In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, We sit down with Toronto-based journalist and writer Jackie Martinz to explore a career shaped by curiosity - from communications and freelance writing to national news and her current role as a segment producer with CTV Your Morning.

Jackie shares why she “just couldn’t stop writing,” how genuine curiosity changes the way journalists listen and interview, and why some of the most memorable stories come from everyday people. She also reflects on covering people affected by devastating wildfires and the resilience that stayed with her long after the assignment ended.

The conversation moves beyond journalism to Jackie’s work on the board of Storytelling Toronto, where the power of creating spaces for people from different cultures, backgrounds, and generations can bring others together to share and hear one another’s stories.

It’s a conversation about following your curiosity, listening without judgment, and recognizing that everyone has something worth sharing. You can listen to The Starfish Storytellers wherever you get your podcasts or watch this episode on YouTube.

What stories will remain when the people we love are no longer here to tell them?

In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, Liana Henry sits down with Toronto-area filmmaker and videographer James Howard, founder of Family History Studio, to explore the power of preserving a life through film.

James's work grew from a deeply personal experience. In 1997, he interviewed his 91-year-old grandmother for nearly five hours, capturing her memories, voice, expressions, and personality on camera. Just two weeks later, she suffered a fall that would ultimately prove fatal. Years later, James did the same for his father, creating a film his dad was able to see shortly before his death.

Those experiences became the foundation for Family History Studio and James's belief that a life story film can become something truly priceless for future generations.

James and Liana talk about why listening may be the most important skill a storyteller can develop, how trust helps people move beyond rehearsed answers to reveal their authentic selves, and why some of the most meaningful stories emerge from the simplest questions.

They also explore the importance of preserving old photographs, home movies, recordings, and family artifacts—and how bringing those pieces together with someone's own voice can create a legacy that lasts for generations.

Because someday, someone you love may want to know what Grandpa sounded like when he laughed, how Mom told the story of meeting Dad, or what childhood experience shaped the person they became. And as James reminds us, you don't know what stories are waiting to be told until you ask.

Learn more about James Howard and Family History Studio:

Website: familyhistorystudio.com

Email: james@familyhistorystudio.com

What do repainting mailboxes at eleven years old, surfing in Hawaii, writing 27 books, and delivering more than 2,500 keynote presentations have in common? For Lee Silber, they've all been chapters in a life built by saying "yes" to opportunity.

In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, Liana Henry sits down with entrepreneur, award-winning author, speaker, and self-described "Facilitator of Fun" Lee Silber to explore the stories that have shaped his remarkable career—and the lessons they've taught him about confidence, curiosity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

Lee shares the deeply personal story of losing his father, why stories connect with audiences more than facts ever can, how following curiosity led him from surf shops to bestselling books, and why confidence often begins by saying yes before you're completely ready.

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, writer, speaker, marketer, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, memorable stories, and heartfelt moments that will stay with you long after the episode ends.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why storytelling is the fastest path to connection
• How curiosity can become a career strategy
• Why confidence grows through action—not certainty
• Lessons from Sunshine, Jay Ondo, and the people who changed Lee's life
• How one compliment can transform someone forever
• Why authentic stories will always outperform artificial ones

Connect with Lee Silber:

Website: https://www.leesilber.com

Books on Amazon: Search "Lee Silber" on Amazon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesilber