Kathryn Martin planned on being a college professor all her working life, but a practical joke of masquerading as a wise little ole country lady changed everything! It was nearly 31 years ago when that joke led to her discovery by pastors and other professionals, such as "Minnie Pearl" of the Grand Ole Opry, and their encouragement to go full time as a speaker.

"I was being booked as a speaker myself, but when I developed 'Miz Maudie,' I began to receive requests to speak both as Miz Maudie and Kathryn."

"Versatile" is the word most often used to describe the life and work of this team of one. During retreat seasons, for example, the duo might speak to an audience of ladies in California one week, the next week to an international gathering of senior adults in Upstate New York, next, to singles in Texas, and still another to pastors and/or spouses in Indiana.

Combining the holy and the humorous in good taste, Miz Maudie speaks in opening sessions, helping listeners laugh at everyday experiences that may not have seemed funny when they happened, but in retrospect provide a laughable memory. With her gift of storytelling and sound effects, Miz Maudie soon has strangers sharing the kind of laughter that doubles them over, setting aside their troubles for awhile. At the same time, she includes heart-touching truths that not only recall or create warm memories, but also provide challenge and hope for the future.

In subsequent sessions, Kathryn speaks as herself, combining her years of study in the fields of health and religion to encourage her audience to look for the positive, adding laughter to life while consequently achieving a healthier life - physically, mentally, and spiritually. Her most requested first-time retreat theme has been "Hearts and Homes" with Miz Maudie speaking about the home, and Kathryn's "Laughter: A Miraculous Ingredient for the Heart" and "You Can Do It!"

"I'd never even thought of speaking as a career," Martin says. "I'd been teaching college only a few years when all the invitations came about. But when Mrs. Henry Cannon (Minnie Pearl) told me I had a unique, God-given talent, and I needed to go full time, I began thinking about it."

Mrs. Cannon told Kathryn if she hired an agent, she could make millions; or if she allowed God to open the doors, although she'd never make millions, she would have the satisfaction of knowing she had reached and lifted the hearts of audiences.

"Kathryn," she said, "this old world is starving to death for love, and you need to be out there. Even though I'm a comedienne telling jokes and you're a humorist telling real life, people sense that we really care, and that's why we get the response we do."

Those words struck a chord, and Kathryn realized this was the direction in which her life had been going for a long time without her knowing it. Shortly after that life-changing meeting, she resigned as professor and began her speaking which takes her across the United States and Canada to audiences of varying sizes along with occasional national television appearances as well as conventions and special day events. This extraordinary team of one is at home with civic organizations, businesses and professional groups - wherever clean humor and hope are welcome.

Whether as Kathryn or teamed with herself as Miz Maudie, from the standing ovations, hugs and handshakes, life is never the same after one or both have paid one of their versatile visits!