
Go behind the scenes of the Entertainment Industry
The Backstage Insider Podcast pulls back the curtain on the billion-dollar entertainment industry with exclusive interviews featuring industry professionals, breakthrough artists, and the power players shaping tomorrow's industry. Host Jim Norris - Publisher of Entertainment Spotlight and President of Entertainment Marketer — brings you insider access to the deals, decisions, and dreams that drive global entertainment.
Whether you're an industry professional, aspiring creator, or entertainment enthusiast, you'll gain insider knowledge that money can't buy.
New episodes drop weekly—your backstage pass to the entertainment world's biggest secrets.
Episodes

Thursday Jan 15, 2026
The Journey of Alan Cross: From Music Geek to Radio Icon
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
In this engaging conversation, Jim Norris interviews Alan Cross, renowned broadcaster and music expert, who shares his journey from a young music enthusiast to a prominent figure in the radio industry.
They discuss Alan's early influences, his experiences at CFNY and The Edge, the evolution of radio, and the ongoing importance of radio in the music industry today. Alan also reflects on his future projects and the significance of engaging with audiences through live presentations.
Website - www.ajournalofmusicalthings.com

Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Tim Hicks: From Family Roots to Country Star
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Tim Hicks shares his musical journey, highlighting the significant influence of his family and early experiences that shaped his career. He discusses the transition to country music, the evolution of the genre, and his experiences touring internationally. Tim also reflects on the balance between his music career and family life, offering valuable advice for aspiring artists.
Website - www.timhicksmusic.com

Thursday Dec 25, 2025
Mark Alexander - Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Music Technology
Thursday Dec 25, 2025
Thursday Dec 25, 2025
In this conversation, Jim Norris interviews Mark Alexander, a music producer and educator, who shares his journey from a young piano player to establishing his own company, 905 Music and Sound. Mark discusses his early musical influences, his transition from teaching to music production, and the impact of technology on the music industry. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to new tools and the challenges of balancing work with family life. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in music creation and the future of the industry.
Website - 905music.com
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Jason McCoy From The Road Hammers
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Jason McCoy shares his journey from a supportive musical family in Ontario to becoming a prominent figure in country music as a member of The Road Hammers. He discusses the challenges of balancing a busy touring schedule with family life, his experiences working with younger artists, and the evolution of his music career. McCoy also highlights the importance of community in the music industry and shares insights into his radio career and future plans.
Jason McCoy website - www.jasonmccoy.com
The Road Hammers website - www.theroadhammers.ca
Saturday Dec 13, 2025
Brad Merrit Discusses The Evolution of 54-40
Saturday Dec 13, 2025
Saturday Dec 13, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Brad Merritt of 54-40 shares his musical journey, from early family influences to the formation of the band. He discusses the evolution of their music, the challenges of the industry, and the importance of balancing family life with a music career. Brad also provides insights into their upcoming album and the creative process behind it, highlighting the band's longevity and future plans.
Website - https://www.5440.com/

Friday Dec 12, 2025
Friday Dec 12, 2025
In this conversation, Jim Norris interviews Jonny Dovercourt, a prominent figure in the Toronto music scene, discussing his musical roots, the evolution of Wavelength Music, and the upcoming festival and conference. Jonny shares insights into his early influences, the challenges of promoting local music, and the importance of community in the indie music scene. He also talks about his book, 'Any Night of the Week,' which chronicles the history of Toronto's music scene and its cultural significance.
Website - www.wavelengthmusic.ca
'Any Night Of The Week' Publisher - chbooks.com

Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
The Musical Journey of Chris McKhool from Sultans Of String
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Chris McKhool shares his musical journey, from his early influences in a musical family to the formation of his band, Sultans of String. He discusses the importance of diverse musical styles, the transition from studying psychology to pursuing a music career, and the impact of community engagement and charity work. Chris also highlights the dynamics of his band and the joy of performing, emphasizing the significance of having fun in music and the connections made along the way.
Sultans Of String website - sultansofstring.com
Fiddlefire website - fiddlefire.com

Thursday Nov 27, 2025
An Interview With Danny Marks, Canadian Guitar Icon
Thursday Nov 27, 2025
Thursday Nov 27, 2025
In this conversation, Danny Marks shares his thrilling experiences as a musician, including opening for legendary bands like Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie. He reflects on the excitement of performing and the memorable encounters he had with iconic artists, highlighting the impact these experiences had on his career and personal growth.
Website - dannym.com
