Backstory Sessions

Hello Backstory fans!  Grab a seat and listen in: this episode wraps up our Resilient series with raw, real stories that somehow turn fear into hope. We chat about the upcoming show, behind-the-scenes writing challenges.

We also have a powerful conversation with our guest, Donna Mills about her daughter’s fight with leukemia — it’s heartbreaking and inspiring all at once.

Tickets are on Eventbrite for the December performances of t...

Hello Backstory fans! Meet Robert and Melissa Wyatt: a retired soldier and his partner who turned their ancestral church into a cozy home and a buzzing farm. Their story’s full of grit, funny moments, and old-school Appalachian know-how — from maple syrup and hickory cane corn to sauerkraut lessons and heirloom seeds.

They’ve weathered floods, raccoons, and crop failures, but they keep innovating, learning, and sharing what they gr...

Hello Backstory Fans! Welcome to our first episode about Resilience. Find out how this idea came about, and what we are doing in the coming weeks. This episode is a cozy, honest chat with our guest Fernanda Frey about moving to the U.S. with two suitcases, learning English through volleyball, surviving surgeries and single motherhood, and ultimately building a life she’s proud of.

It’s the kind of story that makes you feel like you...

Hey there, backstory Fans! In this episode, we dive into a delightful mix of theater chatter and music magic. If you're all about stories that tickle your funny bone and touch your heart, you're in for a treat! You'll hear about the hit play "Senior Senior Prom"—a laugh-out-loud performance that had audiences roaring and crying "aww" at the sweetest moments.

And that's not all! We've got singer-songwriter Robbie Johnson on board, s...

Hey Backstory Fans! Jump into this unique episode where we dive into the quirky world of AI-generated podcasting. For the first time ever, we handed over our beloved show to the machines, and the result is a blend of amusing chaos and technological magic. From sharing playful AI-generated backstories to discussing the potential future of AI in creative fields, we cover it all with a touch of humor and our usual candid style.

We eve...

Hello Backstory Fans., Join us another intriguing episode of Backstory Sessions as we reflect on recent celebrity losses and the profound effects these personalities have on our lives. Also this week, we are treated to a heartfelt interview with Scotty Hastings, an artist whose life story reads like a movie script. Facing near-death in Afghanistan and overcoming physical and emotional scars, Scotty takes us through his transformati...

Hello Backstory fans! welcome to another exciting episode. This time, we  sit down with the wonderfully talented Sandy Knox, who is shaking things up with a brand-new genre she's coined 'boozical' - a blend of audiobooks and musicals!

Join us as we dive into Sandy's journey of writing, composing, and overcoming challenges to create this innovative and captivating form of storytelling. You'll hear about her inspirations, creative pr...

Hello Backstory fans! Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the making of a documentary? In this episode, We are joined by filmmaker Alan Parker as we get the inside scoop on his latest film, "Borrowed Time," which delves into the last decade of John Lennon's life. Alan shares his personal connection to John's music and the unique journey that led him to create this documentary. It's fascinating to hear how Lenno...

Hello Backstory fans! You won't believe the incredible journey Ajay Rochester has been on! From hosting The Biggest Loser in Australia to her discovery of the charming town of Corbin, KY, her path is filled with twists and turns. She's fallen for this place, and now she's here casting for an exciting new reality TV show that aims to revolutionize health in small-town America.

The upcoming show is all about community. Imagine a whol...

Hello Backstory Fans!, and welcome to another exciting episode of Backstory Sessions! We are diving deep into the unique world of project management, A subject near and dear to Matt's heart. We chat about all sorts of fascinating topics, from unexpected tornadoes that might derail plans to navigating the complex jungle of project animals, such as the "flamingos" who are still on the fence about a project, or the snakes, who seek to...

Hey there, Backstory Family! Oh boy, do we have some fun updates for you! After a much-needed break, Cat and Matt are back for Season 16 of Backstory Sessions, and  it's starting off with a bang! We've been keeping busy, and Matt's got a new toy—a snazzy two-seater convertible that he's thrilled about. Perfect timing for those summery road trips, right? Cat's not been idle either, with her Mystery Meets project thriving and wonderf...

Hello Backstory Fans! Join us for this episode as we wrap up Season 15 in style, sharing some laughs, reflections, and exciting news about upcoming projects. We reminisce about the whirlwind of March and dive into everything from wild weather patterns to the joy of a birthday celebration.

If you're looking for inspiration, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in as we chat with the talented singer songwriter Whey Jennings, who opens...

Hello Backstory Fans! In this episode, we dive into the excitement of Spring's arrival, sharing our thoughts on the season and a mysterious uptick in our podcast listens. We discuss everything from fun new mottos for Pennsylvania to the unpredictable nature of the podcasting world.

Then, join us for an exhilarating journey with our guest, Jennie Smythe, a creative force in the music industry whose latest memoir "Becoming Girlilla" ...

Hello Backstory fans! Can you believe it's been 200 episodes already? We've shared so many stories, played some silly games, and interviewed some truly remarkable people.  It's been quite a journey. 200 episodes means 200 amazing opportunities to learn something new and meet fascinating folks. Our episode this week is another great one!

In this fun episode we sit down and chat with the amazing Annie Korzen, Annie has a new book out...

Hello Backstory fans! Ever wondered what fuels a musician's journey from humble beginnings to sharing a stage with legends? Meet Jordan Allen from London, Kentucky, as he takes you on his heartfelt adventure through music, life, and his unforgettable experience on The Voice.  From playing drums at six to kicking off a career that transcends the typical, Jordan shares his passion, the influences that shaped him, and the big break th...

Hello Backstory fans! We are back with another great episode where we first dive into some March musings. We kick off by discussing the age-old saying about March's weather, pondering if it's starting like a lion or a lamb. It's been quite a mixture here with some drastic temperature drops!

The focus of this episode is our chat with the incredibly talented Andy James and Piero Pata from the world of flamenco and jazz. Their excitin...

Hello Backstory Fans! Welcome to a delightful dive into the making of the inspiring documentary, 'Food for Thought.' Join me as we chat with filmmakers Giles Alderson and Dan Richardson, two longtime friends who took a leap of faith and dove deep into creating a film that challenges the way we think about food and animal welfare.

This episode is packed with insights on how a simple conversation turned into a compelling documentary....

Hello Backstory fans! In this cozy episode, we go on a delightful journey through love and melodies just in time for Valentine's weekend. Join the chatter as we explore how folks celebrated this year, with a mix of chocolates, dinners, and quirky breakup tales. Dive into some small-town weather chaos, and the legendary predictions from our furry friend, the groundhog.

But the heart of this episode? A charming sit-down with our frie...

Hello Backstory Fans! Welcome to Season 15!..We are happy to be back with more great stories for you... Grab a warm drink and settle in for a cozy catch-up as we reminisce about the snow-filled days and the excitement (or dread!) of Groundhog Day predictions. Can Barbourville Baxter the groundhog really determine Cat's weather fate? Tune in to find out!

We also have Mike Smith..aka Bubbles from the Trailer Park Boys! Bubbles is her...