Advertise on podcast: Backstage With Gentry Thomas

In this laugh-packed episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, legendary comedian Bert Kreischer joins Gentry to talk about his brand-new Netflix comedy series Free Bert a wildly entertaining look at Bert’s life on the road, his family, and the absurd, hilarious moments that make him one of the most beloved voices in comedy today. Check out Free Bert on Netflix here: Free Bert Bert and Gentry dig into some of the most memorable stories from his journey to stand-up success, including how Rolling Stone famously “discovered” him while he was a student at Florida State long before comedy became his full-time hustle. They also talk about Bert’s unexpected and hilarious friendship with Rob Lowe, how that relationship came to be, and how it continues to surprise him. Along the way, Bert reflects on what made him fall in love with stand-up comedy, how he hones his craft, and why storytelling even the outrageous stories is at the heart of what he does. From wild college tales to life on tour, this episode is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and totally Bert perfect for comedy fans and curious listeners alike.

During this holiday season, Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas continues its focus on giving back, and this week we’re honored to welcome legendary songwriter, producer, and philanthropist Jimmy Jam. This marks the second week in a row where we’re spotlighting guests connected to charitable causes that make a real difference during the holidays. Jimmy joins Gentry to promote 100 Billion Meals, a global initiative working to fight hunger and food insecurity around the world. The mission is simple but powerful: provide meals to communities in need and help ensure that families don’t go hungry—especially during the holiday season. Learn more or get involved here: https://www.100billionmeals.org/ Beyond philanthropy, the conversation dives deep into music history and creativity. Jimmy shares stories from his early days auditing tracks for Prince, and reflects on his legendary collaborations with Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson—including how trust, chemistry, and musical instinct helped shape some of the most iconic records of all time. He also opens up about his favorite chord progressions, how emotion drives great songwriting, and his thoughtful perspective on AI and the future of music—what excites him, what concerns him, and how technology should serve creativity rather than replace it. This episode blends generosity, legacy, and innovation—making it a perfect listen during the holidays and beyond.

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, actress, author, and longtime advocate Marlo Thomas sits down with Gentry to talk about her life’s work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — the Memphis‑based pediatric research and treatment center that’s changing the face of childhood cancer care. Marlo shares why St. Jude is so close to her heart and how the hospital’s mission — ensuring that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food — continues to give children a real chance to survive and thrive against life‑threatening illnesses. She discusses breakthroughs in research, the importance of compassionate care, and how the legacy of her father, entertainer Danny Thomas, continues to drive progress and hope for families around the world. St. Jude+1 Throughout the conversation, Marlo and Gentry also talk about her own creative life — from her early entertainment work to her advocacy, the ways music and family shaped her, and unforgettable moments that shaped her commitment to service. If you’re moved by Marlo’s story and want to make a difference, you can support St. Jude’s lifesaving mission here: Donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/give.html. Your contribution helps advance pediatric cancer research, provide top‑notch care at no cost to families, and give hope to children fighting for their lives. St. Jude This episode is a celebration of compassion, courage, and the joy of helping families face the toughest battles — and one you won’t want to miss.

In this nostalgic and revealing episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, we sit down with singer‑actor legend Shaun Cassidy as he promotes his upcoming “Road to Us” tour. Want to catch a show? Check out tour dates and ticket info here: ShaunCassidy.com/live‑shows Shaun opens up about growing up in a household filled with award‑winning actors — with show business being more than just a dream, but a family legacy. He recalls the whirlwind of success at a young age: the whirlwind popularity, the pressure, and how in 1978 he won “Best New Artist” at the height of his fame — a time when his date to the awards ceremony was none other than Carrie Fisher, adding a uniquely Hollywood twist to his teen‑stardom story. Throughout the episode, Shaun reflects on the ups and downs of early fame, how it shaped him as a performer and as a person, and what motivated him to hit the road again now. With laughs, memories, and honest reflections on the music business — this conversation is a must-listen for fans of classic pop‑rock, celebrity stories, and real talk about growing up in the spotlight.

In this wide-ranging episode, American political commentator, retired talk-show host, and author Chris Matthews joins Gentry to discuss his new book, Lessons from Bobby: Ten Reasons Robert F. Kennedy Still Matters. Matthews lays out why RFK’s moral courage, coalition-building, and willingness to risk political capital still resonate—and what those lessons mean for the country now. Grab the book here: Buy Lessons from Bobby. Simon & Schuster Beyond the book, Chris shares a remarkable story from his younger years hitchhiking across Africa, then pivots to an unflinching conversation about the Kennedy legacy—with a special focus on Bobby. He and Gentry also unpack today’s political flashpoints: the new New York mayor and Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, the evolving crises between the U.S., Israel, and Palestine, and the brutal realities of the Russia–Ukraine war. It’s candid, timely, and steeped in history—an essential listen for anyone who cares about American politics and the ideas that still shape it.

In this high‑energy episode, Marlon Wayans joins Gentry Thomas to give fans the full scoop on his nationwide stand‑up tour — the “Wild Child Tour.” Want to catch him live? Click here for dates and locations: MarlonWayans.com/live‑shows He shares stories about what inspired the tour, how he crafts his live sets, and what audiences can expect from a night with Marlon. The conversation digs into Marlon’s early days in comedy and film, including his breakthrough roles in Scary Movie, White Chicks, and his beginnings on In Living Color. He also opens up about life’s more serious struggles—watching his older brother deal with crack addiction, learning lessons in brotherhood and responsibility, and how personal pain has shaped his funny, unfiltered voice. Marlon shares one of the wildest stories in his career: when singer Macy Gray angrily jumped on stage at one of his shows over a joke—what went down, how he handled it, and what he learned from it. Family remains at the center of everything. He discusses his relationship with his brothers and how they influenced each other creatively, and what family legacy means in the Wayans clan. This conversation is raw, hilarious, and deeply human—filled with laughter, life lessons, and the kind of behind‑the‑scenes honesty you don’t always get from a comedy star. Don’t miss it.

In this incisive episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, CNN anchor Abby Phillip joins us to discuss her powerful new book, A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power. Dive deep into the extraordinary story of civil‑rights leader Jesse Jackson, his historic presidential campaigns in the 1980s, and how his vision reshaped American politics. Buy the book here: A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power Abby and Gentry explore how Jackson’s strategies—and his underrated influence—mirror present‑day dynamics with figures across the political spectrum. They analyze how extremists and politicians alike believe they’re right in their missions, and why understanding that truth is critical. The conversation also tackles one of the most critical issues of our time: evolving diplomacy between the U.S., Israel and Palestine, and the high‑stakes role debate and the free press still play in democracy. Abby reflects on her role at CNN, the responsibility of journalism in today’s polarized climate, and how the integrity of the story matters now more than ever. Tune in for an in‑depth, thought‑provoking discussion on power, politics, race, and media—only on Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas.

In this dynamic episode, Gentry Thomas sits down with actress Sydney Sweeney, who’s taking center stage in her latest role as boxing legend Christy Martin in the new biopic Christy. Sydney opens up about the intense physical and emotional preparation that went into portraying a real-life champion, sharing how her childhood background in kickboxing helped fuel the performance. The conversation dives into her role on Euphoria, the kinds of characters she gravitates toward, and her love for playing complex, driven women. She also reveals which sport she was best at growing up, the music that pumps her up before a fight scene, and what it’s like stepping into a role inspired by real-life grit. Gentry and Sydney talk about the making of Christy, her chemistry with the cast, and how stepping into the world of combat sports shaped her perspective on storytelling. This episode is full of punch—from action and heart to insight and inspiration. Don't miss it!  Get tickets to see Christy Here --> Buy Tickets

In this riveting episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, veteran journalist and CNN anchor Jake Tapper joins Gentry to discuss his powerful new book, Race Against Terror: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever War. This gripping true story follows the incredible global hunt for a terrorist who confessed to killing American soldiers—and how the justice system scrambled to respond. Get your copy here: Buy Race Against Terror Jake and Gentry dive into the evolution of counter‑terrorism strategy, analyzing how different U.S. presidents have confronted extremist threats and why every radical believes their mission is justified. They also discuss what it’s like to moderate presidential debates and the heavy responsibility of journalism in today’s polarized media culture. Tune in for an intense, thoughtful conversation on global security, democracy, and the critical role of a free press in safeguarding our future.

In this delightful and heartfelt episode, Henry Winkler joins Gentry Thomas to talk about his new children’s book, Detective Duck: The Mystery at Emerald Pond. With warmth and enthusiasm, Winkler shares how the book was born, what kids and families can look forward to in this adventure, and the joy he finds in crafting stories for young imaginations. You can get your copy here: Detective Duck: The Mystery at Emerald Pond The two also explore Henry’s long and celebrated career. He reflects on his time on Happy Days, recounting stories from behind the scenes that shaped both his life and the legendary show. Winkler discusses his friendship with Robin Williams, offering personal memories about working with him and the impact Robin had on his life and art. Additionally, Henry talks about his more recent projects, including his show Hazardous History, where he continues to merge education and entertainment. Through stories, laughter, and insight, this conversation highlights Winkler’s enduring love for storytelling in all its forms. Don’t miss this conversation with one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures — only on Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas.

In this heartfelt episode, Kathie Lee Gifford joins Gentry Thomas to talk about her new song, “I Knew It Would Be You,” written as a tribute for the movie Reagan. She opens up about how the song came to life, what it means to her, and how music has shaped her through every phase of her life. They also discuss her deep friendship and on‑air chemistry with Regis Philbin, how she believes a dramatic moment in her life was saved with the help of Donald Trump, and her lifelong relationship with faith, storytelling, and the power of melody. Listen to “I Knew It Would Be You” here: Listen on streaming platforms / buy the song — check your favorite music service for availability. This is a warm, intimate look at a life lived in song, faith, love, and persistence.

In this episode, Sal Vulcano—comedian, actor, and one of the stars of Impractical Jokers—joins Gentry Thomas to dig into his comedy life and what’s next. Sal talks about what made Impractical Jokers such a wild success, where he first got his big break, and how delivering pizzas played into those early hustle days. They also dig into his solo comedy career: Sal shares how he handles being a meme, what it’s like performing standup on his Everything’s Fine Tour, and how he’s grown as a performer—especially being on stage more often and pushing new material. Plus, you’ll hear stories about the tour, what to expect, and how fans can check out his shows. For all the dates on Sal’s Everything’s Fine Tour, visit his official site at SalVulcanoComedy.com.

Oscar-winning director, actor, and storyteller Ron Howard joins Gentry Thomas to discuss his latest film Eden, a gripping survival thriller based on true events in the Galápagos Islands. Ron opens up about the incredible real-life tale that inspired the movie—a story of utopian dreams unraveling into betrayal and chaos in the 1920s. In this wide-ranging interview, Ron shares behind-the-scenes insights into the making of Eden, the stellar cast that brought it to life, and how he approached the challenge of telling a layered, morally complex story. He reflects on his legendary career—from the days of The Andy Griffith Show to directing classics like Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and Cinderella Man. The conversation also dives into Ron’s deep love for basketball and his long-standing fandom for the Lakers, as well as his thoughts on what has changed—and stayed the same—about Hollywood over the decades. This episode blends nostalgia, filmmaking wisdom, and a powerful exploration of human nature. Whether you're a movie buff, a basketball fan, or just someone who loves great stories, this one’s a must-listen. Go See Eden Here --> Eden Movie Tickets 

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gentry Thomas sits down with legendary director Spike Lee to talk about his brand-new film Highest 2 Lowest, starring longtime collaborator Denzel Washington. The film is a bold reimagining of the Akira Kurosawa classic High and Low, set against the vibrant, volatile backdrop of modern-day New York City. Spike opens up about what makes this project special, what it was like working with Denzel again, and how he continues to bring his unmistakable visual style and cultural commentary to the big screen. From behind-the-scenes stories to his thoughts on the music, casting, and improvisation on set, Spike gives listeners a real taste of the creative process. The two also dive into Spike’s love for New York, his take on the NBA and the Knicks, and how he blends street-level authenticity with cinematic storytelling. It’s a masterclass in filmmaking, hustle, and holding true to your voice. You’ll also hear Spike’s thoughts on how the city has grown, how his roots shape his art, and what he still hopes to accomplish in the industry. Highest 2 Lowest is in theaters now and coming soon to Apple TV+. Don’t miss it. Want to catch the action? Click here to get tickets and check showtimes: Highest 2 Lowest Tickets & Showtimes

In this intergalactic episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, we’re joined by the one and only William Shatner—legendary actor, storyteller, and the man who brought Captain James T. Kirk to life. Shatner is on tour with a special live event that follows screenings of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, where he shares never-before-heard stories from the bridge and beyond. Find tour dates and tickets at WilliamShatnerTour.com In this candid conversation, Shatner dives into what made Wrath of Khan such a defining entry in the Star Trek franchise and reflects on the legacy of Captain Kirk—both the character and the mythos that surrounds him. He also opens up about some of his more unconventional opinions, including his musings on flat Earth theories, and how curiosity—not conformity—has always driven him. From Hollywood to the Final Frontier, this is William Shatner as you’ve never heard him before—only on Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas.