Backstory Sessions

 NEW EPISODE — ROLL WITH IT This week on Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives, Cat Goguen and Ryan Dunn have a candid conversation about disability, capability, identity, independence, and what it means to truly be seen. Both Cat and Ryan navigate life using wheelchairs and mobility devices, but this episode goes far beyond the equipment they use. We talk about assumptions people make,...

Producer Ed Accura (Blacks Can't Swim,Blacks Can't Swim: The Sequel, Blacks Can't Swim: REWIND, Changing The Narrative) didn't learn to swim until adulthood. That single fact, and the unease it left behind, is the spark for No Lifeguard. This new feature documentary that turns one man's late, hard-won relationship with water into a wider story about who actually keeps us safe when we get in. The f...

🎙️ NEW EPISODE TONIGHT — BACKSTORY SESSIONS Tonight on Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives, we sit down with Marlon Hargis of Exile for a look back at more than six decades of music, memories, and staying power. Marlon takes us back to his own musical beginnings, how he became part of Exile, and what those early years were like before the band’s breakthrough. We talk about the song th...

🎙️ NEW EPISODE TONIGHT — BACKSTORY SESSIONS Tonight on Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives, we sit down with Marlon Hargis of Exile for a look back at more than six decades of music, memories, and staying power. Marlon takes us back to his own musical beginnings, how he became part of Exile, and what those early years were like before the band’s breakthrough. We talk about the song th...

🎙️ NEW EPISODE — BACKSTORY SESSIONS This week on Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives, we sit down with filmmaker Chris Schwab, director of Dracula: The Night Around Us. Chris takes us behind the scenes of his modern reimagining of Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire story, sharing how the film came together, what drew him to Dracula, and how he approached putting his own creative stamp on...

🎙️ NEW EPISODE — BACKSTORY SESSIONS If you’ve listened to Backstory Sessions for any length of time, today’s guest may already have a familiar voice. This week, we turn the microphone toward Matt Rifenburg — writer, podcaster, storyteller, and co-author of Love and Jello — to find out a little more about the man behind that voice. And, as we discover during the conversation, Matt is a bit like an...

🎙️ NEW EPISODE — BACKSTORY SESSIONS This week on Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives, we sit down with singer-songwriter Brooke Lee. Brooke takes us back to the beginning—forming a band as a teenager, moving to Nashville to chase the dream, and building a career that has included opening for artists like Willie Nelson and NEEDTOBREATHE, performing at CMA Fest, and appearing in the rei...

🎙️ SEASON 19 PREMIERE — BACKSTORY SESSIONS Season 19 of Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives begins with singer-songwriter Celeste Marie Wilson. Celeste joins us to talk about her journey in music, the stories and experiences that shape her songwriting, and the inspiration behind “Marie.” We also look at the road that brought her here, the kind of artist she wants to become, and what s...

🎙️ BACKSTORY SESSIONS — SEASON 18 FINALE We’re closing out Season 18 with Lee Newton and Heidi Parton for a fun conversation celebrating their new music video for the country classic “Silver Threads & Golden Needles.” Lee and Heidi take us behind the scenes of the collaboration, share stories from making the video, and talk about the special cameos that helped make it such a memorable project....

🎙️ NEW EPISODE | BACKSTORY SESSIONS This week, we sit down with singer-songwriter Stephanie Rabus for a conversation about finding her voice, building a career in music, and turning real-life experiences into songs. Stephanie takes us back to where it all began—singing as a child, joining her dad’s band at 21, performing with the St. Louis-based band Borderline, and eventually stepping into the sp...

This week on Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives, we welcome Johnny Owens, son of country music legend Buck Owens.   Johnny takes us behind the famous name to share memories of Buck as a father, the extraordinary musical legacy he left behind, and what it means to carry that legacy forward nearly 20 years after his passing.   We also talk about the 60th anniversary of the iconic Live...

🎙️ NEW EPISODE: Kennedy Reid Gives Back to Kentucky   What happens when an American Idol Top 20 finalist uses her music to make a difference?   In this special episode of Backstory Sessions, Kennedy Reid joins us to talk about her journey from the American Idol stage to benefit concerts that support communities and causes close to her heart. She shares the story behind her music, what life has bee...

Backstory Sessions – Brandon Wood: A Journey to Every Country on Earth What does it take to visit every country in the world? This week on Backstory Sessions, Cat Goguen sits down with world traveler Brandon Wood to hear the incredible story behind one of the rarest accomplishments imaginable—setting foot in every sovereign nation on Earth. From breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable cultures t...

✨ This week on Backstory Sessions…   What happens when one person sees a need in their community—and decides to do something about it?   Join us as we welcome Debbie Gilbert, Founder of IGOT Communities (Independently Growing Older Together), for an inspiring conversation about purpose, service, and creating places where adults 55+ can thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  ...

🇺🇸 Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸   As we celebrate this historic Independence Day weekend and America’s Semiquincentennial, we’re honored to welcome one of the nation’s most recognizable patriotic voices to Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives.   🎙️ This week, Lee Greenwood joins us for a special conversation about patriotism, America’s 250th anniversary, the meaning behind God Ble...

🎬 Coming June 28 on Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives…   Award-winning filmmaker and director Sarah Friedland joins us to discuss her acclaimed debut feature film, Familiar Touch.   Inspired by her work in memory care, Sarah shares the story behind this deeply moving film exploring identity, aging, memory, and the enduring need for human connection. We’ll talk about her creative jo...

🎙️ Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives! This week, we’re honored to welcome legendary singer-songwriter Skip Ewing to the podcast. With 11 No. 1 songs, and hits recorded by artists including Randy Travis, Keith Urban, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, and many more, Skip has spent decades telling stories through music. Join us as we discuss his powerfu...

🎙️ BACKSTORY SESSIONS Conversations with Creatives   Join us as we welcome rock vocalist and songwriter Brett Hellings of the band Hellings to the podcast!   Brett joins us to talk about his latest single, “Chance on Love,” the lead release from the upcoming New York Sessions EP, along with the creative journey that has taken him from Pennsylvania to Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, and beyond.  ...

🎙️ Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives Guest: Courtney Gaines   This week on Backstory Sessions, we welcome actor, musician, and storyteller Courtney Gaines for a conversation about creativity, perseverance, and what’s next in his career.   Courtney joins us to discuss his upcoming film Barn 3, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, the challenges and rewards of bringing a character to li...

🎙️ Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives Special Episode: The Casts of The Sweet Life   This week on Backstory Sessions, we bring together cast members from two productions of The Sweet Life: Story of Ruth Hunt—the Mount Sterling production through Gateway Regional Arts Center and the Barbourville production with Tri-County Mystery Meets.   Same story. Same characters. Two communities....

🎙️ Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives Special Memorial Day Episode Guest: Michael Peterson   This week on Backstory Sessions, we welcome Michael Peterson for a special Memorial Day conversation honoring service, sacrifice, memory, and music.   Through songs like “We Are Veterans,” Michael uses storytelling to give voice to courage, loss, brotherhood, and the deep gratitude owed to th...

🎙️ Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives Guests: Jesse & Noah   This week on Backstory Sessions, we sit down with Jesse and Noah for a conversation about music, creativity, family legacy, and the stories that shape the songs.   From their musical roots to the experiences that continue to inspire their work, Jesse and Noah share what it means to create with heart, honor where they co...

We’re kicking off Season 18 with music, personality, and one unforgettable conversation.   This week on Backstory Sessions, we sit down with Kody Norris to talk about the stories behind the sound, the style, and the stage presence that make The Kody Norris Show such a standout in bluegrass and country music.   From preserving tradition to putting a fresh spark into every performance, Kody shares w...

Guest: Chas Collins Episode Date: April 5, 2026 Season 17 Finale   We’re closing out Season 17 with a voice that knows how to capture a moment—and turn it into a song you don’t forget.   This week on Backstory Sessions, we sit down with Chas Collins to talk about the story behind his music, including the emotion and imagery woven into his latest release, “She Gave Me That Look.” It’s the kind of s...

This week on Backstory Sessions, we sit down with Lee Newton to talk about music that doesn’t just entertain—but means something. With deep roots in traditional country and a passion for preserving its storytelling soul, Lee brings authenticity, strength, and heart to everything she sings.   In this episode, Lee shares the journey behind her music, including the emotion and purpose woven into her...