The Unscripted Files with Madelyn Cunningham

Candid conversations with the minds behind your favorite reality tv.

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

  • 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.

  • Philly Homicide DP on His True Crime Philosophy

    May 9th, 2025  |  45 mins 48 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this chat, Madelyn Cunningham speaks with John Falchetto, a director of photography and video journalist, about his work in true crime and documentary filmmaking.

  •

    Double Your Art Budget: What It Actually Takes to Dress a Set

    May 2nd, 2025  |  58 mins 53 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 speaks with Naomi Smith, an art director and set decorator based in Atlanta.

  •

    Freaknik, Cosby & California Love: Storytelling for the Culture

    April 18th, 2025  |  1 hr 24 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this conversation, Madelyn Cunningham speaks with the award-winning Porras sisters, Geraldine and Grace, about their impactful work in documentary filmmaking with hit projects like Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told and 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed.

  • Wildly Wealthy & High Demand: Casting the Charter Guests on Below Deck

    April 11th, 2025  |  1 hr 2 mins
    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 speaks with casting director Tracy Sinclair about her journey to becoming the casting director for the Below Deck franchise.

  •

    Roadblocks, Pit Stops & Boozy Bribes: An Amazing Race Producer's Wild Stories

    April 4th, 2025  |  1 hr 23 mins
    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 interviews Derek Helwig, a seasoned producer who worked on over 10 seasons of the Amazing Race. They discuss Derek's journey into the entertainment industry, the complexities of producing reality television, and the unique challenges faced while filming the Amazing Race.

  • Can't Call Cut: Directing Reality with Perfect Match's Anthony Gonzales

    March 28th, 2025  |  1 hr 6 mins
    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 chats with Anthony Gonzales, a seasoned director in the reality TV industry with shows like Big Brother, Dance Moms, Netflix's Perfect Match, Killer Cakes and Claim to Fame amongst his credits.

  •

    Call My Lawyer: The Rise in Reality TV Lawsuits

    March 21st, 2025  |  1 hr 13 mins
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    Host Madelyn Cunningham talks to her own entertainment lawyer, Benjamin Moskowitz, about navigating entertainment contracts as a producer, red flags, and how current lawsuits are shaping the industry.

  • Staging the Scene: Running a True Crime Recreation Giant

    March 14th, 2025  |  1 hr 10 mins
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this episode of Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham chats with David Lane, a seasoned television producer with extensive experience in true crime production at Jupiter Entertainment, one of the largest unscripted studios in the country and responsible for hits like Snapped, Fatal Attraction, Homicide Hunter, In Pursuit with John Walsh and more.

  • Creating a Hit Format: A Development Exec's Secret Sauce

    March 7th, 2025  |  1 hr 6 mins
    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 speaks with development executive Emily Knight, known for her work on iconic formats like Ex on the Beach. They discuss the resurgence of formats in television, the creative process behind developing successful shows, and the importance of personal anecdotes in pitches.

  •

    Surviving Black Hawk Down: Reframing the Narrative with DP Stefano Ferrari

    February 28th, 2025  |  56 mins 19 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this episode, Madelyn Cunningham interviews Stefano Ferrari, the director of photography for the documentary 'Surviving Black Hawk Down.'

  • Rejection, Relationships & Reality TV: Lessons from a Development Pro

    February 21st, 2025  |  45 mins 19 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this conversation, Madelyn Cunningham interviews Yael Egnal, a development consultant in the unscripted television industry. They discuss Yael's journey into development, the intricacies of crafting compelling pitches and treatments, and the importance of handling rejection gracefully.

  • Escaping Polygamy Producer on Cults & Control

    February 14th, 2025  |  37 mins 51 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    The producer of Escaping Polygamy and Secrets of Polygamy reveals how the show was created and the experience of helping cult survivors.

  • POV: You're the Chopped Show Runner

    February 7th, 2025  |  1 hr 19 mins
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    Amy Stanford, the prolific show runner for Food Network's Chopped, shares her insights on the production process, the importance of problem-solving, and the emotional stakes involved in cooking competitions.

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    Southern Charm: Behind the Blowouts

    January 30th, 2025  |  1 hr 17 mins
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    Host Madelyn Cunningham chats with friend and celebrity hair stylist Mac McAbee, who styles several cast members on Bravo's Southern Charm & Southern Hospitality.