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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

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

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

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

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

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?

Julie Gonzalo and James Trevena join Sarah from Suspenders Unbuttoned Media to talk about A Knight to Remember, making a fantastical romance feel real, laughing through filming, and the challenges of playing a knight in armor.We also discuss what they recognize in their characters and what they wish for audiences watching this magical love story.A Knight to Remember premieres Saturday, October 3, at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel and streams the following day on Hallmark+.Subscribe to Suspenders Unbuttoned Media for more conversations with actors, authors, and the people behind your favorite stories.#AKnightToRemember #JulieGonzalo #JamesTrevena

What does it take to make a school dance feel like a turning point for nearly everyone in the room?Director Alysse Leite-Rogers joins Sarah and Julie to take us behind her episode of Netflix’s *Crew Girl*, “Anatomy of a Fall Formal.” She shares how she met the cast at a lunch-hour dance party, planned the formal’s many overlapping story beats, and used camera movement, lighting and pace to bring its quieter romantic moments to life.Later, we revisit a Nathan and Elizabeth scene she directed for *When Calls the Heart*, including the wonderfully chaotic story behind its dreamy sunset shot.We also talk about her work on *Private Eyes West Coast* and *1874*.**Note:** This conversation discusses story moments from *Crew Girl* Episode 5.Watch *Crew Girl* on Netflix, and tell us which moment from “Anatomy of a Fall Formal” stayed with you.Subscribe to Suspenders Unbuttoned Media for more conversations with the people who bring your favorite stories to screen.

Actor, writer and producer Kristi Murdock joins Sarah and Julie to talk about making A Proper Christmas in her hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina. She shares how a British pub she worked at in Los Angeles inspired the film’s food and family traditions, why she wanted love stories for multiple generations, and how a personal loss shaped the movie’s honest portrayal of grief and hope. Kristi also takes us behind the scenes of Christmas Treehouse, her upcoming UPtv movie with Thomas Maden, and explains what creates believable chemistry with a scene partner. From starting out as an extra on Dawson’s Creek to writing, producing and starring in her own Christmas movie, this is a conversation about taking the leap and making room for more stories.The Christmas Treehouse premieres Thursday, December 17, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET on UPtv. A Proper Christmas is headed to streaming, with its platforms and release date still to be announced.Subscribe for more unbuttoned conversations with the people behind TV, film and books. Follow Kristi: https://www.instagram.com/kristi__murdock/ More from Suspenders Unbuttoned Media: https://unbuttonedmedia.us/

Filmmaker and author Kimber Leigh joins Sarah and Julie to talk about Echo: Conversations Across Consciousness, her nonfiction book shaped by months of conversations with AI. Kimber shares why she first resisted the technology, what changed her mind, how she separated her voice from the guide's, and why the title came from a cat she met on a Hawaii shoreline.The conversation also follows Kimber's storytelling across books, film, photography, and Pick It Up America. What can a new perspective reveal about our own stories? And where does the human voice remain essential?Tell us in the comments: Has a tool, conversation, or creative practice ever helped you see a familiar experience differently?📚 Echo: https://www.amazon.com/Echo-Conversations-Consciousness-Kimber-Leigh-ebook/dp/B0HHPWQG3X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CLW45VEABKQP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.N4_adNAr4RJ7PgSm4lPEVrxugKTT2Oej9OkzspDOom96IzhLOmkUKyI89v8zPe2v.iUy22SPNR9Kdqg6AtSVm1FSFyFY6YzV02dsMweZqPqA&dib_tag=se&keywords=echo+kimber+leigh&qid=1790170973&sprefix=echo+kimber+leigh%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1🔗 More from Suspenders Unbuttoned Media: unbuttonedmedia.us🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suspenders-unbuttoned-media-entertainment-interviews/id1637868286

Does The Love Hypothesis preserve the characters, chemistry and romantic-comedy feeling that made Ali Hazelwood’s novel so popular? Sarah and Julie share a spoiler-conscious review of the Prime Video adaptation from the perspective of both readers and romance fans. We’re discussing the academic setting, fake-dating tension, costumes, spice level and thoughtful details included for book readers. We also explore the film’s warm rom-com energy, Olive and Anh’s friendship, and whether the necessary book-to-screen changes still preserve the heart of the original story. The Love Hypothesis begins streaming September 23 on Prime Video. What detail from the book were you most hoping to see onscreen? Share it in the comments—but please keep the discussion spoiler-conscious! Subscribe to Suspenders Unbuttoned Media for unbuttoned conversations and coverage of television, film, books and the creators bringing stories to life. **All photos and viedoes courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios**

The Minnesota State Fair has famous foods, fierce traditions, historic buildings, prize-winning art, and hundreds of thousands of visitors—but in Alec Fischer’s new documentary, the fair itself becomes the main character. In this episode, Alec joins Sarah and Julie to discuss THE FAIR, an observational feature documentary filmed over three years. With no formal interviews or archival footage, the film carries viewers through one full fair day, including the preparation before the gates open, the energy of the crowds, quieter moments among workers and animals, and the nightly reset after visitors leave. Alec explains how his team researched approximately 500 possible storylines, secured rare access to spaces cameras had not previously entered, and maintained editorial independence while collaborating with the Minnesota State Fair. The conversation travels through baking judging, crop art, historic architecture, handmade food, hidden gems, and the fair’s unique ability to unite urban and rural Minnesota. Julie also puts Alec through the essential Minnesota questions—from Pronto Pups to favorite buildings—and shares a little of her own blue-ribbon baking history. Follow THE FAIR at thefairdocumentary.com and @thefairdocumentary on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Join the newsletter through the film’s website for future festival, theatrical, and screening announcements.

What if you could watch a Christmas movie on a bus and then step into the real location where it was filmed?Producer Andrew Gernhard joins Ken and Deb Mayfield of Mayfield Tours to take Sarah and Julie behind the scenes of their immersive Christmas Movie Road Trips. They share how Deb's love of holiday movies sparked the original idea, why Andrew became the perfect storytelling partner and how screenings, filming locations, local restaurants, surprises and special guests turn a bus tour into a true fan experience.Explore Mayfield Tours and current trip information: https://www.mayfieldtours.com/Learn more about Andrew Gernhard and Synthetic Cinema International: https://www.syntheticcinema.com/Subscribe to Suspenders Unbuttoned Media for unbuttoned conversations with the actors, writers, authors and creatives behind the stories audiences love.

Anthony Jollett has built a life across business, film and music, but one idea connects it all: purpose.In this candid conversation with Sarah and Julie, Anthony opens up about surviving Synanon, building a people-first company, training as an actor, producing independent film and turning his own story into deeply personal music. He also shares the meaning behind “He Chose Love,” why creativity became a necessary outlet and what fatherhood taught him about doing hard things while still feeling afraid.Content note: This episode includes discussion of childhood trauma, violence, addiction, coercive control and forced medical procedures.Learn more about Tony by visiting https://linktr.ee/tonyjollett

Alvina August and Nathan Witte are falling into friendship, fall fun and possibly love in Hallmark Channel's Falling Into Place. We spoke with the stars about Kaia and James's unfinished fall bucket list, why an established friendship gave their romance room to develop naturally and what makes these two characters worth cheering for. They also shared what it was like working with Hallmark favorites B.J. Harrison, Stephanie Bennett and Geoff Gustafson during the movie's fast 12-day shoot. At the heart of the story is a timely reminder to slow down, put away the phone and ask whether the life moving so quickly around us is still the life we genuinely want. Falling Into Place premieres Saturday, September 12 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel and streams the next day on Hallmark+. What is still waiting on your fall bucket list? Tell us in the comments! Subscribe to Suspenders Unbuttoned Media for more unbuttoned conversations with the actors and creatives behind television, film and books. #FallingIntoPlace #HallmarkChannel #AlvinaAugust