Backstory Sessions

If you ever wondered, “what’s the story behind that story” then Backstory Sessions is for you. We showcase fascinating people, from all walks of life. Each episode takes a behind the scenes look at their work and spotlights guests who have their own stories to tell. With charming hosts Matt and Cat keeping it conversational and fun, this is a don’t miss podcast!

Backstory Sessions is a arts podcast hosted by backstorysessions, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

backstorysessions hosts Backstory Sessions, a arts show with 100 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #267

  Stephanie Rabus

  Aug 16, 20261h 1m

  ️ 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

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  Episode #266

  Johnny Owens - Act Naturally

  Aug 9, 202630 min

  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

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  Episode #264

  Kennedy Reid

  Aug 2, 202642 min

  ️ 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

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  Episode #262

  Brandon Wood

  Jul 25, 202654 min

  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.

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  Episode #263

  IGOT Debbie Gilbert

  Jul 12, 20261h 2m

  ✨ This week on Backstory Sessions… What happens when one person sees a need in their community—and decides to do something about it? Join us as we welcome Debbie Gilbert, Founder of IGOT Communities (Independently Growing Older Together), for an inspiring conversation about purpose, service, and creating places where adults 55+ can thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Debbie shares the personal experiences that inspired IGOT Communities, the challenges of building a movement from the ground up, and why meaningful connections can change lives at every age. Whether you’re planning for your own future, caring for a loved one, or simply believe in the power of community, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎙 Backstory Sessions Guest: Debbie Gilbert, Founder of IGOT Communities 📅 Airs July 12 Because every great organization begins with a story—and every story has the power to inspire. #BackstorySessions #DebbieGilbert #IGOTCommunities #IndependentlyGrowingOlderTogether #CommunityMatters #AgingWell #ActiveAging #Podcast #ConversationsWithCreatives #Kentucky #Inspiration #PurposeDriven #Storytelling

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