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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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