Ready to pull back the curtain on reality TV? In this episode of Best in Fest, powerhouse producer Kellie Dancho—the creative force behind hits like FBOY Island, America’s Got Talent, and Rhythm & Flow—shares how today’s unscripted shows are crafted, cast, and edited for maximum drama and laughs.

🎬 Inside the episode:

• The real (and hilarious) secrets behind producing FBOY Island and F Girl Island
• How Rhythm & Flow changed the game for music competition shows on Netflix
• The art of casting unforgettable characters—and why authenticity still matters
• Competition show legal rules you didn’t know about (yes, it's just like Jeopardy)
• How reality TV evolved from Survivor to social media stardom
• Insider advice for women and newcomers trying to break into entertainment

From setting up viral-worthy reality moments to mastering the chaos behind the scenes, Kellie’s journey is a must-hear for anyone obsessed with TV, content creation, or surviving the entertainment jungle.

What do exploding Zoom speakers, killer mice, and surprise parades have in common? Actress and producer Allison Pittel.

In this no-holds-barred episode of Best in Fest, Allison dishes on her rise as a modern scream queen—from indie horror hit Terrifier to the Disney-gone-wrong chaos of Streamboat, where Steamboat Willie gets a slasher makeover. She also reveals what it’s really like producing reality TV with Mike Rowe, juggling 100 balloons and zero reshoots on Returning the Favor.

🎬 What you’ll hear:

• Why her scream is now legend in horror casting rooms
• Acting against puppets, air, and pure terror
• The magic (and madness) of horror conventions
• How public domain horror is rewriting the genre
• The emotional engine behind authentic fear onscreen

If you love horror, hustle, and behind-the-scenes gold, this episode is a must-listen.

Struggling to stay on track with your creative or professional goals? Award-winning author and goal strategist Debra Eckerling joins Best in Fest to break down her powerful DEB Method—Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path—to help you set and actually achieve your goals. Whether you're in entertainment, a business professional, or just someone trying to get their act together, Debra shares actionable steps, real-life success stories, and mindset shifts to boost your productivity and focus. 🎯

We also dive into her new book “52 Secrets for Goal Setting and Goal Getting”, productivity hacks, how to use journaling to gain clarity, and how to turn your passions into tangible wins. Perfect for creatives, entrepreneurs, writers, and multi-hyphenates ready to finally get it done.

What does it take to transition from the U.S. Marine Corps to the big screen? Actress Dee Freeman shares her incredible journey from serving in the military to gracing the stage and screen, including her gripping true-crime solo show, Poison Gun. From breaking barriers as a woman in the USMC to tackling Hollywood’s toughest auditions, Dee’s story is one of resilience, humor, and an unbreakable spirit. Tune in as she and Leslie LaPage dive into the power of storytelling, the challenges of theater, and the untold history of women Marines.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with actress and fitness expert Kerstin Schulze to uncover the secrets behind Hollywood’s most sculpted bodies. From training A-list stars like Chris Hemsworth to landing roles in The Righteous Gemstones and American Horror Story, Kerstin shares her journey from competitive sports to the big screen. Discover the truth about Hollywood fitness trends, the power of diet and discipline, and how she balances acting with her passion for health. Tune in for insider tips, industry wisdom, and inspiration to fuel your own fitness and career goals!

From Bollywood dreams to Hollywood reality, filmmaker and editor Alpesh Patel shares his incredible journey in the entertainment industry. In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage dives into Patel’s career—from writing award-winning screenplays and directing indie films to editing over 30 reality TV shows, including Ghost Hunters and Expedition X. Discover how he navigated the film industry, built a production studio in Pennsylvania, and his plans for launching a new comedy series. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a content creator, Patel's insights on storytelling, AI in film, and breaking into Hollywood will inspire you. Don't miss this insider's guide to making it in the business!

Award-winning screenwriter Amir Ohebsion joins Best in Fest to share the real journey behind getting an indie film made—from winning Slamdance to self-producing his own features. Discover the highs, the hustle, and the hard truths of Hollywood’s screenplay competitions, financing indie films, and why writing with passion is the key to success. Plus, get the inside scoop on All There Is, premiering at the Beverly Hills Film Festival!

What does it take to go from modeling to starring in films with Hollywood legends? Actor Blake Boyd joins Best in Fest to share his journey—from off-Broadway stages to leading roles in movies like Cash Collectors. He dishes on audition secrets, working with Michael Madsen, and the power of taking risks in acting. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories from his time on Shameless, Rocketman, and more!

Tune in for an inside look at Hollywood, indie filmmaking, and the mindset that keeps Blake booking roles.