I am a late-comer in terms of podcasting. In fact, I don’t even listen to podcasts on my phone. (That might change since I am in the process of upgrading my phone, but…) However, podcasting appears to be the wave of the future, and while I don’t believe I am called to be a full-time podcaster in any sense of the word, there is nothing like listening to a podcast where the host(s) is/are truly passionate about their subject matter and they attempt to be as authentic as possible. I readily connect with those kinds of people anyway, and so when it was announced earlier this year that the Hallmark Channel was hiring two full-time podcasters for their official podcast, I was absolutely dumbfounded! Furthermore, when I saw that Jacks and Shawl of “The Bubbly Sesh” were the ones who were going to hold that prestigious position, I honestly thought I was seeing things! I had been watching their progression all throughout 2018, and while it took me some time to recognize just how committed, enthusiastic and genuine they really were (and are), it didn’t take too long before I became totally “Team Bubbly Sesh!” Recently, in light of their April 15th launch, I had the honor of sitting down and chatting with both of these lovely ladies. I am thrilled to share our chat with my readers today!
RH: It is so nice to chat with both of you today! Thanks for your time, Jacks and Shawl.
J: Oh, thank you for having us, Ruth.
S: It is truly a privilege to speak with you, Ruth, and thanks for all of your support.
I hope both of you are having a great launch.
S: Oh, we are, thanks, Ruth. There is nothing quite like Hallmark programming. I am always saying how you never have to worry about the movie or shows on Hallmark. I love the fact that no matter who walks into the room when the network is on, you’re not going to see anything disturbing.
Oh, that’s so true! My daughter used to watch Hallmark when she was younger, but she’s a teenager now. Now my parents and I always watch the channel together, and it’s great! My daughter is a Signed, Sealed, Delivered fan, and she used to be a Heartie too. But once Jack and Elizabeth got engaged on When Calls the Heart, she was done with that series. {laughs}
J: Oh, she’s not into all the romance. I get that. {laughs}
I’ve often told people how my memory of the big engagement scene in When Calls the Heart was almost ruined by my mom and my daughter. They tend to think alike, and when they saw the candles lighting the way to the engagement, they were both over there cracking jokes like, “I wonder how many pickle jars Jack needed for those candles.” And I was just trying to ignore them and enjoy the moment! {laughs}
J: It sounds like one of those things that in the rearview mirror, it is funny and fine, but when it was going on, it was not as funny.
Very true, but it’s a funny story to tell now. My parents and I watch the channel almost all the time, and actually, my dad’s favorite show on Hallmark right now is Meet the Peetes. He will stay up late to watch it!
S: I thought the most recent episode that was on last week was really good, didn’t you, Ruth?
Oh, we did too! We do all we can to make sure we keep current on the season. Now, I want to be sure to say congratulations to both of you! I cannot even tell you how excited I was when it was announced that you had become the official podcasters for Hallmark! I didn’t have a clue that was in the works with Hallmark. But this is happening! People that I actually know are becoming the official Hallmark podcasters!
J: Ruth, we were actually looking at each other throughout this whole process almost not believing it either!
S: It happened fast, and we are just so excited. And, Ruth, you’ve been on our show, so know that we love these movies. We actually started the podcast because…we went out to get a bottle of bubbly together. We started this podcast originally because we were talking about how we loved these movies. It was like two years ago, and we confessed to each other that we loved Nine Lives Of Christmas. My daughter was really young at the time, and I was saying how I had a very challenging day, but Nine Lives Of Christmas was on. I was telling all this to Jacks, and I said, “You probably don’t know it.”
J: And I knew it! {both laugh} I know that movie!
S: And with that, it was like the floodgates had opened!
J: We could not stop talking about it, and we haven’t stopped talking about it since!
S: We wanted to creatively collaborate on something together because we’re both actors, and that led us to start this podcast so we could talk about these Hallmark movies that we love! And here we found out that we love them together. And we wanted to share it with other people, like you and other Hallmarkies that have been on the show. And even getting to interview talents. I mean, even from an actor’s perspective, it’s really great to hear from other actors.
J: I can add to that. These movies are life-changing in many ways. When any of us have a bad day, we can put on a Hallmark movie and feel better.
S: And if I feel good, I can watch one of these movies and keep the party going!
J: Yeah!
S: I think Hallmark has been recognizing that podcasts sort of keep cropping up. And we were here in New York, and we were able to meet with them, and it just sort of happened.
J: And, Ruth, you know this because you are such a valuable member of the Hallmark family and you talk to so many people. This is really amazing to be interviewed by you, so thank you.
S: Yes, we are honored. Thank you.
J: Everyone at Hallmark has been so nice and so lovely.
S: Not that we expected anything different, but it is a true testament to who they are and what they do. They have been so welcoming to us and really have cared about us throughout this process. It is so exciting that now we’re going to be full-time here with Hallmark.
J: It’s also wonderful because we have worked so hard. The passion we have for these movies and the passion we have for our friendship is something that means so much to us.
S: I mean, goodness, we covered all thirty-eight Christmas movies and we always do a recap for every movie! That was last year’s Christmas movies, and now there’s forty this year!
I know you ladies covered every single one! And while that number is forty now, I bet that number will increase. It did last year quite regularly.
J: Isn’t that the truth?
Now, when Hallmark announced that they were starting their own podcast–I think Brennan Elliott was the first person to officially mention it to me–as I was listening, I kept wondering how these actors were going to find time to host this podcast in addition to filming and all their other responsibilities. And then, some of the actors are not as comfortable in the role of hosting, and so that could be another issue. And I get that because hosting a podcast is not one of my strengths. But the good thing about bringing you guys in is that you both know podcasting. That’s your strength. You can focus on that rather than trying to go to set, learn your lines, and all that.
J: You know, I think it’s great having the Hallmark actors as guests on the podcast, and some of them are great hosts, but I think the continuity is really important. If you have the two of us, you know that we will always be there and bring on great guests. There are not any Hallmark actors who could commit to hosting a podcast every week and giving it that kind of continuity. It’s nice to feel like that’s an ongoing conversation that we’re having with the fans and the listeners.
And I tell you, one of the most impressive hosts of the Hallmark podcast before you came along was Niall Matter. I couldn’t get over what a great interviewer he was. But even with him, if I had to choose between hearing him host the podcast or make movies, I’m gonna pick making movies every time!
S: We want to see Niall’s face.
J: Yes, I want to see his face and hear his voice.
Exactly! He’s one of my favorites.
J: You know from doing this for quite some time, getting talent is not always easy. You’re now like a seasoned pro and everyone knows you…when we were first starting out until really just a little bit ago, it was hard to get talent on the show.
S: What’s cool about this is we can bring a lot of talent interviews that we not have been able to schedule before. Now that we’re working with Hallmark, we can bring a lot of that talent to the viewers who want to hear from them. And Niall would be great to have on as a talent interview.
You recently had Andrew Walker on and Lacey Chabert! I mean you hit the ground running with your launch!
J: Yes, we just launched on April 15th, and we have even more great stuff lined up.
S: If you haven’t subscribed, you still can. Be sure to check out everything over on the Hallmark website. {All links will be found at the end of the interview.}
J: If you are a loyal listener, you know that we put out a call to action, and some of you have responded. We want to know what people want to hear. Please let us know who you think we should interview and what kinds of things you’d like to hear in our recaps.
S: We have been amazed not only by the kindness of the Hallmark community but also their creativity. People come up with the best ideas, and we’re happy to implement as many of those as possible.
J: And going back to the actors, we realize they are human beings, and what Shawl and I bring to this process is that we are fans. We are you guys. This is our community, and that’s what makes this so exciting. Hallmark has recognized that they really want to engage their fans in an even deeper way.
Now, when I think back to when I first started listening to you guys…I think I discovered you like a year ago or so.
J: We started in December of 2017.
S: We started in the middle of the Christmas season, so we only did a few podcasts on the Christmas movies back then.
J: Yes, we only did two episodes. Then we officially started with Winterfest 2018.
Okay, I didn’t realize that. So at first…honestly, when I first heard you both, my thought was, “Are they for real?” I know that might sound bad, but I have been doing this long enough to see how sometimes podcasters or journalists start out with loads of positivity and energy, and then as time goes on, they lose interest and sometimes even become negative. I wanted to make sure this energy and excitement was who you two really were. And as we have seen, this is really who you both are! And as you went on, you honed your style and you keep raising the bar. And that is what I really like. You both are never stale; you are always exciting. And when it comes to your recaps, it’s not like you’re just asking what you liked and didn’t like. I love the idea that you put in these games.
S: We’re so glad. I think the Hallmark fans like those too.
Now, I’ll tell you that when I was first on the show, I really didn’t want to play a game.
{Laughter from all}
But you both made the games so much fun that the last time I was on, I totally bombed the game that had questions about Fiji. But I had so much fun!
S: That was Pearl In Paradise, right? And you were the co-host for that one. You were my “Jacks” for that one.
Yes, that’s right. So, let me explain. I’m one who if I go to a party, I tend to stand off in the corner and not really mix with the crowd. But if someone invites me to do something with the group, I’ll grudgingly agree. But once I get into it, I enjoy it. So it’s the same kind of feeling with your games. While you had to kind of encourage me to do it, once I got into it, it was fun. You don’t make the games intimidating.
J: I get it. I grew up playing basketball…my mom and my dad were basketball coaches for my sister’s and my basketball team. And they didn’t even start me because I was so bad. They were like, “Oh, you have other talents.” That’s probably why I’m podcasting now. But it’s funny that you say that because I also love games, Ruth, but I do tend to get stressed out when things are competitive. Or if I feel like I’m gonna be wrong. I feel you because I don’t like that sort of pressure. So we always hope we’re bringing games that are nice and light and fun. And we’re encouraging you every step of the way. Otherwise, I’d be stressed out right along with you.
S: And we want to make sure that we are welcoming too. We feel so blessed with this medium and to be able to connect with other fans and other people who love this network. It’s so exciting when we can welcome you. And we want to have some fun too. Our purpose is to have a little fun and brighten your day. If you’re on with us and you’re just listening to Jacks and me chatting, we want to be your friend at the party who comes up to you and says, “Hey, you wanna chat about this movie with us?” What we really hold dear is connecting with people. We want to make sure you’re having fun, and you’re having a good time. Or you’re thinking about something deeper. I know with you that when we did A Peal In Paradise, that movie was chock full of some very beautiful themes. And we were able to explore a lot of that. And with us, that’s something huge about our show.
J: Yes, I think we can agree that this is what makes our show special. Not many podcasters are doing it quite in this way. It’s wonderful to find the meaningful side of movies.
I agree. I think you both have found the voice for your show, and it is a unique, fun style. And maybe it takes some convincing for some people to buy into you and your style only because of some of those other podcasters who have been way too negative or have not continued to do a good job. But I have found that once people listen, they discover like I did that you are genuine and fun. And after all, if Hallmark has decided to take you on, that’s a definite seal of approval, I would say. Personally, I don’t think they could have chosen anyone better.
S: Oh, thank you, Ruth. We are so blessed to be here.
I’m glad you both are so positive and upbeat. I know that fandoms are not always like that, but for the most part, Hallmark fans are like that. There are a few who tend to be negative, but most of those go away as time goes on.
J: I think that’s a great thing, Ruth. We are really positive people, but we’re also very authentic. I think the thing about Hallmark is..Shawl and I have always loved Hallmark movies. That’s the truth. But over the past three years, even as actors and people who are quite discerning about the craft and the movie-making in general, I would say these movies are getting better and better, Ruth. I think people who think that Hallmark is cheesy or they don’t watch it haven’t really been watching it in the last few years.
I totally agree!
J: The quality of writing they are putting out–the production value, the directing, and the acting…they are truly incredible films.
S: I mean they transport you! They literally take you to Fiji, Belgium, and there’s the one that was just shot in Paris. It is incredible how they are able to transport people! You are sitting in your living room and you’re able to go on a romantic journey, an inspiring journey, and have your family be able to watch with you and all enjoy it together.
J: And actually watch a murder mystery and not have to cover your eyes.
S: And to your point about the positivity…I think it’s really easy to tear something down and to go down that route. I think we try our best to look at the movies because we love them. But our “Gush & Gags” segment is our time to admit that not every movie is perfect. We know that, and Hallmark knows that too. So that is our chance to lovingly say what we would have wanted the characters to do differently. And maybe how we wanted the storyline to go a different way. But overall, it is with a joy and love that these films bring.
You know, I was telling them at UpFront… Jacks and I had to make a presentation, and it was a little nerve-wracking. You’ve met Bill {Abbott} and Michelle {Vicary}. Everyone at Hallmark has been incredible, so loving and so kind. But you know what? Michelle even came up to us and held our hands before we went on stage. And she gave us this little, mini pep talk. And when we were up there, I confided to the entire room how Hallmark made a huge difference for me when I became a mom especially.
In the early months with my daughter and being a new mom, I wasn’t getting a lot of sleep. It was a lot of caregiving. It’s joyful, but it’s tiring. There were some dark moments. So being able to turn on a Hallmark movie at night or if I could nurse my daughter when she’d wake up and I could put on a Hallmark movie, it was my chance to escape. Or if I was having a good day, it just helped me keep the party going. I think this is something that is really impactful for so many people. It’s a powerful, powerful network. And we’re just pumped that they recognized that we want to chat about their movies! It is not even a job for us, Ruth!!
J: That’s right! It’s not a job! It’s a dream! We come to work and chat about these movies and interview these immensely talented artists.
S: It’s just awesome! It really is!
Well, I’m thrilled for you both. Now, I know you’ve just launched, but I admit that I tend to dream a lot for the special people I support. Sure, I have my own dreams, but I am always telling my actor friends how I look forward to their first leading role in a Hallmark movie or something like that. You are both now on that list of people I really support. So I now can hardly wait till you both are on a Hallmark movie set and do your podcast from there. You can interview the people from set, and maybe they’ll even put you in a small role in the movie. That’s my dream for you.
S: That amazing, Ruth, and speaks to who you are as a person. Not only do you believe in us, but you’re dreaming for us.
J: Ruth, I’m tearing up right now! You’re graciousness of spirit…I’m really moved. Like we said, we are so grateful for this opportunity. We want to make sure that we are representing our community in the best way possible. To have your support and to have your backing, you are such an inspiration, Ruth. To have you push for us and to dream for us is just so amazing. Thank you, Ruth.
S: Yes, thank you so much, Ruth.
You’re welcome. And maybe they’ll put you on Home & Family (actually, that happened a couple days after I said it!).
S: We are open to everything and just feeling blessed for every opportunity.
You dropped some amazing episodes on your launch day, so I hope everyone checks them out. And I notice there are more to come!
J: Yes, we hope everyone subscribes to the podcast.
S: We got to do an interview with Lacey Chabert. And there’s one with Fiona Gubelmann coming later this week on Thursday.
Well, we’ll definitely watch out for that one. I’ve still got to get caught up on your “launch day” episodes. Now, just one last question. It seems like every time you turn around, a new podcast crops up. You both are now seasoned professionals in the area of podcasting. What is your advice to people who might be thinking of starting their own podcast?
S: That’s a really good question.
J: I think the first piece of advice–and this is really simple–but number one, find someone you like talking to and something that you’re passionate talking about.
S: If you want to do a co-host show, that is a definite. But if you want to do something on your own, definitely the idea behind your podcast has to be something that you’re not gonna get sick of! Also, think about making it unique and interesting. To your point, there are so many podcasts now. The market is sort of flooded with them. Try to make it something a little bit different, but something you’re passionate about. And of course, learning about the mechanics of podcasting and what makes a good podcast is also important. It’s not just talking, right? There is an art form to it. You’ve seen that with our show. It’s sort of trial by fire. We started to have segments and we started to have some themes that we picked out.
J: We love relationships and romance, and that’s a huge reason why we love these movies. So that’s what we focus on.
S: Then with the mysteries, Jacks loves mysteries. She grew up watching mysteries. So when we chat about the mysteries, we can make it fun and chat about how we did or didn’t figure out who did it. And you need to figure out the format of your show and how you’re going to lay it out as well.
J: I think also listening to other podcasts that interest you is another great way to gain inspiration for that too. That has been great for both of us. We’ve listened to a lot of podcasts. Although our interests overlap a lot and we listen to many of the same ones, we also have very different interests. That has been helpful for us as we see how other people are doing it. We can say what we like about this podcast or what was not our favorite about it. I think it’s fun to do research in the medium you’re interested in. So I think one of the best ways to learn is to listen to as many podcasts as you can.
S: Then there’s the tech aspect behind it. And because it’s so popular now, the internet is literally flooded with information.
J: Yes, the internet is a wealth of resources. There are so many YouTube videos. You can look at the setup that people have and figure out how to adapt that for your own show.
S: You can figure out editing or even outsource editing to others if you have the financial means to do so. Now, for me personally, I want people to take away something from our show. Whether you’re just feeling good or having a good time. Or if we’ve had a talent interview with someone and that person has given us some words of wisdom that you can take into your own life, that’s what we’re going for.
That is such incredible advice. I just want to thank you Jacks and Shawl, for taking the time to chat with me. We are so excited now that you are officially here. It is an honor to follow your journey!
S: Ruth, we can’t thank you enough for your support and the support of all the fans.
J: We are definitely doing our dream job, and we thank you and the fans for all the support along the way!
Can I even put into words how extraordinary these two ladies are? Working for Hallmark has to be a dream job, and here they both are living their dreams! Seeing someone chase their passions and then have the opportunity to earn a living by following the true desires of their heart…I don’t think there’s a better feeling in this world. Jacks and Shawl are living examples of the old adage that asserts, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” (Though I tend to think their current position has even exceeded their dreams!) I am blessed to have both of these women in my life, and it boggles the imagination to consider how far things may progress for them even six months from now!
Which brings me to the most vital part of the interview. PLEASE, Hallmarkies, follow the Bubbly Sesh at all the links below! Subscribe to their podcast, send them a tweet, message them on Facebook, and watch their Instastories! These women are rapidly becoming the Hallmark fan’s conduit to the Hallmark network as they connect fans in a genuine way to the stars and the other talented people who bring us stunning, heartfelt movies and stories week after week. Even though these incredible women live on the other side of the U.S. from me, it is entirely evident that Jacks and Shawl are kindred spirits, and whenever I see them in my newsfeed on social media, they ALWAYS make me smile. Here’s hoping they get to visit a Hallmark movie set very soon, and I can hardly wait to hear every single interview and recap they will be providing for the fans! Their spunk, sense of humor, humility, and vivaciousness is infectious, and I am infinitely honored to have given them their first interview as the Official Hallmark Network Podcasters!
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