Kevin James Shay, 64, was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Dallas. He has worked for, or contributed to, The Dallas Morning News, The Washington Post Co.’s Gazette, Minority Business News USA, Online Journal, Texas Catholic, the late Dallas Times Herald, and numerous other newspapers, magazines, and Internet sites. Traveling through 50 U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, and more than 30 other countries, he has logged more than 200,000 miles in a variety of vehicles. He won two “Best of Show” awards from the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association, with his stories judged to be better than even The Washington Post and Baltimore Sun. Others that have recognized his work include Lincoln University’s Unity Awards in Media, Dallas Press Club, Texas Press Association, American Cancer Society, Suburban Newspapers of America, Bethesda Literary Festival, and Mental Health Association. He wrote books on other subjects, including the JFK assassination, politics, and history, but considers this to be his favorite work because it feels more like fun than work. He lives near Washington, D.C., and has volunteered with Scouting, youth sports, and more.

His two kids contributed to the Mad Trip book. 

Preston Shay, 24, graduated from West Virginia University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management/psychology. He works as a coach and youth counselor. McKenna Shay, 21, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maryland in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in information sciences. She is working on a master’s degree in library sciences.