about dawdlefish productions
At Dawdlefish Productions, we are passionate about creating content that connects, sharing stories that are thoughtful, authentic, and enriching. Founded over a decade ago by Emmy-nominated producer and host Stephanie Zaita Peterson, our mission is to bring meaningful stories to life—stories that inspire, inform, and reflect the human experience
Our journey began in New Jersey with our first production, Culture Kitchen, a locally produced show that earned an Emmy nomination. Since then, we’ve continued to develop projects that resonate with audiences, staying true to our vision of storytelling that makes an impact.
meet stephanie, the storyteller behind dawdlefish productions
Stephanie Zaita Peterson is an Emmy-nominated television producer and host with over 25 years of experience in the broadcasting industry. She currently hosts Hometown Heart, a program dedicated to showcasing the stories of small businesses, local heroes, and unique towns across America. Previously, she served as the executive producer and host of Culture Kitchen, a locally produced show that earned an Emmy nomination.
Stephanie’s passion for storytelling and connecting with audiences has been a hallmark of her career. She co-hosted Southern Living Presents alongside Claude Mann, bringing the beloved magazine to life in a dynamic lifestyle show.
She began her career producing for WNBC in New York before taking on roles as a reporter for KMIR in Palm Springs and a producer for KNBC in Los Angeles. Her work also includes contributions to syndicated programs such as Extra and Access Hollywood. Stephanie holds a Bachelor's degree in English from Dowling College.
community engagement
Dawdlefish Productions is committed to community involvement. We believe in the power of storytelling to effect positive change and strive to highlight initiatives that make a meaningful impact. Through our dedicated team and compelling projects, Dawdlefish Productions continues to enrich the media landscape with content that entertains, informs and inspires.