Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: 10.01.2025

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the submission of any stories, letters, or other content (“Submission(s)”) to The Empty Chair podcast, website, or related platforms. By submitting content, you agree to the following:

1. License and Grant of Rights

By submitting content, you grant The Empty Chair, its creator(s), successors, licensees, and assigns a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and transferable license to use, reproduce, edit, adapt, publish, perform, distribute, display, and otherwise exploit your Submission, in whole or in part, in any format or medium now known or later developed.

This license includes, without limitation, the right to use your Submission for:

  • Podcast episodes (oral/recorded use)

  • Website and social media content (written and/or visual use)

  • Marketing, promotional, or commercial purposes related to The Empty Chair

2. Waiver of Compensation

You acknowledge and agree that you will not receive, and hereby waive, any right to financial compensation, royalties, or other payment of any kind arising from the use of your Submission. Your contribution is entirely voluntary.

3. Attribution and Anonymity

  • If you choose to provide your name, you grant permission for it to be used in connection with your Submission.

  • If you select the option to remain anonymous, The Empty Chair will not disclose your name or identifying details publicly. However, your Submission may still be used under the terms of this agreement.

4. Representations and Warranties

By submitting content, you represent and warrant that:

  • The Submission is your original work, or you have full rights to share it.

  • The Submission does not infringe on the intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other rights of any third party.

  • The Submission does not contain defamatory, harmful, or otherwise unlawful material.

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Empty Chair and its affiliates from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising out of your Submission or any breach of these warranties.

5. No Obligation to Use

Submission does not guarantee inclusion in the podcast, website, or related media. The Empty Chair reserves the sole right to decide whether, how, and when Submissions are used.

6. Release of Claims

You release The Empty Chair, its creator(s), affiliates, licensees, successors, and assigns from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of the use of your Submission, including but not limited to claims for defamation, invasion of privacy, or infringement of rights of publicity.

7. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

8. Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and The Empty Chair regarding Submissions and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, or representations.

By submitting your story, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.