Definitely Not Famous

05/31/2026

Chainsaws, Firebreaks, and Finding Direction with Aaron Williams

host Rebecca Hogue speaks with Aaron Williams about his memoirs Chasing Smoke, which recounts his work as a wildland firefighter, and The Last Logging Show, which follows his family’s history in the old-growth logging industry in northern British Columbia. Aaron discusses his upbringing in Terrace and Haida Gwaii, how logging camps shaped his understanding of the bush, and how his logging background helped him move into firefighting after the Queen of the North sank and altered his plans....

host Rebecca Hogue speaks with Aaron Williams about his memoirs Chasing Smoke, which recounts his work as a wildland firefighter, and The Last Logging Show, which follows his family's history in the old-growth logging industry in northern British Columbia. Aaron discusses his upbringing in Terrace a...

05/06/2026

Writing The Illogical Adventure focuses on the craft challenges and ethical questions involved in co‑writing a memoir with two distinct voices. Rebecca continues her conversation with James MacDuff, who—alongside his wife, Mirriam Mweemba—coauthored The Illogical Adventure.

Writing The Illogical Adventure focuses on the craft challenges and ethical questions involved in co‑writing a memoir with two distinct voices. Rebecca

04/19/2026

In this podcast episode, Rebecca speaks with Halifax lawyer, lifelong traveler, and memoir author James McDuff about the extraordinary love story at the heart of The Illogical Adventure: A Memoir of Love and Fate, which he co‑wrote with his wife, Mirriam Mweeba. James recounts how a chance encounter in Cape Town at the end of an ambitious voyage led to a long‑distance relationship shaped by travel, cultural exchange, and timing, and how the COVID‑19 pandemic—rather than pulling them apart—accelerated their commitment. Through stories of meeting Mirriam’s family in Zambia, navigating lockdowns, proposing abroad, marrying during a global crisis, and eventually building a family in Canada, the episode explores how a single, illogical decision can quietly redirect an entire life.

In this podcast episode, Rebecca speaks with Halifax lawyer, lifelong traveler, and memoir author James McDuff about the extraordinary love story at the heart of The Illogical Adventure: A Memoir of Love and Fate, which he co‑wrote with his wife, Mirriam Mweeba. James recounts how a chance encount...

04/18/2026

In this episode of Definitely Not Famous, I interview 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.

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 …

04/18/2026

Episode 5 authors - James MacDuff & Mirriam Mweemba -

James and Mirriam live in Cole Harbour with their sons, Anderson Arthur and Jack Benjamin. The Illogical Adventure is their first book.

04/18/2026

Excerpt from episode 4: Definitely Not Famous