The Collection Process...
If you are interested in sharing what it’s been like to be you, here are some details about how the show and why I encourage you to share your story. Please note your story is identified by your first name and age only. You are always welcome to request a name change if you would be more comfortable. Other details to share about your location are entirely up to you.
How will I collect your story?
We will meet in an agreed upon, comfortable location. Areas might include a walk, a quiet cafe, a museum, garden, park or other area where we can talk without significant interruptions. I record all podcasts in person.
What has it been like to be you, to live your life is the essence of the story.
I will ask guiding or clarifying questions in a casual, friendly conversational manner. I hope that you’ll share your life honestly and openly, but I have no wish to press you for details that you are not comfortable sharing.
With that in mind, it will be up to you to decide what and how much to share. If you’re recalling an event and feel emotional or overwhelmed, request a moment I will pause the recording until you are ready to continue. Otherwise, we will proceed. Keep in mind there is no shame in showing any emotion whether it be sadness, regret, joy, confusion, contentment, anger, frustration, reflection, etc.
Please refrain from sharing last names of others, using excessive amounts of profanity or saying anything that might be construed as slander. Your story will be shared on many platforms and anyone can listen to it.
Hearing what it’s been like to be you is my honor and privilege and I will treat it as such. The length of time depends on you. If the recollections you share take longer than one hour, your story may be broken into sections for listener ease.
Why document and share your story?
Broadly speaking, you represent a moment in history, part of the generation in which you came of age and experienced the world. Sharing your perception of what it’s been like to be you adds your voice to the historical collective of humanity.
On a more personal level each of us represents unique reactions to our world, perspectives of lessons learned, of changes we underwent to become the person we are at the moment the conversation is recorded. Sharing that with others provides a human to human connection that I feel is deeply important to our own survival. To see ourselves in others allows for compassion, patience, understanding, and a deeper knowing of the complexity of the human life cycle.