Welcome to the very first episode of The Human Archive Podcast! I’m Jen Henderson, CEO and co-founder of Escendant, The Human Archive, and I’m thrilled to share this journey with you. In this debut episode, I take you back to the beginning, to the moment I realised how precious our stories, voices, and memories truly are.

As someone who has spent decades listening to people’s stories, often in their most vulnerable moments, I’ve seen how deeply personal narratives shape who we are. I’ve also seen how easily those stories can fade away. Through my own experiences, both professional and personal, I came to understand the importance of preserving these memories, not just for ourselves but for future generations.

This episode is about the “why” behind The Human Archive. It’s about the voices we’ve lost, the lessons we’ve learned, and the humanity we must preserve. I’ll also share simple ways you can start capturing the moments that matter most in your own life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The personal and professional experiences that inspired me to create The Human Archive.
• Why our voices and stories are the most valuable legacies we leave behind.
• The emotional, psychological, and spiritual importance of preserving memories.
• Practical steps to start recording your own story or the stories of those you love.

Key Quotes from the Episode:

• “The most precious parts of our lives are our voices, our lessons, and our humanity - so often lost.”
• “Healing isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, psychological, and spiritual, deeply tied to the connections we make and what we leave behind.”
• “We live in an era where we can document everything, but we often record the wrong things. Let’s focus on what truly matters.”

Your Challenge This Week:
Take a moment to record the voice of someone you love - whether it’s a piece of advice, a memory, or even a laugh. Or, document your own thoughts and feelings in a short voice memo. It doesn’t have to be perfect - just start.

Next Week on The Human Archive:
In Episode 2, I’ll explore the challenges of capturing our stories and why it’s so hard to make time for it. Together, we’ll dive deeper into the importance of preserving our humanity.

I'd love to hear from you - text the show!

Resources and Links:

• Website: https://escendant.ai
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehumanarchiveofficial/