We had so much fun recording this episode...that almost became a musical!

Myra and Hilary sat down with Cynthia Geary, acclaimed actor on television, stage and film & known around the world for her role as Shelly Tambo on the television series Northern Exposure, which earned her two Emmy Award nominations. She's had numerous guest-starring roles on a variety of TV programs, made-for-TV movies and independent films. She recently starred in and co-produced the 2024 series Going Home and guest stars in the Netflix series Penelope. Early in her career, Geary played the mother of the Olsen twins in their 1992 made-for-TV movie To Grandmother's House We Go, appeared in the 1997 movie When Time Expires, and is the female lead in 8 Seconds. 

Hilary shared the big screen with Cynthia in the award winning 2013 independent film Nothing Against Life; Myra had the great privilege of directing Cynthia in the 2004 Book-It Repertory Theatre production of Edna Ferber’s epic novel, Giant, and shared the stage with her in Book-It's production of Kate Chopin's The Awakening.  She resides in Seattle with her husband and their dog, Mango.

Enjoy this episode full of laughs and discovery.

Just Before We Go is produced by Myra Mae Studios and Real Girl Athletics

Support the production of content for women over 40 by buying Hilary and Myra a coffee!

Theme song is written by Dave Ellis and performed by Dave Ellis and the Hopeless Sinners

In this episode, Hilary and Myra get the inside scoop on what it takes to be a woman spearheading animal protection law in California from founder, CEO and president of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), Judie Mancuso.

SCIL is the leading political advocacy group dedicated to advancing animal protection laws. Since 2007, Judie has spearheaded more than 70 state bills—28 of which have been signed into law—achieving landmark victories such as banning the sale of animal-tested cosmetics, prohibiting wild animals in circuses, ending commercial and recreational fur trapping, and requiring plant-based meals in all state hospitals and prisons.

In some instances, Judie literally went where no woman has gone before.

Impossible feats? Check.

Insider knowledge? Check.

Strong woman? Check.

And still...we manage to laugh a alot!

Recognized for her unwavering advocacy, Judie was named one of Orange County's Most Influential People 2019.   She has served as Vice Chair of the Laguna Beach Environmental and Sustainability Committee and completed two terms on the California Veterinary Medical Board. She resides in Laguna Beach with her rescued cats and dogs Lily, Twiggy and Petula.

You can support the making and passage of SCIL's new bills by donating and signing calls to action at: Social Compassion in Legislation – They Have No Choice. No Voice. No Vote.Judie's book Because They Need Us: My Political Fight to Save Animals can be purchased at:Because They Need Us: My Political Fight to Save Animals 1, Mancuso, Judie - Amazon.comTo support the production of Just Before We Go, consider buying Myra and Hilary a coffee at:Just Before We Go...Theme song written and performed by Dave Ellis and the Hopeless Sinners:Dave Ellis and the Hopeless Sinners

*mature content advisory

*this episode includes conversation about animal cruelty

This episode is full of humor (donkey stories included!), the romance and reality of ranch life, an inside look at creative writing and what it takes to achieve your dream as a woman in today's world. Pam is an expert at balancing lightness and depth as we delve into real issues women face today.

Pam Houston is an award-winning author, teaches in the Low Rez MFA program at the Institute of American Indian Arts, is Professor of English at UC Davis, and is co-founder and creative director of the literary nonprofit Writing By Writers. Her books include Without Exception: Reclaiming Abortion, Personhood and Freedom,  the memoir Deep Creek: Finding Hope In The High Country, as well as two novels, Contents May Have Shifted and Sight Hound. She's published two collections of short stories, Cowboys Are My Weakness and Waltzing the Cat, a collection of essays, A Little More About Me as well as a book of essays with environmental activist Amy Irvine, called Air Mail: Letters of Politics, Pandemics and Place. 

Pam's stories have been selected for volumes of The O. Henry Awards, The Pushcart Prize, Best American Travel Writing, and Best American Short Stories of the Century among other anthologies. She is the winner of the Western States Book Award, the WILLA Award for contemporary fiction, and the Evil Companions Literary Award.   She resides in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, horses, chickens, donkeys and dogs Livie Lou and Bodie.

Learn more about Pam's work at www.pamhouston.net

Visit www.justbeforewego.com for sneak peaks of future episodes.

You can support the podcast at Just Before We Go...Theme song is original music by Dave Ellis and the Hopeless Sinners - www.daveellisandthehopelesssinners.com *mature content advisory

*disclaimer: this episode includes discussion of women's bodies and abuse.