MyHouse sees successful first year of podcast program

WASILLA — MyHouse Mat-Su Homeless Youth Center has had a successful first year of operation with its new podcast program called The MY House Podcast Network.

The network has gained a steady listener base since the initial launch, according to MyHouse production manager and communications director Isaac Smoldon. He said they've had Lisa Murkowski and other notable guests on their various podcasts, and they're continuing to build positive momentum for the future.

"I think it's been unbelievable. The amount of people we've been able to reach with this platform, it's amazing," Smoldon said.

There's four podcasts currently running on The MY House Podcast Network which features shows about topics related to the work done at the facility.

"We're usually pretty good about churning our content," Smoldon said. "I think that no matter what podcast you're listening to, there's a lot of positivity that comes from it."

The MY House Podcast serves as the central hub for information about daily operations at the center.

MY Voice is a podcast that features stories told by clients who share their stories of overcoming hardship and making it to the other side. Smoldon said this podcast can be a great source of inspiration for locals currently living the same circumstances that are talked about on the show.

"I think that one is really powerful," Smoldon said. "There are a lot of people that have lived experience they can draw on. There is just stuff that people have been through that you don't think is possible… You're never going to be able to tell that person if they were right or wrong because you were never in that position. 99 percent of us will never have that experience but it's a reality."

Diagnonsense is a podcast that covers the mental health aspect of local homelessness.

There's a lot of stigma and I think it's good at breaking that down and bringing light to it,"

REDEMPTION is a podcast that covers human trafficking with updates on programs and legislation. It also features stories told by human trafficking survivors and guest interviews with various experts sharing their knowledge on the topic.

Smoldon said all four podcasts reflect the MyHouse mission to end homelessness and its wrap-around services centered around compassion and understanding. He said the podcast network is their way informing the public about the somber reality of the local homelessness situation.

"I hope it makes people more compassionate," Smoldon said. "If you don't know what the problem is, you're not going to know what the solution is."

Smoldon said that he's happy with their overall progress, but their work is never done and there's plenty of plans for future projects.

"We've definitely met every goal we made in the first year but we're never going to be complacent," Smoldon said. "We want everyone to hear these messages because they need to be heard."

Smoldon noted that the recording studio at MyHouse is not only the base of operations for the podcast network, but it's also turning into a helpful tool for the community. He said they've had clients utilize the space to record music and the public is invited to book studio time.

"Whatever this space can be used for, we just try to find a way to make it happen. "I'll hit record—whatever you need," Smoldon said.

For more information, visit myhousematsu.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com