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

#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

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:

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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!

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 this episode, Katie Hess and Julia Chain from the South Mountain Partnership discuss key findings from their State of the Region Report, revealing insights on wildlife

corridors, historic preservation, outdoor recreation, and sustainable land use. We’ll explore how changes in the region affect hikers, communities, and the iconic Appalachian Trail and what’s being done to ensure a balance between growth and preservation.

Tune in to discover what’s happening at the heart of the Appalachian Trail and how you can be part of shaping the future of this vital landscape.

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.

During the episode, DW explains the significance of the Meadowcroft Rock Shelter. This archaeological site reshaped the understanding of early human habitation in the Americas. He also discusses why he included Native American creation stories in his book, emphasizing their importance in providing a more balanced and inclusive historical perspective.

Pennsylvania’s environmental movement, from the early conservation efforts aimed at sustainable resource management to the broader environmental movement, emerged in response to industrial expansion. He highlights the role of transportation, particularly railroads, in shaping Pennsylvania’s landscapes and contributing to widespread deforestation.

The conversation shifts to the post-industrial period, during which DW shares the ongoing challenge of balancing economic development with environmental protection in present-day Pennsylvania. He also emphasizes the ecological consequences of industrial activity, including the infamous Denora smog disaster and the lasting impact of the Centralia mine fire.

For those interested in Pennsylvania’s environmental history, Cradle of Conservation offers a compelling and accessible narrative. Listeners can learn more about the book, find information on upcoming author events, and explore Pennsylvania’s conservation heritage at PA Conservation Heritage

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.