Life, Told. So it's not forgotten.
Life, Told provides recorded interviews for people who are interested in capturing and preserving life stories and personal memories.
Life, Told documents:
- Life and family Histories
- Recollections of significant events or time periods
- Messages, hopes and wishes
- Audio diaries and "read aloud" letters
What are you offering? What is the product?
Life, Told is both a service (the interview) and a product (the digital recording of the interview).
Who are you?
My name is Max McMahon. I have always been interested in dialogue and oral histories and believe conversation can be transformative and deeply impactful.
I have a master’s in social work from Boston University and specialize in school and community-based mediation and conflict resolution. My work involves interviewing, dialogue and exploring common and divergent perspectives.
I’m from Cambridge, MA and very recently became a father!
Who will want these interviews? Who are potential customers?
Life, Told is perfect for anyone seeking to document his or her family history or record personal reflections and memories. While older adults are a natural fit for recounting life histories, people of all ages have things to say. Interviews can be done with children, young adults, couples, mentors, colleagues and friends. The interview service and product can also be given as a gift.
What about video?
A Life, Told interview is an audio-only recording. The intimacy of conversation is easily compromised by the presence of cameras that can make the interviewee more self-conscious. Voice is an evocative medium that lets the listener use his or her own imagination and memory to connect with the speaker's experience.
Who conducts the interviews? Where?
I conduct each interview in consultation with the interviewee and/or person commissioning the interview. Interviews typically take one hour but multiple sessions can be arranged. Interviews are conducted in a quiet and comfortable location convenient to the interviewee. Family members or friends may be present if requested by the interviewee. I can also provide technical support and interview guidance if others prefer to ask the questions.
Life, Told is based in the Boston area. Interviews can be arranged in other parts of the Northeast.
Can you provide more specifics about the questions you ask or the interview topics?
The topics and themes covered in an interview really depend on the interests of the interviewee and others involved in the project. Specific topics may include: childhood memories, career experiences, raising children, serving in the military, participation in political movements, living abroad, confronting difficult life events or any other theme of interest. Interviews can also focus on recent experiences (e.g. the first year of parenting) or future hopes and wishes.
Interviews are semi-structured and focus on important memories and reflections and the meaning and lessons taken from these moments. The questions I ask are intended to elicit honest introspection. My approach is to treat the interviewee with dignity and respect, and ultimately help facilitate an interview that captures the essence of life experience.
Who gets copies of these interviews? Where do they go?
I will provide a CD and downloadable digital copy of the interview to the interviewee or his or her designee(s). Selected clips may appear on the website or future exhibits only with the express permission of the interviewee. Unlike produced radio stories or documentaries these interviews are created as personal documents and therefore are minimally edited (only to remove interruptions, long pauses and breaks).
What inspired you to start Life, Told?
I have always been interested in personal narratives and life histories. Over the last few years I have become more curious about my own family history. Despite hearing stories about the lives of my grandparents, I never had the chance to interview them while they were alive. All too often I hear people say they wish they had the stories and voices of loved ones who have passed away. My goal for Life, Told is to provide people with an opportunity to capture memories that would normally fade with the passing of time.
Is there a demand for these interviews?
The popularity of public radio shows such as This American Life, StoryCorps, Fresh Air and The Moth reflect a larger cultural interest in autobiographical narratives, storytelling and interviews. Easy online access to historical records has fueled a huge interest in genealogy research. Life, Told interviews are a great way to explore your family history by adding the intimacy of voice and experience. They are also “living” documents that capture and record reflections for the benefit of family members and others in the future.
What's the story of the video clip above?
Ed Liebman’s three adult grandchildren were interested in hearing and documenting the memories of their 92 year-old grandfather. I interviewed Mr. Liebman for more than an hour in his home with his grandchildren present. Mr. Liebman was eager to share his childhood memories in New York City, recount his military service in World War II and speak about his marriage to his late wife. His grandchildren found the experience moving and remarked that they heard many of the stories for the first time.
The featured slideshow was created for my website and for Indiegogo to demonstrate a sample interview. Most of pictures are Mr. Liebaman’s personal photographs (the New York scenes are public images). Keep in mind that the product of a Life, Told interview is the unedited audio file (no accompanying video or images).
Why do you need funding?
Start-up costs are relatively modest but two things are essential: a professional grade digital audio recorder (with external microphones) and a well-designed website to promote the business and share interview clips. Your support will allow me to formally launch this small business.
What will you charge for these interviews?
I haven't determined a final price yet but somewhere between $100-$200 per hour (this includes a digital and CD copy of the interview). I hope to make this affordable to anyone and may consider a sliding scale option and community projects that are free to participants.
Can't people just conduct interviews on their own?
Absolutely! But many people don't get around to it. A thoughtful interview requires time and patience. Professional recording equipment and the proper facilitation ensure the best documentation of important life stories.
Please spread the word and feel free to contact me for any reason at contactlifetold[at]gmail[dot]com.
Thank you!
