Things That Matter with Martie McNabb

The Story Hidden Inside Two Wedding Pendants Sometimes the smallest objects carry the biggest stories. In this episode of Things That Matter, I had the privilege of sitting down with author Leslie Powell Ahmadi to hear the remarkable story behind two wedding pendants gifted to her by her Iranian in-laws nearly four decades ago. What first appeared to be simple pieces of jewelry became lasting symb...

One of the questions I am most frequently asked is, “How did you begin doing this work?” How did I go from being a New York City public school teacher to helping people preserve family stories and creating show-and-tell experiences around the world? The answer begins with a missing photograph. Many years ago, after leaving my position as a high school biology teacher in New York City,...

Some objects become far more than possessions. They become bridges connecting us to people we’ve loved, places we’ve never seen, and stories that continue shaping our lives long after they’re told. In this episode of Things That Matter, I sat down with my longtime friend Mary Reilly, someone I’ve known since the earliest days of Show & Tales. More than a decade ago, whe...

What happens to our memories, our family history, and the stories behind our belongings when we downsize, move, or pass things down, and those stories are never shared? In this episode of Things That Matter, I sit down with senior real estate specialist Bryan Devore for a meaningful conversation about downsizing, senior transitions, and the emotional weight of the things we keep. Bryan shares a po...

Join Martie McNabb as she welcomes gerontologist Jacob Kendall to discuss the stories behind meaningful objects. This episode explores how college football, family, and changing times shape our memories and values. * Jacob Kendall’s connection to Alabama football and his late father through a championship game ticket * The evolution of college football and its impact on lifelong fans * Navig...

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 rug, unaware that she’d become somewhat of an artist. John describes...

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 travel experience than a passport?” He shared how a “spur of...

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...

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 I was eight or nine. It wasn’t just a toy—it was my introduction t...

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 his life, showing & sharing stories abou...

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 Karen after their brief encounter at the 2nd Annual Grief Awareness and Education...

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 of “Things That Matter,” Martie loves exploring the person...

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 “Martifacts”—a special new segment where I finally share my own treasures...

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 healing—making this reunion especially powerful. Wy s...

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 caught my eye on LinkedI...

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 to begin with how I met my guests. You...

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 family jewels story.” Judi smiled, her hands resting gent...

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 spirit of the show: connection, community & legacy. After a brief greet...

“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 taught to help authors truly connect with their audience.” BL’s...

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.” Denny sat across from her, the afternoon sun...

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 Florida just over a year after his death, it destroyed almos...

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 bug that bit her when she chose French in middle school, leading to study...

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 to be boxed into just “one thi...

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 prepared roasted red bell peppers—a dish he adored—she noticed a dark spot spreading on one o...

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 held up a handful of colorful pens....