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National Geographic’s Emmy-winning series “Genius” returns for a third season with “Genius: Aretha,” a dramatization of the life and career of Aretha Franklin. The legendary singer-songwriter follows Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso as the subject of the anthology series. In this episode of “The Making Of…”, host Stacey Wilson Hunt interviews costume designer Jennifer Bryan, choreographer Dondraico Johnson and cinematographer Kevin McKnight about the challenges of recreating many decades of Aretha’s groundbreaking style and talent. jSU630JfH8oqqEqHXI3dSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stories behind-the-camera are nearly as exciting as the ones that are shown in National Geographic’s new eight-part series Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller. In this episode, Peabody Award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller tells host Stacey Wilson Hunt about the risks she and her crew were willing to take to get incredible inside access to black markets around the globe. She gained the trust of the people who inhabit these secretive underground worlds, she says, by approaching them without judgment and found that the people operating these smuggling networks are “more like us than we like to think.”   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Geographic Documentary Films’ new documentary Rebuilding Paradise begins with the tragic wildfire that destroyed most of the town of Paradise, California, on Nov. 8, 2018.  What it then reveals is the astounding determination of the people of Paradise to rebuild their community and their lives.  Host Stacey Wilson Hunt talks with local school superintendent Michelle John, along with producers Sara Bernstein and Xan Parker, as they share stories of inspiration and the human capacity to overcome hardship as well as working alongside director Ron Howard to tell this story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few days after most of the town of Paradise, California, was tragically burned to the ground in 2018, legendary filmmaker Ron Howard sent a crew.  But unlike the other media that descended upon the picturesque town, Howard’s team would be alongside its residents for months, chronicling their future rather than dwelling on tragedy.  Howard explains to host Stacey Wilson Hunt how his team gained the trust of the people of Paradise and came to admire their strength, tenacity and optimism.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While a good documentary can leave viewers fascinated by its subject, creating “City So Real” has had the same effect on its production team. Host Stacey Wilson Hunt explores the making of National Geographic’s new five-part documentary series about modern-day Chicago with producer and sound recordist Zak Piper, cinematographer Kevin Shaw, and editor David E. Simpson.  The result is one of the most critically acclaimed docuseries of 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The five-part documentary series “City So Real” from Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Steve James (“Hoop Dreams,” “America to Me”) is a fascinating portrait of contemporary Chicago, delivering a deep, multifaceted look into the soul of a quintessentially American city. James shares his intimate understanding of his adopted hometown with host Stacey Wilson Hunt and the filmmaking and storytelling challenges of putting together a complex story like this one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent history is shown in fascinating detail in “Blood On The Wall” from National Geographic Documentary Films. Academy Award® nominee and bestselling author, journalist and filmmaker Sebastian Junger and Emmy®-winning filmmaker Nick Quested discuss the heartbreaking realities of corruption in Mexico with host Stacey Wilson Hunt. Quested and Junger reveal how their film crews were able to take viewers inside the lives of Central American migrants traveling together in a caravan and narco-traffickers moving drugs across the U.S. border.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The inspiring story of the original U.S. space program is told in a new National Geographic original scripted series for Disney+, “The Right Stuff.” Stacey Wilson Hunt interviews actors Patrick J. Adams (John Glenn), Jake McDorman (Alan Shepard) and executive producer Jennifer Davisson about making their gritty depiction of the astronauts’ competition with both the Russians and each other to be first in space.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most beloved science franchise on the planet made its highly anticipated return this spring with “Cosmos: Possible Worlds,” which was lauded by CNET as “more important than ever.” Series host and world-renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson talks with journalist Stacey Wilson Hunt about the importance of science in the current social and political climate, the legacy of the series, and more. For more information on “Cosmos: Possible Worlds” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc. For Your Emmy® Consideration for: Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program — Ann DruyanOutstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program — Brannon Braga Outstanding Special Effects And all other eligible categories NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new season of the Emmy®-nominated series “Brain Games” features a star-studded lineup of celebrity guests, from actors and musicians to entrepreneurs and athletes. Series host and executive producer Keegan-Michael Key joins Stacey Wilson Hunt to discuss the energy of the new season and his approach to helping the world’s biggest celebrities (and viewers at home) realize their exceptional brain power through fun and highly entertaining interactive games, illusions and social experiments.   For more information on “Brain Games” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc. For Your Emmy® Consideration for: Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special Outstanding Technical Director, Camerawork, Video Control for a Series Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program And all other eligible categories NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Geographic’s limited series “Barkskins” is a sprawling tale of mystery, drama and grit in 17th century New France dubbed “the next great TV epic” by Daily Beast. Showrunner and writer Elwood Reid talks with Stacey Wilson Hunt about adapting Annie Proulx’s epic New York Times bestselling novel, and is joined by cast members David Thewlis and Marcia Gay Harden. For more information on “Barkskins” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc. For Your Emmy® Consideration for: Outstanding Limited Series Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie — David Thewlis Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie — Marcia Gay Harden Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special — Elwood Reid Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) Outstanding Period Costumes And all other eligible categories NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hit adventure series “Running Wild with Bear Grylls” found its new, rightful home on National Geographic this season, with more action, stunts and visceral moments than ever before. Host and world-renowned survivalist Bear Grylls joins Stacey Wilson Hunt to go behind the scenes of the series, and they’re joined by one of this season’s most popular participants, radio personality Bobby Bones. For more information on “Running Wild with Bear Grylls” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc. For Your Emmy® Consideration for: Outstanding Structured Reality Program Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program — Bear Grylls And all other eligible categories NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted” shows a side of the multi-Michelin-star chef that many viewers have never seen before: humble student and adventure junkie. He and showrunner Jon Kroll join host Stacey Wilson Hunt to break down the challenges and thrills of going off-the-grid in pursuit of unfamiliar culinary inspirations, customs and history. For more information on “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc. For Your Emmy® Consideration for: Outstanding Structured Reality Program Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program – Gordon Ramsay Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program And all other eligible categories NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cult of Jeff Goldblum was never more alive and apparent than in his National Geographic original series for Disney+, “The World According to Jeff Goldblum,” which the New York Times called “nearly impossible not to like.” He joins host Stacey Wilson Hunt to discuss how he stays curious, even in quarantine, and shares some of his favorite moments from the series.  For more information on “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc. For Your Emmy® Consideration for: Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program And all other eligible categories NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The true force behind “Cosmos: Possible Worlds” is Ann Druyan: its creator, writer, director and executive producer. Her journey to the newest season of the series began more than 40 years ago through her partnership with Carl Sagan, her late husband. She joins host Stacey Wilson Hunt with writer and director Brannon Braga to talk about the process of putting the epic series together, and the future and enduring relevance of the cast cosmos itself. For Your Emmy® Consideration for: Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program — Ann DruyanOutstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program — Brannon Braga Outstanding Special Effects And all other eligible categories NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the many crafts that are crucial to creating the drama and emotion of a television program is the score. The composers of “Barkskins,” Colin Stetson, and “Sea of Shadows,” H. Scott Salinas, join host Stacey Wilson Hunt to talk about how they custom-created music for these ambitious projects; how they collaborate with showrunners; and the inspiration behind some of their favorite musical cues in each piece. For more information on “Barkskins,” “Sea of Shadows” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc. For Your Emmy® Consideration for: Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score) — Colin Stetson, “Barkskins” Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or Special (Original Dramatic Score) — H. Scott Salinas, “Sea of Shadows” NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Geographic’s “Life Below Zero” has been an Emmy®-winning crowd pleaser for more than 100 episodes. The only people tougher than the Alaskans the show follows are the tough crews who brave crazy weather and below zero temperatures to capture the incredible stories. Joining journalist Stacey Wilson Hunt are showrunner Joseph Litzinger, director of photography Michael Cheeseman and one of the series’ fan favorites, Sue Aikens. For more information on “Life Below Zero” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc. For Your Emmy® Consideration for: Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program Outstanding Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program And all other eligible categories NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Besieged civilians in war-torn Syria find hope and safety underground inside the subterranean hospital known as the Cave. Pediatrician and managing physician Dr. Amani Ballour has claimed her right to work as an equal alongside her male counterparts, doing her job in a way that would be unthinkable in the oppressively patriarchal culture that exists above. Joining host Stacey Wilson Hunt for a powerful conversation are both the subject of “The Cave,” Dr. Amani, and producer Sigrid Dyekjær. For more information on “The Cave” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc. For Your Emmy® Consideration for: Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program — Feras Fayyad Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program Outstanding Sound Editing and Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction or Reality Program (Single or Multi-Camera) And all other eligible categories NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the sweeping limited series “Barkskins,” production designer Isabelle Guay built an entire working 17th-century village in the wilderness of Quebec. Her colleague, costume designer Anna Terrazas, worked with a small group of seamstresses and patternmakers to hand-make every costume. Both join host Stacey Wilson Hunt for an in-depth discussion of their approach to their respective crafts in the series and across their impressive film and TV careers. For more information on “Barkskins” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc. For Your Emmy® Consideration for: Outstanding Limited Series Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) Outstanding Period Costumes And all other eligible categories NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The environmental documentary thriller “Sea of Shadows” exposes how Mexican cartels and government corruption have conspired to make the Sea of Cortez’ “vaquita” porpoise among the world’s most endangered species. Director Richard Ladkani joins Stacey Wilson Hunt to discuss the dangers his crew and subjects faced in making the film. They’re joined by legendary conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, a fervent supporter of the film, to discuss how documentaries can serve as rallying cries for the world’s most vulnerable species and ecosystems. For more information on “Sea of Shadows” and all of National Geographic’s 2020 Emmy® eligible programs, visit www.natgeotv.com/fyc. For Your Emmy® Consideration for: Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program — Richard Ladkani Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or Special (Original Dramatic Score) — H. Scott Salinas And all other eligible categories NOTE: This podcast was pre-recorded before the civil unrest and social justice reform movement taking place now in our country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.