Your Story
Please note that LTAS is a 100% independent production, and with only 8 episodes per year, unfortunately it's impossible to cover every story. It takes a lot of work to put out each episode – but if you have an experience you feel ready to share, we'll certainly try our very best to help you share it.
If you have a story to tell from personal experience, it's likely you've experienced some trauma. It's important that you feel ready to speak, and have support available.
The way it works in creating an LTAS episode is:
Sarah will send a list of questions over prior to the interview, so that you can have a think about your answers. You don't have to answer anything you feel uncomfortable speaking about. Do consider if there's anything you might not want the whole world to know. Also think about potential legal implications to any parts of your story.
On the day, you'll be emailed an audio-only link to log in to record via your computer (unless you're in Sydney, when it can be done in person). If you have a quiet space with good internet access and a headset of some kind, that's perfect for the interview.
In preparation for the interview: if you have any potential triggers that you'd like Sarah to avoid, do let her know; and have a glass of water and some tissues handy. You can pause or stop the interview at any time for any reason.
After recording, Sarah will combine what you've told her with research into a fully narrated episode. You'll have a chance to review the script before the narration is recorded, to make sure you feel comfortable with everything and to correct any errors.
The episode is then edited, music composed and added, and it is put out into the world. The website will have a page set up for the episode, and you may want to provide a headshot and short bio, and perhaps some other images too.
It's worth having a support network around when the episode comes out, and for after the interview. This could be a session with a counsellor, or some close and trusted family or friends you can speak with openly. You can also find support via Lifeline (in Australia) or the ICSA (internationally).
Maybe think about doing something nice for yourself after the interview and on the day of release. Telling your story to the world is a huge achievement. It often takes incredible courage and you should be really proud.
If, after reading this, you're still keen to share your experiences, then be sure to get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.