What does it take to guide the stories of Hope Valley through another emotional season?

In this episode of Suspenders Unbuttoned, we sit down with When Calls the Heart showrunner Joy Gregory to talk about the characters and storylines driving Season 13.

Joy shares how the writers approached Nathan Grant’s emotional journey this season and why exploring his vulnerability and sense of responsibility has been such an important part of his arc. We also dive into the evolving relationship between Nathan and Elizabeth, including how the show carefully balances quiet intimacy with meaningful romantic moments.

We discuss how characters across Hope Valley continue to grow, from the resilience of the Coulter family to the ways the town comes together during times of hardship. Joy also reflects on how the investigation storyline and community challenges allow the series to explore deeper themes of responsibility, forgiveness, and hope. Don't worry, we didn't forget Lucas and Edie!

If you love understanding the choices behind the characters you’ve followed for years, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at how the team behind When Calls the Heart continues to shape the world of Hope Valley.

In this episode, we sit down with Liam Fernley to unpack the creative process behind Season 13, Episodes 6 and 8. From Rosemary’s emotional journey to the layered fire investigation and the silent film storyline, Liam shares how character arcs are intentionally shaped.

We talk about:

• Why it was important to bring Rosemary out of her “funk”
• How the silent film mirrors what’s happening emotionally in Hope Valley
• The balance between drama and lighthearted storytelling
• How the writers collaborate to keep the heart of the series intact

If you’ve ever wondered how story threads are woven together so seamlessly, this conversation pulls back the curtain.

Watch now and let us know what surprised you most.

We sat down with Juan Riedinger to talk about stepping into When Calls the Heart as Fernando, joining a cast with 12 seasons of history, and navigating a fandom that does not play when it comes to their love triangles.From instant bromance energy to quietly disrupting favorite couples, Juan shares how he balanced Fernando’s big personality without tipping into too much, what it’s like feeling the Heartie love in real time, and why playing in a world that’s hopeful, family-forward, and joy-filled just hits differently.Fernando may cast a spell on Hope Valley…but Juan? He’s just grateful to be part of it. 🤍Drop your favorite Fernando moment below ⬇️

Ever wonder how your favorite characters always look just right? We sat down with veteran costume designer Keith “Costumes” Nielsen to talk about what really goes into dressing everything from Hallmark holiday hits to period dramas. From building a character “closet” to handling last-minute on-set chaos.🎥 Subscribe for more insider conversations with the creatives behind the stories you love.#CostumeDesign #HallmarkMovies #FilmFashion #BehindTheScenes #WardrobeDesign #KeithNielsen

Amir Jaffer joins Suspenders Unbuttoned to discuss his path from home movies to directing, the advantages of documentary filmmaking, and how editing sharpened his creative instincts. We talk storytelling, navigating personalities on set, and the importance of staying authentic in your work.

Viv Leacock is excited to talk season 13 of When Calls The Heart including the fire, what makes his character Joseph special, working with the incredible cast. Viv also teases a bit more for the season!

Get all the fun and love of a podcast junket covering everyone's favorite Hallmark show. #whencallstheheart #actor #hallmarkchannel

We welcomed Pascale Hutton back for a heartfelt and laughter-filled conversation about Season 13 and everything unfolding in Hope Valley. From the magic of Kansas City to the introduction of Gwen and the ripple effect she brings to the Coulter household, Pascale opens up about how Rosemary is being stretched in new ways this season.We talk about the tension, the tenderness, and the beautiful messiness of family dynamics. Pascale shares why Gwen shakes things up, how Rosemary struggles to understand her at first, and why that friction actually makes the story stronger. There are teases about emotional moments, a mysterious storyline that might require tissues, and a reminder of just how rare it is for a show to grow alongside its characters for this long.It’s funny. It’s thoughtful. It’s classic Pascale. And yes… there may be a tiny Pomeranian involved.

In this episode of the Suspenders Unbuttoned , Sarah and Julie sit down with Amy Groening, star of Hallmark Channel’s Because of Cupid.Amy shares behind-the-scenes insights into her character Naomi who is navigating love, skepticism, and an unexpected wager that sets the story in motion. The conversation explores the film’s contemporary themes, ensemble cast dynamics, and the unique settings that bring this modern rom-com to life.From soulmate debates to competitive sparks, this episode dives into what makes Because of Cupid a standout in Hallmark’s Loveuary lineup.Subscribe for more exclusive interviews and unbuttoned conversations from the world of film and TV.

In this conversation, actor Dan Shaked opens up about stepping into a role that felt deeply personal.

We talk about The German and how the series explores transgenerational trauma connected to the Holocaust, and what it meant for Dan to portray a character linked to his own family’s history. This was not just another project. It carried weight. It carried memory. It carried responsibility.

Dan shares how storytelling can preserve history in a way that feels human and immediate. We talk about what it takes to step into emotionally heavy material and still take care of yourself as an artist.

We also dive into his journey as an actor, the importance of building real relationships in the industry, finding balance between ambition and life outside of the work. And yes, somehow bingo becomes part of the conversation.

This is one of those episodes that reminds you why stories matter and why the right story at the right time can stay with you.

n this episode, we’re hanging out with Alex MacIsaac, who plays Gwendolyn on When Calls the Heart, and the conversation goes everywhere in the best way. 💛

Alex opens up about stepping into Gwendolyn’s world, what it’s been like finding her place in Hope Valley, and how strong the sense of community feels both on screen and behind the scenes. We talk about the emotional side of acting, the fun and friendships on set, and her love of musical theater and all things creative.

She also shares just how grateful she is for this role and teases that Gwendolyn’s journey may be getting even more interesting as the season continues. It’s thoughtful, honest, and full of heart. Exactly how we like it.