Listener Mailbag: Two Gingerbread Lattes, Please!
We’re back with another Listener Mailbag episode, and this one has everything: your voicemails, your emails, an ode to the gingerbread latte, and some seriously strong opinions about the state of Hallmark’s holiday lineup. From Mistletoe Murders to Newport Christmas, we’re diving into what you had to say about the early hits of the 2025 Countdown to Christmas season on Hallmark.
Listen to the Listener Mailbag Episode
Mistletoe Murders Season 2
Listeners agree — Mistletoe Murders is delivering! Dawn called in to say this season is “by far better than last season,” and even her 14-year-old niece is watching. Hallmark made a smart move to include younger characters and embrace social media stars to capture new audiences. (Looking at you, The Way Home young adults!)
Surprise Hit: A Keller Christmas Vacation
It’s not the Russell Hainline movie or the Three Wise Men sequel everyone was buzzing about, but A Keller Christmas Vacation is quietly becoming a fan favorite. We can’t help but feel like proud parents, in spite of the fact that we had absolutely nothing to do with this movie.
Fun fact: this is the movie Jonathan was traveling to film right after his Girls Gone Hallmark interview in 2024!
Gingerbread Latte Season Is Back!
Krista wrote in about Trader Joe’s new oat milk gingerbread creamer, and we can already confirm that we’re a fan. It’s not overly sweet, which is a problem we have with a lot of holiday drinks. Pro tip: If you’re also put off by sickly sweet drinks, order them “half sweetened” so your coffee still tastes like coffee.
Felicity Flashback
After an email comparing Robert Buckley to Scott Speedman last month, listener Tracy wrote to update everyone on what Team Ben heartthrob Scott Speedman is up to these days. He’s filming a new ABC series called RJ Decker in North Carolina. (Sorry, he’s not on Grey’s Anatomy anymore.)
Paula vs. Christmas On Duty
Paula did not mince words. Her verdict: “The plot was stupid, the military details were wrong, and everyone was too old.” As a former service member, Paula called Hallmark out for getting the ranks, structure, and lingo all wrong. But Paula did send a follow-up to say she loved Newport Christmas and praised Hallmark for finally nailing a time-travel movie.
Newport Christmas Lovefest
Sarah wrote in raving about A Newport Christmas and gave it a 9.5 on the smooch-o-meter. She went on to praise the costumes, the kisses, and Keith’s impeccable wardrobe design. (Keith Nielsen, aka Keith Costumes isn’t doing press this season, but we hope he’ll be back on the podcast soon.)
Snow Bride Elevator Encounter
Lisa shared the best story: she met Snow Bride star Jordan Belfi in an elevator in Waikiki! “I said, ‘You played Bobby’s brother,’ and he said, ‘I was the lead — I got the girl!’” We’re still laughing about this encounter and Snow Bride remains one of our underrated faves.
Dickens Easter Eggs
Facebook moderator Mackie wrote in with her own “Did You See That” moments from Christmas Above the Clouds. The Charles Dickens references abound!
Worth noting: Megan’s Christmas movie loving husband also noted a few nods to the Bill Murray take on A Christmas Carol, Scrooged.
Providence Falls Defense Squad
Eliza sent a passionate email defending Providence Falls against its critics, calling out Hallmark fans for being “stuck in their ways.” Megan and Wendy agree that the trilogy was mis-marketed as a “three-part special event” instead of what it really was: a beautifully made movie trilogy.
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