What happens when a gemologist finds herself in a royal world… and possibly in the middle of an unexpected love story? 💎👑

We sat down with Jen Lilley to talk all things A Royal Setting, from the romance that builds in the most unexpected ways to the kind of chemistry that keeps you watching every glance, every moment, every almost-confession.

This conversation is full of that Hallmark magic you love, with behind-the-scenes insight into the story, the charm, and the little details that make this romance feel both like a fairytale and something real. If you’re here for slow-burn tension, heartfelt moments, and a love story that sneaks up on you, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Watch now and don’t forget to subscribe for more unbuttoned conversations with your favorite stars 🎬✨

From rodeo arenas to Hollywood sets, Dakota Ogden’s journey feels like it could live right alongside Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923—but this story is real. After a career-ending injury at 21, Dakota pivoted from cowboy life into stunt work and acting, eventually working on productions like 1883 and Yellowstone and alongside legends like Harrison Ford.

In this episode, he shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of these Western worlds, the importance of staying grounded in an unpredictable industry, and how authenticity and connection can open unexpected doors. We also dive into his creative passions today, from storytelling and documentary work to music, and the kinds of roles he hopes to take on next.

This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and finding your path when life forces a rewrite. If you love Yellowstone, 1883, or 1923, or you’re navigating your own turning point, Dakota’s story will stick with you.

Follow Dakota on Instagram @cowboyactor to keep up with his journey.

In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Brooks to talk about Faith’s incredible journey across nearly a decade in When Calls the Heart. From her early dreams to becoming one of Hope Valley’s most trusted caregivers, Andrea shares how Faith has grown through personal challenges, professional milestones, and moments that truly shaped her character.

Andrea also takes us behind the scenes of the show’s groundbreaking silent movie episode, revealing what it was like to step into a completely different style of storytelling and how her own love of silent cinema made the experience even more special.

We also dive into the unique challenge of portraying medicine in Hope Valley. Andrea discusses how the show balances medical realism with the heartwarming tone fans love, from treating childhood illnesses to managing high-stakes outbreaks while still keeping the story hopeful.

And yes… we talk about Fernando Waltz. Andrea shares her thoughts on Faith’s surprising flirtation with the charming newcomer and what this unexpected connection could mean for Faith’s next chapter.

From vulnerability and resilience to motherhood, career, and community, this conversation explores why Faith’s journey continues to resonate so deeply with fans.

If you love behind-the-scenes stories, character insights, and thoughtful conversations about storytelling, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

✨ Tune in now for heartfelt moments, exclusive insights, and a look at what might be next for Faith in Hope Valley.

What really goes on inside the writers’ room of one of television’s most beloved feel-good dramas?

In this episode of Suspenders Unbuttoned Media, Sarah and Julie sit down with When Calls the Heart showrunner Joy Gregory for a conversation packed with juicy behind-the-scenes details from Season 13.

Joy takes us inside the creative process of building this season’s emotional storytelling. From balancing humor and heartfelt moments to crafting meaningful character journeys, she shares how the writers carefully shape each episode so it feels both surprising and true to the world of Hope Valley.

In this conversation we explore:

✨ How the writers planned the emotional tone of Season 13
✨ The creative challenge of balancing lighthearted episodes with deeper character moments
✨ How stylized storytelling elements (like the silent film episode) still move the story forward
✨ What makes Hope Valley feel so alive after more than a decade on television
✨ The collaboration between writers, actors, and directors that brings each episode to life

Joy also reflects on her own path into storytelling and how personal experiences, including lessons from her father, shaped the way she approaches writing emotional television.

If you love behind-the-scenes storytelling, character craft, and the magic of Hope Valley, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Note: We had some technical difficulties with this recording, please excuse any imperfections.

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