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
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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.
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Confessions of a Top Model Producer
January 24th, 2025 | 1 hr 7 mins
aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles
Development executive and veteran reality tv producer Maggie Zeltner reveals what it was like on set of the early days of America's Next Top Model, What Not To Wear, and fighting to bring Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge to HGTV.
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The Art of Casting Reality TV with Quinn Fegan
January 17th, 2025 | 59 mins 39 secs
aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles
Host Madelyn Cunningham engages with Emmy award-winning casting director Quinn Fegan to explore the intricacies of casting in reality television, particularly focusing on shows like Queer Eye and Love Island USA.
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It's The Unscripted Files!
January 7th, 2025 | 1 min 7 secs
aspiringcreators, behindthescenes, candidconversations, creativeprocess, dynamicgenre, entertainmentworld, industrysecrets, inspiringstories, podcastlife, popculturebuzz, realitytvfans, televisioninsights, tvindustry, tvproducer, unscriptedfiles
Introducing your new favorite podcast - going behind the scenes with the creatives of the unscripted entertainment industry.