PODCAST — UNIQUE LENS

My Story

Hi,

I’m Jen Kilchenmann. I have been an avid interviewer and film critic, curious about how people connect with and see themselves through the Arts, for over three decades. I have published work in the UK and US, written for a variety of magazines, and served as the lead host/interviewer for international studio talent for Amazon UK.

You could call this podcast my midlife awakening, a way to return to my passion. I host this show with and for folks who are passionate about the unique approach we each take to life, art, and everything in between. With the state of our current world, art could not play a more important role. From film, television, theatre to literature, visual arts, and more, I want to chat with unique voices, creators, and artists who inspire me, about how they make sense of the world.

While my podcast is still new, I expect my audience to grow in the coming months, with a variety of guests (actors, playwrights, content creators, musicians, and more…).

Latest Podcast Episodes

This episode was a beast to edit but here it is! On March 31st, 2026 Tania Nolan aka Dr Crane arrived on Shortland Street and garnered an unexpected international audience!

I chat to composer William Philipson about Crane’s arrival and the score he composed for her.

In this episode I also breakdown the genius of 2 pivotal scenes, highlight / @tanianolancoaching brilliant 2hr live (check out her YouTube channel Tania Nolan Coaching for the full video).

I want to thank the whole Shortland Street team for their continued commitment to LGBTQ+ representation! The Craeve storyline is one for lesbian representation history - truly.

Thanks also to Craeve Committee Lena for her brilliant edit over Crane’s leitmotifs kindly shared by Philipson for this podcast. Find her on Instagram and TikTok.

Cast: Jess Sayer - Maeve Mullens Tania Nolan - Sophia Crane

Clips from Shortland Street episodes:

Episode 8290 (Written by Kalyani Nagarajan, Directed by Amanda Tito)

Episode 8298 (Written by Janaye Henry, Directed by Mia Blake)

Unique Lens - The Podcast

Produced and Hosted by Jen Kilchenmann

Music by Ana Vega

In this episode, I chat to my friend and playwright extraordinaire Amy Dellagiarino about her journey from acting to writing, her creative process, and the life of a playwright.

I join Emma and Mark Cameron the filmmaker couple behind the John Hughes inspired teen flick Detention. We discuss shooting in Washington, writing, music, and much more. Detention stars an incredible young cast, Emma Cameron as their Saturday detention therapist. Elizabeth Mitchell provides the pathos and depth we expect from her. I cannot recommend finding a screening near you enough! Yes, my accent is a hot mess. Produced by Unique Lens Host Jen Kilchenmann Music by Ana Vega

In this episode of Unique Lens, I sit down with Claire Sara of @themcsaras who started a content about IVF with her wife that has turned into a safe space for queer people.

Thanks to the programming team at Frameline 50, I sit down and chat with writer director Xiaodan He about her latest and truly heartwarming film Montreal, My Beautiful (Montreal, ma belle). We talk about being multi-lingual, immigrants, and the incredible Joan Chen who leads this film

After technical issues and a loss of voice, here is episode 1 of Unique Lens: The Podcast where I chat with two brilliant new filmmakers - Megan Rico and Kade Atwood - about their debut film Edie Arnold is a Loser. Catch this film at a festival near you.

In this episode of Unique Lens: The Podcast, I am joined by my friend and programmer extraordinaire Kathleen Mullen to discuss the incredible line up of Frameline 50. The San Francisco LGBTQ+ film festival is celebrating its 50th year. Kathleen and I look back at some of our favorites and discuss the festival's legacy and line up.