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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes our special guest, Johnny Sirpilla, an entrepreneur, founder and chief encourager of Encourage LLC, and the best-selling author of Life Is Hard but I’ll Be OK. Johnny opens up about how he inherited not only a successful RV business from his father but also an ethos of hard work and integrity. He discusses how these values have shaped him into who he is today—driven, and perfectionistic, yet always striving to honor his family name. We also delve into the respective childhoods and parental expectations, highlighting both differences in upbringing and common threads such as love, support, and setting standards. This episode is filled with insights on personal growth and dedication towards family values. Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• Gary and Johnny share amusing anecdotes about their distinctive hairstyles during their younger years. 
• Discover Johnny’s impressively long bio and wealth of experiences.
• Discussions on full-blooded Italian traits lead to light-hearted banter about food preferences between Italy vs America.
• Insights into how family expectations shaped and influenced Johnny's decision to continue his father's legacy while creating new avenues within the RV industry.
• Hear about reflections on parental expectations, love, and support while also setting standards around honor, integrity, and a hard work ethic without spoiling children materially.
• As a board member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Johnny shares his passion for football and his favorite player.

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

Bio:
John A. Sirpilla is a 1988 graduate of Miami University with a degree in Accounting and a special interest in Psychology and Finance, a 2000 graduate of the University of Phoenix with a master’s degree in Organizational Management, and holds a certification in Executive Presence and Influence: Persuasive Leadership Development from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business.

In 1992, Johnny became President of Sirpilla R.V. Center, Inc.. Within a few years, he was recognized out of more than 3,000 dealers as the National RV Dealer of the Year for best overall run dealership in the country. In 2003, Johnny was one of the initial acquisitions by Camping World and sold his family business to become part of the executive team to attempt the first RV dealership roll up plan in the industry’s history.

Johnny served as President of Camping World, a 140-store nationwide retail chain serving the RV industry and was promoted in 2012 to Chief Business Development Officer for the parent company, Camping World and Good Sam with annual sales of nearly $4 billion. Johnny retired from Camping World in 2017 after a successful IPO.

His company, Encourage LLC, has various holdings in industries including leadership development, population health management, employee benefits, medical device innovation, e-commerce roll up, executive leadership and consulting, fashion and interior design, senior living communities, and has become an international best-selling author with his book, Life Is Hard but I’ll Be OK.

Johnny has been married to his college sweetheart, Susan for over 30 years, and they reside in Canton, Ohio and Naples, Florida.  They have three grown children, Beau, Bella, and Stone who all reside in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Website: https://johnnysirpilla.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-sirpilla/

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas had a thought-provoking conversation with Chloe Duckworth, the Co-founder and CEO of Valence Vibrations, an AI startup delivering emotional classifications in real-time conversation, aiming to augment emotional perception across different neurotypes, languages, communication styles, and cultures. They delve into how her company is revolutionizing the way we perceive and interact with emotions in digital spaces, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Join us for fascinating insights that spark ideas about where humanity and technology converge. Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• Learn how Chloe’s startup aims to make virtual environments more accessible by helping users better understand social cues via haptic feedback.
• Hear about the creation of an Apple Watch app designed for autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent individuals to assist in reading room vibes through vibrations.
• Discover how emotion AI can minimize misunderstandings caused by cultural differences or atypical neurological wiring.
• Discussion about the impact of COVID-19 on digital communication and the need for tools that bridge emotional perception gaps in virtual environments.
• Find out about new tools that could transform our approach to video conferencing by adding layers of emotional context. 
• Discussion around ethical considerations when implementing emotion detection technologies in sensitive areas like courtrooms.
• Hear personal stories about self-discovery and improved communication skills as a result of engaging deeply with emotional data analytics.
• Get excited about the potential future developments where emotional AI could serve as an 'emotional subtitle' for internet communications globally - fostering greater empathy online.

This episode is sponsored by:
Nugent Family Counseling Center
Sterling Oak Cabinetry
(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

Bio:
Chloe Duckworth is the co-founder and CEO of Valence Vibrations, an AI startup delivering emotional classifications in real-time conversation, aiming to augment emotional perception across different neurotypes, languages, communication styles, and cultures. Chloe is personally motivated by democratizing access to wellness in every facet of being well. In the wake of the pandemic, she co-founded Hope Hearted, a Bay Area-based nonprofit that has provided PPE to thousands of unhoused and low-income people.

Chloe has worked as a Program Manager and an Advanced Special Projects Team Intern at BrainMind and was involved in managing programs and special projects related to neuroscience. Additionally, Chloe has served as a Research Assistant at the University of Southern California, where they contributed to the development of a model of neuronal circuits and created a graphical flatmap heat map tool for visualizing brain data. Chloe has also completed a Cognitive Neuroscience Internship at Stanford University School of Medicine and worked as a Research Assistant at Stanford. Chloe Duckworth has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computational Neuroscience from the University of Southern California.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-duckworth/
Website: https://www.valencevibrations.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valencevibrations/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valencevibrations

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, we sit down with the hilariously insightful and widely known recovery comedian, Mark Lundholm. Known for his unique blend of humor and mental health advocacy, Mark shares insights from his life's journey—from dysfunctional beginnings to becoming one of just three people in the country who do what he does (and arguably doing it best). With anecdotes that range from humorous to profound, he reflects on personal growth through experiences and his unique perspective on life. Now, he’s sharing the tools he uses to captivate, entertain, and educate audiences around the world.

Whether you're looking for laughs or life lessons—or ideally both—this episode promises plenty of each, courtesy of one of the most distinctive voices in stand-up today. Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• Discover shared interests between Gary and Mark bond over their mutual love for cigars and a specific shop they unknowingly frequented together.
•  Learn about Mark's unique niche that combines humor with mental health advocacy. As one of only a few in his field, he shares insights on using comedy as a platform to educate and enlighten.
• Reflect on how age brings experience over energy, particularly in comedy. With years spent touring different countries and all 50 states multiple times, hear about what longevity has taught him.
• Explore Mark’s language fluency across audiences: From inmates to politicians, Mark prides himself on speaking 'all languages' due to performing for diverse groups.
• Dive into personal stories from Mark and Gary that reveal their youthful misadventures and learning curves.
• Discover how growing up in Oakland during turbulent times shaped much of his perspective on making mistakes—and learning from them collectively rather than individually.
• Stories about playing golf—including an enlightening moment with an older golfer—Mark draws parallels between sportsmanship, business ethics, integrity, and personal improvement.

This episode is sponsored by:
Reed Animal Hospital
Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off service!)

Bio:
Mark Lundholm is a comedian, author, mentor, sponsor, father, and ex-husband. He has been performing stand-up comedy focused on the challenges, struggles, and experiences of those struggling with addiction for more than 30 years.

Soon after attaining sobriety, Mark began professionally entertaining others with his irreverent and spot-on humor about life, relationships, perceptions, and challenges as someone who grew up in a dysfunctional, traumatic home environment. Before long, his popular comedy performances created national and international demand, and Mark continued to grow his audience. As of 2019, Mark has performed in all 50 states and 10 foreign countries and has presented his stand-up comedy for Presidents and other heads of state, world-renowned musicians, and Fortune 500 companies, from audiences of less than a dozen to more than 20,000 people.

In addition to his work in stand-up comedy, Mark has written and performed his own one-man show off-Broadway, achieving critical acclaim from the New York Times and Chicago Sun Times among many others, and has also appeared on Comedy Central, A&E, CBS, and NBC.

Website: https://marklundholm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marklundholm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marklundholm/
X: https://twitter.com/marklundholm

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas had a fascinating conversation with Sean A Mirski, a lawyer, historian, U.S. foreign policy scholar, and author of the monumental book “We May Dominate the World: Ambition, Anxiety, and the Rise of the American Colossus." Sean shares how he spent eight years crafting his book while juggling a demanding law career. His book unpacks nearly 100 years of complex policy across the entire Western Hemisphere with gripping storytelling as we deeply dive into the pivotal moments that shaped our nation's destiny.

So if you're up for a historical exploration filled with drama, strategy, and lessons for our times, tune in now and be ready to geek out!

In this Episode:

• Explore how Sean’s time at the University of Chicago shaped him and touch upon his role as a visiting scholar.
• Sean shares insights into his writing process and rigorous research involving primary sources, from dusty archives to Library of Congress documents.
• The discussion delves deep into understanding history through human stories rather than dry facts.
• Sean reflects on the importance of presenting balanced perspectives that respect historical complexities instead of one-sided narratives.
• Sean emphasizes meticulous documentation and how easy it is to distort history without proper context or verification.
• Impactful historical events involve political figures like President Abraham Lincoln, General Ulysses S. Grant, Secretary William H. Seward, President Theodore Roosevelt, Republican politician James G. Blaine, Major General Smedley Butler, and President James Monroe.

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

Bio:
Sean A. Mirski is a lawyer, historian, and U.S. foreign policy scholar who has worked on national security issues across multiple U.S. presidential administrations. A term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, he currently practices national security, foreign relations, and appellate law at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP, and is also a Visiting Scholar at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He previously served in the U.S. Department of Defense under both Republican and Democratic administrations as Special Counsel to the General Counsel, where he earned the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. He has written extensively on American history, international relations, law, and politics, including as author of We May Dominate the World: Ambition, Anxiety, and the Rise of the American Colossus (PublicAffairs 2023), and as editor of the book Crux of Asia: China, India, and the Emerging Global Order (CEIP 2013). Earlier in his career, he clerked for Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. on the U.S. Supreme Court and then-Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and served as a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Named one of Forbes magazine’s “30 Under 30,” he graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School and holds a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Chicago.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mirski-06779222/
“We May Dominate The World: Ambition, Anxiety, and the Rise of the American Colossus” Book Link: Amazon

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of the CEO and founder of PayCertify, Chase Harmer, from his early days in payment processing to his latest venture, Wishes. As a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator in fintech, Chase shares insights on embracing failure, the power of persistence, and his vision for transforming charitable giving.

This episode provides an enlightening perspective on taking risks, overcoming adversity, and leveraging one's experiences toward making the world a better place through technological advancements within philanthropy. Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• Listen in to Chase’s background story from growing up in the Los Gatos area, hustling from a young age, and starting business ventures at 19 years old.
• Discover how he started in credit card sales during its nascent stage in 1998, then quickly moved on to start his own business after learning about profit margins.
• Hear his lessons learned through failures, including an initial failed partnership due to a lack of experience and understanding of marketing needs.
• Be inspired by how he turned an initial investment into a $40 million/year business before moving into building technology for merchant services without a prior tech background.
• Discussion on how success has changed him personally: facing challenges that almost led him to lose everything but choosing redemption over despair.
• Chase shares wisdom on valuing human capability beyond monetary wealth—what you can do without money often defines your true worth.
• Discover how Wishes was born out of Chase’s desire for meaningful impact rather than personal wealth accumulation. 
• Explore the topics and his insights on his blog about astrophysics.

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

Bio:
As the Chief Executive Officer, Chase Harmer is the visionary for PayCertify, a worldwide payments company that works with businesses in the e-commerce, healthcare, and travel verticals, processing billions of dollars in transactions annually. Having started in banking at the age of 19, Chase has built portfolios processing billions globally and created several patents through his two decades of experience.

Chase has spent 26+ years as a payments entrepreneur and was one of the pioneers of virtual credit card technology. After building several companies and creating 7 patents since 2013, Chase leverages his past successes to give back to the community and help other entrepreneurs build businesses as a Lecturer and Mentor at the Founders Institute.

Website: https://chaseharmer.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-harmer-657a5b5/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wishesinc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaseharmerrr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaseharmerrr/
X: https://twitter.com/chaseharmerr

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, we sit down with the lead vocals, lead guitar, and fiddle of the renowned '90s country band, Ricochet. Tall, good-looking, and incredibly talented Heath Wright shares his epic journey from delivering donuts to insurance agencies with our very own host, Gary Scott Thomas, to becoming a cattle rancher in Oklahoma. He reminisces about the bizarre things bands did back in their early days and gives us an inside look into life on a ranch, new music releases, and his reflections on being part of a band. Join us in this amazing episode filled with laughter and more! Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• The early days: Reminiscing about when Ricochet delivered donuts to an insurance agency.
• A day in the life of a rancher: Heath candidly shares his current routine tending to sick animals on his cattle ranch, highlighting how far removed it is from the typical musician’s lifestyle.
• Nostalgia hits hard: They reflect on '90s country music trends and discuss why some bands endure while others fade away.
• The evolution of performance: Heath talks about singing their hit song “Daddy’s Money” 30 years later.
• Behind-the-scenes look at recording: Insights into re-recording classic hits for today’s audience using modern technology are shared, preserving originality while enhancing sound quality.
• Album release excitement: Ricochet's new album featuring both rerecorded classics and fresh tracks that blend past glory with present vibrancy.
• Thought-provoking discussions reveal what goes into maintaining longevity in music, including making tough business decisions similar to those made by other successful groups like Sawyer Brown and KISS.

This episode is sponsored by:
Nugent Family Counseling Center
Sterling Oak Cabinetry
(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

Bio:
Heath Wright is the lead vocals, lead guitar, and fiddle of the country music band Ricochet. He is a proud native of Vian, Oklahoma, and has always stayed true to his roots, even during his 15-year stint in Nashville, TN. Heath's journey began on the Rockin' W Ranch, where he serenaded a captive audience of Hereford cows and honed his musical talents. Despite early shyness, Heath's passion for music blossomed, leading him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Business Management at Northeastern State University before delving into a unique Country Music degree program at South Plains College. Upon graduation, Heath embarked on the most significant journey of his life – the move to Nashville. There, he co-founded Ricochet, a band that skyrocketed to success with chart-topping hits and prestigious awards, including the New Vocal Group of the Year from the Academy of Country Music and several other CMA and ACM nominations. Top 10 hits (and even a multi-week #1) on the Billboard charts were no stranger to Heath and his band, Ricochet. During their highest point, Heath and Ricochet made numerous television appearances on Country Music Awards shows (as performers, presenters, and nominees), the Grand Ole Opry, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In 2011, Heath received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing lead vocals for Restless Heart, a band he admired since childhood. Despite his bustling career, Heath's proudest achievement remains his son, Dustin Heath, and the cherished moments they share on the family ranch.

Website: https://ricochetonline.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RicochetFanPage/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialricochetband/

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our special guest is the renowned Kathy Reichs, a forensic anthropologist turned bestselling author of Temperance Brennan novels. With a career that's as remarkable as her literary acclaim creations, Kathy shares insights from her life journey. She went from being a curious child fascinated by science to becoming one of only 100 forensic anthropologists ever certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology.

Whether handling crime scenes or weaving humor into dark narratives, Kathy offers listeners an intimate portrait of a life rich with stories. So, stay tuned for a captivating conversation that traverses death investigations, literature's imaginative realms, and everything that ties them together through the eyes of a master storyteller.

In this Episode:

• The early signs of drive and curiosity in young Kathy.
• The rigorous path to becoming a board-certified forensic anthropologist.
• Transitioning from academic writing to crafting thrilling novels based on real-life experiences.
• Insights into Temperance Brennan’s character evolution—from books to the hit TV show "Bones."
• Behind-the-scenes look at scriptwriting for "Bones" and how it differs from novel writing.
• The importance of setting in storytelling and why Kathy never writes about places she hasn't visited.
• How personal preferences sometimes make their way into characters' quirks.
• Hear about Kathy's latest novel, “The Bone Hacker."
• Kathy also touches upon family influences, with two out of three children following in her footsteps in writing.

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:
Kathy Reichs’s first novel Déjà Dead catapulted her to fame when it became a New York Times bestseller and won the 1997 Ellis Award for Best First Novel. Her other Temperance Brennan books include Death du Jour, Deadly Decisions, Fatal Voyage, Grave Secrets, Bare Bones, Monday Mourning, Cross Bones, Break No Bones, Bones to Ashes, Devil Bones, 206 Bones, Spider Bones, Flash and Bones, Bones Are Forever, Bones of the Lost, Bones Never Lie, Speaking in Bones and the Temperance Brennan short story collection, The Bone Collection. In addition, Kathy co-authored the Virals young adult series with her son, Brendan Reichs. The best-selling titles are Virals, Seizure, Code, Exposure, Terminal, and the novella collection Trace Evidence. The series follows the adventures of Temperance Brennan’s great-niece, Tory Brennan.  Dr. Reichs’ latest novel, Two Nights, was released July 11 and features Sunday Night, a tough-talking, scarred heroine.  Dr. Reichs was also a producer of the hit Fox TV series, Bones, which is based on her work and her novels.

Dr. Reichs is one of only 100 forensic anthropologists ever certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology.  Dr. Reichs is a native of Chicago, where she received her Ph.D. at Northwestern. She now divides her time between Charlotte, NC, and Montreal, Québec.

Website: https://kathyreichs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathyreichsbooks/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kathyreichs/
X: https://twitter.com/KathyReichs
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/kathyreichs/

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, join us for a riveting episode as our host, Gary Scott Thomas, sits down with none other than the master of thrills and chills, Jonathan Maberry! They dive deep into his fascinating life and work as a prolific author whose career spans across novels, short stories, comic books, the big screen, and more. Jonathan's life reads like one of his novels—from martial arts expert to bestselling author. Our host couldn't get enough of his Joe Ledger series and Pine Deep trilogy. And neither will you once you dive into those heart-pounding action scenes!

So tune in to this incredible episode and discover the passion and stories behind your favorite Maberry books! Also, brace yourself for spoilers!

In this Episode:

•  A Life Full of Stories: Jonathan shares his wildly varied bio, proving that his life is just as captivating as the worlds he creates.
•  The Joe Ledger Series: Get ready to dive into the mind of a master storyteller as Jonathan discusses the completion of the 13th book and his preparations for the 14th. 
• Crafting Fight Scenes: Find out how Jonathan's martial arts expertise translates into gripping combat sequences that are packed with physiological and psychological layers. It's like watching a high-octane fight scene on the page!
• Character Depth and Evolution: Hear Jonathan's insights on the development of his book protagonists and how they evolve throughout his captivating stories. 
• Hollywood Adaptations and Casting Challenges: Get the inside scoop on past discussions about adapting the Joe Ledger series into TV shows or movies. And let's not forget the all-important casting choices. 
• The Future of Joe Ledger: Join in on the excitement as they talk about possible future adaptations and Jonathan's appearances in other book series. The possibilities are endless!
• Narrative Technique Discussion: Discover how Jonathan's ideas are born from current events or scientific advancements, weaving impactful storylines that center around character experiences. It's like a masterclass in storytelling!
• The Story of Our Fathers: Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane as Jonathan shares stories from his upbringing. A glimpse into his past that adds an extra layer of depth to his work.
• Comic Books Morality: Explore the intricate world of comic books, including the beloved Marvel and DC comics, as Jonathan delves into the moral complexities they tackle. 

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

Bio:
Jonathan Maberry is a New York Times best-seller, five-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, anthology editor, comic book writer, executive producer, magazine feature writer, playwright, and writing teacher/lecturer. He is the editor of Weird Tales Magazine and president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers. He is the recipient of the Inkpot Award, three Scribe Awards, and was named one of Today’s Top Ten Horror Writers. His books have been sold to more than thirty countries. He writes in several genres including thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and mystery; and he writes for adults, middle grade, and young adults.

Jonathan is the creator, editor, and co-author of V-WARS, a shared-world vampire anthology from IDW Publishing that was adapted into a Netflix series.

Jonathan and his wife, Sara Jo, to whom he dedicates all of his published works, and their dog, Rosie, live in San Diego, California.

Website: https://www.jonathanmaberry.com/

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, host Gary Scott Thomas had a fun and candid conversation with the country music singer, guitarist, and songwriter, Matt Stell. Join us as Matt shares stories from his roots in Center Ridge, Arkansas, to the bustling streets of New York City. Matt isn't just carrying his guitar on tours; he brings along memories, aspirations, and heartfelt stories that resonate across every destination he has been to! We are sure that this podcast episode has something delightful for everyone. Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• Discover how people from small towns like Center Ridge "round up" when explaining where they're from.
• Get a taste of city life through Matt's eyes and why he appreciates visiting places like New York but prefers living elsewhere.
• Learn about being a "professional traveler" as part of a singer's job and why sometimes life gets in the way of exploring new cities.
• Gain insight into his record label experience with Sony in Manhattan and how his authentic style resonates beyond traditional boundaries.
• Pizza talk! Find out if New York really does have better pizza and what constitutes an acceptable topping according to Matt.
• Explore destinations still on Matt's bucket list.
• Understand the allure behind festival shows both as an artist performing for large crowds and as a fan enjoying other musicians' sets.
• Delve into who inspired him growing up (hint: '90s alternative bands) and who he'd love to collaborate with today.
• Peek into the creative process behind hits like “Prayed For You” starting with just one line that sparks an entire song narrative. 

This episode is sponsored by:
Beck's Shoes
(Use code "GST" on their website and enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on your favorite shoes!)

Winchester Western Wear
(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!)

Bio:
Matt Stell is an American country music singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Matt began releasing music in the early 2010s after teaching himself guitar while in college. He had a breakthrough with the streaming hit "Prayed for You" in 2018, which topped the Country Airplay charts in 2019, a position matched by "Everywhere But On" that year. After a couple of quiet years, Stell delivered the One of Us EP in February 2023.

Talking about the beginning of his career as a singer, he was the lead singer of the band “The Crashers” in the late 2000s and early 2010s. This personality released three albums independently while being involved with the said band. Those albums were The Sound & the Story, Vestibule Blues, and A River Through It. Followed it with the single "Country Love Song" in 2015. In the meantime, he opened shows for headliners including Luke Bryan and Eric Church. An offer from Wide Open Music in Nashville, Tennessee, led to the release of the single "Prayed for You" and the EP Everywhere But On in 2019. "Prayed for You" went viral, amassing over ten million streams across platforms before the end of the year. The single's success translated to the charts: it topped Billboard's Country Airplay chart, as did "Everywhere But On." Another EP, Better Than That, arrived in October 2020 and included the song "Look at Me Now." The non-LP single "That Ain't Me No More" followed in 2021, with 2022's "Man Made" teasing the early-2023 release of the One of Us EP.

Website: https://www.mattstell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mattstellmusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattstell/

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, host Gary Scott Thomas had a wonderful time sitting down with the legendary television play-by-play broadcaster of the San Jose Sharks NBC Sports California National Hockey League, Randy Hahn. They dive into a reflective conversation about their long-standing careers in broadcasting. With over three decades behind the mic for the San Jose Sharks, Randy shares his journey from radio beginnings to becoming an iconic voice in sports.

So, join us as we skate through memory lane with one of hockey's most enduring voices!
Tune in now to this episode filled with fun and nostalgia!

In this Episode:

• Randy spills the beans on how his broadcasting career started in 1991 and never in his wildest dreams did he imagine staying put for over 30 years. Talk about passion and dedication! 
• Discover the challenges and unexpected twists of longevity in the industry from two veterans who have seen it all. These guys know the ins and outs, and they're ready to dish out all the behind-the-scenes stories. 
• Ever wondered why certain game moments stick out to fans? Randy shares his thoughts and reveals why those interactions during live broadcasts hold a special place in the hearts of broadcasters like himself.
• Uncover the importance of connecting with fans, and creating unforgettable experiences during games and events that resonate beyond the final buzzer. Get ready to feel that sense of community and camaraderie we all love about sports. 
• Randy opens up about making tough career moves, handling rejections early on, and eventually finding stability in a turbulent industry. His journey is one of resilience that aspiring broadcasters can learn from. 
• Find out what ignited the passion in these seasoned pros for the world of broadcasting, from the magic of AM radio to influential figures like Johnny Carson's producer, Fred de Cordova. Inspiration awaits! 
• Learn how growing up Canadian shaped Randy's path toward becoming a hockey broadcaster. Discover the unique influences that made him the voice we all know and love today. 
• And of course, you won't want to miss the valuable advice these experienced voices share on building authenticity and self-confidence, essential traits for success in the media industry.

This episode is sponsored by:
Nugent Family Counseling Center
Sterling Oak Cabinetry

Bio:
Randy Hahn is a Canadian-American play-by-play commentator for the San Jose Sharks on NBC Sports California and has held that position for over 30 seasons. He has over 40 years of broadcast experience, mostly in hockey. Celebrating a milestone, he called his 2,000th Sharks game on December 13, 2022, during the matchup against the Arizona Coyotes in San Jose.

Teaming up with analyst and former partner Drew Remenda, Hahn secured five Northern California Emmy Awards in the "On Camera Sports" category, with victories in 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2008. Beyond hockey, Hahn served as a play-by-play announcer in Konami's NHL Blades of Steel '99 and 2K Sports' NHL 2K9, NHL 2K10, and NHL 2K11. Hahn and Rick Davis provided commentary for the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup final in Guangzhou, China, broadcasted on SportsChannel America in November 1991. Some of his other TV and radio work has been with the San Diego Sockers, Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, and Edmonton Oilers.

Currently married to Andrea Buswell Hahn, owner of the Frost Cupcake Factory in San Jose, Randy Hahn continues to contribute his expertise and passion to the world of sports broadcasting.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randyhahnsjs/

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