A Prescott couple created a podcast to create space for deep conversations about the things that matter most
By Kelly Roberge
I rushed in the door, threw down my bags, and hurried into the recording studio I share with my husband, Charles Matheus.
“Remind me who we’re interviewing today, Charles,” I said, shifting gears into “host mode.”
Charles was already at the soundboard, having prepped the Zoom meeting and set up the microphones. We had twenty minutes to map out the episode; to decide on the questions that would get to the core of our guest’s message.
This scene of hectic creativity has played out frequently since Charles and I started the HERE.together Podcast.
I work a full-time job, then run home to help record interviews and create graphics, writing and producing a new episode each week.
Granted, Charles does most of the work on the podcast; it is our baby, and he is the stay-at-home dad.
Although our podcast project is deeply personal, we are part of a national and local trend in podcasting: locally produced podcasts that are a powerful tool for connecting and learning. In the last eighteen months, the number of locally produced podcasts has more than tripled (see sidebar).
I discovered podcasts about five years ago and became hooked immediately. My favorite podcasters feel like best friends that I can take with me wherever I go.
The medium is a perfect way to hear conversations between people I admire, like Marc Maron’s historic interviews with President Obama and Keith Richards.
According to Podcast Insights, there are more than 2,000,000 separate podcasts, so there is a show for every topic I crave and even more about subjects I didn’t know I’d care about until I started listening.
In 2019, I finally convinced Charles that we should start producing a podcast ourselves. That’s when HERE.together was born. It’s home to deep conversations about the things that matter most: personal growth, healthy relationships, and collaborative community.
We have been privileged to talk with scores of fascinating people from our local scene and from around the world, including local filmmakers, famous authors with HBO deals, climate activists, adventurers, and powerful personal coaches. Each conversation feeds our hearts and souls, and our audience tells us they love hearing us get inspired and excited as we interview.
Some colleagues and guests also saw the potential in podcasting and sought our help. We now produce four separate podcasts (including the Prescott Woman Podcast).
Working together on meaningful projects is one of the foundations of our marriage, but it’s not always easy. We have the occasional squabble, but fortunately, we’ve learned how to recover from these conflicts. Each time we do, it brings us closer and makes us a better team.
I cannot wait to get home and find out who we’re talking to this week.
Listen to the HERE.together Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Pocket Casts.
New to podcasts? Check out our “How to Listen to Podcasts” guide at here-together.us/howtolisten