The Preserve Your Past Podcast
Leaving a legacy with your powerful personal stories
Storytelling is a universal practice we use to pass along our memories to future generations. Whether or not you consider yourself a writer, everyone has a lifetime of stories to share and getting these down on paper assures that they will live on.
Join author, storyteller, and host Melissa Ann Kitchen as she welcomes guests from around the globe weekly to share the stories they’re leaving as their legacy. We pull back the curtains, get real and raw, going behind the scenes and discussing the story-telling processes they use. You’ll get plenty of tips and tools (and lots of inspiration) to help you write your own stories.
If you love the idea of preserving the past through powerful personal stories and want to hear how others have lived, loved, lost, and overcome all odds, then join us for The Preserve Your Past Podcast.
Episodes
37 episodes
37: Embracing Nostalgia: 5 Ways to Enhance Your Wellbeing by Connecting to Your Past
As your guide through the nostalgic pathways of the heart, I, Melissa Ann Kitchen, invite you to unwrap the gift of nostalgia and its surprising power to bolster well-being, spark creativity, and foster an optimistic view of the future. This sp...
36: The Power of Accountability: Celebrating A Year of Podcasting with Carrie Saunders
Raise your glasses and join the festivities as Carrie Saunders and I mark a milestone moment—the one-year anniversary of the 'Preserve your Past' podcast. As kindred spirits in storytelling, we take a stroll down memory lane, peppered with laug...
#35 Exploring Projectkin: A community of family historians hooked on stories with Barbara Tien
Imagine a space where the exchange of family history isn't just a pastime but a profound community experience. Where inspiration flows freely. Join me, Melissa Kitchen, as I interview Barbara Tien and she introduces us all to Projectkin.o...
#34: Tributes of Love: Turning Grief into Generosity and Acts of Kindness
Personal tokens of remembrance lead us on our latest heartfelt exploration of transforming our sorrow into acts of kindness that resonate with the legacies of those who have passed. Join us as we share touching stories and creative ideas ...
#33: Legacy of Love: Celebrating and Documenting Our Valentine's Day Narratives
When the O.J. Simpson chase hijacked my wedding eve, it became a timeless story that my family still chuckles about at gatherings. Now, imagine a cozy evening where you're sipping wine and exchanging tales of love that make you laugh, cry, and ...
#32: Savoring the Years: A Birthday Journey Through Memory and Tradition
Every birthday holds a story, a slice of our personal history that weaves into the tapestry of who we are. Join me, Melissa Ann Kitchen, on a behind the scenes walk down memory lane, exploring the profound ways I've celebrated my special days a...
#31: From Beginning to End: Using Timelines to Chronicle Your Past
Join us as we weave through the fabric of our own stories, threading together the moments that define us with the art of timeline creation. Step into a world where each second tells a story, and learn how to etch your personal history or honor ...
#30: Honoring Our Connections: Giving The Gift of Personal Stories
Have you ever considered how powerful the gift of a personalized story could be to the recipient? Join me, Melissa Ann Kitchen, on a heartfelt expedition as we explore the craft of turning personal narratives into timeless tributes. In this epi...
#29: Tales of Many Mothers: A Journey into the Quest for Ancestral Stories with Sindi Broussard Terrien
Have you ever felt the magnetic pull of your ancestors' stories, beckoning you to uncover the rich tapestry of your heritage? Sindi Terrien, research genealogist and author, joins me to share the compelling interplay between personal narr...
#28: Crafting Immersive Experiences: Enriching Your Stories with the Five Senses
Imagine transforming your stories from mere words on a page to a sensory-rich journey that captivates and lingers in the minds of readers. That's exactly what we're unpacking today – the secret to harnessing the five senses in your writing to c...
#27: Creating Your Writerly Intentions for 2024: Cultivating Your Storytelling in the New Year
Join me on a heartfelt exploration to shape a year brimming with stories that celebrate your history and envision your future. Imagine a 2024 where we'll navigate a course of monthly themes, inspired by the moments that define us and the memori...
#26: The Art of Embracing Change: Preserving Our Past in Evolving Traditions
Have you ever felt hesitant to embrace holiday traditions? Well, you're not alone, my friends, and this episode of Preserve Your Past is all about understanding, navigating, and even reveling in the shifting and adjusting of holiday tra...
#25: Shared Stories, Unique Perspectives: A Holiday Trip Down Memory Lane with Allison & Todd
Have you ever wondered how your own memories of a shared event might differ from someone else's recollection? Come join me and my siblings, Allison and Todd, as we take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about our cherished tradition of Chris...
#24: Wisdom in Whiskers: Unearthing Life Lessons through Animal Companionship with Helen Kosinski
Have you ever wondered how intuition can guide your life and career? Meet Helen Kosinski, a business coach, animal communicator and former financial services professional. Helen and I delve into the courageous choice she made to break the chain...
#23: Stirring Up Memories: Preserving Family History Through the Stories of Recipes
Have you ever thought about the rich history that lies within the flavors and traditions of your family recipes? I'm Melissa Ann Kitchen, your host, and in this heartwarming episode, we thoroughly explore the captivating intersection of storyte...
#22: Unleashing Collective Creativity: The Transformative Power of Writing with Others
Have you ever wondered how group writing might improve your personal narratives? Prepare to experience the transformative power of collaborative writing as we explore the advantages of writing in groups - highlighting the benefits of brainstorm...
#21: Let's Start Now: Preserving Our Past Through Personal Storytelling
Recently, I had a stark reminder of the preciousness of life and the finite time we have with our loved ones. The loss of a dear family member served as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our past, our stories, and the stories ...
#20: Illuminating Stories: The Art of Light and Authenticity in Photography and Storytelling with Lauren Bodwell
Have you ever wondered about the profound connection between photography and storytelling or how they intertwine to create captivating stories? Join us as we unravel this intriguing relationship with our esteemed guest, Lauren Bodwell, a season...
#19: October is Family History Month: Valuable Resources and Tools for Embarking on Your Genealogy Journey
Ready to uncover the mysteries of your family tree? In this episode we commemorate Family History Month with a deep exploration of the tools and resources that can aid your personal journey into genealogy. We start with the century-old National...
#18: 10 Quotes to Motivate You with Writing Your Family Stories
Ready to unlock the innate storyteller within you? We kick off this episode with a sprinkle of inspiration, presenting you with 10 profound quotes from renowned figures. These pearls of wisdom will act as your launchpad, propelling you in...
#17: Baking, Nostalgia and the Magic of Family Traditions with Waltraud Unger
Do you remember baking cookies with your grandma, the smell of fresh dough wafting through the air, and the warmth of the kitchen wrapping you in a comforting hug? Our guest, Waltraud Unger brings those memories to vivid life in our latest epis...
#16: Setting The Stage: Creating a Writing Environment for Writing Your Powerful Personal Stories
Are you ready to transform your writing journey and craft the perfect space for your creative endeavors? I promise that after tuning into this episode, you'll be well-equipped to create an inspiring and productive writing environment. In this e...
#15: Send-Offs, So-Longs, and See-You-Laters: Documenting Your Goodbye Stories
Remember the smell of new corduroys, the anxiety of sleepovers away from home, or the exhilaration of the first day at a new school? These are the quintessential moments of September transitions we all encounter in our lives. In this episode, w...
#14: Unlocking Your Inner Writer: The Seven-Step Process to Writing Your Powerful Personal Story
Ever been in a situation where the stories inside you are eager to come out, but you just can't seem to find the right words? This week, I'll be letting you in on the secrets to setting yourself up for writing success. I'll be sharing practical...
#13: The Impact of Storytelling on the Grieving Process
Losing a loved one is an inevitable part of life, a profound event that forever changes us. Yet in the midst of such pain and sorrow, have you ever explored how the simple act of storytelling can be a healing balm for the soul? In this poignant...