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This week on Here’s What We Know, Gary Scott Thomas sits down with Dan Ashley, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, longtime ABC7 News anchor in San Francisco, and a musician with a true storyteller’s heart.

From political satire and freedom of speech to small-town Southern roots, Dan opens up about his journey through media, music, and the moments that shaped him.

Discover what it means to speak truth with kindness, how good writing drives great journalism, and why music became such a meaningful outlet in Dan’s life. With humor, heart, and plenty of honesty, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at two careers built on curiosity, connection, and a love for people.

In This Episode:

• Why being able to joke about our leaders matters and how it sets America apart from places like Russia or China
• Dan shares unforgettable moments interviewing Presidents Obama and George W. Bush and what he learned from each
• Gary and Dan look back on small-town life, radio mishaps, and the early days that shaped their careers
• Hear how Dan pushed past his fear of singing and stepped into a musical life that changed everything

This episode is sponsored by:

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

Bio:

Dan Ashley has been connected to music his whole life, beginning with childhood guitar and piano lessons in North Carolina and long summer days filled with music on his family’s farm. Today, he leads his own band and has performed alongside artists like REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Eddie Money, Melissa Etheridge, Dionne Warwick, Neal Schon, and Narada Michael Walden. He is also a frequent National Anthem performer for major sports events across the country.

Outside of music, Dan is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and longtime ABC7 News anchor in San Francisco. He has covered major national and international stories, built strong relationships across the media world, and is known for his communication skills, generosity, and commitment to community work.

Website: https://danashleymusic.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DanAshleyMusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanAshleyABC7/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-ashley-479199185/?skipRedirect=true

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/DanAshleyABC7/

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This week on Here’s What We Know, Jonathan Kite joins us for a conversation that is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply human. You may know him as Oleg from “2 Broke Girls,” but today he pulls the curtain back on the real craft of comedy and the unexpected moments that shaped his journey.

We dig into what it takes to build a stand-up set, how crowd work has changed, and why impressions are more than funny voices. Jonathan shares stories from the road, reflections on early influences like Abbott and Costello, and a beautiful moment involving a phone call from a friend he thought he had lost forever.

We also talk about the energy it takes to perform at a Jim Carrey level, the kindness behind Tom Hanks’s gift of earnestness, and why laughter still feels like one of the most meaningful ways to lift someone’s spirit.

Tune in and enjoy this warm and wonderfully unexpected ride with Jonathan Kite.

In This Episode:
 • How stand-up comedy evolves with every audience
 • The art and heart behind great impressions
 • A life-changing call that arrived at the exact right moment
 • What Jonathan learned from Robin Williams, Norm Macdonald, and others
 • Why laughter matters more than ever

This episode is sponsored by:

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

Bio:

Jonathan Kite is a versatile actor, comedian, and master impressionist, famous for his role as Oleg the Ukrainian cook on the hit CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls.

Known for his quick wit and over 250 celebrity impressions, Jonathan has built a diverse career across television, film, voice acting, and stand-up comedy. His notable credits include starring opposite Jamie Foxx in the Netflix series Dad Stop Embarrassing Me and voicing characters in animated films like The Addams Family 2, as well as shows like Family Guy and American Dad.

An alumnus of Second City and The Groundlings, he tours nationally with his stand-up and is currently producing his feature screenwriting debut. Jonathan is celebrated as one of today's most versatile comedic talents.

Website: https://www.jonathankitecomedy.com/

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

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

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

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

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Radio legend Jungle Doug Griffin joins us back on Here’s What We Know for a fast-moving, heartfelt conversation about life behind the mic, changing technology, and the moments that shaped his story. Doug shares memories from his KRTY years, the rise of his son DJ Garlic, and the communication skills you only learn when all you have is your voice.

He also opens up about his prostate cancer journey and the miracle connections that guided him toward healing. From country music to Christian crossovers, Jelly Roll to Lauren Daigle, this episode blends nostalgia, insight, and a whole lot of heart.

A must-listen for anyone who loves real stories, real people, and real hope.

In This Episode:

• Discover how technology has transformed radio from two guys talking to sticks into a dynamic platform that connects cities
• Hear Doug’s candid stories about his son’s DJ journey and his own powerful fight through prostate cancer
• Get fresh insight on how Christian themes are shaping country music with artists like Jelly Roll and Lauren Daigle
• Learn why local radio is fading, how voice tracking is changing everything, and why real personalities still matter most

This episode is sponsored by:

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

Bio:

Doug Griffin is a radio veteran with a career spanning over 35 years, best known for his work across the San Francisco Bay Area. His notable roles include "Jungle Doug" on KRTY Country and hosting the syndicated "Doug & Connie / Doug & Karla" morning show. Having also worked with Christian music channels on XM Satellite Radio, Doug's life is guided by his faith. He is married to author Sheryl Griffin and is passionate about helping others move past worry, inspired by his favorite verse, Philippians 4:6-7.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-griffin-065206a/

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

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This week on Here’s What We Know, step into the world of pirates and hidden histories with bestselling author Samuel Marquis. In this conversation, we dig into the life of Captain William Kidd and explore where fact meets myth. Samuel shares how his family's connection to Kidd opened the door to a deeper look at piracy, courage, politics, and the stories that shape our understanding of early America.

We talk about the rise of pirate legends, the real struggles sailors faced on the open seas, and the untold strength of Kidd’s wife, Sarah Bradley Cox Kidd. Samuel also gives us a look into his writing process and how he works to honor history while still telling a powerful story.

If you love rich conversations about identity, resilience, and the truth hidden behind old legends, this episode will pull you right in.

In This Episode:

• Samuel Marquis and his unique connection to Captain Kidd
• How real pirate life compares to the stories we tell
• The political tides that changed Captain Kidd’s fate
• The overlooked resilience of Sarah Bradley Cox Kidd
• What early piracy reveals about the birth of American identity
• Why these stories still capture our imagination today

This episode is sponsored by:

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

Dignity Memorial

Bio:

The ninth-great-grandson of legendary privateer Captain William Kidd, Samuel Marquis, M.S., P.G., is a professional hydrogeologist, expert witness, and bestselling, award-winning author of twelve American non-fiction-history, historical-fiction, and suspense books, covering primarily the period from colonial America through WWII. His American history and historical fiction books have been #1 Denver Post bestsellers and received multiple national book awards (Publishers Weekly Starred Review, Kirkus and Foreword Reviews Book of the Year, American Book Fest and USA Best Book, Readers’ Favorite, Beverly Hills, Independent Publisher, Colorado Book Awards). His historical titles have garnered glowing reviews from bestselling authors, colonial American history and maritime historians, U.S. military veterans, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Foreword Reviews (Starred, 5 Stars).

Website: https://samuelmarquisbooks.com/

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

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

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The queen of forensic fiction is back!

This week on Here’s What We Know, New York Times bestselling author and forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs is back to celebrate the release of Evil Bones, her 24th Temperance Brennan novel. From balancing grim mysteries with witty moments to revealing how real-life quirks inspired Tempe’s world, Kathy shares stories that remind us why readers keep coming back. You’ll also hear how she keeps up with forensic science, her favorite character dialogue, what sets the books apart from the Bones TV series, and why Birdie the cat will never die.

In This Episode:

• The delicate art of using humor to illuminate dark subjects
• How Kathy’s writing process keeps Tempe Brennan evolving
• The science and heart behind Evil Bones
• Why readers forgive a character’s death, but never a pet’s

"Evil Bones" out November 18th! Pre-order now!

This episode is sponsored by:

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

License #: 679261

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.

Website: https://kathyreichs.com/

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

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

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This week on Here’s What We Know, Grammy-winning songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Tim Nichols joins us for a heartfelt look at the magic and grit behind nearly four decades in country music. 

Tim opens up about four decades in country music, the miracle of songwriting, and what it really takes to build a lasting career in Nashville. From his first publishing deal in 1986 to crafting hits for legends like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Ronnie Milsap, Tim shares what keeps him passionate about his craft and why he still calls every song “a little miracle.”

You’ll hear the inside story of “Live Like You Were Dying,” how collaboration shapes Nashville’s best songs, and why “writing bad songs” is just part of becoming great. Plus, Tim talks about his next chapter as a keynote speaker, helping people and businesses alike realize they truly belong in the room.

In This Episode:

• The miracle of songwriting and the discipline behind it
• What it really means when a song is “on hold” in Nashville
• Why rejection fuels resilience for artists and athletes alike
• Behind-the-scenes stories with Faith Hill, Ronnie Milsap, and Mark Knopfler
• The making of “Live Like You Were Dying” and its lasting emotional impact
• How Tim’s message “You Belong in the Room” inspires creators everywhere

This episode is sponsored by:

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

Bio:

Tim Nichols, Grammy-Winning Songwriter & Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Member

With nearly two dozen hit songs, multiple BMI songwriting awards, and a Grammy for Best Country Song, Tim Nichols has earned his place among Nashville’s most respected and enduring songwriters.

In 2004, Tim co-wrote Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying,” which spent ten consecutive weeks at #1 and broke a thirty-year Billboard record. The song went on to win every major country music award that year, including honors from the CMA, ACM, Billboard, BMI, ASCAP, and the Nashville Songwriters Association International—a feat no other song has ever achieved.

Beyond the charts, Tim is deeply committed to giving back. He’s served on the boards of the Country Music Association, High Hopes Preschool and Pediatric Therapy Clinic, and the Nashville Songwriters Association International, continuing to champion both the craft of songwriting and the community that sustains it.

When he’s not on Music Row writing his next hit or sharing stories from a life in music, Tim brings his passion for creativity and collaboration to keynote stages across the country—helping businesses and teams discover how the same principles that create hit songs can also drive success in any industry.

Website:

https://timnicholskeynotes.com/

https://www.timnicholsofficial.com/

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

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

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This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome voiceover artist and creative powerhouse Gina Scarpa. You may not recognize her face, but you’ve definitely heard her voice, from radio airwaves to major video games and promos for brands you know by heart.

Gina opens up about her journey from hand-delivering cassette tapes to radio stations in Connecticut to becoming a full-time voice actor and respected coach. We’ll explore the evolution of media, the realities of creative reinvention, and why finding your authentic voice, literally and figuratively, matters more than ever.

In This Episode:

• The grit and heart behind building a voiceover career from scratch
• How rejection can fuel resilience instead of fear
• Why authenticity beats perfection every single time
• The parallels between gaming, storytelling, and self-discovery

This episode is sponsored by:

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

Bio:

Gina Scarpa is an accomplished professional voiceover artist and coach. She is currently available to appear as a guest on podcasts and can speak on a number of engaging topics. With a wide array of interests, Gina is a great podcast guest for a variety of programs.

Gina has spent decades in radio broadcasting and voice acting. She is proud to have voiced national TV and radio commercials. Additionally, Gina has voiced video games and corporate content for some of the biggest brands in the country. 

Some of Gina’s happy clients include VistaPrint, Burger King, Xfinity, L’Oreal, and Invesco. Gina also has a passion for both voicing and playing video games. She is a competitive gamer and is accomplished in Valorant, League of Legends, and other competitive games.

Before taking her VO career full-time, Gina spent many years as an on-air radio DJ. She has also worked as a reality television journalist. As a potential podcast guest, she is able to speak on many topics that may grow your audience. With humor and warmth, she would be a good fit for your list of interested guests.

Gina is also an award-winning teacher and director. She was named the 2019 ACE Educator of the Year by the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County in CT. She is also the founder, owner, and Creative Director of Positive Voices Studio. This program provides coaching and educational programming for children, teens, and rising adult voice actors.

Website: https://ginascarpa.com/

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

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

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This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for a deeply moving episode with Kim Cantin, speaker and author of Where the Yellow Flowers Bloom, to share her powerful journey through unimaginable loss and the unbreakable strength of love. After surviving the 2018 Montecito mudslide that claimed her husband and son, Kim opens up about grief, healing, and the small miracles that helped her rebuild her life.

You’ll hear how Kim’s daughter Lauren survived six hours buried under twenty feet of mud, how community became her lifeline, and why true healing happens on your own timeline. Her story is one of heartbreak and hope, a reminder that even in the darkest seasons, compassion and connection can bring us back to life.

In This Episode:

• Surviving the unthinkable and finding purpose beyond pain
• The incredible story of Lauren’s survival
• Lessons in grief, love, and letting others help
• Rebuilding with grace and gratitude
• The healing power of writing and community

Book: Where Yellow Flowers Bloom

This episode is sponsored by:

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

License #: 679261

Bio:

Kim Cantin is a powerful symbol of resilience, having survived the devastating Montecito mudslides of 2018 that claimed 23 lives, including her husband and son, and left her daughter buried alive. Through unimaginable loss, Kim has fought to rebuild her life, driven by a fierce commitment to hope. She courageously shares her experience and new-found wisdom through her first book, Where Yellow Flowers Bloom.

Website: https://kimcantin.com/

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

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

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This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for a lively and revealing conversation with broadcaster and political commentator, the Liberty-Loving-Latino, Chris Salcedo, for an honest look at how media, politics, and personal values collide in today’s America.

From his early radio days to hosting on Newsmax and writing The Rise of the Liberty Loving Latino, Chris shares how showing up, staying curious, and standing firm in your beliefs can change the course of your life.

We’ll explore the lessons learned from legendary broadcasters, the changing perspectives among Latino voters, and how humor, culture, and truth all come together in today’s conversations.

In This Episode:

• What Chris learned chasing airtime and how those lessons shaped his career
• The surprising mentors and classic radio legends who inspired his path
• Why more Americans are questioning media bias and finding their voice online
• Why Latino voters are flipping the script on American politics (and what both parties keep getting wrong).
• Why authenticity, humor, and faith matter more than ever in public life
• Behind-the-scenes revelations from Chris’s interview with President Trump
• A fiery debate over who actually runs America, the ruling elite or everyday people?
• Plus, personal stories, sharp humor, honest disagreements…and a challenge to every listener to rethink what freedom means now

Get Chris' book:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rise-of-the-liberty-loving-latino-chris-salcedo/1147701485

This episode is sponsored by:

Sterling Oak Cabinetry

Bio:

Chris Salcedo is a veteran television and radio broadcaster, author, political analyst and podcaster who is also a proud Latino Conservative.  He is Executive Director of the Conservative Hispanic Society.

Chris would go on to become a TV news anchor and reporter in Dallas / Fort Worth, the 5th largest TV market in the nation at CBS11/TXA 21. From there, Chris moved to Washington D.C. as an anchor for America’s Radio news Network.

Today you can hear Chris hosting his daily radio show on AM 700 KSEV in Houston, the sixth largest radio market in the country, and later in the day you can see Chris on his daily TV show across the country and beyond, on Newsmax TV from 4 – 5 pm / ET.  And yes, Chris also produces The Salcedo Storm Podcast for your on-demand listening pleasure.

As Chris would say, “I am your Liberty Loving Latino. Do not confuse me with loudmouthed leftist Latinos; I actually love my country.”

Chris wants Americans to re-establish the proper relationship between government and citizen: A society’s worth isn’t measured by how much power is seized by its government but rather, how much power is reserved for its people.

Chris is a graduate of San Diego State University and lives in the free state of Texas with his family.

Website: https://chrissalcedo.com/

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

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This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome Dr. Dan Docherty, Chief Coaching Officer of Braintrust and a leadership development expert, for an inspiring conversation about the heart of human connection. We’ll explore how communication, neuroscience, and mentorship shape who we become as leaders, parents, and friends.

From the story of a music teacher who changed Dan’s life to the Six P’s framework that can transform any relationship, this episode is packed with insights on purpose, empathy, and growth. It’s a conversation that reminds us all to reach out, say thank you, and keep learning from the people who believed in us first.

In This Episode:

• Why great communication is the greatest gift we can give
• Discover how personal setbacks can become powerful springboards for growth
• How applied neuroscience helps us connect more deeply
• Learn practical frameworks (like the Six P’s) that transform everyday interactions into moments of real impact
• The difference between wisdom and knowledge
• Simple steps to discover your personal “why”
• A touching reunion story decades in the making

This episode is sponsored by:

Dignity Memorial

Bio:

Dan Docherty, PhD, Chief Coaching Officer of Braintrust, has found a true passion for creating world-class communicators that make a positive difference. His 25 years of experience in leading various sales, marketing, MSL, and operational pharmaceutical teams, led him to a PhD degree in Management at Case Western Reserve University where his research was focused on the neuroscience of coaching, engagement, and performance in the leader-team member relationship. All of this led to a commitment to the science behind brilliant and effective leadership, and ultimately, the co-creation of NeuroCoaching®.

Dr. Dan has coached thousands of leaders in management positions around the world, all while continuing to pour into the lives and futures of students in his own backyard at Miami University in Oxford, OH. Dan teaches courses in management, leadership coaching, and entrepreneurship within undergraduate, MBA, and executive education at the Farmer School of Business. From the world-renowned mentors of his doctorate program to the wisdom shared by his small-town high school music teacher, Dan knows firsthand just how formative good leadership can be to the individual, thus leading to stronger organizations, communities, and families.

Website: https://dandocherty.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-docherty/

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

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