Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told
"Flower in the River" podcast, inspired by my book of the same name, explores the 1915 Eastland Disaster in Chicago and its enduring impact, particularly on my family's history. We'll explore the intertwining narratives of others impacted by this tragedy as well, and we'll dive into writing and genealogy and uncover the surprising supernatural elements that surface in family history research. Come along with me on this journey of discovery.
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 35 minutes
- Episodes
- 131
- Years Active
- 2023 - 2025
Preserving the Eastland Disaster Story: One Family's Quest (Part 2)
This is Part 2 of the interview with Barb Decker-Wachholz! Here she guides us on a journey through time and unravels the remarkable tapestry of her family's connection to the Eastland D…
Capsized Chaos to Epic Courage: An Eastland Disaster Survival Story
Ready for a story about someone who SURVIVED The Eastland Disaster? Welcome to Episode 30 of Flower in the River Podcast! Pack your bags as we take a journey filled with courage, resili…
Creative Defiance: Dodging Doubters, Ditching Clowns
Welcome to Episode 29 of Flower in the River Podcast!
What's Cooking Today?
- A poetic toast to the 100th anniversary of Jun Fujita's "Tanka: Poems in Exile."
- Your guide to sniffing out go…
Sawubona: Chronicles of Connection & Continuity
Have you ever pondered the sheer impact of just one word? Tune in as we unravel the deeply meaningful Zulu term, Sawubona, which simply, but powerfully, means “I see you.” In episode 28…
River and Reflection: Waters of Legacy
Ever thought about how a river's journey might mirror our own life's twists and turns? Dive into Episode 27 of Flower in the River podcast where we muse over life's adventures alongside…
Genes and Journeys OR How'd Grandma's Past Get into my Genes?
What if the family tales you never heard still echo in your bones? From Carl Jung’s dive into the Collective Unconscious to the mind-bending realm of epigenetics, there’s a world where …
Grave Messages, Shipwreck Secrets & Audiobook Launch
Picture this: you're cozied up in your favorite reading nook with a warm cup of tea in hand, excitedly turning the pages of a riveting new book - Flower in the River. But wait, what if …
Darkroom Confidential: Developing the Jun Fujita Story with Graham Lee, Part 2
Step into the past and peek behind the lens with legendary photographer Jun Fujita - join me as I continue my captivating conversation with Fujita's great-nephew, Graham Lee. We'll hear…
Through the Lens of Jun Fujita - with Graham Lee & Natalie Zett - Part 1
Exploring my family's history has been an extraordinary adventure, but it's bittersweet. I'm haunted by the Eastland Disaster, especially since all who were there are now gone. There is…
Different Lenses: A Mortician, Irish Theatre, and the Eastland Disaster
History is not just facts and events. History is also a pain in the heart and its soul. If we tell that story with an open heart, we can leave an amazing legacy for future generations. …
Rearview Regrets: U-Turns to Growth
Get ready for a thrilling ride through time, exploring how the ghosts of our pasts shape our futures. Even regrets can be useful if you know how to work with them! Episode 21 introduce…
Trading Places, Trading Fates
Ever wondered how the tragedies of the past can shape the inspiration of the present? Join me on an emotional journey through my family history in Trading Places, Trading Fates (Episode…
Through Tears and Time: The Day of the Eastland Disaster
Note: this is a special episode commemorating the 108th Anniversary of The Eastland Disaster (July 24, 1915).
Can you imagine the excitement of a 19-year-old embarking on what is suppose…
Tribute to the Pearl of Great Price
This episode introduces the “original storyteller,” my aunt, Pearl Donovan Cerny.
Have you ever wondered how the ripples of a historical event shape the lives of those who follow? Imagin…
Deja Vu and Genetic Recollections
Have you ever been seized by the uncanny sensation of déjà vu? That's today's topic on Flower in the River Podcast, Episode 17, Deja Vu and Genetic Recollections.
Your host, Natalie Ze…
A Quest for Meaning in Shadows of Adversity
Imagine finding yourself at an unexpected fork in the road, faced with a revelation that could change everything - your perception of yourself, your family, your history.
Zara continues…
Aunt Magda's Atlas of the Future or Who Needs Google Maps?
Navigating through her tumultuous family life, Zara grounds herself in the sanctuary of her church. Simultaneously, in Episode 15 of Flower in the River podcast, Zara's enchantment wit…
Tiny Tots to Truth Seekers: Wisdom of the Ages
Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide. Take care of yourself if you choose not to listen.
Welcome to Episode 14 of Flower in the River!
From childhood to adolescence, we possess…
Past Shadows, Future Hopes: Zara, Magda, and Family Mysteries
Welcome to Episode 13 of Flower in the River.
This episode focuses on Aunt Magda as she continues sharing insights and guidance with Zara—while trying to give Zara space to make her own…
Aunt Magda's Mystical Mayhem or Step Deeper into the Supernatural
“You’ll always have more to fear from the living than the dead.” Magda Vrabel Velgyak.
Welcome back to Flower in the River podcast, Episode 12. Get ready to tiptoe deeper into the bewitc…