In this inspiring episode, MaryAnn Riley reflects on her unexpected journey from aspiring doctor to master educator, mentor, and national Teacher of the Year finalist. With warmth and wisdom, she shares how her life's calling evolved through divine guidance, academic persistence, and the support of her family and community.

MaryAnn opens up about her legacy as a mentor to countless student teachers, her influence on future generations, and how deeply she believes in the power of reading, thinking, and reevaluating life’s direction. She recounts pivotal moments—from teaching in Panama to supporting young CNAs exploring their futures—and emphasizes that our early plans may not always reflect our true calling.

With moving nods to her faith, her 61-year marriage, and her earliest political involvement during the Eisenhower campaign, this episode captures the essence of MaryAnn's philosophy: embrace your journey, stay open to change, and always uplift others. Her heartfelt words offer encouragement for anyone questioning their path or searching for meaning in the everyday moments of life.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "The Lady in Red: Inspiring a New Generation." We hope Mary Ann Riley's journey and her conversations with Jermaine Whiteside have inspired you, enlightened you, and perhaps even challenged your thoughts on dedication, service, and conservative values.

To conclude today's episode, we pay tribute to a beloved figure in the conservative community, The Late Dr. Kenneth Myers Sr., whose profound understanding and articulation of the principles we hold dear continue to resonate. Please stay with us for Dr. Myers's narrated South Carolina Republican Creed, which reminds us of the foundations upon which our beliefs and actions are built.

In one of the most emotional and intimate recordings of The Lady in Red series, MaryAnn Riley opens her heart in this powerful conversation about legacy, faith, illness, and the final preparations for her life’s work. Speaking candidly with her collaborator, Eric, MaryAnn reflects on her physical struggles, her enduring sense of purpose, and the meaningful objects and memories she's sorting through in her home to donate to the community she has long served.

As she shares thoughts on the upcoming book, her faith, and her love for others, MaryAnn offers wisdom rooted in decades of service, humility, and a deep desire to uplift future generations. From her concerns about survival skills in younger people to her memories of meaningful relationships and heartfelt gratitude for being chosen as the subject of this project, MaryAnn’s voice is full of grace, vulnerability, and clarity.

This bonus episode is more than a behind-the-scenes moment—it is a testament to a life well-lived, and a woman who, even in the face of uncertainty, continues to give, teach, and inspire. Listeners will be left with a renewed sense of what really matters: love, respect, and the legacy we leave behind.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "The Lady in Red: Inspiring a New Generation." We hope Mary Ann Riley's journey and her conversations with Jermaine Whiteside have inspired you, enlightened you, and perhaps even challenged your thoughts on dedication, service, and conservative values.

To conclude today's episode, we pay tribute to a beloved figure in the conservative community, The Late Dr. Kenneth Myers Sr., whose profound understanding and articulation of the principles we hold dear continue to resonate. Please stay with us for Dr. Myers's narrated South Carolina Republican Creed, which reminds us of the foundations upon which our beliefs and actions are built.

In this candid bonus episode, listeners get a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the voice and spirit of MaryAnn Riley through a series of personal voicemails left for her collaborator, Eric. These unscripted moments highlight MaryAnn’s unwavering attention to detail, her deep sense of responsibility to tell her story accurately, and her thoughtful reflections—particularly on the role of faith in her journey. From discussing manuscript edits to expressing concern over forgotten elements, these messages reveal the heart and humility of “The Lady in Red,” offering an intimate connection to her legacy beyond the pages of the book.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "The Lady in Red: Inspiring a New Generation." We hope Mary Ann Riley's journey and her conversations with Jermaine Whiteside have inspired you, enlightened you, and perhaps even challenged your thoughts on dedication, service, and conservative values.

To conclude today's episode, we pay tribute to a beloved figure in the conservative community, The Late Dr. Kenneth Myers Sr., whose profound understanding and articulation of the principles we hold dear continue to resonate. Please stay with us for Dr. Myers's narrated South Carolina Republican Creed, which reminds us of the foundations upon which our beliefs and actions are built.