Things That Matter with Martie McNabb – Details, episodes & analysis

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 personal stories behind the objects people chose to keep close. "Jolynn," Martie began, smiling, "I’ve been looking forward to this. You always bring so much light to these conversations. I know you’ve had quite a year helping your parents sort through their lifetime of memories. How did you start deciding what stays and what goes?" Jolynn nodded, her eyes shining at the mention of family. "It was a big exercise in soul searching, honestly. My parents and I realized quickly some things mattered a little, some a lot—and some we just had to let go of. It pushed me to think about why we hold onto certain objects and what letting go really means." Martie leaned in, curious. "Was there anything in particular that stood out to you in this personal process?" With a gentle laugh, Jolynn pointed to a small, shimmering golden tree positioned beside her. "Absolutely. This is my grandmother’s jewelry tree—a piece I had made with help from a friend who designs jewelry. My grandmother’s costume jewelry, most of it not worth much except to us, and my own pieces from over the years are all part of this tree. At its heart is a brooch set with the birthstones of all her grandkids." Martie’s eyes widened in appreciation. "That’s beautiful, Jolynn. So it’s more than just an object—it’s a celebration of your grandmother, your family, and yourself. Do you think that’s what makes certain things matter? The stories attached to them?" Jolynn nodded. "Exactly. It reminds me every day of the strength of the women I come from—my grandmother, my mother, me, and now my daughter. That tree is more than just jewelry—it’s a daily reminder that I can do hard things and I’m not alone." Martie smiled, the gears of her own memory turning. "You know, I think that’s the reason people sometimes struggle with passing things down. It’s not just about what the object is, it’s about what it means. Do you have thoughts on what should happen to the tree after you’re gone?" Jolynn considered the question thoughtfully. "I do. At first, I thought maybe my daughter wouldn’t want it because she never met my grandmother. But the tree represents our whole lineage—and I want her to have the choice. If it speaks to her, she’s welcome to keep it. And if not? At least she’ll know the story behind it, and that might be enough." Martie’s matter-of-fact tone matched Jolynn’s. "And that’s what we’re all about here, isn’t it? Making sure the stories stay alive, even if the things themselves eventually move on." Jolynn nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "Absolutely. And that’s something I carry into my work now—my journal, ‘It’s Your Day,’ is all about helping people celebrate the small wins and document their stories. And I’m launching a podcast soon to highlight women who do things their own way—solving problems, creating businesses, making bold moves without asking for permission." Martie gave Jolynn a warm look. "You’ve found a way to keep those stories alive and empower others to do the same. Thanks for sharing a piece of your family’s story, and for reminding us that it’s the meaning—and the memories—that make things matter." With that, Martie and Jolynn closed out their conversation, both filled with gratitude for the tangible connections to their past—and the stories that keep legacies alive. To connect with this beautiful human follow her at jbacaj on Instagram and Jolynn Baca Jaekel on Facebook. Keep an eye out for her upcoming podcast: Doing It Her Way. 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/ Watch here:  Or Listen here:

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 and their stories with all of you. One of my favorite rituals over the last decade has been inviting people to in-person and virtual events reminiscent of elementary school show and tell. I’ve never tired of the conversations—over 400 events!—and each story reminds me how our homes become personal museums, full of objects we’ve chosen or inherited. But now it’s time to switch roles and tell you about my own collection. One chapter of my story happened about eight years ago when I made the difficult decision to sell my Brooklyn apartment after 18 years. New York had given me so much, and I loved every bit of city life, but things were getting harder financially and logistically, and I felt the pull to go on a new adventure. That’s when I decided to try van life as a way to explore new places and find my next home—and yes, I named my van “Brooklyn” as a tribute. Before setting out on the road, everyone told me I needed a travel companion. While a dog was the popular suggestion, I knew from my own experience (and my mom’s anxious nature) that worrying about a pet might ruin the journey. Then, in a delightful coincidence, I received a package from my favorite quirky small business, Blue Q. Inside was a funny cardboard cutout cat, inspired by the family saying, “the only good cat is a flat cat.” I decided to name her Flatsy the flat cat, and she quickly became my perfect travel companion—worry-free and a constant source of joy as she journeyed thousands of miles with me across the country. Now I’m excited for the next phase: starting in spring 2026, I’ll be doing regular LIVES to share not just my stories but yours as well. Maybe you’ll join me LIVE for an episode of “Martifacts and Other Things That Matter” and tell me about the objects that have shaped your life. Thanks for coming along with me on this unusual—and very personal—episode. 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/ Watch Here:  Or Listen Here:

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 abroad adventures in Paris and eventually to a career as a flight attendant where she discovered the world’s complexity, and met people from all walks of life. Her story took a new turn when Tabitha decided to become a mom—a decision marked by perseverance and hope as she navigated the path to parenthood as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Within eighteen months, she welcomed three children into her life; all three were later diagnosed with autism. Living in rural Indiana, Tabitha quickly realized that resources for her children were scarce, so she created them herself, founding a nonprofit and a podcast to advocate not just for her kids, but for countless families like hers. At the heart of her journey was the memory of her grandfather, a farmer and the first feminist she ever knew. He encouraged her to do what was right, no matter what, and held onto her travel mementos with pride, hanging them from his rearview mirror as symbols of her adventures. After he passed, the keychain returned to Tabitha as a family heirloom—a simple but powerful reminder that advocacy, love, and courage can ripple outward, transforming not only her own family’s story but also the wider world. To learn more about this multi-passionate woman, check out her autism advocacy podcast by searching for Staring Down the Storm Autism Advocacy in America on Apple podcast, Spotify & YouTube. You can connect with her through most social media platforms by searching for her unusual name. 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/ Watch here:  Or Listen here:

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 thing." Martie had been invited there to lead her signature show-and-tell experience, helping attendees spark deep conversation & connections through story-sharing about meaningful items they’d brought with them. During the episode, Martie invited Alyson to share her own "thing that matters." Alyson, who’d been actively working to rekindle her creative spark by inviting more art and inspiration into her life, surprised even herself by choosing not a family heirloom, but a recently discovered thrifted treasure. She told the story of how, after a coaching session encouraging her to find a talisman for self-expression, she wandered into the Austin Creative Reuse center (www.austincreativereuse.org). There, her eye fell on a vintage owl locket—complete with turquoise beads, her birthstone color. She loved not just the symbolism of owls as wise creatures, but also the locket’s mysterious, unknowable past. Inside the locket, Alyson began tucking tiny affirmations she'd clipped from her favorite yogi tea bags. One had come to mean a lot: “Be fearless. Know that all will be provided at the right time.” Alyson explained that although the locket didn't have a long history with her yet, it had quickly become a touchstone—something to ground her, help her slow down, and remind her to stay true to herself. Martie encouraged Alyson to consider what she might want to happen to the locket one day. Alyson reflected that while she didn’t have children to pass it on to, maybe her best friend—who’d initially come to mind when she’d found the locket—might one day inherit it. Or perhaps, it would eventually return to a creative reuse shop to await its next chapter with someone new. Either way, the importance was in the story and meaning Alyson now imbued in it, regardless of its origins. Toward the end of the episode, Alyson talked about her "Snail Steps" Substack blog, where she writes about finding meaning, slowing down, and recovering from burnout—a theme perfectly aligned with the gentle journey this little locket represented. Martie wrapped up the session, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own objects and the stories they carry. The episode proved once again that it’s not the monetary value of our possessions, but the stories, growth, and connections they represent, that truly makes them things that matter. Here's a bit more info about my lovely guest Alyson in her own words: I'm a day-jobber who's always exploring something on the side. My current ongoing side project is Snail Steps, a Substack newsletter about creating a meaningful life one step at a time. I started writing this in 2022 as a way to process the mid-life crisis I was experiencing including exhaustion, burnout, and uncertainty about where to go next in my life. I decided I needed to go back to the basics of essential self-care and focus on what it means to be fully human. My hope is that through the writing of this newsletter, not only am I learning how to cultivate deeper connections with myself and the world around me, but also I am encouraging those who read my newsletter to do the same in their own lives. You can read the full archive and subscribe at alysonwagner.substack.com. You can also find me on LinkedIn and Instagram (@alysonimagines). 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/ Watch here:  Or Listen here:

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 of the peppers. The slow decay mirrored the painful changes she saw in her husband. As she cut away the rotten parts, she was overcome with emotion, realizing how closely food and grief had become linked in her life. During this difficult time, their twelve-year-old son Perry decided to process his sorrow by creating an animated film about his father. Inspired by Perry’s gesture of love and determined to honor her husband’s legacy, Zhu stepped out of her biotech career and fully supported her son's creative journey, becoming the film’s producer. As she documented Perry’s growth as both an artist and a young man, Zhu found herself changing too—moving from the strict “tiger mom” she once was to a more collaborative and supportive “Zen mom.” Through this journey, Zhu learned that even in the shadow of devastating loss, there is still hope and inspiration to be found. Embracing family connections, creativity, and gratitude, she discovered new meaning in both grief and joy, proving that it’s never too late to begin a new chapter or make a cherished family dream come true. To learn more & connect with this amazing woman (& her son): Journey of a Thousand Miles: https://www.journeyof1000milesfilm.com/ Link with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhushen/ This minisode was clipped from a LIVE virtual Show & Tale: My Favorite Thing (Kitchen Edition) for the Historic Green-Wood Cemetery. I'm a regular host of events for G-W for the purpose of building deeper connections, community & legacy one story of stuff at a time. 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/ Watch here:  Or Listen here:

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. “It’s hard to pick just one thing,” she laughed, echoing the multi-potentialite ethos of the conference where we first met. But behind her lighthearted tone was something deeper, and she began to explain. “These pens remind me of my grandmother,” Risa said softly. She grew up between countries—born in Japan, moving through Brazil, Seattle, New York, and Mexico City—and whenever she felt far from home, her grandmother bridged the distance through handwritten letters. “Before email,” she recalled, “writing letters was how we stayed connected. We shared stories, and pens became our bond.” Risa described her grandmother’s role as an English teacher in Japan, a fixture at her local stationery store, always offering discounts and bringing Risa the newest pens and erasers. “Japanese stationery is the best,” she insisted, with fond memories of mechanical pencils and mono erasers. “It wasn’t just about having nice pens. Every letter we wrote, every page I edited for her with our shared initials, was a thread between us.” As Risa spoke, I could feel the weight of memory in her words. She explained how sharing stories, as part of my Things That Matter playshop, at the conference unexpectedly triggered grief for her grandmother’s loss, but also gave her a chance to process it in a healing way. “Listening to others’ stories brought her back,” said Risa, “and now, telling mine helps me keep her close.” I asked Risa what she hoped would become of these treasured pens and memories after she was gone. She smiled, eyes shining, and spoke of legacy. Someday, she hopes to write her own story—maybe under their shared initials, RZ—so that the impact of her grandmother’s love, and the pens that linked their lives, will live on through words. Before we closed, we joked about the unique joys of Japanese stationery and how the right pen or eraser can change everything, even the way you remember someone you love. “I used every excuse for new pens as a kid,” Risa chuckled. “Funny how what we love when we’re young finds its way into our stories.” As we wrapped up, I invited listeners to connect with Risa—whose tangents, stories, and warmth leave an impression long after the last word is spoken. And I realized, once again, that the things that matter are rarely about the objects themselves, but about the bonds and memories they hold. To learn more about Risa connect with her on LinkedIn: / risazenno or reach out to her via email tcklisa @ gmail.com 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/ Watch here:  Or Listen here:

Jamie Brickhouse didn’t realize he was walking into a 9/11-themed storytelling event—he’d been preoccupied, already scheduled to perform elsewhere that day with a completely different story. But as the realization dawned, Jamie remembered he did, in fact, have a story connected to that date, rooted in both personal memory and collective tragedy. He began by sharing an object from his childhood: a unique “one way puzzle.” The puzzle, often thought of as resembling a skyscraper, had always been his favorite toy at his great aunts’ house—a house eventually destroyed by a hurricane. Years later, as Jamie sifted through the ruined remains with his father, he recovered the puzzle, holding back tears as memories of childhood flooded back. The act of finding this prized possession amid devastation echoed the heartbreaking scenes of people searching the wreckage of the World Trade Center. Shifting to 9/11 itself, Jamie recalled living in New York for over 30 years with his partner (now husband), Michael, an architect. That morning, Michael returned to work after a bad back kept him home—his first day back, and coincidentally the day he avoided a regular client meeting at the World Trade Center by sending a colleague instead. The colleague survived, witnessing the disaster firsthand and returning covered in ash. As the tragedy unfolded, Jamie was at his Midtown office, glued to the TV with colleagues. His mother called from Texas—hers was the only call he received all day, a small comfort amid chaos and isolation. He walked home through a sea of stunned New Yorkers, united in shock and seeking updates wherever they could. In the weeks that followed, as many left the city, Jamie and Michael stayed. They even considered moving downtown, tempted by apartments with outdoor space and affordable rents. One, with a spectacular terrace, overlooked the empty skyline where the towers had stood—a bittersweet view they ultimately couldn’t bear to call home. While Jamie didn’t lose anyone close, he witnessed the city’s resilience firsthand. He and Martie reflected on the powerful sense of community, the survivor’s guilt some friends still felt, and the ways objects like his childhood puzzle can hold complicated, healing memories. Through storytelling and shared remembrance, Jamie found connection and meaning—proof that even in trauma’s shadow, there are stories of hope and belonging. To learn more about this beautiful human, author & comedic storyteller visit: https://www.jamiebrickhouse.com/index.htm This minisode was clipped from a LIVE virtual Show & Tale: Passed & Present (9/11 Edition) to build connections, community & legacy one story of stuff at a time. 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/   Watch here:  Or Listen here: 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/

Join us in this captivating episode where I, Martie McNabb, had the pleasure of welcoming the incredibly talented artist, Karin Edgett, to explore the intersection of art, energy, and the symbols that truly matter. Karin takes us on a journey through her fascinating transition from the world of advertising to embracing her true passion—art. Watch here:  Or Listen here: Karin opens up about her lifelong interest in communication graphics and how it eventually led her to explore the deeper realm of symbols and energy within her artwork. She shares how her art has become a medium to unleash the potential energy of symbols, like the infinity shapes and ankhs, which are recurrent themes in her creations. Each piece is not just an artwork but a story of life, movement, and transformation. We dive into Karin's creative process, beginning with her unique necklace. This piece was crafted by a friend and serves as a personal totem representing an ankh that's alive and in motion, symbolizing a blend of life and infinite possibilities. Karin's painting of infinities, which she proudly displays, encapsulates the idea of creation, recreation, and limitless potential—an artistic expression of quantum physics' principles. As we explore further, Karin discusses the delicate balance between structure and freedom. Her art encourages this dance, a balance that perhaps reflects our own life's journey between maintaining structure and embracing creativity. She posits that true creation is born from the heart, driving the shifts and transformations we experience. This, she believes, is her living legacy—one already in motion, impacting those who engage with her work. Karin's relationship with nature is another profound aspect of her artistry. She shares the story of a baroque black pearl from Moorea, incorporating the essence of wisdom and memory from her aquatic encounters. This connection to nature is also evident in her fascination with flowers. For Karin, flowers symbolize a pure form of energy—free from historical weight, offering fresh, vibrant messages from Earth. During our conversation, Karin reflects on the essence of legacy. She envisions her art not just as personal expression but as a conduit for transformation and expansion. Her work, she hopes, will continue to inspire and facilitate change, possibly even rendering itself unnecessary as society shifts towards an energized, freer existence. In conclusion, my talk with Karin Edgett serves as a reminder of the profound stories and energy encapsulated in the things we cherish. I encourage listeners to reflect on their surroundings and the stories they tell, much like the rich narratives Karin Edgett weaves through her art. Thank you for joining us on this introspective journey into the world of art, energy, and legacy on Things That Matter. To learn more about & to connect with Karin visit: New Botanical Vision Cards: https://www.karinedgett.art/new-earth-flowers-shop/botanical-vision-oracle-cards Karin Edgett Visionary Artist: https://KarinEdgett.com Instagram: / edgempress 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/

Once upon a time in the picturesque lakeside town of Grand Haven, Michigan, Jodi Bandy spent her childhood surrounded by the serene beauty of the water. As I sat down with Jodi on my podcast, I was captivated by her tales of those early years. She painted a picture of days filled with her father's exhilarating adventures on the water, recounting how he was always at the helm of a boat, skimming across the waves. One of the standout stories she shared was about her father's daring feat of towing an 18-year-old in a kite across the expanse of Lake Michigan to Milwaukee—a world record attempt that certainly left a mark. Though Jodi was too young to fully grasp the magnitude of these adventures at the time, the spirit of adventure undoubtedly took root in her, shaping her outlook on life. During our conversation, Jodi spoke passionately about her quest to gather pieces of her family's history, especially after her father's passing. She shared how she unearthed old photographs and reached out to those who had been part of her father's thrilling escapades, piecing together a narrative that not only highlighted his daring deeds but also revealed his role as a silent partner in the local thrill show. Jodi's insights were profound as she emphasized the importance of capturing family stories before they fade away. She shared her personal challenges in gathering stories from her mother's side of the family, where fewer photographs existed. This only fueled her desire to preserve the memories she could, recognizing that each photograph and object held the potential to unlock a wealth of stories. As we wrapped up our conversation, Jodi's passion for preserving family legacies was palpable. She encouraged listeners to view personal artifacts as keys to igniting storytelling and preserving cherished narratives, even after our loved ones are gone. Through her journey, Jodi reminded us all that every picture tells a story worth sharing. You can find more info about Jodi's legacy work here: https://www.hoosierphotoorganizer.com/ And to find out more about The Photo Managers &/or to hire a photo manager near you go to: https://thephotomanagers.com/ Found on YouTube Whitey White Water Thrill Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc427XhWlzA This minisode was clipped from a LIVE virtual Show & Tales hosted for The Photo Managers to build connections, community & legacy one story of stuff at a time.   Watch here:  Or Listen here: 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/

In this episode of Things That Matter, I had the pleasure of sharing my story of solo travel and exploration. I'm Annie Sisson, a traveler and explorer, and I embarked on a journey that truly changed my life. Back in 2015, I decided to leave my teaching job and travel to Europe alone, something I had dreamed of since flipping through National Geographic as a kid. With just a few nights of hostel bookings at either end of the trip, a rental car, and a backpack full of camping gear, I let inspiration and serendipity guide my path. Along the way, I picked up a little mountain man figurine named Krakonas in the Czech Republic. He became a symbol of my journey, reminding me of the mountains I climbed—both literal and figurative—and the strength I discovered within myself. That trip taught me so much about our shared humanity and how, despite our different cultures and backgrounds, we all seek the same fundamental things in life. Finally, I share my future plans, including writing a memoir about this specific trip and helping others create their own travel experiences devoid of big bus tours and cruise ships. My multi-faceted career, which I juggle with coaching and freelance writing, allows me to remain connected to my passion for exploration and living authentically. To find out more about this beautiful human, check out her website: https://intothebold.com/ 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/ Watch here:  Or Listen here: