TRANSCRIPT
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#77 - Preserving Family Stories and Legacies with Zoe Martin
In this heartfelt episode, Eric Blake speaks with Zoe Martin, a personal historian dedicated to helping families preserve their most meaningful stories. Zoe shares how losing her sister to breast cancer inspired her to capture the essence of legacy through recorded life stories and multi-generational portraits. Together, they explore why preserving memories matters, how to begin, and why legacy goes far beyond financial wealth.
Introduction
Eric Blake: Who tells your story? Those emotional, final words from the Broadway hit Hamilton are a powerful reminder that our legacies aren’t just financial—they’re personal.
Today’s guest is here to talk about how you can capture and preserve your story or the story of someone you love before those moments slip away.
Welcome to another episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, where we empower and educate women to live their retirement on their terms. I’m your host, Eric Blake, practicing retirement planner with over 25 years of experience and founder of Blake Wealth Management. I would not be the man I am today without the women in my life.
This episode is going to feel just a little different. Instead of focusing on the dollars and cents of retirement, we’re going to be talking about something just as valuable—your legacy. Not just the financial kind, but the stories, memories, and lessons you want to pass down.
Whether it’s your own legacy or that of a parent, close friend, or loved one, today’s conversation will show you why capturing those stories matters and how to begin.
Joining me today is Zoe Martin, founder of The Zoe Martin, a personal historian who helps individuals and organizations preserve their most important stories. She also has an amazing story herself, and I’m looking forward to hearing it. Zoe, welcome to The Simply Retirement Podcast.
Zoe Martin: I appreciate the opportunity to be here, Eric. Thank you.
Losing a Sister and Finding Purpose
Eric Blake: Absolutely. I want to start by giving you the opportunity to share your story—what led you down this path and why helping people preserve their stories has become such a personal passion for you.
Zoe Martin: It’s very interesting. I had not heard the quote from Hamilton before. I’ve never seen it, and when you mentioned it, I thought, “You’ve got to see it!” That line—“Who’s going to tell your story?”—is really the whole gist of this new path I’ve taken. Before this, I was a personal brand and headshot photographer. But after losing my baby sister to breast cancer, my world changed. Everything changed for me, and it now reflects in my business model.
She was 35 years old—Christina was a marathon runner, vivacious, full of life. On the outside, she looked perfectly healthy. So when we got the diagnosis of stage four breast cancer, we were floored. She was with us for another five years. During that time, she intended to write letters to her only child, my niece. She even had our sister, Cecilia, create custom stationery.
When she was in hospice care, I lived with her for two weeks. When Christina asked me to get the letters, I was thrilled—I had completely forgotten about them. But when I brought them to her bedside, I was saddened to find that she hadn’t written on any of them.
At that point, she was heavily medicated, in and out of sleep, and unable to hold a cup or a pen. I had brought several pens, thinking I didn’t know what color she’d want to use. But realizing she couldn’t write them, I grabbed my phone and said, “Here’s what we’re going to do, sweetheart. I’ll record you saying what you want to say, and we’ll worry about getting pen to paper later.”
I was able to record a couple of videos, but then she fell asleep. When she woke up to record the last one, she was so medicated it was almost incoherent—but I was able to get those last few words just a couple of days before she passed.
After the celebration of life, I went to my niece and said, “I’ve got something for you.” I explained that it wasn’t my place to write on those letters, but that I had these videos for her.
When we started to watch the videos, the dog was at the foot of the bed. When Tiki heard Christina’s voice, her head spun around—and my niece and I just started bawling. We realized how powerful it was just hearing her voice again, even the dog recognized it.
That was one of the reasons I decided to start recording life story videos—interview conversations for families.
The other reason was because there were four of us sisters. When we found out Christina was going into hospice care, we planned to be together. The youngest sister, Stephanie, came to visit, and when she saw Christina sitting up in a hospital bed—bald, frail, and with oxygen—it broke her heart.
I thought, That’s not how we want to remember Christina. And that’s not how she wants to be remembered. What they didn’t know was that I had hired a photographer to come take one last professional photo of the four of us. We hadn’t been photographed together in over 30 years. But I ended up calling the photographer and asking her not to come—it wasn’t the right time.
So we missed our opportunity.
Now, through my business, I intentionally record multi-generational portraits. I want people to understand the significance. Yes, we have our phones, and yes, we take pictures every day—but how many of those are we proud to hang on our walls?
This business is to honor my sister, Christina. In her honor, a portion of proceeds goes to the Bridge Breast Network here in Dallas, which provides underserved communities with breast cancer resources.
Eric Blake: That is amazing.
The Importance of Capturing Stories Now
Eric Blake: I think that leads us perfectly into the next question, because you often talk about the importance of “now”—why it’s so crucial for families not to wait to capture these stories. You’ve already touched on it, but can you share a little more about that?
Zoe Martin: Absolutely, one hundred percent. Christina was only 35, and oftentimes we don’t want to think about mortality. But at the same time, how many of us have lost someone precious to us, and it felt too soon? We don’t have a designated timestamp for life.
Children pass away. I volunteer for an organization called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, which honors families when their babies pass. There’s no definitive time that’s a “good” time. So my advice is: do it now—because you just don’t know when you’re going to take your last breath.
Why It’s a Family Legacy, Not Just a Parent’s Story
Eric Blake: That’s such a powerful message. When you and I first talked about this episode, one thing that really stood out was your belief that legacy isn’t just for parents or grandparents. Can you explain why it’s so important to include the entire family in the process?
Zoe Martin: Absolutely. This one hits close to home. My husband was four years old when his father passed away. He didn’t get the chance to build many memories with him, but he remembers some.
It’s heartbreaking because, for years, the family believed it was an accidental drowning. But nearly 50 years later, someone in the family has claimed he may have been the victim of murder. We don’t know the truth because this person hasn’t provided more details.
My husband still remembers that day vividly. He said he was sitting in the living room when his grandfather came in and said, “We’re going to speak about this now. I want the young kids out, and we’re never going to talk about it again.” He remembers where he was sitting, how they ushered him out, and how traumatic it felt.
Not all stories are that tragic, of course, but the point is—every person carries memories that matter. And those memories can be good, funny, or deeply meaningful. Maybe it’s your first rollercoaster ride, or celebrating your birthday with your grandparents.
As time goes on, though, we lose those memories. I remember a show called Kids Say the Darndest Things—children really do have the funniest, most innocent perspectives. That innocence is beautiful, and capturing it is powerful.
Whether you’re recording your child’s stories and revisiting them years later—or interviewing grandparents at milestones, holidays, or reunions—there’s always an opportunity to capture those moments.
You know how it goes: at Thanksgiving, someone brings up a memory and suddenly everyone says, “Oh, I forgot about that!” So record it while it’s fresh.
Using Technology to Preserve What Matters
Eric Blake: You’re so right. We all have this incredible technology in our hands every day—phones, tablets, cameras—and yet we often forget to use it for the things that matter most.
How many times have we thought, “I should’ve recorded that,” when a loved one said something meaningful? We play games, scroll social media, and yet sometimes miss those precious moments we could be preserving forever.
Zoe Martin: Exactly. The technology is there—we just have to use it with intention.
Beyond Finances: The True Meaning of Whole Life Planning
Eric Blake: That actually ties into something we talk about a lot on this show. While The Simply Retirement Podcast focuses on financial and retirement planning, I always emphasize that financial planning should go beyond just the numbers.
When people think of estate planning, they often think only about how money will pass down. But legacy is more than money—it’s memories, stories, and values. How do you see this fitting into what you call “whole life planning”?
Zoe Martin: I love that term—“whole life planning.” I think a big part of that is being intentional with how we use our time together.
We’re living in what’s often called the sandwich generation—caring for our aging parents while also raising children or supporting adult kids. Life gets busy, and we often plan around logistics instead of connection.
Think about holidays. We spend time planning meals, making sure everyone has a place to stay, arranging airport pickups—but how much time do we plan for meaningful conversations? We miss opportunities because we don’t plan for them.
So yes, plan for your retirement and wealth distribution. But also plan to preserve your story. We all have perceptions of our family members—how we think of them or remember them. But how many of us actually know our great-grandparents’ stories? Or even our grandparents’?
One day, we’ll be gone too. Who’s going to remember our story if we don’t tell it ourselves?
That’s why I encourage families to set intentional time to record their stories—either on their own or with professional help.
For example, my husband’s grandmother passed away at 95 this year. To my knowledge, I was the only person who sat down and recorded her stories. I’m so grateful I did. She didn’t want me to use a camera, but she let me record the audio—and hearing her voice, her laughter, her expressions—it’s priceless.
I have those recordings backed up safely, and I can’t stress that enough: always back up your recordings. Phones get lost, computers crash, accidents happen. Having those memories stored securely can make all the difference.
Eric Blake: I’m really glad you brought that up. My grandmother is 90 years old, and I’m incredibly fortunate to still have her in my life. In fact, we have five generations in my family—my grandmother, my mother, my daughter, my granddaughter, and me.
My favorite picture, hanging right above me here in my office, is of all five generations of women together—and me in the middle. That photo was taken when my granddaughter was just 18 months old, meeting her great-great-great-grandmother.
It’s such a treasure.
She has dementia now, and at night she experiences sundowning, but her long-term memory is incredible. She has one of those digital photo frames that rotates pictures, and every time she sees an old photo, it sparks something. She’ll point and say, “That was the lake,” and suddenly we’re both back in that memory.
And you’ve made me realize—I should be recording those conversations, not just having them.
If someone wants to start recording stories but doesn’t know where to begin, what’s your advice?
How to Start Recording Family Stories
Zoe Martin: There’s no better time than the present. If your family lives out of state or even overseas, start virtually. You can record through platforms like Zoom or Google Meet—they’re free and simple to use.
If you’re together in person, use your phone. You can set it on a tripod or even prop it up on a book if you don’t have one. The key is to start—don’t let perfection stop you.
If you can, invest in a small external microphone. Something simple like a Rode mic makes a big difference. Good audio matters because, without it, you’re left watching lips move with distracting background noise.
There are also a few small details that help:
- Record in a carpeted room if possible—it absorbs sound and prevents echo.
- Avoid background noise like fans, air conditioners, or refrigerators.
- Lighting is important. Sit facing a window or light source so your face is illuminated. Never record with a bright window behind the person—you’ll lose their expression in the shadows.
On my blog, I’ve shared a list of conversation prompts and questions you can use to get started. It’s full of ideas that make people open up naturally. That’s a great starting point for anyone who wants to capture stories at home.
Eric Blake: That’s perfect. And I love that you make it accessible for people who may not want to wait or may not feel ready to hire a professional.
This reminds me of an earlier episode—Episode 61—with Brendan Frazier, Chief Behavioral Officer for RFG Advisory. We talked about the “science of happier spending,” and one of the key ideas was spending on experiences instead of things.
What you’re describing is a perfect example of that. When you invest in preserving your family’s stories, you’re investing in something that lasts—something priceless.
If someone wants to work with you professionally, what does that process look like?
Zoe’s Process for Capturing Legacy Stories
Zoe Martin: There are a few different ways to work with me, depending on what people want to capture.
One option is the multi-generational portrait experience. That’s where I photograph families together—often three or four generations at once. It’s a full experience, not just a photo session.
Here’s what that includes:
- I meet with each person beforehand to learn about them and bring out their true personality in the photos.
- I provide professional hair and makeup. I have a team of four artists because, honestly, most people—especially women—feel more confident with that extra touch.
- I come to your home to help select outfits that both flatter and photograph well. What looks great in person doesn’t always translate on camera, and we also make sure the colors fit the aesthetic of your home so that the framed piece fits seamlessly in your space.
- I design and install the finished framed portraits myself, so families don’t have to worry about anything.
Then there’s the life story video experience, which is more in-depth. We begin with a discovery call to discuss who will be included and what stories the family wants to capture.
I’m a conversational interviewer, so I help draw those stories out naturally. It’s not scripted. People often remember things mid-conversation that they hadn’t thought about in years.
We record in my studio at the Cotton Mill in downtown McKinney, or at your home if that’s preferred. Depending on what the family wants, the finished video can include:
- Full unedited audio with background music and transitions,
- A short highlight “reel” like a wedding film,
- Or a documentary-style piece with family photos and home videos blended in.
Some families choose to combine both—the portrait session and the life story video—into one larger project. It can be done over multiple days or at a special location like a family lake house. Virtual sessions are also available for relatives who can’t travel.
Eric Blake: That’s incredible. And by the way, I have to share—my grandmother, at 90 years old, still won’t start her day without lipstick. Every morning her caretaker helps her put it on. It’s those little things that show how personality shines through at any age.
Do you have a story from a family you’ve worked with that really stands out to you?
A Century of Memories
Zoe Martin: I do, and it’s one of my favorites.
A friend’s mother reached out because her grandmother was about to celebrate her 100th birthday. This was back in November, and the party wasn’t going to be until May. So I suggested, “Let’s not just record the party—let’s document her life.”
They were a four-generation family, and they had never been professionally photographed together. So I invited them to my studio for a multi-generational portrait session. Then, closer to the birthday, I sat down and recorded the grandmother’s life story.
We combined old family photos, the new portraits, and her recorded memories into a single video that played during her 100th birthday celebration.
It was beautiful.
I got to meet all four generations, attend the celebration, and see the joy it brought to the entire family. It reminded me exactly why I do this work—to give families something that lasts far beyond the day itself.
I still keep in touch with that family. That’s one of the best parts—building those relationships.
Eric Blake: I love that. And I have to say, I also call my grandmother “Memaw.” I actually gave her that name, so I’ve got a little bit of family fame for that one. Everyone calls her that—even the neighbors.
Connecting with Zoe Martin
Eric Blake: Zoe, this has been such an inspiring conversation. I want to make sure our listeners know how to connect with you and learn more about your work. Where can they find you online?
Zoe Martin: Thank you, Eric. You can find me at thezoemartin.com. On social media, I’m @thezoemartin on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. And no—it’s not because I think I’m the Zoe Martin. It’s just because “zoemartin.com” was already taken!
Eric Blake: (laughs) You have to do what you have to do, right?
Zoe Martin: Exactly! I’m also working on building a YouTube channel soon, but for now, the website is the best place to start.
Closing Reflections
Eric Blake: Zoe, thank you so much for joining me today and reminding us that moments truly do become memories.
If today’s conversation sparked something in you, I encourage you to take one small step toward preserving the stories that matter—whether that’s recording a loved one’s voice, capturing family memories, or reaching out to Zoe for help.
Do something today to preserve your legacy.
That’s it for today’s episode. Thank you so much for listening and for tuning in.
For all the links and resources, visit simplyretirementpodcast.com. And don’t forget to like, follow, and share the show.
Until next time, please remember—retirement is not the end of the road; it’s the start of a new journey.
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