You know how passionate I am about storytelling—whether that’s through blogging, old family photos, or just a good old natter over coffee.
So when I caught up with Lyndal Harris on Zoom recently, I just knew I had to share her exciting new venture with you.
Lyndal and I have been trying to remember when we first met, but all we could work out is that it must have been about ten years ago. We probably connected initially through the blogosphere as we’ve both been involved for at least a decade, each attending ProBlogger on the Gold Coast a few times.
We were both speakers at the Australian Virtual Assistants Conference in Brisbane in 2017, and we definitely knew each other already when we caught up there.
For most of that time Lyndal has been heavily involved in podcasting. As the founder of Podcast VA, she has helped countless Aussie podcasters get their stories out into the world. But recently, Lyndal has taken a big (and brave!) leap in a new direction with her latest business, Spoken Memories. It’s all about helping people—especially those in their later years—record and preserve their life stories.
Here’s a peek into our chat…
Janet: Lyndal, you’ve been in the podcasting space for years and are the “go-to” authority as far as I’m concerned! So what inspired this pivot to Spoken Memories?
Lyndal: It’s been brewing for a while. I loved helping podcasters bring their ideas to life, but the landscape has become so crowded—and frankly, the tech side of managing a growing agency was getting overwhelming. I wanted to get back to what I love most: audio storytelling. Spoken Memories lets me do that in such a meaningful way—capturing people’s voices and stories for their families to treasure.
Janet: It’s such a beautiful idea. I wish I’d known about this before my Dad got sick! I imagine asking someone to sit and record their life story could feel a bit … daunting?
Lyndal: Definitely! Especially when it’s older people or those who might be nearing the end of life. That’s why I break the process into shorter sessions—little bite-sized recordings, we just have a relaxed chat, as I gently guide them through the process.
Janet: I love that. It feels so accessible—and personal. You mentioned doing audio from funeral services too?
Lyndal: Yes, I’ve edited recordings from funerals to create audio memoirs. It’s actually a really powerful way to preserve not just what was said in the eulogy, but the essence of the person. Their favourite music, family memories, even recordings of them speaking, if available. It’s something tangible to help families remember their loved one.
Janet: I can see that resonating with so many people. There’s a real shift happening in how we approach death and dying—biodegradable urns, funeral photography, and now audio memoirs. You even mentioned training to be an end-of-life doula?
Lyndal: Yes, I’m very drawn to that space although with two children still at home it’s not the right time for me yet, so I came up with Spoken Memories instead. There’s something incredibly sacred about honouring someone’s story. It’s not just about looking back—it’s about helping people feel seen and heard.
Janet: Spoken Memories is so close to your heart, as I know your Dad passed away quite suddenly in 2009 – and then in 2018 you lost your husband to pancreatic cancer. You’d planned to have your husband record some of his memories for your children but unfortunately time ran out. How precious would it be if they could listen to his voice now, sharing some of his memories, thoughts and wisdom!
I think it’s such a wonderful service you’re providing. My own Dad is 82 and mostly non-verbal now due to a bleed on the brain a few years ago, and I really wish we’d thought to do something like this. How can we help spread the word about your fantastic new business?
Lyndal: I’d love to connect with people in the aged care, funeral, or health and wellness spaces who might be interested in partnering. I’m also working on a referral program—so if someone refers a client who books, they’ll get a thank-you bonus.
And of course, if anyone wants to share what I’m doing on social media or recommend me, I’d be so grateful!
Janet: You’ve come to the right place 😉 . I love connecting people, and I know so many middle aged mamas who are already thinking about how to honour their parents—or even themselves!—with something like this.
Lyndal: That’s it exactly. Don’t wait until someone’s very unwell. Our stories are all so valuable, and capturing them now means they’re not lost forever.
Janet: Before we wrap up—what’s one thing you’d say to someone thinking, “This sounds great, but I don’t know where to start”?
Lyndal: Just reach out. You don’t need to have it all figured out; I can guide you through the process and tailor it to suit your needs. It doesn’t have to be a big production—it’s about heart, not polish.
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I’d recorded Mum telling that story”, or “I’d love the grandkids to hear Pop’s voice”, Spoken Memories could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
You can find Lyndal at spokenmemories.com.au, or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
And if you’re in my network and would like an introduction or are keen to refer someone, feel free to reach out! Let’s help preserve these precious voices before they fade away!
