TheWanderingPen #WritingThroughPain #EtheridgeKnight #PoetsOfInstagram #PodcastForWriters #PoetryInTheClassroom #TransformingTrauma

What makes a story worth preserving? This episode reflects on the power of oral storytelling, honoring the guests who’ve shared their voices on The Wandering Pen Podcast. Christine shares her vision, her gratitude, and her mission to reach 1,000 listens by July 31—one story at a time. Join the journey, press play, and pass it on. Featuring episode highlights from Cristen Hemingway Jaynes and Cynthia O’Neil. #PodcastEpisode  #StorytellingPodcast  #OralStorytelling  #VoicesThatMatter  #TheWanderingPenPodcast #CristenHemingwayJaynes  #CynthiaONeil  #WritingCommunity  #EnvironmentalStorytelling   #MixedRaceVoices  #HealingThroughStory  #LegacyAndVoice    

What happens when you walk 500 miles alone—carrying nothing but a backpack and the weight of grief? This episode explores the transformative power of pilgrimage, the search for renewal after loss, and the unexpected healing found on the Camino de Santiago. Christine Musser talks with author and artist Maryanna Gabriel about her book Walking the Camino: On Earth As It Is. Maryanna shares her raw story of grief, the creative process of writing a memoir, and how one woman’s journey across Spain became an act of spiritual alchemy. From moments of exhaustion and uncertainty to flashes of grace, insight, and connection, this conversation invites listeners to consider how movement—both physical and emotional—can reshape our lives. Whether you're drawn to stories of personal growth, solo travel, or the healing nature of the Camino, this episode is a soulful companion for the path you're on. #TheWanderingPenPodcast  #WalkingTheCamino  #CaminoDeSantiago  #PilgrimageJourney  #GriefHealing #AuthorInterview  #MemoirWriting  #WomenWhoWrite  #TravelStories  #PodcastForWriters  #SpiritualJourney #WomenWriters

What stories lie beneath forgotten headstones, behind the silence of a covered bridge, or along the curve of an old back road? In this episode of The Wandering Pen Podcast, we meet a historian, folklorist, and storyteller who’s made it his mission to uncover Pennsylvania’s forgotten past—one cemetery, mystery, and legend at a time. Together, we explore haunting tales of unsolved murders, lost grave markers, roadside ghost stories, and the rich but often overlooked history of Pennsylvania’s rural communities. With compassion and curiosity, our guest brings voice to people and places left out of traditional history—those who have been unnamed, misunderstood, or simply forgotten. This episode is for anyone who loves true crime with historical depth, local legends passed down through generations, and the quiet magic of small towns and hidden places. Whether you’re a fan of folklore, rural history, storytelling, or road trip-worthy destinations, you’ll find something here to spark your imagination—and maybe even inspire you to take a closer look at your own hometown. Visit the Pennsylvania Rambler Blog #TheWanderingPen #TrueCrimeHistory #HiddenPennsylvania #FolklorePodcast #ForgottenStories #RoadsideHistory #UnsolvedMysteries #GhostStories #StorytellingMatters #CoveredBridges #CemeteryTales #RuralLegends

In this poetic solo episode of The Wandering Pen Podcast, host Christine Musser invites listeners into a world before paved roads and power lines—a time when the Endless Mountains were sacred ground to the Iroquois, Lenape, Delaware, and Shawnee peoples. Through mist and memory, rain and rhythm, Christine reflects on the spirit trails, sacred waterways, and ancestral stories that shaped this land. From Loyalsock Creek to hidden hunting grounds and starlit skies, this episode weaves cultural history, personal experience, and reverent storytelling into a powerful  tribute to Indigenous presence, connection to place, and the sacredness of nature. Join Christine on this immersive walk through time and listen for what the forest still whispers. #TheWanderingPenPodcast  #BeforeTheRoads  #EndlessMountains  #IndigenousHistory  #SpiritTrails  #SacredLand #NativeAmericanStories  #LoyalSockCreek  #AncestralMemory  #NatureStorytelling  #WalkWithReverence  #ChristineMusser  #LandAndBelonging  #HistoryBeneathOurFeet  #CulturalConnection

Join Christine Musser as she delves into the creative and academic worl of Nancy Jean Ross, a distinguished poet and literary translator. Our conversation unravels the intricate tapestry of Nancy’s work, where poetry, research, and translation converge to preserve and celebrate female voices across cultures and eras.               Nancy shares her journey from the lyrical exploration of motherhood in her award-winning chapbook A Gold Seed, Green Pain to her profound research on the Mexican writer Rosario Castellanos. Through vivid storytelling, we explore how Nancy’s translations bring Rosario’s intimate and politically sharp letters to life for English-speaking audiences. As Nancy reflects on her academic journey and the poetic inspiration she finds in everyday experiences and global travels, listeners are invited to a deeper understanding of how personal narratives and scholarly pursuits can illuminate each other. Join us for an exploration of the delicate art of translating not only languages but the essence of human experience.  Find Nancy's thesis "Negotiating the feminine: Travel, Writing and Identity in Rosario Casianos's Non-Fiction" online at the University of British Columbia and in the Asymptote Journal. Nancy's contact info is [email protected].  #PoetryPodcast #LiteraryTranslation #WomenWriters #RosarioCastellanos #MotherhoodInPoetry #TranslatingVoices #Personal #Political #BilingualWriting #LettersAndLanguage #PoeticVoice                     

         In this heartfelt episode of The Wandering Pen Podcast, Christine Musser sits down with writer Cynthia O’Neil. From the moss-covered hills of Western North Carolina, Cynthia shares her journey as a triracial writer, her deep bond with horses, and how land, resilience, and ancestral memory shape her voice.   Together, they explore Cynthia’s roots in Massachusetts, her experiences as a teenage mother, loss, her Native heritage, her journey living with lupus, and the devastation and aftermath of Hurricane Helene in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cynthia also opens up about her creative process, her writing on Substack, and the spiritual lessons she draws from nature and stillness.             Whether you’re a writer, an animal lover, or someone walking  your own path of survival and healing, this conversation will resonate with your heart. Read Cynthia’s work on Substack: https://coneilwriter.substack.com #writinglife #memoir #horsetherapy #indigenouswriters #spiritualresilience #lupuswarrior #northcarolinawriters #substackwriters #healingwithnature #thewanderingpen

In this heartfelt solo episode, host Christine Musser pauses to reflect on the growth, gratitude, and genuine connection that have defined the first 21 episodes of The Wandering Pen. What began as a podcast rooted in vulnerability and storytelling has blossomed into a meaningful space for authors, historians, artists, and everyday people to share their truths. Christine opens up about her challenges with anxiety and finding her voice again—and shares exciting news about upcoming guests, including triracial writer Cynthia O’Neil, resilient real estate trailblazer Natalie Crawford, and literary scholar Nancy Jean Ross. She also announces her upcoming memoir writing class, inspired by Mary Karr’s The Art of Memoir, which starts on June 23. Memoir Writing Course Information  Subscribe/Follow The Wandering Pen Podcast    Learn more about Christine Musser            If you’re a lover of true stories, raw reflections, and deep conversations, this is your invitation to keep wandering. #TheWanderingPen #PodcastMilestone #MemoirWriting #StorytellingMatters #WomenPodcasters #RealTalkPodcast #WritersOfInstagram #AuthorLife #PersonalGrowth #CreativeJourney #PodcastAnnouncement #IndiePodcasts