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🎙️ 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 that changed everything — “Kiss You All Over” — Exile’s transition into country music, the hits that followed, and what has allowed the band to remain together and continue creating for so many years. We also bring the story back home to Kentucky, including Exile’s recent recognition by Governor Andy Beshear, and talk about what that honor means after a career rooted so deeply in the Commonwealth. And Exile is far from finished. Marlon gives us a look at the band’s new album, Look Out, Heart, arriving October 23, and shares what longtime fans can expect from this next chapter. There’s history, reflection, plenty of laughs, and even a few “Which Exile member is most likely to…” questions along the way. 🎧 Listen tonight to Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives. #BackstorySessions #MarlonHargis #Exile #KissYouAllOver #LookOutHeart #KentuckyMusic #CountryMusic #ClassicCountry #MusicHistory #GovernorBeshear #KentuckyProud #BehindTheMusic #ConversationsWithCreatives #NewEpisode

🎙️ 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 one of horror’s most iconic characters. We also talk about Chris’s own backstory as a filmmaker, the challenges of directing horror, the visual style of the movie, audience reaction, and what it means to bring the film to Tubi FrightFest 2026. It’s a conversation about horror, storytelling, filmmaking, creative risk, and why Dracula continues to fascinate audiences generation after generation. 🎧 Listen now to Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives. #BackstorySessions #ChrisSchwab #DraculaTheNightAroundUs #Dracula #TubiFrightFest #FrightFest2026 #HorrorFilm #HorrorDirector #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #BehindTheScenes #BramStoker #VampireMovies #ConversationsWithCreatives #MoviePodcast #HorrorPodcast

🎙️ 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 onion: there are a lot of layers. We peel back a few of them as we talk about the many places he’s lived, starting over, podcasting, writing, creativity, resilience, and the difference between being seen as an inspiration and actually writing the complicated truths of your own life. We also revisit Love and Jello, talk about how those stories continued to evolve through other creative projects, and look ahead to what Matt is writing now. 📚 And there’s more to come! Matt has new books on the way, so stay tuned for release information about: ❤️ Heart Shaped Box 🍻 Bar Stories I’ve said this before, but it deserves repeating: Matt is the author who made me love reading. There is something unmistakably his about the way he tells a story — the humor, the honesty, the observations, and all those layers underneath. So if you recognize the voice, now’s your chance to learn more about the person behind it. 🎧 Listen now to Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives. #BackstorySessions #MattRifenburg #LoveAndJello #HeartShapedBox #BarStories #Author #Writer #Podcaster #Storyteller #BooksComingSoon #WritersLife #BehindTheStory #ConversationsWithCreatives #NewEpisode #CreativeWriting

🎙️ 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 reimagined “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” campaign. We also talk about her recent releases, including the flirty, late-night energy of “Driver Drive” and the much more vulnerable “Mess of It.” Brooke opens up about the relationship that inspired the song, what it means to fight for something until you realize it’s costing you pieces of yourself, and why she wanted the vocal to feel raw, emotional, and honest. It’s a conversation about ambition, heartbreak, healing, songwriting, and finding the courage to tell the truth in your music. 🎧 Listen now to Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives. #BackstorySessions #BrookeLee #MessOfIt #DriverDrive #SingerSongwriter #CountryMusic #NashvilleMusic #WomenInCountry #Songwriting #IndependentArtist #BehindTheMusic #ConversationsWithCreatives #NewMusic #MusicPodcast

🎙️ 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 she hopes listeners carry with them after hearing her music. It’s a conversation about creativity, honesty, storytelling, and finding your own voice. 🎧 Listen now and join us as Season 19 begins! #BackstorySessions #Season19 #SeasonPremiere #CelesteMarieWilson #Marie #SingerSongwriter #AmericanaMusic #CountryMusic #IndependentArtist #WomenInMusic #Songwriting #BehindTheMusic #ConversationsWithCreatives

🎙️ 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. We also hear about their individual musical journeys, the friendships and connections behind the music, and what it means to breathe new life into a song that has been loved for generations. It’s the perfect way to wrap up another season of Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives—with plenty of laughter, music, memories, and stories from behind the scenes. 🎧 Listen now and join us for the Season 18 finale! #BackstorySessions #Season18Finale #LeeNewton #HeidiParton #SilverThreadsAndGoldenNeedles #CountryMusic #CountryMusicLegends #MusicVideo #WomenInCountry #BehindTheMusic #ConversationsWithCreatives

🎙️ 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 artist. Along the way, she’s shared stages with artists including Lonestar, Chris Janson, Lindsay Ell, Lee Brice, and Sara Evans. We also talk about her music and her latest single, “Payback’s a Beach”—a fun, sun-soaked take on what happens when heartbreak gets a little payback of its own. 🌴🎶 It’s a conversation about perseverance, confidence, songwriting, and creating a career that is uniquely your own. 🎧 Listen now to Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives! #BackstorySessions #StephanieRabus #PaybacksABeach #SingerSongwriter #CountryMusic #IndependentArtist #WomenInCountryMusic #Songwriting #MusicPodcast #ConversationsWithCreatives

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’s new recording of a song forever connected to the Owens legacy — “Act Naturally.” 🎶   It’s a conversation about family, music, memories, and finding your own place inside an American country music legacy.   🎧 Listen now to Backstory Sessions!   #BackstorySessions #JohnnyOwens #BuckOwens #ActNaturally #BakersfieldSound #CountryMusic #MusicHistory #ConversationsWithCreatives #BehindTheMusic #NewEpisode

🎙️ 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 welcome her first baby, and why she said “yes” to helping Tri-County Mystery Meets’ Barbourville to Broadway campaign.   We also discuss: 🎤 Her American Idol experience ❤️ Why giving back through music matters 🎭 Helping send The Sweet Life: Story of Ruth Hunt to an Off-Broadway stage in New York City 👶 Balancing music, family, and a new chapter in life ✨ What audiences can expect at her August 8 concert in Barbourville   If you love country music, inspiring stories, and artists who use their platform to help others, you won’t want to miss this conversation.   🎟️ See Kennedy Reid LIVE! 📅 Saturday, August 8 📍 Rector Little Theatre, Union Commonwealth University – Barbourville, KY 🚪 Doors Open: 1:30 PM 🎶 Youth Opening Performances: 1:45 PM ⭐ Kennedy Reid: 2:00 PM   🎭 Benefiting Tri-County Mystery Meets’ “Barbourville to Broadway” Program, supporting the Off-Broadway presentation of The Sweet Life: Story of Ruth Hunt.   💙 Concert Sponsor: Atienza Acob Medical Center   #BackstorySessions #KennedyReid #AmericanIdol #BarbourvilleToBroadway #TriCountyMysteryMeets #TheSweetLife #CountryMusic #Podcast #KentuckyMusic #LiveMusic #SupportTheArts #BarbourvilleKY

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 and life-changing moments, Brandon shares the adventures that transformed his view of the world and himself. In this episode, you’ll discover: 🌍 What inspired Brandon to pursue every country on Earth ✈️ His most unforgettable travel experiences 🗺️ Hidden gems and surprising destinations 🤝 The kindness and generosity he’s encountered across cultures 🍽️ Memorable foods, traditions, and customs 💡 Lessons learned from seeing the world firsthand ❤️ How travel has changed his perspective on humanity Whether you’re an avid traveler, a dreamer with a bucket list, or simply love hearing remarkable stories, this conversation is packed with adventure, insight, and inspiration. Join us as we go beyond the passport stamps and explore the backstory of a man whose curiosity carried him around the globe. 🎙️ Host: Cat Goguen 🎧 Guest: Brandon Wood 🌎 Topic: Visiting Every Country in the World Be sure to subscribe to Backstory Sessions for more conversations with creatives, adventurers, and remarkable people whose stories inspire us all.

🎬 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 directing such an intimate story, and why empathy has always been at the heart of her work.   Join us for a thoughtful conversation about the power of film to help us better understand one another.   🎧 Premieres Sunday, June 28.   #BackstorySessions #SarahFriedland #FamiliarTouch #IndependentFilm #FilmDirector #Filmmaking #MemoryCare #HumanConnection #Storytelling #Podcast #ConversationsWithCreatives #FilmFestival

🎙️ 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 On, the inspiration behind his upcoming album Dragonfly, life in Music City, and the perseverance it takes to keep moving forward through life’s challenges. 🎧  Whether you’re celebrating with family today or remembering a father who helped shape your journey, we wish you a meaningful and blessed Father’s Day. #BackstorySessions #SkipEwing #PlayOn #Dragonfly #FathersDay #CountryMusic #Songwriter #Nashville #ConversationsWithCreatives #Podcast #NewMusic #StoryBehindTheSong

🎙️ 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 songwriting, perseverance, the evolution of the Hellings sound, and the stories behind the music. Plus, Brett shares the inspiration behind taking a chance on love, life, and the next chapter of his career.   If you’re a fan of authentic rock music, powerful storytelling, and the creative process behind great songs, you won’t want to miss this conversation.   🎧 Backstory Sessions: Conversations with Creatives Hosted by Cat & Willie    #BackstorySessions #ConversationsWithCreatives #BrettHellings #Hellings #ChanceOnLove #NewYorkSessions #RockMusic #Songwriter #Podcast

🎙️ 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 expect from the new movie.   We also talk about his music career, including songs currently climbing the radio charts, the inspiration behind his songwriting, and how music and film continue to influence one another in his creative journey.   From the set to the stage, this is a conversation about storytelling, reinvention, and staying true to your artistic voice.   🎧 Tune in for an engaging look at the life and work of Courtney Gaines on Backstory Sessions.   #BackstorySessions #ConversationsWithCreatives #CourtneyGaines #Barn3 #IndependentFilm #CountryMusic #Songwriting #CreativeJourney #MusicAndMovies #Storytelling #PodcastEpisode #NewEpisode #BehindTheScenes

🎙️ 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.   In this special episode, we talk about bringing Ruth Hunt’s story to life, what the production meant to each cast, the moments that stayed with them, and how this Kentucky story has grown from the stage to an upcoming New York City performance.   Join us for a heartfelt behind-the-scenes conversation about storytelling, community, candy, creativity, and The Sweet Life.   #BackstorySessions #ConversationsWithCreatives #TheSweetLife #StoryOfRuthHunt #RuthHunt #GatewayRegionalArtsCenter #TriCountyMysteryMeets #MountSterlingKY #BarbourvilleKY #KentuckyTheatre #AppalachianStories #CommunityTheatre #BehindTheScenes #PodcastEpisode