Seeing Death Clearly Memoir Writing and Legacy with Michael Williams
In this episode, Michael Williams, the founder of Memoir Studio, discusses his transition from end-of-life planning to helping people write their memoirs. They explore the therapeutic power of storytelling, especially for older adults, and how sharing personal stories can offer emotional and historical value. Michael emphasizes the importance of acknowledging life's ups and downs, regrets, and failures in memoir writing. Michael shares touching stories of his clients finding their voices and the profound impact of preserving legacies through narrative.
00:35 Guest Introduction: Michael Williams
00:40 Michael's Journey: From End-of-Life Planning to Memoir Writing
00:46 The Power of Storytelling
00:55 Therapeutic Benefits of Memoir Writing
01:02 Fear of Judgment and Vulnerability
01:15 Welcoming Michael to the Podcast
01:36 Michael's Background and Passion for Memoirs
01:54 End of Life Planning Facilitator
02:55 Supporting Families and Addressing Practical Aspects
04:55 Transition to Memoir Work
05:10 Discussing End of Life Plans with Clients
06:07 Reassuring Conversations About Death
08:57 Legacy Work and Finding Meaning
12:30 Recording and Transcribing Stories
13:34 Helping Clients Find Their Voice
18:12 The Importance of Preserving Stories
18:48 Personal Reflections on Family Stories
22:09 The Value of Listening to Elders
23:19 The Importance of Journaling
23:41 Family Stories and Names
25:00 Everyone's Life is Interesting
29:38 The Power of Group Writing
30:10 Therapeutic Benefits of Writing
32:38 Challenges in Writing Memoirs
34:47 Honesty and Universal Themes in Memoirs
38:59 Dealing with Regrets and Mistakes
42:54 End of Life and Legacy
43:07 Conclusion and Resources
Links: My Substack page: https://memoirstudio.substack.com
The Memoir Studio at https://memoirstudio.ca
My personal website: https://www.michaelwilliamsstoryteller.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storycatcher/
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jill@endoflifeclarity.com
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