What that alarming title actually refers to, of course, is capturing the life story of your grandmother – or any senior family member – with a professionally produced audio or video interview.

• The adventures and accomplishments, trials and tribulations, joys and regrets of your senior family members can be fascinating, meaningful – and educational!

• My grandmother was a tremendous positive influence on me, and the recordings I made of her warm, loving voice nearly fifty years ago remain among my treasures.

• Your grandmother, grandfather, parents, aunts and uncles can provide a treasure trove of personal and family history. You’ll learn things about them that might surprise you. For example…

• Dorothy’s brother, Bob, was a gifted storyteller who served in the army during the Korean conflict. Hearing him describe his adventures there is an adventure in itself.

• Back in the days when interior walls were made with wooden lath and plaster, Lloyd’s uncle Herbert invented a metal lathing system that produced a better result in less time. The profits from his novel invention allowed him to retire to a beautiful high-rise apartment overlooking Lake Michigan.

• Richard’s parents are Austrian Jews who were able to escape from their homeland just minutes ahead of Hitler’s invasion. How they established themselves here with only $20 in cash is a fascinating story.

• Cindy’s uncle was in show business for more than fifty years, and worked with Jackson Browne, John Denver, Billy Joel, Don McLean, Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder and many other popular songwriters. His stories of those times are highly entertaining.

• Kevin’s grandfather’s tales of his 35 years with a large utility company sound more like standup comedy than a job history.What fascinating stories are nesting in the branches of your family tree? Find out by scheduling a recorded audio or video interview here in the studio.In a quiet, comfortably lit setting, you might be amazed at the memories that bubble to the surface – and trigger stories you’ve never heard before.

Once you’ve selected someone as a subject, create a list of questions to ask in your interview. Standard information would naturally include date and place of birth, education, career choice, military service, family etc. Other questions might be more personal, such as:

• What was your greatest achievement?

• What was your greatest regret?• Who was the most influential person in your life?

• If you could live your life over, what would you do differently?

In forming your interview, be creative. To capture and preserve the unique history of a treasured family member, think of questions that others might not ask. Be daring! Get personal!