Backstory Sessions

Easter and the Return of Rick Cosnett

Hello Backstory fans! In this special episode we first jump into some of the traditions and trivia regarding Easter. From egg hunts and sugar-loaded candies to family meals, we reflect on diverse Easter traditions. Matt talks about Easter facts, exploring the origin of the Easter Bunny and the production of the iconic candy, Peeps. Tune in for this fun Easter special garnished with laughter, nostalgia, and a dash of heated debates. 
We also welcome the return of Rick Cosnett  to the podcast, who starred as Eddie in 'The Flash,' where he discusses the evolution of his character, challenges faced on the set, and memorable experiences during the series run. Rick talks about Eddie's transformation from a supervillain to a superhero, the emotional ending of the series, and how these reflected his own personal growth. We also discuss navigating the unpredictable landscape of industry interviews and performing dangerous stunts. Explore Rick's journey across contrasting roles, varying projects, surreal surroundings, and his unwavering love for acting that led him from Australia to the US.
 We uncover Rick's dream of portraying many diverse characters, his passion for the theater, and his ambitious web series project 'The Vacluse Daily.’ Experience his star-struck moments, expectations for future projects, and excitement for upcoming seasons of 'Palm Royale' and "911". The episode is filled with laughter, vivid storytelling, and reflections.

Lots of Updates and Plans

Hello Backstory fans! In this entertaining episode of Backstory Sessions, we have a discussion about Cat's social media adventures, the exciting venue and timing updates of her murder mystery event 'Murder on the Mountain' and an update on the upcoming pitch event for the unique mobile dinner theatre, 'Mystery Meets'. We also reveal some details about our upcoming Easter episode, which includes a special guest  Rick Cosnett.
We also have a discussion about the interesting phenomenon of the upcoming solar eclipse, with the odd decision of school closures during the event, eclipse viewing practices, and whether eclipse glasses have an expiration date.
As the episode winds down, we share some exciting future plans, including launching the new Backstory Sessions website, (finally) with an online store,  new merch coming, and expanding our social media presence. We also share a sneak peek into Cat's upcoming drama play "Boxes", an exploration of Matt's SubStack writings plans, as well as the  idea for a new podcast.
We celebrate our milestone of five years working on Backstory Sessions, and for this achievement, we express our gratitude for the support of you, our loyal listeners. 

Shell Games

Welcome to another engaging episode of Backstory Sessions, where we dive into the musical journey of Carrie Martinelli, the keyboard player, singer, and one of the songwriters of the band, Shell Games. Starting with the story behind the band name, Carrie shares the evolution of her music, from childhood piano lessons to performance experiences on stage, and a visit to a psychic.
Carrie shares personal tales that formed the backdrop of her musical evolution. From a setback that tested her self-confidence to a serendipitous reunion with piano that rekindled her passion for playing and creatin.The discussion goes beyond music, revealing her love for science, a story of unrequited love, and artistic cynicism. Carrie also shares her career transition from a science background to pursuing a passion for music. She discusses her experiences as part of a predominantly female band, tackling stereotypes in a male-dominated industry, and reveals the influence of social media on her journey.
Learn about the band's upcoming album, their creative process influenced by varied musical genres, and hear about lessons learned over years of artistic endeavor. The conversation offers encouragement with wit, and exemplifies the joy and challenges of embracing one's true passion.

18 Wheels

Hello Backstory Fans! Join us for yet another fun episode, where we are catching up with the amazing singer-songwriter Mackenzie Phipps. Talking about her latest song, written as a tribute to truck drivers, "18 Wheels", Mackenzie reveals the story behind writing it,
We touch upon a myriad of topics which include new sound equipment, our surge in listenership from Ghana and Nigeria, and some random items from the Backstory Facebook group. Ranging from their funnily divergent preferences on food to agreeing that all chocolate is great, it's a fun chat filled with laughter, and memories. We also talk a bit about a new project, "Heart-Shaped Box", and talk about the significance of St. Patrick's Day.
Mackenzie walks us through her journey, and reveals what she's been up to since last we chatted. A move, new music, and new opportunities are all discussed, as well as her small-town roots give listeners a view into her life these days.. She also shares a funny story of a chance encounter with one of her idols. 
Buckle up and join us for a heartening deep dive into Mackenzie's world. Follow her on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to see her ascent as a rising star in the country music scene.

Still Got It

Hello Backstory Fans! In this episode, join us as we commemorate  50th anniversary of the iconic sitcom, "Happy Days." Sharing our personal experiences, we pay tribute to the enduring impact the show has had and reminisce about some moments we remember about the show. Alongside recognizing the milestone of surpassing 50,000 downloads for Backstory Sessions, we have a great chat with Don Most, known for his portrayal of the memorable character Ralph Malph.
Discover the interesting tale behind the legendary "Happy Days" from one of the individuals who brought the show to life. The episode traverses initial meetings, friendships fostered, and what went into creating a show that holds a special place in American television history: From the actors' backgrounds, their iconic roles, the improvisations that became the show's essence, and the love for music that played an integral part in their lives.
This episode offers a rare look into Donny Most's life beyond the small screen, tracing a his journey from growing up in Brooklyn to a distinguished career in arts. Don shares his surprise and delight at reactions from fans discovering his hidden talent in singing. Balancing his love for arts against a potential career in engineering, he candidly discusses his career path. From his increasing acting opportunities to his strides in music and aspirations to explore songwriting, you'll enjoy this fun episode!

Valentine's Month: Tamra Hayden

Hello Backstory Fans! Jump into the world of performing arts with today's incredible guest, Broadway star Tamra Hayden. Experience a mix of humor, inspiration and passion as Tamra reflects on her evolutionary journey from holding her first guitar to gracing the acting stage.
In this episode, you'll get a rare glimpse into the compelling world of musical theater, and be introduced to Tamra’s unique approach of lacing every project with a pinch of hilarity. Expect heartwarming stories, pursuing ambitions and insights into future projects all wrapped up in laughter and enlightenment.
Discover a captivating conversation rooted in passion and talent. From early interests in music to her acting roles, journey alongside Tamra as she explores her connection to music and opens up about her personal journey with unexpected twists and turns.
Engage with Tamra's tales of collaboration, her journey into acting, and refreshingly honest glimpses into her life. Follow her as she shares her experiences of auditions, personal tragedy, and resilience in the face of adversity. Walk with her as she discusses finding a balance between solitary creativity and fruitful collaborations.
This love-filled narrative is not just a captivating episode; it's an emotional journey bearing testament to Tamra's drive and dedication. Pull up a seat and dive into this beautiful story of the old and the new, the innate and the learned, as you listen to her unique backstory.

Valentine's Month: Tess and Bobby

Hello Backstory fans! Join us for an exciting episode, as we delve into the love story of country music artists, Bobby Tomberlin and Tess Frizzell, who discuss their respective musical journeys filled with shared experiences, challenges, triumphs, and how their paths crossed in Nashville. Amid their professional struggles, they highlight the importance of mutual respect, authenticity, and the transformative power of shared experiences in deepening their bond.
The story unfolds further, taking us on an intimate journey through their career milestones, hilarious mix-ups and dating experiences, illuminating how their shared love for music intertwined with their romantic ties. Through candid discussions of their life together, career achievements, and shared memories, you'll glimpse how their love transcends the chaos of the entertainment industry, strengthening through trials and tribulations, and provides a refreshing blend of humor, love, and realism. 
Also, we talk about Cat's experience with the "Dear Juliet" club in Verona, Italy, and Victorian-era practices like pinning bay leaves to your pillow to attract love. An interesting backstory of Necco candy hearts, and the probably best forgotten tradition of "Vinegar Valentines" are also discussed. We hope you enjoy this sweet and fun episode!

Valentine's Month: John and Robin Berry

Hello Backstory fans! In this sweet episode, we explore the remarkable love journey of John and Robin Berry. From a chance meeting in a small Georgia club to a strong and enduring marriage of almost 36 years, this episode unveils their extraordinary love story.
Recalling their earlier years,, John, a quiet country singer, and Robin, a vibrant health and education student, share their unique path of defying conventional norms, making their relationship work amid the challenges of long-distance dating, the pressures of an aspiring music career, and the ups and downs of being first-time parents on tour.
Though faced with hardships, the couple’s deep bond, shared values, and their faith in each other held them together. This episode gives listeners insight into their lives, detailing how they manage to maintain a strong family, home, faith, and a mutual love for music while keeping their personal lives and music careers in balance.
Dive into this heartwarming tale of an enduring relationship, filled with laughter, struggles, triumphs, romance, and life lessons. This  episode is the celebration of love in its purest form through the eyes of John and Robin Berry.

Valentine's Month: Masyn and Nathaniel

Hello Backstory fans! Relive the unforgettable love stories of Backstory Sessions in this engaging Valentine's Month  episode. The episode takes a deep dive into the complex narrative of love, offering some Valentine's Day trivia and an interesting backstory of the oldest known Valentine
The episode continues with a captivating journey into a charming love story that evolves from friendship into a significant romantic relationship. Our friend Masyn, in her 3rd podcast with us, recounts her tale with vivid memories that discuss the transformation of her relationship with Nathaniel, challenging predefined romantic norms and sharing a love story that is as complex as it is beautiful.
Through a series of intimate anecdotes, Masyn and Nathaniel explore their whirlwind romance, from casual church meetings to a profound connection, leading up to a magical proposal set amidst the festive backdrop of Christmas trees. Each moment of their journey is sketched in detail, making their story a testament to love's instinctive knowledge. They dive further into their love story discussing their grand wedding, their strategies for effective communication, and the little quirks that uniquely define their relationship. The couple's strong foundation of love and faith mixed with an understanding of each other's perfections and imperfections, makes this episode an incredible exploration of companionship, future plans, aspirations, and the wonderful balance in their relationship. This episode is a heartwarming insight into the beauty and complexities of love and evolving relationships.

"Anthems": Artimus Pyle

Hello Backstory Fans! We are back with the start of Season 11! In this episode, we welcome back the iconic drummer and musician, Artimus Pyle, in a long discussion about his journey, filled with unexpected turns and intriguing stories. From surviving plane crashes and recording his exciting new project, "Anthems", to be released on Feb 2nd, to the pain of losing his friend and former bandmate Gary Rossington last year, Artimus reveals it all. Explore the incredible journey of this iconic artist, learn about some of the intricacies of the music world, and get an inside look into the process of recording the album ‘Anthems’ to honor the Lynyrd Skynyrd legacy. 
It is an emotional rollercoaster ride through Artimus's experiences - from interactions with renowned artists like Dolly Parton, Sammy Hagar, and Ronnie Dunn to name a few, to dealing with the sometimes harsh realities of life on the road with the Artimus Pyle Band, and grappling with personal and professional trials. Find out how and why he rerecorded some of the classic Lynyrd Skynyrd hits to appeal to long time fans as well as new audiences and the legacy he wishes to uphold in the world of timeless music.
You will recognize Artimus's resilience as he shares his journey against health challenges, including cancer and a heart attack, his commitment to a healthy lifestyle, legal challenges encountered in the music business, and his future plans in this engaging episode. This is a compelling tale of a musician shaped by adversity but driven by his unwavering love and passion for music.