Episode 58: Rugs that tells stories: The Tale of Stripes and Blueberry Muffins with John Davey

As I, Martie McNabb, settle in for another episode of “Things That Matter,” I’m joined by John Davey—a man whose family keepsake is as unique as his story. John sits across from me, a small, handmade rug on his computer screen. He smiles, recalling the Christmas morning surprise when his sister gifted him this hooked … Read more

Every Passport Tells a Story: Episode 57: John McKenzie on curious Travel and Personal Collections

In this episode of Things That Matter, I welcomed the ever-curious traveler John McKenzie to reminisce about the meaning behind the things we keep. We dove into the stories tucked inside John’s five well-worn passports, each bursting with stamps and memories from across the globe. As John said, “What better symbol to represent places and … Read more

Episode 56: From Drag Queen Story Hour to Queer History: Rev Yolanda’s Journey of Love and Loss

On a crisp Vermont afternoon, I sat down with my friend Rev Yolanda for a special episode of “Things That Matter.” I kicked things off by recalling our unforgettable first meeting in Prospect Heights—a tall, vibrant woman in high heels and a big wig who dashed across Flatbush Avenue and into my life for good. … Read more

Episode 55: The Art of Tinkering: How Model Trains Shaped Thomas Beutel’s Life and Work

Martie McNabb welcomed viewers with her signature warmth, beaming into the camera as she introduced her guest, Thomas Beutel. “Today on Things That Matter, Thomas is sharing a story about a very special boxcar—and the powerful memories attached to it.” Thomas held up a small HO scale boxcar, explaining, “My father gave me this when … Read more

Episode 54: Kingdom Hearts, Dungeons and Dragons, and the Legacy of Interactive Storytelling with Jonah Casale

In this episode of Things That Matter, Jonah Casale & Martie explore the objects and stories that shape our lives and legacies. Jonah shares personal memories tied to gaming, storytelling, and his journey as a multipotentialite, offering insights into how our belongings become vessels for meaning and connection. Jonah reveals the impact of gaming on … Read more

Episode 53: Exploring Grief, Legacy, and her Personal Museum: A Conversation with Dr. Karen Kramer

It was a sunny afternoon when Martie McNabb welcomed Dr. Karen Kramer onto her popular show, Things That Matter. The virtual studio was set up, mug in hand, and the air was tinged with curiosity and connection. Martie, ever passionate about the ways our cherished objects reveal the truths of our lives, caught up with … Read more

Episode 52: From Downsizing to Story-Sharing: How Objects Connect Jolynn Baca Jaekel to Her Heritage

Martie McNabb settled into her seat, the sunlight spilling across her cozy workspace in Albuquerque where she first met today’s guest. She glanced over the Zoom screen at Jolynn Baca Jaekel, whose energy and warmth always seemed to fill any room she entered. Today’s conversation was set to be a meaningful one; as the host … Read more

Introducing Martifacts: Martie McNabb’s Personal Stories Behind the Things She Keeps

For over three years, I’ve been hosting the Things That Matter podcast and YouTube channel—listening to countless people share stories about the objects that hold meaning in their lives. But until now, I realized I’d never really opened up about the things I keep, the things that matter to me personally. That’s why I started … Read more

Episode 51: Exploring Grief, Legacy, and Healing with Wy Woods Harris

In this episode of Things That Matter, host Martie McNabb sits down with nurse, grief facilitator, and author Wy Woods Harris for a deeply meaningful conversation about love, loss, and legacy. The two first connected during the early days of the pandemic through Let’s Reimagine, a space dedicated to open conversations around grief, death, and … Read more

Episode 50: The Power of Repair: Aging, Healing, and Things That Matter with Jeanette Leardi

As the afternoon sunlight streamed softly into my mom’s basement—a place filled with stories tucked into objects on every shelf—I sat ready for another episode of “Things That Matter.” Surrounding myself with the things we collect, inherit, and adore, I welcomed my guest, Jeanette Leardi, whose inspiring work in aging and intergenerational connections had first … Read more