All Stories Matter - Leslye Logan reinventing herself in the second act of life

Updated 2 days ago

In this episode of "All Stories Matter," Marvinetta Woodley Penn interviews her long-time friend Leslye Logan. They reminisce about their college days at Eastern Illinois University and Leslye's adventurous life journey. From overcoming childhood asthma to becoming an adaptive diver and an actor, Leslye shares her inspiring story. The episode highlights her role in the movie "Sharing Air" and her philosophy of living life to the fullest!

Chapters

Introduction to the Host (00:00:15)
Marvinetta Woodley Penn introduces herself as the host of the show 'All Stories Matter', emphasizing the importance of storytelling.

Marvinetta Woodley Penn greets the audience, welcoming both new and returning viewers to the show 'All Stories Matter'. She shares the motivation behind starting the podcast in Kalamazoo, which is her belief that everyone has a story that matters and should be told by the person who lived it, rather than leaving it to others who might not get it right.
The Importance of Storytelling (00:00:36)
Marvinetta explains why storytelling is crucial and how it ensures the accuracy and authenticity of one's personal story.

Marvinetta emphasizes the significance of storytelling, stating that if individuals do not tell their own stories, others might tell it inaccurately. She reflects on her belief that everyone should be the author of their own story to ensure the correct details and connections are conveyed.
Honoring Past Guests (00:01:21)
Marvinetta reflects on past guests who have passed away and the impact of sharing their stories through the podcast.

Marvinetta shares a touching story about a past guest who recently passed away and how the podcast episode featuring her story is being used to celebrate her life. She expresses how deeply moved she is by the unexpected impact and relevance of her podcast in honoring those who have transitioned.
Introducing Leslie Logan (00:02:25)
Marvinetta introduces her friend Leslie Logan, highlighting their long-standing friendship and Leslie's intriguing life story.

Marvinetta introduces Leslie Logan, today's guest, as a long-time friend since college. She reminisces about their shared experiences, including traveling and performing together, and expresses excitement for Leslie to share her captivating story on the show.
Leslie's Eventful Journey to the Show (00:03:02)
Leslie recounts her adventurous journey to the show, including a recent injury and overcoming challenges.

Leslie Logan shares her determination to appear on the show despite a recent calf muscle injury sustained while playing with her grand nephews. She humorously narrates her mishap at a family pool party and how water therapy during scuba training helped alleviate her pain, allowing her to be present for the interview.
Leslie's Early Life and Family (00:06:02)
Leslie describes her upbringing in Chicago, emphasizing community bonds and family influence.

Leslie reflects on her childhood in a middle-class neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, sharing fond memories of a close-knit community where children were watched over by older siblings and neighbors. She highlights the enduring friendships formed on her block and the community spirit that shaped her early life.
Nicknames and Identity (00:08:52)
Leslie discusses her childhood nickname 'Pepsi' and its evolution over the years.

Leslie recounts how she was nicknamed 'Papoose' as a baby by her grandmother, which evolved into 'Pap' and eventually 'Pepsi' during college. Despite trying to shed the nickname, it stuck due to her bubbly personality, and she humorously accepts it as part of her identity.
High School Memories and Challenges (00:11:00)
Leslie shares impactful experiences from her high school years, including cultural challenges and personal growth.

Leslie reminisces about attending a predominantly white Catholic girls' high school and the cultural challenges she faced, particularly during the civil rights era. She shares a story about a fight at a roller rink that led to unexpected friendships, demonstrating her resilience and protective nature despite being perceived as the 'runt' of her family.
College Years and Meeting Marvinetta (00:14:00)
Leslie and Marvinetta recall their college days at Eastern Illinois University and their shared experiences on stage.

Leslie and Marvinetta reflect on how they met at Eastern Illinois University, particularly through their involvement in theater. They share anecdotes from their time performing in plays like 'Images in Ebony', highlighting the strong bonds formed during their college years and the influence of their shared passion for the arts.
The Theater Teacher & Dr. Rain (00:26:48)
The speaker reminisces about their theater teacher, Dr. Rain, who was white and involved in various productions.

The speaker talks about their experiences with their theater teacher, Dr. Rain, who wanted to put on an all-black production. Despite being white, Dr. Rain was enthusiastic about black plays, creating some confusion among students. The speaker fondly recalls being involved in several productions with Dr. Rain and shares a personal anecdote about mixing him up with someone else.
Early Acting Influences (00:27:18)
The speaker's interest in acting was sparked by their sister's involvement in theater and their participation in a black production at a white university.

The speaker discusses how their sister, an actor who overcame challenges at Spelman, influenced their interest in acting. They recall attending rehearsals with their sister and Chuck Smith, who directed 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' at the Goodman Theatre. The speaker expresses excitement about participating in 'Images in Ebony,' a production that celebrated black culture at a predominantly white university.
Racial Protest in College (00:31:29)
A sit-in protest about the unfair treatment of a homecoming queen candidate marked the speaker's first protest experience.

The speaker recounts their involvement in a racial protest during college, sparked by a homecoming queen controversy. Believing the candidate had enough votes, the students staged a sit-in at the gym to draw media attention. Although they didn't achieve a resolution, the protest demonstrated the power of collective action and solidarity across racial lines.
Journalism Career Challenges (00:33:39)
The speaker faced challenges in journalism due to their husband's disapproval of their assigned beat at a county jail.

The speaker shares the difficulties they encountered in their journalism career. After graduating, they worked at the Chicago Defender but faced opposition from their husband regarding their assigned beat at the county jail. This conflict led to tough choices between career aspirations and family obligations, with the speaker ultimately prioritizing their family.
Internship in Springfield (00:35:38)
The speaker recalls their internship experiences in Springfield, working with notable figures like Dick Durbin and Harold Washington.

The speaker reminisces about their time as an intern in Springfield, where they had the opportunity to work with influential individuals such as Dick Durbin and Harold Washington. Despite opposition from their husband, the speaker cherished the experience of living in Springfield, enjoying the combination of country life and political engagement.
Baldwin Ice Cream Company (00:40:47)
The speaker shares the history of Baldwin Ice Cream, a black-owned business that became a family endeavor.

The speaker discusses Baldwin Ice Cream Company, originally purchased by their uncle and later managed by their mother after their uncle's sudden death. The company was the first black-owned ice cream business in Chicago, and the speaker played a role in its operations, learning valuable sales and personal skills while contributing to its growth and success.
Career in Teaching and Theater (00:45:15)
Inspired by a friend, the speaker transitioned to teaching, focusing on English and drama.

The speaker credits their friend for inspiring them to pursue a career in teaching, specifically in English and drama. They admired their friend's dynamic engagement with students and decided to follow a similar path, eventually becoming a teacher who emphasized understanding students' individual needs and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Retirement and Health Challenges (00:47:25)
After retiring, the speaker faced a breast cancer diagnosis but remained optimistic and proactive.

Upon retirement, the speaker was diagnosed with breast cancer, a surprising and unwelcome development. Despite the challenges, they maintained a positive outlook and underwent successful treatment, including surgeries and rehabilitation. The speaker's determination to overcome this health obstacle reflects their resilient spirit and commitment to living life fully.
Swimming and Overcoming Fear (00:50:14)
The speaker overcame their fear of drowning by learning to swim through Chicago Park District classes.

The speaker describes their journey of learning to swim, overcoming a lifelong fear of drowning exacerbated by asthma. They took lessons through the Chicago Park District, improving their swimming skills and confidence. Their persistence paid off, and they eventually joined a competitive swimming team, proving that fear can be conquered through perseverance.
Scuba Diving and Diveheart (00:53:02)
The speaker pursued scuba diving and became involved with Diveheart, an organization for adaptive divers.

The speaker shares their path to becoming a certified scuba diver, despite initial medical concerns due to asthma. Inspired by a friend's scuba adventures, they joined Diveheart, an organization that promotes scuba diving for individuals with disabilities. The speaker's passion for diving and helping others led them to train as an adaptive dive buddy, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity and adventure.
Return to Acting (00:55:35)
The speaker discusses their return to acting, describing it as another love that they've reconnected with after their experiences.

The conversation shifts to how the speaker has been led back to the world of acting. They describe acting as another passion they have returned to, and there is an interest in hearing more about this journey.
First Ocean Dive Experience (00:56:00)
The speaker recounts their first ocean water dive in Honduras, marking a significant moment after becoming certified as a diver.

The speaker shares their experience of returning from Roatan, Honduras, where they completed their first ocean dive. This event marked the end of their 'virgin' diving status and was a memorable part of their journey.
Unexpected Call from Jim Elliot (00:56:17)
A surprise call from Jim Elliot, president of Diehard, leads to a conversation about an opportunity in a film project with David Marsh.

While driving, the speaker receives a phone call from Jim Elliot, who introduces them to filmmaker David Marsh. This call sets the stage for a potential role in a movie Marsh is working on, recommended by Elliot.
Offered Role of Lois Newland (00:57:00)
David Marsh offers the speaker the role of Lois Newland in a film based on a book by Jim Elliot, which they excitedly accept.

David Marsh, the filmmaker, offers the speaker a role in his movie as Lois Newland, a character in a film based on a story by Jim Elliot. The speaker is honored and thrilled to be considered for this role.
Becoming Lois Newland (00:57:33)
The speaker delves into the role of Lois Newland, finding many similarities with the character, making the acting process feel natural.

The speaker describes their journey of embodying the character Lois Newland, who shares many similarities with them. They talk about how they became the character, Lois, a former teacher with MS, and how this role resonated deeply with their personal experiences.
Challenges and Rewards of Acting (00:59:33)
The speaker reflects on the challenges of acting in a movie versus a play, emphasizing the importance of staying in character.

Reflecting on their acting experience, the speaker notes the difficulties and differences between acting in films and plays. They emphasize the advice they received about maintaining character and the importance of this in delivering a convincing performance.
Role-Playing as a Teaching Tool (01:00:17)
The speaker shares how they used role-playing to help students overcome fear and present confidently in class.

Drawing from their teaching experience, the speaker discusses how they encouraged students to assume different identities to boost their confidence during presentations. This method allowed students to step outside themselves, facilitating learning and personal growth.
The Importance of Storytelling (01:01:03)
The discussion concludes with a reflection on the significance of storytelling and sharing personal narratives.

The conversation wraps up with the speaker emphasizing the value of storytelling. They encourage others to share their stories, as everyone has a unique and special narrative that deserves to be heard. This forms a key part of human connection and understanding.