Her Dad Was Murdered. So She Hit Record. (Issue #103)
Producer, writer, director, and investigative journalist Madison McGhee takes over today's issue!
Hi friends!
Madison first appeared in Sincerely, Celisia a few weeks ago through a So Obsessed feature, and now she is back for a full issue takeover!
Madison is the host and creator of the breakout independent true crime podcast, Ice Cold Case, where she actively investigates the unsolved murder of her father, John Cornelius McGhee. After living without answers for over two decades, Madison took matters into her own hands and launched a podcast that took the true crime genre by storm. Not only does she delicately balance the emotional side of losing a father to murder with truth-seeking and fact-finding, but she also captivates the listener with her unique storytelling style.
I first met Madison through my work on Truer Crime, and I was fortunate to be able to guest on Ice Cold Case earlier this year. Currently, Madison is gearing up for a big summer with the launch of her new show "LA Crimes" with LA Times Studios and a national podcast tour with the true crime/comedy podcast Affirmative Murder (which includes a stop in Minneapolis for my local subscribers!!). Follow Madison @madison_mcghee and @icecoldcase, and snag tickets for the Family Matters Tour here.
And without further ado, here’s Madison!
Hi, I’m Madison McGhee, and wow, am I excited to be here! Thank you, Celisia, for letting me take over this Substack for the week, and thank you, whoever you are, for giving me an outlet to rant, ramble, and share. It’s an honor I do not take lightly. But before I begin, you should probably know something about me.
My dad is dead. Yes, it’s kind of my identity. Dead Dad Club (founding member) over here. But there’s a little more to it.
My dad was murdered
and it’s unsolved.
On July 11, 2002, my dad was shot and killed in the doorway of his home in Belmont County, Ohio. It’s been unsolved ever since. I took it upon myself in 2020 to start gathering information and look into this case that, to me, isn’t just cold, it is frozen solid. I document my journey and my investigation efforts in the podcast Ice Cold Case.
There are so many lessons I’ve learned on the journey of trying to solve my dad’s murder, but one of the things I’ve been marinating on is the idea that closure might not look how I expected it to. I’ve spent a lot of time and resources on this case – diving into my dad’s past, the events that led up to his murder, and the environment he was living in. It’s almost like I’ve been transported back to those moments. To look into something so personal at such a deep level can be disorienting, and finding your way back to your body and mind can feel impossible.
Which, I guess, is a natural theme for my takeover – nostalgia and time. I think we’ve all felt that feeling of wanting to go back to a time that, in the moment, we couldn’t wait to move on from. What is wrong with us? I used to pray for the life I live now, only to spend most of my time praying for the next thing. I want to enjoy my life, the people around me, the world I’ve created for myself, but it’s ok to feel longing for what things used to be. It’s about balance. What about the past felt good? Maybe incorporate more of that into the dream life you’re living now. That’s my goal. And I’m not going to beat myself up if I don’t hit the mark perfectly because that’s all kind of the point, isn’t it?
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.
Book: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
I spent a lot of my early twenties focused on the self-help book phenomenon – desperate for anything that could make me feel like I was on the path to being my best self or at least like I was acquiring the tools to eventually get there. This book wrecked me in the best way. We already know we don’t have enough time. Deadlines will come and go (like the deadline I missed to submit this newsletter takeover). Similarly, money will come and go. But we have lost the ability to enjoy our lives because we are hyperfixated on the only thing we cannot control – time. If you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or like your to-do list is never-ending, read. this. book.
Documentary Series: Twitter: Breaking the Bird (HBO/CNN Films)
Speaking of how I spend my time – I remember the early days of Twitter, you know, when connectivity was new and exciting and the possibilities were endless because our hearts and minds still felt pure. Our idea of posting online didn’t include how we were going to monetize our musings or how many followers we could gather. We just wanted to share and connect, and in 140 characters, we managed to do that. “Hey, I just ate some pickles and they were delicious,” was considered content, and it was good enough. The documentary series highlights the origin of the company, from who founded it and coded the first website to how the company got the name “Twitter,” formerly “Twttr.” It is such a brilliant work of nostalgia, and fascinating to see what was happening behind the scenes of a website where we shared our most embarrassing thoughts.
Substack:
byAlex Lewis is a genius. Not just because of his brain, but his heart and his ability to combine the two to share beautiful musings. He self-describes his Substack as “Writing about things I love & the people and moments that have shaped me,” and truthfully, the moments I spend reading his words shape me. He breaks down music artists and dives deep into their work to dissect what it means to be a creator in its truest form. It’s thoughtful, unique, and brilliant in every way. I’ve known Alex personally for years, and I am learning so much about how art has changed his life and saved him in so many ways, and it reminds me how the art he examines has done the same for me. It’s challenging in the best way to evaluate how I consume art and what it means to me.
Add some adventure to your week and check off as many as you can!
In the spirit of enjoying life and the people/things around us, I want to challenge you with a bucket list. This week, I will be taking my very first trip for pure fun (no work involved, whatsoever) in over six years, and I feel equal parts excited and guilty. But no more of that!
Do something for fun this week, with no hidden agenda. Catch up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while that doesn’t have any connection you need to be intro’d to over email, or follow up about a collab. Just spend quality time with someone you haven’t seen in a while.
While you’re at it, plan a trip (or a staycation) where you can spend a night (or two, or three, or four) without any work. Go somewhere you’ve never been, eat something you’ve never tried, and completely disconnect from emails and work. Not only do you deserve it, you need it.
Things to try + share in the group chat.
Life Hack: The Power of Micro-Breaks
I swear by taking quick 5-minute breaks throughout the day to refresh my mind and body. Whether it’s stepping outside, stretching, or even just breathing deeply, it’s an instant mood booster and productivity game-changer.Product I Love: Yeti Can Cooler
I’ve been obsessed with this can cooler. It’s like a Stanley but for your cans! It’s insulated, and now that it’s finally beach weather again, I’ve been bringing it to the beach with me to keep my drinks cool (and hidden).Recipe to Try: Avocado Toast with a Twist
If you're a fan of avocado toast, try adding a drizzle of balsamic and a sprinkle of chili flakes for an unexpected sweet-and-spicy kick. It’s so easy and a total breakfast upgrade - I cannot (or simply put, do not) cook and even I can make this. I’m not a huge fan of eggs, but you know, they’re getting pricey out here. So this is a great swap for an eggy morning meal that still packs in some protein.
Sincerely,
Madison
Last week I shared a little New Orleans birthday trip recap (feat. gators, ghosts, + gumbo)! Check it out here:
Have a great weekend!
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Madison is the best. This was such a fun surprise. Thanks for the love and for inviting my friend to share her story!