I Love My Wife: More than a Podcast
Anne Steele and Kelli Carpenter are the definition of “goals,” both as individuals and as a collective. Whether reviving their beloved I Love My Wife podcast, traveling globally with Kelli’s travel company, or touring for Anne’s music, both Kelli and Anne do it all with humor, love, and a hearty dose of following their passions together.
Michael Cook: So, let’s start with the big news: the I Love My Wife podcast is back! What made you return after your hiatus?
Anne Steele/Kelli Carpenter: As you know, we started this show in 2018 and spent four years doing a weekly show at DNR Studios. Then during lockdown, we moved the whole studio into our house and podcasted from there. That was great because it helped keep us occupied and we got to access so many more guests from all over the world since we were doing it through Zoom.
Then the world opened up again and our work started picking up. We got so busy between my concerts and Kelli’s travel business booking like crazy—suddenly we realized we just couldn’t do it all and decided to take a break.
A few months ago, we started thinking about it again and realized that we missed connecting with listeners and sharing our stories with them. So we asked if we could come back in a new way. So far, we have a few episodes released for the brand-new Season 5!
MC: Anne, you are heading out on a 2024 tour as of April. What can fans expect this time around?
AS: This tour is called “Where the Boys Are,” and it’s all songs written and recorded by men. I always wondered—when I was growing up—why I was drawn to songs sung by men. Then as I got older, it became clear that I was a lesbian and that I wanted to sing about loving a woman, or longing for a woman, or the beauty of a woman. Those songs all gave me that.
So I tell stories about the songs I chose and why they mean something to me and some are funny and some are deep and sometimes sad. But that is all the journey this show takes and we all experience it together.
MC: Kelli, you just announced cruises to everywhere from Bimini to the Greek Isles to Colombia! What is your secret to crafting such amazing vacation experiences?
KC: After over 20 years of creating vacations, we have learned that listening to what our clients are looking for is the best way to create a dream vacation each time. I have also found that you need to grow along with your clients. We began as a vacation company for LGBTQ+ families and now with a significant number of empty-nesters, we have a strong adults-only business. I am incredibly proud of what we have created and am excited for what comes next!
MC: Broadway is such a pivotal part of so much of what you both do; what do you think it is about the Great White Way that provides so much inspiration to both of you?
AS: There is nothing better than Broadway. I remember being a little girl and listening to cast recordings in Indiana and dreaming of seeing the full spectacle in person. When it finally happened, it made me realize that New York was going to be the place I would call my home.
KC: Growing up, my parents were huge Broadway fans. We spent many family trips coming to New York City to see live theater and Broadway had me hooked from the first show. I knew from a very early age that Broadway would be an integral part of my life.
MC: What do you each think is the secret to your own relationship success?
AS: I think it all starts with the fact that I really like her. Of course I love her madly, but sometimes liking your partner can be even more important. I also trust her implicitly. We travel VERY well together—and I can tell you, given both of our lines of work, that trait is invaluable!
KC: I am lucky to be married to my best friend. Anne makes me laugh every single day. We truly enjoy each other’s company and there is no one I would rather have by my side. I am still mesmerized by her talent and her beauty, but it is her heart that makes me melt. I am one lucky lady! ▼
Follow Anne Steele & Kelli Carpenter on
their websites below:
annesteele.com; kelligreggtravel.com; ilovemywifepodcast.com
Follow Anne Steele on Instagram:
instagram.com/theannesteele/?hl=en
Follow Kelli Carpenter on Instagram
instagram.com/kcarpenter123/?hl=en
Follow I Love My Wife on Instagram
instagram.com/ilovemywifepodcast/?hl=en
Follow Kelli & Gregg Travel on Instagram
instagram.com/kelligreggtravel/?hl=en
Michael Cook has been a part-time resident of Rehoboth Beach for over a decade. He is currently a contributor to Instinct Magazine, World of Wonder’s WOW Report, and South Florida Gay News.
Photo courtesy Christopher Boudewyns.