Endo's not your
Plot Twist
Behind the Mic
This project isn’t just research — it’s personal. I live with endometriosis, and Endo’s Not Your Plot Twist grew out of my own story as much as the voices of others. Behind the Mic is where I step out from being the researcher and share my own experiences through short episodes that explore pain, diagnosis, recovery, and the ongoing reality of living with endo.
It’s also a space for gratitude. Here you’ll find the acknowledgements — a thank you to the people who’ve carried me through this journey and made this archive possible.
Meet the Researcher
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Hi, I’m Shonagh Gill, the voice behind this project. I’m a media master’s student, but more importantly, I’m someone who’s lived with endometriosis for years.
This archive grew out of my own experience and my need to see stories like mine taken seriously. I chose to create this space because I believe storytelling has power: to connect, to validate, and to spark change.
What started as part of my degree quickly became something much bigger, a way to give voice to experiences that are so often overlooked.
Creative Decisions I Made
These are the three decisions I wrestled with most — shaping them to fit my style while keeping them grounded, informative, and intentional.
They show how I balanced creative instinct with research ethics, and how the final project found its voice.
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Audio
vs.
Visual Media
I chose audio over video for both ethical and practical reasons. Video consent was not given in the initial stages of the project. I then found that audio created a more relaxed environment, allowing participants to speak more openly and comfortably about their experiences.
archive as a form
I framed this project as an archive to give the stories structure and longevity. Archives preserve, organise, and make visible what might otherwise be overlooked — in this case, lived experiences of endometriosis. By compiling and curating these voices, the archive reflects the shared nature of these struggles while still honouring each participant’s individual story.
No Music or Sound Affects
The decision to exclude music and sound effects was intentional. I wanted the archive to feel raw, direct, and unembellished. Adding layers of sound risked making the stories feel “produced” or gimmicky, when the power of this project lies in its honesty and unfiltered emotion.
Colour Scheme & Aesthetic
I framed this project as an archive to give the stories structure and longevity. Archives preserve, organise, and make visible what might otherwise be overlooked — in this case, lived experiences of endometriosis. By compiling and curating these voices, the archive reflects the shared nature of these struggles while still honouring each participant’s individual story.
Acknowledgements
This project has always been a labour of love. From the first idea to the final recordings, it’s been a journey I’ve wanted to take for years.
Sharing these stories, and creating a space for voices that are often unheard, has been deeply meaningful — and I hope it’s just the beginning.
I’d love to continue exploring work like this, giving more people the chance to be seen, heard, and understood.
a special thanks to...
​The Participants
Without these incredible women, this project wouldn’t exist. I am so grateful for their courage, honesty, and willingness to share their stories.
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I hope I’ve done them justice, and that these voices help spark the change we need — sooner rather than later.
with gratitude to...
My Supervisor, John D'Arcy
Who helped breathe life into this project, push boundaries, and guide me in bringing my vision to life.
all my love & appreciation to ...
Family
Who supported me through this project and all the years before that I'm stronger than I think and that talking about it isn’t a weakness. This project wouldn’t have been possible without you, and I’m so grateful for all the love and encouragement you’ve given me.
Friends
To my friends — from home, my university mates, and my housemates — your endless support, encouragement, and humour have given me confidence and kept me going through every step of this project. Whether cheering me on, offering advice, or just being there to listen, you’ve made this journey not only possible but truly memorable.
Danny
For being such a constant support and shoulder to lean on throughout this project. Your patience, encouragement, and understanding have meant the world to me, and I know I could always rely on you. From helping me stay grounded during stressful moments to celebrating every small victory along the way, you’ve done so much to make this journey possible — and I’m endlessly grateful.
