Tellstead

Tellstead helps families preserve personal stories through regular phone conversations with older loved ones. Its service centers on Natalie, a friendly computer program that calls with the person’s consent, follows their interests, and remembers topics for future chats. Loved ones use their regular phone; no smartphone, app, or internet connection is needed. They can choose when to talk, decline a call, or stop calls at any time.

After each conversation, Tellstead sends the family member who arranged the service a short account of what was shared, by text, email, or both. Stories might cover childhood, family recipes, first jobs, relationships, or meaningful places. Recipients can reply with questions for Natalie to ask next time and forward stories to relatives. Each membership includes four hours of calls per month and costs $29.99 monthly, with cancellation available at any time and a 30-day refund for the first payment. Tellstead presents Natalie as company between family conversations, not a replacement for them, and says she asks before recording anything.