Inside Hallmark (fan) Experiences with Producers Kevin Duda & Chad Larabee

Inside Hallmark (fan) Experiences with Producers Kevin Duda & Chad Larabee

In this episode of Suspenders Unbuttoned Media, we sit down with producers Kevin Duda and Chad Larabee, the creative team helping bring some of Hallmark's biggest fan events to life, including Hallmark Stars Live, the Hallmark Christmas Experience, and the Hallmark Christmas Cruise.From live stage shows and interactive fan events to immersive holiday celebrations at sea and in Kansas City, Kevin and Chad share how these experiences are designed to create something Hallmark fans crave most: genuine connection.We discuss their careers in producing, the collaborative process behind large-scale entertainment events, and how Hallmark is expanding beyond the screen to create opportunities for fans to engage with the stars, stories, and community they love.You'll also get an inside look at:⭐ How Hallmark Stars Live was developed⭐ What makes each live show unique⭐ The evolution of the Hallmark Christmas Experience⭐ Bringing Hallmark magic from Kansas City to the open sea with the Hallmark Christmas Cruise⭐ Audience participation, storytelling, and unexpected moments⭐ Why connection remains the driving force behind every Hallmark event⭐ The challenges and rewards of producing large fan-focused experiencesWhether you're attending a Hallmark event this year, planning a future trip, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the people helping shape the future of Hallmark Experiences.About Our GuestsKevin Duda, of Kevin Duda Productions, is a producer whose work spans television, film, Broadway, and live entertainment. Known for his collaborative approach to storytelling and audience engagement, he helps create experiences that bring fans closer to the stories they love.Chad Larabee brings a background in directing and producing live entertainment, with a passion for creating meaningful audience experiences through storytelling, community, and connection.Learn more about Kevin and Chad by visiting https://www.kevindudaproductions.com/and follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kevindudagram/🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts.📺 Subscribe for more conversations with the actors, writers, directors, producers, and creatives behind your favorite Hallmark movies, series, and fan experiences.#HallmarkStarsLive #HallmarkChristmasExperience #HallmarkChristmasCruise #HallmarkChannel #HallmarkFans #KevinDuda #ChadLarabee #HallmarkEvents #HallmarkExperiences #SuspendersUnbuttonedMedia #BehindTheScenes #HallmarkMovies #PodcastInterview #ChristmasCruise #KansasCityChristmasExperience

Sarah Carson | She Helped Break Barriers at Harvard. Then Became a Private Investigator and Actress

What do Harvard Business School, CEO, private investigations, and acting have in common? For actress and former CEO and private investigator Sarah Carson, the answer is people.In this fascinating conversation, Sarah shares her remarkable journey from corporate America to becoming one of the first women to graduate from Harvard Business School, working undercover as a private investigator, and ultimately building a career in front of the camera.We explore how confidence is built through experience, the challenges of changing careers, and how her unique professional background has shaped the way she approaches acting and storytelling today. Sarah also offers insights into human behavior, resilience, and why some of life's most unexpected detours can become our greatest strengths.Whether you're navigating a career change, pursuing a creative dream, or simply love hearing incredible life stories, this conversation is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments.In This Episode:✨ Sarah's journey from corporate America to acting✨ Being among the first women to graduate from Harvard Business School✨ Working undercover as a private investigator✨ Building confidence through life's challenges✨ Lessons on career pivots and reinvention✨ How understanding human behavior enhances acting and storytelling Connect with Sarah Carson:Website: https://www.sarahcarsonactor.com/aboutIG: https://www.instagram.com/castsarahcarson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcarsonactor/

How Riley Weston Adapted a Bestselling Novel Into a Great American Family Rom-Com

This week on Suspenders Unbuttoned Media, we sit down with writer and producer Riley Weston to talk about bringing Meet Me in the Margins from page to screen for Great American Family. Riley takes us behind the scenes of the adaptation process, sharing how she balances honoring the source material while creating a story that works on screen. From navigating budget realities and production challenges to crafting memorable characters and heartfelt romance, she offers an inside look at the art of screenwriting. We also dive into her career journey, her love of romantic comedies and holiday films, and the lessons she's learned from working across multiple areas of the entertainment industry. If you've ever wondered how your favorite books become movies, this conversation is for you. Subscribe for more unbuttoned conversations with the creatives behind the stories you love.

Nikki DeLoach Talks The Greek Isle, Filming in Greece & Hallmark Live Tour

In this episode, we sit down with Nikki DeLoach to talk about filming her newest Hallmark destination romance, The Greek Isle. From breathtaking locations and cultural experiences to the unique challenges of filming abroad, Nikki takes us behind the scenes of one of Hallmark's most scenic productions yet.We also chat about why destination movies continue to resonate with audiences, what makes Greece such a magical backdrop for storytelling, and what fans can look forward to on the upcoming Hallmark Live Tour.If you've ever dreamed of traveling through a Hallmark movie, this conversation is your passport.✨ In this episode:• Behind the scenes of filming The Greek Isle• What it was really like living and working in Greece• The appeal of Hallmark's destination movies• Storytelling through travel and culture• Nikki's upcoming Hallmark Live Tour• Why these fan experiences mean so much🎙️ Subscribe for more unbuttoned conversations with the actors, writers, directors, and creatives behind your favorite TV and film projects.#NikkiDeLoach #TheGreekIsle #HallmarkChannel #HallmarkMovies #HallmarkLive #DestinationMovies #SuspendersUnbuttonedMedia

Emma Brodie Interview | What Happens When Fandom Becomes Real Life?

What happens when fandom, friendship, identity, and love collide? NYT Bestselling author Emma Brodie joins Suspenders Unbuttoned Media to dive into her emotionally layered novel, Into the Blue, a story that explores fandom culture, personal growth, family relationships, and the complicated space between who we are and who we're expected to be. In this conversation, Emma shares the inspiration behind AJ and Noah's journey, the role fan communities play in shaping identity, and why Into the Blue is about so much more than romance. From hidden Easter eggs and pop culture references to the emotional realities of chronic illness, family dynamics, and self-discovery, this episode explores the deeper themes that have resonated with readers around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Emma Brodie and 'Into the Blue'02:54 Exploring Fandom and Easter Eggs in 'Into the Blue'06:01 The Depth of 'Into the Blue': More Than a Romance07:59 Character Development: Meeting Noah and AJ11:25 AJ's Journey: Strengths and Obstacles14:49 Layering Family Dynamics and Relationships16:55 The Connection Between AJ and Noah22:07 Health and Its Impact on Character Development25:00 The Bond of Twins: AJ and Emily28:07 Acting and Improv as a Mechanism for Connection30:26 The Emotional Journey of Writing32:33 Balancing Heartbreak and Joy35:24 The Role of Family in Storytelling38:16 Connection to Fandoms and Fan Culture43:25 Visualizing Characters in Writing46:19 Messages of Authenticity and Time Follow Emma Website: https://emmabrodie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma.c.brodie/