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Send us Fan Mail You ever get into one of those conversations where you think you know the subject… and then suddenly you’re ten layers deeper than you ever expected to go? That’s what happened here. This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re joined by Danny Johnson, a stand-up comedian making his mark in the world of clean comedy. We start by talking about the craft, how a joke is built, why timing matters more than the words, and how comedians actually think. And then we keep going, because comedy is more than just about being funny anymore. Now it’s social media, followers, clips, going viral, and pressure. The conversation gets more and more fascinating, as one question keeps coming up: If being funny isn’t enough anymore… then what is? In This Episode: The rise of clean comedy and why it’s finding a bigger audienceHow comedians actually write and build materialThe pressure of social media and why it changes everythingThe difference between being funny and being successfulWhat it really means to “make it” in comedy todayAnd why some of the funniest people you’ve ever seen might still be figuring it out This episode is sponsored by:  Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)  Bio: Danny Johnson delivers clean stand-up with "Northeast sarcasm and Southern charm," making him a favorite for theaters, corporate events, churches, and community audiences nationwide. A Dry Bar Comedy featured comedian (Apple TV, Amazon & Peacock), he has appeared on Comedy Central, NateLand Live at Zanies, and shared stages with Howie Mandel, Bob Saget, and many others. A Carnival Cruise Line Comedy Challenge winner and 15-year headliner, Danny blends sharp observations, expressive physical comedy, and relatable stories into a show audiences trust and event planners rebook. Website: https://dannyjohnson.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DannyJohnsonComedy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannyjohnsoncomedy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/comediandanny TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dannyjohnsoncomedy Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail There’s what people see on stage, and then there’s everything else. This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome back Jerry Flowers, a seasoned bassist, an accomplished songwriter, and music industry veteran, best known for his longtime role as Keith Urban’s bass player and bandleader.  We’ll talk about what life on tour is really like, from playing in front of 80,000 people at major concerts to walking into a room of 50 where no one knows who you are. It’s a side of the music industry most people never see. Jerry shares what it takes to connect with a live audience, why some artists succeed while others struggle, and how the best performers learn to win over any crowd, whether it’s a stadium or a small private event. We also get into the realities of touring as a musician, the highs and lows of the road, and the difference between the spotlight and the moments that happen behind the scenes. This is a conversation about stories. The ones you remember, the ones that shape you, and the ones that don’t seem important at the time… until years later, when you realize they meant everything. In This Episode: What Life on Tour Is Really LikeJerry Flowers on Touring with Keith UrbanThe Best Concert Experience: 80,000 Fans in Quebec CityThe Reality of Life After a Big ShowFrom Stadiums to Small Rooms: The Truth About TouringHow Great Artists Win Over Any CrowdEarly Days on Tour: Bars, Vans, and the GrindLearning Storytelling as a Songwriter and PerformerMusic Industry Stories: Jack Black, Hugh Jackman, and MoreWhy Storytelling Matters in Music and LifeFlorida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, and Artist DevelopmentAmerican Idol vs Real-World Experience in MusicWhy Some Artists Make It and Others Don’tGreat Songs That Never Became HitsThe Stories You Carry With You This episode is sponsored by:  Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)  License #: 679261  Bio: Jerry Flowers is a seasoned bassist, songwriter, and music industry veteran, best known for his longtime role as Keith Urban’s bass player and band leader. With a career spanning decades, Jerry has toured the world, shared the stage with music legends, and played a pivotal role in crafting chart-topping hits both on and off the road. Originally from Pinch, West Virginia, Jerry’s musical journey began at just 12 years old, fueled by a passion for bass guitar. His talent and dedication took him from small-town gigs to global stages, touring with The Chicks, Counting Crows, and more. Beyond performing, Jerry is an accomplished songwriter, earning #1 hits with Billy Currington, Jason Aldean, Sam Hunt, and Ryan Hurd. His musicality and creativity continue to inspire every session he’s in, making him a sought-after collaborator in Nashville’s thriving music scene. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryflowersmusic/ Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail Some conversations make you lean in… and some conversations make you uncomfortable because you realize just how much you don’t know, and this is one of those. This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome Neal K. Shah, who went from a successful career as a $250 million hedge fund manager in New York to becoming a caregiver for loved ones facing dementia and cancer, and ended up uncovering just how broken parts of our healthcare system really are. We’ll talk about what happens when healthcare says “no” in real life. Real people, real families, and real consequences.  We get into the rising number of denied claims, the strain on families who are already stretched thin, and the uncomfortable truth that the system we depend on is not always built to take care of us the way we expect. This episode is about paying attention, asking better questions, and understanding that you have more power than you think, especially when you’re willing to fight for it. If you’ve ever assumed the system would work when you needed it… this episode might change the way you see things. In This Episode: How Caregiving Changes Your Perspective on Life and WorkThe Hidden Reality of Dementia, Cancer, and Family ImpactHealthspan vs lifespan and the growing aging population crisisThe Future of Healthcare Costs and Insurance PressureWhy the Healthcare System Feels BrokenHealth Insurance Explained: Where Your Money Really GoesUnderstanding premiums, subsidies, and the illusion of “free” healthcareThe Rise of Claim Denials in HealthcareIs There a Better Way? Direct Pay Healthcare ExplainedFree Market vs Government Healthcare DebateWhy Most People Don’t Appeal Denied ClaimsUsing AI to Fight Insurance Denials (Counterforce Health)Real Story: Beating a $40,000 DenialWhy We Must Pay Attention to Healthcare Now This episode is sponsored by: Reed Animal Hospital Dignity Memorial Bio: Neal K. Shah is a healthcare innovator, entrepreneur, and former hedge fund manager who turned personal caregiving experiences into a mission to improve the healthcare system. After supporting family members through dementia and cancer, he founded CareYaya, a fast-growing platform connecting healthcare students with families in need of care, and Counterforce Health, which uses AI to help patients fight denied insurance claims. Neal’s work sits at the intersection of caregiving, technology, and healthcare reform, with a focus on empowering patients and improving access to care. Website: https://www.careyaya.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyaya/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nealkshah/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearecareyaya Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail There are people who know a little about a lot. And then there are people like Pete A. Turner. This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with a former Army counterintelligence agent who turned a life of asking hard questions into something unexpected: a podcast built on curiosity, connection, and listening. What starts as a conversation about baseball and sports turns into something much deeper. We’ll talk about what it really means to pay attention. Not just hearing words, but understanding what’s underneath them. Pete also shares how his time as a spy shaped the way he sees the world. How he builds trust, how he gets people to open up, and why the best conversations rarely go the way you planned. And if you’ve ever wondered why some conversations stay with you long after they’re over, this episode might give you a few answers. In This Episode: Why This Conversation Goes Off Script FastBaseball, Obsession, and How Smart Minds Stay EngagedWhy Sports Are More Than GamesWhy He Walked Away from FootballThe Problem With “Greatest of All Time” DebatesWhat Makes Elite Athletes DifferentF1, Precision, and the Psychology of High PerformanceFrom Podcasting to 2,000 Episodes: How Pete Built His Show“I Was a Spy”: Pete Turner’s Counterintelligence BackgroundFear, Growth, and Why You Should Say Yes to Hard ThingsNear-Death Experiences and What Happens at the Edge of LifeHow a Spy Becomes a Great Podcast HostThe Secret to Getting People to Open UpHow to Ask Better Questions (And Get Better Answers) This episode is sponsored by:  Bison Junk Removal Bio: Pete A. Turner is a former U.S. Army counterintelligence agent turned podcast host and storyteller. As the executive producer and host of The Break It Down Show, Pete has led more than 2,000 conversations with a wide range of guests, from Nobel Prize winners to everyday people with extraordinary stories. His background in espionage and global deployments across Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt, and Germany shaped the way he listens, asks questions, and connects with people. That same approach now defines his work behind the microphone. Whether he’s exploring geopolitics, personal resilience, or the human stories behind the headlines, Pete creates space for conversations that go deeper than most. Website: https://www.breakitdownshow.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteaturner/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakitdownshow Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/peteaturner Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome Eric Hayden, founder and CEO of Urban Catalyst, a company that’s helped drive billions of dollars in development across Silicon Valley. He was also named the 2025 Silicon Valley Business Journal Newsmaker of the Year. That’s the resume. But that’s not the story. Because this conversation goes beyond real estate and development. It’s about how someone goes from selling sand dollars as a kid… to helping shape an entire city. And really, when you strip it all down, it’s about how we think, how we build, and how we show up in the world. In This Episode: Why housing is so expensive, and why it’s not an easy fixWhat it really means to “win” at school, work, and lifeWhat it actually takes to build in places like Silicon ValleyThe hidden systems behind growth, cities, and opportunityHow curiosity and creativity can shape a career in unexpected waysAnd why success has a lot less to do with intelligence than people think This episode is sponsored by:  Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)  Bio: Eric Hayden is the Founder and Managing Partner of Urban Catalyst. Responsible for developing more than $3.5 billion in real estate projects, including over 2,300 residential units in the California Bay Area, Mr. Hayden has experience in acquisition, contract negotiation, due diligence, risk assessment, financing, construction, and disposition of multifamily, single-family, and large mixed-use and master-planned developments. He maintains relationships with a broad network of property owners, enabling him to identify and acquire prime investments. Mr. Hayden also has expertise in navigating projects through the entitlement process by working with elected officials, community groups, and political organizations to gain support and get projects approved. Website: https://www.facebook.com/urbancatalystfund/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikhayden/ Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail History tends to remember the loudest voices in the room. But sometimes the person who actually helped prevent disaster is the one sitting in the middle. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the world stood just hours away from nuclear war. Most of us remember the names Kennedy and Khrushchev. What we often forget is the man working behind the scenes at the United Nations, trying to slow things down before the world lost its mind. His name was U Thant. This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with historian and author Thant Myint-U, who also happens to be U Thant’s grandson. His book Peacemaker tells the story of a schoolteacher from a small town in Burma who somehow found himself standing between the superpowers at one of the most dangerous moments in modern history. We talk about the Cold War, the role of the United Nations, and what it was like for a grandson to discover the real scope of his grandfather’s life by digging through archives decades later. This episode is a fascinating story about diplomacy, history, and the people who sometimes carry the biggest responsibility. Listen now! In This Episode: The Forgotten Peacemaker Behind the Cuban Missile CrisisGrowing Up With the UN Secretary GeneralWhen Did He Realize His Grandfather Was a Global Leader?Why U Thant Was Left Out of the Cuban Missile Crisis StoryFrom Burmese Schoolteacher to UN Secretary GeneralThe Human Side of a World LeaderTaking Over the UN During the Cold WarPolitical Assassinations and Cold War TensionsThe Golden Age of the United NationsCan the United Nations Still Prevent Global Conflict?The Power and Limits of the UN Security CouncilWhat the UN Was Originally Designed to DoThe Decline of UN Peacekeeping InfluenceWhy the UN Still Matters TodayThe Personality of U Thant: Calm, Pragmatic Leadership This episode is sponsored by: Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)  License #: 679261 Bio: Thant Myint-U is a historian, author, and former United Nations official specializing in the history and politics of Myanmar and Southeast Asia. Educated at Harvard, Johns Hopkins SAIS, and Cambridge, he served on UN peacekeeping missions in Cambodia and the Balkans and later worked at the UN Secretariat in New York on humanitarian and political affairs. He has also advised Myanmar’s government on economic reform and peace negotiations and founded the Yangon Heritage Trust to preserve the city’s historic architecture. Website: https://www.thantmyintu.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thant-myint-u-340aa99/ Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail Sometimes what looks like an overnight success story is really a 25 year journey that most people never see. Country artist Chas Collins knows that road well. This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with Chas Collins to talk about what the music business really looks like behind the curtain. They dive into the long road of touring, the reality of chasing a dream, and why some artists are finally finding success later in life. Chas shares stories from 25 years of performing across the country, the moment he realized people were actually paying attention, and why faith and timing can sometimes matter more than raw talent. If you have ever chased something that took longer than you expected, this conversation will probably feel very familiar. Tune in now! In This Episode: • How Chas Collins built a fan base singing karaoke • Why success in country music doesn’t have an expiration date anymore • The grind behind life on the road that fans rarely see • Why faith and timing matter in creative careers • What it feels like when 25 years of work finally starts paying off This episode is sponsored by: Reed Animal Hospital Dignity Memorial Be sure to tell them Gary sent you! Bio: Chas Collins is a country music artist and Nashville recording artist known for powerful storytelling, raw emotion, and high-energy performances. Blending deep country roots with an influence of 80s rock, his music captures life’s most vivid moments, from the thrill of a Saturday night to the quiet ache of life on the road.  Born in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, Chas overcame personal loss and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina before heading to Nashville with just $500 and a dream. Those experiences shaped a songwriting style grounded in authenticity, resilience, and heart.  Standing 6'6" with a commanding stage presence, Chas has performed more than 3,500 shows across 43 states, building a loyal grassroots fanbase through relentless touring and genuine connection with audiences. Now based in Tampa Bay while continuing to record in Nashville, he continues to share stories of life, loss, faith, and hope through music that resonates with fans across the country.  Website: https://www.chascollins.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chascollinsmusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chascollinsmusic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chascollinsmusic Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to build a fictional universe that readers cannot get enough of? This week on Here's What We Know, let’s welcome back bestselling author Shawn Inmon, the wildly prolific and deeply thoughtful author behind the Middle Falls series, to explore the discipline behind writing every single day, the emotional depth of the Middle Falls series, and the surprising origin of the Universal Life Center and “the machine” that connects his stories.  Shawn shares how he writes six to seven books a year, why he never waits for inspiration, and how internal dialogue became the secret weapon behind his most beloved characters. We’ll dive into redemption arcs, writing action scenes, killing off favorite characters, franchising fiction across continents, and what happens when creativity is fueled by instinct rather than outlines. If you are a writer, a creative, or simply someone fascinated by how stories shape us, this one is for you. In this episode, we talk about: Why he refuses to write multiple projects at onceThe secret behind writing powerful internal dialogueKilling off characters you loveWhy action scenes are actually the easy partThe origin of the Universal Life Center and “the machine”Expanding Middle Falls beyond AmericaWhat redemption really means when someone resists it This episode is sponsored by:  Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)  Bio: Shawn Inmon is a small-town kid who dreamed of being a writer. Today, he is now a full-time author who lives in Tumwater, Washington, USA. He worked several dozen jobs - retail, real estate, traveling with the Unlimited Hydroplanes, crabbing in Alaska, morning disc jockey and station manager, and many others he can't remember to list. These jobs gave him a wonderful base to write what he knows because he knows a little about a lot. He achieved his dream of becoming a full-time writer in 2016 and has never looked back. One reviewer called him "The King of Redemption stories." Shawn says he doesn't feel like a king of anything, but he does love a good tale of second chances. He is the author of the ever-growing The Middle Falls Time Travel series, 18 books and counting, and The Alex Hawk Time Travel Adventure series. He is also the author of Feels Like the First Time, a bestselling memoir of growing up in a small town in the seventies, falling in love, and messing everything up. He lives with his high school sweetheart - now wife -Dawn, two happy-go-lucky Chocolate Labs, and a slightly schizo cat named Georgie.  Website: https://www.shawn-inmon.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShawnInmonWriter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawninmon/ X: https://twitter.com/ShawnInmon Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for an unforgettable conversation as we sit down with Mick Wienholt, a man who survived a catastrophic avalanche that should have taken his life. With a fractured skull, a broken jaw, and massive blood loss, Mick walked three miles back to his truck before collapsing into emergency brain surgery. But that miracle was only the beginning. Years later, Mick and his wife experienced the devastating stillbirth of their son, Luke, a loss that brought them to their knees and ultimately led them into a life-changing relationship with Christ. What followed was a story of redemption neither of them could have scripted. This episode explores ego, survival, grief, faith, and the way God can redeem even the darkest chapters of our lives. In This Episode: What really happened the day Mick triggered an avalanche in ColoradoWalking three miles with a fractured skullThe difference between surviving something… and being changed by itThe grief of stillbirth and losing their son, LukeHitting the emotional bottom and crying out to GodFaith as a daily choice, not a family inheritanceThe redemption of JanuaryHow twin boys were born seven years after a lossThe difference between coincidence and God in action This episode is sponsored by: Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) License #: 679261 Bio: Mick Wienholt is the host of the podcast When You Look, where everyday people share extraordinary stories of God’s presence in their lives. After surviving a catastrophic avalanche as a teenager and later experiencing the stillbirth of his firstborn son, Mick’s life took a dramatic turn. What began as a 25-year-faith-avoidant journey became a ministry rooted in redemption, raw testimony, and honest conversations about grief and grace. He is a redeemed son of Jesus Christ, grateful husband to an incredible wife, and father of four children, three of whom are living. Website: https://www.whenyoulook.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whenyoulookshow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whenyoulookshow/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhenYouLookShow Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail For 25 years, Phil Vassar has written and performed songs that defined an era of country music. But behind the hits like Just Another Day in Paradise, Carlene, and The Sound of a Million Dreams is a story of rejection, resilience, health scares, and hard-earned perspective. This week on Here’s What We Know, Phil reflects on the roadblocks that nearly stopped him, the heart attack that changed his outlook, and why he believes songwriters are more like therapists than hitmakers. From owning his own bar in Nashville to outlasting the gatekeepers who said piano players would never work in country music, Phil opens up about what it really takes to build a lasting career. This is a conversation about instinct, grit, healing, and the power of a song to carry you through the hardest seasons of life. In This Episode: Writing Songs Is Therapy“They Said Piano Players Don’t Work in Nashville”Building a Following Before a Record DealThe Hits They HatedKnowing When You’ve Got SomethingSurviving a Heart Attack and StrokeJust Another Day in ParadiseThe Story Behind CarleneThe Sound of a Million DreamsBands, Egos, and Going SoloToby Keith, Vince Gill, and Songwriting BrotherhoodSlowing Down After 25 YearsEnding with Piano Man This episode is sponsored by: Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!) Bio: Phil Vassar is a chart-topping country artist and acclaimed Nashville songwriter whose piano-driven sound helped redefine modern country music. Raised in a home filled with Motown, gospel, bluegrass, and classic rock, Vassar developed an eclectic musical foundation that blends heartfelt storytelling with unforgettable hooks. Influenced by artists like Billy Joel and Elton John, he found his true voice behind the piano, crafting songs that resonate across generations. Over a 25-year career, Vassar has earned two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist honors, and scored 10 No. 1 hits including “Just Another Day in Paradise,” “Carlene,” and “Six-Pack Summer.” As a songwriter, he’s penned major hits for Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina, and others, cementing his reputation as one of Nashville’s most versatile hitmakers. Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of his breakout success, Vassar continues to tour nationally, blending his classic hits with fresh interpretations and new music. After surviving a life-altering heart attack in 2023, he brings renewed gratitude and perspective to both his life and career. At his core, Phil Vassar remains a passionate storyteller dedicated to creating songs that move people and stand the test of time. Website: https://www.philvassar.com/ Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail What really happens inside the room when Pro Football Hall of Fame decisions are made? This week on Here's What We Know, we sit down with longtime NFL writer and Hall of Fame voter Jason Cole to pull back the curtain on a process most fans think they understand but usually don’t. Jason explains how Hall of Fame voting actually works, why the math matters more than people realize, and why some obvious names don’t get in right away. We talk about grit, greatness, coaching versus players, and the thin line between legacy and perception. Along the way, Jason shares old-school football stories that remind us why this game still matters so much to so many people. If you’ve ever argued about the Hall of Fame at a bar, on the couch, or online, this conversation will give you a whole new perspective. In This Episode: How Pro Football Hall of Fame voting really worksWhy first-ballot decisions are more complicated than fans thinkCoaching impact versus player greatnessWhat separates legends from very good playersStories that remind us football is still a human game This episode is sponsored by: Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) License #: 679261 Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!) Bio: Jason Cole has covered or written about pro football since 1992 and has been a selector for the Pro Football Hall of Fame since 2013. He has worked for publications such as Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, The Miami Herald, and the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. Cole has authored Elway: a Relentless Life and co-authored six books, including Giant with Plaxico Burress, Heart for the Game with Simon Keith, and Ocho Cinco with Chad Johnson. Prior to covering the NFL, Cole covered the NBA, Major League Baseball, and high school sports in the San Francisco Bay Area. Cole teaches sports writing at the University of Florida and is the father of two Eagle Scouts. He is a graduate of Stanford University, which he attended at the same time as Elway. X: https://x.com/jasoncole62 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-cole-1330266/ Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail Now and then, a conversation reminds you why you love sitting down with people in the first place. This week on Here’s What We Know, Clayton Johnson stopped by, and what unfolded was more than just an interview but a long, winding talk about music, patience, heartbreak, and paying attention while you’re living your life. We talked about Nashville, classic country, the importance of learning from people who have lasted, and an unforgettable night Clayton spent watching Metallica up close. Not from the cheap seats, but close enough to notice the discipline, the preparation, and the humility that come with real longevity. This episode is about the long game and about resisting the urge to rush. It's about trusting that if you stay curious and keep showing up, life has a way of teaching you exactly what you need to know. Listen now! In This Episode: Life in Nashville and finding your footingA surprising night with MetallicaLessons from artists who lastGrowing up on classic country musicPlaying the long game in musicHeartbreak, timing, and personal growthLiving and learning along the way This episode is sponsored by: Reed Animal Hospital Dignity Memorial Be sure to tell them Gary sent you! Bio: Clayton Johnson is a Nashville-based country music artist originally from the farming town of Modesto, California. Raised in the heart of the Central Valley, his passion for music was sparked through songwriting and performing in church, setting the foundation for his career. Clayton's rise in the industry began with a modeling campaign for Boot Barn, leading to acting and music opportunities. He has since played guitar for notable artists, including American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter. Along the way, he continued to perfect his craft, writing songs for himself and other artists. His original music has garnered millions of streams. Country Central has praised Clayton's infectious hooks, calling them "reminiscent of the best of Thomas Rhett." Clayton is currently signed to UMPG & Audio Chateau Publishing. Website: https://claytonjohnsoncountry.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claywatch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaytonJohnsonMusic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LWP6c2LrW1ofkM3e8kmEA Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail Every once in a while, after years around country music, you hear a voice that makes you stop and listen. On this Once Around the Country Edition of Here’s What We Know, we welcome singer and songwriter Hannah Marie Kelley and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer Gabriel Kelley, a real-life country music couple creating music that does more than entertain. It heals. Hannah shares her powerful story of growing up in poverty, surviving trauma, and finding refuge in music long before she ever imagined a career. What began as survival slowly became purpose, and songwriting became a way to make sense of pain, faith, and resilience. This is a conversation about music as medicine, finding your voice when life tries to silence it, and recognizing undeniable talent before the rest of the world catches on. In This Episode: Hearing a Voice That Stops You ColdDiscovering Hannah Marie KelleyWhen Music Becomes Survival“Singing Saved Me”Music as MedicineFaith, Pain, and Finding PurposeLearning to Write the TruthA Thanksgiving Day MeetingFalling in Love Before the MusicWhat a Producer Really DoesWhy Simple Singing Matters MostThe Power of HarmonyReimagining a Familiar SongInfluences That Shape a VoiceRedefining What Success MeansBelieving in Talent Before It BreaksStaying on the Journey This episode is sponsored by: Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!) Bio: Hannah Marie Kelley is a singer and songwriter whose music blends emotional honesty with a timeless, roots-driven sound. Raised in the Appalachian tradition and shaped by lived experience, her voice carries both vulnerability and quiet strength. Drawing inspiration from classic folk, country, and Americana, Hannah writes songs that feel intimate and lived-in, often exploring themes of resilience, faith, and healing. Her approach is unforced and sincere, letting melody and storytelling do the heavy lifting. https://www.instagram.com/hannahmariekelleymusic/ Gabriel Kelley is a singer, songwriter, and producer whose work is guided by a simple belief: find the music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Raised on a family farm in rural Georgia, Gabriel’s journey has taken him from music school in Sweden to songwriting rooms in Nashville and from street corners to concert halls across the country. Along the way, he developed a distinctive voice and a songwriting style rooted in honesty, restraint, and emotional connection. https://www.gabrielkelley.com/ Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail This episode was supposed to be about education. It turned into a long, winding, honest conversation about growing up Southern, malls as social centers, life without air conditioning, aging bodies, faith, comedy, celebrities, grief, golf, gyms, and the strange moments that make you wonder if the universe is paying attention. This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with Bryan Thomas Wetzel, author, gym owner, former TV host, lifelong entrepreneur, and a guy who somehow shares about 90 percent of my life experiences, just arranged in a slightly different order. In This Episode: Small towns, big heat, and why Chick-fil-A used to only exist in mallsPlaying golf with men in their 90s who can still stripe itWhat happens when celebrities disappoint you (and when they don’t)Why radio people are wired differentlyAging, fitness, and the moment your goals shift from “looking good” to “staying alive”Faith, doubt, near-death stories, and moments that don’t fit neat explanationsWhy kindness from strangers sometimes arrives at exactly the right timeNo debates, no shouting. Just stories, curiosity, laughter, and the kind of conversation you don’t want to rush. Pull up a chair. This one wanders in the best way. Tune in now! This episode is sponsored by: Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Bring your dream cabinet to life!) Bio: Bryan Wetzel is a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and media professional with more than 30 years of experience launching and leading companies across education, fitness, hospitality, and media. He has founded multiple successful businesses, two of which were acquired by larger enterprises. He is the author of The Real Problems Destroying Education (2024), inspired by his work with school administrators and district leaders while leading Skubes, an education startup recognized by Dig South as a top education company prior to its acquisition in 2017. His most recent book, A Path to Faith Through Science and Common Sense (2025), explores belief, reason, and lived experience. Bryan currently owns and operates The Local Gym in Georgia and Texas and previously founded Cedarcrest Grill, which was sold in 2022. Earlier in his career, he built and ran a production company for over two decades, working in television, film, and live events, including projects tied to the 1996 Olympic Games. His work has earned 16 national and international awards. He now writes on Substack and continues exploring entrepreneurship, faith, health, and creativity through writing and conversation. Website: https://www.bryanthomaswetzel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onefourtwo/ Substack: https://bryanwetzel.substack.com/ Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us Fan Mail Why do some stories stay with us forever, while others lose their magic? This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome screenwriter, author, and game show researcher Steve Abramson for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, Hollywood, game shows, and the stories that shape who we are. Steve shares how a childhood viewing of Star Wars sparked a lifelong love of movies, what it is really like working behind the scenes in television and game shows, and why modern franchises often struggle to recapture the joy and clarity that once made them timeless. We also explore why villains are often more compelling than heroes, how pressure changes performance, and what our favorite stories reveal about our hopes, fears, and curiosity. This is an honest, curious conversation about creativity, culture, and the simple power of a good story told well. If you love movies, game shows, pop culture, or thoughtful conversations that connect the dots between entertainment and real life, this episode is for you. In This Episode: Why stories matterHow Star Wars sparked a love for storytellingLearning screenwriting before the internetSending a screenplay to Hollywood at 15Why movie franchises lose their wayWhat Star Wars got right and where it went wrongWhy villains are more interesting than heroesThe reality of writing for television todayBehind the scenes of game showsWhy game shows are harder than they lookKnowing the answer vs performing under pressureHow pressure changes creativityWhy the stories we consume shape usPassing curiosity to the next generationWhy great stories still matter This episode is sponsored by: Reed Animal Hospital Dignity Memorial Be sure to tell them Gary sent you! Bio: Steve Abramson is a screenwriter, author, and television writer whose creative journey began at fifteen when he wrote his first screenplay and even managed to get someone at Amblin Entertainment to read it. After formally studying Film and Television at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Steve broke into professional television writing with credits including In a Heartbeat for the Disney Channel, story pitching for Star Trek, and writing for Survivor: Cook Islands. His career spans television pilots, network pitching, and extensive work on game shows, including Temptation, Boom, Million Second Quiz, and Funny You Should Ask. Alongside years in post production, Steve continues to create across media through projects like KnowItAllJoe.com and his children’s book The Bear in the Chair. Website: https://steveabramson.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowitalljoe1977/ Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!