Backstage With Gentry Thomas

In this heartfelt episode, Kathie Lee Gifford joins Gentry Thomas to talk about her new song, “I Knew It Would Be You,” written as a tribute for the movie Reagan. She opens up about how the song came to life, what it means to her, and how music has shaped her through every phase of her life.

They also discuss her deep friendship and on‑air chemistry with Regis Philbin, how she believes a dramatic moment in her life was saved with the help of Donald Trump, and her lifelong relationship with faith, storytelling, and the power of melody.

In this episode, Sal Vulcano—comedian, actor, and one of the stars of Impractical Jokers—joins Gentry Thomas to dig into his comedy life and what’s next. Sal talks about what made Impractical Jokers such a wild success, where he first got his big break, and how delivering pizzas played into those early hustle days.

They also dig into his solo comedy career: Sal shares how he handles being a meme, what it’s like performing standup on his Everything’s Fine Tour, and how he’s grown as a performer—especially being on stage more often and pushing new material.

Oscar-winning director, actor, and storyteller Ron Howard joins Gentry Thomas to discuss his latest film Eden, a gripping survival thriller based on true events in the Galápagos Islands. Ron opens up about the incredible real-life tale that inspired the movie—a story of utopian dreams unraveling into betrayal and chaos in the 1920s.

In this wide-ranging interview, Ron shares behind-the-scenes insights into the making of Eden, the stellar cast that brought it to life, and how he approached the challenge of telling a layered, morally complex story. He reflects on his legendary career—from the days of The Andy Griffith Show to directing classics like Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and Cinderella Man.

The conversation also dives into Ron’s deep love for basketball and his long-standing fandom for the Lakers, as well as his thoughts on what has changed—and stayed the same—about Hollywood over the decades.

This episode blends nostalgia, filmmaking wisdom, and a powerful exploration of human nature. Whether you're a movie buff, a basketball fan, or just someone who loves great stories, this one’s a must-listen.

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gentry Thomas sits down with legendary director Spike Lee to talk about his brand-new film Highest 2 Lowest, starring longtime collaborator Denzel Washington. The film is a bold reimagining of the Akira Kurosawa classic High and Low, set against the vibrant, volatile backdrop of modern-day New York City.

Spike opens up about what makes this project special, what it was like working with Denzel again, and how he continues to bring his unmistakable visual style and cultural commentary to the big screen. From behind-the-scenes stories to his thoughts on the music, casting, and improvisation on set, Spike gives listeners a real taste of the creative process.

The two also dive into Spike’s love for New York, his take on the NBA and the Knicks, and how he blends street-level authenticity with cinematic storytelling. It’s a masterclass in filmmaking, hustle, and holding true to your voice.

You’ll also hear Spike’s thoughts on how the city has grown, how his roots shape his art, and what he still hopes to accomplish in the industry.

In this adrenaline-charged episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer joins the show to discuss his latest cinematic venture, F1. Starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), the film immerses viewers in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing. Pitt portrays Sonny Hayes, a retired racing legend making a comeback to mentor a young driver, set against the backdrop of real Grand Prix events. The movie was filmed during actual F1 races, featuring real drivers and teams, adding authenticity to the thrilling narrative. 

Jerry reflects on his storied career, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from iconic films like Top Gun, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Days of Thunder. He delves into collaborations with stars like Tom Cruise and the creation of unforgettable characters such as Jack Sparrow. The conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a producer who has shaped modern cinema.

In this vibrant episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, we welcome actor and musician Corey Feldman to discuss his latest single, Characters. Celebrating 50 years in entertainment, Feldman shares insights into the song's creation, inspired by The Beatles, and its reflection on the various roles he's portrayed throughout his career. The track, featuring a full 8-piece live orchestra, marks his first release in Dolby Atmos, offering listeners an immersive audio experience.

Feldman delves into his musical journey, discussing his evolution as a performer and the lessons learned while touring. He recounts a pivotal moment when blues legend B.B. King helped him quit smoking, highlighting the personal growth accompanying his artistic endeavors.

The conversation also touches on Feldman's iconic role in The Goonies, sharing cherished memories from the set and the excitement surrounding the film's 40th anniversary. He provides updates on the anticipated sequel, expressing enthusiasm for the project and its potential to recapture the original's magic.

In this powerful and revealing episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, we welcome filmmaker, writer, actor, and pop culture icon Kevin Smith. Known for cult classics like Clerks, Mallrats, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Kevin joins Gentry to talk about the long-awaited re-release of one of his most controversial and beloved films: Dogma.

Originally released in 1999, Dogma tackled faith, organized religion, and spiritual satire like no other film—featuring a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Chris Rock, Alan Rickman, and Salma Hayek. Kevin shares the behind-the-scenes battle to reclaim the rights to the film from Harvey Weinstein and why this release means more than ever.

In this radiant episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, we’re joined by the timeless supermodel, actress, and author Christie Brinkley. Christie is here to talk about her brand-new memoir, Uptown Girl, where she opens up about her iconic career, personal journey, and unforgettable moments in pop culture history.

Christie shares heartfelt stories about her relationship with Billy Joel and the inspiration behind one of the most famous songs of all time. She also reminisces about her scene-stealing appearance in National Lampoon’s Vacation, including what it was really like driving that red Ferrari—and how that moment became cinematic legend.

In addition to reflecting on her extraordinary life in the spotlight, Christie opens up about her passion for the environment and her ongoing efforts to raise awareness about climate change and sustainability.

This is a rare, intimate conversation with one of America’s most beloved icons. Don’t miss this joyful and insightful episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas.

In this special episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, we welcome the incredibly talented Yeardley Smith, best known as the voice behind Lisa Simpson on The Simpsons. Yeardley takes us behind the scenes of voicing one of television’s most beloved animated characters, sharing insights on Lisa’s evolution and her special relationship with Homer Simpson.

In this fascinating episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, we’re joined by the legendary Mark Harmon, best known for his 17-year run as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the iconic TV series NCIS. Mark reflects on his time on the show, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights about the role that captivated audiences worldwide.

Mark also takes a nostalgic look back at his classic 80s comedy Summer School, discussing the film’s enduring appeal and the fun he had bringing it to life.

The conversation also dives into Mark’s latest project, his new book, Ghosts of Panama, which explores the U.S. invasion of Panama and its untold stories. Mark shares his inspiration for writing the book and what readers can expect from this gripping historical account.