Giant chunk o “Conversations are a catalyst to deeper connections, fresh ideas, and a better understanding of ourselves and our world… Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, investing in conversation is a simple way to enhance your life.” — BestSelf.co

Header Three: Everybody has a story, and every story matters. What’s yours?
Header Four: Do we need a subhead here?
Conversation Kitchen is an audio memoir service designed to let you record the conversation of a lifetime — either on your own with a trained conversationalist or with a partner such as a friend, teammate, spouse, parent, child, or other relative.
Whether you’re 24 or 104, we offer you the opportunity to talk about what matters to you — the moments, milestones, and even the mishaps that have shaped who you are and what you mean to others.
Conversations can be recorded in-person at the Conversation Kitchen studio in northwest DC, in a quiet space of your choice (such as a library, home office, or your kitchen table), or remotely online via Zoom.
They are conducted by Conversation Kitchen Founder and Owner, Anna K. Nelson — an expert in the art of conversation and a trained radio journalist and oral historian, who has professionally interviewed hundreds of people across the globe during the past three decades.
Anna is a member of the DC Oral History Collaborative and was awarded a grant by Humanities DC in 2023 to carry out a project called “And, Scene… an Oral History of Improv in DC.” She also spearheaded a major initiative in 2015 between the world’s largest Oral History group, StoryCorps, and the Red Cross. In addition, she is a writer and works as a Marketing and Development Manager for a DC-based nonprofit theater. Anna sees herself as an innovator, instigator, and illuminator, who believes deeply in the power of humanity and the human voice.
Enabling people to discover the joy of self-expression by sharing their stories is her life’s work. Read more about Anna.

Recipe for a Meaningful and Memorable Conversation
Start with one highly experienced conversationalist, who knows how to put people at-ease and ask just the right questions.
Add one or two conversation partner(s), who are keen to talk about what matters to them and preserve their stories for others to enjoy.
Gently mix in a series of thoughtful, and intelligent questions that have been personalized for you.
Sprinkle generously with laughter, empathy, spontaneity, and curiosity!

Who is the Conversation Kitchen experience designed for?
Everyone!!! (Because everyone has a story, and everyone’s story matters.) If you’re feeling hesitant, here are some ideas:
It’s fantastic as a gift to celebrate an important anniversary, milestone birthday, bon voyage, or other achievement such as a graduation, retirement, or reunion.
Why audio and not video?
Our philosophy at Conversation Kitchen is that audio lends itself best to meaningful conversation. People tend to forget about the microphone in front of them and relax into the discussion. (We love video but we know from long experience that hearing someone’s voice, especially after they’re gone, is a rare and special gift.) You can close your eyes and imagine them there as you listen. (People are also less self-conscious when they’re not on-camera!)
What are some examples of questions you might ask?
We’ll send you (and your conversation partners if you have any) a short survey before your scheduled recording to find out what you want to discuss, if there’s any ground in particular that you really want to cover, and some of your interests.

What are some examples of questions you might ask?
We always start with the basics and then im
What’s your earliest memory?
When did you first realize that you were an adult?
What are you most proud of?
What piece of advice do you really hope your kids will actually listen to?

Pricing:
In-person at the Conversation Kitchen Studio in NW DC
Facilitated one-on-one conversation: 1 narrator (you) talking to a trained conversationalist
Facilitated partner conversation: 2 narrators (you and someone else) talking to each other and the trained conversationalist, who will guide the discussion and can interview both of you
In-person at a place of your choosing
Travel w/in DC (covered)
Travel outside DC: Client pays all travel and accommodation costs

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