A podcast about our mothers and how they’ve shaped us.
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Mothers can be controversial.
They can be wonderful. They can be terrible.
They can be both wonderful and terrible in turns.
But whatever they are, whatever yours was and is, mothers are universal. Everyone begins with a mother, even if she isn’t around later. So I want to collect people’s stories about these figures who literally made us. Who are our mothers? What do we remember about them? And how did our mothers — the people who cared for us — shape who we are?
The answers to these questions are the stories of love and loss, hopes, fears, and dreams that define us humans. By telling them and listening to them we are reminded of our shared humanity — those things we have in common. And in this time, when politics, Coronavirus, and much more pull us apart, I think we could use something to bring us together.
Will you join me in bringing people together by sharing the story of your mother?
Here’s how to record your story:
Record your replies to a few questions using a smartphone, and email it to me. It’s easy!
Prompt Questions:
What did you call your mother? (Please use words from another language if that’s what you used.)
What do you remember most about her?
I always think of my mother when…
Tell me about a time when you saw your mother as a person, not just your mother.
What did/don’t you talk to your mother about?
Tell me about a disagreement/argument/fight that you had with your mother.
Who did you mother want you to be?
How does your mother’s influence show up in your life?
Who are you because of your mother?
1) Record.
Using a smartphone, record your replies to the prompt questions above. An app like Voice Memos for iPhone or Voice Recorder for Android works well!
If you don’t have access to a smartphone, or other way to record, I still want to hear from you! You can call 847-354-4163 and leave your stories as a voicemail, or email me, Katie, and I will make arrangements for you to record another way. Thank you!
Try to record somewhere quiet, away from fans, appliances, barking dogs, cars, etc. A closet is a great place to record—just remember not to whisper (it’s easy to feel like you need to whisper when you are hiding in a closet…)!
Record your replies off the cuff—just the way your thoughts and memories come to you. I’ll edit you, so don’t worry about mistakes! The most important thing is to speak from the heart.
People typically record for between 8-15 minutes, but feel free to say more if you want to!
2) Email your recording.
Most files are small enough to email to me at ksemro@gmail.com. And most voice recording apps allow you to email the file straight from the app.
If your file is too big, try using WeTransfer—it’s a free service and you don’t need an account! Send the files to me at ksemro@gmail.com.
*By submitting your recording you are giving me permission to use your recording for the Mother Mine project — in the podcast, which may also be broadcast on the radio; on the website; and for any other uses related to the project.
3) Listen
I can’t guarantee that everyone who submits will be on the podcast, but I will try to make it happen! Thank you so much for sharing your stories!
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FAQs
What about adopted moms, or step moms, or…?
This is a place for you to talk about any mother you wish — whether that’s your biological mom or your adopted mom — or both! Just talk about the person who mothered you (maybe that’s a grandmother or sister), and if you also want to talk about your biological mother you can. But you don’t have to.
Is this only for daughters?
Nope! This is for anyone. I’d love to hear from everyone. We all have a mother after all.
What if I’m having technical difficulties?
Get in touch! You can email me and I’ll do my best to help you out!
How do I record on my smartphone?
If you have an iPhone you can use the Voice Memos app. Here are more details on how to use Voice Memos. If you have an Android phone you can try this Voice Recorder App. If you’re having any trouble, please get in touch.
How do I send in my recording?
Most files are small enough to email to me at ksemro@gmail.com. And most voice recording apps allow you to email the file straight from the app.
If your file is too big, try using WeTransfer—it’s a free service and you don’t need an account! Send the files to me at ksemro@gmail.com.
How long does it need to be?
There’s no magic length. Please feel free to say as much as you want. But you may notice the finished pieces aren’t very long. They were all at least twice that long when the person did the recording. I edit it down a lot. So say more, and I can cut it back. Thank you!