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.
Rev Yolanda brought her “show and tell”: a custom children’s storybook called “Glen’s Adventures,” honoring her late husband Glen. As she shared the story, Yolanda described how she had been Glen’s perfect sidekick and how the book, filled with their shared love of sci-fi, helped her heal and keep his memory close. “It’s not a loss, it’s a change in our relationship,” she reflected, reminding us that the people we love remain part of our story.
I was grateful, not being a parent, to have my first experience of listening to my beautiful friend read a children’s book for Drag Queen Story Hour.
We spoke about the importance of preserving both personal and LGBTQIA+ histories—how our homes and collections become living museums, and why legacy matters. Before closing, Yolanda shared how listeners can connect with her music and creative work, inviting everyone to add their voices to the ongoing tapestry of stories that truly matter.
And as always, our conversation ended with gratitude—and the reminder that it’s the stories we attach to things, and the legacies we leave behind, that shape history.
Rev Yolanda is a trans femme gender queer singer-songwriter, interfaith minister & actor who lives on a piece of land in Vermont that she & Glen bought in 2022 to build their forever home. Yolanda is slowly building her life without Glen’s physical presence. He will be forever in her heart.
Find out more & listen to her music here: Yolanda.net or RevYolanda.com
Are you looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com
Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨
If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/
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