Backstory Sessions

My Life So Far: Kent Blazy

Hello Backstory fans!
Welcome back It's a special episode as we wrap up Season 12! Can you believe it? We reminisce about the journey so far, filled with nostalgic moments and milestones, including almost 175 episodes and reaching nearly 65,000 listeners as we reflect on this amazing adventure.
This week, we're thrilled to have a returning guest, the talented songwriter Kent Blazy. He's back with a brand-new project that's super close to his heart. Kent's latest album, "My Life So Far," is a collection of deeply personal songs inspired by significant people and moments in his life. From lost loves to lifelong friends, and even a rescued pup, We can't wait to share this inspiring conversation with you!
Thank you for listening, and see you next season on August 11th!
Cheers,
Cat and Matt

Unlocking Creativity: Kirstie Manna

Hello Backstory fans! In this episode of Backstory Sessions, we sit down with the incredibly talented Kirstie Manna, a songwriter, singer, and creativity coach who has a knack for inspiring others. Kirstie shares her journey in the music industry, from writing the hit song "Austin" for Blake Shelton to teaching online creativity classes and hosting songwriting camps. 
We dive into the importance of staying inspired, setting goals, and the business side of the music industry. Kirstie also gives us a sneak peek into her online course "Spark Your Creativity" and offers invaluable advice on how to stay motivated and carve out time for your creative passions. 
Whether you're an aspiring songwriter or just looking for a little creative boost, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Get comfy, and let's get inspired together! 

Horizon: H Jack Williams

Hello Backstory Fans! We have something special for you on this episode of Backstory Sessions! We are catching up with the incredible H. Jack Williams, and wow, what a journey he's been on!
Jack's been keeping busy since we last spoke, diving into the world of acting with a role in Kevin Costner's epic new movie, Horizon. He shares the thrilling experience of stepping onto the big screen and how it felt to see himself in a Hollywood film. Spoiler alert!: it's as nerve-wracking as it is exciting!
But that's not all. Jack's also been working on a deeply personal spoken word album, drawing from his own life experiences. He even got Kevin Costner to collaborate on one of the tracks, to be released soon.
We also get into some fun behind-the-scenes stories from the movie set, debunking a few rumors and sharing some laughs. And, of course, Jack's looking ahead to more acting roles and live performances. The man's a powerhouse of creativity and resilience.
So, grab your headphones and join us for this inspiring chat. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, triumphs, and some good ol' Hollywood magic. You won't want to miss it!

Sketches: John Ford Coley

Hey everyone! Welcome  to another exciting episode of Backstory Sessions!  This month has been a whirlwind, and we can't believe it's already nearing its end. Oh, and a big shoutout to Matt for celebrating his birthday this month—Happy Birthday, Matt!
We dive into some fascinating stories today, including the one-year anniversary of Tri-County Mystery Meets. It's been a year filled with challenges, learning, and a lot of rewarding experiences. at the party, we had some fun birthday celebrations, complete with 80s costumes and a few laughs about makeup mishaps!
But the highlight of this episode is our incredible guest, John Ford Coley! If you're a fan of classic hits and intriguing backstories, you won't want to miss this. John takes us on a journey through his musical career, from his early days with England Dan to unforgettable moments touring with legends like Elton John and Carole King. We even get to hear some behind-the-scenes stories about the making of iconic songs like "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight."
So grab your headphones and get ready for an episode packed with memories, music, and a whole lot of fun. Let's get started!

Korporate Kindergarten: Alexys, Reed, and Dalton

Hey friends! Welcome to this special Father's Day edition of Backstory Sessions. Today, we are joined by some incredible young talents: Alexys Acob, Reed Elliotte, and Dalton Dailey.🎉
We kick things off by chatting about the unique experiences and insights these young actors bring to their roles in "Korporate Kindergarten." From Dalton's inspiring journey into acting to Reed's amazing story of meeting three U.S. Presidents, and Alexys’s musical and acting talents, this episode is packed with fun and heartwarming moments.
Also, we get into the nitty-gritty of what it's like for these kids to play adult roles, their dreams for the future, and their touching tributes to their dads on this special day. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one!
So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of young talent and heartfelt Father's Day memories. 💖

Catching Up: Will Wesley

Hey there! Welcome to another episode of Backstory Sessions. Today, we have the pleasure of catching up with the ever-talented Will Wesley, who’s back for his second visit.
Will’s been busy since we last chatted. He’s gone from spreading Christmas cheer with his version of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" to releasing his latest single, "Honky Tonk USA." We dive into the backstory of this country anthem, his inspirations, and the state of classic country music today.
But that’s not all. Will shares some heartwarming stories about his family’s involvement in his music videos, his nomination for three Josie Awards, and his upcoming European tour. We even get a sneak peek into his new, deeply personal project, "12 O'Clock in Texas," which touches on the emotional journey after the loss of his brother to addiction.
So, grab your headphones, settle in, and join us for a great conversation with Will Wesley. You won't want to miss this one!

Music, Heartbreak, and Resilience: Tiffany Woys

Hey Backstory fans! In this episode, we dive into a truly inspiring story that will tug at your heartstrings. We sit down with the talented singer-songwriter Tiffany Woys, who shares her incredible journey from a dream beach wedding swept away by a hurricane to finding solace and strength in her music. We start with Tiffany's path into music and songwriting. Later, she opens up about her whirlwind romance, the heartbreak of a called-off engagement, and how she turned her pain into powerful songs that resonate with so many. This episode is packed with raw emotions, resilience, and the magic of music. You won't want to miss it! She offers great insight into how she dealt with the events that transpired with grace, and was able to move forward. Also, get a sneak peek into Tiffany's latest projects and her thoughts on the evolving music industry. Tune in and be inspired by this heartfelt conversation! 

A Grand Honor: T. Graham Brown

Welcome to another amazing episode of Backstory Sessions! Join us as we continue Season 12 with an exciting conversation featuring the newest inductee into the Grand Ole Opry, the legendary T. Graham Brown.
Find out about T's remarkable journey, from his early days performing in college bars to his recent induction into the Opry. He shares stories from his illustrious career, including his start singing songwriter demos after moving to Nashville, and the emotional experience of being invited to join the Opry by fellow member Vince Gill. The episode also touches on his more unique ventures, such as singing advertising jingles and hosting a long running show on Sirius XM radio.  Additionally, we also chat about T.'s upcoming album, "From Memphis to Muscle Shoals," featuring collaborations with renowned artists like Dwight Yoakam, Wynonna Judd, and Sammy Hagar. T. offers insights into the inspiration behind the album and the exciting duets it includes. Also, find out about more upcoming projects from this amazing artist.

"Somebody's Gotta Do It" : Paige King Johnson

Join us for the second episode of Backstory Sessions' 12th season where we discuss the launch of the new website, BackstorySessions.com as well as future plans for it.  Listen to some interesting tales about our recent animal encounters too! 
Our awesome guest this week, singer/songwriter Paige King Johnson, shares the story of her journey from growing up in a small town and moving to Nashville to follow her dreams. Find out what made her put aside living in Nashville full time, and how she manages her writing, recording, and busy touring schedule. From the gift of her first guitar, the recent release of her latest single, "Somebody's Gotta Do It", Paige has an inspiring story you won't want to miss. Find out what her and Cat have in common in the business world, and what led to Paige starting that venture. She also shares her thoughts on co-writing and working with and opening for lots of mainstream artists. 
 

Kami Cotler: Back to The Waltons

Welcome to the start of Season 12 of Backstory Sessions! We are happy to be back and bring you our awesome fans, more great interviews this season!
We start the episode with a few updates on things we talked about in recent episodes: The Pitch, the Backstory Sessions website, and talk about the Northern Lights, along with a few other random items. Our guest this week is actress Kami Cotler, who played Elizabeth Walton on the much-loved series, Kami talks about how she landed the role at such a young age and navigating being an actor while trying to have a semi normal life during those early years. We chat about what she has been doing since, and her feelings about the series after so many years. Her many years spent in education are a sharp contrast to acting, but she still finds time to attend fan events and continue her connection with other actors from the series, as well as fans of the show. It's an interesting conversation that shows acting may have a strong alure for many but for some, there may be other passions that pull them in other directions.  She also shares a funny story about getting recognized by some fans as an adult during a date with her then boyfriend/ now husband. We hope you enjoy our chat with Kami as much as we did.