The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks

Charley King

The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks is a heartfelt podcast centered around weddings, events, inspiration, and meaningful conversations. Hosted by Charley King, the show brings together industry experts, creatives, entrepreneurs, and storytellers to share timeless advice, real-life experiences, and behind-the-scenes insights from the worlds of weddings, business, family, wellness, and personal growth.With warmth, elegance, and authenticity, Bluebell Talks is a space for big dreams, genuine connection, and conversations that inspire listeners to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments both inside and beyond the wedding world.

  1. 3h ago

    Reinvention, Diversity and the Ever Evolving World of Weddings with Myrdith Leon-McCormack | The Charley King Show S2 Ep. 9

    Welcome to another episode of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this inspiring and lively conversation, Charley King sits down with Myrdith Leon-McCormack, founder and editorial director of World Bride Magazine, to explore entrepreneurship, reinvention, diversity, and the evolving world of weddings.Myrdith shares her journey from celebrity manicurist working with stars like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Charlize Theron to building a publication that has spent 20 years celebrating love, culture, fashion, and diverse wedding stories. She opens up about the courage it takes to start a business, champion representation, and create opportunities when the industry doesn't reflect the world around us.Charley and Myrdith also discuss the power of relationships, the impact of social media, and why authenticity and kindness matter in business. Myrdith shares her advice for women ready to start a new chapter, reminding us that it's never too late to take a chance on yourself.Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, wedding professional, or simply looking for inspiration to reinvent yourself, this episode is a celebration of courage, creativity, and building something of your own.Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, and weekly inspiration.Watch full episodes on YouTube and subscribe to The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.

  2. Oct 11

    Charley and Bill Coyne Talk Bespoke Hospitality | The Charley King Show S2 Ep. 8

    Welcome to another episode of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this lively, funny, and inspiring conversation, Charley King sits down with actor, entrepreneur, and LA’telier founder Bill Coyne to explore acting, theatre, food, luxury events, entrepreneurship, reinvention, creativity, and what it really takes to create unforgettable experiences. Bill shares how his journey began in community theatre in Spring Lake, New Jersey, where he discovered a love for acting, singing, dancing, and the collaborative nature of performance. His career eventually led him into professional acting while also introducing him to another industry that would become a major part of his life: catering and events. Charley and Bill explore the surprising parallels between theatre and live events, from thinking on your feet and solving unexpected problems to understanding an audience, leading a team, and making things happen in real time with no opportunity for a second take. Whether it is a forgotten line, a fire alarm, a broken stage mechanism, or a wedding running behind schedule, Bill explains why performers can bring a unique set of skills to the world of events. Bill also takes Charley through his evolution in the catering industry, from working as a server and bartender to becoming a captain, event producer, and business development professional. He reflects on the mentors who helped shape his career and the lessons he learned while working with respected catering and event professionals in New York and Los Angeles. At the heart of the conversation is Bill's approach to hospitality. Rather than simply thinking of catering as food service, Bill describes his philosophy of creating bespoke experiences built around the story, intention, and personality of each event.

  3. Oct 4

    Stephen Mear CBE: A Life in Dance Behind the Curtain | The Charley King Show S2 Ep. 7

    Welcome to another episode of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this heartfelt, funny, and inspiring conversation, Charley King sits down with her longtime friend and legendary choreographer and director Stephen Mear CBE to explore dance, theatre, creativity, friendship, mentorship, and what it really takes to build a lasting career in the performing arts.Stephen shares the journey that began when he started dancing at just three years old and eventually took him from the stages of the West End to Broadway and some of the biggest productions in musical theatre. Charley and Stephen look back on the shows they performed together, including 42nd Street, Cats, and Crazy for You, and the unforgettable moments that shaped both of their careers.At the heart of the conversation is Stephen's evolution from dancer to choreographer and director. He shares how an injury unexpectedly created an opportunity to begin working behind the scenes, leading him to learn from some of the industry's greatest directors and choreographers. Together, Charley and Stephen reflect on the importance of watching, learning, and taking inspiration from both the good and bad experiences throughout a career.The conversation also takes us behind some of Stephen's most celebrated work, including Mary Poppins and his collaboration with Sir Matthew Bourne, as well as his work with extraordinary performers such as Imelda Staunton, Glenn Close, Bernadette Peters, and Lea Salonga. Stephen opens up about what it is like to choreograph for performers at the very highest level and why creating great work is ultimately about collaboration, trust, and bringing out the best in the people around you.Charley and Stephen also talk about the mentors who shaped their careers, including Susan Stroman, Mike Ockrent, Bob Avian, and Cameron Mackintosh. Stephen reflects on how much he learned from watching other artists work and why treating people with respect, kindness, and trust can make all the difference in a rehearsal room.Of course, the conversation is filled with plenty of laughter and memories from decades in theatre, including favorite performances, legendary colleagues, hilarious backstage moments, and the extraordinary honor of Stephen receiving his CBE for Services to Dance from King Charles. Stephen shares what that moment meant to him, especially being able to tell his father before he passed away.Whether you are a dancer, choreographer, actor, director, creative professional, theatre lover, or simply fascinated by the people behind the world's greatest productions, this episode is a celebration of talent, friendship, mentorship, resilience, and a lifelong love of storytelling through movement.Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at @CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, and weekly inspiration.Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.Sponsored By Luxe Linen

  4. Sep 22

    Andrea Brody Puts Charley King in the Hot Seat | The Charley King Show S2 Ep. 6

    Welcome to another episode of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! This week, the tables are turned as producer and 25-year public radio and podcasting veteran Andrea Brody puts Charley King in the hot seat for an honest, funny, and behind-the-scenes conversation about Charley’s 19-year career as a luxury wedding planner and what really goes into creating an unforgettable wedding.Charley shares the unexpected journey that took her from 20 years performing in Broadway and West End musicals to discovering an entirely new career in wedding planning. What began with a wedding planning course, a few phone calls, and an opportunity to shadow experienced event professionals quickly became a new creative home that combined her love of theatre, design, production, and bringing people together.Together, Andrea and Charley break down what “luxury” really means in the wedding world, from budgets and venues to food, beverage, lighting, design, and the countless details couples may never realize are happening behind the scenes. Charley explains why true luxury isn’t necessarily about how much money is spent, but how an experience makes people feel.The conversation also dives into the relationships that make a wedding possible. Charley shares why finding the right planner is a two-way process, what she looks for when meeting potential clients, and why trusted vendor relationships built over years can make all the difference when something unexpected happens on a wedding day.Andrea and Charley also explore how Instagram and TikTok have transformed the wedding industry, from global inspiration and changing trends to unrealistic expectations around what certain weddings actually cost. They discuss destination weddings, current design trends, the importance of lighting, and why creating the perfect social media moment should never overshadow what a wedding is really about: two people bringing together the family and friends they love.Charley also shares stories from her own wedding, her favorite destination celebrations, lessons learned throughout nearly two decades in the industry, and her biggest advice for couples: surround yourself with experienced professionals so that when the wedding day finally arrives, you can stop worrying about the details and simply be present.Whether you’re planning a wedding, working in the events industry, dreaming about your own celebration, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers an inside look at the creativity, relationships, problem-solving, and heart that go into creating a truly memorable wedding.Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, and weekly inspiration.Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.

  5. Sep 15

    The Art of Destination Weddings with Billy Folchetti | The Charley King Show S2 Ep. 5

    Welcome to another episode of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this inspiring and insightful conversation, Charley King sits down with luxury destination wedding planner Billy Folchetti to explore destination weddings, Lake Como, international event planning, and what true luxury really means.Billy shares the unexpected journey that took him from New York to Los Angeles, where he first found his way into the wedding and events industry before later working as Fran Drescher’s personal assistant. A spontaneous trip to Paris changed the course of his life when he fell in love with the city and moved there just three months later. Without speaking French or having a carefully mapped-out plan, Billy ultimately returned to event planning and began building the international career that would eventually take him from Paris to Lake Como.  Together, Charley and Billy pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to produce a destination wedding. They discuss why couples need to look beyond beautiful Instagram photos when choosing a planner, the importance of experience and trusted local relationships, and the challenges of navigating different cultures, languages, currencies, vendors, transportation, work styles, and expectations when planning an event thousands of miles from home. The conversation also explores the invisible side of wedding planning and the problem solving that happens behind the scenes. Billy explains why an experienced planner should bring a sense of calm to the process, why references and proven experience matter, and why the right destination planner can essentially become a couple’s “insurance policy” when navigating an unfamiliar country. Charley and Billy also discuss the importance of having trusted professionals and boots on the ground when producing events internationally.  Of course, the conversation takes them to Lake Como, where Billy now resides between time in New York City. Billy shares what makes the destination feel almost like a fairy tale, why Italy offers such dramatically different experiences, cultures, food, landscapes, and atmospheres from region to region, and why October is one of his favorite times of year for couples considering a Lake Como wedding. Charley and Billy also challenge the way the word “luxury” is used in the wedding and events industry. Billy explains why true luxury isn't defined by a price tag, extravagant flowers, or creating something simply to impress people on social media. Instead, luxury is about discretion, quality, authenticity, atmosphere, and most importantly, the way an experience makes you feel. They reflect on how social media has changed our perception of luxury and why some of life's most luxurious moments can also be the simplest. Whether you're dreaming of saying “I do” on the shores of Lake Como, planning a destination celebration, working in the events industry, or simply fascinated by travel, hospitality, and beautiful experiences, this episode offers an honest look at what goes into creating celebrations that feel personal, seamless, and truly unforgettable.Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at @CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, and weekly inspiration.Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.

  6. Sep 8

    Julian Reeve on Perfectionism, Burnout & Identity in the Age of AI | The Charley King Show S2 Ep. 4

    Welcome to another episode of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this thoughtful and deeply personal conversation, Charley King sits down with former ‘Hamilton’ musical director, keynote speaker, author, and performance expert, Julian Reeve, to explore perfectionism, burnout, identity, success, and what makes us unmistakably human in the age of AI.Julian shares the extraordinary journey that took him from London’s West End to working on one of the biggest theatrical phenomenons in the world, where he music directed and conducted productions of Hamilton across America and in Puerto Rico alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda. But at the height of his career, Julian suffered a stress-related heart attack at just 43 years old, followed by an injury that ultimately forced him to step away from performing altogether.Together, Charley and Julian explore the line between excellence and unhealthy perfectionism, why so many high achievers connect their self-worth to their accomplishments, and how the pressure to constantly push through can eventually take a physical and emotional toll. Drawing from their shared backgrounds in theatre, they reflect on the “show must go on” mentality and how easily that mindset can follow us into our careers and everyday lives.The conversation also looks toward the future as Julian shares his work around “unmistakable identity” and the growing role of artificial intelligence. They discuss the fear surrounding AI, its impact on Gen Z and entry-level careers, and why creativity, judgment, intuition, emotional intelligence, and authentic human connection may become more valuable than ever.Charley and Julian also discuss how creatives and businesses can embrace AI without sacrificing the relationships that make their work meaningful, why technology should be a tool for exploration rather than a replacement for people, and how understanding who we are may be one of our greatest advantages in an increasingly automated world.Whether you are navigating burnout, struggling with perfectionism, adapting to AI, building a creative career, or simply questioning what success should look like, this episode is an honest conversation about ambition, self-compassion, reinvention, and learning how to achieve without losing yourself in the process.Julian’s keynote work and The Human Capability Indicator™ can be found at www.julianreeve.comFollow Julian on Instagram @julian.reeve, or YouTube/LinkedIn @julianreeve.Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, and weekly inspiration.Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.

  7. Sep 1

    Chris J. Evans on Destination Weddings, Authenticity & Gen Z Clients | The Charley King Show S2 Ep. 3

    Welcome to another episode of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this insightful and entertaining conversation, Charley King sits down with wedding and lifestyle photographer Chris J. Evans to explore photography, creativity, authenticity, changing trends, and what it really takes to capture how a wedding feels, not just how it looks. With more than 15 years behind the camera, Chris shares the journey that took him from shooting his first destination wedding in Kauai to building a successful photography career in Maui and eventually making the move to Los Angeles. Together, Charley and Chris reflect on how his background in fashion and editorial photography helped shape his distinctive approach to weddings.At the heart of the conversation is the relationship between a photographer and the couple. Chris shares why making people feel comfortable, confident, and understood is such an important part of his work, and why couples should look for a photographer who truly listens to them rather than simply imposing their own creative vision. The conversation also takes an honest look at how the wedding industry is changing. Charley and Chris discuss photography trends, social media, the rise of wedding content creators, and how photographers, videographers, planners, and content teams can work together without losing sight of the people at the center of the celebration. Chris also opens up about learning to connect with a new generation of Gen Z couples. After realizing that the way he had talked about his photography for years was no longer connecting, he shifted the conversation from how a wedding will look to how it will feel, a change that transformed the way he communicates his work. Whether you are a photographer, wedding planner, videographer, content creator, creative professional, planning your own wedding, or simply fascinated by what happens behind the scenes of extraordinary celebrations, this episode is an honest look at creativity, collaboration, adapting to change, and preserving the moments that can never be repeated. Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, and weekly inspiration. Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.

  8. Aug 25

    What Does a Wedding Planner Really Do? | The Charley King Show S2 Ep. 2

    Welcome to Season 2, Episode 2 of The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks! In this insightful solo episode, Charley King takes viewers behind the curtain to answer a question that sounds simple but is often misunderstood: What does a wedding planner actually do? Drawing on 19 years of experience planning weddings and her professional background in theatre on London’s West End and Broadway, Charley explains why she views every wedding as a live production. When everything looks effortless to the guests, there is usually an enormous amount of work happening behind the scenes. Charley breaks down the many roles a professional wedding planner takes on, from producer, project manager, negotiator, and designer to advocate, problem solver, budget guide, and timekeeper. She explores how planners help couples understand their priorities, manage their targeted investment, build the right vendor team, and create a wedding that truly reflects who they are.The episode also clears up some of the biggest misconceptions in the wedding industry, including the difference between planning and design, why a venue coordinator does not necessarily replace a wedding planner, and why the term “day-of coordinator” can be misleading. Charley also shares what really happens behind the scenes when something goes wrong. From changing weather and transportation delays to damaged cakes, late vendors, and timeline changes, she explains why a great planner is not someone who ensures nothing ever goes wrong, but someone who knows exactly what to do when it does. Ultimately, hiring an experienced wedding planner is about more than timelines, emails, and spreadsheets. It is about having someone who can protect your wedding experience, make decisions under pressure, and allow you and your family to be fully present for one of the most important days of your life. Whether you are newly engaged, actively planning your wedding, considering hiring a planner, or simply curious about what really happens behind the scenes, this episode is filled with practical advice and valuable insight to help you understand what to look for in the right wedding planner. Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at CharleyBluebell and @TheCharleyKingShow for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming episodes, and weekly inspiration. Watch full episodes on YouTube and be sure to subscribe and follow The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Charley King Show: Bluebell Talks is a heartfelt podcast centered around weddings, events, inspiration, and meaningful conversations. Hosted by Charley King, the show brings together industry experts, creatives, entrepreneurs, and storytellers to share timeless advice, real-life experiences, and behind-the-scenes insights from the worlds of weddings, business, family, wellness, and personal growth.With warmth, elegance, and authenticity, Bluebell Talks is a space for big dreams, genuine connection, and conversations that inspire listeners to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments both inside and beyond the wedding world.