If Only: Regrets and Do-Overs

Starting Over When the Ground Shifts

Episode Title: Starting Over When the Ground Shifts Episode Number: 19 Episode Description: In episode 19, we explore writing Starting Over stories: What it means to start over after life knocks the wind out of you. You’ll hear a personal story about losing a livelihood and rebuilding from scratch, learn how to shape your own “reset” stories on the page, and discover how writing can help you find steady ground again. Then, in the Listener Mailbox, I answer a common question about turning journal pages into a memoir. Episode Transcript Welcome to episode 19 of the Memoir […]

Embarrassment as Story Gold

Episode Title: Embarrassment as Story Gold Episode Number: 16 Episode Description: We all have a moment that still makes us blush. In Embarrassment as Story Gold, we explore how to turn those memories into scenes that connect with your reader. You’ll learn how to write cringe-worthy moments with empathy and humor, without turning them into self-punishment. Episode Transcript Today’s Topic Welcome to episode 18 of the Memoir Club Podcast. I’m your host, Wayne Jordan, and today we’re going to explore how to turn embarrassment into relatable stories. I’ll share a story about my most embarrassing moment and […]

If Only: Regrets and Do-Overs

Episode Title: If Only: Regrets and Do-Overs Episode Number: 17 Episode Description: We all have moments we wish we could live again—some to savor, others to change. In this episode, Wayne shares a story of a stray dog that still haunts him, and reflects on how writing about regrets helps us see who we were then, and who we are now. Plus, a listener question about whether you can change the ending of a true story to make it more satisfying for the reader. Transcript Welcome to Episode 17 of the Memoir Club Podcast. I’m your host, […]

The Teacher Who Changed You

Episode Title: The Teacher Who Changed You Episode Number: 16 Episode Description: Some teachers leave more than lessons in math or grammar; they leave a mark on the way we see ourselves. In this episode, we’ll revisit the voice of a teacher who changed you, explore how to capture them on the page, and answer a listener’s question about how much background to include before a story begins. Episode Transcript Welcome to Episode 16 of the Memoir Club Podcast. I’m your host, Wayne Jordan. Today, we’re going to discuss writing about a teacher who changed you. I’ll […]

When Life Presses Pause: Writing a Health Scare Story

Episode Title: When Life Presses Pause: Writing a Health Scare Story Episode Number: 15 Episode Description:In this episode, we explore how health scare stories shape our memories and our writing. You’ll hear a personal story, get tips for writing about vulnerable moments, and learn why these experiences matter in memoir. Plus, in the Listener Mailbox, we tackle the question: How long should a memoir story be? Episode Transcript Welcome back to the Memoir Club Podcast. I’m your host, Wayne Jordan. In episode 15, we’ll explore how a health scare story can shape your memories and oyur writing. As we […]