Our Lives, Our Stories

What to Expect on the Day

A relaxed guide for our guests

Most of All, Relax

There's no pressure at all. This is your story, told your way, and we're guided entirely by you.

There's nothing to prepare and nothing to learn, just come as you are.

A Conversation, Not an Interview

It's a warm, relaxed chat, hosted by Carl Chinn. It runs about an hour, but we set aside two so there's never any rush. Refreshments and snacks are provided, so just let us know of any allergies or dietary needs when you book.

The Shape of the Conversation

Every guest is different, and the questions really depend on you and your story, so there's nothing to revise. It does help, though, to know roughly where Carl likes to take things.

We start right at the beginning. Carl loves to hear about where you grew up, your family, your mom and dad, and the place and the streets that shaped you. This is the heart of the show, so expect to spend a good while here and to be invited into the detail.

From there we follow your journey: how you got into what you do, the turning points, the moments that changed things. Then we come to your work today and what drives you.

Near the end, Carl brings it round to reflection, what you feel your legacy is, and any advice you'd pass on to someone starting out where you started. He'll close warmly and give you the chance to point people to your work.

All the way through, Carl's touchstones are family, place, community and Birmingham, so the conversation will keep coming home to those.

If There's Anything You'd Rather Not Cover

If there's anything you'd rather not talk about, just let us know beforehand and we'll steer clear of it. And if a question comes up on the day that you'd rather not answer, only say so and we'll move straight on. There's never any pressure.

Take Your Time, and Stop Whenever You Like

Don't feel you have to rush to answer. If you'd like a moment to think, that's perfect, and those little gaps are easily edited out. If you start a question and would rather begin your answer again, just say, and Cat will tidy it up in the edit.

And if you'd like to pause, have a quick break, or stop altogether at any point, only let us know. You're in control throughout, always.

About the Microphone

A small clip-on microphone is attached to your clothing, usually to a collar, or the seam or neckline of a shirt or t-shirt.

• Try not to touch or knock it once it's on, but don't worry if you do, we'll sort it.
• If you can, avoid noisy jewellery or anything that might rustle or jingle near it.

You don't need to lean in or project, it picks you up beautifully just from talking normally.

Anything You'd Like to Share?

There's an opportunity to promote something too. If there's a book, a project, a poem or a cause close to your heart that you'd like to mention, just let us know and we'll happily make space for it.

Seeing It Before It Goes Live

You'll always get a review copy of your episode before it's published. If there's anything you'd rather we changed or took out, just say, and we'll adjust it before it goes live. Nothing is shared publicly until you're happy.

Where It Goes

We film for YouTube and release on all the major podcast platforms.

Getting Here

Nortons Digbeth, 43-45 Meriden St, Birmingham B5 5LS.

• Moor Street station is about a 7-minute walk; New Street around 10.
• Paid parking nearby on Coventry Street and Bordesley Street; the rear of Moor Street Car Park is reachable from Allison Street.

Travel costs are covered, so just ask and we'll sort it.