Episode 53: Exploring Grief, Legacy, and her Personal Museum: A Conversation with Dr. Karen Kramer
Thu Jan 29 2026
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 Conference in Hartford CT.
As the conversation began, Martie reflected on the heart of her work: “It’s never really the thing itself that matters, but the stories we weave around them—how they become threads to our past, our loves, and our grief.” She introduced Karen with warmth, inviting her to “show and tell” like it was elementary school all over again.
Karen beamed as she revealed her treasured item—one she’d owned since the age of eight: a pair of poi balls picked up during a formative family trip to Hawaii. She recounted her awkward, wonder-filled attempt to master the Maori-inspired dance and how that moment blossomed into a lifelong passion for Polynesian dance—a journey that ultimately shaped her health, identity, and career. With a touch of humor, she tried to demonstrate the poi balls in her small space, dodging her cat, Strawberry who had "pulled up a chair" to be part of the interview.
Martie was instantly captivated. “I’ve never had a dancer bring in such an unusual accessory!” she exclaimed. Their shared laughter bridged parallels in their lives—both had found deep joy in dance and movement, and both understood how such passions anchor us during times of change.
The discussion naturally shifted to Karen’s work as a grief alchemist and hypnotherapist. “Grief is everywhere,” Karen said. “It’s not just about death—it’s in the changes, the transitions, even in the birthdays and numbers on a scale.” She explained how her work, including her book Healthy Grief and a new Oracle card deck, helps people process both visible and invisible losses. Karen emphasized the danger of toxic positivity, and how important it is to acknowledge pain before hope can take root.
Martie nodded in agreement, grateful for the clarity Karen brought to the conversation, and noted how our homes—all the things we hold onto—are personal museums filled with stories often left untold. She encouraged listeners to share the stories of the Things that matter to them now, so their meaning wouldn’t be lost to time.
As the episode drew to a close, both women felt the quiet power of what they’d uncovered together: Every ordinary object—and every grief—tells an extraordinary story if only we take the time to listen and share.
To learn more about Dr. Karen Kramer & her important healing work visit & connect with her here:
https://drkarenkramer.com/ ; https://www.thevillavision.com/ ; https://www.facebook.com/DrKarenKramer ; https://www.instagram.com/drkarenkramer ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkarenkramer/
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:
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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 Conference in Hartford CT. As the conversation began, Martie reflected on the heart of her work: “It’s never really the thing itself that matters, but the stories we weave around them—how they become threads to our past, our loves, and our grief.” She introduced Karen with warmth, inviting her to “show and tell” like it was elementary school all over again. Karen beamed as she revealed her treasured item—one she’d owned since the age of eight: a pair of poi balls picked up during a formative family trip to Hawaii. She recounted her awkward, wonder-filled attempt to master the Maori-inspired dance and how that moment blossomed into a lifelong passion for Polynesian dance—a journey that ultimately shaped her health, identity, and career. With a touch of humor, she tried to demonstrate the poi balls in her small space, dodging her cat, Strawberry who had "pulled up a chair" to be part of the interview. Martie was instantly captivated. “I’ve never had a dancer bring in such an unusual accessory!” she exclaimed. Their shared laughter bridged parallels in their lives—both had found deep joy in dance and movement, and both understood how such passions anchor us during times of change. The discussion naturally shifted to Karen’s work as a grief alchemist and hypnotherapist. “Grief is everywhere,” Karen said. “It’s not just about death—it’s in the changes, the transitions, even in the birthdays and numbers on a scale.” She explained how her work, including her book Healthy Grief and a new Oracle card deck, helps people process both visible and invisible losses. Karen emphasized the danger of toxic positivity, and how important it is to acknowledge pain before hope can take root. Martie nodded in agreement, grateful for the clarity Karen brought to the conversation, and noted how our homes—all the things we hold onto—are personal museums filled with stories often left untold. She encouraged listeners to share the stories of the Things that matter to them now, so their meaning wouldn’t be lost to time. As the episode drew to a close, both women felt the quiet power of what they’d uncovered together: Every ordinary object—and every grief—tells an extraordinary story if only we take the time to listen and share. To learn more about Dr. Karen Kramer & her important healing work visit & connect with her here: https://drkarenkramer.com/ ; https://www.thevillavision.com/ ; https://www.facebook.com/DrKarenKramer ; https://www.instagram.com/drkarenkramer ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkarenkramer/ 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: