Episode 49: Exploring Life’s Journey Through Library Cards with Ted Cragg

Martie McNabb settled into her favorite chair, the one that cradled her through countless conversations, and smiled as the camera started rolling. Across the video feed, Ted Cragg seemed right at home, surrounded by art and little mementos—a fitting backdrop for an episode of “Things That Matter.” “Welcome, Ted!” Martie greeted him. “I always love … Read more

Episode 48: A Ring’s Unbelievable Journey Out of Bergen-Belsen & Into Artist Judi Varnai Aronson’s Life

In these dark times, where some people are trying to erase history, telling our stories is an act of resistance. “Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of Things That Matter,” she began with her trademark warmth. “Today, I have the privilege of speaking with Judi Varnai Aronson—artist, entrepreneur, and keeper of a truly remarkable … Read more

Episode 47: Woven Generations: filmmaker Melissa Davey’s 100-Year-Old Rug That Connects Her Family

Martie McNabb glanced at her screen, a familiar spark of anticipation in her eyes. She loves hosting Things That Matter, a series devoted to the stories held by the objects in our homes aka our personal museums. Today’s guest is someone she’s admired for years: filmmaker Melissa Davey, a woman whose story embodies the very … Read more

Episode 46: Building a Legacy: author Blair Mostyn on Family, Fantasy, and Following Your Dreams

“Welcome to this episode of Things That Matter BL,” Martie began. “Today’s conversation is truly special. You reached out after attending a workshop I facilitated for Alexa Bigwarfe’s Women In Publishing community — well, technically, after watching the replay — and I was struck by your open embrace of the show and tell method I … Read more

Episode 45: From Childhood Collections to Curating History, Denny Daniel shares stories of Interesting Things

Martie McNabb straightened the stack of index cards on her lap, eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Welcome back to Things That Matter,” she greeted the invisible audience, her voice warm with genuine curiosity. “Today, we’re joined by Denny Daniel, the founder of the Museum of Interesting Things, a place where stories quite literally fill every corner.” … Read more

Episode 44: Skateboards, Stories, and Grief: Jen Allen’s Journey to Healing and Helping Others

Jen Allen sat down with Martie McNabb on this episode of Things That Matter to share a deeply personal story about loss and resilience. After unexpectedly losing her son Daniel to suicide, Jen found comfort in the objects he left behind—especially his skateboard(s), a tangible reminder of his passion and spirit. When Hurricane Helene hit … Read more

Episode 43: Generational Wisdom and Activism with Tabitha Zeigler

Tabitha sat across from Martie McNabb, the host of “Things That Matter,” prepared to open up about the small but meaningful keepsake in her hand. On the surface, the keychain looked ordinary—just a collection of trinkets bound together with a zip tie. But to Tabitha, every piece carried the weight of her journey: the travel … Read more

Episode 42: How an Owl Locket Became Alyson Wagner’s Talisman for Creativity and Self-Expression

Martie McNabb welcomed listeners to another episode of Things That Matter, a series dedicated to extracting the personal histories embedded in the special objects that fill our lives. This time, her guest was Alyson Wagner, a multi-passionate creative she’d met at the Everything Conference in Minneapolis (Aug 2024) —a gathering that celebrates people who refuse … Read more

Minisode 32: Zhu Shen’s Journey of a Thousand Miles: Honoring Family Through Film, Food, and Gratitude

Zhu Shen grew up in China, where food has always been at the heart of family and tradition. Years later, living in the U.S., she found herself caring for her beloved husband, a Stanford-trained biotech founder and the family’s home chef, as he battled a tragic and ironic fight with cancer. One day, as Zhu … Read more

Episode 41: Risa Zenno’s Journey With Pens and Her Grandmother

As the clock ticked into a quiet afternoon, I, Martie McNabb, welcomed my guest, Risa Zenno, to “Things That Matter.” From the moment we connected—prompted by a chance encounter at the Everything Conference in Minneapolis—I sensed our conversation would reveal something special. When I invited Risa, pronounced Lisa, to share her story, she smiled and … Read more