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Growing up in a segregated Alabama, Ralph Stokes never imagined he would play for the University of Alabama. But when his all-black high school closed down, he found himself in a predominantly white school, facing challenges of integration. Through perseverance, teamwork, and respect, Ralph became a trailblazing athlete, carving out a path for future generations. This episode explores the lessons learned from Ralph's journey and how his experiences prepared him for life beyond football. Join us as we delve into the unexpected twists and turns of Ralph's story and discover how he transformed adversity into opportunity.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover valuable lessons from a pioneering football player's journey
• Understand the crucial role of respect in fostering successful team dynamics
• Learn how to rise above discrimination and setbacks through respectful dialogue
• Uncover how to apply football-derived strategies to excel in business and entrepreneurship
• Gain insight into effective goal setting and teamwork inspired by collegiate athletics

This episode is sponsored by:
Dignity Memorial
Reed Animal Hospital

About Ralph Stokes:
Ralph Stokes is a former University of Alabama running back who made history as part of the first black recruiting class. His incredible personal journey serves as a testament to the power of determination, integrity, and the unwavering drive to succeed against all odds. From his early days playing football at Booker T. Washington High School in Montgomery, Alabama, to joining the historically white Robert E. Lee High School, Ralph's story showcases the lessons learned on and off the field that continue to inspire countless others. As a respected executive in the golf industry, Ralph demonstrates that with resilience and dedication, anything is possible.

Check out Ralph Stokes' book One of the First and consider sharing it with others.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-stokes-01b73526/
https://www.amazon.com/One-First-Overcoming-Challenges-Integration-ebook/dp/B098LP8QJY

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In this episode of Here's What We Know, negotiation strategist Jotham Stein shares valuable insights on how preparation and empathy can lead to improved negotiation outcomes for CEOs and high-level executives in Silicon Valley. But what happens when negotiations take an unexpected turn? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover valuable negotiation techniques applicable in Silicon Valley and beyond.
• Learn essential strategies for safeguarding your interests as a startup founder.
• Uncover the diverse motivations of investors and founders in the fast-paced world of tech startups.
• Dive into negotiation approaches unique to the competitive sports industry.
• Grasp the significance of both preparation and empathy in successful negotiations.

This episode is sponsored by:
Nugent Family Counseling Centers
Habana Cuba

Key Moments:

00:00:48 - The Name "Jotham"

00:04:08 - Jotham's Career

00:06:03 - Running for Office

00:09:23 - Silicon Valley

00:14:03 - Themes in Negotiation

00:17:18 - Steve Jobs as an Example

00:19:07 - Negotiating for Oneself

00:24:13 - Maximizing Personal Return

00:25:46 - Nervousness vs. Fea

00:27:38 - Negotiating Executive Contracts

00:29:13 - Protection for Football Coaches

00:34:16 - The Importance of Protecting Yourself

00:35:52 - Determining Your Value

00:39:48 - Navigating the Job Market

00:40:39 - Venture Capitalist Loyalty

00:42:00 - The Powerless Story

00:44:11 - Willful Ignorance

00:47:29 - Metaphorical Babies

00:50:08 - Football Fodder

00:53:32 - College Football and Player Transfers

00:54:10 - Ivy League Football

00:55:04 - Alabama Football and Racism

01:00:11 - Negotiating with Clients

01:03:56 - Vacation Negotiations

Introducing Jotham Stein, an accomplished attorney specializing in representing entrepreneurs and top executives in the high-paced world of Silicon Valley. Living and working in the area for more than 25 years, he has had the privilege to witness the growth and impact of numerous startups and innovative businesses. Jotham has a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise within high-stakes negotiations, which has led him to focus on the crucial elements of proper preparation and genuine empathy. As an expert negotiator, Jotham is very much in tune with the needs of CEOs and high-level executives seeking to elevate their negotiation strategies.

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Former child actor turned Grammy-winning producer Dennis Scott, recounts his journey from auditioning for commercials with dyed black hair to producing hit albums for Sesame Street and learning to let the musicians do their thing.

With a start on Broadway at just seven years old, Dennis quickly learned what it takes to make it in the business. After his time as a child actor, he joined the New Christie Minstrels, a popular folk group, and began writing songs. Dennis eventually became a powerhouse producer and songwriter in the music industry, working with some of the biggest names out there. With his vast experience and knowledge, Dennis is sure to offer invaluable advice for aspiring musicians.

This episode is sponsored by: Beck's Shoes

In this episode:

• The Impact of Mr. Rogers
• The Role of a Producer
• Staying Grounded in the Midst of Fame
• Humble Beginnings 

Bio:

Two-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter/producer/writer DENNIS SCOTT has left no corner of the children's music industry unexplored.

His songs have been performed by such diverse artists as Faith Hill, Ray Charles, Sugarland, Alison Krauss, The Muppets, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Trisha Yearwood, Elmo, Charlie Daniels Band, Shari Lewis, Crystal Gayle, Roberta Flack, Ricky Skaggs, and many others.

Dennis is also the recipient of two Emmys, a Parent's Choice Award, and a Telly. You can hear his work on television, radio, audiobooks, home videos, and stage productions such as "Clifford the Big Red Dog," "Sesame Street Live," and "The Magic School Bus."

Dennis began his entertainment career at the age of 7 as an actor on Broadway. As an adult, he toured with the New Christy Minstrels (playing upright bass and singing). His novelty tune "Captain Kirk's Disco Trek" led to his first serious foray into children's music and a Grammy for "Sesame Country." He has had nonstop assignments since then.

Dennis has served a music director for several children's TV shows, including the PBS series "Noddy" and, most recently, "BJ's Teddy Bear Club" which airs on TBN and just earned him his second Emmy award. His album, "Songs From the Neighborhood - the Music of Mister Rogers" won last year's Grammy award as Best Musical Recording for Children.

Recently Dennis fulfilled his own childhood dream by spearheading a Beatles tribute band called The WannaBeatles. The band has grown in popularity and was even nominated for a Grammy in the spoken word category for an audiobook collection of interviews with Beatles fans called, "Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond."

When your childhood heroes are people like Danny Kaye, Jack Benny and Jerry Lewis, you can't help but have a silly side to you. Creating and producing music, particularly children's music, allows me to be as silly and creative as I want to be. And playing in a Beatles band makes me feel like a rock star. "Now that's my kind of job description!"

https://dennisscott.net/

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If you're feeling trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and frustration, pouring your heart into your creative passions but never quite achieving the mental wellness you crave, then you are not alone! This week's guest is comedy Sandy Stec. A funny girl... who happens to be on the radio. She's a comedian and morning iHeartRadio personality for KOST 103.5 in Los Angeles. 

For over 20 years, Sandy has been sharing her humor and heartfelt stories on the air, and she's now ready to delve into the topic of mental wellness, self-love, and self-care. Having experienced her own struggles with loneliness and depression, Sandy is a relatable and compassionate voice in the conversation about mental health. With her engaging personality and genuine desire to help others, Sandy is the perfect guest to explore the importance of taking care of ourselves mentally and emotionally as we wrap up Mental Health Awareness month.

In this episode:

• Tackling and overcoming common difficulties encountered in the radio field without losing your genuine originality
• Grasping the significance of self-appreciation, personal health, and mental well-being for continued success
• Recognizing and becoming aware of distinct cultural disparities in language, food, and prejudicial attitudes
• Chasing your inventive dreams, remaining focused and committed to accomplishing your objectives
• Forming meaningful connections, attaining essential guidance, and benefiting from the wisdom of trusted mentors

This episode is sponsored by: Dignity Memorial

About Sandy:
Chances are, you've heard her voice. 

​Sandy Stec is an iHeartRadio personality for KOST 103.5 in Los Angeles; on-air Monday-Friday, 3pm-7pm. Prior to moving to Los Angeles, she was 1/2 of "Marcus and Sandy"- a top-rated morning show on Star 101.3 in San Francisco for 10 years. 

Aside from her 20+ years radio experience, she's also fantastic event/on-camera host and stand-up comedian! She's worked with Benefit Cosmetics, HP, Cisco, Norwegian Cruise lines, etc; and opened for Chelsea Handler, Kevin Hart, Arsenio Hall, Richard Lewis and many, many more. 

When she's not on--air or on-stage, Sandy is probably hiking, watching Bravo or TLC, or hoping to hit a progressive jackpot on a slot machine! 

https://www.sandystec.com

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Decoding our children's mental health can feel overwhelming? Have you been told to just snap them out of it or stop coddling them? It's time to break free from ineffective advice and gain the tools you need to truly understand childhood depression. Join us for this episode where you'll uncover the subtle signs of depression, learn how parenting styles impact emotional well-being, and discover practical solutions for making mental health care accessible for all. Our children don't have to suffer in silence. It's time to take action and equip ourselves with the knowledge to make a difference.

Meet this week's guest Dr. Yuriy Dobry, a dedicated child adolescent adult psychiatrist, who has made it his mission to support families dealing with mental health challenges. With a board certification under his belt, he specializes in treatment-resistant depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, and other mood disorders. Growing up with a father who was a psychiatrist, Yuriy was inspired to follow in his footsteps and make a difference in people's lives. His approachable demeanor and expertise in childhood depression make him an invaluable ally for parents searching for answers.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Decode the nuances separating everyday mood changes and deeper feelings of depression in young individuals.
• Comprehend how distinct parenting styles play a significant role in shaping a child's mental health.
• Acquire the art of providing uplifting and valuable critique to your child.
• Embrace the necessity of making mental health care readily available for all members of society.
• Understand the contributions of psychiatrists and embark on a results-oriented treatment process.

Dr. Yuriy Dobry's story:

Dr. Yuriy Dobry found himself intrigued by psychiatry from an early age, as his father was a psychiatrist who shared with him fascinating insights about the field. Yuriy's curiosity and passion stemmed from a genuine desire to understand the complexities of the human mind, especially when it came to the differences between depression and normal mood changes in children. He knew that understanding these differences could greatly impact the lives of not only the children but also their families.

This episode is sponsored by:
Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you and get a discount!)

You can reach Dr. Dobry at https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuriy-dobry-md.

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If you're feeling frustrated and unfulfilled because you've been tirelessly pursuing your dreams with purpose, but nothing seems to be working out and you're constantly facing setbacks and roadblocks, then you are not alone!

This week's guest is Gold Medalist Jason Richardson. After a catastrophic injury, he defied the odds and returned to his passion of racing. But what led him to become a psychologist and expert in sports performance? Join us as Jason shares his journey of soul searching, overcoming obstacles, and discovering the keys to success. But just when it seems like he's found the answer, a shocking twist leaves him facing a difficult choice. Don't miss this gripping story of resilience and determination.

In this episode:

• Tackling hurdles head-on and paving a path toward true accomplishment
• Igniting your inner fire and taking calculated leaps toward your dreams
• Fostering an optimistic lifestyle and implementing restorative wellness strategies
• Examining your core beliefs and determining your authentic ambitions
• Embracing minimalist techniques to reach your objectives and prevent standing still

Meet Jason Richardson, a gold medalist in BMX racing at the Pan Am Games, who has transformed his life after a life-changing injury. With an MBA under his belt and a thriving career in sports psychology, Jason is passionate about helping others find their true desires and cultivate personal growth. As an author of "More, Better, Happier," he shares his insights on overcoming challenges and embracing life's opportunities. As a guest on the Gary Scott Thomas Show, Jason's energy and enthusiasm is infectious, making him a friend you'd want to have by your side in your journey of self-discovery.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Check out Dr. Jason Richardson's book, It's All BS! We're All Wrong, And You're All Right! for tips on improving mental health.
• Consider seeking out a sports psychologist, like Dr. Richardson, for help with improving performance and mental health.
• Practice avoiding the four things that rob you of energy: comparing, complaining, complicating, and worrying.
• Focus on feeling your emotions and finding ways to be productive and helpful to yourself and others.
• Seek help for clinical issues from professionals in the field.

This episode is sponsored by:
Reed Animal Hospital
Nugent Family Counseling

Contact Dr. Jason Richardson:

https://www.drjasonrichardson.com

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On this episode of Here's What We Know, we're continuing with our Mental Health Awareness series. I'm joined by Dr. Geoff Nugent of Nugent Family Counseling Center. We discuss how therapists provide tools to help individuals heal. Additionally, the importance of instilling strong values within a family is emphasized. The podcast delves into the challenges and freedoms of being a teenager, and the importance of parents setting boundaries for their children's safety. Money and happiness are also explored, with the idea that volunteering can bring joy and balance. The podcast wraps up with a discussion on the value of education and how parents can guide their children into independence while still being parents first and foremost.

This episode is sponsored by Habana Cuba.
(Use this code to save on Oxtail!)

Also in this episode:

• The value of therapy
• Being present and validating someone's feelings
• Life is full of beauty, but sometimes we need help to remove obstacles
• Learning the value of the dollar at a young age
• How strong family values instilled a strong work ethic and helped with achieving higher education
• Parents should teach children what values look like instead of just giving money
• Adolescent struggles with mental health due to COVID
• Setting boundaries with children
• Finding joy and happiness
• Controlling what can be controlled and focusing on the positive can influence others in a positive way
• Parenthood and expectations

About Nugent Family Therapy:
Nugent Family Counseling Center was founded in 2015 by Geoff Nugent, Ph.D., LMFT, LPCC, BCPC, CSPC, who had been in Private practice since 2009. The practice currently serves clients at three office locations in San Jose, Santa Clara, California, and Reno, Nevada.

The team at Nugent Family Counseling Center supports a diverse community of children, adolescents, adults, and families who are affected by conditions such as addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and grief. They strive to provide clients with the tools needed to understand and acknowledge the effects that their emotions and behaviors have on themselves and their personal relationships.

Counseling sessions focus on reminding families what they love about each other and utilize a combination of individual, family, and couples therapies. The innovative therapy approaches offered include dialectical behavioral therapy, psychological testing, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, marriage counseling, and anger management.

They are also proud to offer neurofeedback treatments that are used as positive reinforcements for the brain and to teach the brain to change itself. These include positive effects on behaviors, attention, mood, and cognition.

Nugent Family Counseling Center understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. The team aims to get to know all clients on a personal level and work together to create informed care plans. They also recognize that clients evolve throughout the counseling process and ensure that sessions and techniques are consistently modified accordingly.

To receive further information about the counseling services offered by the team at Nugent Family Counseling Center, call or book an appointment today.

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This powerful episode from Charles Kelley with Lady A kicks off our Mental Health series for May, Mental Health Awareness Month. Many months into his sobriety, he has an open and honest message he's sharing about what life is like without alcohol. 

In This Episode:

• The realization that his drinking was out of control
• Slipping after the first time he tried to curb his alcohol consumption
• Tapping into an honest side of himself
• Fears that come along when you stop drinking
• What he’s discovered since he’s gone dry
• Discovering WHY he would drink
• Why Tim McGraw goes for a 5-mile run before a show
• Finding a stronger faith
• Seeing God in everyday moments
• How they’ll be connecting with the audience this tour
• Mickelson vs Woods

This episode sponsored by:
Nugent Family Counseling

Charles Burgess Kelley (born September 11, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, lead singer, and founding member of the country music trio Lady A, which was formed in 2006 and signed to Capitol Nashville.[1]

Guest's Contact Info:

https://www.instagram.com/charleskelley

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Sam LaCrosse, author of “Value Economics," joins this episode to discuss his worldview and how our values inform our behavior.

In this episode:

• Boxing and Not Getting Punched
• Giving Kids Mythological Names
• Sam's Dating Troubles
• The Positive Side of Adversity
• The Dangers of Porn
• Paying You Dues 
• His Publishing Journey
• Putting One's Value in One's Job
• The Impact of Past Experiences on Present Behavior

This episode is sponsored by:
Habana Cuba (check out their Oxtail special)

About Sam:
According to Sam, Sam LaCrosse is a nobody. He hasn’t done anything amazing. He is not extraordinary or impressive. He doesn’t even have a Wikipedia entry. He’s just an ordinary guy from Cleveland, Ohio, who now lives an ordinary life in Austin, Texas. But if you want to check him out, he’s the author of “Value Economics: The Study of Identity, writes blogs on dontreadthisblog.com, and hosts Don’t Listen to This Podcast. Sam is the CEO and founder of Don’t Do This, LLC, a company that makes no money. He is also a board member of Thrive Living Corporation and an ambassador for RallyCap Sports.

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This week's guest is Conner Smith, a Country Music prodigy. At just 22 years old, he's experienced things people who have been chasing their dreams in Nashville for decades haven't been able to experience. He talked about buying a ticket to every one of Thomas Rhett's headlining concerts, and about how he doesn't have to do that -- because he's performing at them!

He also has a song called "I Hate Alabama." You're going to want to hear the story behind that one.

Also in this episode:

• Living out childhood dreams
• Telling stories through song
• What he has in common with Michael Jackson
• Meeting your heroes
• Being a new artist on the radio
• College Football
• “Take it slow” song with Ryan Hurd
• The example of older stars
• The impact of social media

This episode is sponsored by:
Reed Animal Clinic

About Conner:
Just 22 years old and already a seasoned veteran of Nashville’s elite songwriting community, Conner Smith has become one of Country’s most hotly-anticipated new artists – an uncommon talent mixing prime-of-life passion with old-soul perspective. After penning his first song at 6 and scoring a publishing deal at 16, the Country prodigy wrote five of the six songs on his Zach Crowell-produced 2022 debut collection DIDN’T GO TOO FAR (The Valory Music Co.). The charismatic effort laid an artistic foundation that earned Smith 2022 Artist to Watch status from Spotify, Amazon Music, and Opry NextStage, while also making him the only Country artist on Pandora’s Ten List 2022 and securing 2023 recognition from MusicRow Next Big Thing, CMT Listen Up, and more. Often hiding deep-thinking themes in plain sight, Smith scored his first Top 40 hit with the young-at-heart “Learn From It” and followed up with love-savoring “Take It Slow,” which quickly racked up nearly 100 million global streams to date. Tracks like “I Hate Alabama,” “Orange and White,” and “Summer On Your Lips” are my unexpected insight from vivid everyday stories. As Smith grows up in full view of his fans – both on the page and the stage – CMT calls him “an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.” That momentum will keep building in 2023. Smith follows a year of touring alongside Thomas Rhett, Parker McCollum, and Ryan Hurd with upcoming select dates opening for Chase Rice and promises a new batch of “next level” music, further mixing in-the-moment energy with timeless meaning. Smith is currently on the road for his first-ever headline IF I WENT TO COLLEGE TOUR with special guests Mackenzie Carpenter and Jonathan Hutcherson, presented by the Monster Energy Outbreak tour, and joins Luke Bryan’s COUNTRY ON TOUR this summer.

https://www.connersmithmusic.com/

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