In this podcast, Michael, & Rachael explore the question “What are we here to do?”

through the lense of art for social change

new episodes released every thursday

@matters is streaming on all platforms

The @matters podcast is on a break until March 2025. Catch up on any episodes you’ve missed.

Season 2 will be here before you know it!

13 Suits &

In this episode Rachael unpacks the true story of our fall production, 13 Suits: A Mother's Monologues, and her personal connection with it. This episode is our Season 1 Finale! We'll miss chatting with you in this way each week, but are excited to pour all our energy into 13 Suits and be back for Season 2 in January.

@matters Episode 27

Season 1 Finale

Sarah’s Story

In this episode, Sarah Slight - Artistic Director of Raven Theatre (home of Talk Hard Chicago & 13 Suits) - unpacks her purpose, both personally, and as it pertains to the company. She shares about dramaturgy, motherhood, and purpose and how they all feed into creating a (mostly) balanced life. Apologies for some audio difficulties in this episode, but the conversation was too good to keep from you.

Dramaturgy Definition: Dramaturgs are experts in the study of plays, musicals, or operas. It is their job to provide the cast and crew with vital knowledge, research, and interpretation about the theatrical work in question so that they are—in turn—better equipped to do their jobs.

@matters Episode 26

Value of Providing

@matters Episode 25

Career Opportunities

For Young Artists

In this episode, Michael and Melissa talk about the value they hold individually and as a company in providing career opportunities for young and emerging artists. Melissa shares her perspective as someone who has directly benefited from this value, while Michael gives us the origins of this mission.