The Professional Noticer

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes back Michael Perry—New York Times bestselling author and humorist whose wit, warmth, and everyday wisdom make him a listener favorite.

Tune in to hear Michael share the story behind his newest book, Improbable Mentors & Happy Tangents—a witty, heartfelt collection born from a fishing trip gone sideways and a conversation that lasted four unforgettable hours. Listen as Andy and Michael trade stories about creativity, resilience, and the surprising ways ordinary people become our greatest teachers, reminding us that wisdom often hides in the most unexpected places.

Buy a signed copy of Michael's newest book, Improbable Mentors and Happy Tangents https://sneezingcow.com/product/improbable-mentors-paperback/

Connect with Michael Online:

• Website: https://sneezingcow.com
• Michael Perry's Voice Mail: https://michaelperry.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sneezingcow
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sneezingcow.bsky.social

Today marks 46 years since November 4, 1979—the day the Iranian Hostage Crisis began.

To honor this significant moment in history, this week's Encore Episode of The Professional Noticer revisits Andy's powerful conversation with U.S. Marine Sergeant Rocky Sickmann, one of 65 Americans taken hostage when militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

Listen as Rocky recounts the 444 days that followed—days filled with fear, endurance, and faith. He describes the moments leading up to the crisis, what it was like to face mock executions, and the emotional release of finally returning home in 1981.

Rocky's story is a powerful reminder of courage, resilience, and patriotism. Today, he continues to serve others through Folds of Honor, an organization providing scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members.

Connect with Rocky online:

• Folds of Honor https://foldsofhonor.org/
• Email: [email protected] Twitter: https://twitter.com/FoldsofHonor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoldsOfHonor/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foldsofhonor/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkCp45eCf6OZu8-K2obIKAQ
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/folds-of-honor/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes The Sound — a Dove Award–winning trio featuring Levi, Jacob, and Rob Mills.

Tune in to hear Levi, Jacob, and Rob share the story behind The Sound — how a father and his two sons turned a shared love of music into a ministry reaching audiences around the world. Listen as they talk about family, creativity, and how their unique blend of voices and styles became something truly their own. You'll hear how the group came together, who does what in songwriting and performance, and enjoy a few of their incredible songs (and others you'll recognize!) along the way — all in a fun, lively conversation that showcases the heart, harmony, and incredible talent behind The Sound.

Want updates from The Sound? Text your message to 615-398-4426 to be added to Levi's exclusive list—he really does see them!

Connect with The Sound Online:

• Website: https://www.thesound.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoundinfo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realthesound/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realthesound

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Herb Hughes—science fiction novelist, and Steve Woods—AI engineer at General Dynamics, for a fast, funny, and thought-provoking look at where artificial intelligence is really headed.

Tune in to hear Herb and Steve join Andy for a fascinating–sometimes unsettling–conversation about how much of today's technology was first imagined in science fiction. From Asimov's predictions to real-world AI breakthroughs, the trio explores where artificial intelligence is taking us—touching on machine learning, quantum computing, and the line between imagination and reality—and asks the big question: will AI ever truly become self-aware?

Works by Herb Hughes

• Killing Rhinos (sci-fi with long-term AI/robotic consequences) https://amzn.to/3KRYTmd
• Conecuh (Civil War historical fiction) https://amzn.to/46TCspk

Connect with Steve and Herb Online:

Steve Woods: [email protected]

Herb Hughes: [email protected]

• www.herbhughesnovels.us
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040197231582
• Order Herb's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K83DZ0

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts John O'Leary—bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and producer of the new feature film Soul on Fire.

Tune in to hear John share the "two chapters" behind his story—the miraculous rescue at age nine and the years of hiding before finally learning to live openly—while honoring the people he says are the true heroes: the nurses, the neighbors, his dad, and his wife, Beth. Listen as he recounts his father's moving reflection after seeing the film, and explains why Soul on Fire offers a powerful and timely reminder that ordinary courage and grace can still change lives.

Soul on Fire Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslVGLETWps

Connect with John online:

• Website: https://johnolearyinspires.com/johns-story/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnOLearyRisingAbove
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-leary-08b2805/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnoleary.inspires/
• Twitter: https://x.com/jolearyinspires
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRXJIPZAni0_zakjCFh5VTQ

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Sean Dietrich—"Sean of the South"—author, musician, humorist, and frequent Grand Ole Opry guest.

Tune in to hear Sean share stories behind "Over Yonder"—a tender, funny tale of "found family" set on Alabama's Gulf Coast. Listen as he and Andy talk about the unlikely duo at the heart of the story, why Sean writes about places as if they're characters, and how his outline-free process keeps each book full of surprises. Hear him also share a few audiobook mishaps, uncanny Opry moments, and a peanut-butter-Kong lesson from his blind dog Marigold that remind him to keep humility—and joy—at the center of it all.

Sean's brand-new novel "Over Yonder" is officially out today! This heartfelt Southern tale is filled with humor, redemption, and characters you won't forget. Don't wait—be among the very first to read it. Order your copy on Amazon right now and start the adventure! https://amzn.to/4h6COfO

• Podcast: Sean of the South https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sean-of-the-south/id1296676213
• Website: https://seandietrich.com
• Newsletter: https://seandietrich.com/subscribe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seanofthesouth
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanofthesouth

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes his Communications Director, Tami Nantz – author of the brand-new book "This Isn't the Life I Prayed For: A Study of the Book of Job."

Tune in to hear Tami share why she wrote "This Isn't the Life I Prayed For," the story behind its message, and why Job's journey—so often misunderstood—is really about relationship and ultimately a book of hope that reminds us God is still faithful, even when life doesn't look the way we prayed it would. Listen as she and Andy talk about the reality of suffering, the process of writing, the encouragement she hopes readers will take away—and why Andy calls this "the book America needs right now."

Pre-Order the physical book at TamiNantz.com,and you'll also receive a download for the PDF ebook within 24-hours!

Connect with Tami Online:

• Website: TamiNantz.com
• Email: [email protected]

In this week's Encore Episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts author Peter Grainger–creator of the bestselling series of crime novels…DC Smith Investigations.

Tune in to hear Peter share details about the multiple series he's written, why his books are currently offered only in E-book and audio formats, and how and when he started writing. Listen as he reveals how and where he conducts his research, and why Andy believes he's one of the top five authors he's ever read!

Encore Episode Announcement: The DC Smith Investigation series is coming to paperback! Pre-order from Amazon UK today! https://amzn.eu/d/guAUYee

Connect with Peter Online:

• Website: https://www.petergrainger.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petergraingerDCSmith/

Pick up the first book from the DC Smith Investigation series: An Accidental Death: https://amzn.eu/d/guAUYee

In this week's Encore Episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Dr. Henry Cloud – a clinical psychologist, pastor to pastors, and New York Times bestselling author.

Tune in to hear Dr. Cloud introduce his latest book, Why I Believe: A Psychologist's Thoughts on Suffering, Miracles, Science, and Faith. Listen as he discusses the challenge of sharing faith with close friends and recounts a transformative college experience during deep depression, as well as a miraculous childhood event. Hear him address difficult questions about God's role in suffering, the coexistence of science and faith, the pain caused by abuse and hypocrisy within the church, and why free will is necessary for genuine love.

Purchase Why I Believe: A Psychologist's Thoughts on Suffering, Miracles, Science, and Faith: https://amzn.to/3VTJKm5

Connect with Dr. Cloud Online:

• Website: https://www.drcloud.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrHenryCloud
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DrHenryCloud
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/drhenrycloud
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhenrycloudofficial/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy shares powerful insights into leadership and culture—through the lens of Alabama football.

Tune in to hear Andy unpack Alabama's struggles since Nick Saban's retirement and reveal why culture—not talent—drives lasting success. Hear him explain how discipline, retention, and consistency expose the true state of any team or business, and share practical insights for leaders who want to strengthen culture daily rather than rely on past success.

To find out more about how I coach entire organizations and change their culture, check out CreatingMeasurableResults.com or YourCMR.com