What to Expect

Brief Description of the Story
On the submission site, we ask that you write a brief description (less than 500 words) of your sacred moment story. This is not designed to be the script for the final story, nor does it need to be comprehensive. It is simply meant to be a brief synopsis of the events and the impact the moment had on you. This brief description will allow our staff to determine if your story is right for the podcast.

In-Person or Remote Participation
We strive to make the recording process as convenient as possible. You can choose to participate in person (in Ann Arbor, Michigan) or remotely via a virtual call using podcast recording software. If you prefer a virtual call, you will need a computer with internet access. You will not need any specific software.

Scheduled Date and Time
Once your submission is reviewed and accepted, we will work with you to determine a mutually agreeable recording date and time. You will receive a formal calendar invite with all the details for your recording session (including a link to online recording software if recording remotely), making it easy to add to your schedule.

Guest Details
Let us know if you plan to be the only guest or if you would like to be joined by another individual who was part of the sacred moment. If you choose to have another involved, we can plan accordingly to accommodate everyone.

Biography Review
You will be invited to confirm or revise details about your biography (details about who you are). This will ensure we introduce you in a way that reflects your story and background accurately.

Photo or Visual Artifact
If your story is selected to be featured on Boundless Moments, we will invite you to share a photograph or artifact (such as a letter or drawing) with us to feature with your story. We believe this will add to the richness of your story.

Story/Recording Time and Episode Length
We invite you to tell your story uninterrupted. Its telling may take as little or as long as you would like, from two minutes to half an hour or more. As such, the recording session duration will vary, but you may plan for around 45-60 minutes. An individual podcast episode may feature one story only or, depending on story length, may include several.

Audio Recording Tips
To ensure the best sound quality, we will share tips and tricks for effective audio recording. This includes recommendations for equipment (if recording remotely) and environment (such as minimizing background noise).

Story Details
You will have an opportunity to provide more detail about the sacred moment before you tell the story for the podcast if you wish; this will allow us to better understand the depth and significance of your experience and prepare for the recording.

Storytelling and Interviewing Tips
We will also offer guidance on how to tell your story in a way that resonates with listeners and how to feel comfortable during the interview process. We will be here to support you every step of the way.

Interview Opportunity
We will ask if you would be open to an interview about the experience of the sacred moment, as we love to dive deeper into the meaning behind these powerful stories. This interview would occur immediately following your telling of the sacred moment story.

Interview Questions
We appreciate that interviews may feel a little daunting for some. We want the experience to be comfortable, so we will gladly share our planned interview questions well before the recording date. There may be times, depending on the story shared, that we ask a few unplanned questions. This is simply to follow up on rich threads of material from the story itself.

Be Yourself
Just as with sacred moments in our lives, some of the greatest moments in storytelling occur unexpectedly and without warning. We invite you to be your authentic, honest self. Imagine you are talking with a close friend or family member. Please do not strive for the “perfect” word choice or a specific emotional tone. Let the story guide you.

Episode Editing
Our goal in the editing process is to capture your words and sentiments with authenticity. As such, we hope to edit the actual sacred moment story as little as possible, but we will ensure your story is told with clarity. The interview portion of the episode may be edited somewhat depending on the flow of conversation. You will have an opportunity to review your contributions before the episode is finalized.

Authorization and Consent
Before recording, you will be provided an “Authorization and Consent for Recordings and Uses” form. This form will ask if you give consent for the Regents of the University of Michigan to make and use recordings of you, to use your name and biography, and to use the materials you make available as part of the podcast. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about the form. If you provide authorization and consent, you will have an opportunity to review your contribution to the podcast before it is finalized.