Jason & Rhonda Halbert on 'Caretaker' Audiobook, Faith, and Family in Hollywood

The Genesis of 'Caretaker'

• 💡 The concept for the supernatural thriller 'Caretaker' originated after the Halberts experienced significant family trauma, including cancer diagnoses and loss.
• 🧠 Traditional therapy proved insufficient, leading them to explore Saraset therapy, a non-invasive brain echotherapy that helped them process trauma and unlock creative ideas.
• ✍️ Initially conceived as a TV show or movie, a friend encouraged them to write it as a book, leading to the creation of a trilogy with extensive voice memo brainstorming.

Crafting the 'Caretaker' Narrative

• 🎯 The book's elevator pitch describes a family moving into an old house with a mysterious caretaker, blurring the lines between the supernatural and natural.
• 🧩 Rhonda, who is dyslexic, found writing daunting but utilized her strength in sifting and sorting Jason's creative ideas, likening their dynamic to "wow" (Jason) and "how" (Rhonda).
• 🎭 The story draws from their extensive life experiences, elaborated and exaggerated to build dramatic tension.

The Immersive Audiobook Experience

• 🎧 The decision to create a multi-cast, immersive audiobook stemmed from friends who exclusively listened to audiobooks and Jason's inability to imagine a single narrator capturing the book's tone.
• 🎬 Inspired by 'This Is Us' (Rhonda) and 'Stranger Things' (Jason), they aimed for a fun, cinematic experience with music and sound effects.
• ✨ Despite having limited resources and connections, they reached out to their dream cast, including Kelly Clarkson and Charles Esten, and were surprised when everyone said yes.

Faith, Family, and Entertainment Industry Balance

• 🌍 The Halberts emphasize that 'Caretaker' appeals to both faith and non-faith audiences due to its exploration of universal struggles, ancient cultures, and relatable family dynamics.
• 💖 They have prioritized their marriage and family for over 32 years, making conscious decisions to keep their family together despite demanding careers in entertainment.
• ✝️ Their faith is deeply integrated into their lives, leading them to not separate the secular and sacred, believing their core values naturally guide their project choices.
• 🏡 Rhonda highlights the financial sacrifices made to allow their children to travel and be homeschooled on the road, integrating education with their lifestyle.

Accessing 'Caretaker'

• 🌐 The 'Caretaker' audiobook is available for purchase and listening via their official website, rjalbert.com.