The Rest of the Story

As a teenager, whenever Paul Harvey came on the radio, I listened with curiosity and anticipation.

From 1951 to 2008, Harvey’s broadcasts captivated up to 24 million listeners each week. Paul Harvey News aired on 1,200 radio stations, reached 400 American Forces Network stations worldwide, and even appeared in 300 newspapers, making his voice one of the most recognized in American media.

His pauses were perfectly timed, his delivery smooth as silk, and his stories—usually about some well-known person with fascinating twists—left me hanging on every word. Harvey had a way of turning history, current events, and personal anecdotes into something riveting, always ending with his signature line: “And now you know... the rest of the story.” His storytelling was about finding the hidden heartbeat behind them. And when it comes to preserving family memories, that’s exactly the approach we need—uncovering the stories that make life unforgettable.

1. Tell the "Rest of the Story"

Every family has well-worn stories, but the most interesting parts are often the ones left untold. Go beyond the surface—ask about the moment before the big decision, the hesitation before the leap of faith, or the doubt before the triumph. That’s where the heart of the story lies.

Advice: Instead of asking, “How did you meet Grandma?”, ask, “What almost kept you from meeting Grandma?” The best stories have a twist.

2. Make It Personal, Not Perfect

Life isn’t a polished script—it’s full of surprises, mistakes, and moments of grace. Don’t just record achievements; capture who a person was—their humor, their habits, the little things they did that made them them.

Advice: Describe people in action. Instead of saying “He was hardworking,” tell about the time Grandpa fixed the neighbor’s roof in a rainstorm. The details will bring him back to life.

3. Speak So They Can Hear You

If you want your memories to last, tell them in a way that keeps future generations listening. Keep it short, make it engaging, and—if you can—leave them with a little wonder.

Advice: Record stories in the voice of the person telling them. If Grandma always said, “Well, let me tell you…”—start the story that way. The voice makes the memory real.

Jeremiah Kalb
"Your Family's Personal Biographer"

PLUS: Whenever you’re ready . . . here’s how I can help you:

Thinking about hiring me to write your loved one’s life story? Or yours? Hop on a FREE 15-minute Discovery Call with me to help you decide if we are a good match. No obligation whatsoever. Book your call here or text me at 208-820-2777.