Backstage With Gentry Thomas

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Go Backstage with Gentry Thomas as he interviews interesting people from celebrity musicians, athletes, and even movie stars.  STEP BEHIND THE SCENES ON THE BACKSTAGE PODCAST - HOSTED BY GENTRY THOMAS.   WHERE MUSIC LEGENDS, SPORTS ICONS AND MOVIE STARS GET REAL ABOUT THEIR FAILURES, HARD WORK AND RISE TO THE TOP. The Playground loves Gentry’s cool and laid-back interview style and thinks you will too. 

  1. John Ratzenberger: From Cliff Clavin to Hamm — 30 Years Inside Toy Story

    16 hr ago

    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 Trailer Fans 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.

    17 min
  2. Wynonna Judd: From the Good Old Days to The Hard Truth

    2 days ago

    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.

    15 min
  3. Melissa Etheridge: The Fire, The Guitar, and The Rise

    11 Jun

    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.

    17 min
  4. Jim Gaffigan Talks Letterman, Football, Bourbon, and The Everything Is Wonderful Tour

    9 Jun

    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.

    17 min
  5. Dolph Lundgren: From Ivan Drago to History’s Greatest Machines

    29 May

    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.

    13 min
  6. Nate Bargatze on The Breadwinner, SNL Secrets & Becoming America’s Funniest Dad

    28 May

    Nate Bargatze on The Breadwinner, SNL Secrets & Becoming America’s Funniest Dad

    In this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, comedian Nate Bargatze joins Gentry to talk about his new family comedy movie, The Breadwinner. The film stars Nate as a salesman and father who suddenly has to hold down the household after his wife, played by Mandy Moore, lands a major business opportunity that takes her away from home. The result is a funny, relatable story about parenting, chaos, and learning how to do things your own way. The Breadwinner opens exclusively in theaters on May 29, 2026. Fans can watch the trailer and get tickets here: The Breadwinner Nate and Gentry also connect over something pretty unique: both of them grew up with magicians for dads. They talk about what that kind of childhood was like, how it shaped their sense of humor, and how growing up around entertainment can quietly prepare you for life on stage. The conversation also takes a trip through Tennessee, including the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood, and Nate’s big dream of building his own theme park called Nate Land. Nate opens up about being a girl dad, what touring life is really like, and how his stand-up career has grown from comedy clubs to arenas. Gentry and Nate also talk about what it was like hosting Saturday Night Live twice, how acting in a movie compares to doing stand-up, and why comedy continues to be the thing he loves most. From family stories and fatherhood to SNL, movies, Tennessee, and the future of Nate Land, this episode is packed with laughs, heart, and classic Nate Bargatze charm.

    13 min
  7. Maria Menounos: Designed to Last and Learning to Listen

    22 May

    Maria Menounos: Designed to Last and Learning to Listen

    In this inspiring and high-energy episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, Maria Menounos joins Gentry to talk about her new Hulu series, Designed to Last. The show brings together teams of architects, engineers, and inventors as they compete in intense build challenges, creating homes designed to stand up against the worst Mother Nature can throw at them, including wind, water, snow, ice, and fire. Fans can watch Designed to Last on Hulu here: Designed to Last on Hulu Maria gives Gentry a behind-the-scenes look at the wild production of the show, including the damage, destruction, and chaos that made filming so much fun. She talks about the excitement of watching these builds get pushed to the limit and how the series blends entertainment, science, design, and real-world preparedness. The conversation also turns deeply personal as Maria opens up about surviving hardship, learning to roll with life’s punches, and becoming the CEO of her own health. She discusses how she discovered she had a brain tumor, the lessons she learned through that experience, and why resetting the nervous system has become such an important part of her healing and wellness journey. Maria and Gentry also talk about her incredible career, from interviewing multiple U.S. presidents to growing up as an 80s and 90s kid, and the mindset that has helped her keep moving forward through every challenge. From Hollywood stories to health wisdom and the chaos of a destructive design competition, this episode is full of heart, humor, resilience, and ins

    19 min
  8. Bob Odenkirk on Saul Goodman, Chris Farley and his new movie "Normal"

    19 May

    Bob Odenkirk on Saul Goodman, Chris Farley and his new movie "Normal"

    In this action-packed and hilarious episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, Bob Odenkirk joins Gentry to talk about his new film Normal, a kinetic neo-Western action thriller directed by Ben Wheatley and written by Derek Kolstad. Bob stars as Ulysses, an unassuming substitute sheriff with a troubled past who takes a quiet posting in a small town, only to get pulled into a dangerous conspiracy after a bank robbery reveals something far more explosive beneath the surface. Fans can watch the trailer for Normal Here -->  Normal - Official Trailer Bob and Gentry dive into what makes Normal such a wild ride, including the fun of working on action movies filled with chaos, guns, danger, and dark comedy. Bob also talks about working alongside the great Henry Winkler, why he believes Henry is such a gifted actor, and what it was like sharing scenes with him. The conversation also goes deep into Bob’s comedy roots. He shares what it’s like writing sketch comedy, including the legendary “Motivational Speaker” sketch with Chris Farley, and how that kind of writing helped shape his voice as a performer. Of course, Bob also reflects on playing Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, why audiences connected so deeply with the character, and how Saul became one of television’s most unforgettable personalities. From sketch comedy to prestige TV to full-throttle action, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and insight from one of the most versatile performers in entertainment.

    14 min
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Go Backstage with Gentry Thomas as he interviews interesting people from celebrity musicians, athletes, and even movie stars.  STEP BEHIND THE SCENES ON THE BACKSTAGE PODCAST - HOSTED BY GENTRY THOMAS.   WHERE MUSIC LEGENDS, SPORTS ICONS AND MOVIE STARS GET REAL ABOUT THEIR FAILURES, HARD WORK AND RISE TO THE TOP. The Playground loves Gentry’s cool and laid-back interview style and thinks you will too. 

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