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

  • What's Changed the Industry the Most in 2025 with Emily Wilson

    December 8th, 2025  |  18 mins 48 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    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.

  •

    Wrapped: What My Guests Taught Me This Year

    December 5th, 2025  |  17 mins 47 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    In this reflective episode, Madelyn Cunningham reviews the key insights and lessons learned from her podcast over the past year.

  • Second Round Bids & Bridezillas: Unscripted Industry News with Emily Wilson

    December 1st, 2025  |  8 mins 1 sec
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    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.

  • True Crime's Latest Genre Twist with Showrunner Diana Nolan

    November 21st, 2025  |  48 mins 2 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    Diana Nolan shares her journey from a high school student producer to an executive producer in the true crime genre.

  •

    Shopping, Sports & Spin-offs: Unscripted Industry News with Emily Wilson

    November 17th, 2025  |  5 mins 45 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    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.

  • The Production Gravy: In Praise of Associate Producers

    November 14th, 2025  |  51 mins 39 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    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.

  •

    Everybody Wants This: Industry Sustainability with Reality of Change Founder Cyle Zezo

    November 7th, 2025  |  48 mins 23 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    Cyle Zezo discusses his journey from working at the CW to founding Reality of Change, an initiative aimed at promoting sustainability in unscripted television.

  • True Crime, Catan & Consolidation: Unscripted Industry News with Emily Wilson

    November 3rd, 2025  |  5 mins 13 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    Madelyn Cunningham and Emily Wilson discuss the latest trends and news in the unscripted industry.

  •

    Smooth Operator: Behind the Camera on Are You My First?

    October 31st, 2025  |  34 mins 37 secs
    aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles

    Jessica Arzate shares her journey in the film industry, highlighting her experiences in cinematography, the importance of mentorship, and her work on various reality TV shows, including 'Are You My First.'

  •

    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.'

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    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.