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.

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.