Here's What We Know

Gary Scott Thomas
  • 4.9 (36)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

Authentic Conversations. Intriguing Guests. Time Well Spent. Gary Scott Thomas’ “Here’s What We Know” podcast will entertain you, enlighten you, and even possibly inspire you! Listen each week as Gary Scott Thomas engages guests in unscripted conversations where he’ll be just as surprised as you will be with how the talk turns out. So, join him each week and be privy to the captivating conversations that are sure to ensue. Conversations include interviews with Country Music artists, professionals, professional athletes, authors and more.

  1. 5d ago

    T.G. Sheppard: How Elvis Presley Changed The Life Of A Homeless Teenager

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to stay at the top of country music for five decades? This week on Here's What We Know, country music legend T.G. Sheppard joins us for a heartfelt conversation about the people, moments, and songs that shaped his remarkable career. T.G. shares unforgettable stories about his friendship with Elvis Presley, including the chance meeting that changed his life forever. He reflects on life on the road, the physical demands of touring, the songs that almost never happened, and why longevity comes down to more than talent. We’ll also talk about John Denver, Roger Miller, Sonny Throckmorton, Judy Collins, songwriting, record labels, and the magic that happens when the right song finds the right artist. If you love country music history, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations that remind us why great songs stay with us for generations, this episode is a must-listen! In This Episode: Life on tour buses and the real cost of the road on a 50-year careerWhy so many artists battle throat and vocal problemsThe night T.G. met Elvis Presley outside a roller rink as a runaway kidWhat Elvis was like as a person, away from the fameTG's years as a record executive working with Waylon Jennings and John DenverHow "I Loved 'Em Every One" sat in a vault for ten years before it became a hitSonny Throckmorton and the songwriters who shaped the sound of country musicThe Roger Miller story behind "Last Cheater's Waltz"Recording "Home Again" with Judy CollinsWhat it means to have longevity in the music business This episode is sponsored by: Bison Junk Removal  Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)  License #: 679261 Bio: T.G. Sheppard is one of country music's enduring legends, with 21 number one hits and a career spanning more than 50 years. Known for classics like "Last Cheater's Waltz," "I Loved 'Em Every One," "Party Time," and "Do You Wanna Go to Heaven," he continues to captivate audiences with the same passion that first brought him to Nashville as a teenager. Along the way, he built a close friendship with Elvis Presley, who gave him his first tour bus, helped shape the careers of countless artists as a record executive, and earned his place among country music's top 100 artists of all time. Today, TG is still touring, sharing timeless songs and unforgettable stories with fans across the country. Website: https://www.tgsheppard.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tgsheppard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tgsheppardofficial/ Tags: TG Sheppard interview, Elvis Presley stories, country music podcast, Last Cheater's Waltz story, TG Sheppard Elvis friendship, country music legends interview, Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    T.G. Sheppard: How Elvis Presley Changed The Life Of A Homeless Teenager

  2. Jul 15

    Mark Thompson, Half of the Legendary Mark & Brian Morning Show, Shares His Secret to Connecting with People

    Send us Fan Mail If you grew up falling asleep to the radio under your pillow, hoping your parents wouldn't catch you, this one’s for you. This week on Here's What We Know, we welcome the legendary Mark Thompson of Mark & Brian for a conversation that goes way past the usual radio war stories. We’ll talk about the moment a program director named Bob Kagan changed Mark's entire approach to broadcasting with six words. The night in Birmingham that led to the partnership with Brian and how a five-dollar raise pushed Mark straight into the arms of Los Angeles radio.  We’ll also talk about the parts of the journey that don't usually make it into an interview: Mark's mother and the words she said to him that carried him through the hardest years, what it costs to build a career while raising a family, and why he still believes credit belongs to whoever earns it. This one is funny, it's honest, and by the end, you'll understand exactly why Mark Thompson is on Gary's short list of broadcasting legends. In this episode: How a boll weevil statue in Enterprise, Alabama connects two radio careersThe six words from Bob Kagan that changed Mark's career foreverHow Mark and Brian found their way to Los Angeles almost by accidentThe life-changing advice Mark received from his motherWhy sharing your real life creates lasting connections with an audienceThe story behind Mark's memoir, Don't Bump the Record, Kid, and why every dollar he earns from the book supports animal rescue This episode is sponsored by: Sterling Oak Cabinetry Reed Animal Hospital  Bio: Mark Thompson is a legendary radio personality, author, and storyteller best known as one-half of the iconic Mark & Brian Morning Show. Alongside Brian Phelps, he spent 25 years entertaining millions of listeners on Los Angeles' KLOS-FM, helping redefine morning radio with unforgettable comedy, creative stunts, and authentic storytelling. The show's success led to national syndication, television appearances, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997. A native of Florence, Alabama, Thompson began his broadcasting career in the South before making the leap to Los Angeles in 1987. Throughout his career, he became known not only for his quick wit and creativity, but also for his ability to connect with listeners through honest, personal stories that made audiences feel like part of the conversation. In 2022, Thompson released his acclaimed memoir, Don't Bump the Record, Kid: My Adventures with Mark & Brian, offering an honest and entertaining look at his remarkable career, the behind-the-scenes realities of one of America's most successful morning shows, and the personal experiences that shaped his life both on and off the air. Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    Mark Thompson, Half of the Legendary Mark & Brian Morning Show, Shares His Secret to Connecting with People

  3. Jul 8

    What Happens When We Die? Mike Oppenheim on Loss, Hope, Faith, and Coffin Talk

    Send us Fan Mail Most people expect a conversation about death to feel heavy. This one feels surprisingly hopeful. This week on Here's What We Know, we sit down with Mike Oppenheim, host of the podcast Coffin Talk, for a conversation about fatherhood, grief, faith, forgiveness, and the question every person eventually asks: What happens when we die? Mike shares the heartbreaking story of losing his son, how he found healing without living in anger, and why spending years with hospice patients changed everything he believed about what matters most. Whether you share these beliefs or not, you'll find something meaningful in this episode. In This Episode: Growing up in Berkeley and the culture that shaped Mike's early yearsHow a spur-of-the-moment college application sent him to the University of PittsburghThe custody battle and international parental child abduction that took his son to ThailandWorking through the U.S. State Department and the reality of cross-border custody casesVolunteering at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix and choosing the dementia wardWhy hospice families struggle more than the patients themselvesThe origin story of the Coffin Talk podcastAmerica's discomfort with aging and mortality compared to other culturesFaith, fear, and why anger never solves anythingBlended family life, his current wife, and his two young daughtersThe moment his daughter finally got to talk to her brother  This episode is sponsored by: Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)  License #: 679261   Bison Junk Removal  Bio: Mike Oppenheim is an author, speaker, and the creator of the Coffin Talk podcast, where he asks guests one timeless question: What do you think happens when you die? After experiencing profound personal loss, Mike found purpose in hospice volunteering and helping others have honest conversations about life, death, grief, and hope. Through his writing and podcast, he encourages people to live with greater compassion, curiosity, and appreciation for the time we have. Substack: https://mikeyopp.substack.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeyopp38/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mikeyopp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-oppenheim-8a5562186/ Tags: what happens when we die, grief, loss, healing, parental alienation, international child abduction, fatherhood, hospice, end of life, faith, purpose, podcast interview, Coffin Talk Podcast, personal growth, storytelling, meaningful conversations, forgiveness, hope, mortality Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    What Happens When We Die? Mike Oppenheim on Loss, Hope, Faith, and Coffin Talk

  4. Jul 4

    July 4th: The Real Story Behind the Declaration of Independence with Robert G. Parkinson

    Send us Fan Mail What really happened in the months leading up to the Declaration of Independence? Most of us learned the broad strokes of the American Revolution in school. Professor Robert G. Parkinson believes the real story is far more interesting and far more human. In this special episode of Here's What We Know, we sit down with the Binghamton University historian and author to explore the uncertainty, political disagreements, personal conflicts, and difficult decisions that shaped America's founding. We’ll discuss why independence was never guaranteed, why many colonists remained loyal to Britain, what really happened during the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, and how George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and King George III become far more fascinating once you see them as people instead of monuments. The conversation also explores what we can learn from the nation's earliest struggles, why democracy has always been difficult, and why history still matters 250 years later. In This Episode Why independence was never a sure thingThe surprising divisions among the coloniesWhat Thomas Jefferson was doing while writing the DeclarationWhy George Washington walked away from powerThe role newspapers played in shaping public opinionWhat America might look like if Britain had wonThe lessons the Revolutionary generation still offers today This special episode is sponsored by: Dignity Memorial  Sterling Oak Cabinetry Reed Animal Hospital   Bison Junk Removal Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter License #: 679261 Bio: Robert G. Parkinson is a professor of history at Binghamton University and an award-winning historian specializing in the American Revolution and the nation's founding. He is the author of three acclaimed books, The Common Cause, Thirteen Clocks, and Heart of American Darkness. His research explores the people, politics, and pivotal moments that shaped early America, helping bring the nation's history to life for modern audiences. Tags:  American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, Founding Fathers, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Revolutionary War, American history podcast, Fourth of July history, U.S. history, democracy, Constitution, colonial America, King George III, history interview, July 4th, Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    July 4th: The Real Story Behind the Declaration of Independence with Robert G. Parkinson

  5. Jul 1

    Why Do Great Creators Never Stop Creating? | Deadair Dennis Maler

    Send us Fan Mail What keeps someone creating after the industry changes, the paycheck shrinks, and the path gets harder? This week on Here's What We Know, we welcome comedian, producer, and podcaster Deadair Dennis Maler for an honest conversation about radio, stand-up comedy, podcasting, and the lifelong search for your own voice. Dennis shares how growing up in punk rock shaped his do-it-yourself mindset, why radio first captured his imagination, and what eventually pushed him toward stand-up comedy and podcasting. We’ll talk about creativity, authenticity, representation, and how staying true to yourself might be the only business model that works anymore. If you've ever wondered whether you're on the right path or you've questioned whether it's worth continuing to create, this conversation will remind you why the work still matters. In This Episode How Dennis went from punk rock DIY culture to radio to stand-up to podcastingThe story of radio consultants who made everyone talk the same way for 10 seconds at a timeThe one thing that separates successful creators from those who burn outHow Dennis's tour guide job in Boston became his favorite platformThe reality of building a creative careerThe real numbers: why most podcasts die, and how to build one that doesn'tWhat it actually takes to grind out content every single day This episode is sponsored by: Dignity Memorial Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!) Bio: Deadair Dennis Maler is a comedian, actor, writer, & podcaster who has been heard on radio stations throughout the country including SiriusXM, DC101, The Party Playhouse with Jackson Blue, and more. He has been featured on comedy festivals throughout the country, is the Comedy Editor for DigBoston, and hosts the Big Comedy Network podcast So, What Do You Really Do? and the YouTube show Word of the Day with Comedians. Deadair Dennis is funny, loud, abrasively social, and allergy-free since 1981. Website: https://deadairdennis.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadairdennis/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deadairdennismaler/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deadairdennis Tags: comedy, podcast, radio broadcasting, podcasting, stand up comedy, creative career, finding your voice, storytelling, entertainment industry, radio personality, podcast interview, creativity, comedians, independent, creators, creative journey, DIY creativity, producer, Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    Why Do Great Creators Never Stop Creating? | Deadair Dennis Maler

  6. Jun 24

    PGA Tour Veteran Jay Delsing on Golf, Grit, Pressure, and Why You Should Aim for the Top

    Send us Fan Mail What can golf teach you about life? This week on Here's What We Know, former PGA Tour professional Jay Delsing joins us to share lessons from 25 years competing at the highest level of golf. From stories about Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus to conversations about failure, resilience, mental toughness, and what separates elite athletes from everyone else. We also discuss why parents should encourage their kids to dream bigger than they think is possible. This conversation explores what it takes to perform under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and keep moving forward when things don't go your way. Whether you're a golfer, an athlete, a parent, or someone working toward a goal, this episode offers practical lessons about perseverance, competition, and living with purpose. In This Episode: Why talent alone doesn't cut it at the highest levels of competitionHow to handle pressure without losing your mind (or your game)What his UCLA golf team taught him about grit and heartThat mansion story: how a stranger picked him up at LAX and changed everythingWhy he wouldn't change a thing about his career, even with all the lossesWhat parents get wrong when they push their kids toward elite sportsHis four daughters, volleyball, and recognizing gifts you can't measurePlaying golf with Sean Connery, Tiger Woods comparisons, and Jack Nicklaus's brainWhy your kids need to fail, get uncomfortable, and learn they can survive disappointmentThe difference between being competitive and being a jerk about itHis book, his stories, and the relationship that shaped everything  This episode is sponsored by:  Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)  License #: 679261  Bison Junk Removal (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)  Bio: Jay Delsing is a former PGA Tour professional, broadcaster, author, and host of the nationally syndicated Golf with Jay Delsing radio show and podcast. After more than 25 years competing at the highest levels of golf, Jay now shares stories and lessons from a lifetime in the game, offering insights on competition, perseverance, and what it takes to thrive under pressure. His journey has taken him from UCLA to the PGA Tour and into conversations with some of the biggest names in sports. Website: https://jaydelsinggolf.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaydelsinggolf/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-delsing-83142914/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@golfwithjaydelsing4826 Tags: Jay Delsing, Jay Delsing podcast, PGA Tour, Professional golf, Golf podcast, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Golf stories, Sports podcast, Golf lessons, Failure and success,  Parenting athletes, , Sports and life lessons, performance under pressure Gary Scott Thomas, sports psychology, grit, talent, Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    PGA Tour Veteran Jay Delsing on Golf, Grit, Pressure, and Why You Should Aim for the Top

  7. Jun 17

    How Michael Peterson Overcame Trauma, Loss, and Career Setbacks with the Habit of Hope

    Send us Fan Mail What keeps a person moving forward after loss, trauma, disappointment, and heartbreak? This week on Here's What We Know, we sit down with country music artist Michael Peterson, known for hits like Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie, From Here to Eternity, and When the Bartender Cries. Michael shares the story behind the music, how he survived a childhood marked by abuse, loss, and learning challenges. He almost gave up on music twice, and then one phone call came right when he needed it most. We also talk about what Michael calls "The Habit of Hope," a simple but powerful practice that helped him keep going when life gave him every reason to quit. Michael went on to become a platinum artist in country music, a published author of eight books, and someone who's performed for deployed service members across three continents. But his real story starts much earlier, and it's about learning to see 50 feet ahead when you can't see 50 miles. If you've ever questioned whether your hard work is worth it, this episode is for you. In This Episode: Overcoming childhood trauma and finding meaningWhy "overnight success" took 25 yearsThe habit of hope and how to redirect your thoughtsWhat happens when you almost give up right before your breakthroughWhy learning disabilities don't define youHow to keep making art when nobody's watchingThe power of second seasons in life and careerWhy you might have already done your best work and don't know it yet This episode is sponsored by: Dignity Memorial Sterling Oak Cabinetry Bio: Michael Peterson is a country music artist, singer-songwriter, author, and speaker. He's had multiple hit records, including "Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie," "From Here to Eternity," and "When the Bartender Cries." He's written or co-authored eight books and has performed over 300 shows for deployed service members. His new albums, "Down on the Farm" and "We Are Veterans," are being released commercially for the first time through Star Vista Records. Website: https://www.michaelpetersonmusic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpetersonmusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.peterson.106 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc30Jzs0yP_UbAFa3prIJxw Tags:  Michael Peterson, The Habit of Hope, Overcoming Trauma, Resilience, Personal Growth, Country Music, Faith, Perseverance, Mental Health, Motivation, Life Lessons, Singer Songwriter, Nashville, Inspiration, Hope, Drink Swear Steal and Lie Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    How Michael Peterson Overcame Trauma, Loss, and Career Setbacks with the Habit of Hope

  8. Jun 10

    Why Musicians Never Truly Clock Out | Robert Emery

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when the thing you love most becomes the thing you can never completely walk away from? This week on Here's What We Know, conductor and pianist Robert Emery returns for a conversation about creativity, music, and the curious ways our minds work. From practice rooms to Abbey Road Studios, Robert shares what life is really like for a professional musician, why creative people often struggle to switch off, and what he's learned from spending a lifetime immersed in music. Gary and Robert also trade stories about family, parenting, travel, questionable hotel experiences, and the challenges that come with building a career around passion. They explore the lives of Mozart, Franz Liszt, and Berlioz, uncovering the very human struggles, quirks, and triumphs behind some of history's most celebrated composers. Robert also shares the story behind Orchestral Meditations, his latest project featuring meditation music recorded at Abbey Road Studios with a full symphony orchestra and choir. In This Episode: • Why musicians never really leave work behind • The truth about practicing and mastering a craft • What Mozart and Michael Jackson may have had in common • How creativity affects everyday life • Stories from Abbey Road Studios • The fascinating history of Franz Liszt and musical celebrity • Why travel helps reset the mind   This episode is sponsored by:  Reed Animal Hospital  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/ Orchestral Meditation: http://orchestralmeditation.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/robertemeryofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertemeryofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertemeryofficial/ Tags: Robert Emery, Creativity, Classical Music, Professional Musician, Music Career, Mozart, Franz Liszt, Music History, Conducting, Pianist, Abbey Road Studios, Orchestral Meditations, Creative Process, Creative Life, Music Industry, Composers, Arts & Culture, Creativity and Purpose, Work-Life Balance, Performing Arts, Creative Careers, Music Education,  Connect with Gary: Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    Why Musicians Never Truly Clock Out | Robert Emery
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4.9
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About

Authentic Conversations. Intriguing Guests. Time Well Spent. Gary Scott Thomas’ “Here’s What We Know” podcast will entertain you, enlighten you, and even possibly inspire you! Listen each week as Gary Scott Thomas engages guests in unscripted conversations where he’ll be just as surprised as you will be with how the talk turns out. So, join him each week and be privy to the captivating conversations that are sure to ensue. Conversations include interviews with Country Music artists, professionals, professional athletes, authors and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Gary Scott Thomas
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    302
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Here's What We Know
  • Show Website
    Here's What We Know

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