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This week on Here's What We Know, we’re sitting down with the hosts of The Fit Mess Podcast, Zach Tucker and Jeremy Grater, to dive into their personal stories of fitness, friendship, and transformation. If you're looking for a little inspiration with a touch of realness, you’re in the right place.

In This Episode:

• Discover how they started their unexpected podcast journey and open up about life beyond fitness.
• Learn about Zach and Jeremy’s 13-year friendship, which began through their wives during pregnancy. 
• Hear how their stories go beyond fitness to explore mental health, personal growth, and the power of forgiveness.
• Listen to Zach’s inspiring transformation from nearly 300 pounds and a smoker to a long-distance runner. 
• Discover how a knee injury became Jeremy’s wake-up call, leading him to embrace bike commuting and mindfulness practices. 
• Zach and Jeremy emphasize the power of vulnerability and learn why they believe small steps, both in fitness and mental health, make the biggest impact over time.
• Zach opens up about how forgiving his mother brought him peace, while Jeremy shares valuable lessons from therapy, including how to challenge inherited negative self-talk.
• Discover their refreshing, realistic approach to wellness. Their advice? Focus on small, manageable changes—whether it's a short walk or five minutes of mindfulness.

This episode is sponsored by:
Reed Animal Hospital
Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter

Bio:
Zach Tucker resides in Albany, NY with his young daughter. Zach has a passion for helping people define and meet their wellness goals. He thinks that every person is different and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for someone’s wellness. He is on a mission to share his story and some of the tools that helped him on his own wellness journey. Zach is certified to teach yoga and Insanity® Live.

Jeremy Grater is a married father of two young girls and lives in rural British Columbia. He’s been in the broadcasting and podcasting business for about two decades. Jeremy is a certified REBT Mindset Life Coach.

Website: https://www.thefitmess.com/

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This week on Here's What We Know, our guest is Karen Howard, the brilliant author behind the book, Upset is Optional and Executive Director of the Organic and Natural Health Association. Listen in as she shares her wisdom on personal growth, professional journeys, and societal reflections.

In This Episode:

• Meet Karen Howard as a powerhouse in natural health advocacy and an insightful author aiming to help us control our reactions to life's challenges.
• Discover the essence of Upset is Optional, focusing on maintaining control over one's reactions.
• Explore parenting insights deeply tied to overcoming adversity.
• Hear how 9/11 significantly pivoted Karen’s career trajectory.
• Learn life lessons & parenting tips for teaching children to follow their passions rather than societal expectations.
• Dive into Karen's extensive involvement in government policy-making.
• Understand how political engagement has evolved with an emphasis on voting knowledgeably about candidates and issues.
• Learn the value of open-mindedness in decision-making processes & educate oneself to actively participate in democratic processes and remain open to evolving perspectives.

This episode is sponsored by:
Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!
Dignity Memorial

Bio:
Originally from Springfield, MO, Karen spent the last 40 living years in Washington, DC working as Congressional Committee staff, lobbying for health care issues, and working for a variety of professional and trade associations. She has experienced a monumental shift in her outlook since the fateful events of 9/11 in 2001. This cataclysmic event left an indelible mark on her sensibilities, prompting her to seek a more purposeful existence. Thus commenced her extraordinary journey towards healing and self-discovery.

For a decade, Karen collaborated closely with naturopathic physicians, leading the way as their Executive Director. She ventured to Ecuador, immersing herself in the wisdom of native healers.

It was during that time that she was introduced to Bob Duggan, the visionary behind Tai Sophia acupuncture school. Pursuing a master’s degree under his tutelage, Karen learned to cultivate a state of well-being through mindful language and actions.

Website: https://upsetisoptional.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.howard.75641
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenhoward1761/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-howard/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karenhoward857

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This week on Here's What We Know, we have a groundbreaking conversation with two esteemed guests, Hunter Walker, an investigative journalist and former White House correspondent, and Luppe B. Luppen, a lawyer and a prominent social media presence and writer. Together they discuss their book, The Truce: Progressive, Centrist, and the Future of the Democratic Party, offering listeners an insider's account of political dynamics within the Democratic Party.

In This Episode:

• Access to Insider Stories
• The Relationship Between Barrack Obama and Joe Biden
• Obama’s Role in the 2020 Election
• The Standard Bearer of the Democratic Party
• Kamala Harris & Missteps
• Likability and Sexism in Politics
• Attacks and Double Standards in Politics
• Tension Over US Support for Israel’s Campaign in Gaza
• Fractures with the Progressive and Centrist Coalition
• The Importance of Key Voters Groups of Biden
• The High School Drama of Politics
• Writing a Book Together
• Unvarnished Understanding of Political Players
• Election Insights
• The Goal for Biden and Trump: Just Win, Baby

This episode is sponsored by:
Bison Junk Removal
Sterling Oak Cabinetry

Bio:
Luppe B. Luppen is a lawyer and a writer in New York City. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he graduated from Stanford University (2005) and Washington & Lee School of Law (2008).

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nycsouthpaw/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@nycsouthpaw
X: https://x.com/nycsouthpaw

Hunter Walker is an investigative reporter and author based in Brooklyn, New York. He has written for notable publications such as Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and The Atlantic. Walker spent five years as a White House Correspondent for Yahoo! News during the Trump administration and has covered politics for outlets like Business Insider and the New York Observer. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrhunterwalker/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterwalker/

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This week on Here's What We Know, we’re thrilled to bring you a fascinating conversation with an award-winning audiobook narrator! Our guest is the incredibly talented Scott Brick. Scott shares how he continues navigating his successful career from his journey through 1,100 audiobooks to overcoming health challenges and working on notable titles like Jurassic Park from Michael Crichton’s collection, Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz, and many more!

Tune in and discover how his dedication shines through every project, whether it be new releases or classic retellings!

In This Episode:

• Career Milestones: From Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park to its sequel, The Lost World, discover how Scott got these iconic gigs.
• Health Challenges: Hear about Scott's journey through diabetes and thyroid cancer and how it shaped his career.
• Character Voices: Learn about the delicate balance between staying true to characters without mimicking previous performances.
• Audiobook Narration Techniques and Insights: Uncover Scott’s approach to vocal training and balancing originality with audience expectations
• Emotional Depths: Feel the passion as Scott recounts breaking into tears while narrating an Orphan X book.
• Preparation & Dedication: Discover how thorough preparations like listening to previous series' narrators have helped him excel—such as for Shawn Inmon's Middel Falls Time Travel series.

This episode is sponsored by:
Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)
Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)

Bio:
Scott Brick is an actor, writer, and award-winning audiobook narrator who certainly knows how to tell a story! Hailed by Audible in 2012 as their most prolific narrator, Brick has narrated titles such as Jurassic Park, the Jack Reacher series, Alexander Hamilton, the Hunt For Red October, The Passage trilogy, In Cold Blood, the Bourne trilogy, Atlas Shrugged, Helter Skelter, Fahrenheit 451 and the Dune series. 

To date, he’s won over 60 Earphones Awards for his narrating skills, as well as five Audie Awards, five SOVAS Awards for voiceover, and a Grammy nomination for the multi-cast recording of The Mark of Zorro (2011). After recording 250 titles in his first five years, AUDIOFILE MAGAZINE named Brick “one of the fastest-rising stars in the audiobook galaxy,” and proclaimed him a Golden Voice, but it was the WALL STREET JOURNAL that sealed the moniker with a front-page article in November, 2004.  PUBLISHERS WEEKLY then honored Brick as Narrator of the Year in both 2007 and 2011.  That honor was followed up with another feature in the WSJ in 2019 and a recent appearance on the CBS Sunday Morning news show.  And the ultimate distinction – being inducted into the Audible Narrator’s Hall of Fame in 2018.  Having now recorded over 1100 audiobooks, Brick has no intention of slowing down. He obviously won’t be happy until he’s recorded every book ever published.

Website: https://scottbrick.com/

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This week on Here's What We Know, we’re joined by Ganesh Venkataramanan, an accomplished engineer, Vice President at a leading software technology company, and author of the book Let Me Into Heaven. In this insightful and thought-provoking conversation, Ganesh shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a Hindu household, becoming an atheist, and ultimately finding faith in Christ through his interactions with influential entrepreneurs.

Prepare for an engaging dive into big questions about the intersection of science and faith, the mysteries of the universe, and how Ganesh’s intellectual exploration led him to rediscover a belief in God.

In This Episode:

• Ganesh’s path from Hinduism to atheism and his embrace of Christianity
• The intersection of science and faith in understanding the universe
• The Big Bang and what it reveals about the existence of a Creator
• The rarity of life and the intricate design of the universe
• The importance of truth, honesty, and integrity in science
• How faith can transform lives, bringing joy, peace, and purpose
• The existence of evil and the human longing for a heavenly home
• Insights from Ganesh’s book Let Me Into Heaven

This episode is sponsored by:
Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!)
Dignity Memorial

Bio:
Ganesh Venkataramanan, pen-named Geeves, is a graduate from the prestigous Indian Institute of Technology. He works as Vice President at a Software Technology company. With his background in science and experience in working with highly analytical teams, Geeves found that scientific explanations, while fine in themselves, lacked depth and human meaning. In his attempts to better understand life, Geeves stumbles across religion and then Jesus. Thanks to his mentors, Bill and Paul, Geeves learned about living a meaningful life that spans eternity.

Website: https://www.letmeintoheaven.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geevesofficial
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GEEVESOFFICIAL

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This week on Here's What We Know, we're thrilled to welcome the incredibly versatile Don Stuck, a media personality who has truly done it all. From his early days as a musician to his transition into radio as a disc jockey, and now a licensed pilot and rising television actor, Don Stuck is the epitome of someone who never stops chasing his dreams. Get ready for a wild ride of nostalgia, laughter, and unexpected stories in this fascinating conversation you won't want to miss!

In This Episode:

• Don takes us on his unconventional journey from being a musician to becoming a renowned radio personality.
• Hear about Don’s acting career, including his roles on shows like Chicago PD, where he often portrays intriguing characters like drug dealers and bad guys, and learn how he stood out in thousands of auditions.
• Discover the thrilling story of how Don became a licensed pilot.
• Join Don and Gary as they take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the thrill, magic, and irreplaceable energy of live radio.
• Gain insights into how corporate changes have reshaped the radio landscape, with personal anecdotes from both Gary and Don.
• Listen to their admiration for Howard Stern's evolution into one of the greatest interviewers of our time, despite his controversial beginnings.
• And don’t miss the story behind Gary’s supposed first radio career debut!

This episode is sponsored by:
Bison Junk Removal
Sterling Oak Cabinetry
Dermawav (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you to receive free extra treatment!)

Bio:
Don Stuck is a veteran SAG-AFTRA radio/television personality and actor who is heard daily in Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, St Louis, Milwaukee, and SiriusXM. As a licensed pilot, Don Stuck is the "Eye in the Sky" as an airborne traffic reporter and is a reporter for NBC Chicago's Sky 5 helicopter operation. A professional musician since age 16, Don has shared the stage with some of the world's biggest bands.

Website: https://donstuck.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donstuck/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonstuck/
X: https://x.com/donstuck
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-stuck-ii-4aa63348/

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This week on Here's What We Know, our guest is Grace Hawthorne, a multifaceted entrepreneur, innovator, educator, and author of the book “Make Possibilities Happen: How to Transform Ideas into Reality.” As the CEO/Founder of Paper Punk and an Adjunct Professor at Stanford University's renowned Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (aka the d.school), Grace shares her journey through entrepreneurship, education, and scientific research on creativity.

In This Episode:

• The Importance of Practicality and Wisdom
• The Value of Experience and Appreciating Different Perspectives
• The Importance of Putting in the Work
• The Duchamp Exercise and Thinking Outside the Box
• The See, Start, Do, and Finish Process
• The Unlimited Capacity for Creativity
• The Role of Vision in the Creative Process
• The Journey of Paper Punk
• The Importance of Adaptability and Flexibility
• The Value of Learning from Others
• The Creativity Study and the Role of Curiosity
• The Power of Wisdom and Experience
• The Significance of Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom
• The Value of Listening and Understanding
• Appreciating Parent as a Parent
• Parenting Challenges
• The Pride of Parenting and the Joy of Grandparenting

This episode is sponsored by:
Habana Cuba (Be sure to use code "Gary20" to get 20% off your order!)
A Flood of Love

Bio:
Grace Hawthorne is an entrepreneur, artist, author, and educator. She is the founder and CEO of Paper Punk, an award-winning origami and LEGO mashup, and d.school professor, where she teaches courses on creativity and failure and capacity building, covered by Scientific American and Wired magazine. Previously, she cofounded ReadyMade and co-authored the critically acclaimed book by the same name. Her artwork has been exhibited in several national museums including the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum Triennial. The Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, known as the d.school, was founded at Stanford University in 2005. Each year, nearly a thousand students from all disciplines attend classes, workshops, and programs to learn how the thinking behind design can enrich their own work and unlock their creative potential.

Paper Punk Website: https://paperpunk.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracehawthorne
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_graciemade/

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This week on Here's What We Know, we are joined by the extraordinary Jeff Bloomfield, CEO of Brain Trust, host of the Driving Change podcast, author, keynote speaker, neuroscientist, cancer survivor, and Papaw’s grandson. Jeff discusses his inspiring backstory, from a 100-acre farm to becoming an expert in communication through neuroscience.

Be sure not to miss out on this heartfelt yet insightful episode filled with stories about overcoming adversity through resilience, faith, and wisdom passed down through generations!

In this Episode:

• Upbringing and Influence of Grandfather
• Becoming a Communicator and Neuroscientist
• The Power of Effective Communication
• Jeff’s Experience as a Cancer Survivor
• Faith and Science
• The Impact of Gratitude on Communication & Health
• Expressing Gratitude in Business and Personal Life
• The Power of Positive Energy
• Jeff’s Musical Background & Passions
• The Effect of Music on the Brain
• The Emotional Impacts of Song
• The Craft of Songwriting
• The Journey to Success
• The Purpose-Driven Mindset of the Next Generation
• Balancing Purpose & Practicality

This episode is sponsored by:
Sterling Oak Cabinetry
Dignity Memorial

Bio:
Jeff Bloomfield is a former sales & marketing executive, entrepreneur, author, farm boy, and cancer survivor. From his humble beginnings on a midwest farm in central Ohio, Jeff has taken the life lessons from his storytelling “Papaw” (Grandfather) combined with his corporate career in Biotech and Neuroscience to create programs that allow you to discover how you’re truly wired for greatness and how to communicate in an authentic way to drive positive change in the world around you. After being the first person in his blue-collar family to graduate college straight out of high school, Jeff spent his corporate career in Biotech where he led several product launches for genetic cancer therapies. One of those therapies was for brain cancer. It was here that he discovered the power of neuroscience and the fact that outside of academia, most of corporate America didn’t really understand how the brain actually worked, otherwise, we wouldn’t communicate with customers and employees the way it was currently being done.

From there Jeff set out with a new mission, to teach others what he has learned about the biology, psychology, and physiology of the brain, and how to apply those learnings in a simple and understandable way to be more impactful communicators.

Website: https://jeffbloomfield.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbloomfieldbraintrust/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realjeffbloomfield/
X: https://x.com/jeff_bloomfield
Podcast: https://drivingchangepodcast.com/

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This week on Here's What We Know, join us as we sit down once again with the multi-talented pianist, composer, and author Barron Ryan. From discussing his early beginnings on the piano to exploring the intricacies of practice and performance, let’s discover insights into what makes music such a powerful form of expression. He also reveals the inspiring yet tragic story of his book, “Honey, If It Wasn’t For You.”

In This Episode:

• Discover how Barron's musical journey began at age 4 under his father's tutelage.
• Learn about Barron’s approach to practicing, including tackling new pieces and managing extensive rehearsal hours.
• Hear about the challenges that come with being a professional musician, including dealing with injuries like tenosynovitis.
• Delve into technical aspects of playing piano - from separating hands during practice to maintaining stamina during long sessions without injury.
• Uncover why musicians perform and how they connect with their audience through beauty and love expressed in art.
• Gain insight into how he articulates his purpose as an artist – "to discover and present the beauty I'm uniquely positioned for."
• Discover the beautiful story behind his book “Honey, If It Wasn’t For You.”

This episode is sponsored by:
Reed Animal Hospital
Dermawav

Bio:
Barron Ryan, the son of two musicians, grew up surrounded by diverse musical influences, from Mozart to Motown. Starting piano at age four under his father's guidance, he excelled in music throughout his education. Though he faced setbacks, including rejection from prestigious music conservatories, a chance win in a piano competition reignited his passion.

Barron has since developed a unique style that blends jazz, classical, and popular music, resulting in albums like Classical with Attitude and The Masters’ Apprentice. In 2019, he composed original works like the “Magic City” Sonata, adding funk, pop, and country flavors to classical music.

In 2021, he was commissioned to compose a piece commemorating the Tulsa Massacre, earning recognition from Smithsonian Magazine as one of Ten Innovators to Watch. Now a published author and composer, Barron continues to push musical boundaries, ensuring that in all his work, Classic Meets Cool.

Website: https://www.barronryan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barronryanmusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barroncp/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BarronRyan
X: https://x.com/barroncp
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barroncp

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This week on Here's What We Know, join us for a fascinating conversation with John Zaller, Executive Director of the Van Gogh Immersive Experience. As a leading curator and distributor of renowned immersive exhibitions, John brings over 25 years of expertise in production, visual art, and set design to the table. Listen in as we dive deep into Vincent Van Gogh’s life and artistry, discussing his revolutionary impact on painting, his personal struggles, and his enduring legacy. Don’t miss this chance to gain insights into how Van Gogh’s work continues to captivate and influence the art world today.

In This Episode:

• John shares insights from his career in immersive experiences and exhibitions.
• Discover John’s creative processes, and inspirations behind writing and designing immersive experiences.
• Insightful commentary on cultural Americanization affecting name pronunciation (Van Gog vs. Van Go). – Explanation about Dutch pronunciation: [van Khokh].
• Delve into Van Gogh’s mental health challenges and how they influenced his work
• Find out alternative theories about Van Gogh’s death and pivotal moments in his later years.
• Discussion on how Vincent Van Gogh revolutionized classical painting norms with his use of thick brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and depictions of everyday subjects.
• A touching look at the relationship between Theo Van Gogh and Vincent—how family support often plays a critical part in nurturing creativity against odds.

This episode is sponsored by:
Habana Cuba (Use code 'Gary20' to save up to 20% off your orders!)
A Flood of Love

Bio:
John Zaller is the executive producer of Exhibition Hub, a curator and distributor of world-renowned immersive exhibitions. He has honed his unique skills of production, visual art, and set design for more than 25 years while working in the museum, entertainment, retail, and attractions/theme parks industries through his own immersive design firm, KRE8 360, that specializes in creating story-driven, traveling immersion experiences. He has contributed to creating and overseeing multiple immersive experiential environments including Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition; Jurassic World: The Exhibition; Bodies the Exhibition; Star Trek: The Exhibition; and the Themed Entertainment Association’s Thea award-winning experience at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. Most recently, Zaller has been credited for his contributions and skillful expertise on Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which was named the 2021 best immersive experience by USA Today and among the 12 best immersive experiences in the world by CNN. He has been working with Exhibition Hub for more than a decade and is responsible for the implementation of all Exhibition Hub properties in the United States.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwzaller/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhibitionhub_eh/
Van Gogh Immersive Experience Website: https://vangoghexpo.com/

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