They say timing is everything and Pat Palmer, Active Living Manager, is proof of that! She bought the equipment to start a Berwick podcast 5 years ago, but the residents were hesitant and so she is thrilled that it is now going forward now and says “Podcasting with seniors is like opening a time capsule—each story is a priceless piece of wisdom, humor, and history that deserves to be heard and preserved. In their voices, you hear love, loss, triumph, and truth—podcasting with seniors is a beautiful reminder that every life has a story worth telling.”
I sat down with Pat and Amy, who is charged with setting up the podcast and possibly, like many of you reading this, learned a lot about podcasts! Called Berwick Banter, complete with logo, Amy is looking to get life stories, be it one on one or in a group discussion
Some podcasts are structured like a typical radio show with a host doing an interview.
Amy said “Each session lasts about 45 minutes, before editing, which takes about 1 hour. If it is a group session, the topic is picked by the group. There is discussion as to how the session goes, what will be discussed, and how it is set up if a life story.”
A podcast is an online show, like a radio show, that’s always available. A podcast is audio only – no video. You can listen to a podcast as soon as it’s available, or you can listen to it 5 years later. There are podcasts in all genres, from politics to sports to culture to comedy to everything in between, but the stipulation is that it needs to be positive.
Amy shared her Berwick Banter introduction: “Welcome to the Berwick Banter podcast, broadcasting live from the Berwick by the Sea Retirement Community in Campbell River, British Columbia! In this podcast, we will be interviewing Berwick residents, delving into their unique lives and experiences. While we will share the first names of our guests, their last names will remain confidential to protect their privacy. We hope you enjoy the show!”
Amy is busy editing content to hopefully launch Berwick Banter in September. The resident(s) can listen to the draft, but it is not available in final version until the launch. Thereafter, people can listen in Spotify or You Tube (on web browser) or free apps. It is audio only. The goal is that within a week of recording the interview, it will be posted.
John, one of the residents in the photo (s), commented, “I think the reason I like the idea of Berwick Banter is probably the fact that most of the residents of Berwick – this Berwick and all the others – have a story to tell. Their stories are based upon their life experiences and while they may not think them of interest, others find them fascinating. Some are very willing to tell their stories, while some are more introverted, and you have to draw it out of them. Once you get them talking, they don’t mind telling their stories. I think these stories are of interest”.
Each episode will last 5 to 15 minutes and residents can be given questions ahead of time. Here are just a few of the potential starter questions:
What wisdom/tips would you share with your younger self?
What is the best part of your day?
Do you have a favourite expression/saying?
What is your most treasured possession & why?
When is the proudest you’ve ever felt?
If you could have three wishes, what would they be? Why?
What family traditions do you want to remember and keep alive?
What hobbies/interests have you been enjoying lately?
Pat said, “By the end of a podcast, you generally achieve one of the following:
Entertainment value, valuable insights, education about something, a good laugh.”
Written by Chris Neeter
Chris (Christine) is an exceptional writer and proud resident of Berwick Parksville. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for capturing the essence of everyday life, Chris crafts engaging, thought-provoking resident feature stories that resonate with our readers. When not writing, Chris is one of the original members of the drama group, Berwick Parksville Players, and can be found leading several and participating in other Active Living programs at Berwick Parksville and enjoying the beautiful community of Parksville.