Tell your life story
In your words and in your voice.
I guide you through an engaging and supportive process and make a high quality audio recording of your life story. It’s like a podcast, made just for you.
This recording preserves your family history and the special moments of your life, for you and for the people you love.
A gift of legacy.
WHY record your life storY
Every life story is remarkable. A life story is made up of how we experience the world, the triumphs and challenges, and the people and situations that change us. It is also in our values, the choices we make, the beliefs that guide us and the people we love.
When we can no longer talk with the people we love, one of the things we miss most, is the sound of their voice.
HOW IT WORKS
Warm, friendly and designed just for you.
-
Our first conversation is about discovery. First we talk through what you would like to share, who you want to hear the recording, and the service that best suits your needs.
Then I work with you to understand your family history and the memories that are special to you.
From there, I create an interview (or series of interviews) that is unique to your life and the moments that you most want to share.
-
We use a quiet space to do the interviews - this can be online, in person at your home, or in a recording studio in Melbourne.
I record your interview in 90 minute sessions, until your story is complete.
The interview process is supported and guided so it will feel like a fun and interesting conversation about your life.
You don’t need to prepare anything in advance. You are the expert on your life and I’m there to help you share it.
You get to reminisce and tell your stories. The interview I create just for you, will help you to share your memories in a structure that forms the story.
-
The goal of the editing process is to produce a final recording that you can feel proud of. Something that accurately represents your life, your values and experiences.
I take initial editing directions from you. Then I remove all the “ums”, “ahhs” and awkward moments to present you with a high quality life story recording. My editing is very personalised and brings out your story in a way that will make you sound polished and confident - almost like a professional radio host!
At this point you listen to the recording to see if it feels right to you. You can request changes to anything you don’t feel comfortable with before I finalise your recording.
-
In the end you receive a high quality digital recording. Inside a beautifully presented Memory Lane gift box will be either a USB or USBC Flash Drive, depending on your preference technology. Your USB will be engraved with your name, so your story will never be lost.
My aim is to make it easy for you to tell your story, while I record it for you and your loved ones. It’s always your voice, your words and your story.
Your family history is a true gift of legacy for generations to come.
-
There are many ways we can work together to capture the perfect life story for you and your loved ones. Take a look at my Services page for some ideas on packages, or pitch me your own idea on 03 9112 5772.
Your story facilitator
My name is Nina and I’m an audio-biographer.
Since 2019, I’ve been helping people tell their life stories.
I created Memory Lane to record family histories and preserve the life stories of the people we love.
I look forward to working with you.
PAT’s Story
I worked with Pat in 2019. Pat was a vibrant storyteller who had lived a long and full life. He wanted to share his life’s story and leave a legacy for his family.
You can see a snapshot of Pat’s story below.
Pat shares a small snippet of his life story in this video.
Together we made six hours of final audio recordings, going into all the interesting details about his life. This recording is now treasured by his children and grandchildren.
GrEAT LIFE STORY Questions to ask people you love
This is a small sample of the thoughtful questions we can explore as part of a Memory Lane Life Story recording.
If you love exploring life story questions, the Life Story Discovery Card game might be for you.
-
Thinking back to your childhood, tell me how a typical Sunday would start?
What would happen during the day?
Who would be there?
What foods would you eat on Sunday?
-
Who was the best cook in your house when you were a child?
What could you smell when they were cooking your favourite meal?
What foods were made on special occasions?
Now as an adult, is there anything you regularly cook that you learned from your parents?
-
Tell me about when and why you left home?
What did you take with you for your first place?
Describe to me what your first place was like?
Tell me about your first year out of home - how did it go for you?
-
Thinking about your life’s great love(s), tell me what your first impression of them was?
How did you meet?
Tell me about the first year of your romance - what happened?
What was special about this person, that made you want to share time together?
-
When you look back now across your life, what moments fill you with the most joy to recall?
What do you wish someone wise had told you, when you were twenty?
Do you believe in a life’s purpose and if so, what does this mean to you?
What did you draw on to support yourself through the hardest of times?
Learn more about life story services
Click on the links below for more information
Full list of life story services
life story discovery cards
life story workshops
WHEN I WAS YOUNG PODCAST
gift vouchers for life stories
Frequently asked QUESTIONS
-
We can record either in your home, in a recording studio in Melbourne, or online. Each option has pros and cons. Your preference and comfort is the aim. Let’s talk through the options so you can let me know what you prefer.
-
The final product is a high quality digital recording. Inside a beautifully presented Memory Lane gift box will be either a USB or USBC Flash Drive, depending on your preference technology. Your USB will be engraved with your name, so your story will never be lost.
-
Your recording can be anything you would like. We can work together individually, or you can have family members feature in the recording. I have recorded cross-generational family members interviewing each other and couples that wanted to be interviewed together. Likewise I’ve worked with individuals. Talk to me about what you would like.
-
It is possible to add a file of family photos to the final product, if they are in a digital form.
In the final product, I can only use music that I have purchased a licence for, unless it is owned by, or licensed to you.
TESTIMONIALS
Here are some snippets of the reviews former clients have provided. You can see their full reviews here.
“Nina worked with my Dad to capture the essence of his life story. From the first session, her sunny personality and warmth put Dad at ease. Nina's ability to listen deeply and genuinely engage with his recounts made the experience both enjoyable and fulfilling for him. Week after week, Dad eagerly looked forward to their sessions. He relished the opportunity to share his stories with someone new and those sessions quickly became the highlight of his week!
Now that Dad is no longer with us, these recordings have become a treasured keepsake for our family. The value of having his life stories, told in his own voice, cannot be overstated.”
Gerlee Jones
“My life story interviews with Nina were a journey with her through time, memories and feelings. An exploration of myself that would not have been possible alone.
Nina asks interesting and probing - but not intrusive questions. She's sensitive, thoughtful, patient, intelligent and professional.”
Barbara Biggs
“Nina did such an amazing job capturing my mum's story. She spent three sessions with mum interviewing her and getting to know her. The recording that I received was just wonderfully personal and heartfelt. It bought a tear to my eye listening to it and made me feel so much more connected to my mum and her life story. I will cherish this recording and feel its sentimental value to me will just grow and grow over time.”
Dan Biggs
“I engaged Nina of Memory Lane Life Stories to work with both of my parents to capture their story, and the story of our family.
Nina is warm and friendly and I know that my parents really enjoyed her company. They said of the experience that it felt like chatting to an old friend.
I cannot emphasise enough the priceless nature of the quality product that Nina presented my family. I highly recommend Nina and her business, Memory Lane Life Stories.”
Merryn Lancaster