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In this episode of Behind the Story, we sit down with Nat Bug, an artist who's overcome immense personal struggle to connect deeply with his audience. From his humble beginnings in New York to surviving a near-death car accident, Nat shares the raw, unfiltered journey that led him to find his true voice. Born and raised in the concrete jungle, Nat’s sound has evolved through his experiences in New England and now the wild, open desert of Arizona, shaping the music he shares today.
But Nat’s story isn't just about the music—it’s about resilience. After surviving a traumatic accident, he reflects on the deep connection between his art and the life-changing experience. From almost losing his life to discovering the power of manifestation, Nat believes the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality. As he navigates his recovery, his music becomes the medium for healing, and he’s here to share it with the world.
In this conversation, we dive into the meaning behind his alter ego "Casket", the transformation into Nat Bug, and how he’s overcome personal battles, including speech impediments and trust issues. We explore the evolution of his creative process and the importance of authenticity in his art. With every song, Nat reminds us that no matter how tough the journey gets, there’s always hope, and if you’ve gone down the wrong road, it’s never too late to find your way back.
If you’re looking for an unfiltered, inspiring story of survival, creativity, and self-expression, tune in as Nat Bug opens up about the moments that shaped him, his music, and his legacy.
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This podcast features an insightful conversation with Trea Da Fit Artist, an online fitness coach and trainer specializing in helping artists and entertainers sculpt their physiques while navigating their hectic schedules. Trea shares his journey from his humble beginnings in Mississippi to becoming a fitness expert, offering customized fitness guidance to celebrities and creatives. He also discusses his podcast Sculpt and Create, which dives deep into the intersection of fitness, creativity, and personal growth.
Trea highlights the unique challenges that come with training entertainers, from the unpredictable nature of their careers to the mental blocks that may hinder their progress. He also addresses misconceptions around fitness, such as the fear of getting "too bulky" from weightlifting and the belief that fitness is only for weight loss, emphasizing that it's a lifestyle for long-term health and longevity. Trea also shares his personal approach to managing clients, customizing meal and training plans to fit their busy lives, and fostering accountability through a strong personal connection.
He also discusses the impact of AI on the fitness industry, stressing that while AI can provide workout programs, it's the personal accountability and expertise of a coach that makes the real difference. Trea envisions growing his brand through more networking opportunities for creatives, expanding his podcast, and hosting live events to further build a supportive community for artists and entertainers.
This episode serves as a reminder that fitness isn't just about aesthetics; it's about maintaining health and longevity, especially for those living fast-paced, demanding lives. Trea's passion for helping others shines through, showing that with the right mindset and support, anyone can achieve their goals.
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In this thought-provoking episode of Behind The Story, Jelani sits down with Mr. T, the fearless voice behind The Educated Traveler. He opens up about his journey from living in New Zealand and Europe to settling in the Dominican Republic and building a thriving platform to help people explore the world with purpose.
The conversation takes a deep dive into the challenges facing the Dominican Republic, the impact of gentrification, and how global agendas are influencing the future of tourism and personal freedoms. Mr. T shares his passionate stance on how the "smart cities" agenda is designed to control populations, the dangers of 5G, and the ongoing battle against corporate and governmental corruption.
With insights on everything from the realities of travel to the surveillance state, Mr. T offers a unique perspective on how people can navigate the shifting tides of global control and reclaim their autonomy. This episode is a wake-up call for anyone concerned about the future of freedom, health, and travel.
Join us for an intense, eye-opening conversation about the world we live in and the changes ahead.
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In this electrifying episode of Behind the Story, Jelani interviews Raj, known as the "Startup Hype Man," who has turned his passion for storytelling into a thriving business helping entrepreneurs pitch their ideas with clarity, confidence, and creativity. Raj shares how he blends his background as an MMA ring announcer, hip hop artist, yoga instructor, and startup guru to create unforgettable stories for founders and their brands.
We dive deep into the art of storytelling, how Raj uses his unique background to help businesses connect with their audiences, and the powerful framework behind his pitch formula – K-PASA. Raj opens up about his journey, the importance of authenticity in business, and how he manages to balance his entrepreneurial hustle with his passion for live music and performance.
Get ready for an inspiring conversation about using your voice, embracing your story, and standing out in a crowded world. Tune in to hear how Raj combines business, entertainment, and creativity to make his mark in both the startup world and the music scene.
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In this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with Lynne Lambert, the visionary founder behind NYC Subway Line, a unique apparel brand inspired by New York City's iconic subway system. From her beginnings as an actress to launching a brand that captures the essence of the city, Lynne shares her journey of resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
We dive into the origins of the brand, how Lynne fought to secure licensing with the MTA, and how her vision for New York’s subway system translated into wearable art. Along the way, she offers insights on overcoming obstacles, navigating the complexities of business, and staying true to your passion.
Lynne also discusses how she stayed grounded during challenging times, including the pandemic, and how she continues to innovate with custom products and a new venture called Mapped Gear. Tune in to hear about the evolution of a brand that represents the heart and soul of New York City.
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In this episode of Behind the Story, I sit down with Ceri Jones-Tretter, a visionary artist, spiritual seeker, and founder of The Collaboratory, a creative school that fosters artistic expression and healing. From her transition from a high-powered executive to a creative entrepreneur, Ceri shares her journey of reinvention, faith, and overcoming trauma. We dive deep into her spiritual awakening, how she transformed her life and her art, and the intersection of creativity and healing. Ceri also discusses the power of working art, the importance of understanding one’s identity, and her passion for empowering others to reconnect with their creativity. Whether it’s welding, blacksmithing, or fabric art, Ceri's philosophy of "working art" challenges us to see the transformative power of creation, both in our lives and in the world. Tune in to hear her insights on how to turn life’s struggles into the very framework for creative growth and spiritual evolution.
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In this episode of Behind the Story, comedian Spanky Hayes opens up about his journey from Detroit to Hollywood, navigating his career through comedy, Wild N’ Out, and the ups and downs of fame. From his early days as a class clown to becoming a household name, Spanky shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path, including the inspiration behind his bold comedy and the real stories of Hollywood's hidden challenges. Spanky gets candid about the importance of being authentic, how he handled the pressure of fame, and how he stays true to himself in a world that often rewards controversy. Along the way, he also reflects on the people who supported him and the lessons he's learned about success, failure, and personal growth. Whether it's cracking jokes or navigating Hollywood's complexities, Spanky’s unfiltered perspective will leave you laughing and reflecting. Tune in for a deep dive into the life of one of comedy’s most unapologetic voices.
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In this episode of Behind the Story, we dive into the incredible career of David Nicoll IV, an artist, choreographer, and songwriter who has worked with iconic names like NSYNC, Britney Spears, and the Backstreet Boys. From his early days as a breakdancer to his time performing with Chippendales, David has navigated the entertainment industry with grit, creativity, and passion. He shares personal stories from his journey, including how his love for music started, his career breakthroughs, and the challenges and triumphs of working in the boy band era. David also discusses his new project, a boy band remix show in Vegas, and offers wisdom on how young artists can navigate the ever-evolving music and entertainment industries. Tune in for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about talent, reinvention, and the power of persistence.
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In this episode of Behind the Story, Joe Peña shares his remarkable journey from being an international hairdresser and on-screen personality to building Concepts Digital Marketing, a company that helps brands leverage social media, AI, and digital marketing to thrive. He discusses how his love for performance and storytelling led him to the world of digital marketing, the challenges of building a successful business, and the lessons learned from his global experiences. Joe also opens up about the role AI plays in scaling businesses and how he’s using innovative tools to create impactful marketing campaigns for clients. From the power of social media to his personal philosophy of life and business, Joe emphasizes the importance of collaboration, staying adaptable, and always striving for authenticity. Tune in for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, technology, and the future of digital marketing.
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In this episode of Behind the Story, Gerard Barnes shares his journey from launching his brand “I Am Motherless” to navigating the highs and lows of marketing, including his viral success and eventual ban on TikTok. Gerard discusses the challenges of managing a solo business, his perspective on customer engagement, and the lessons learned from leveraging TikTok to grow his customer base. He dives into the evolution of his business, the integration of AI technology in marketing, and how it connects back to his passion for authenticity. With a new venture in sound technology for customer engagement, Gerard opens up about the importance of community, balancing business with personal life, and how interdependence has shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, innovation, and adapting to new opportunities.
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From the publisher's feed
Welcome to Behind The Story Show, a long-form interview podcast hosted by Jelani Gonzalez that goes beyond the headlines to uncover the real journeys behind extraordinary people and powerful…
Each week, Jelani sits down with entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, creators, leaders, and change-makers to explore the defining moments, hard-earned lessons, personal challenges, and bold decisions that shaped their path. From business and creativity to leadership, culture, innovation, and reinvention, Behind The Story brings you candid conversations that reveal not just what people achieved, but what it took to get there.
If you are building something, chasing a vision, navigating change, or looking for stories that educate, inspire, and challenge the way you think, this show is for you.
Join us as we go behind the success, behind the struggle, and Behind The Story.