Backstage With Gentry Thomas

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.