Backstage Bucks County

Matt Freedman

Backstage Bucks County showcases the region’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, musicians, creatives, and business leaders. Hosted by Matt Freedman — entrepreneur, musician, and founder of Rhythm, LLC — the show dives into the raw grind, creative hustle, and personal stories shaping Bucks County’s culture and economy. Produced inside Rhythm, LLC — Bucks County’s premier podcast and content studio — the show is part of our mission to spotlight the region’s most influential and creative minds while giving the community a voice of its own.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or simply curious about the people shaping Bucks County, Backstage Bucks County is your all-access pass to the energy, ideas, and people making it happen.Subscribe now and come backstage — where the real stories are told.

  1. 3d ago

    Given a 1% Chance: Tim Chiarolanza on Life After Brain Injury | Episode 13!

    Tim Chiarolanza's brain injury recovery did not look like anyone expected, including the doctor who gave him a 1% chance of living. In November 2021, Tim was a strength and conditioning coach in Bucks County when a freak accident left him fighting for his life. Three days after surviving being hit by a car, his brain bled and swelled without warning, and doctors told his wife and father to plan a funeral. He has no memory of the 7 weeks that followed. On episode 13 of Backstage Bucks County, Tim joins longtime friend Matt Freedman to walk through the accident, the coma, the week he spent convinced he was dreaming, and the slow work of relearning how to walk, talk, and live. He also introduces the Today Effect, the four daily anchors (purpose, action, presence, connection) that keep him grounded, and explains why his foundation, Triumph in Recovery, exists to support survivors and their caregivers. 00:00 A 1% chance and 7 missing weeks 01:38 Growing up in Bucks County together 03:30 Finding strength and conditioning 06:24 Why Tim tells parents to stop specializing their kids 15:48 The night everything changed 22:58 A doctor tells the family to plan a funeral 25:46 Waking up and thinking it's all a dream 30:59 Changing the question from why to what now 36:54 Getting his license back and his independence 39:03 Why caregivers need as much support as survivors 41:36 The Today Effect explained 51:23 Different person, same core 53:22 What people can't see about a brain injury 59:50 A hometown show steps up for the foundation 1:06:56 The book Tim is writing and how to help About Backstage Bucks County: hosted by Matt Freedman, entrepreneur, musician, and founder of Rhythm, LLC, the show spotlights the entrepreneurs, musicians, creatives, and business leaders shaping Bucks County. Produced inside Rhythm, a Bucks County content studio. Learn more about Tim's foundation, get involved, or donate at triumphinrecovery.com. Guest: Tim Chiarolanza, co-founder and president of Triumph in Recovery. Instagram @TimChiarolanza. Foundation Instagram @Triumph_in_Recovery. Thank you to FTL Bags for sponsoring this episode. Go to https://www.ftlbags.com/ #BackstageBucksCounty #TriumphInRecovery #BrainInjuryRecovery #TBIAwareness #BucksCountyPodcast

  2. May 1

    Backstage Bucks County – Episode 12 with Nicolas and Stephen Servis

    🎙 Backstage Bucks County – Episode 12 with Nicolas and Stephen Servis Host: Matt Freedman — Founder of Rhythm & Award-Winning Country Artist Guest: Nicolas and Stephen Servis Recorded at Rhythm Studios, New Hope, PA Episode 11 of Backstage Bucks County welcomes the Servis Bros! Nicolas and Stephen Servis are the owners of Servis Events, a private dining service that offers health-focused meals made with locally-sourced ingredients of the highest quality.  After being forced to leave their restaurant jobs due to COVID, the identical twins start their own food business based Bucks County. From animal butchery, gardening, growing under lights, tapping maple trees for syrup, raising bees and spinning the honey, making their own hot sauces & vinegars, to foraging for garnish- these bros have perfected the process of pairing delicous, natural meals with luxury service.  Read more about the Servis Bros and their mission here:  Our education started at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology where we were both enrolled in the Culinary Arts program. After completion, we went on to get our associates degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Bucks County Community College. The rest was taught in the kitchen. We both truly became deeply interested in the farm-to-table world when holding chef de partie positions at The Mainland Inn. Yes, we have worked in a lot of the same restaurants! We did full animal butchery, gardening, growing under lights, tapping maple trees for syrup, raising bees and spinning the honey, making our own hot sauces & vinegars, foraging for garnish and such. We were in our own little heaven of a restaurant. When volunteering at Quarry Hill Farm, Stephen was told about the WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) program, a pitch that said you could travel for free, as long as you offer your work to the farmers in exchange for housing and meals. Well, five years later, the time was just right and we spent 2 months on Flying Pond Farm in Vienna, Maine in the summer of 2020. That’s where this whole idea became just a distant reality. After countless conversations with the farmer and his family (Harold and the Grams), we had somewhat of a plan of attack for when we returned home to start cooking these private events. After a little bit of revising, we had our vision! 📚 Resources & Links Website: servis-events.com Instagram: @servisevents Facebook: Servis Events   Follow Matt Freedman & Backstage Bucks County Website: MattFreedmanmusic.com YouTube: ‪@mattfreedmanmusic‬  Instagram: @MattFreedmanmusic, @backstagebuckscounty Tiktok: @backstagebuckscounty Website: MattFreedmanmusic.com

  3. Mar 30

    Backstage Bucks County- Episode 11 with Dr. Beth Kaplan

    🎙 Backstage Bucks County – Episode 11 with Dr. Beth Kalplan Host: Matt Freedman — Founder of Rhythm & Award-Winning Country Artist Guest: Dr. Beth Kaplan Recorded at Rhythm Studios, New Hope, PA Episode 12 of Backstage Bucks County welcomes Dr. Beth Kaplan, a life-long resident of Bucks County and author of "Braving the Workplace." Dr. Kaplan is a keynote speaker dedicated to helping employee's find belonging in the workplace. She helps organizations strengthen trust, increase retention, and build cultures rooted in psychological safety and accountability. Her research-backed keynotes translate belonging into measurable performance outcomes. MORE ABOUT DR. BETH KAPLAN FROM HER WEBSITE:  Dr. Beth Kaplan helps leaders build high-performance cultures rooted in psychological safety and accountability. She bridges research and real-world execution and practical frameworks leaders can implement immediately. Her work focuses on: • Increasing retention • Reducing burnout • Strengthening trust • Improving cross-functional collaboration • Elevating accountability Belonging becomes the lever. Performance becomes the outcome. 📚 Resources & Links Website: drbethkaplan.com Instagram: @drbethkaplan Tiktok: @belongingdoc Facebook: Dr. Beth Kaplan, Ed. D.  LinkedIn: Dr. Beth Kaplan X: @DrBethKaplan Follow Matt Freedman & Backstage Bucks County Website: MattFreedmanmusic.com YouTube: ‪@mattfreedmanmusic‬  Instagram: @MattFreedmanmusic, @backstagebuckscounty Tiktok: @backstagebuckscounty Website: MattFreedmanmusic.com

  4. 12/05/2025

    Backstage Bucks County – Episode 10 with Blake Guss

    🎙 Backstage Bucks County – Episode 8 with Blake Guss, Motivational Speaker, Meditation Workshop Facilitator, and Co-Founder of Online Meditation Events: Guided Meditation for All Host: Matt Freedman — Founder of Rhythm & Award-Winning Country Artist Guest: Blake Guss Recorded at Rhythm Studios, New Hope, PA Introduction: Sharing Truth That Heals Episode 9 of Backstage Bucks County welcomes Blake Guss, a celebrated motivational speaker and the co-founder of Online Meditation Events- a company desined to assist clients with guided meditation practices. Blake and our host, Matt Freedman, first crossed paths in middle school, and reunited to discuss how an unhealthy mind can negatively impact every aspect of someone's life. Despite his struggles with self-hatred, isolation, and addiction, Blake made the courageous decision to overcoem his struggles through meditation and intensive therapy. He now dedicates his life to helping others heal from their trauma and learn how to direct positive energy pack into their lives. MORE ABOUT BLAKE GUSS: Blake is the Co-founder of OnlineMeditationEvents.com. With over 13 years of dedicated practice and enriched by extensive retreats across Asia, South America, and the United States under the guidance of masters, Blake’s journey is a testament to personal development through meditation. Having conquered high anxiety and navigated challenges in his 20s, he discovered and embodies True Peace through meditation. Blake has successfully led more than 300 meditation events and delivered illuminating lectures and transformative workshops at prestigious institutions such as NYU, St John’s University, and Square Inc. Over the past decade, he has guided thousands through personalized sessions, believing deeply that the answers to life’s challenges lie within oneself. Blake is committed to helping others unlock their potential and discover profound personal growth. A MESSAGE FROM ONLINE MEDITATION EVENTS: Break free from your blockages and embark on self-discovery in our Personal Development Meditation. Overcome mental barriers holding you back from your potential. Our guides introduce powerful meditation techniques to unlock inner wisdom and catalyze transformation. Gain clarity on life’s purpose, boost confidence, and develop tools to pursue goals. Through exercises and guided meditations, tap into innate strengths and cultivate a growth mindset. Join us to unlock your true potential and become your most authentic self. Discover how personal development leads to improved relationships, career success, and life satisfaction. 📚 Resources & Links YouTube:  @blakeguss &  @OMEmeditation   Instagram: @blakeguss & @onlinemeditationevents Facebook: Blake Guss & Online Meditation Events Website: onlinemeditationevents.com Follow Matt Freedman & Backstage Bucks County YouTube: ‪@mattfreedmanmusic‬  Instagram: @MattFreedmanmusic, @backstagebuckscounty Tiktok: @backstagebuckscounty Website: MattFreedmanmusic.com

  5. 11/28/2025

    Backstage Bucks County - Episode 9 with Jeff Mattes & Josh Frank from the Live Like Brent Foundation

    🎙 Backstage Bucks County – Episode 8 with Jeff Mattes & Josh Frank from the Live Like Brent Foundation Host: Matt Freedman — Founder of Rhythm & Award-Winning Country Artist Guest: Executive Director Jeff Mattes & President Josh Frank of the Live Like Brent Foundation Recorded at Rhythm Studios, New Hope, PA Introduction: Honoring the Life of Brent P. Evans Through the Live Like Brent Foundation Episode 8 of Backstage Bucks County is proud to welcome two very special guests, Jeff Mattes & Josh Frank. As executive director and president of the Live Like Brent Foundation, Jeff and Josh have devoted the past 15 years to supporting cancer patients and families who are in need of financial assistance. The LLBF was established to honor the life of Brent P. Evans, their upbeat and magnetic friend who founded the first official "Carve 4 Cancer" event as a way to raise funds for those battling blood cancer. ABOUT THE LLBF: The Live Like Brent Foundation stands as a beacon of hope for blood cancer patients, tirelessly working to lighten the heavy load they carry during their fight for survival. We understand that a diagnosis brings not only physical challenges but also overwhelming financial and emotional stress. That’s why we’re dedicated to transforming lives by creating comfort funds at hospitals—lifelines that empower patients to cover critical out-of-pocket costs such as life-saving medications, travel to treatments, nourishing meals, comfortable lodging, and essential utilities. Our mission goes beyond financial aid. By forging powerful partnerships with like-minded nonprofit organizations, we amplify our impact, weaving a network of compassion and support that tackles both the practical and emotional hardships of cancer. Every dollar donated, and every volunteer hour contributed fuels this vital work—offering relief, restoring dignity, and reminding patients they’re not alone. Your donation isn't just a contribution; it's a lifeline for individuals and families facing the uphill battle against blood cancer. Join us in this critically important mission to honor our late founder, Brent, and his legacy and make a tangible difference for those battling blood cancer. Together, we can ease their journey and inspire hope, one life at a time. BRENT'S STORY: A LEGEND NAMED BRENT In 2010, Brent was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The diagnosis changed Brent's life forever, but he remained the same upbeat, funny, cheerful, electric human he always was. Brent went on to receive treatment at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. It was there when he envisioned an epic snowboarding event to raise funds to 'shred blood cancer,' which he called Carve 4 Cancer. By 2012, Brent was in remission, and the first Carve 4 Cancer (C4C) fundraiser was underway in the Pocono Mountains. The event was a huge success, raising thousands by bringing live music, ski/snowboard competitions, and a party atmosphere to the heart of a ski resort. In the following years, Brent stayed focused and committed to helping others who were going through what he went through. He grew C4C annually and recruited dozens of volunteers and sponsors to join his vision. In 2017, Brent’s cancer returned, and the world lost an extraordinary soul. But his vision lives on. Today, the Live Like Brent Foundation continues his work, offering hope, support, and relief to those walking the path he once walked. Brent's legacy is not just a foundation—it’s a movement to live boldly, give generously, and fight with heart. 📚 Resources & Links YouTube:  @livelikebrent   Instagram: @livelikebrent Facebook: Live Like Brent Foundation Website: livelikebrent.com Follow Matt Freedman & Backstage Bucks County YouTube: ‪@mattfreedmanmusic‬  Instagram: @MattFreedmanmusic, @backstagebuckscounty Tiktok: @backstagebuckscounty Website: MattFreedmanmusic.com

  6. 11/12/2025

    Backstage Bucks County Episode 8 - Sara Weir Founder of Cowgirl Nextdoor

    🪶 INTRODUCTION: THE HEART OF A MODERN WESTERN STORY The spirit of the West has always been more than fringe and leather — it’s about freedom, individuality, and a deep-down refusal to conform. In this episode of Backstage Bucks County, we sit down with Sara Weir, founder and creative force behind Cowgirl Nextdoor, a rising westernwear brand based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania that’s bringing Nashville-inspired energy to the East Coast. Cowgirl Nextdoor isn’t just fashion — it’s a lifestyle movement redefining what it means to be bold, feminine, and free-spirited. From the dust of rodeos to the glow of city lights, Sara blends traditional western aesthetics with modern edge, creating a line that resonates with dreamers, artists, and anyone chasing their version of the American West. This conversation dives deep into the why behind the brand — how country music, personal identity, and the pursuit of authenticity built a community of women who aren’t afraid to stand tall, boots on, heart wide open. 🤠 ABOUT THE EPISODE Filmed at Rhythm Studio in New Hope, PA, this episode captures an intimate look into Sara’s world — the creative process, the influence of Nashville’s music scene, and the business realities of launching a fashion brand with grit and grace. Matt Freedman, host of Backstage Bucks County, leads a candid, soulful conversation covering: How Cowgirl Nextdoor began with a simple vision and a powerful aesthetic. The connection between country music and fashion as self-expression. Building a brand that celebrates women who are equal parts strength and softness. Why Doylestown PA is quietly becoming a creative hub with Nashville energy. How the western revival is not just a trend — it’s a cultural reset. Sara’s biggest creative risks, wins, and what’s next for the brand. As guitars hum softly in the studio and laughter fills the air, you’ll feel the same energy that fuels the Backstage Bucks County project — stories of local creators with national dreams, told with honesty, passion, and soul. 👢 ABOUT SARA WEIR & COWGIRL NEXTDOOR Sara Weir is the kind of entrepreneur who doesn’t wait for permission. With roots in Pennsylvania and a heart that beats for Nashville, she created Cowgirl Nextdoor to blend classic westernwear with contemporary fashion. Think suede, denim, turquoise, and steel — with just enough rebellion to make it modern. Sara’s creative process is grounded in storytelling — every piece has a meaning. She talks about learning from Nashville’s songwriting culture, where every lyric has to say something real. That philosophy bleeds into her designs: clothes that speak, that tell stories of independence, heartbreak, ambition, and hope. 🌾 THE WESTERN REVIVAL — WHY NOW? Across America, a cultural revival is underway. Country music is topping charts. Western films are dominating streaming platforms. Fringe, boots, and hats are no longer costume — they’re statement. We dive into how Cowgirl Nextdoor taps into this emotion — the same mix of grit and grace that defines modern womanhood. Each collection pays homage to the West while inviting everyone — regardless of geography — to join in. From high-waisted denim and hand-tooled leather belts to statement turquoise pieces, Sara’s brand is helping redefine what country style looks like in 2025. It’s authentic, inclusive, and confident. That mix of southern soul and northeastern edge gives Cowgirl Nextdoor its magic. 🔗 CONNECT WITH COWGIRL NEXTDOOR Shop & Follow: 🌐 www.shopcowgirlnextdoor.com 📸 Instagram: @shopcowgirlnextdoor 📍 Based in Doylestown, PA 🔗 CONNECT WITH BACKSTAGE BUCKS COUNTY 🎬 YouTube: Backstage Bucks County 📸 Instagram: @backstagebuckscounty 🎧 Podcast available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔗 CONNECT WITH RHYTHM STUDIO 🌐 www.rhythm.house 📍 New Hope, PA 🎥 Video & Podcast Studio | Brand Strategy | Content Production 📸 Instagram: @rhythmbrand #SaraWeir #BackstageBucksCounty #RhythmStudio #WesternWear #CountryFashion #NashvilleStyle #DoylestownPA #BucksCounty #WomenEntrepreneurs #CountryMusic #BrandStorytelling #PodcastInterview #LocalCreators #ModernCowgirl #WesternRevival #RhythmHouse #BrandOS #ContentStudio #MadeInPA

About

Backstage Bucks County showcases the region’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, musicians, creatives, and business leaders. Hosted by Matt Freedman — entrepreneur, musician, and founder of Rhythm, LLC — the show dives into the raw grind, creative hustle, and personal stories shaping Bucks County’s culture and economy. Produced inside Rhythm, LLC — Bucks County’s premier podcast and content studio — the show is part of our mission to spotlight the region’s most influential and creative minds while giving the community a voice of its own.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or simply curious about the people shaping Bucks County, Backstage Bucks County is your all-access pass to the energy, ideas, and people making it happen.Subscribe now and come backstage — where the real stories are told.