meet stephanie Zaita peterson.
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 Extraand Access Hollywood. Stephanie holds a Bachelor's degree in English from Dowling College.
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.
Our latest project, Hometown Heart, celebrates small businesses, local heroes, and the unique communities that shape America. Through compelling storytelling, we highlight the people and places that make a difference, reinforcing our commitment to content that uplifts and inspires.
our Approach
We’re excited to kick off production for Hometown Heart, with a timeline that spans about 1-2 months for pre-production, followed by 3-4 months of filming, and wrapping up with 2-3 months of post-production. We know there can be some bumps along the way, like scheduling conflicts or weather delays, but our experienced team is ready to handle it all. With flexible filming schedules, a solid budget plan, and strong connections in the communities we’re showcasing, we’re confident we can overcome any challenges and bring the incredible stories of America to life!
how we choose our stories
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production: behind the scenes
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