In this enlightening interview, we sit down with Kelli Carpenter, co-host of the #ilovemywifepodcast, a vibrant space where love, laughter, and adventure intersect. Alongside her partner, Anne, Kelli embarked on this journey to amplify diverse voices and share their unique story as an out lesbian couple navigating parenthood, careers, and travel. With warmth and authenticity, Kelli reflects on the evolution of their podcast, the joys and challenges of life as empty nesters, and the powerful connections they’ve built with their audience. Join us as Kelli inspires us to embrace our true selves and chase our dreams, one podcast episode at a time.
- Can you share the story behind starting the #ilovemywifepodcast and what inspired you and Anne to create it?
Our podcast is produced by the incredible DNR Studios network. We initially connected with Derek Hartley and Romaine Patterson, the creators of DNR Studios, from our time as guests on their show when they were at Sirius Out Q. In 2018, they approached us with a proposal that surprised us. They wanted us to create our own podcast at their new studio. They were seeking more diverse voices, especially from women and out lesbian couples, and found our story—married with kids, one of us a travel company owner and the other a singer—unique and compelling. So, we gave it a shot, recorded a pilot, and before we knew it, we had launched a new brand. - How did your roles as parents and your careers influence the content and direction of your podcast initially?
When we first launched the podcast, our roles as parents, managing joint custody of our four children, were a significant focus. That dynamic, combined with our travel experiences and work life when the kids weren’t with us, provided a rich source of content for the show. - What prompted the shift from focusing on life with kids at home to highlighting your travel adventures?
We began the show in 2018, delivering a weekly podcast at DNR Studios with incredible guests, from actors and activists to comedians, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and writers. Then, during the pandemic lockdown, we moved our entire setup to our home and podcasted from there. This transition worked well as it kept us busy and allowed us to connect with even more guests from around the world via Zoom. But once the world started opening up again, our work lives got busier, with Anne’s concerts and my travel business. We realized we couldn’t keep up the same pace and decided to take a break. That “break” unexpectedly lasted a year and a half. Earlier this year, we found ourselves missing the connection with our listeners and sharing our stories, so we approached Romaine Patterson about returning with a new format. This time, without guests, we focus on our lives as wives traveling the world, balancing work, and navigating life as empty nesters. We relaunched the podcast on March 1st, and it’s been a hit! - How has being empty nesters impacted both your personal lives and your podcast content?
Once our youngest daughter settled into college, we sold our house and downsized our lives. The house felt too empty without the kids, and this change gave us more freedom to tour, travel, and work, which naturally influenced the podcast’s content. While I do miss the days of being a mom to younger kids, this new chapter of enjoying our adult children and each other has been magical. And just recently, our youngest son got married! - Can you describe a memorable travel experience from your podcast that had a significant impact on you?
We’ve been fortunate to travel the world together, but one of the most fascinating episodes we recorded was in Morocco. We taped a podcast in Casablanca before embarking on a three-week cruise with Atlas Ocean Voyages. Anne was the headline performer, and I was hosting several groups onboard. It was an incredible adventure to share Morocco for the first time with Anne and with our audience. - What challenges have you faced in growing your listener base in such a saturated podcast market?
When we first started the podcast, we weren’t familiar with podcasts or how they worked. Thankfully, we launched before the market became so saturated. Now, I’d love to attract some new advertisers who align perfectly with our travel focus. - How do you and Anne balance your busy careers and travel schedules with maintaining the podcast?
We’re incredibly lucky to be such compatible travel companions. There’s an art to packing, unpacking, and living in a cruise ship cabin for weeks, along with navigating the joys and challenges of international travel—things that could easily strain a relationship. But we’ve learned that patience and lots of laughter can get you through almost anything! I have to give major credit to Anne for maintaining the podcast. She really takes on the heavy lifting when it comes to pulling everything together and getting it to our amazing producer at DNR Studios, Ajay. - Have you encountered any personal struggles or mental health challenges throughout your podcasting journey? How have you addressed them?
The pandemic was tough on both of us, as we worked in industries that were completely shut down for an extended period. We spoke openly on the podcast about our fears and the uncertainty of when we’d be able to work again. Additionally, as two women who have gone through menopause together, we’ve discussed these challenges with our audience, a topic we feel isn’t addressed nearly enough. - What strategies have you found effective in connecting with your audience and keeping them engaged?
I believe that keeping our content funny, real, and honest is key to building a strong relationship with our audience. Our listeners look forward to our crazy adventures and our takes on current events. We also have a fun segment at the end of each podcast called “Neat and On the Rocks.” We don’t share in advance what we’ll talk about—each of us reveals something good (neat) and something challenging (on the rocks) that happened to us. It’s a great way to surprise each other and share intimately with our listeners. - How do you handle the pressure of producing content while managing other aspects of your lives?
We’re fortunate to have the support of the amazing DNR Studios team. As for content, we keep detailed notes each day and then merge them for our bi-monthly episodes. This system ensures we don’t forget any of the interesting things that happen! - What role has your podcast played in your relationship with Anne, and how has it evolved over time?
I feel incredibly lucky to be married to my best friend—Anne makes me laugh every single day. The podcast has always been a platform for us to discuss our relationship and the world around us from our unique perspectives. Now that the podcast is more focused on us rather than guests, it’s challenged us to create content together, which has been a rewarding experience. - Can you share any advice for women who are looking to start their own podcast or creative project?
Besides the podcast, Anne and I are both self-employed and run our own businesses. While this lifestyle is incredibly rewarding, it also comes with immense pressure to succeed. My advice for anyone starting their own project is to be patient and authentic. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but staying true to yourself is the key. - What are some of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced through your podcast?
In the first phase of our podcast, we had the privilege of interviewing amazing celebrities, political leaders, chefs, entrepreneurs, sommeliers, writers, and charity organizers. It was wonderful to engage with so many diverse people and support our friends along the way. In this second phase, I’ve loved sharing what our “second chapter” of life looks like and hearing feedback from our listeners. - Looking ahead, what are your future plans for #ilovemywifepodcast and any other projects you’re excited about?
We’ve recently launched a new brand called Gig Trips that combines both of our worlds! We’ll be hosting travel groups for Anne’s concert tours and on cruise ships, which feels like the perfect blend of our passions.Here are some photos for us. But feel free to pull anything you want from the sales deck.
Instagram and Threads: @kelligreggtravel and @kcarpenter123
