I'm thrilled that Ben Rosenbaum could join me to talk about The Christmas Cup, premiering November 30th on Hallmark Channel. We get into everything—Quinn’s journey, his collaboration with Rhiannon Fish, stellar performances from his When Calls the Heart buddies and how they all ended up in Kelowna plus he shares what moments he's really excited for everyone to see.If you love Hallmark, WCTH, or following Ben’s work, then you don't want to miss our chat! Plus, Ben's headed to Weekend 3 of the Hallmark Christmas Experience and the new season of When Calls the Heart is just around th corner, January 4th, 2026.🎬 Watch, comment, and tell me what part of the interview stood out to you!#thechristmascup #whencallstheheart #hallmark
I laughed so much with Jennifer Wigmore! She joins me to talk about Melt My Heart This Christmas—her role as Bianca Bonhomme, what drew her to the script, and how she approached playing a legendary glassblower facing burnout and reinvention. We dig into her dynamic with Laura Vandervoort, the emotional layers behind Bianca’s journey, and the moment she thinks viewers will be talking about after the movie airs.Melt My Heart This Christmas premieres on Hallmark Channel November 23rd 8/7 pm. Streaming the next day on Hallmark Plus.We also pivot to Malory Towers, where Jennifer played Miss Grayling for four of the six seasons. She reflects on the cast, the moments that stayed with her, and what made the series special. Malory Towers can be watched on BYUTV in the States and on CBC Gem and River TV in Canada. Plus check it out on streaming platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime. She's also in Cross (Season 2 - airs Feb. 2026 on Amazon Prime)--she plays Chief Anderson!She also shares a fun surprise for fans: she actually knows Kevin McGarry, and we get into how their paths crossed. She may actually be the first member of the #mcgarries.Plus: upcoming projects, her work across the arts, and where fans can follow what’s next.If you enjoy conversations that give you something extra behind the scenes, this one’s worth the listen.#hallmark #podcast #feelgood
Niall Matter joins me to talk about his new Hallmark Christmas movie We Met in December, premiering Thanksgiving night. We dig into what drew him to the script, how he and Autumn Reeser created that instant spark, the emotional honesty behind Dave and Annie’s story, and the scenes he thinks will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.We also get into his role as Bael in Providence Falls—from what first hooked him to the challenges of playing a supernatural disruptor without leaning on clichés. And of course, Niall shares what fans can rewatch while waiting for We Met in December (Rip in Time), what’s next for him, and how you can follow his projects.#hallmark #christmasmovies #nialmatter #autumnreeser #podcast
The amazing Rhiannon Fish joins me to talk all about her new Hallmark movie A Christmas Cup, where she stars as Staff Sergeant Kelly Brandt—returning home after a knee injury throws her military future into doubt. What starts as a difficult homecoming turns into an unexpected challenge: leading her hometown team in the annual Christmas Cup.With the help of Fire Captain Quinn Stokley (Ben Rosenbaum), Kelly finds herself rediscovering purpose, leadership, and maybe something more. But when a call from the Marines forces her to choose between two futures, the stakes get real.We dig into:• What drew Rhiannon to Kelly’s story• Kelly’s internal tug-of-war between identity, injury, and purpose• Working with Ben Rosenbaum on his first lead• Quinn & Kelly’s meet cute and their dynamic• The vibe on set with all the When Calls the Heart cameos• The moments fans should watch for — including the “big moment”• Her favorite moments in the movie and what she hopes fans feel when the credits roll• What she’s looking forward to at the Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City
#thechristmascup #hallmark #podcast
Rachel Boston joins me to talk all about her new Hallmark Christmas movie The More the Merrier, where she stars as Alice, an ER doctor who always signs up for the Christmas Eve overnight shift. This year, a snowstorm shuts down the hospital, three births hit the ER at once, and Alice teams up with Brian, the new cardiologist played by Brendan Penny.We get into:• Who Alice is beyond the scrubs• The dynamic between Alice and Brian• Balancing triage-level chaos with an unexpected romantic spark• How Rachel approached the three simultaneous births• The surprising heart and peace in the middle of the mayhem• • What she hopes viewers remember most about Alice’s Christmas EvePlus: We chat Hallmark Christmas Cruise & her appearance this year at the Hallmark Christmas Experience – Week 4.#hallmark #christmasmovies #podcast
Director Dustin Rikert joins me again to unpack the stories behind Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. The movie centers on two next-door families who proudly carry the Bills Mafia spirit, but there’s a lot more brewing beneath the snow, the rivalry, and the romance.Dustin walks me through filming in Buffalo, how the weather shaped the shoot, and what it’s really like to make a movie inside Highmark Stadium. We also dig into the differences between this film and the Chiefs love story he directed earlier.One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation is the cast: Joe Pantoliano, Tony Danza, Tracy Pollan, Chris Brown, Caroline Aaron, Steve Schirripa, and Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott. Dustin explains how this eclectic mix came together and why it elevated the entire project. Plus, there are a lot of cameos coming our way!!!We also explore the biggest creative challenges, the scenes that tested the team, the surprises along the way, and the moments he hopes fans feel most deeply. Dustin's take on making this movie does not disappoint. There are so many goodies!If you love behind-the-scenes insight, comedy, a good love story or anything involving the Bills Mafia, this one’s worth watching.Instagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm#hallmark #christmasmovies #buffalobills
Erik Gow joins me to talk Christmas in the Clouds and his unforgettable turn as Pip—the jolly flight attendant. We dig into how he got the role, the improv that made it into the final cut, what really happened during that moment when he was inches from Erin’s face, and how director Peter Benson guided his performance.We also look beyond the airplane aisle and into Hope Valley. Erik breaks down his three seasons as Edwin Mitchel on When Calls the Heart: stepping into a long-running cast, finding Edwin’s voice, navigating the political tension of Season 12, and the challenge of returning to a character over multiple seasons. He shares favorite on-set memories and behind-the-scenes stories.We talk about the future too—Air Bud Returns, other projects he’s been building, and the work he’s most proud of. If you love the craft of acting, the heart of Hope Valley, or simply want a great behind-the-scenes look at how memorable characters come to life, this one’s worth watching.Instagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm#WhenCallsTheHeart #Hearties #WCTH
Writer Russell Hainline joins me to talk about Three Wisest Men and Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! He shares what fans can expect from the Brenner brothers’ next chapter — from chaos, comedy, and family surprises to the big Christmas moments that make Hallmark movies unforgettable. Russell also dives into working with Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, Andrew Walker, Kimberley Sustad, and Robert Buckley, plus how he keeps his scripts fresh, funny, and full of heart.🎄 Three Wisest Men 3 premieres this Saturday night on Hallmark Channel!🎁 Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper stars Robert Buckley and Kimberley Sustad and is now airing on Hallmark Plus.Jason Bourque - Director of Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper • Director Jason Bourque on Hallmark's Merry... Meghan Heffern - Actor in Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper • Meghan Heffern on Merry Christmas, Ted Coo... #Hallmark #ThreeWisestMen #MerryChristmasTedCooper #RussellHainline #HallmarkMovies #HallmarkChannel #PaulCampbell #TylerHynes #AndrewWalker #KimberleySustad #RobertBuckley #HallmarkChristmasInstagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm
In this episode, I sit down with actress-producer Fiona Gubelmann to unpack her dual role in the new A Royal Montana Christmas (watch on Hallmark + or check your Hallmark Channel listings). We dive into:
Whether you’re a die-hard Hallmark fan or fascinated by the actor-producer mindset, you’ll want to hear this.👇 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE, hit the 🔔, and join me in the comments with your favourite Hallmark Christmas moment!Instagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm#hallmark #hallmarkchristmasmovies #fionagubelmann
Under that sweeping Montana sky, Where the Wind Blows (2025) reminds you that sometimes the one you’re rescuing ends up rescuing you right back.Based on Caroline Fyffe’s bestselling novel, the 2025 film stars Ashley Elaine as Jessie Strong — a widow determined to survive on her own terms — and Trevor Donovan as Chase Logan, a drifter who never expected to find a home again. Their story unfolds against breathtaking landscapes, a stirring score, and a tone that blends classic Western grit with modern emotional depth and romance.In this conversation, Ashley Elaine — who not only stars in the film but also produced it — shares how Where the Wind Blows came to life, what it meant to take on both roles, and why Jessie’s journey of loss, resilience, and trust resonates so deeply. We talk about adapting the book, working with Trevor Donovan and an amazing supporting cast, and some amazing behind-the-scenes insights you're going to want to hear. 🎥 Watch Where the Wind Blows now on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.⏱ Chapters:00:01:20 - How Where the Wind Blows made it to film 00:04:00 - Goal of making this movie 00:05:18 - The journey viewers are in for with this movie 00:06:02 - Challenges or opportunities turning the book into a movie 00:07:30 - Who is Jessie Strong (Ashley’s character)?00:08:07 - Opening scene with C. Thomas Howell and Trevor Donovan 00:09:48 - The meet cute between Jessie and Chase 00:11:05 - Trevor Donovan as Chase Logan 00:12:35 - What do Jessie and Chase need in each other? 00:13:45 - Supporting Cast 00:16:50 - Similarities and differences from the book and movie 00:17:50 - Producing and Acting - doing those roles simultaneously 00:19:10 - Family film with boundary pushing00:21:02 - The tone of the movie - goals 00:22:22 - The cinematography 00:23:37 - The score 🎵00:25:32 - The wrap party 00:26:37 - A moment that turned out better than she thought it would00:28:30 - Challenging moments 00:29:57 - The rain scene in one take00:30:57 - The scene in the barn00:31:58 - Award nominations 00:33:56 - What we can take away from Jessie Strong’s journey🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.#WhereTheWindBlows #AshleyElaine #TrevorDonovan #WesternRomance #BehindTheScenes #MontanaSky #FilmPodcastInstagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm#wherethewindblow
Ginna Claire Mason joins me to talk all about her brand-new Hallmark movie A Newport Christmas — premiering Sunday night at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel and W Network in Canada, and Monday on Hallmark Plus!We had the best time diving into the film’s time-travel twist, the charm of 1905 Newport, and what happens when a socialite from the past meets a modern-day sailor (played by Wes Brown). Ginna opens up about her theatre background, her favorite on-set moments, and how working with director Dustin Rikert helped bring this visually stunning story to life.From filming at Bowen’s Wharf to exploring Ella’s emotional choice between love and legacy, this conversation gives fans a real look behind the magic. Whether you’re here for the romance, the costumes, or the deeper message about purpose and connection, this episode is for you.🎄 A Newport Christmas is everything Hallmark fans love — a sweeping love story, a touch of fantasy, and the kind of ending that lingers.And, be sure to check out her new single with Wes Brown "A Timeless Christmas." Released today!!!✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with your favorite Hallmark stars, writers, and directors.📺 Watch A Newport Christmas:Hallmark Channel (U.S.) — Sunday, 8/7cW Network (Canada) — Sunday, 8/7cHallmark Plus — Monday#GinnaClaireMason #ANewportChristmas #HallmarkChannel #WesBrown #HallmarkMovies #ChristmasMovies #HallmarkPodcastInstagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm
I had a blast talking with Director and Writer of "A Newport Christmas" Dustin Rikert. We dig into what makes this movie so unexpected — from its non-traditional story flow to the emotional love triangle that feels straight out of The Notebook. And, we talk about what it’s like collaborating again with Ginna Claire Mason and Wes Brown.Dustin takes us behind the scenes of filming in Newport and Buffalo, recreating grand mansions, and even building a boat on a sound stage. With breathtaking costumes, detailed production design, and a timeless theme of choosing between past and present love, A Newport Christmas promises to stand apart from the typical holiday formula. 🎧 Watch or listen now to hear why Dustin calls this one “a love story worth remembering.”#hallmark #podcast #christmas
Actress Meghan Heffern joins me to talk about her role as Kate Cooper in the upcoming Hallmark movie Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! From sibling chaos to Christmas comedy, Meghan shares behind-the-scenes stories, working with Robert Buckley, Kimberley Sustad, and director Jason Bourque, and what makes this holiday film so unpredictable.We also look back at some of Meghan’s fan-favorite roles — including her time on Wynonna Earp and Winter Castle. Plus, an amazing project coming to Netflix where she plays a young Sally Field.If you love Hallmark Christmas movies filled with family, laughter, and a touch of mayhem, or enjoyed seeing Meghan in previous projects this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.📺 Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper premieres Saturday, October 25th on Hallmark Channel and W Network. October 26th on Hallmark Plus.00:00:50 - Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper and Cameos; Who is Kate Cooper? 00:02:10 - Joining the Cast and working with a former producer 00:03:27 - Landing the role and meeting the cast 00:04:30 - Kate and Ted (the sibling relationship) 00:05:50 - Those fist bump moments with Robert 00:06:42 - The Elf costume and the Christmas party 00:07:48 - Is the movie unpredicatble? 00:08:36 - What surprised you most about the story? 00:09:34 - Working with Director Jason Bourque00:10:08 - Working with Robert Buckley as a lead and producer 00:11:30 - The comedic beats; what were those conversations like?00:13:01 - Ted Cooper and the mishaps 00:14:00 - Balancing the heart and the humor 00:15:11 - Playing the family and the fun 00:16:40 - Favorite part of working with this team 00:17:52 - Memorable day on set 00:20:25 - Other standout moments in the movie 00:21:45 - Craziest thing Meghan did in the movie 00:22:37 - Most excited for this moment 00:24:07 - How this role stretched her 00:25:09 - Winter Castle moments 00:28:00 - Reuniting with Kevin McGarry 00:29:00 - Working with Emilie Ullerup 00:29:50 - Past projects she's proud of 00:31:30 - The dramedy she enjoys 00:32:00 - The role she hasn't done 00:35:22- Three words to describe Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper00:35:50 - Upcoming movie where she plays Sally Field 00:36:40 - Getting to know Meghan game 🎙️ Subscribe for more interviews with Hallmark stars, directors, and writers — celebrating the stories that move us.Instagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm#hallmark #christmasmovies #podcast
What really goes into making a Christmas movie that feels both timeless and fresh? Director Jason Bourque (Our Holiday Story, A World Record Christmas) joins me to talk about his latest film Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper, starring Robert Buckley and Kimberley Sustad — a mix of slapstick, sincerity, and small-town heart.From hospital hijinks and escape rooms to the moments that made everyone laugh out loud on set, Jason opens up about:✨ What drew him to Ted Cooper🎬 How Robert Buckley balanced acting and producing💫 Creating that on-screen magic between Robert and Kimberley🏥 The challenge of filming emotional and comedic scenes🎨 The stunning production design 🎁 Why one small detail in the movie will make you look twice🎥 And what he’s learned after directing 12 Christmas movies and counting
🎧 Watch next: Interviews with other Hallmark directors, writers, and stars — only on Heart in Motion Media.📺 Subscribe for more conversations that celebrate the people behind the movies we love.Instagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm#hallmark #christmasmovies #podcastTimestamps:00:03:02 – Excitement for directing Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper00:05:06 – Robert Buckley as lead & executive producer00:06:43 – Balancing tradition and new boundaries00:09:43 – Filming the hospital scenes00:13:33 – Buckley & Sustad’s chemistry00:15:43 – Their characters in high school00:17:00 – Working with veteran actors00:21:39 – Balancing slapstick & grounding the story00:22:33 – Why he loves directing these films00:25:19 – Production design with Heather00:27:24 – Designing A Reason for the Season00:29:37 – Favorite moment to watch come together00:31:16 – Funniest on-set moment00:33:30 – Shoutout to Nelson & Graham, the DPs00:34:32 – Most heartwarming scene00:35:20 – Small detail to look for00:36:27 – The escape room sequence00:40:00 – Advice for new directors00:41:30 – Reflections on 12 Christmas films & working with Andrew Walker00:44:30 – Projects to check out (Our Holiday Story, A World Record Christmas w/ Nikki DeLoach, A Reason for the Season w/ Taylor Cole & Kevin McGarry)00:47:40 – Christmas Game: Getting to know Jason
I sat down with actress Shae Robins to dig into her journey—from making Christmas films on Great American Family, to stepping into the role of Natalie in A Christmas Prayer alongside Christopher Russell.In this conversation:- How Shae found her way into holiday-movies and what drew her to this particular project.- Who Natalie really is, how Shae brought pieces of herself into the character, and the emotional arc that carries through the story.- The dynamic with co-star Christopher Russell, playing a widower seeking new beginnings, and how that balances with Natalie’s path of healing and hope.- A behind-the-scenes glimpse: the moment that stretched Shae emotionally, the scene that inspired her, and the creative process of—yes—portraying a book illustrator with real slumps and breakthroughs.- What it’s like to film a holiday movie compared to other projects, and what Shae hopes viewers walk away feeling.- Plus: what’s next for her, and how you can stay tuned.Whether you’re a fan of Christmas stories, interested in faith-and-hope themes, or curious about the creative journey of an actor in this genre—this interview brings real talk, vulnerability, and inspiration.👉 Watch ‘A Christmas Prayer’ streaming on Pure Flix now. Tune in Saturday, October 18 at 8/7 c on Great American Family & GFam+.Don’t forget to subscribe, hit the bell, and share if you’re into meaningful storytelling.Instagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm
#podcast #faithandfamily #christmasmovies
Actress and producer Masey McLain (I’m Not Ashamed, The Baxters) joins me to talk about her newest film Soul on Fire, opening in theaters Friday, October 10th. Masey shares what it was like portraying Beth O’Leary—the real-life wife of burn survivor and motivational speaker John O’Leary—in this moving story of faith, love, and redemption.We also talk about her creative partnership with Taylor Kalupa, her upcoming holiday project Timeless Tidings of Joy with Candace Cameron Bure, Natasha Bure Perry, and Paul Greene, and an exciting collaboration with Roma Downey.From The Baxters to Soul on Fire, Masey continues to bring authenticity, faith, and emotional truth to every role. Hear how these experiences have deepened her walk with God and shaped her approach to storytelling.🎬 Soul on Fire opens nationwide Friday, October 10th.Get tickets to the Soul on Fire movie here: https://soulonfiremovie.com/tickets/Follow Soul on Fire on instagram: @soulonfiremovieFollow Masey Mclain : @maseymclain9138 🎄Timeless Tidings of Joy premiers on Great American Family on November 15th.💬 Watch now for an inspiring conversation on faith, resilience, and creating stories that move people.Follow Masey on Instagram: @maseymclainTikTok: @themaseymclainSubscribe for more interviews celebrating the people and stories that move us.#SoulOnFire #MaseyMcLain #JohnOLeary #FaithFilm #CandaceCameronBure #PaulGreene #RomaDowney #TheBaxters #ChristianMovies #WomenOfFaith #FaithInFilm #TimelessTidingsOfJoyInstagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm
I had such a fun time chatting with Emmanuella and Ruby Spencer, the talented twins behind Lyndy on Heartland and “Little Alice” in Lifetime’s The Little Girl Who Lived.In this interview, they share what it was like working with Brittany Bristow, how this movie differed from their years on Heartland, and what they loved most about stepping into a brand-new role.We also talk about their Nova Star Award win, their favorite on-set memories, and even a few funny behind-the-scenes stories (including who makes them laugh the most on set!).These two have grown up right in front of the camera — and their joy for storytelling is contagious.If you love Heartland, Lifetime movies, or just seeing young actors shine, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.📺 Watch The Little Girl Who Lived now on Lifetime and the Lifetime App, and catch Heartland Season 19 on CBC Gem.00:01:10 - The Girl Who Lived - Lifetime00:06:35 - Nova Star Award 00:07:18 - Heartland📸 Follow the twins: @spencer_twins on Instagram and TikTok.🎙️ More interviews like this on my Heart in Motion Podcast and YouTube channel.Instagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm#heartland #lifetime #podcast
I had the chance to sit down with Katie Stevens to talk about her journey from American Idol to The Bold Type and now stepping into the role of Cora in Hallmark’s Providence Falls.
We dive into:
Plus, Katie plays a round of rapid fire where she reveals the song she’d sing if she returned to American Idol, who she’d duet with, and which past project she’d bring back for a reunion.
If you loved Katie in The Bold Type, Faking It, or now in Providence Falls, this conversation goes deeper into her artistry, her choices, and the stories that have shaped her.
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that celebrate the people who bring our favorite stories to life.Instagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm#providencefalls #katiestevens #theboldtype #americanidol #hallmark
I sat down with Jon McLaren to cover four very different projects that highlight just how versatile he is as an actor.We talk about his new role as Lewis Hedges in Crossroad Springs — including working again with Erin Agostino, filming that pivotal baptism scene, and what’s ahead for Season 1.Jon also takes us behind the scenes of A Husband to Die For: The Lisa Aguilar Story, his first true-crime role. He shares how he prepared for the intensity of playing Darren, what it was like to film the attack scene, and why this story will shock viewers.From there, we shift to Brookfield. Jon reflects on playing Sam Tremblay in When Hope Calls — from eating way too many cookies to that fireworks finale with Maggie — and what he hopes for Sam’s future.And of course, we couldn’t miss Christmas. Jon talks about Christmas in Midnight Clear, the magic of holiday movies, his chemistry with Alicia Josopovic, and the big moment fans will be talking about.It’s a wide-ranging conversation that shows why Jon is a talent worth following.#crossroadsprings #ahusbandtodiefor #whenhopecalls #achristmasinmidnightclear #greatamericanfamily #pureflix #lifetime #lifetimemovies #truecrime #romcom #christmasmovies
In this conversation, I sit down with Kate Drummond to talk about her new role as Aunt Amy Hamilton in Crossroad Springs on Great American Family. We dive into what first drew her to the project, how she brought Aunt Amy’s faith and resilience to life, and why certain scenes at the ranch hit so hard.Kate also reflects on her time on Heartland, shares how living on a ranch in Alberta shaped her, and opens up about some of the special moments in Crossroad Springs that mean so much to her. She even talks about singing on screen, behind-the-scenes laughs with Jonathan Stoddard, and what she wants to know about her character.We also look ahead — Kate teases upcoming projects!If you love stories about family, faith, and resilience, you won’t want to miss this interview.#crossroadsprings #faithandfamily #tvseries