What happens when you tell your story on a podcast

A lot of people who get in touch with us start the same way: "I don't know if my story is the kind of thing you want." It almost always is. If something has happened to you and it still matters to you, it is worth telling.

Coming on a podcast for the first time can feel like a big step, though. So here is what actually happens, from the first message to the day your episode goes out.

It starts with a few lines

You do not need to write out your whole story. A couple of sentences about what you would like to talk about is plenty. You can send it through our tell your story form, or ring us if you would rather talk.

If you are not sure yet, say so. Plenty of guests have started with "I might want to do this one day".

A chat before anything is recorded

Before we record, we talk. This is where you can ask anything you like, and where we get a feel for what you want to say and what you do not. It is your story. You decide which parts of it go on air.

It is also a good moment to think about how you would like to be named. Some guests use their full name. Some prefer a first name, or no name at all. Tell us what feels right and we will talk it through.

The recording itself

Most people are nervous for the first few minutes and then forget the microphone is there. It feels much more like a conversation than an interview. If you need to stop, take a breath or come back to something, that is fine.

A few things that help on the day:

• Find somewhere quiet where you will not be interrupted.
• Have a glass of water nearby. Talking about hard things is thirsty work.
• Jot down two or three things you definitely want to say, so they do not slip away.
• Plan something gentle for afterwards, such as a walk or a call with a friend.

After you have told it

Telling your story out loud can stir things up, sometimes days later. That is normal, and it does not mean you made the wrong choice. It is one of the reasons the podcast and our online support group go hand in hand. The group is there for guests as well as listeners, so you do not have to deal with what comes up on your own.

Why people do it

Guests tell us lots of different reasons. Some want the person going through the same thing to know they are not alone. Some want to be heard properly, maybe for the first time. Some simply feel it is time.

Whatever your reason, there is no right way to tell it. You just tell it your way.