Season 2 of the Virtuosa Society Podcast kicks off with a tale close to heart for host Katie Harman as she unfolds the largely unknown story of the Miss America Pageant that almost wasn’t.

Weaving interviews with her fellow competition sisters and fascinating historical references, Katie unfurls the events surrounding 9/11 that led to an unprecedented vote by the 51 young women competing for the title and crown of Miss America 2002. A decision that documentary filmmakers later dubbed as “pop culture that saved America.”

Interviews include:

Meghan Shanley, Miss Virginia 2001

Kim Grice, Miss Kansas 2001

Erin Smith, Miss Iowa 2001

Monica Hardin, Miss Kentucky 2001

Tony Danza interview ℅ “When Pop Culture Saved America”

Atlantic City Press coverage of Bob Reneissen, Miss Hawaii 2001 Denby Dung and Miss New Jersey 2001 Julie Barber

Under the Crown: 51 Stories of Courage, Determination and the American Spirit

Bring My Crown!: Miss America Sings Broadway

Producer: Katie Harman @katieharmanebner

Audio Engineer: Will Cowser @williamcowser

Title Song: “Reflection of the Sun” by Anna Landström