Suspenders Unbuttoned Media: Entertainment Interviews

Suspenders Unbuttoned Media
  • 4.4 (18)
  • TV & Film
  • Semiweekly

Unbuttoned conversations with actors, filmmakers, authors and the creative minds behind the stories you love. From Hallmark and family entertainment to television, streaming, music, films and books. Hosted by Sarah and Julie, each episode delivers behind-the-scenes insights, character deep dives, and authentic, unscripted conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. If you love Hallmark movies, cast interviews, and the stories behind your favorite show and movies, this is where the conversation continues.

  1. 2d ago

    Karen Kingsbury on The Christmas Ring, Kelsey Grammer & the Real Story Behind the Movie

    Karen Kingsbury joins Sarah on Suspenders Unbuttoned Media to talk about The Christmas Ring, the real family story that inspired it, and finding room for love after loss.Starring Jana Kramer, Benjamin Hollingsworth, and Kelsey Grammer, The Christmas Ring follows a military widow whose search for a treasured family heirloom leads to an unexpected second chance at love.Karen shares how her mother’s missing pearl ring sparked the story, why actual military members appear in the film, and how a 102-year-old World War II veteran ended up with a speaking role. We also discuss collaborating with her son, director and co-writer Tyler Russell, filming in Franklin, Tennessee, and bringing her vision from the page to the screen through Karen Kingsbury Productions.Plus, Karen talks about the film’s romantic influences, its music, and why she wants faith to feel authentic within the stories she tells.WATCH THE CHRISTMAS RING• Streaming November 5, 2026, on Great American Pure Flix• Premiering November 7, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on Great American Family and GFAM+Spoiler note: Beginning around 18:20, we discuss a later romantic scene and plot details.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome Karen Kingsbury00:22 Finding hope through difficult stories01:47 From books to movies and television03:41 Why The Christmas Ring began as a screenplay04:41 The real lost-ring story that inspired the film06:19 Honoring military families and veterans08:14 Grief, healing, and second chances10:32 Jana Kramer, Benjamin Hollingsworth, and Kelsey Grammer13:52 Finding connection through antiques and stories15:47 Making faith feel authentic18:20 Romantic movie influences and Ben’s big moment20:04 Filming in Franklin, Tennessee, and creating the score23:23 How Karen recognizes her next story24:13 Where and when to watchSubscribe for more conversations with the actors, authors, filmmakers, and creatives behind the stories you love.Visit Suspenders Unbuttoned Media:https://unbuttonedmedia.usInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/suspendersunbuttonedmedia/What treasured family keepsake has a story you would love to preserve? Tell us in the comments.#KarenKingsbury #TheChristmasRing #GreatAmericanFamily

    Karen Kingsbury on The Christmas Ring, Kelsey Grammer & the Real Story Behind the Movie

  2. 3d ago

    The Last Dive: Cody Sheehy on Terry Kennedy & Willy the Manta Ray

    The Last Dive director Cody Sheehy joins Sarah and Julie to talk about Terry Kennedy’s extraordinary friendship with Willy, a giant oceanic manta ray, and the expedition to search for him again after a decade apart. Cody shares how a sailing friendship in Mexico led him to Terry’s boxes of underwater footage and a documentary spanning nearly two decades of connection. We talk about weaving that archive into a new expedition, directing underwater, and earning Terry’s trust as he shared the difficult parts of his past. We also discuss Terry’s emotional first viewing at Tribeca, his unlikely path toward conservation, and why the film’s story of friendship stayed with both of us long after watching. Subscribe to Suspenders Unbuttoned Media for more conversations with the people behind the stories you love. Film information and screenings https://thelastdivefilm.com/ Cody’s Substack https://codysheehy.substack.com/ More interviews https://UnbuttonedMedia.us SHOW NOTES: What would bring a diver back to a remote island after ten years? For Terry Kennedy, it was the chance to find an old friend: Willy, a giant oceanic manta ray. Director Cody Sheehy joins Sarah and Julie to discuss The Last Dive and the friendship at its center. Cody explains how he discovered Terry’s remarkable archive, what it took to film a new expedition, and how Terry’s willingness to revisit his past shaped the documentary. We also hear about Terry’s first time seeing the finished film at Tribeca, the playful manta encounters that stayed with Cody, and why earning a documentary subject’s trust takes time. Find screenings and film updates https://thelastdivefilm.com/ Follow Cody’s work https://codysheehy.substack.com/ Visit Suspenders Unbuttoned Media https://UnbuttonedMedia.us Follow @suspendersunbuttonedmedia on Instagram and subscribe wherever you watch or listen.

    The Last Dive: Cody Sheehy on Terry Kennedy & Willy the Manta Ray

  3. Oct 21

    Christopher Russell: A Christmas Prayer Tradition & When Hope Calls Season 4

    Christopher Russell returns to Suspenders Unbuttoned Media to talk A Christmas Prayer Tradition, reuniting with Shae Robins, and what’s ahead for Mountie Michael in When Hope Calls season 4. Sarah and Julie chat with Chris about continuing Wes’s journey through faith, grief, fatherhood, and love. He shares how he built a natural connection with his young costar, why Wes and Natalie’s established relationship gives the sequel more to explore, and why he’s already hoping for a third movie. Then we head to Brookfield! Speaking while filming season 4, Chris teases changes for Michael, more of Michael and Nora’s slow-burn romance, returning characters, new faces, and more interaction between Michael and Wyatt. He also discusses the eight-episode season and how fans can show their support. A Christmas Prayer Tradition begins streaming October 22, 2026, on Great American Pure Flix and premieres October 24 at 8/7c on Great American Family and GFAM+. Subscribe for more conversations with the actors, authors, and creative people behind the stories you love. CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome back, Christopher Russell00:10 Returning for A Christmas Prayer Tradition03:18 Continuing Wes’s story05:20 Building a believable father-daughter bond07:09 What Wes learns from Caroline09:42 Wes and Natalie’s relationship11:20 Christmas fun and hopes for a third movie12:46 The first movie’s audience response15:25 Filming When Hope Calls season 416:23 Michael’s return and its impact on Brookfield17:37 What’s next for Michael and Nora?18:38 Season 4 romance, returning characters, and suspense21:23 New characters coming to Brookfield21:58 Eight episodes and fan support23:47 Watching the show with his family24:25 More scenes for Michael and Wyatt25:30 Small acts of kindness26:51 Where to watch A Christmas Prayer Tradition #ChristopherRussell #AChristmasPrayerTradition #WhenHopeCalls

    Christopher Russell: A Christmas Prayer Tradition & When Hope Calls Season 4

  4. Oct 20

    Josh Murray Talks Gym Rat, Lou Ferrigno & His First Film as Producer

    Josh Murray joins Suspenders Unbuttoned Media to discuss Gym Rat, now streaming, and the complicated character at the center of his first feature film as a producer. Josh stars as Lonnie Milsap, a man newly released from prison whose pursuit of physical strength is tied to a deeper search for identity, control, and self-worth. In our conversation with hosts Sarah and Julie, Josh explores finding Lonnie's vulnerability, playing a protagonist audiences may struggle to embrace, and why understanding someone's story does not mean excusing their choices. We also discuss working with Lou Ferrigno, collaborating with writer and director Korstiaan Vandiver, the importance of human connection in Lonnie's story, and the years of setbacks and perseverance behind bringing Gym Rat to the screen. In this interview:00:00 Welcome Josh Murray00:17 How Gym Rat began03:02 Understanding Lonnie Milsap05:12 Finding a connection with a complicated character07:50 Strength, control, and self-worth10:21 Playing Lonnie's vulnerability13:18 Challenging audience expectations15:07 Why human connection matters18:03 Working with Lou Ferrigno21:07 Josh's first feature as a producer24:20 Why he wants to keep producing27:40 What Josh hopes viewers take away29:08 Where to watch Gym Rat and follow Josh Gym Rat is now streaming. Visit https://gymratmovie.com for current rental links and release updates. Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshmurrayactor/ Subscribe to Suspenders Unbuttoned Media for more conversations with the actors, filmmakers, authors, and creative voices behind the stories we love. Visit our website: https://unbuttonedmedia.us

    Josh Murray Talks Gym Rat, Lou Ferrigno & His First Film as Producer

  5. Oct 18

    Inside HBO’s Youth: Sharon Horgan’s Wardrobe with Costume Designer Camille Benda

    Love Sharon Horgan’s wardrobe in HBO’s Youth? Costume designer Camille Benda joins us to reveal the vintage finds, London influences, and character choices behind Alex’s style.From tailored work looks and sheer blouses to secondhand designer shoes, Camille explains how clothing helps tell Alex’s story—even when she’s trying to hold everything together.We discuss collaborating with Sharon Horgan, creating distinct wardrobes for Alex and Sam, and finding the right clothes for the show’s comedy. Camille also shares the story behind Alex’s green blouse, one of her favorite complete looks, and the costume team’s process for sourcing and organizing an entire series.Beyond Youth, we explore Camille’s journey from goth teen and thrift shopper to costume designer, author, and educator, plus her books Dressing the Resistance and Bending the Rules: Fashion Beyond the Binary.In this conversation:• Building a character’s wardrobe from the script• Finding inspiration in London street style• Collaborating with Sharon Horgan in fittings• Mixing vintage, designer, and secondhand pieces• Dressing women in midlife with personality• Using clothing to support physical comedy• The work behind a television costume department• Fashion, identity, culture, and self-expressionPlease note: This interview discusses scenes and character details through episode five of Youth. CONNECT WITH CAMILLE Website: https://www.camillebenda.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/camillebenda/ Dressing the Resistance: https://www.instagram.com/dressingtheresistance/ MORE FROM SUSPENDERS UNBUTTONED MEDIA Website: https://unbuttonedmedia.us Subscribe for more conversations with the actors, authors, filmmakers, and creative teams behind the stories you love.#YouthHBO #CamilleBenda #CostumeDesign

    Inside HBO’s Youth: Sharon Horgan’s Wardrobe with Costume Designer Camille Benda

  6. Oct 13

    Ryan McPartlin: Silver Bells at Christmas, Romantic Chemistry & the Power of Kindness

    Ryan McPartlin returns to Suspenders Unbuttoned Media to talk Silver Bells at Christmas, starring alongside Laura Osnes and Chuck Wicks—and why laughter is where romantic chemistry begins.In this conversation with Sarah, Ryan shares his approach to playing Nick Day, his work as an executive producer, and the effort to make the film’s love triangle a meaningful choice. He also talks about collaborating with director Brandon Clark, Laura Osnes’s singing, and the Kentucky filming experience that helped the Christmas magic come to life. Plus: the scheduling story that made the movie possible, friends appearing as extras, his pick for a Christmas singing competition, and the mentors whose kindness stayed with him. WATCH SILVER BELLS AT CHRISTMASStreaming premiere: October 15, 2026, on Great American Pure Flix.Network premiere: October 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on Great American Family and GFAM+.Subscribe for more conversations with actors, authors and the creative people behind the stories you love.Website: https://unbuttonedmedia.us

    Ryan McPartlin: Silver Bells at Christmas, Romantic Chemistry & the Power of Kindness

  7. Oct 10

    Meghan Ory on The Spirit of Halloween, Kevin McGarry & Finding Yourself

    Meghan Ory joins Suspenders Unbuttoned Media for a conversation about The Spirit of Halloween, a romance that gives its leading character a chance to rediscover herself. Meghan shares what surprised her about playing Everly’s journey, why her character overlooks the feelings of longtime friend Beau, and how Kevin McGarry’s preparation and presence shaped their scenes. We also discuss the fun of being the Halloween “bah humbug” and Meghan’s gratitude for her acting career. The Spirit of Halloween premieres October 10, 2026, at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel and streams the next day on Hallmark+. Follow Suspenders Unbuttoned Media for interviews with actors, authors, filmmakers, and creative voices across entertainment. More interviews: https://unbuttonedmedia.us

    Meghan Ory on The Spirit of Halloween, Kevin McGarry & Finding Yourself

  8. Oct 7

    Ann Adams on Under the Orchard’s Spell, First Love & Rewriting the Magic

    Crystal pears, a mysterious family orchard, and the first love who returns fourteen years later. Author Ann Adams joins Sarah and Julie to talk about Under the Orchard’s Spell, her cozy fall romance blending magical realism, family secrets, grief, and a second chance at love.Ann shares the real Hood River pear orchard that inspired the setting, why Ali and Logan’s shared history changed the love story, and how her agent’s suggestion transformed a contemporary romance into a magical one. Under the Orchard’s Spell publishes October 6, 2026, from Dell.BOOK DETAILS & RETAILER OPTIONS:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/808106/under-the-orchards-spell-by-ann-adams/MORE FROM SUSPENDERS UNBUTTONED MEDIA:https://unbuttonedmedia.us/Subscribe for conversations with the authors, actors, and creators behind the stories you love.Tell us in the comments: What makes a book feel like fall to you?

    Ann Adams on Under the Orchard’s Spell, First Love & Rewriting the Magic
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Unbuttoned conversations with actors, filmmakers, authors and the creative minds behind the stories you love. From Hallmark and family entertainment to television, streaming, music, films and books. Hosted by Sarah and Julie, each episode delivers behind-the-scenes insights, character deep dives, and authentic, unscripted conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. If you love Hallmark movies, cast interviews, and the stories behind your favorite show and movies, this is where the conversation continues.

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