A private life story interviewing and recording service for individuals and families, in Naarm/ Melbourne.

Formats range from a single session to more extensive biographical projects.  

To create a recording of lasting value takes preparation and care. Each booking begins with an in-depth phone consultation so I can tailor the service to you.

We later record in the setting most comfortable for you: perhaps the family home, or an aged care residence.

During the interview (with your intention in mind) we’ll explore memories, adventures and reflections in an affirming and enjoyable conversation.

After the session/s, I edit your material and return it to you as an audio recording and transcript. This is like having a private podcast you can share or keep to yourself, as you like.

Note: the recordings belong solely to you. Please see FAQs for more detail.

• ONE TIME

A standalone session.

Max. 1.5 hours recording

• HIGHLIGHTS

  2 sessions covering a life or significant story.

  2 × 1.5 hours recording

• LIFE STORY

  3 sessions covering one person’s life in depth.

  3 × 2 hours recording

• AUDIO BIOGRAPHY

  For people wishing to recount their multi-chapter life story in detail. 

  By arrangement

INCLUSIONS

• Planning phone call (up to 45 minutes)

• Research

• Recording session set-up and interview

• Professional editing of your recorded material

• Digital copy of your edited recording (Mp3 and WAV files)

• Transcript of the edited recording (digital copy)

BY ARRANGEMENT

• Photography of the subject on the day

• Private, shareable link to your edited interview as a video (hosted on Vimeo).

• Multiple participants in a single recording

• Travel outside Melbourne

PLEASE NOTE

Consent agreements must be completed and returned before the recording date.

Fees are partially payable in advance.

Fees begin at $500. They’re inclusive of all services from story consultation to delivery of your edited material.

Please contact me for a personalised quote.

• Can I book for someone else - perhaps as a gift?

  Lovely idea, as long as the participant gives their informed consent before the interview.

  The Service is for anyone with a story and the desire to preserve it in their voice.

• Do you only work in Brunswick?

  That’s my base and I’m happy to travel anywhere in Melbourne (and beyond by arrangement).

• How much space do you need for your equipment?

  Somewhere quiet for me and the subject to sit and a power source are all I need. A room with soft furnishings is ideal but not essential.

• Can you come to my home?

  Yes! This is a mobile service. I prefer to work with you in your space.

• Will the subject need to wear headphones?

  No. There’s very little technology to intrude on the conversation. Even the most nervous people tend to relax within a few minutes and genuinely enjoy the process.

• How will you know what to ask me?

  My research is based on the pre-session phone consultation (and a questionnaire, if that’s your thing). I have extensive experience with longform interviews, and endless curiosity. During the session I’ll follow your lead, as you’re the expert in your story!

• Can I sit in with my parent, partner or loved one?

  Let’s discuss how we can make this work.

• Does the subject need to be a confident speaker?

  This process is designed to support all kinds of people to talk about their lives. We can go slowly, we can meander, take breaks, and even listen to music to help the flow of memory. No, you don’t need to be an accomplished public speaker. All voices are beautiful.

• Is the service only for older people?

  Interviews can be a valuable way to document any life stage or moment. For example, I recorded with the mother of a child born prematurely, speaking in the weeks before she could take her babe home. I also sat with young people on the cusp of Year 12, capturing their emotion and energy in what amount to ‘portraits’ in sound.

  Client testimonials are available via the link on this page.

• Can you work with people who have dementia?

  I’m happy to discuss all kinds of interviews, but a person’s capacity to give informed consent is essential.

• How long will it take to get the files back after the sessions?

  Fair question… and, it depends. Let me know if you have an urgent need for the material.

• What will you do with my story?

  Brunswick Story Service is confidential. The material belongs to the person who is interviewed, and the person who commissions the service.

• What will happen to my recordings afterwards?

  I’ll keep your material safe for 3 months, after which you’ll be asked to confirm receipt of the files before I delete them.

  I am a member of Oral History Victoria and guided by their ethical principals.

• Do you speak languages other than English?

  Unfortunately, no. If you’d like to record a loved one with a family member as an interpreter, I’d love to try to make that work. Let’s chat.

• Can you video the interview as well?

  No. I specialise in audio interviews. I can take photos of the subject on the day for an additional fee, by arrangement.

• Can you help me make an ongoing podcast?

  That’s another thing altogether. This is a bespoke interview recording for your personal use.

• Do you offer discounts?

  I offer concessions for First Nations people.

• Do you have an ABN?

  Yes. This is a registered business.

• What if I change my mind before the recording session?

  You’ll be invoiced when you book and payments are required as follows:

  Non-refundable upfront payment of 20% of the fee, reflecting the cost of my work preparing for the interview.

  The balance is due on completion of the interview.

  If circumstances change and you need to change the timing of your interview, I’m happy to reschedule.

  Please email with any further questions or ideas for recordings. I’d love to hear from you.

  Still unsure? Click here to book a no-obligation, 15 minute phone chat with me: https://calendar.app.google/LZBMKmixkyxx39he8

I’ve been creating audio about people (features, podcasts and audio portraits) for almost twenty years, after training as a journalist, writer and editor.

My background with the ABC’s flagship interview program, Conversations, has made me a life story interview specialist. I’ve talked with hundreds of people from all walks of life; and shaped stories for millions of listeners.

After seeing how Parkinson’s Disease stole my father’s voice in his final year, I decided to offer a life story service. I’m especially open to working with older people, and those approaching end-of-life.

As a one-person team, I take care of the tech, the interview and the post-production. I care deeply about my work and want you to love what we create together.

“Michelle has prepared briefs on internationally well-known authors and public figures, but she‘s particularly skilful at gleaning stories from everyday people who have never been on radio before, who are often our best and most popular guests. She helps them shape their biographies with great insight and kindness.” Richard Fidler, ABC