Podcaster Matze Hielscher: He almost chose a social profession

Matze Hielscher (45) is one of the most successful podcasters in Germany. Since 2016 he has been leading the popular interview podcast “Hotel Matze” and chats with stars like Matthias Schweighöfer and Giovanni Zarrella as well as politicians like Robert Habeck about their lives. His absolute dream guest would be, among others, ex-Chancellor Angela Merkel, as he reveals during a visit to an inclusive theater.

“If I hadn’t ended up in the media world, my professional focus would definitely have been in the social area of ​​inclusion,” Hielscher is certain. The 45-year-old completed his community service at the Carl von Linné School for the Physical and Learning Disabled in Berlin. In the interview, he explains how he gets involved outside of the media hype and what plans he still has for his successful podcast.

They visited the Thikwa Theater in Berlin, which is supported by Aktion Mensch, and found out about the collaborative creative work of people with and without disabilities. What impressions did you take away with you?

Matze Hielscher: I got the impression that everyone involved – especially in the artistic area – benefits from each other. An actor told me how work allowed him to broaden his horizons. Especially with the Thikwa Ensemble, I experienced such a high level of expressiveness and artistic freedom that is impressive.

Why is the topic of inclusion important to you? Do you have a personal connection to it?

Hielscher: It is generally important to me to connect with people. New things emerge in openness, that’s what I’m interested in. Openness only arises through inclusion. I completed my community service at the Carl von Linné School for the Physically and Learning Disabled – those were incredibly great months. If I hadn’t ended up in the media world, my professional focus would definitely have been in the social area of ​​inclusion.

Do you see it as an obligation for you to get involved in important social issues as a celebrity?

Hielscher: Let’s put it this way: I see it as a general obligation to get involved as a human being, regardless of status. But every person has different capacities, strengths and resources.

Many people are often afraid of doing something wrong when they meet people with disabilities. Do you feel the same way?

Hielscher: No, not at all. Misunderstandings can occur in every interpersonal encounter. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all because you can say that to yourself and then learn from it.

Aktion Mensch’s current campaign is called #MuchVor: Where do you see a need for action so that people with disabilities can be present everywhere and achieve their goals?

Hielscher: What always strikes me is how separated people with disabilities still live. I live in the largest German city and hardly see any people with physical disabilities. I would like to see a much greater mix.

Your podcast “Hotel Matze” deals with important topics such as happiness, love and success, but also depression, fear and failure. Are there any topics that you consciously avoid?

Hielscher: I always try to get people to talk to each other instead of about each other. I don’t want any backbiting or gossip in my podcast.

You have already interviewed countless very prominent stars, politicians and authors in your podcast. What criteria do you use to select your guests?

Hielscher: First of all, I have to find the person interesting. That’s the most important thing. Since my conversations usually last two hours, we as a team also make sure that my guests can fill these two hours. People sometimes underestimate the difference between public and private speaking.

Who are you still missing, who would be your absolute dream guest?

Hielscher: Angela Merkel, Anselm Kiefer and Werner Herzog.

Your podcast Hotel Matze is one of the most successful in Germany. What is your secret to success?

Hielscher: I think an essential point is that I ask my questions, i.e. what interests me personally. We pay close attention to details that are easy to overlook. I make most of the arrangements myself, ideally directly with the guest. We want our guests to feel very comfortable – just like in a hotel. That’s why the studio doesn’t look like a studio. Some also ask if I live here.

Which conversation touched you the most?

Hielscher: There isn’t just one conversation. The last thing that really touched me was the conversation with Giovanni Zarrella. We talked about the ups and downs of his career. In the end it was about fears and he told me that his mother, an Italian who has lived in Germany for 60 years, is extremely worried about her future in this country because the political developments worry her so much. Giovanni was in tears and so were I.

Do you think your podcast has an impact on the way people think about certain topics?

Hielscher: A recurring experience is that people thought that a certain public person was like this and that and that the conversation gave them a completely new image. I often hear: “I thought XY was a totally arrogant person, through the conversation I noticed how likeable and vulnerable he or she is.” I don’t actively intend to do this, but I’m happy when prejudices – including my own – disappear.

Which podcast do you particularly enjoy listening to?

Hielscher: I like politics with Anne Will, Lanz & Precht and my wife Stephanie’s podcast “50 over 50.”

You’ve been a musician, a DJ, a media entrepreneur and an author – do you have any new plans or projects? What dreams would you like to realize?

Hielscher: As the many job titles show, I have always done something new. I’m currently learning to stick with one thing, my podcast, and dream of not striving for the next thing but staying here.