One of the things I love most about ATX TV Festival is that you never know where a conversation is going to lead.
What begins as a discussion about a television series often becomes something much bigger. This year’s festival was no exception as I sat down with Brooke Shields and Amalia Williamson, The Hunting Wives creator Rebecca Cutter and author May Cobb, and The Other Bennet Sister creator Sarah Quintrell alongside star Ella Bruccoleri.
While each conversation focused on a different project, an unexpected theme emerged: identity, belonging, and finding your place in the world.
Brooke Shields and Amalia Williamson on Motherhood, Aging, and Identity
During our conversation, Amalia Williamson opened up about her fears surrounding motherhood and what becoming a parent can mean for women working in the entertainment industry.
The discussion quickly evolved into a thoughtful conversation about aging, career longevity, and how society often places women into categories based on where they are in life.
Brooke Shields offered a fascinating perspective, sharing that becoming a mother actually helped her feel more connected to herself and her body. The conversation highlighted the different pressures women face across generations while exploring how identity continues to evolve throughout life.
The Hunting Wives: From Financial Hardship to Television Success
One of the most emotional moments of the festival came during my conversation with Rebecca Cutter and bestselling author May Cobb.
While discussing the upcoming second season of The Hunting Wives, the conversation shifted toward the long road that brought the series to television.
Cobb reflected on the difficult period while writing the novel, revealing that her family faced significant financial uncertainty as she worked to establish herself as an author. She shared how the adaptation process ultimately changed her life.
Cutter spoke about discovering the novel and immediately recognizing its potential, while both women discussed the creative partnership that helped transform a bestselling book into a hit television series.
Their story serves as a reminder that perseverance often exists behind every overnight success story.
The Other Bennet Sister Explores a Universal Experience
The Other Bennet Sister reimagines the world of Pride and Prejudice by placing Mary Bennet at the center of the story.
During my conversation with Sarah Quintrell and Ella Bruccoleri, we explored why Mary continues to resonate with audiences.
What emerged was a powerful discussion about self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the feeling that everyone else seems to have life figured out while you’re still trying to find your footing.
Quintrell explained how Mary’s journey reflects the experiences many people carry with them from childhood into adulthood, while Bruccoleri shared how deeply she connected with the character during the audition process.
Perhaps the most surprising revelation was how many viewers—including men—have identified with Mary’s struggles to fit in and be accepted.
The Power of Storytelling
What connected all three conversations was the idea that everyone is searching for a sense of belonging.
Whether discussing motherhood, career struggles, creative perseverance, or overcoming self-doubt, each guest shared experiences that felt deeply personal while remaining universally relatable.
And at ATX TV Festival, those conversations continue to remind us why storytelling matters.
What was your favorite moment from these conversations? Let me know in the comments.
