Documentary

Behind The Story Show

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 ideas.

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.

Latest Episodes:

Behind The Story: RajNation Feb 28, 2026

Show notes

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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Behind The Story: Lynne Lambert Feb 28, 2026

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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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How Ceri Jones Tretter Turned Pain into Purpose Through The Collaboratory Feb 28, 2026

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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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From Detroit to Wild ’N Out: The Spanky Hayes Story Feb 28, 2026

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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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The Evolution of a Performer: David Nicoll IV Feb 28, 2026

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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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AI Is Rewriting Marketing: Joe Peña Explains How to Stay Ahead Feb 28, 2026

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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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Custom Music, Powered by AI: Gerard’s Game-Changing Idea (Part 2) Feb 27, 2026

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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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Custom Music, Powered by AI: Gerard’s Game-Changing Idea Feb 27, 2026

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In this episode of Behind the Story, Gerard Barnes takes us through the journey of his brand's evolution, starting from humble beginnings in his garage with candles to a transformative rebranding of his product line to "I Am Motherless." The idea was born out of a deep personal experience with grief, which sparked clarity and a realization about his identity. Gerard shares his entrepreneurial struggles, his moment of clarity that led to sobriety, and the challenges of building a brand while battling personal demons. From making noise on TikTok to dealing with setbacks, Gerard’s story highlights the importance of authenticity and resilience. Tune in to hear how he turned adversity into opportunity and what’s next for his growing brand.

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