Backstory Sessions

🎙️ 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 spotlight as a solo arti...

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 From Carnegie Hall album and Johnny&r...

🎙️ 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 been like since Idol, preparing to welc...

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 to unexpected challenges...

✨ 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.

Debbie shares the personal...

🇺🇸 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 Bless the U...

🎬 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 journey, the challenges of...

🎙️ 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 powerful new single, Play ...

🎙️ 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...