Step behind the curtain of modern television storytelling with this inspiring biographical interview featuring Natalee Watts — acclaimed TV Producer, Showrunner, and Director. From her early creative spark to leading some of television’s most compelling productions, Natalee shares an honest conversation about the passion, discipline, and collaboration required to bring powerful stories to life. In this episode, Natalee explores the behind-the-scenes world of producing prestige television — from pitching and greenlighting shows to building a writer’s room, mentoring new talent, and navigating the evolving entertainment landscape. She details how she has shaped her career with curiosity, resilience, and creative fearlessness, opening doors for diverse voices and forging new pathways of storytelling. Listeners will learn about:

• Natalee’s personal journey into film and TV
• The evolving role of the showrunner
• Directing with emotional clarity
• Building dynamic production teams
• The challenges and growth opportunities for women behind the camera
• Creative leadership and storytelling craft
• How to sustain inspiration in a fast-changing industry

Natalee shares valuable insight on how great television gets made — from concept to screen — and why the most powerful stories come from truth. Whether you’re a filmmaker, aspiring showrunner, or simply a lover of great TV, this conversation offers wisdom, humor, and a fresh perspective on the ever-changing creative process. Tune in for a deep and engaging look at the motivations, challenges, and artistic breakthroughs that have shaped Natalee’s remarkable career.

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BIO
Emmy-nominated TV producer, showrunner, and director Natalee Watts. Among her many credits, Natalee was Chef Jamie Oliver’s Producer for two seasons of ABC’s Emmy Award winning, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, and was a producer-director on his 7-part British documentary series Dream School for Channel 4. She was the Co-Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner for the 10-part documentary series, Operation Change for the Oprah Winfrey Network as well as the Director and Co-Executive Producer of the 10-part documentary series Kentucky Ayahuasca for Vice. Natalee has produced 38 episodes of ABC’s Emmy-nominated Dancing With The Stars and 24 episodes of ABC’s The Bachelor. She has also produced series for NBC, CBS, FOX, TBS, MTV, OWN, E! Entertainment, and DISNEY+. Recently, Natalee served as the Co-Executive Producer of the CBS hit competition reality series, Tough As Nails. Tough As Nails celebrates hard-working women and men who are essential to America’s infrastructure. She has so far filmed in 31 countries around the globe. Natalee was born in Wilmington, NC, the middle of three daughters to Evan ‘Butch’ Watts, a retired financial services advisor and artist, and Vickie Tienken Watts, a teacher. After graduating from New Hanover High School, Natalee attended the Appalachian State University to study Broadcast Journalism & Psychology. Once she decided to embark on a career in television with her sights ultimately set on Hollywood, she headed for Chicago where she had her first break in the business. For five years she worked on the Jenny Jones Talk Show starting as a PA and leaving as a producer. Natalee has gained extensive experience in different genres within the television medium which have profoundly impacted her and now influence her future goals in TV production. In her spare time she enjoys designing websites and still photography and lives in LA with her partner cinematographer Gretchen Warthen.

Natalee's links:
Instagram: @nataleewatts
Website: https://www.nataleewatts.com/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1451659/

Women whose work Natalee admires:
Beth Robinson, Film & TV Set Decorator
Anna Echols, Cake Artist
Kerry September, Makeup Artist
Anna Jones, ANNA JONES - Food Stylist & Author

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
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A Hollowell Studios Production
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