What do you even ask? Start with these 35.

The warm-up questions documentary filmmakers use to get a parent talking — past “it was nice, we were happy” and into the real stories.

It's on its way to your inbox.

Check your email in a minute or two — and peek in Promotions or Spam if it's hiding, then drag it across so we don't get lost.

While you wait: don't try to use all 35. Pick one, ask it this weekend, then stay quiet and count to five. The real story arrives in the silence.

When you want the whole method, it's here →

What's inside

35 questions, sorted from easy openers to the ones people most regret not asking
The one technique that makes almost any parent open up
Print it, or keep it on your phone for Sunday dinner

One of the 35

“What did your mother's kitchen smell like on a Sunday?”

Sensory questions unlock real memories. Big ones just freeze people.

The part everyone skips

Ask your question, then stay quiet and count to five.

The real story almost always arrives in the silence you were about to fill. That single habit matters more than any question on the list.

If you want more than a list

Before You Forget

The full toolkit: 150+ questions, the six story territories, how to record it on your phone, and how to draw out a real story instead of “it was nice, we were happy.”

See the toolkit →

One conversation is all it takes to start.

Send yourself the questions and use one this weekend.