Record your loved ones' stories—and keep them forever.
No travel. No tech stress. Just simple video calls with a professional journalist.
I’m Bill Murphy Jr. I'm an author and journalist who has interviewed thousands of people and reached millions of readers.
Now, with Life Story Magic, I'm doing this kind of professional work for families like yours.
Book now, and I'll personally conduct every interview myself.
How it works
Step 1: The Planning
We'll start with an optional short planning call, to ensure a great experience for everyone involved!
Step 2: The Interview
Next up: A natural 60-minute (or more) remote video conversation. We'll get the stories in a fun atmosphere that leaves your loved one knowing that what they have to say matters.
Step 3: The Keepsakes
No more "someday, maybe we'll get around to this." Instead, it's done. You get the video, transcript, and story highlights delivered in 5 business days.
How is this different?
I'm not the first to suggest families should save their stories.
So, what's different about Life Story Magic? Everything.
No emails. No nagging "thing to do" each week.
No homework.
Just 1-hour interviews with an award-winning journalist.
Each interview usually works out to roughly 10,000 words—about the length of a long article in a magazine like The New Yorker.
Do three interviews, and you wind up with an account about as long as a short book.
That's me, Bill Murphy Jr., age 8 or so back then ... but all grown up now, with a full career as an award-winning author and journalist.
Here's what I'm offering:
I will personally interview someone whose story matters to you—
- parents
- grandparents
- you, yourself (I've done this for myself!)
- anyone you want—
—for 60 minutes (or more) on video.
We'll get the stories. You'll get:
- the video
- transcript
- the legacies to keep forever.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give this as a gift?
Absolutely. Grab the deal, and I'll send you a virtual gift card and instructions on how to set up the interview at any convenient time. There's no expiration.
What does this cost?
Our launch price is just $499 per interview.
If you've been thinking about preserving someone's story, now is the time!
How technical does the person being interviewed have to be?
Not at all. We'll meet on either Zoom or Google Meet.
(I'll send you a link when you schedule.)
I handle all the recording, transcribing and editing.
What if the person I'm gifting this to doesn't want to do it?
The booking link never expires, so they can use it whenever they're ready. If that day never comes, feel free to use it for someone else, instead.
How long does the interview take?
About an hour, but we'll go a bit longer if the stories are flowing. I never rush anyone off. If it's clear there's a lot more to say, I'll suggest booking another interview.
Can you interview me, instead of a family member?
Absolutely! If you've ever thought: I should write down some of my stories, but I never have the time, this can be an easy way to do it.
What questions will you ask?
We'll talk about this during our Story Planning Call, which is a crucial stage of the process.
You'll tell me which areas of life matter most—ancestry, childhood, career, romance, faith, parenting, military service, etc.
That said, I've compiled hundreds of questions—plus a lifetime of experience on how to keep the conversation going and get the details and context that matter.
Can I be on the call during the interview?
You can if you like. In fairness, people often open up more when it's just a one-on-one conversation.
But, if it makes you or the interview subject more comfortable, you're welcome to join in.
What if they don't want to be on camera?
We can do audio-only interviews, and I'll deliver the recording with a transcript. (This is how I used to do these kinds of projects, before video calls became more common.)
What's your refund policy?
I want you and your loved one to be satisfied. If you're unhappy with the final product, I'll work with you to make it right. If we can't, I'll refund you. Simple as that.
Get it now. Schedule anytime.
The Story Behind Life Story Magic
In the 1950s, two sisters in Rhode Island had a big falling out. They didn't talk for years.
Eventually they reconciled, and one of the sisters had friends visiting from Montreal. They brought their teenage daughters.
"Cute girls," she thought. "Same age as my nephew."
So, she brought them her sister's house—and, that's how my parents met.
Imagine: If those sisters hadn't reconciled (my grandmother and my great aunt) I might not exist!
I learned most of this story last year, when I interviewed my dad about his life.
Stories like these—the fascinating, personal life stories we'd never know otherwise—are why I started Life Story Magic.