“To be continued…”: When breaking up a family history interview is wise

There are a variety of reasons—including traumatic memories—when pausing a personal history interview is the best course of action. Give in to the silence if...

the art of listening, family historyDawn M. RoodeJanuary 9, 2023conducting personal history interviews remotely, talking about difficult personal history, inherited trauma, take cues from your interview subjectComment

My 3 favorite opening questions to get a personal history interview going

Planning to conduct a personal history interview with a family member? Here are three effective first questions that guarantee their stories will flow freely.

family history, the art of listeningDawn M. RoodeAugust 2, 2021family history interviews, oral history interviews, interviewing techniques, questions to ask parents, family history questionsComment

The alchemy of story sharing: It takes two

Did you ever notice how joyful and empowering it can be to listen to someone else's stories? Magic happens when two people connect over story sharing.

the art of listeningDawn M. RoodeJune 14, 2021active listening, story sharing with loved ones, the power of listeningComment

Meaningful conversation when your loved one is on hospice—here’s help

How to have meaningful conversation with your loved one on hospice, including the best life review questions & 4 things we all should say when someone is dying.

family history, the art of listeningDawn M. RoodeMarch 8, 2021family history interviews, hospice and life review, search for beauty at the end of life, questions to ask the dying, how to interview someone on hospiceComment

Two New Year’s resolutions worth making—and keeping

Imagine New Years resolutions you actually want to keep—we've got two that are not only easy to stick to, but that will make you and your loved ones happier.

family history, photo legacy, the art of listeningDawn M. RoodeDecember 29, 2019curating family photos, meaningful conversation, the power of connectionComment

Ghosts of Christmases past

While the Christmas season can be difficult for those of us missing a loved one, remembering them—out loud, with others who knew them—is a balm to the soul.

remember lost loved ones, the art of listeningDawn M. RoodeDecember 9, 2019Christmas memories, missing family during holidays, grief support, holiday memoriesComment

Piercing the “loneliness epidemic” with genuine connection

Preoccupied with the idea of "the loneliness epidemic," I have been immersing myself in media that prompts genuine connection, including books and podcasts.

the art of listening, curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeOctober 14, 2019the loneliness epidemic, in person connection, the power of connection Comment

Think your grown kids don’t care about your stories?

Ever tried to talk about your childhood with your grown kids only to be met with a lack of interest? They might not care now, but they will one day—I promise.