Shaun Cassidy: From Teen Idol to TV Legend ā And the Stories Heās Never Told
In this nostalgic and revealing episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, we sit down with singerāactor legend Shaun Cassidy as he promotes his upcoming “Road to Us” tour. Want to catch a show? Check out tour dates and ticket info here: ShaunCassidy.com/liveāshows
Shaun opens up about growing up in a household filled with awardāwinning actors — with show business being more than just a dream, but a family legacy. He recalls the whirlwind of success at a young age: the whirlwind popularity, the pressure, and how in 1978 he won “Best New Artist” at the height of his fame — a time when his date to the awards ceremony was none other than Carrie Fisher, adding a uniquely Hollywood twist to his teenāstardom story.
Throughout the episode, Shaun reflects on the ups and downs of early fame, how it shaped him as a performer and as a person, and what motivated him to hit the road again now. With laughs, memories, and honest reflections on the music business — this conversation is a must-listen for fans of classic popārock, celebrity stories, and real talk about growing up in the spotlight.
-------- Ā
17:04
--------
17:04
Chris Matthews Reveals Untold Stories from Washingtonās Back Rooms
In this wide-ranging episode, American political commentator, retired talk-show host, and author Chris Matthews joins Gentry to discuss his new book, Lessons from Bobby: Ten Reasons Robert F. Kennedy Still Matters. Matthews lays out why RFK’s moral courage, coalition-building, and willingness to risk political capital still resonate—and what those lessons mean for the country now.
Grab the book here: Buy Lessons from Bobby. Simon & Schuster
Beyond the book, Chris shares a remarkable story from his younger years hitchhiking across Africa, then pivots to an unflinching conversation about the Kennedy legacy—with a special focus on Bobby. He and Gentry also unpack today’s political flashpoints: the new New York mayor and Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, the evolving crises between the U.S., Israel, and Palestine, and the brutal realities of the Russia–Ukraine war.
It’s candid, timely, and steeped in history—an essential listen for anyone who cares about American politics and the ideas that still shape it.
-------- Ā
19:15
--------
19:15
Marlon Wayans: The Wild Child of Comedy on Family, Fame & Fearlessness
In this highāenergy episode, Marlon Wayans joins Gentry Thomas to give fans the full scoop on his nationwide standāup tour — the “Wild Child Tour.” Want to catch him live? Click here for dates and locations: MarlonWayans.com/liveāshowsHe shares stories about what inspired the tour, how he crafts his live sets, and what audiences can expect from a night with Marlon.
The conversation digs into Marlon’s early days in comedy and film, including his breakthrough roles in Scary Movie, White Chicks, and his beginnings on In Living Color. He also opens up about life’s more serious struggles—watching his older brother deal with crack addiction, learning lessons in brotherhood and responsibility, and how personal pain has shaped his funny, unfiltered voice.
Marlon shares one of the wildest stories in his career: when singer Macy Gray angrily jumped on stage at one of his shows over a joke—what went down, how he handled it, and what he learned from it.
Family remains at the center of everything. He discusses his relationship with his brothers and how they influenced each other creatively, and what family legacy means in the Wayans clan.
This conversation is raw, hilarious, and deeply human—filled with laughter, life lessons, and the kind of behindātheāscenes honesty you don’t always get from a comedy star. Don’t miss it.
-------- Ā
14:46
--------
14:46
Abby Phillip on Jesse Jackson, Trump Parallels & the Fight for Black Political Power
In this incisive episode of Backstage Pass with GentryāÆThomas, CNN anchor AbbyāÆPhillip joins us to discuss her powerful new book, A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power. Dive deep into the extraordinary story of civilārights leader Jesse Jackson, his historic presidential campaigns in the 1980s, and how his vision reshaped American politics. Buy the book here: A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power
Abby and Gentry explore how Jackson’s strategies—and his underrated influence—mirror presentāday dynamics with figures across the political spectrum. They analyze how extremists and politicians alike believe they’re right in their missions, and why understanding that truth is critical.
The conversation also tackles one of the most critical issues of our time: evolving diplomacy between the U.S., Israel and Palestine, and the highāstakes role debate and the free press still play in democracy. Abby reflects on her role at CNN, the responsibility of journalism in today’s polarized climate, and how the integrity of the story matters now more than ever.
Tune in for an inādepth, thoughtāprovoking discussion on power, politics, race, and media—only on BackstageāÆPass with GentryāÆThomas.
-------- Ā
17:36
--------
17:36
Sydney Sweeney: The Fighter, The Star, The Talk of Hollywood
In this dynamic episode, Gentry Thomas sits down with actress Sydney Sweeney, who’s taking center stage in her latest role as boxing legend Christy Martin in the new biopic Christy. Sydney opens up about the intense physical and emotional preparation that went into portraying a real-life champion, sharing how her childhood background in kickboxing helped fuel the performance.
The conversation dives into her role on Euphoria, the kinds of characters she gravitates toward, and her love for playing complex, driven women. She also reveals which sport she was best at growing up, the music that pumps her up before a fight scene, and what it’s like stepping into a role inspired by real-life grit.
Gentry and Sydney talk about the making of Christy, her chemistry with the cast, and how stepping into the world of combat sports shaped her perspective on storytelling. This episode is full of punch—from action and heart to insight and inspiration. Don't miss it!
Get tickets to see Christy Here --> Buy Tickets
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.
Canada - english