S6-EP15: Finding Her Voice: Jean Burgess, Retro Fiction, and the Stories That Shape Us

Some stories take a lifetime to find their voice. In this engaging and heartfelt episode of Spirit Talk Show: Bedtime Stories for Grown-Ups, Doyle sits down with author Jean Burgess for a conversation that spans decades of storytelling—from childhood performances in the living room to a late-in-life journey into fiction writing. With over 40 years in theater as a performer, director, and educator, Jean brings a rich and deeply human perspective to storytelling. Her work blends personal experience with imagination, creating what she calls “retro fiction”—stories set in the 1970s and 80s that explore identity, courage, and the search for one’s authentic voice. Her newly released novel, That Summer She Found Her Voice, captures the journey of a young woman coming into her own during a time of cultural change, music, and self-discovery. In this episode, Jean shares the inspiration behind her writing, the real-life experiences that shape her characters, and the powerful themes woven throughout her work—including feminism, stigma, and the courage to choose your own path. The conversation moves between laughter and reflection, touching on theater, teaching, creativity later in life, and the evolving role of storytelling in a changing world. Along the way, Jean reminds us that it’s never too late to begin again—and that every voice matters. Whether you’re a writer, a dreamer, or someone still searching for your place in the story, this episode offers something real, thoughtful, and deeply human. Explore Jean’s work and connect with her at: https://jeanburgessauthor.com Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-Ups Hosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/ X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk  Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/spirittalkshow  www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.