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 sunlight glancing off one of the peculiar objects he’d brought—a tiny, exquisitely crafted shoe, a souvenir from his late father’s days as a renowned designer. Martie leaned in, sensing the significance.

“Denny, let’s start at the very beginning,” she said. “Was there a single spark that set off your love for collecting?”

Denny grinned, nostalgic. “Honestly, it began with show and tell in first grade. I would turn my house upside down every week, searching for something—anything—that could kickstart a story. Beetle records, Spider-Man comics, even batteries. I couldn’t get enough of sharing how these things fit into my growing world.”

Martie nodded, connecting the dots. “So, in some ways, those early shows and tells shaped everything that came after—right up to your museum’s founding.”

“Absolutely,” Denny replied. “Collecting always felt creative to me, a mix of storytelling, art, and honoring history. My dad was a shoe designer, so craftsmanship and narrative were family values. When my creative paths crossed with a desire for something deeper than filmmaking or DJing, the Museum of Interesting Things was almost inevitable.”

Martie smiled. She, too, believed in the power of objects to tell stories. “And now your museum has these three lives—you bring history into schools and communities, offer private tours in your New York apartment, and host lively speakeasies even folks across the country can join. Denny, what is it you hope people carry away from these experiences?”

“That the things around us aren’t just things—they’re vessels for connection,” Denny said. “When kids, neighbors, or visitors hold these objects, they feel the pulse of invention, creativity, and shared memory. And hopefully, they leave inspired, ready to see the stories in their own treasures.”

Martie glanced around at the souvenirs framing Denny’s space, the sense of history tangible in the air. “And what about long-term? What happens to your collection when you’re gone?”

Denny’s answer was matter of fact: “I want to donate the entire building and collection to New York. That way, these stories—mine, my family’s, the inventors’ and all the visitors’—become part of the city. They’re not just relics for sale online; they’re a living legacy.”

Martie closed the interview with a smile, feeling the resonance of the objects and stories shared. “Thank you, Denny, for keeping history alive—not behind glass, but in our hands, hearts, and conversations.”

As the cameras faded, the stories lingered, woven into the fabric of things that truly matter.

To learn more about these beautiful interesting (never boring) human check out his website: www.museumthings.org or follow him on facebook.com/museumthings or instagram.com/museumthings

And if you live in NYC or will be visiting, reach out to Denny to schedule your private tour of the Museum of Interesting Things at dennydanielx@ gmail.com

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/