In Episode 11, we’re talking about career turning points, the moments you don’t see coming, but that shape your path all the same. We all like to think we’re steering our own ship, choosing the jobs we take. But sometimes, life steps in and grabs the wheel. I’ll start with a turning point that changed my path. We’ll also talk about how to write work-related stories in a way that focuses on the human side of the change, rather than a list of accomplishments. And in the Listener Mailbox, I’ll answer a question about how to write dialogue in a […]

Transcript: Hey there, welcome to Episode Ten of the Memoir Club Podcast. I’m Wayne Jordan, and today, we’ll be discussing how to write honestly about moments of change, especially those tied to loss. I’ll share a personal story from my life, then look at a listener’s question about writing through change. And as always, I’ll wrap up with a prompt to get you started. If you’d like a transcript of today’s episode, or the printable worksheet that goes with it, head over to MemoirClub.net. You’ll find everything there. You know, some stories begin with a bang, and others with a […]

The Memoir Club Podcast Episode Number: 9 Episode Description: Some of our best stories begin with a full tank of gas and no itinerary. In episode 9, we explore road trip memories: the good, the weird, the memorable, and how to approach them in your memoir. Welcome back! In episode 9, let’s talk about an approach to writing a “Road Trip Memories.” I’ll start with a personal story. A PERSONAL STORY In the summer of 1974, my wife and I left College Park, Maryland, with a loose plan and two months to reach her hometown of Golden, Colorado. […]

The Memoir Club Podcast Episode Number: 8 Date: August 8, 2025 Episode Description: Some values aren’t written down; they’re lived, repeated, and carried forward. In this episode, we talk about the personal values that shape us, the moments that test them, and how to write them into stories that last. Episode Transcript: How Personal Values Shape Your Storytelling In today’s episode, we’ll explore how personal values take root in real-life moments, and how those moments can become powerful memoir material. Such moments reveal who we really were at that time. We’ll walk through how to recognize your […]

The Memoir Club Podcast Episode Number: 7 Date: July 22, 2025 Episode Description: In July 1969, millions gathered around their TVs, holding their breath as humans took their first steps on the moon. This week, Wayne shares his memory of that historic night and reflects on how shared moments shape a generation’s dreams. Plus, a listener question on memoir-writing fears, and a prompt to inspire your own storytelling. Episode Transcript: One Giant Leap – Memories of Historical Events Good morning. Let me ask: Where were you when Neil Armstrong took his first step on the moon? The […]

The Memoir Club Podcast Episode Number: 6 Date: July 1, 2025 Episode Description:What’s the oldest thing you still own—and why have you kept it? In this episode of The Memoir Club Podcast, we explore the power of everyday objects to hold memory. From rocking chairs to keepsake boxes, these ordinary items become anchors for emotion, connection, and personal history. Wayne shares a personal story about a well-traveled family rocker, reflects on how to write about meaningful things, and answers a listener question about writing from feeling instead of fact. You’ve probably got something in your house that […]

The Memoir Club Podcast Episode Number: 5 Date: July 1, 2025 Episode Description:Before there were streaming services and smart TVs, there was just you, a bowl of cereal, and the glow of the screen. In this episode, we revisit the classic TV shows that shaped our weekends and our worldview. Wayne shares his own memories of The Lone Ranger, and we explore how even the simplest TV moments can carry lessons about justice, kindness, and imagination. What Was Your Favorite Classic TV Show As a Kid? Before streaming and smartphones, our favorite tv shows shaped our routines—and […]

The Memoir Club Podcast Episode Number: 4 Date: July 1, 2025 Episode Description: We all got in trouble as kids—but what if those missteps are where our best stories live? In this episode, we explore the power of “getting caught,” why trouble is a rich source for memoir, and how to write about those rebellious or embarrassing moments without shame. Plus, we answer a listener’s question about writing scenes when you’re not the hero of the story—and share a writing prompt that’s equal parts funny and revealing. The Power of Getting Caught In episode 4 of the […]

Listen to the Complete Episode: The Memoir Club Podcast Episode Number: 3 Date: June 11, 2025 Episode Description:Family dinners were more than meals—they were where stories were told, lessons were learned, and identities were shaped.In this episode of Memoir Club, we pull up a chair to remember the tables we gathered around growing up. Whether it was lively, quiet, awkward, or full of laughter, your dinner table holds stories worth telling. In episode 3, we’re exploring the theme of Family Dinners. You can tell a lot about a family by how they eat dinner. Some prayed first. […]

Listen to the Full Episode The Memoir Club Podcast Episode Number: 1 Date: June 11, 2025 Episode Description: Explore the memories of your childhood home and how they shaped who you are.This episode of Memoir Club takes you back to where it all began—the walls, smells, and stories of the house that built you. Perfect for memoir writers reflecting on place and identity. The House That Built Me In episode one, we’ll unpack why physical spaces leave such lasting impressions, how to mine those memories even if they’re fuzzy, and how your childhood home might just be […]