My Audio Memoir
LET YOUR STORIES BE YOUR LEGACY
My Audio Memoir
An easy way and enjoyable way to preserve your life story, so that future generations will be able to know you, and their family history, through your own words.
I serve as a story guide, audio recorder and editor, on your journey to tell your life story.
How It Works
The Pre Interviews
Either in person or remotely, we will set up times to talk. Over multiple sessions, I will ask questions to learn more about you and your story. From these conversations, we will begin to build a framework for how the recording will proceed.
The Recordings
Either in the comfort of your own home, or remotely, I will spend time guiding you through the process of sharing the key moments of your life journey. All that is needed is a quiet room and your stories.
The Editing
With the recordings complete, I use creative audio editing techniques, to bring out the best of your storytelling. Crafting your story into a polished, high-end recording, I ensure clarity and continuity. Typically, it will take 6–8 weeks to complete the edit.
The Completed Memoir
Delivered as a beautifully edited audio file, this private recording is yours to do with as you please. Shared with friends and family, it will be treasured for generations.
The Origin story
by creator Chris Wakaluk
In 2018, I created a podcast called -The Stories That Brought You Here. It featured interviews with members from my community of Pender Island, B.C. I knew some amazing stories of our 3000 residents existed out there, and I wanted it to help share them. The goal: to discover why people choose to move to the island, and what their life experience had been before. By asking people to tell me their stories in these hour-long interviews, what began to take shape was far greater than I imagined. What emerged through those conversations, was a deep understanding of how people became who they are.
As the months went on and more podcast episode came out, I began to receive a lot of positive feedback. People were amazed to learn small, but fascinating details of friends who had been on the show. In some cases, people who had known someone for decades, were discovering points of connection they were unaware of before. I also began hearing stories from individuals lamenting that they did not have any kind of recording from a loved one no longer alive. I decided to get to work, and try to figure out how I could create audio memoirs.
I launched My Audio Memoir in 2019 and have worked with numerous people since that time, helping them preserve their family history and life story.
This work is deeply important to me, and I value the opportunity to be able to help you explore how we can turn your story, into a legacy.
The Lasting Benefits of Your Audio Memoir
Emotional Connection
Keep cherished voices and memories alive forever, ensuring that the essence of a loved one’s personality, laughter, and wisdom are passed down through generations.
Ease & Comfort
No prior experience is needed. I create a relaxed and guided storytelling experience, helping you find the right words naturally, without any pressure or stress. My approach ensures that the process is as enjoyable as it is meaningful.
Professional Quality
Using high-end recording equipment and meticulous editing, each memoir is crafted with care, ensuring every moment is presented with the emotional depth and authenticity it deserves.
Sample Audio
What can you expect your memoir to sound like?
Each audio memoir will be as unique as the person being recorded. Areas that people choose to focus on can vary significantly. Ancestral information, memories of grandparents, how your parents met, your eventual birth, the early years, successes, failures, lessons, the birth of children/grandchildren, career and retirement. These are all possible topics to be explored. However, it is ultimately up to you as to the areas you would like to share. Input from family members, as to what areas of your life they would like to know more about, is very much encouraged.
Below are two examples of public recordings I have made. Both Lynne and Frank are focused on telling their family story, more than their own. Therefore, these differ slightly from what most private memoir will sound like. They do though, serve as a good example of you can expect a recording sound like.
South Pender Pioneer Families Volume 3
South Pender Pioneer Families Volume 4
Testimonials
I just finished listening to Dad’s audio. You did an amazing job. It is perfect. I love the ending. I will treasure this always.
-Anne
An audio memoir with Chris was an eightieth birthday present to me from my 8 younger siblings. Having heard Chris‘ podcast series, I was excited at the prospect. Although initially a little apprehensive, the whole process of developing the memoir turned out to be a delightful experience. I really enjoyed it, and it is a great record for my kids and grandkids.
-Peter
Pricing
Packages start at $900 for a single recording session and one hour of edited audio.
Ideally, recording in-person is the best way to go.
I can travel to meet you where you are. Depending on where you live, travel expenses may be additional.
Remote recordings can also be done.
Note: Typically, one hour of recording, results in approximately 35 minutes of edited audio.
It has been my experience that between 4–8 hours of edited audio, is a good length of time for someone chronicling their life story.
Please contact me to learn more.
Preserve Your Story For generations
Your voice. Your memories. Your legacy. Imagine your loved ones listening to your stories in your own words, reliving moments that shaped your life. Don’t let your memories fade—turn them into a professionally crafted audio memoir that will be treasured for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
Everything You Need to Know About Creating Your Audio Memoir
Do I need special equipment?
Interviews done in person are with high-quality audio setups I bring with me. You don’t need to worry about microphones, recording software, or technical issues—I take care of all the details to ensure a seamless experience. Whether you’re comfortable with technology or not, I make the process simple and stress-free so you can focus entirely on sharing your story.
If recording remotely, I can guide you in the steps required to have a solid technical set-up, to ensure a good quality recording.
What if I don’t know what to say?
Many people are unsure of where to start. This is the reason for the pre-interviews. Having those hours of focused conversation, allows us to draw out the meaningful moments, reflections, and memories. I gently guide you through different parts of your life and encourage you to speak from the heart. You don’t need to prepare in advance—just relax and let the conversation flow.
How long does the process take?
The timeline depends on the length and complexity of your memoir. A single-session recording can typically be delivered within four weeks, while more in-depth projects with multiple sessions and extensive editing will take longer. I work to ensure the final product is polished and meaningful.
Can I request edits or changes to the final recording?
After the initial edit, you will have the opportunity to review your memoir. At that time, any deletions you would like to make to the audio can usually be done quite easily. If you would like further material to be recorded, that can be arranged.
What formats will my memoir be available in?
Your audio memoir will be delivered as a high-quality digital file, ready to be shared and preserved. If desired, I can also provide options for physical keepsakes, such as custom USB drives.
Can I give this as a gift to someone else?
Yes! An audio memoir makes a deeply meaningful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations. I offer gift packages that allow you to surprise a loved one with the opportunity to share and preserve their story.
How long will my audio memoir be?
As long as you would like. It has been my experience, that between 4–8 hours of edited recording, serve as a good length of time for someone chronicling their life and family story.