Meet Madison McGhee

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Madison McGhee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Madison, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’m not sure I ever “found” my purpose. I think over time my purpose was created by the paths that I chose for myself. The ability to turn your circumstances into something meaningful is something I have been learning over the last several years. I used to sit in my circumstances and allow myself to make excuses for why I couldn’t do something or why I wasn’t qualified. But over time, I had an epiphany that I may not be in control of everything but I can shift my perspective.

When I started my journey investigating my dad’s murder I learned how resilient I really can be and that started inform my purpose. Maybe the struggles I have faced and the trauma I have endured can be utilized to make a different in my corner of the world. When that became the focus, everything changed. And my purpose became clearer and clearer.

I never thought that my purpose would include solving a cold case or helping others navigate the true crime world – but here I am. I have learned that leaning into what you’ve been through can really help others.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Madison McGhee and I am a producer turned podcaster. Currently I am working on Ice Cold Case – a deeply personal project where I am investigating my dad’s murder. John Cornelius McGhee was killed in 2002 in Belmont County, Ohio and it has remained unsolved ever since. Several years ago I started asking some questions and digging into the details of the case when I realized the incredible layers and suspicion surrounding the case.

In an attempt to bring attention and awareness to my dad’s case in hopes that it would help solve it, I launched my podcast Ice Cold Case. Without the backing of an established production company, I was able to have a very successful launch for an indie podcast. Tips and new information have been coming out and I am making solid progress towards my goal – finding my dad’s killer.

Part one of Ice Cold Case is out now, with nine episodes detailing the case and my personal journey. Part two is underway and will be released in early 2024.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience is one of the most important qualities necessary to do what I do. Unfortunately it was something I had to earn the hard way – enduring some excruciating circumstances – but now that I have it, resilience has allowed me to push through the most difficult challenges.

Boldness is required if you want to make waves, but being bold does not always require you to be loud. It’s a delicate dance. I’ve had to become equal parts quiet and bold. When you do something like challenge systems and established organizations it takes a lot of courage, especially in the beginning when you are seemingly alone. Most creative endeavors can feel extremely isolating. But being bold and confident in yourself and your vision can feel freeing.

Empathy is vital in every creative endeavor. Empathy for yourself, others, and circumstances. Empathy allows you to understand the perspective of others. In my experience I have had to hold space for others and their reactions to my actions. Not everyone is happy about what I am doing, but I have empathy for their side of things even if I don’t always agree with it. Life is full of nuance and it requires understanding – that doesn’t always mean agreement.

I have been asked a lot lately what to do if someone is going to embark on a journey like mine. It’s impossible to fully prepare mentally for what you might endure when you open can of worms like this. But I will say that I think understanding your moral line, what you are willing to do to accomplish your goals, and when you realize those things move forward unapologetically.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I am currently fighting an uphill battle – anyone who challenges long-standing systems faces this battle. I’m calling out organizations that society has put a lot of faith and trust in. That can get really uncomfortable. But for me, it is necessary. I feel a little bit like David fighting Goliath but I have learned to navigate these waters very carefully. I think one thing that gets me through is that me challenging these concepts of justice and what that means, is not just benefitting me and my own story. My hope is that this is going to help others for years to come, so that weight of responsibility while it can feel daunting gives me the motivating to keep fighting for what it is right.

Contact Info:

 

Image Credits
Professional photos: Photographer – Trevor Paul The podcast photo and family photos – provided by Madison McGhee

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