What really happened inside the marriage that helped turn Amelia Earhart into a legend? That's the question author Laurie Gwen Shapiro sought to answer in her new book: The Aviator and the Showman. Through newly uncovered letters and archival material, she reexamines the partnership between Amelia Earhart and George Putnam, revealing a marriage far more complex, modern, and strategic than the myths suggest.

Join host Roberta as she sits down with Laurie to discuss this riveting book, Amelia's life, and the ambition, gender, power, and fame of early 20th-century America.

Things We Talked About This Episode

• Laurie Gwen Shapiro and her writings
• Amelia greets the press after landing in Hawaii in January 1935 
• Amelia Earhart’s Speech: “A Woman’s Place in Science (20th Century Time Machine

Episode Credits

• A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
• Our Assistant Producer for this episode is me, 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 Producers are Elias Rosner and Kaleigh Diamond. 
• Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
• The clip of Amelia’s remarks from 1935 after landing in Hawaii is courtesy of Historicus Joe. The clip from Amelia’s “A Woman’s Place in Science Speech” is courtesy of 20th Century Time Machine. 
• Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.