Episode 180: Frank MacDonald: The Heart of Inverness and the Stories that Shaped Him

This week, we’re honoured to welcome Inverness, Cape Breton’s beloved literary hero, Frank MacDonald — an author whose work captures the rhythm, humour, and humanity of small-town life. Frank shares stories from his adventurous travels and humble beginnings growing up in a coal mining community, and how he’s spent a lifetime borrowing, shaping, and preserving the tales of his neighbours through his writing.

 

We talk about the enduring impact of his late wife Virginia, his companion and creative collaborator for 38 years, whose love and spirit continue to inspire his words. From his award-winning novels A Forest for Calum and A Possible Madness to his iconic satirical columns in the Inverness Oran, Frank’s storytelling legacy is woven into the cultural fabric of Cape Breton.

 

This episode also celebrates a major milestone — the 20th anniversary of A Forest for Calum — marked by a special event hosted by the Inverness County Centre for the Arts. 

 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen

 

Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen

 

Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative

Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com 

Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo

Intro song: “A Day in the Life"

Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Frank’s Website: https://www.invernessarts.com/all-upcoming-events/a-forest-for-calum-20th-anniversary