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Backstage With Gentry Thomas: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Podcast Playground
STEP BEHIND THE SCENES WITH GENTRY THOMAS, WHERE MUSIC LEGENDS, SPORTS ICONS, COMEDIANS, ACTORS, AND HOLLYWOOD HEAVYWEIGHTS SHARE THE STORIES YOU DON'T ALWAYS HEAR. With his cool, laid-back interview style, Gentry gets his guests to open up about the defining moments of their lives and career, from their biggest failures and toughest setbacks to the hard work, determination, and unexpected breaks that helped them rise to the top. These aren't ordinary celebrity interviews. Each episode goes beyond the headlines to reveal the real people behind the fame, the lessons they learned along the way, and the unforgettable stories that happened when the cameras weren't rolling. COME FOR THE FAMOUS NAMES. STAY FOR THE STORIES.
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- Sep 15, 202629 min
Darryl Bell & Cornell Young IV: A Different World Returns to Hillman
In this exciting episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, Gentry sits down with Darryl Bell and Cornell Young IV to talk about the return of one of television’s most beloved shows, A Different World. The new Netflix continuation brings fans back to Hillman College, the iconic fictional HBCU that helped define style, culture, friendship, and social conversation for a generation. Fans can watch or follow the show on Netflix here:A Different World Darryl and Cornell talk about how the new series honors the spirit of the original 80s and 90s classic while bringing Hillman into a new era. They discuss the fashion, culture, campus life, and important issues that made the original show so groundbreaking — and how those themes will evolve for a new generation of students. The conversation also dives into the heart of the new story: a father-son relationship that connects the legacy of the original cast with the fresh faces now walking the halls of Hillman. Cornell plays Shaquille Johnson, a new-generation student navigating life, identity, and opportunity at the HBCU, while Darryl Bell returns as Ron Johnson, helping bridge the past and present of the series. From nostalgia and legacy to college culture, family, and the next chapter of Hillman, this episode is a must-listen for fans of A Different World old and new.
- Aug 6, 202622 min
Marc Summers: From Indiana Kid to Nickelodeon Icon
In this nostalgic and wildly fun episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, legendary TV host Marc Summers joins Gentry to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Double Dare, the messy, groundbreaking game show that helped put Nickelodeon on the map and became a defining piece of childhood for an entire generation. Marc is celebrating with Marc Summers & Friends’ 40 Year Double Dare Reunion, a special one-night-only event bringing fans back into the world of slime, physical challenges, behind-the-scenes stories, and classic Double Dare chaos. In-person tickets are sold out, but fans can still pre-order the on-demand video, which includes the full reunion event plus a behind-the-scenes featurette. Fans can pre-order the pay-per-view video here:https://www.marcsummerslive.com/ Gentry and Marc talk about both being from Indiana, Marc’s early path into television through magic, and how that opened doors into entertainment. Marc also reflects on coming up through The Comedy Store, crossing paths with comedy legends including David Letterman, and how his journey eventually led him to college in Boston. Of course, the conversation dives deep into Double Dare: how the famous slime was made, what it was like working with screaming kids every day, the insanity of the physical challenges, and why the show still means so much to fans four decades later. From magic and comedy clubs to Nickelodeon history and gallons of slime, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and behind-the-scenes memories from one of television’s most beloved hosts.
- Jul 21, 202618 min
Kelsey Grammer Has Survived Lightning, Loss and 40 Years of Frasier
In this fascinating episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, legendary actor Kelsey Grammer joins Gentry to talk about his new sci-fi mystery film, Lars Shrike Walks the Night. In the film, Grammer plays Lars Shrike, a mysterious character who may have escaped from a writer’s imagination and must navigate the real world with only fragments of understanding. The film arrives on digital platforms July 24. Watch the trailer here: Lars Shrike Walks the Night Official TrailerWatch or find the movie here: Lars Shrike Walks the Night on Apple TV Kelsey and Gentry dive into the film’s unusual concept, what drew him to the role, and how a story about reality, imagination, and identity gave him something different to explore as an actor. The conversation also looks back at two of the most iconic sitcoms in television history: Cheers and Frasier. Kelsey reflects on the legacy of Dr. Frasier Crane, how the character evolved over the years, and why audiences have connected with him for generations. Gentry and Kelsey also talk about his meeting with Donald Trump, his personal meditation practices, and how he finds calm and balance in a busy life. Plus, Kelsey shares the wild story of what it was like to be struck by lightning and live to tell the tale.
- Jun 18, 202616 min
John Ratzenberger: From Cliff Clavin to Hamm — 30 Years Inside Toy Story
In this nostalgic and fun-filled episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, actor and legendary voice performer John Ratzenberger joins Gentry to talk about his return to the world of Pixar in Toy Story 5. The new film brings the beloved toys back for a fresh adventure where classic, old-fashioned playthings face off against modern technology. Disney describes the story as “Toy meets Tech,” with Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the gang navigating a world where screens and gadgets are changing the way kids play. Fans can watch the official trailer here: Toy Story 5 Official TrailerFans can get tickets and showtimes here: Toy Story 5 Tickets John and Gentry dive into his long history with Pixar, where Ratzenberger became a fan favorite through memorable roles across the studio’s films. He talks about the craft of voice acting, how he approaches animated characters, and what makes bringing a toy, bug, monster, car, or character to life so different from live-action performance. The two also have fun talking about their favorite childhood toys and how Toy Story 5 taps into a question every generation can relate to: what happens when the toys we grew up loving have to compete with the newest technology? Of course, no conversation with John Ratzenberger would be complete without talking about Cheers. John reflects on playing the unforgettable Cliff Clavin, what it was like being part of one of television’s most beloved sitcoms, and how that character still lives on with fans today. Fans can revisit Cliff Clavin moments from Cheers here: Cliff Clavin Doing Stand-up From Pixar memories and voice acting secrets to Cheers, childhood nostalgia, and the future of play, this episode is packed with stories from one of entertainment’s most recognizable voices.
- Jun 16, 202614 min
Wynonna Judd: From the Good Old Days to The Hard Truth
In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, country music icon Wynonna Judd joins Gentry to talk about her Raised on Radio Tour with Melissa Etheridge. The tour brings together two legendary voices for a night built around the songs, stories, and radio memories that shaped their lives and careers.Fans can find tour dates and buy tickets here: Wynonna Tour Wynonna also discusses her new album, The Hard Truth, a deeply personal project centered around heartbreak, healing, faith, survival, and the real-life experiences that have shaped her.Fans can listen, pre-order, or buy the album here: Wynonna The Hard Truth Gentry and Wynonna talk about what it meant to be raised on radio before phones and algorithms changed how people discovered music. Wynonna reflects on her mother Naomi Judd, how beautiful she was in her younger years, and the priceless lessons she passed down about music, strength, faith, and survival. The conversation also dives into Wynonna writing music with her dad, what it was like trying to find her place in a man’s world, the story of how she almost met John Travolta, and the unforgettable experience of performing at the White House. From family legacy and country music history to resilience, reinvention, and the truth behind the songs, this episode is full of heart, humor, and wisdom from one of the most unmistakable voices in American music.
- Jun 11, 202616 min
Melissa Etheridge: The Fire, The Guitar, and The Rise
In this soulful and inspiring episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, Grammy-winning rock icon Melissa Etheridge joins Gentry to talk about her Raised on Radio Tour with Wynonna Judd. The tour brings together two powerhouse voices for a night of hits, stories, and the kind of music that shaped generations of radio listeners.Fans can find tour dates and buy tickets here: Melissa Etheridge Tour 2026 Melissa also talks about her new album, Rise, released through Sun Records. The album features heartfelt, triumphant songs produced by Shooter Jennings and Melissa Etheridge at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, including “Don’t You Want a Woman,” “Bein’ Alive,” “Call You,” and “The Other Side of Blue,” featuring Chris Stapleton.Fans can shop or stream Rise here: Melissa Etheridge Store Gentry and Melissa dive into what it means to be raised in the radio era, how radio helped shape her as an artist, and what it’s like touring with Wynonna Judd. Melissa reflects on working with the legendary Sun Records, writing songs with deep emotional weight, and the craft behind performing with feeling, including her method of playing guitar without relying on a metronome. The conversation also turns personal as Melissa talks about coming out in 1993, what that moment meant at the time, and how honesty, courage, and authenticity have guided her life and music ever since. From radio roots and raw songwriting to touring, truth, and resilience, this episode is full of heart, wisdom, and the unmistakable voice of Melissa Etheridge.
- Jun 9, 202616 min
Jim Gaffigan Talks Letterman, Football, Bourbon, and The Everything Is Wonderful Tour
In this hilarious and easygoing episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, comedian Jim Gaffigan joins Gentry to talk about his new stand-up run, The Everything Is Wonderful Tour. Known for his clean, sharp, and brutally relatable comedy, Jim shares what fans can expect from the new material and how his life, family, and point of view continue to fuel his work on stage. Fans can find tour dates and buy tickets here:Jim Gaffigan Everything is Wonderful Tour Jim also talks about his bourbon brand, Fathertime, a Kentucky straight bourbon inspired by fatherhood, parenting, and the need for dads to occasionally take a well-earned pause. Fans 21+ can learn more and shop Fathertime bourbon here:Fathertime Bourbon Gentry and Jim dive into what it was like growing up in Indiana, Jim’s early life as an athlete, and his time playing college football as an offensive lineman. The conversation also gets into his love of bourbon, the discipline behind stand-up, and what it feels like to be one of the most prolific comedians working today, with a long list of comedy specials and decades of material behind him. From football and family to bourbon and big laughs, this episode is packed with classic Jim Gaffigan honesty, wit, and warmth.
- May 29, 202612 min
Dolph Lundgren: From Ivan Drago to History’s Greatest Machines
In this powerful and fascinating episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, actor, filmmaker, martial artist, and action icon Dolph Lundgren joins Gentry to talk about his new HISTORY Channel series, History’s Greatest Machines with Dolph Lundgren. The show follows Dolph as he explores the engineering, innovation, and impact behind some of the most important machines ever built, from military technology and spy planes to rockets, helicopters, and inventions that changed the course of history. The series premieres Monday, June 1 at 10/9c on HISTORY, with episodes available through HISTORY and participating TV providers. Fans can watch episodes and learn more here:History's Greatest Machines With Dolph Lundgren Dolph also opens up about his personal battle with cancer and what it took to keep fighting through one of the toughest chapters of his life. He shares insight into his workout and training regimen, the discipline that has carried him through decades of action roles, and how he continues to stay strong physically and mentally. Of course, the conversation goes back to one of his most iconic roles: Ivan Drago in Rocky IV. Dolph tells Gentry what it was like stepping onto that legendary set, preparing for the role, and even meeting James Brown during the making of the film. The interview also touches on Dolph’s vodka business with his wife, his life outside of Hollywood, and the drive that keeps him curious, creative, and constantly evolving. From action movies and machines to survival, reinvention, and real-life grit, this episode delivers a rare look at Dolph Lundgren beyond the screen.
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About Backstage With Gentry Thomas
STEP BEHIND THE SCENES WITH GENTRY THOMAS, WHERE MUSIC LEGENDS, SPORTS ICONS, COMEDIANS, ACTORS, AND HOLLYWOOD HEAVYWEIGHTS SHARE THE STORIES YOU DON'T ALWAYS HEAR. With his cool, laid-back interview style, Gentry gets his guests to open up about the defining moments of their lives and career, from their biggest failures and toughest setbacks to the hard work, determination, and unexpected breaks that helped them rise to the top. These aren't ordinary celebrity interviews. Each episode goes beyond the headlines to reveal the real people behind the fame, the lessons they learned along the way, and the unforgettable stories that happened when the cameras weren't rolling. COME FOR THE FAMOUS NAMES. STAY FOR THE STORIES.
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