Meri Haitkin has spent decades crafting the stories that keep audiences coming back—without a script. The Emmy and Webby-winning executive producer joins Danielle to share what makes unscripted television so powerful, how lived experiences shape the best storytelling, and why reality TV is anything but easy. If you love the drama behind the drama, this episode is a must.
Episode 20
// 08.05.25
The Real Story Behind Reality TV—with Emmy Award-winning producer, Meri Haitkin
Meri Haitkin helped shape the reality TV you love—Project Runway, Top Chef, and more. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to tell powerful unscripted stories—and why the best producers are story architects first.
Play TeaserMore from this show
You’ve seen his story on screen in The Informant. In this episode, Mark Whitacre sits down with host Danielle Krischik to talk about...
In this solo episode of The Story Effect, Danielle reveals the simple formula for creating stronger relationships, deeper trust, and higher...
Garry Ridge cracked the code for leading with purpose. As CEO of WD-40, he grew the company into a global success by putting people at the...