Most of us know Amelia Earhart as the pioneering aviator who disappeared somewhere over the Pacific in 1937. Nearly ninety years later, people are still searching for answers.
When I sat down with journalist and author Rachel Hartigan, I expected to talk about one of history's greatest unsolved mysteries. What I didn't expect was a conversation about purpose, courage, grief, and the human need to keep searching, even when we may never find the answers.
Rachel has spent years following Amelia Earhart's story, travelling on research expeditions, interviewing experts, and exploring the different theories surrounding her disappearance. We discuss everything from the castaway theory on the remote island of Nikumaroro to the challenges of navigation, radio communication and the immense risks involved in attempting such an ambitious flight.
But what fascinated me most wasn't simply how Amelia disappeared. It was who she was.
Long before women were expected to chase adventure or carve out extraordinary careers, Amelia Earhart chose her own path. She challenged expectations of what women could do, became one of the world's most recognisable public figures, and inspired generations of women to think beyond the lives they'd been told to accept.
Our conversation also explores the way history judges pioneering women. Amelia's achievements are undeniable, yet nearly every discussion of her final flight is accompanied by questions about whether she was prepared enough, skilled enough or somehow responsible for what happened. It raises a much bigger question about ambition, risk and who we allow to be imperfect while attempting something extraordinary.
As the conversation unfolded, another story began to emerge; Rachel's own.
Writing this book became far more than a research project. It intertwined with grief, family, curiosity and the decision to leave the certainty of a staff journalism role to pursue work that truly mattered to her. In many ways, her own journey mirrors something so many of us experience in midlife: reaching a point where you feel called to follow something simply because it won't let you go.
I loved where this conversation landed. We began by talking about an unsolved mystery, but we finished somewhere much deeper.
Sometimes the greatest discoveries aren't the answers we're searching for. Sometimes they're who we become through the search itself.
Whether you're fascinated by Amelia Earhart, love a good historical mystery, or simply find yourself wondering what you're being called towards in this season of life, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation.