
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 are also featured on the major podcast platforms, YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BackstageCircle) and Backstage Circele (www.backstagecircle.com)
Episodes
Oct 6, 2026
Oct 6, 2026
46 min
Jim Norris talks with Michael Nunan, a multi-generational Guelphite whose career has taken him from the Sheridan College media arts program to nearly three decades in television audio at TSN, CTV and Bell Media, and now to Evertz, where he helps carry the legendary Studer brand forward from its new Canadian home in Burlington.
Michael shares how he got his start as a Chyron operator at Electric Images, why learning every job in the control room shaped his career, and how the digital and HD era brought the fidelity conversation from cinema into factual television.
He also explains how his keynote at AES Toronto's Expo 25 grew, in a feverish few weeks, into his new book, *What Comes After Next?*, a forward-looking look at how the audio industry can think more effectively about its future.
Website - www.michaelnunan.ca
Sep 22, 2026
Sep 22, 2026
21 min
Tia McGraff shares her inspiring journey from winning a Canadian singing contest to building a successful music career across Canada and Nashville. She discusses her move to Nashville, her personal life, her love for dogs, and her plans for future projects, offering valuable insights for aspiring artists.
Aug 24, 2026
Aug 24, 2026
36 min
In this episode, Duncan Fremlin shares his journey from childhood musical influences to founding Whiskey Jack and navigating the music industry for nearly 50 years. He discusses the importance of business skills, storytelling, and building lasting relationships in a musical career.
Website - www.whiskeyjackmusic.com

Aug 13, 2026
Aug 13, 2026
18 min
In the world of music, few stories resonate as deeply as those shaped by early influences and personal experiences. Rick Maltese, a talented musician and composer from Toronto, Canada, shares his journey from his childhood piano battles with his father to his current role as a composer and educator. In this interview, we'll explore Rick's musical roots, his evolution as an artist, and the wisdom he imparts to aspiring musicians.
Website - rickmaltese.com/

Aug 13, 2026
Aug 13, 2026
14 min
In this interview, Pete Murray shares his journey from sports to music, the challenges of breaking into the industry, and his international experiences. Discover insights on perseverance, the importance of understanding the music business, and his upcoming Canadian tour.
Website - petemurray.com/
Jun 26, 2026
Jun 26, 2026
18 min
In this conversation, Suzie McNeil shares her journey from her musical roots in a family of musicians to her professional career as a singer. She discusses her early influences, the challenges of starting out in the music industry, and her recent shift towards soul music with her new album dedicated to her late father. Suzie also talks about balancing her family life with her music career and offers valuable advice for aspiring musicians.
Website - www.604records.com/artist/suzie-mcneil
May 22, 2026
May 22, 2026
37 min
In this engaging interview, Mike Bruce from Grant Avenue Studio shares his multifaceted journey through the entertainment industry, from music to film production and studio ownership.
Discover insights on location management, the appeal of Hamilton as a filming hub, and practical advice for aspiring entertainment entrepreneurs.
Website - www.grantavenuestudio.com
May 14, 2026
May 14, 2026
26 min
In this insightful interview, Michael Shand shares his journey from early musical influences to professional collaborations.
Discover how classical training, diverse musical experiences, and relentless practice shaped his versatile career in jazz, pop, and beyond.
Instagram - www.instagram.com/michaelshandkeys
