The Unscripted Files with Madelyn Cunningham

Candid conversations with the minds behind your favorite unscripted entertainment.

About the show

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.

The Unscripted Files with Madelyn Cunningham on social media

Episodes

  • The Cost of "Pretty Good" with Nonfiction Hotlist Founder Adam Neuhaus

    October 24th, 2025  |  58 mins 12 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this conversation, Adam Neuhaus discusses the complexities of development, the importance of understanding market trends, and the challenges of pitching projects.

  •

    Will You Accept This Renovation? Unscripted Industry News with Emily Wilson

    October 20th, 2025  |  5 mins 52 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    Monday minisode of unscripted industry news with Emily Wilson.

  • Location, Location, Location: Scouting in the Miami Heat with Elisa Tarrago

    October 17th, 2025  |  44 mins 33 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this engaging conversation, Elisa Tarrago shares her unexpected journey from a pre-med student to a successful segment producer in reality television.

  • Behind the Cuts of Cheer and America’s Sweethearts with Stefanie Maridueña

    October 10th, 2025  |  52 mins 36 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this conversation, editor Stefanie Maridueña shares her unconventional journey into the world of editing, discussing her transition from a background in ecology to becoming a prominent editor in the unscripted industry.

  • The Monopoly Showdown & a Major Reality Reunion: Unscripted Industry News with Emily Wilson

    October 6th, 2025  |  9 mins 52 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this Unscripted Industry news minisode, Emily Wilson delves into the top headlines in the industry this week.

  • Unknown Number Director Skye Borgman on THAT Shocking Reveal

    October 3rd, 2025  |  49 mins 53 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this conversation, director Skye Borgman discusses her journey in filmmaking, focusing on her notable works such as 'Abducted in Plain Sight' and 'Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.'

  •

    Designing Reality TV Challenges with Chris Decima

    September 26th, 2025  |  41 mins 46 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this engaging conversation, Chris Decima shares his journey from a sandwich shop to a supervising producer in unscripted television.

  •

    Cutting Kimmel & Paramount's Next Big Bid: Unscripted Industry News with Emily Wilson

    September 22nd, 2025  |  11 mins 4 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this Monday minisode, Madelyn Cunningham and Emily Wilson discuss the latest headlines in unscripted entertainment, including the Emmy winners, the dynamics of late night talk shows, industry consolidation, Paramount's new sports entertainment division, the innovative direction of The Bachelorette with social media influencers, and Spotify's expansion into video content.

  •

    The Fall Reality TV Slate with Brian Balthazar

    September 19th, 2025  |  51 mins 40 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this episode of The Unscripted Files, we dive into the 2025 fall reality TV slate with television producer and entertainment expert Brian Balthazar. From his start in news to becoming a key voice in unscripted television, Brian shares insights on the evolution of reality formats, audience behavior, and the shows everyone will be talking about this season.

  •

    Creator Cole Brown on Magic City: An American Fantasy

    September 12th, 2025  |  48 mins 47 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this episode, creator and writer Cole Brown takes us inside the making of Magic City, the documentary series that dives deep into the legendary Atlanta strip club that shaped the sound, style, and swagger of modern hip hop.

  •

    Unscripted Industry News with Emily Wilson: Summer 2025 Headlines

    September 8th, 2025  |  11 mins 17 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this episode of the Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham and industry expert Emily Wilson discuss the latest headlines in the unscripted entertainment sector.

  • Sidelines to Storylines: Inside NFL Films with Matt Dissinger

    September 5th, 2025  |  56 mins 22 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this episode, Matt Dissinger, Senior Producer at NFL Films, takes us inside the world of sports documentaries and the storytelling power behind football’s biggest moments.

  •

    Failure IS an Option: Conversations on Trying with Keith Thomas

    June 6th, 2025  |  48 mins 26 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    Madelyn Cunningham interviews showrunner, director and media generalist Keith Thomas, who shares his journey through the world of storytelling in television.

  •

    Soul Ties & Neon Vibes: Designing the Love Island USA Villa

    May 30th, 2025  |  1 hr 6 mins
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    Richard Jensen, the lead production designer for Love Island USA, shares insights into the complexities of designing for reality television.

  •

    Is the "It" Factor a Myth? Casting Director Erin Tomasello Tells All

    May 23rd, 2025  |  36 mins 27 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this engaging conversation, Erin Tomasello shares her journey from a small town in California to becoming a prominent casting director in reality television.

  •

    Let's Be Frank: What it Takes to Get the Greenlight

    May 16th, 2025  |  46 mins 39 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this episode of The Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham welcomes Frank Carlisi, a creative partner and producer in the reality TV industry.