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In this episode of Definitely Not Famous, host Rebecca Hogue interviews Meaghan Hackinen, an ultra-distance cyclist and author of two memoirs, South Away and Shifting Gears. Meaghan shares how her cycling journey began with a solo ride along British Columbia's Highway of Tears at age 24, evolved through cycle touring the Pacific Coast with her sister, and eventually led her into the male-dominated world of ultra-distance bike racing — including winning the 2024 Tour Divide. She reflects on what it means to be a woman in adventure sports, the importance of female representation in storytelling, and how vulnerability on the road often invites unexpected generosity from strangers. Meaghan also discusses her writing journey, from typing blog posts in public libraries to completing an MFA and publishing two books, emphasizing the role of community support — including her "Beta Babes" readers — in building her confidence as a writer. Her advice to aspiring writers: write, share your story, and find your people.

• (01:18) - Chapter 01
• (04:24) - Chapter 02
• (07:14) - Chapter 03
• (10:13) - Chapter 04
• (13:38) - Chapter 05
• (17:51) - Chapter 06
• (22:26) - Chapter 07
• (29:06) - Chapter 08

Bookshop.org

• (00:44) - Chapter 01
• (02:57) - Chapter 02
• (05:52) - Chapter 04
• (06:54) - Chapter 05
• (07:50) - Chapter 06
• (09:29) - Chapter 07
• (12:27) - Chapter 08
• (14:26) - Chapter 09
• (16:42) - Chapter 10
• (18:06) - Chapter 11
• (20:47) - Chapter 12
• (22:47) - Chapter 13
• (25:38) - Chapter 14
• (28:54) - Chapter 15

In this episode, Rebecca J. Hogue sits down with RC Shaw (Ryan Shaw), author of Louisbourg or Bust and Captain Solitude, to explore the adventurous and reflective world of memoir writing. Ryan shares how honesty and vulnerability shape his stories of bikepacking and surfing along Nova Scotia’s rugged coastline, and how he balances openness with his role as a school librarian. The conversation dives into themes of solitude, free camping, and unexpected encounters—including psychic mediums and the ghost of legendary sailor Joshua Slocum.

Ryan also reveals his unique writing process, from drafting longhand to collaborating with editors, and discusses the challenges of crafting authentic dialogue. The episode offers insights into the publishing journey, the evolution of book titles, and the stories left on the cutting room floor. Looking ahead, Ryan teases his next epic adventure: a walking trek across Newfoundland with his dog, a surfboard, and a copy of King Lear, blending travel, history, and literature. He even hints at a future leap into fiction. This conversation is a deep dive into creativity, risk-taking, and the art of living—and writing—more extra than ordinary.

• (00:05) - Introduction to R.C. Shaw
• (02:19) - The Art of Free Camping
• (02:53) - Seeking Solitude on the Journey
• (04:56) - Meeting Psychic Mediums
• (07:43) - Writing Craft: Handwritten Drafts
• (10:12) - The Challenge of Dialogue
• (12:40) - Title Transformation
• (16:55) - Behind the Scenes of Editing
• (19:02) - The Journey of Lewisburg or Bust
• (20:54) - Timelines in Traditional Publishing
• (22:34) - Planning an Epic Hike
• (26:56) - Embracing Isolation
• (27:42) - Transitioning to Fiction

Kobo

Bookshop.org

In this episode of Definitely Not Famous, host Rebecca Hogue interviews Janet Lee, co‑author of Always Ask for Help, a memoir about Arnie Stewart, an adult who lived most of his life unable to read or write. The conversation traces Arnie’s extraordinary journey from a childhood marked by poverty, hunger, and shame in Cobalt, Ontario, to adulthood where he survived through ingenuity, bluffing, and resilience.

Janet first encountered Arnie when he spoke to her high‑school literacy students. His honesty and vulnerability captivated the room — and inspired one student living in a car to finally ask for help. That moment led Janet to promise Arnie she would help him tell his story.

Together, they spoke to 72 audiences, teaching students the power of vulnerability and the importance of literacy. Janet developed a structured “before, during, and after” approach for schools, helping students engage deeply with Arnie’s message. She also created the Arnie Card, a tool that allows people to silently signal when they need help — now used not only in schools but in local businesses.

Janet describes the emotional and technical challenges of writing the book with Arnie, capturing his voice, and editing hours of imperfect audio. She also shares her own struggle with asking for help, including a painful experience with a writers’ group that nearly derailed the project.

Now, more than 22 years after she first met Arnie, Janet is expanding the project into a documentary film, using animations based on drawings created by students who heard Arnie speak. She sees this as the medium that will finally reach the people Arnie most wanted to help — those with low literacy.

The episode closes with Janet’s advice for memoir writers: choose a topic you’re passionate about, allow others to help you, and keep going even when the journey feels impossible. 

• (00:06) - Introduction to Arnie's Story
• (00:38) - Meeting Arnie Stewart
• (06:26) - Janet's Turn to Support Arnie
• (09:00) - Innovations in Arnie's Presentations
• (10:51) - The Power of the Arnie Card
• (13:48) - Writing the Book Together
• (17:52) - Janet's Journey as a Writer
• (21:15) - Expanding Arnie's Story to Film
• (26:42) - Editing for Film Adaptation
• (27:34) - Advice for Aspiring Memoir Writers
• (29:44) - Supporting the Project and Closing Remarks

If you want to recommend an author for me to interview, or you are an author and want me to interview you, there are forms available on the Definitely Not Famous website.

Thank you – I hope you enjoy the show!