Life is full of stories, and whether we like it or not, they happen to us every day. Yes, these stories might sometimes turn out to be life changing events by themselves, but most of the time their impact is felt much smaller. This does not however lessen their importance. In fact, wouldn’t it be correct to say that these ‘small stories’ are the building blocks that we use to create the person we are today?
So how do you tell your own story? Well, sometimes a personal narrative can be made much easier if you create a narrator and in our new podcast; that’s exactly what Jeannie McGinnis has done. She uses the character of ‘Kathyrn McKenzie’ to tell her diverse stories, ranging from the alluring lights of beauty pageants to a descent into the murky shadows of the Red Light District. From ‘Alaska to Texas’ and ‘Irkutsk to Koh Samui’; Kathryn learns from both the mundane and the extraordinary, all the time recounting her humorous and sometimes gritty experiences.
About The Author:
Jeannie McGinnis is an American who has lived in Sheffield with her two children and husband for 10 years. She’s a TV presenter, voice artist, commercial model, actress & writer. She’s written a novel, numerous short stories, short screen plays, radio plays as well as journalistic pieces. You can visit her blog at confessionsofanamerican.com for views on culture, humour, writing, modelling, health and transformation. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.
Burning Down The Church
The big day has arrived and a 27 year old Kathryn is preparing to marry the man of her dreams. However, first she must overcome the creeping flames of a nearby candle; not to mention the creeping realities and expectations of day-to-day married life.
Credits: Written and Read by Jeannie McGinnis
Music: Featuring a musical sting from “Sound of a Picture” by Poddington Bear
This story is copyright ©2016 to Jeannie McGinnis
Frauds, Hawaiian Bikinis & Mannequins
As a teen, Kathryn had already lost one pageant but won another which allowed her to attend the finals in Hawaii. However, although it was full of excitement, it was also undeniably tinged with the emotions of feeling like a fraud. It would take a few more lessons yet, before she could begin learning the art of being authentic.
Credits: Written and Read by Jeannie McGinnis
Music: Featuring a musical sting from “Sound of a Picture” by Poddington Bear
This story is copyright ©2016 to Jeannie McGinnis
Plucking Plasters
In the midst of all her beauty pageants. A 17 year old Kathryn had a memorable experience in Las Vegas. In the moment it seemed very insignificant though embarrassing and confusing. However later in life she saw it as a turning point and a time that defined her.
Credits: Written and Read by Jeannie McGinnis
Music: Featuring a musical sting from “Sound of a Picture” by Poddington Bear
This story is copyright ©2015 to Jeannie McGinnis
Fish Coffee on Ice
Kathryn needed to take a break after university and decided to go on an adventure to the other side of the world. She found herself in a land of snow and ice, filled with Russians in the middle of Siberia. Not only did she meet the Mafia and have a few cultural mishaps, she also discovered that there are more sides to countries and people than we all realise.
Credits: Written and Read by Jeannie McGinnis
Music: Featuring a musical sting from “Sound of a Picture” by Poddington Bear
This story is copyright ©2015 to Jeannie McGinnis
Spitting Watermelon and Inconsequential Fortunes
His name was ‘Gunner Mac’. A highly distinguished gunnery sergeant who commanded tank units in World War II and the Korean conflict. He was wounded in battle several times and received three Purple Hearts. He was also a politician, a Louisiana rancher and one of the strongest men; both in muscle and pride that I ever knew…
Credits: Written and Read by Jeannie McGinnis
Music: Featuring an extract from There by Admiral Bob and the ‘The Marines Hymn’
This story is copyright ©2015 to Jeannie McGinnis
Touching Toes and All That Jazz
Kathryn and Michael seemed to have everything they could want as they set off on their honeymoon to the US West coast. However during the eight hour drive from Seattle to California, tensions start to rise. That is until Kathryn meets Billie, and finds herself falling in love all over again…
Credits: Written and Read by Jeannie McGinnis
Music: Featuring a musical sting from “Sound of a Picture” by Poddington Bear
This story is copyright ©2015 to Jeannie McGinnis
The Crown That Slipped Away
Kathryn, known as Katie-Beth in her teens, had just walked off the ‘Miss North Texas’ runway with the prized rhinestone crown. All the previous winners had gone on to win the main state pageant and Kathryn knew she wouldn’t be any different. Until a disaster hit, changing not only the competition, but her own view of herself…
Credits: Written and Read by Jeannie McGinnis
Music: Featuring a musical sting from “Sound of a Picture” by Poddington Bear
This story is copyright ©2015 to Jeannie McGinnis
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