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This week on Here’s What We Know, Gary Scott Thomas sits down with Robert Emery,  world-renowned conductor, pianist, and Founder of The Arts Group, one of the UK’s most dynamic entertainment companies. From childhood prodigy to international maestro, Robert brings a refreshing, fun, and deeply human perspective on classical music, creativity, and the colorful personalities behind history’s greatest composers.

In This Episode:

• Why classical music was once the “pop music” of its time
• Surprising connections between country, rock, and opera
• Robert’s bold journey from a 7-year-old pianist to global conductor and entrepreneur
• What conductors really do and the leadership lessons they offer
• Wild, unforgettable stories about legends like Liszt and Mozart
• How classical themes show up everywhere, from film scores to cartoons
• Robert’s drive to keep innovating through conducting, musicals, and TED’s List for online music education

This episode is sponsored by:

 Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!) 

Bio:

Robert Emery is a conductor, pianist, and serial entrepreneur. He is lucky enough to travel the world; ranging from performances in London's Royal Albert Hall, through to the Sydney Opera House, Robert has seen them all. Besides music, he is the Founder & Director of The Arts Group, one of the most diverse entertainment companies in the UK. Within the portfolio is a national music tuition agency, symphony orchestra, choir, artist agency, record label, and production company. Aside from that, he lives in London and Cambridge, has a wife (Mrs. E), a toddler (Master T), a baby (Master A), and 4 cats.

Website: https://robertemery.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/robertemeryofficial

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertemeryofficial/

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This week on Here’s What We Know, host Gary sits down with one of Nashville’s brightest songwriters, Trannie Anderson. From fishing trips with her dad to co-writing award-winning songs like “Heart Like a Truck,” Trannie opens up about the journey, the struggles, and the joy of making music that truly matters.

In This Episode:

• Hear about family quirky food traditions
• How growing up in Texas church culture shaped her interest in music
• Honest reflections on women in country music 
• The magic of collaboration and why great songs often start solo
• The personal struggles that fuel authentic writing and connect deeply with audiences
• Surprising fun facts about her name, her golfing background, and full-circle career moments

This episode is sponsored by:

 Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!) 

Bio:

Trannie Anderson is a songwriter from Waco, Texas, who honed her craft as an active member of NSAI before signing a co-publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing in 2018. Since then, her songs have been recorded by artists including Lainey Wilson, Dan + Shay, Cole Swindell, Gabby Barrett, Nate Smith, Meghan Trainor, Pentatonix, Reba McEntire, and many more.

She co-wrote Lainey Wilson’s #1 award-winning single “Heart Like A Truck,” named NSAI’s Song of the Year in 2023, as well as Wilson’s single “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” which is currently climbing the country radio charts. Beyond the stage, Trannie’s songs have been featured in campaigns and placements with brands and platforms such as T-Mobile, Dodge Ram, Wrangler, Tractor Supply, Marshall’s, The CW, and Netflix.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trannieanderson/

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This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome entrepreneur and podcasting veteran Andrew Allemann for an honest and insightful conversation about the realities of preparing for college today. From the sticker shock of tuition and the myths surrounding student debt to the hidden gems beyond the Ivy League and the life lessons that matter more than test scores, Gary and Andrew delve into the rabbit hole of thriving beyond high school. Andrew also shares his journey as a multi-time entrepreneur, from building PodcastGuests.com to launching CollegeIQ, a platform designed to help families make smarter, more confident college decisions.

In This Episode:

• Why starting college prep early gives students an edge
• How financial aid, merit scholarships, and state funding shape the true cost of higher education
• The balance between passion and practicality when choosing a major
• Why learning “how to learn” may be the most valuable college lesson of all
• Alternatives to a four-year degree and redefining success on your own terms

This episode is sponsored by:

 Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) 

License #: 679261 

Bio:

Andrew Allemann is a technology media entrepreneur and publisher with a passion for building niche platforms that connect people with the information they need most. Inspired by his experience as a parent supporting his child through the college application process, he created CollegeIQ, a platform designed to make it easier for students to discover schools that are the right fit for them. Andrew is also the founder and publisher of Domain Name Wire, the leading news source covering the domain name industry, and previously built and sold PodcastGuests.com, a service that helped more than 50,000 users get booked on podcasts. His expertise in online media has earned him recognition in outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and NPR.

At the heart of his work is a drive to simplify complex industries and empower people with better tools and insights.

Websites:

https://collegeiq.com/

https://domainnamewire.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allemann/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DomainNameWire

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By popular demand, UFO researcher and Strange Paradigms host Christina Gomez returns to Here’s What We Know. Known for her creative reels and comedic alter egos, Christina has a knack for making the mysterious both accessible and unforgettable.

From the grind of researching cases while juggling three jobs to unpacking the fine line between skepticism and open-mindedness, this conversation dives deep. We explore Project Blue Book and its modern counterpart AARO, NASA’s lukewarm approach to UAPs, and why Bigelow Aerospace’s ties to Skinwalker Ranch still raise eyebrows.

We’re talking global sightings over nuclear sites, mysterious “drones” that defy easy explanation, and the tug-of-war between debunkers and truth seekers. Buckle up,  the search for answers just got a whole lot more interesting.

In This Episode:

• Why “UFO” became “UAP” and how that shapes the conversation
• Congressional hearings, NASA briefings, and the private sector’s role in secrecy
• Historical sightings that predate modern technology
• The fine line between skepticism and open-minded inquiry
• Skinwalker Ranch phenomena and high strangeness connections

This episode is sponsored by:

 Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Bring your dream cabinet to life!) 

Bio:

Cristina Gomez is a UFO and Paranormal Researcher, Podcaster, Journalist, and Content Creator with a BA in Communication. She brings a young and fresh perspective to the UFO and Paranormal research fields. She is a proud ‘Gen Z’ Latina, being of Venezuelan heritage. She has produced and presented over 700 shows for her YouTube channel and podcast platform.

In 2021 the show, ‘Shifting the Paradigm’ became a regular weekly feature on KUNX Radio. Cristina interviews researchers, witnesses, and enthusiasts of the UFO and Paranormal topics. Notable guests have joined Cristina on her show, such as Harvard Professor Avi Loeb, Former DoD Director of the Government UFO program AATIP – Luis Elizondo, and the owner of Skinwalker Ranch Brandon Fugal, among many others.

Cristina presents several other weekly shows, including ‘Mysteries with a History’, co-hosted by veteran radio host Jimmy Church of Fade to Black Radio. Each week they examine a different theme related to unusual mysteries that have a distinct history. And each Friday, Cristina presents ‘Strangest News of the Week’, which focuses on covering recent news items related to the strange, mysterious, and paranormal.

Cristina Gomez has appeared on many talk shows and podcasts, such as Attwood Unleashed with Shaun Attwood, Need to Know with Ross Coulthart & Bryce Zabel, the Paranormal Podcast with Jim Harold, The Martin Willis Show, The Micah Hanks Program, and Fade To Black Radio with Jimmy Church, among many others.

Website: https://strangeparadigms.com/

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What does it really take to raise strong, grounded kids in a world full of noise and pressure? 

This week on Here's What We Know, join us for a much-needed conversation with Richard R. Ramos, founder of Parents on a Mission, mentor to at-risk youth, and champion of family reconciliation. We explore what it means to lead with love, humility, and emotional maturity as a parent.

Richard shares practical tools for breaking generational cycles, rebuilding trust, and guiding your children with confidence. If you're a parent, educator, or someone who works with families, this episode will leave you encouraged and equipped.

In This Episode:

• Why healing your own past is the key to becoming a stronger parent
• How to earn your child’s loyalty in a world full of distractions
• The quiet power of humility and modeling accountability
• What “preparation for separation” really means and why it matters
• Simple ways to build a lasting family legacy, starting today

This episode is sponsored by:

Dignity Memorial

Bio:

Richard is an author, speaker, and parent coach with over thirty years of experience in leadership development, family dynamics, and community building. He has made a significant national and international impact through his work with high-risk youth, parents, and families, creating safe, supportive environments for personal growth and community transformation. Richard has trained over 2,000 parent mentors through his innovative leadership curriculum and has authored several books, including Parents on a Mission and From the Margins to the Mainstream—Preparing Latino Youth for Leadership in the Twenty-First Century.

As a recognized expert in preventing community violence and fostering positive family environments, Richard brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional insight to his work. His passion for helping families navigate the challenges of stepparenting and build meaningful connections within their homes has reached communities across the globe. Through his coaching, training, and writing, Richard empowers individuals to lead with confidence and create lasting change in both their families and communities. His mission is clear: to help families not just survive but thrive in a world that demands resilience and connection.

Website: https://www.richardrramos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomleadership/

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This week on Here's What We Know, join us for a captivating conversation with author Beth Castrodale to explore the creative life. Beth shares how her roots in journalism shaped her storytelling style, why ghost stories have always fascinated her, and what it really takes to finish a book.

Listen in as we go down the rabbit hole from haunted houses, World War I soldier journals, and audiobooks to cemetery lore and the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to beloved characters. Tune in now; you’re gonna love it!

In This Episode:

• The Path to Writing
• The Relationship Between Reading and Writing
• Running, Audiobooks, and Podcasts: Creative Consumption
• Beth Castrodale’s Books and the Audiobook Experience
• Crafting Character Voices: Writing and Narrating Multiple Points of View
• The Writing Process: Plotting, Pantsing, and Outlining
• Finding Endings and Letting Go
• Receiving Critique and the Role of Ego
• The Solitary Nature of Novel Writing
• Literary Influences and Early Reading Memories
• The Allure of Standalone Novels and Avoiding Sequels
• Research in Writing: Bringing Authenticity to Fiction
• Ghost Stories, the Paranormal, and the Challenge of Creepy
• The Process of Writing "The Inhabitants"
• The Winchester Mystery House
• Publicity, Promotion, and the Writer’s Life

This episode is sponsored by:

Dignity Memorial

Bio:

Beth Castrodale worked as a newspaper reporter until her love of books led her to the publishing field. She was a senior editor at Bedford/St. Martin’s and is the founding editor of the book-review website Small Press Picks. Her most recent novel, The Inhabitants, won the Horror categories of the Independent Publisher Book Awards, the National Indie Excellence Awards, and the Best Book Awards. It was a finalist in the Horror category of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

An excerpt from her second novel, In This Ground, was a shortlist finalist for a William Faulkner – William Wisdom Creative Writing Award. Her début novel, Marion Hatley, was a finalist for a Nilsen Prize for a First Novel from Southeast Missouri State University Press. Castrodale also received an artist grant from the Mass Cultural Council. Her stories and essays have appeared in multiple publications, including CrimeReads, Ars Medica, The Writing Disorder, and Writing and Wellness.

If you sign up for Beth’s monthly email newsletter, you’ll get a free copy of her novel Gold River.

Website: https://www.bethcastrodale.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-castrodale-a667b81/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethcastrodale/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beth.castrodale

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This week on Here's What We Know, our host, Gary Scott Thomas, sits down with Cullen Jones, Olympic gold medalist swimmer, world record holder, and passionate water safety advocate.

Cullen shares the extraordinary story of how a near-drowning at age five ignited his purpose, ultimately driving him to become one of the fastest swimmers in history and a leader in the movement to make swimming accessible to every child.

In This Episode:

• How Cullen’s upbringing influenced his path to greatness
• The mindset and training that fueled Cullen’s record-breaking career
• The surprising way boredom can be a powerful tool for growth
• Personal stories of overcoming setbacks and staying motivated through the highs and lows
• Behind-the-scenes moments from the Olympics, from relay teamwork to celebrations
• Cullen’s mission to reduce drowning rates through initiatives like Make a Splash and Goldfish Swim School
• Insights into the cultural and historical barriers that keep many from learning to swim

This episode is sponsored by:

 Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!) 

Bio:

Cullen Andrew Jones is an Olympic medalist and the first African American male swimmer to hold a world record. At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Jones swam on the legendary world-record-setting 4x100  freestyle relay team.

 In 2012, Jones won gold as Team USA’s anchor in the 4x100 medley relay, silver in the 4x100 freestyle relay, and individual silver in the 50m freestyle. In total, Cullen accounts for 13 U.S. medals (seven gold) at major international competitions.

Jones married his wife, Rupi, in 2007, and she gave birth to their son, Ayvn, in 2019.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cullenjones41/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cullenjones/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CullenJones41/

X: https://x.com/cullenjones

Website: https://goldfishswimschool.com/

https://www.usaswimming.org/parents/learn-to-swim

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Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

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This week on Here's What We Know, join us for an inspiring conversation with Jeremy Wolf, a former professional baseball player who grew up with a bat in his hands and a dream in his heart. From college ball to professional leagues and eventually playing for Team Israel, Jeremy’s story is full of grit and grace.

Today, he’s making an even bigger impact through More Than Baseball, working to improve the lives of minor league players. Listen now!

In This Episode:

• How Jeremy handled the pressure of professional sports
• The story behind co-founding More Than Baseball to improve players’ lives
• His insights on mental health and why it matters more than ever
• Lessons on turning setbacks into stepping stones

This episode is sponsored by:

 Tranont 

Bio:

Jeremy Wolf is a former professional baseball player who spent time in the New York Mets organization after a standout college career at Trinity University in Texas. As an outfielder and first baseman, he represented Team Israel in international competitions, including the World Baseball Classic qualifiers. After stepping away from playing professionally, Jeremy co-founded More Than Baseball, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of minor league players through better pay, housing, and mental health resources. His journey reflects a deep commitment to the game and to making it better for the next generation of athletes.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremywolf123/

Website: https://www.morethanbaseball.org/

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This week on Here's What We Know, join us for a warm and eye-opening episode with Mary Crocker Cook, a licensed therapist and the author of Bad Taste: Self-Care and Financial Planning When You Have Bad Taste in Men and You Don’t Want To Leave, to talk about what it really means to love someone whose life is in chaos. From addiction and criminal behavior to the tangled roots of attachment, Mary offers practical advice and heartfelt stories that feel both reassuring and unflinchingly honest. Listen now!

In This Episode:

• A Therapist’s Journey
• The Generational Impact of Addiction
• When Love Isn’t Enough
• Practical Tools for Staying in Difficult Relationships
• The Psychology of Attachment and Attraction
• Patterns and Awareness: Even Experts Aren’t Immune
• Relationship Red Flags and Lessons Learned
• Protecting Yourself in Relationships and Divorce
• Everyday Relationship Maintenance
• Communication and Being Seen
• Dating, Disappointments, and Letting Go
• Attachment Challenges and Quick Connections
• Humor, Hope, and Continued Growth
  
  

This episode is sponsored by:

 Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!) 

Bio:

Mary Crocker Cook is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and addictions counselor who has been helping individuals and families heal since 1988. She serves as Program Coordinator and full-time faculty for the Alcohol and Drug Studies program at San Jose City College, which she launched in 1990.

An accomplished author, Mary has written several books grounded in both her professional expertise and her personal experience with over 25 years in Al-Anon. Her work resonates with counselors and anyone affected by a loved one’s addiction.

Website: https://www.marycrockercookbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoverykittyart/

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This week on Here's What We Know, Gary sits down with the remarkable Devin O’Day, a beloved voice in country music radio whose career has touched countless lives. Together, they reminisce about their early days in small-town stations, swapping stories filled with humor, resilience, and a genuine love for community connection.

Devon opens up about her journey from aspiring careers to becoming a full-time broadcaster, author, audiobook narrator, and hit songwriter. Tune in and discover what it means to honor your passions, no matter where the road takes you.

In This Episode:

• Why local radio is a lifeline for so many communities
• Hear behind-the-scenes stories of radio life and insights into the art of audiobook narration
• Devon’s songwriting successes with George Strait, Trace Adkins, and Lee Ann Womack
• The joys (and mishaps) of early broadcasting in Louisiana and Alabama
• Embracing new media without losing your roots

This episode is sponsored by:

Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Bring your dream cabinet to life!) 

Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) 

License #: 679261 

Bio:

Devon O'Day is a storyteller at heart, a seasoned radio personality, speaker, author, voice actor, and champion for creatives. With a career of over 30 years in broadcast, Devon has hosted nationally syndicated shows, voiced thousands of commercials, and written books that inspire and uplift. Beyond the mic, she’s a proud advocate for kindness, purpose-driven living, and the power of faith. Whether sharing her journey or elevating others, Devon brings warmth, grit, and heart to every conversation.

Website: https://devonoday.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devonoday

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@devonoday

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Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!