In a time when technology is always changing, the way people are listening and learning about other people and their journey has come a long way.

A former television and radio host, when Jess Davidson started her own podcast, Smile and Pod, in July of 2019 the aim was to provide encouragement and inspirational audio stories for the public by interviewing successful New Zealanders about how they came to be in their field of choice, and the challenges they have overcome.

Through hearing these stories Jess found herself reminiscing about the tales her grandfather used to entertain her with as a child, and how she wished she had been able to fully appreciate them and remember them after his passing. She also wished she could hear his voice once again and the humour and wit with which he shared his stories.

That is where the catalyst for ‘In My Own Words’ began.

In My Own Words is a private audio recording service, made to preserve a person’s personal life story for generations to come.

In the interview, Jess talks to people about their life, starting from childhood, through to important life events to the current day.

The recordings can be done either at Jess’s home in Rangiora, or the equipment is easily used remotely at your home or chosen venue.
Prior to the interview a consultation is included, to talk about the important topics that the customer wishes to discuss and the process of the interview. Each recording session can go for up to two hours, however there can be tailormade sessions made depending on the desired content of the interview and how long that may take.

The audio interview is then professionally edited with an introduction and information about when the interview was recorded, and put onto USB disk, to be shared with their family and kept as a keepsake.

Many customers have explained that they had previously tried to write their own memoirs, however the time involved in putting pen to paper and having them printed or published has proven to be drawn out and expensive.

To be able to talk about their stories with passion and expression and have that captured on audio in a timely and effective process has been a huge advantage for those using the service.

In My Own Words has proven to be a popular gift idea for family members, seeking to give a unique item for a special occasion or birthday.

Recently the In My Own Words service has also been used by those with terminal illness, who wish to provide their own audio eulogy at their life celebration ceremony. It allows the person to talk about special moments in their life, and to be remembered in a unique and meaningful way.

For many people, the most special aspects about In My Own Words is that it captures not only the life story of their loved one, but the essence of their personality. And knowing that they have their loved one’s character and voice preserved is extremely important.

Whilst Jess is based in Canterbury, In My Own Words can record interviews anywhere in New Zealand.