Episodes

  • It's The Unscripted Files!

    It's The Unscripted Files!
    Jan 8 2025
    Ever wondered how your favorite unscripted shows come to life? The Unscripted Files dives deep into the minds behind reality TV, from creators and casting directors to the producers and showrunners that keep us all glued to the screen. Whether you’re a curious fan or an industry insider, this podcast uncovers the stories, lessons, and creativity fueling the entertainment we love.
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    1 min
  • What's Changed the Industry the Most in 2025 with Emily Wilson

    What's Changed the Industry the Most in 2025 with Emily Wilson
    Dec 9 2025
    Welcome to The Unscripted Files—a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the world of unscripted entertainment. Hosted by development producer Madelyn Cunningham, this series celebrates the talent and ingenuity behind some of your favorite reality TV and unscripted shows.From early industry breakthroughs to behind-the-scenes challenges, we explore the untold stories of the creators, producers, and talent shaping pop culture. It’s a rare, insider look designed to inspire aspiring professionals, entertain curious fans, and reveal the human side of television’s most dynamic genre. Whether you're in the industry or simply love great stories, tune in for conversations that are as candid and compelling as the shows themselves.
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    19 mins
  • Wrapped: What My Guests Taught Me This Year

    Wrapped: What My Guests Taught Me This Year
    Dec 5 2025
    In this reflective episode, Madelyn Cunningham reviews the key insights and lessons learned from her podcast over the past year. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity over judgment, the power of asking for what you want, and the significance of embracing failure. Madelyn shares memorable moments from her guests, discusses the art of pitching, and highlights the value of saying yes and focusing on inputs rather than outputs. As the year comes to a close, she encourages listeners to embrace their journeys and look forward to new opportunities in the coming year.
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    18 mins
  • Second Round Bids & Bridezillas: Unscripted Industry News with Emily Wilson

    Second Round Bids & Bridezillas: Unscripted Industry News with Emily Wilson
    Dec 1 2025
    This Monday minisode of unscripted industry news with Emily Wilson discusses the latest developments in the bid for Warner Brothers Discovery, AMC's new all-reality streaming service and the revival of Bridezilla, as well as Bravo's upcoming spinoffs and reboots. A new board game IP has entered the chat with Shark Bite and Apple announces a culinary docuseries with Awkwafina. Special Guest: Emily Wilson.
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    8 mins
  • True Crime's Latest Genre Twist with Showrunner Diana Nolan

    True Crime's Latest Genre Twist with Showrunner Diana Nolan
    Nov 21 2025
    Diana Nolan shares her journey from a high school student producer to an executive producer in the true crime genre. She discusses her early experiences in storytelling, the challenges and rewards of working in reality TV, and the importance of empathy and sensitivity in true crime productions. Diana emphasizes the value of mentorship, team building, and creative problem-solving within budget constraints. She also highlights her recent projects that blend horror and true crime, with The Real Murders on Elm Street and The Friday the 13th Murders, and her aspirations to explore scripted content in the future. Special Guest: Diana Nolan.
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    48 mins
  • Shopping, Sports & Spin-offs: Unscripted Industry News with Emily Wilson

    Shopping, Sports & Spin-offs: Unscripted Industry News with Emily Wilson
    Nov 17 2025
    In this Monday minisode, Madelyn and Emily Wilson discuss the latest trends in the entertainment industry, including new competition formats like 'Win The Mall' from Netflix, the rise of celebrity sports shows, and the growing influence of YouTube creators. They also touch on significant industry changes, including executive resignations at the BBC and recent award wins for documentaries, highlighting the dynamic nature of the media landscape. Special Guest: Emily Wilson.
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    6 mins
  • The Production Gravy: In Praise of Associate Producers

    The Production Gravy: In Praise of Associate Producers
    Nov 14 2025
    Sebastien Basset, a seasoned associate producer, talks about the challenges of working on large culinary competition formats like 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, Holiday Baking Championship, Spring Baking Championship and more. He describes how his role supports pre-production, production and post - and how he manages to keep notes on up to 24 contestants at a time on high intensity shows. Sebatien gives his best advice for advancing upward, why preparation is the key to success, and the role he's most thankful for when things get intense.
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    52 mins
  • Everybody Wants This: Industry Sustainability with Reality of Change Founder Cyle Zezo

    Everybody Wants This: Industry Sustainability with Reality of Change Founder Cyle Zezo
    Nov 7 2025
    Cyle Zezo discusses his journey from working at the CW to founding Reality of Change, an initiative aimed at promoting sustainability in unscripted television. He shares insights on the industry's response to sustainability, the importance of integrating eco-friendly practices into programming, and the challenges faced in production. Cyle emphasizes the need for collective action and the role of storytelling in engaging audiences on climate issues. He outlines the three pillars of the pledge that production companies can adopt and highlights the significance of collaboration and innovation in creating a sustainable future for the entertainment industry. Special Guest: Cyle Zezo .
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    48 mins