Preserve a loved one's life story on video—forever
No travel. No tech stress. Just simple video calls.
Holiday Launch Special:
$99
(Normally $299)
Use code "LSM99"
I’m Bill Murphy Jr.—award-winning journalist, millions of readers, thousands of interviews. Now I do this work for families.
This is personal. One-on-one.
Book now, and I'll personally conduct every interview myself.
LSM Holiday Launch Special: $99 for the first 10 customers. (After that, price goes back to normal.)
The Planning
We start with a short planning call or email, and ensure a great experience for everyone involved!
We'll talk about the person whose story you want to capture, and make sure that we cover what's most important.
The Interview
Next up: A natural 60-minute+ remove video conversation.
We'll get the stories in a fun atmosphere that leaves your loved one knowing that what they have to share matters.
The Keepsakes
No more "someday, maybe we'll get around to this."
Instead, it's done.
You get the video, transcript, and story highlights delivered in 5 business days.
All delivered within 5 business days.
That's me, Bill Murphy Jr., age 10 in the photo back then ... but all grown up now, with a full career as an award-winning author and journalist.
Here's what I'm offering:
I will personally interview someone whose story matters to you—
- parents
- grandparents
- you, yourself (I've done this for myself!)
- anyone you want—
—for 60 minutes (or more) on video.
We'll get the stories. You'll get:
- the video
- transcript
- the legacies to keep forever.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give this as a gift?
Absolutely. Once you sign up for an interview, and I'll send you (or your gift recipient) a booking link to schedule at their convenience. The interview can happen anytime—next week, next month, or next year. There's no expiration.
What does this cost?
Interviews normally cost $299.
But, during this introductory phase, I'm offering discounts to loyal "Understandably" newsletter readers: just $99 for the first 10 customers.
If you've been thinking about preserving someone's story, now is the time!
How technical does the person being interviewed have to be?
Not at all. We meet on either Zoom or Google Meet (I'll send you a link when you schedule.)
I handle all the recording, transcribing and editing.
What if the person I'm gifting this to doesn't want to do it?
The booking link doesn't expire, so they can use it whenever (or if) they're ready.
Or you can use it for someone else in your family instead.
How long does the interview take?
About an hour, sometimes a bit longer if the stories are flowing. I never rush anyone off.
Can you interview me, instead of a family member?
Absolutely! If you've ever thought: I should write down some of my stories, but I never have the time, this can be an easy way to do that.
Some of my favorite interviews have been people preserving their own stories -- either for their kids or grandkids, or for a broader audience.
What questions will you ask?
We'll talk about this during our Story Planning Call, which is a crucial stage of the process.
You'll tell me which areas of life matter most—ancestry, childhood, career, romance, faith, parenting, military service, etc.
It's important to prepare so that we can tailor the questions and guide the interview toward priorities.
Can I be on the call during the interview?
You can, but I generally recommend you're not. People often open up more when it's just a one-on-one conversation.
However, if it makes the interview subject more comfortable, you're welcome to join.
What if they don't want to be on camera?
We can do audio-only interviews. I'll create a simple video with photos you provide, or just deliver the audio and transcript.
What's your refund policy?
If you're unhappy with the final product, I'll work with you to make it right. If we can't, I'll refund you. Simple as that.
The Story Behind
Life Story Magic
In the 1950s, two sisters in Rhode Island had a big falling out, and didn't talk for years.
Eventually they reconciled. One of the sisters had friends visiting from Montreal, including three teenage daughters.
"Cute girls," she thought. "Same age as my nephew."
So she brought them her sister's house. And, that's how my parents met.
Imagine: If those sisters hadn't made up—my grandmother and my great aunt—I probably wouldn't exist!
I learned most of this story last year, when I interviewed my dad about his life.
Stories like these—the fascinating, personal life stories we'd never know otherwise—are why I started Life Story Magic.