Unpacking Memories: How to Preserve Your Legacy

02/25/25 • 44 min

Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well

A captivating exploration of memory and legacy unfolds as our host, Wendy Green, reflects on a cherished collection of dolls, gifted to her from her parents travels to foreign countries. Each doll holds a wealth of memories, cultural significance, and personal history. Wendy openly shares the emotional impact of these dolls, admitting that while they evoke nostalgia and dreams of travel for her, they are met with indifference by the next generation.

This thoughtful inquiry naturally leads to a deeper conversation with guest Martie McNabb, a legacy artist who highlights the power storytelling through objects. Together, they examine the complexities of emotional attachment to possessions and the weight of familial legacies, including the often-overlooked guilt that comes with letting go of items that once held significance.

Their discussion underscores how storytelling can preserve personal history and forge connections, inviting listeners to reflect on their own possessions and the rich narratives they carry. Ultimately, we are reminded of the enduring power of memory and the vital role that sharing our stories plays in the human experience.

Takeaways:

The speaker reflects on a cherished collection of dolls from various countries, each representing a meaningful connection to their past.
A significant theme explored in the podcast is the emotional weight of physical objects and how they embody personal stories and memories.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of storytelling in preserving personal history and the connections that arise from sharing these narratives.
Marty McNabb introduces the concept of being a legacy artist, highlighting the value of object-inspired storytelling in fostering connections among individuals.
Listeners are encouraged to curate their belongings, focusing on the stories that matter rather than the objects themselves, to enhance their personal legacy.
The podcast delves into how sharing memories, especially in community settings, can strengthen bonds and create a sense of belonging among individuals.

Links referenced in this episode:

Subscribe to the newsletter, "Thriving Through Time" bit.ly/navigateaging
Visit our sponsor at greenwoodcapital.com
Check out Matie McNabb's website showandtails.com
Visit the Boomer Banter website at heyboomer.biz
To join the Boomer Banter and Boomer Believers group https://buymeacoffee.com/heyboomer0413

Books mentioned in this episode:

"Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff" by Matt Paxton

"Passed & Present" by Allison Gilbert

"Time to Tell" by Deborah Wilbrink

Disclaimer:

Learn more about Greenwood Capital or find resources at www.GreenwoodCapital.com. Boomer Banter is sponsored in part by Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC. Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm with offices in Greenville and Greenwood, SC. As a fiduciary firm, Greenwood Capital is obligated to disclose any potential conflicts of interest with this arrangement. The host of “Boomer Banter”, Wendy Green, is a client of Greenwood Capital, and her show “Boomer Banter”

has been compensated for her testimonial through Greenwood Capital’s sponsorship. Greenwood Capital is a Legacy sponsor at the stated rate of $2,600 for the 2025 calendar year.

Takeaways:

The speaker reflects on a cherished collection of dolls from various countries, each representing a meaningful connection to their past.
A significant theme explored in the podcast is the emotional weight of physical objects and how they embody personal stories and memories.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of storytelling in preserving personal history and the connections that arise from sharing these narratives.
Marty McNabb introduces the concept of being a legacy artist, highlighting the value of object-inspired storytelling in fostering connections among individuals.
Listeners are encouraged to curate their belongings, focusing on the stories that matter rather than the objects themselves, to enhance their personal legacy.
The podcast delves into how sharing memories, especially in community settings, can strengthen bonds and create a sense of belonging among individuals.

Links referenced in this episode:

Subscribe to the newsletter, "Thriving Through Time" bit.ly/navigateaging
Visit our sponsor at greenwoodcapital.com
Check out Matie McNabb's website showandtails.com
Visit the Boomer Banter website at heyboomer.biz
To join the Boomer Banter and Boomer Believers group https://buymeacoffee.com/heyboomer0413

Books mentioned in this episode:

"Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff" by Matt Paxton

"Passed & Present" by Allison Gilbert

"Time to Tell" by Deborah Wilbrink

Disclaimer:

has been compensated for her testimonial through Greenwood Capital’s sponsorship. Greenwood Capital is a Legacy sponsor at the stated rate of $2,600 for the 2025 calendar year.

Previous Episode

Navigating Long-Distance Relationships with Grandchildren

Staying connected with our grandchildren isn’t always easy—especially when miles separate us. As grandparents, we want to be involved in their lives, share our wisdom, and build cherished memories. But as they grow up, get busy, and focus on their own worlds, staying in touch can feel like an uphill battle.

In this episode of Boomer Banter, we dive into the realities of long-distance grandparenting. I share personal stories, insights from listeners, and strategies to help bridge the gap, no matter the distance. We explore:

✅ How grandparenting has evolved over the generations

✅ The role parents play as “gatekeepers” to our grandkids

✅ Practical ways to maintain strong bonds at different ages—from toddlers to teens to young adults

✅ How to reset expectations to avoid frustration and strengthen relationships

Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas to stay engaged or simply reassurance that you’re not alone in this struggle, this conversation is for you. Staying connected may take effort but love always finds a way.

Next Episode

Defying Age: Scaling El Capitan and Life's Challenges

What would you do if someone told you that you were too old to chase a dream? For Dierdre Wolownick, the answer was simple: prove them wrong.

At 66, she did something that would challenge even the fittest athletes—she climbed El Capitan, one of the most iconic rock faces in the world, in a single day. And she didn’t do it alone—she tackled the climb alongside her son, legendary climber Alex Honnold. But Dierdre’s journey is about so much more than just scaling a mountain. It’s about defying expectations, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and discovering just how much we’re capable of—at any stage of life.

In this episode, Dierdre shares her remarkable story of resilience, reinvention, and personal growth. From navigating an unsupportive marriage to redefining what’s possible in her later years, she opens up about the mindset shifts that allowed her to push past fear and self-doubt. We’ll also talk about what it’s really like to climb with Alex Honnold (spoiler: he doesn’t slow down for anyone), the power of preparation, and why she chose to go back up El Cap at 70—this time on her terms.

Dierdre’s story is proof that life doesn’t slow down unless you let it. Whether you’re a climber, an adventurer at heart, or just someone looking for a spark of inspiration to take on your next big challenge, this episode is for you.

Takeaways:

Deirdre Wolownick's journey exemplifies the profound impact of pursuing one's passions despite societal expectations and personal challenges.
The importance of self-motivation is paramount, especially when navigating unsupportive relationships that may hinder personal growth.
Overcoming physical limitations and age-related stereotypes can lead to remarkable achievements, as demonstrated by Deirdre's climbing feats.
Journaling serves as an effective tool for self-reflection and planning, empowering individuals to take actionable steps toward their goals.
Recognizing that growing older is a privilege can inspire individuals to embrace life fully and pursue their dreams without hesitation.

Links referenced in this episode:

Subscribe to the Thriving Through Time Newsletter: bit.ly/navigateaging
Subscribe to Dierdre's blog: Dierdre's place | A site about exploration
Connect with Dierdre on Instagram: @dierdre_wolownick_honnold

Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well - Unpacking Memories: How to Preserve Your Legacy

Transcript

00:00:17.359

I have this wonderful collection of dolls from around the world. Each one was a gift from my parents, something they brought back from their travels, and as I was growing up, these dolls were lovingly displayed in my bedroom, each one wearing the costume of the country they came from. I didn't play with them as much as I admired them and dreamed of visiting their country one day.

00:00:47.149

As I moved into my adult life, the dolls lived in boxes f