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. Your journey to this chair started through our mutual ties to Location Indie, Camp Indie & the Everything Conference in Minneapolis, MN … AND me stopping by on my way back to Vermont from Summer School at The Old School in Montreal!”

Ted laughed, his eyes lighting up with the memory. “Absolutely. It was a real treat to connect, and now here I am, ready to share something a bit unexpected.”

Martie leaned in, always intrigued by what people brought for show-and-tell. “So Ted, what have you brought for us today?”

Ted showed his 1st library … well really video membership card and began to fan out a handful of library cards. “This is my accidental collection. Library cards from all over the world—Canada, England, Australia. When I look at these, I see my life mapped out in places I tried to call home, if only for a while.”

Martie grinned. “I love that—a timeline told in paper & plastic. Did you always visit libraries as a kid?”

“Oh yeah, all the time. And as I traveled, especially before widespread Wi-Fi, libraries became my connection to the world. You didn’t get a library card for a weekend visit; it meant you were trying to put down roots, at least for a stretch.”

As Ted described each card, Martie listened closely. There was one from Peterborough, Ontario, where he grew up, and even one from a video rental store called Ted’s Place (another way to travel & his namesake). Each card—a physical ticket to another chapter in Ted’s adventurous life.

“I notice you collect selectively. What do these cards mean when you think about your legacy?” Martie asked gently.

Ted nodded, thoughtful. “I don’t want my kids to feel burdened by my stuff. But maybe these cards, with their stories, can trace my journey. If the stories matter to them, they can keep the cards, or just the memory.”

Martie reflected on her own philosophy—things she keeps must have a purpose, or a story and ideally both. “If you share the stories, maybe the things themselves aren’t as important. Sometimes a photograph or a recording—like today—can be enough.”

As the conversation circled toward its close, Martie invited Ted to share his own work. “Let my listeners and watchers know—what are you up to when you’re not collecting library cards?”

Ted smiled. “I produce podcasts—Quick Edit Podcasts, to be exact. I thrive on variety and helping others get their stories out there, much like what we’re doing now.”

Martie wrapped up with her signature encouragement. “Everyone, think about the things you surround yourself with—the stories they tell, and share them. Stories connect us, build community, and who knows—maybe change the world in small ways.”

As the episode came to a close, the library cards, scattered on Ted’s desk, seemed to glow a little brighter, their stories remembered & shared.

To learn more about Ted’s work visit: https://quickeditpodcasts.com/ & connect with this lovely human here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedcragg/

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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