Podcast Perspective: My Aha Moment
In just eight months as the host of the "Flower in the River" podcast, I've traversed a journey that reshaped my show's narrative and my understanding of storytelling.
My podcast episodes are unique journeys that started with the stories from my book and my family's connection to the Eastland disaster--but they now include stories from other communities and individuals who were affected by the Eastland Disaster. I take a quirky and non-traditional approach, leaning more towards improv rather than conventional storytelling.
This series breaks the mold, carving out its own unique path. It's a living, breathing journey, weaving together a rich tapestry of world-building. It dives deep into the lesser-told stories of communities and individuals, painting a vivid picture of their lives after the disaster. It's not just a show; it's a constantly evolving exploration of hidden narratives.
As I've begun telling stories of others affected by the Eastland Disaster, the podcast has taken many unexpected turns—and I don't mind. What blows my mind is that 1915 Chicago is way more complex than I ever thought.
People ask, "Why has the Eastland Disaster been largely forgotten?"
Finding clear-cut answers to that question was challenging, and it's true that, as time passed, the Eastland Disaster slowly faded from public consciousness.
The reasons are complex and multifaceted. One explanation is that the disaster occurred when the nation dealt with other significant events, such as World War I. The attention of the public and the media shifted towards these more significant global issues, causing the Eastland Disaster to be overshadowed and eventually forgotten. I've never been 100% comfortable with that explanation, though.
Perhaps it is a question with no answer. But one thing is for sure--I haven't forgotten it and am doing my best to remember those who were there.
The Light Before the Darkness
I opened my most recent episode with a story about a '60s icon and me.
What in the heck does that have to do with The Eastland Disaster?
Read on…
Donna Loren, Circa 1964
It all started when I sent a heartfelt "thank you" to 60s icon Donna Loren for blazing the book-to-podcast trail with her epic "Love's a Secret Weapon" podcast. And Donna replied, but I'll get to that...
Her inspiring podcast encouraged me to create my own podcast. Then, she and her co-host, Dr. Adam Gerace, invited me to be a guest on "Love's a Secret Weapon!" (Ep 75 - The Ancestors Who Guide Us: Donna and Dr Adam In Conversation with Natalie Zett) That was the cherry on top, and I still can't believe this happened!
My prior podcast appearances (before Donna) created a buzz around my book and I sensed there was more to explore. Donna's podcast showed me the possibilities, and I was fired up to embark on this adventure.
Back to Donna: Let me tell you, it's not every day that I get star-struck, but chatting with Donna? Totally an exception. This dynamo, with her chart-topping tunes and groovy appearances on "Shindig!"' and those "Beach Party" films are the real deal. Think vibrant '60s pop culture, and you're thinking Donna Loren.
But there's more to Donna than catchy tunes and beach parties. She was also "The Dr Pepper Girl," zipping into our hearts with those bubbly commercials. And sure, the spotlight was bright, but Donna's journey had its twists and turns. From personal challenges to a buzzing entertainment world that never stands still, she's navigated it all with the grace of a true star.
Taking a break to focus on family and other adventures, Donna returned with a bang, proving that you can step away from the limelight and still return shining brighter. And her podcast? It's a heartwarming mix of optimism and the power of love, perfectly capturing her "phoenix rising from the ashes" story. Chatting with her, sharing stories about my book, and diving into her inspiring journey was an experience I won't forget.
My book has been a remarkable passport, granting me access to a diverse tapestry of places and lives. It's been a key that unlocks new worlds, allowing me to traverse boundaries and explore experiences far beyond my own. This literary journey has broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding and appreciation of the myriad narratives woven through human experience.
Segue Time
Mid-episode, my podcast's tone shifted significantly as I moved away from Donna and plunged into more harrowing Eastland Disaster Chronicles.
This episode serves as a stark realization of the limitations of a singular, uplifting narrative. Don't get me wrong--I love stories of grit and determination! Yet, life encompasses a spectrum of experiences, and when we focus solely on stories of resilience and redemption, we inadvertently overlook the complexities and depth of the human experience.
Life did not turn out well for many members of my family after the Eastland tragedy.
For instance, my great-grandmother lost her husband about a year and a half before tragically losing her daughter on the Eastland.
The weight of my great-grandmother's grief manifested itself in physical ways. Her once vibrant, silver hair began to lose its luster, turning dull and brittle. The light that once sparkled in her hazel eyes faded, replaced by a constant emptiness that seemed to consume her. Wrinkles etched themselves deeper into her face, etching the pain and sorrow she carried daily.
This immense loss took a toll on her, leading to what family members describe as a "breakdown." She continued going to the streetcar stop for months after Martha's death, muttering, "Martha got on the streetcar, and she will get off on the streetcar."
But amidst this physical deterioration, a flicker of strength remained. Though her story did not align with the narrative of resilience, my great-grandmother's ability to endure the unendurable was a testament to the depth of the human experience. Though often overlooked, her pain was just as valid and significant as stories of triumph.
In a world that often seeks to glorify tales of overcoming adversity, it is essential to recognize that not all stories fit neatly into that mold. My great-grandmother's story is a poignant reminder that life is complex and multifaceted--and that not all wounds can be healed with resilience alone. By acknowledging and sharing her unique narrative, I honor the full spectrum of the human experience and ensure that no story goes untold.
When it comes to world-building, embracing the full spectrum of human experiences is crucial. This means going beyond exclusively highlighting stories of overcoming adversity. I am committed to sharing narratives that may not have a happy ending. It is about respecting and acknowledging the complexity of life, where joy and grief, success and failure coexist.
In my most recent podcast episode, I focus on the survivors and their stories, providing a poignant glimpse into their lives and the profound impact of the disaster.
One such story revolves around Mary Braitsch and her family. Originally from Germany, Mary lived in New York before marrying John Braitsch. Between 1910 and 1915, the couple and their children moved to Chicago, likely because of John's employment at Western Electric. Tragically, during the Eastland Disaster, Mary lost her husband and all five of her children. In a chilling account, we learn of Mary's brother, Otto Brandt, who stood guard over the bodies of his sister's family, torn between grief and the responsibility of delivering the devastating news to Mary. Mary's story serves as a stark reminder of the personal toll inflicted by the disaster, forever altering her life in its aftermath.
After the disaster, Mary returned to New Jersey with her family's remains, remarried, and started a new chapter in her life. While marked by immense tragedy, her story also speaks to the ability to find a path forward, even in the wake of unimaginable loss.
Another survivor, Robert Magnussen, was separated from his family during the Eastland's capsizing. Robert later discovered the lifeless bodies of his wife and children in the Second Regiment Armory (makeshift morgue). Despite his profound loss, Robert remained in Chicago and continued working at Western Electric. He remarried and built a new family.
In addition, the episode introduces journalists who covered the Eastland disaster, notably Richard Henry Little, whose vivid reporting illuminated the human stories behind the tragedy. Little's work brought to life the raw emotions of those affected, capturing the essence of the catastrophe. Alongside other reporters, his contributions aid in comprehending the profound impact of the disaster, not just as a historical event but as a personal catastrophe that deeply affected numerous lives.
The Journey Continues
This podcast episode marked a significant turning point in my creative journey. It was a lesson in understanding the vastness of human experiences and recognizing storytelling's power. I aim to continue to bring to light the diverse and often overlooked narratives, allowing for a more authentic and inclusive representation of the human condition.
As I continue on this path, I hope to inspire, challenge, and offer a space for all stories to be heard. The Flower in the River journey is ongoing--not to mention expansive! And I am eager to see where it takes us.
Links
Donna Loren’s “Love’s a Secret Weapon” podcast. Ep 75 - The Ancestors Who Guide Us: Donna and Dr Adam In Conversation with Natalie Zett
Legacy of the Lost: Uncovering the Eastland's Hidden Stories - Flower in the River Podcast, EP. 38
