ICYMI: Interview on WBEZ
Listen to my interview on Chicago’s WBEZ for a discussion about the “Mrs. O’Leary’ project. Thanks to WBEZ for the opportunity.
She didn't start the fire. But somebody did.
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October 7: ‘Mrs. O’Leary’ launch party!
Please join me at 7 pm on October 7 at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave., to commemorate the launch of the audiobook production of “Mrs. O’Leary.” The date is significant: one day before the 155th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. No price for admission other than your fellowship. Meet some of the voice actors, listen to scenes from the book, get a drink from the cash bar, and set it on a coaster designed by my brother. Also: Take home a teensy weeny fire extinguisher key chain with your donation to the Chicago Fire Department Foundation.
“Mrs. O’Leary” is a story that supports the Chicago City Council’s position in 1997 that Catherine O’Leary (and her cow) did not start the fire.
It explores how cancel culture existed in the late 1800s as O’Leary was blamed in both the media and literature (such as postcards and leaflets – the original social media). We can still remember how kids were taught the kicking-cow story in school back in the day. The plot features details from the investigation by the Chicago Board of Police and Fire Commissioners and subsequent newspaper coverage that blamed O’Leary.
Outside of official records and my research, the story takes some liberties as a work of historical fiction about O’Leary – who never granted any interviews about the event – and her experiences in her neighborhood and malignment within the Irish community. O’Leary is voiced by local actress Barbara Figgins. The story imagines her as a feisty, funny and flawed person: a businesswoman who radiates vulnerability and strength; a heroine whose side we are on.
Hope to see you there!
“Mrs. O’Leary” Audiobook Available Now on Spotify
Learn more and purchase the audiobook here. Please note that half of the sale of each audiobook will be donated to the Chicago Fire Department Foundation, the nonprofit organization that helps Chicago firefighters and their families in times of need. Thank you to everyone who generously donated to this project.
Screen Magazine Profiles “Mrs. O’Leary”
Check out this story about the “Free Mrs. O’Leary!” project in Screen Magazine! Thanks to the ISA for this opportunity.
Read the Interview on Substack!
I’m delighted that best-selling author Lisa Hendey interviewed me about the “Free Mrs. O’Leary!” project for her Substack. I hope you can take a few moments to read her post.
Seeking Generous Donors for Audiobook
From June 1 to July 1, 2026, I’ve launched a fundraising campaign that will help me complete the “Mrs. O’Leary” audiobook for release by September. You can learn about the audiobook and the campaign — what it will fund, what incentives I’m offering donors, and how to contribute — by visiting my page on Seed & Spark.
Watch this brief video for my pitch:
Listen to Podcast Interview
Thanks to the Wildsound Festival for chatting with me about the screenplay on their podcast.
