In this New Year’s Eve special, I reflect on the journey that was 2025 - looking at the moments, conversations, and experiences that truly shaped Behind the Camera into what it is today.

I also share what’s coming in 2026, including new projects, new directions, and answer questions sent in by you, the audience.

Thank you to everyone who has tuned in, supported the show, and been part of this journey throughout 2025. I genuinely couldn’t have done this without you, and I can’t wait to continue the journey together into 2026.

Happy New Year 💛

Robert Gaines is an entrepreneur and author of SCINTILLA The Ultimate Guide to Generating Business, Product, and Service Ideas. He is a U.S Army veteran and a graduate of the University of Louisville's School of Business.Robert hosts the Free Time Mastermind podcast, interviewing fellow professionals and providing commentary on current topics impacting entrepreneurs. He's also developing business interests in Nicaragua which provides an amazing low-cost alternative to the rising cost of living in the United States.

Dr. Kurt Ellenberger has had a long career as a performer, composer, music educator, and scholar. Since 1999, he has been aProfessor of Music at Grand Valley State University's Frederik Meijer Honors College, where he ignites students' passions through innovative interdisciplinary courses blending jazz, classical music, pop music and music history and aesthetics. As a pianist, composer, and author, he crafts music that fuse rigorous structure with spontaneous fire, while his writing dissects the profound intersections of music, math, and the human mind. He has written for the Huffington Post, NPR, and is currently a contributing editor at All About Jazz, where he has penned over 25 articles and has been read by hundreds of thousands of readers. He is also the managing editor of the Journal of Applied Jazz for the International Association of Schools of Jazz in Amsterdam. His articles span a wide range of topics—everything from harmonic convergence in jazz and classical realms to the evolutionary enigmas of why we "hear" symmetry in octaves. For podcast listeners craving intellectual adventure, Ellenberger brings a rare alchemy of accessible expertise and mind-blowing "aha" revelations, turning complex ideas into engaging stories that spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and remind us that music doesn't just entertain; it gives voice to the soul.

In this special edition of Behind the Camera, I am joined by Northern Ireland-based content creator and comedian, John Devlin. From starting a content creation journey through music clips during Covid, John quickly turned his attention locally inspired sketches, where he found his feet and gained a great following. In 2024, John made the leap into stand-up comedy, performing 5 then 10 minute sets in local comedy clubs, where he really came into his own, allowing separation from his content, and who he is as a comedian

I have never laughed as much on an episode of Behind the Camera before!

Alison Gieschen is an award-winning author, lifelong sailor, and horsewoman whose life story is as epic as the novels she writes. A former schoolteacher and graduate of the University of North Carolina Charlotte, Alison spent 30 years running an internationally successful equestrian program on her family farm in New Jersey. After raising three children with her husband Dan—whom she met during a sailboat race—they sold everything they owned to pursue their shared dream of circumnavigating the globe aboard their 43-foot sailboat.To date, Alison and Dan have traveled to 46 countries and recently crossed the Panama Canal, setting their course for the remote islands of French Polynesia. Her time at sea and her deep connection with both horses and people across cultures have inspired a powerful body of work spanning children’s literature, memoir, and adult fiction. Her books include the Rising Star Award-winning novel Blue Ridge, the magical children’s stories The Legend of Altor and Julia’s Vaulting Dream, and the nonfiction sailing memoir Riding the Waves of Reality: Tales of Turmoil and Triumph—with a sequel on the way.Her latest release, The Seven, is a sweeping and soul-stirring novel that blends fantasy with deeply rooted real-world experience. The story follows seven humans and seven horses in a tale that spans continents and cultures, asking one pivotal question: Can the hearts of a few determine the fate of all humanity?Alison is also preparing to release her newest children’s fantasy, Seanna: A Mermaid’s Tale—a story especially close to her heart. As someone who has always felt a magical connection to the sea and its mythical creatures, Alison brings the underwater world to life in this early reader chapter book. The story is being brought to even greater life through the artwork of seven-time international award-winning illustrator Barbara Owczarek, whose stunning illustrations add an extra layer of magic and wonder.Through it all, Alison remains deeply connected to the world around her—from the sea life off her bow to the ancient cultures in the world’s most remote places. Her journey is far from over, and with every mile sailed, a new story is waiting to be told

This week, I’m joined by Bria Rose, an independent dark romance author who specialises in spicy retellings of Disney fairytales. We take a deep dive into her Beauty and the Beast retelling, Her Dark Promise, explore her upcoming projects, and discuss the themes she brings to life within the dark romance genre.

Perfect for BookTok fans, lovers of fairytale retellings, and anyone interested in the world of independent authors.

https://authorbriarose.com/

In this special edition of Behind the Camera, I sit down with Janaé Rachel Ballot to discuss her debut feature film, Dissociated Me. We explore the film’s hybrid format, the inspiration behind the story, and the creative journey that brought it to life. A must-listen for fans of independent filmmaking and personal storytelling.

Michael Klassen is a veteran broadcast producer with extensive experience in news, sports, and film and podcast projects. Michael now serves as the host and co-producer behind the highly successful 5AM Podcast. 5AM Podcast is cultivating a dedicated world wide audience, helping many transform their mornings and maximize productivity through strategic living and intentional morning routines. Beyond broadcasting, Michael is a published periodical author with more book titles on the way. Michael has always had a hunger for truth, community, and spiritual filling. Michael enjoys combining his passion for truth in storytelling with practical insights for everyday life. When not in the studio, Michael likes to express his creativity in the great outdoors and as a woodworker. Michael enjoys crafting pieces that express his artistic eye and ideas. Michael brings a unique blend of media expertise, creative vision, and technical production skills to every collaboration, ensuring quality conversations and content that will resonate with a variety of audiences.

This week’s guest is former counterintelligence agent and host of the Break It Down Show, Pete A. Turner. With more than 70 months deployed and over 1,000 combat patrols across multiple conflict zones, Pete brings a rare, boots-on-the-ground perspective to every story he tells.

In this conversation, we dive into Pete’s life as an Army spy, the people who shaped him, and how his experiences in Afghanistan, Iraq, and beyond led him into the world of podcasting. We also explore his work with Save the Brave, his passion for veteran advocacy, and why honest storytelling matters now more than ever.

https://www.youtube.com/peteaturner

This week, I’m joined by author and composer Christopher Kaufman, the creative force behind the Tales of the Ocean City series. We explore his journey through writing and composing, how the two worlds merged to shape his epic universe, and what his process reveals about the true power of imagination.