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

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