
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
Mar 25, 2026
Mar 25, 2026
21 min
In this engaging interview, Paula Letang shares her journey from Dominica to Canada, her musical evolution across Caribbean genres, and her insights on balancing a music career with personal life. Discover her tips for aspiring artists and her upcoming projects.
Website -paulaletang.wixsite.com/paulaletang
Mar 2, 2026
Mar 2, 2026
46 min
In this engaging conversation, Rik Emmett, the legendary guitarist from Triumph, shares insights from his extensive music career, discussing his early influences, the formation of Triumph, the band's rise to fame, and the challenges faced along the way.
He reflects on his transition to a solo career, his diverse musical ventures, and the upcoming Triumph tour. Emmett also candidly addresses the balance between family life and a demanding career, offering valuable advice for aspiring musicians navigating the modern music industry.
Feb 19, 2026
Feb 19, 2026
22 min
In this engaging conversation, Jim Norris interviews Marc Jordan and Don Breithaupt about Marc's musical journey, his influences, and the process of writing his biography. They discuss the impact of family and early musical experiences, the transition to professional songwriting, and the balance between family life and a music career.
Marc shares valuable advice for aspiring songwriters, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in songwriting. The discussion also delves into the collaborative effort behind the biography, its availability, and the lessons it offers to readers about the music industry and personal growth.
Marc Jordan website - www.marcjordan.com
Jan 15, 2026
Jan 15, 2026
36 min
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

Dec 30, 2025
Dec 30, 2025
39 min
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
Dec 25, 2025
Dec 25, 2025
26 min
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
Dec 17, 2025
Dec 17, 2025
22 min
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
Dec 13, 2025
Dec 13, 2025
27 min
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/
