In episode 1 of Branches Between Generations, we sat down with Madeline and Aileen. Here are some “behind the scenes” from our crew at Podio.

We’re Experiencing Technical Difficulties

We ran through a few things as a group beforehand. You don’t always plan for little hiccups, but they always find a way to show up. A few camera settings weren’t quite behaving, and we had to pause to get everything working just right.

But once the tech started cooperating and we gave the green light to roll, something shifted. The awkwardness faded, and what remained was simply two people… talking.

Lots to Talk About

Clinton didn’t have to step in much once the conversation got going, which is always a good sign. Aileen and Maddy fell into a rhythm pretty quickly. Despite the age gap, their conversation felt easy and full of warmth.

Aileen shared bits of her story, places she’s lived, memories from her youth, and Maddy listened with wide eyes and genuine interest, responding with her own thoughts and thoughtful follow-ups.

Capturing the Moment

It’s a subtle but powerful thing when the equipment disappears, not physically, but mentally. The cameras were still rolling, the mics still live, but for Aileen and Maddy, it didn’t feel like a recording session anymore. It just felt like a connection. That’s the sweet spot we always aim for, and when it happens, it’s magic.

Wrapping Up

By the time we wrapped up for the day, the nerves were long gone. Maddy was already thinking about her next visit, and Aileen gave her a warm thank-you that felt more like a “see you soon” than a goodbye.

Pairing up teens and seniors for these recordings is more than just an exercise in storytelling; it’s a chance to watch understanding grow in real time. It’s about showing up, listening in, and discovering how much we can learn from one another when we make space to share.

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