Backstory Sessions

🎙️ 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.

We’ll discuss...

🎙️ 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 life, and what audiences can exp...

🎙️ 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. Two casts. One sweet legacy.

...

🎙️ 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 those who have served. In ...

🎙️ 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 come from, and keep moving forward wit...

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 what drives his creativity, how ...

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...

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 latest work and collabor...

🎙️ Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives

Episode: Whey Jennings – Baptized by Fire

In this powerful episode of Backstory Sessions, we sit down with rising country artist Whey Jennings to talk about his deeply personal new album, Baptized by Fire.

Whey opens up about the journey behind the music—the struggles, the redemption, and the moments that shaped both his life and his sound. Carrying a legendary last...

This week on Backstory Sessions, we sit down with legendary singer-songwriter Lobo, the voice behind timeless hits like “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo,” “I’d Love You to Want Me,” and “Don’t Expect Me to Be Your Friend.” With a career spanning decades, Lobo helped define the warm, storytelling style of 1970s folk-pop and continues to connect with audiences around the world.

In this ...

🎙 Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives

Guest: Paul Locander

📅 March 8, 2026

Every story begins somewhere—and often long before the spotlight.

In this episode of Backstory Sessions, we sit down with author Paul Locander to explore the inspiration behind his gripping novel Power & Way. Paul shares the personal experiences, faith, and creative journey that shaped his storytelling and brought his characters to...

Love stories don’t all begin the same way. Some begin with decades of shared memories. Some begin with laughter. And some are built slowly — with loyalty, devotion, and a steady presence that never fades.

In the final installment of our February Love Stories series, we sit down with Jim Paulk — a man whose life reflects a love that endured through time, change, and commitment.

With warmth, humor, and heartfelt r...

Building a Sweet Life Together

Love doesn’t always begin with fireworks. Sometimes it begins with friendship, shared dreams, and the quiet decision to build something meaningful side by side.

In this heartfelt February Love Stories episode of Backstory Sessions, Kevin and Jenn share the story of how they met, how their relationship evolved, and how working together on The Sweet Life has shaped not only their creative journe...

Sometimes love begins in the most ordinary places… over coffee, across a table, in the middle of an ordinary day at Panera.

In this episode of Backstory Sessions: Love Stories, Kim and Marty share the story of how a simple meeting turned into something neither of them expected—but both of them needed. What started as conversation became connection. What began as chance became choice.

Their story is filled with the qu...

Love sometimes looks like sacrifice. Sometimes it looks like patience. And sometimes, it looks like a son who chooses to stay.

In this powerful episode of Backstory Sessions: Love Stories, we sit down with author Mark Steven Porro to talk about one of the most profound forms of love there is—the love of a caregiver for a parent. At age 55, Mark stepped away from his independent bachelor life to become a full-time caregiver t...

Backstory Sessions Podcast — Love Stories Edition

Guest: Christopher Wyze | “Her Name In My Song”

What happens when love leaves—but the music stays?

In this heartfelt Valentine’s Love Stories episode of Backstory Sessions, Cat sits down with Christopher Wyze of Christopher Wyze & The Tellers to explore the real story behind his powerful song, “Her Name In My Song.” More than just a...

In our Valentine’s Day edition of Backstory Sessions: Love Stories, we sit down with John and Anna, whose journey reminds us that love has no expiration date and no single timeline. Their story is filled with unexpected turns, deep devotion, and the kind of connection that proves it’s never too late for your life to change in the most beautiful way.

You’ll hear how they found each other, what sustained them, and ...

What are the odds that a quick stop at a gas station turns into a lifelong love story? For Jeff and Camille, it was destiny—with a soundtrack by Sting and a little help from the universe.

In this episode, Jeff and Camille share the unforgettable story of how they met during an ordinary moment that became anything but. Bonding instantly over their shared love of Sting, their first date quickly revealed something deeper: a mut...

February is for love and Gary and Gwyn will make you want a love like theirs.

Some love stories are loud.

Some are dramatic.

And some are quietly powerful.

Gary and Gwyn’s is the kind that grows stronger with time.

In this episode, they share their journey — the early days, the challenges, the laughter, the lessons, and the deep commitment that has carried them through the years.

It’s a story about choosing ea...