Backstory Sessions

Colin Stough: Best For You

This week, Colin Stough joins us for a candid conversation about his journey, staying grounded through change, and the stories that shape his music. Guest host Willie Carr helps guide a thoughtful discussion on creativity, resilience, and what it means to grow in the public eye.
 
We also dive into Colin's new song, "Best For You," and the personal meaning behind this powerful release.

Inside the Manor: Louie James on Time Loops, Indie Grit, and Ghosts

Catch a cozy, no-filter chat with Louie James as he opens up about growing up near London, how classic American cinema lit his imagination, and the wild adventures of indie filmmaking that shaped his career. We dive into his intense roles, physical stunts in River of Blood, and the twists of performing in the new time-loop horror Manor of Darkness — releasing December 9th.Louie talks acting training, the power of honest collaboration, why darker stories still hold a glimmer of humanity, and even his thoughts on ghosts, guardian angels, and how tech (including AI) can help indie filmmakers punch above their weight. It’s like hanging out with a thoughtful, slightly dramatic friend — intimate, honest, and a little spooky.

Backstory Sessions Season 17 — Old-Soul Country, New Laughs with Chris Malpass

Hey Chris — excited to share a sneak peek of Season 3 of Backstory Sessions. It’s that warm, old-school country variety you remember: live audiences, brotherly chemistry, comedy bits, and unforgettable moments (yes, Randy Travis stole the show).We’re taping at the Stockyards studio, touring hard, and dropping new country and gospel records soon — consider this your invite to grab a seat, laugh along, and feel right at home.

Christmas ideas

Looking for a gift idea? Tune in as Cat suggests some ideas and discusses them with tonight's co-host Willie.

Tap-Dancing into History: Nell Campbell on Columbia & Rocky Horror's 50 Years

Hello Backstory fans! — Come and hang out with us as we close out season 16 with a fun interview with Nell Campbell (Columbia)from Rocky Horror. She spills how she was literally tapped into the role, how the Time Warp came to be, and why Rocky Horror still lights up people’s lives 50 years later.
It’s full of backstage stories, fan love, and a sneak peek at her one-woman show All’s Nels That Ends Nels — perfect for longtime fans or anyone curious about how a tiny London show became a global cult phenomenon.

Resilience: Donna Mills

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 the Resilience shows, and we also sneak in a fun Rocky Horror anniversary chat — so if you want to feel moved and connected, this one’s for you.

From Church Pew to Farm Rows: The Wyatt Chapel Reinvention

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 grow. If you’re into food that actually tastes like something, or you believe freedom starts with being able to feed yourself, you’ll love this episode.

Resilience: Fernanda's Journey

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’re sitting across from a friend, sipping coffee, and remembering just how much people can endure and still thrive.

"You Pick the Flowers" Robby Johnson

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, sharing the heartfelt inspiration behind his romantic tune, "You Pick the Flowers." Whether you're a sucker for love stories or just here for those good vibes, this episode has something special for you. So grab your earbuds and settle in—We are about to take you on a journey filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot more!

AI Takes Over:

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 even explore some novel podcast topic ideas suggested by our virtual co-hosts, and end with some thought-provoking and hilariously absurd questions that only AI could concoct. It's a wild ride of an episode that dances on the fine line between innovation and tradition. Join us for laughter, unexpected insights, and a bit of good-natured skepticism about the rise of our new AI overlords.