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The First Lady of World War II with Shannon McKenna Schmidt

interviews Apr 28, 2023

It's the trifecta of listener-favorite subjects: an American First Lady, World War II, and a secret adventure. Shannon McKenna Schmidt joins us to share about her new book, The First Lady of World War II:, which chronicles Eleanor Roosevelt’s journey to the Pacific theater during wartime. The five-week trip took her through the South Pacific, and began as a secret when she hitched a ride on a transport airplane next to sacks of mail. Tune in to hear what happened when she touched down in Australia.

 

Hosted by: Sharon McMahon

Guest: Shannon McKenna Schmidt

Executive Producer: Heather Jackson

Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder

Researcher: Valerie Hoback

 

Links to Full Episode:

About the Guest: 

Shannon McKenna Schmidt has written for National Geographic Traveler, Shelf Awareness, DailyBeast.com, NPR.org, and other websites and publications, including an Arrive magazine cover story featuring President Bill Clinton.

From 2010 through 2017, Shannon traveled full-time—first in the United States by RV and then backpacking around the globe. Now, when she's not on the road, she lives in Hoboken, New Jersey. The First Lady of World War II: Eleanor Roosevelt's Daring Journey to the Frontlines and Back is her third book.

 

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