Here's What We Know Gary Scott Thomas

This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes back our special guest, Darren Haruo Rae, the brilliant director and creative force behind the short film “Nisei,” which won the grand jury prize for ‘Best Dramatic Short Film’ at the Cinequest International Film Festival, making it an Academy Award-qualified film. Darren shares the behind-the-scenes journey of how the film was created despite having a limited budget and producing on their own.

This episode is not just about the professional wisdom of creating a magnificent film but highlights personal connection as it is based on Darren’s family history, specifically his grandfather’s experience and the Japanese-American community during World War II. Tune in now!

In this Episode:
Darren shares exciting news about "Nisei" winning the grand jury prize for best dramatic short at the Cinequest International Film Festival in San Jose. This win has made the "Nisei" Academy Award qualified and a chance to get nominated.Darren shares about the process of becoming Academy Award-nominated, including academy voting members' involvement and 'For Your Consideration' events planned in Los Angeles and San Francisco.Insight into how Darren found out about winning: a mix of confusion, excitement, and disbelief while watching an Instagram livestream from home.Discover Darren’s connection to "Nisei" as it tells a story close to Darren’s family history—his grandfather’s experience fighting for the US in WWII while his family was in internment camps.Hear serendipitous aspects of filmmaking emerge through stories like finding a period-correct bus just after restoration or connecting with costume designers who had authentic resources linked to their heritage.This episode is sponsored by:
Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!)
Dignity Memorial (Mention Gary & receive a Thank You Gift)
GymGuyz (#1 In-Home Personal Training)

Bio:
Darren Haruo Rae is a Japanese-American producer/director based in Los Angeles who co-founded the boutique production company Roann Films. He has directed high-profile commercials and branded content for clients such as Western Digital, Airbnb, and Cisco. Rae's directorial debut, Park Arcadia, garnered Best Screenplay at the 2014 International Film Festival Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles. His latest film, Nisei, inspired by his Japanese-American grandfather's WWII experiences in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, earned Best Drama and Audience Choice at the 2023 Poppy Jasper Film Festival and continues its festival circuit, screening at Indy Shorts by Heartland Film, LA Shorts International Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, and Cinequest Film Festival.

Currently, Rae is the series producer for the MasterClass G.O.A.T. Original Series and is producing the feature film Surrender, starring Andrea Bang. Surrender was selected as one of Film Independent's Fast Track fellowship program's top 10 narrative fiction features and is slated for production in 2023.

Website: https://www.dhrae.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrenhrae/
Nisei Film Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niseithefilm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoannFilm


www.GaryScottThomas.com

This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas sits down with Gary Schneeberger, president of Roar PR. As a seasoned writer and former journalist who crossed over to the public relations realm, Gary brings his unique perspective on the evolution of media alongside his expertise in one of cinema’s most iconic franchises: James Bond.

So if you're a die-hard 007 fan, be sure to listen because this episode is packed with engaging tales, nostalgia, thoughtful analysis, and passion for all things Bond. Tune in now!

In this Episode:
Introduction to Gary Schneeberger and his career transition from newspapers to public relations.Insights about the shift in media consumption over time and the decline in print journalism contrast with online growth.Listen to personal anecdotes about moving from California back to Wisconsin after decades away.In-depth analysis of why James Bond is a universally appealing character and a cultural phenomenon.Delve into each actor’s portrayal of James Bond and how they brought something different to the role from Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.Hear trivia and insights about Barbara Carrera's award nomination and Frank Sinatra’s role as the first John McClane in an alternate universe.Speculation on James Bond’s future casting, celebration of six decades of the franchise's legacy, and continual captivation of audiences worldwide.This episode is sponsored by:
Nugent Family Counseling Center
Sterling Oak Cabinetry
Habana Cuba (Be sure to use code "Gary20" to get 20% off your order!)
A Flood of Love

Bio:
Gary Schneeberger’s three decades in journalism and public relations fuel his passion for, and success in, strategic marketing and communications. As founder and president of ROAR, Schneeberger draws on his executive and executional experience in entertainment, ministry, and media to help individuals and organizations engage audiences with the boldness and creative clarity that ensures they are heard. He has captured his insights and experience on the wise practice of public relations in Bite the Dog: Build a PR Strategy to Make News That Matters, available at most online booksellers.

Schneeberger also spent more than 15 years as an award-winning reporter and editor for daily newspapers across the country, including the Los Angeles Times. He and his wife, Kelly, live in Camp Lake, Wis., with her two children, Alyssa and Hunter.

Website: https://weroar.la/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyschneeberger/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyschneeberger/
X: https://twitter.com/gschneeberger
www.GaryScottThomas.com

This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, we’re about to take you on an exhilarating ride into the world of digital dentistry innovation that could change smiles across the globe. Our special guest is Amir Monsouri, the genius mind behind SprintRay. As founder and CEO, he shares how his company is revolutionizing dental care through cutting-edge 3D printing technology. 
Join us as we explore not only this promising dental innovation but also an extraordinary conversation packed with personal anecdotes and professional wisdom! Tune in now!

In this Episode:
A deep dive into SprintRay and the company’s role in digitizing dentistry.Discover how what seemed like science fiction two decades ago has become today’s reality.Listen in to personal past dental experiences compared to the rapid advancements that now allow same-day procedures.Hear the importance of going digital, emphasizing why patients should seek out digitally equipped dentists for better preventative care and bio-copies of their teeth.Discover the transformative impact on individuals who can once again enjoy eating thanks to modern prosthetics offering up to 85% bite power restoration.Learn about Amir’s inspiring story of entrepreneurship and his accidental entry into dentistry through product development.Explore why companies obsessed with product innovation are leading today's market, including those like Tesla, Apple, Google, and OpenAI.Highlighting how portable 3D printing allows high-quality dental services even in remote locations globally—bridging care gaps between affluent neighborhoods and less accessible areas.Learn more about SprintRay and get a FREE 3D-printed sample today!
Website: https://bit.ly/GSTSprintRay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SprintRay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sprintray/
Bio:
Amir Mansouri, PhD, is the CEO and Co-founder of SprintRay. Before founding SprintRay, Amir received both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in the field of additive manufacturing. A unique blend of scientific and entrepreneurial, he pursued a technology commercialization program at USC Marshall School of Business, which led to the co-founding of SprintRay in 2014. Under his direction, SprintRay has grown from a proof-of-concept business plan to a multi-national dental equipment company. Today, Amir is uniquely suited to his responsibility for planning and strategizing SprintRay’s product and commercial development growth.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amir-mansouri-91604661/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Amir_Mansouri


www.GaryScottThomas.com

This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes back Keifer Thompson from country music duo Thompson Square. Join us for another candid yet thought-provoking conversation as they dive into an array of topics, from tackling parenthood to dissecting political landscapes. Keifer doesn't shy away from sharing his conservative perspective. They talk about societal issues too. Racism and division are hot topics as he advocates for teaching love over hate to kids.

Don’t miss this rollercoaster ride through politics, society, parenting, comedy, and of course, country music! Tune in now! 
In this Episode:
Keifer shares personal experiences dealing with his son's dental issues, shedding light on the complexities of skepticism towards these industries.Hear Keifer and Gary talk about how media bias shapes public perception with its misinformation and concerns over agenda-driven narratives.Explore opinions and insights about political landscapes, current events, and societal issues.Hear insights addressing racism, its evolution over generations, and the importance of instilling values of equality in children, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue and action.Discover Keifer’s approach to songwriting and comedic performance. Hear Keifer and Gary share their personal losses/emotions publicly and how vulnerability contributes to connection with others.This episode is sponsored by:
Reed Animal Hospital
Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)

Bio:
Keifer Thompson is one half of the award-winning country music duo Thompson Square, renowned for their soulful harmonies and heartfelt songwriting. Born on January 24, 1973, in Miami, Oklahoma, Keifer discovered his passion for music at an early age. He honed his skills as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences. In 1996, Keifer met his future wife and musical partner, Shawna, at a singing competition in Nashville, Tennessee. Their instant connection led to the formation of Thompson Square, and together they embarked on a remarkable journey in the country music scene.

Thompson Square's self-titled debut album, released in 2011, catapulted them to stardom with hit singles like "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not," which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Keifer's emotive vocals and Shawna's dynamic harmonies resonated with audiences, earning them widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including Vocal Duo of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards.

Throughout their career, Keifer has showcased his exceptional songwriting talent, penning heartfelt lyrics that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. With a string of chart-topping hits and a reputation for electrifying live performances, Thompson Square continues to captivate audiences around the world, cementing Keifer's status as one of country music's most beloved artists.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keifercomedy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeiferThompsonComedian/
X: https://twitter.com/keifercomedy
Website: https://thompsonsquare.com/
Thompson Square Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thompsonsquare/
Thompson Square Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thompsonsquare


www.GaryScottThomas.com

This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, join us as we delve into the tumultuous year of 1968, a pivotal moment in American and global history, with our special guest, an esteemed historian and professor, Dr. Luke A. Nichter. He is a New York Times bestselling author or editor of eight books, including, most recently, “The Year That Broke Politics: Collusion and Chaos in the Presidential Election of 1968,” which was chosen as the Best Book of 2023 by the Wall Street Journal. As an expert on presidential history, Dr Luke brings a wealth of knowledge about the seismic shifts that occurred during this era. He also mentioned that there is talk about using AI for transcribing historical recordings which could revolutionize our understanding of past presidencies by providing deeper insights than ever before possible.

This is such an enlightening episode filled with insights into one of America's most dynamic years while emphasizing the importance of preserving our country's rich history for future generations. Tune in now!
In this Episode:
Hear about the revolutionary nature of 1968, both domestically and internationally.Discover how media coverage brought the Vietnam War and political unrest into living rooms across America.Comparisons between past conflicts like Vietnam and more recent ones such as Iraq.Explore Lyndon B. Johnson's complex legacy as president during these transformative times.Hear insightful conversations about whether John F. Kennedy would have escalated or withdrawn from Vietnam had he not been assassinated. Discover why the treatment of vice presidents has been scrutinized throughout history.Listen to Dr. Luke as he shares personal stories and anecdotes while teaching history to college students.Discover the role technology could play in transcribing historical presidential tapes for greater public access.This episode is sponsored by:
Habana Cuba (Be sure to use code "Gary20" to get 20% off your order!)
A Flood of Love

Bio:
Dr. Luke A. Nichter is a Professor of History and James H. Cavanaugh Endowed Chair in Presidential Studies at Chapman University. His area of specialty is the Cold War, the modern presidency, and U.S. political and diplomatic history, with a focus on the "long 1960s" from John F. Kennedy through Watergate. He has been a Visiting Fellow at the Norwegian Nobel Institute, an Andrew W. Mellon Fellow at the Massachusetts Historical Society, a Visiting Scholar at the University of Michigan's Eisenberg Institute for Historical Studies, a Senior Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Oxford's Rothermere American Institute, and a Hansard Research Scholar at the London School of Economics.

He is a New York Times bestselling author and editor of eight books, including, most recently, The Year That Broke Politics: Collusion and Chaos in the Presidential Election of 1968 (Yale University Press). It is the first rigorously researched historical account of the most controversial election in modern U.S. history to have cooperation from all four major sides – Lyndon Johnson, Hubert Humphrey, Richard Nixon, and George Wallace. Luke interviewed approximately 85 family members and former staffers, in addition to extensive archival research and access to new evidence that dramatically changes our understanding of the election. This work was awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship.

Website: http://lukenichter.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-a-nichter-1190877/
www.GaryScottThomas.com

This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes our special guest, Johnny Sirpilla, an entrepreneur, founder and chief encourager of Encourage LLC, and the best-selling author of Life Is Hard but I’ll Be OK. Johnny opens up about how he inherited not only a successful RV business from his father but also an ethos of hard work and integrity. He discusses how these values have shaped him into who he is today—driven, and perfectionistic, yet always striving to honor his family name. We also delve into the respective childhoods and parental expectations, highlighting both differences in upbringing and common threads such as love, support, and setting standards. This episode is filled with insights on personal growth and dedication towards family values. Tune in now!
In this Episode:
Gary and Johnny share amusing anecdotes about their distinctive hairstyles during their younger years. Discover Johnny’s impressively long bio and wealth of experiences.Discussions on full-blooded Italian traits lead to light-hearted banter about food preferences between Italy vs America.Insights into how family expectations shaped and influenced Johnny's decision to continue his father's legacy while creating new avenues within the RV industry.Hear about reflections on parental expectations, love, and support while also setting standards around honor, integrity, and a hard work ethic without spoiling children materially.As a board member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Johnny shares his passion for football and his favorite player.This episode is sponsored by:
Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!)
Dignity Memorial

Bio:
John A. Sirpilla is a 1988 graduate of Miami University with a degree in Accounting and a special interest in Psychology and Finance, a 2000 graduate of the University of Phoenix with a master’s degree in Organizational Management, and holds a certification in Executive Presence and Influence: Persuasive Leadership Development from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business.

In 1992, Johnny became President of Sirpilla R.V. Center, Inc.. Within a few years, he was recognized out of more than 3,000 dealers as the National RV Dealer of the Year for best overall run dealership in the country. In 2003, Johnny was one of the initial acquisitions by Camping World and sold his family business to become part of the executive team to attempt the first RV dealership roll up plan in the industry’s history.

Johnny served as President of Camping World, a 140-store nationwide retail chain serving the RV industry and was promoted in 2012 to Chief Business Development Officer for the parent company, Camping World and Good Sam with annual sales of nearly $4 billion. Johnny retired from Camping World in 2017 after a successful IPO.

His company, Encourage LLC, has various holdings in industries including leadership development, population health management, employee benefits, medical device innovation, e-commerce roll up, executive leadership and consulting, fashion and interior design, senior living communities, and has become an international best-selling author with his book, Life Is Hard but I’ll Be OK.

Johnny has been married to his college sweetheart, Susan for over 30 years, and they reside in Canton, Ohio and Naples, Florida.  They have three grown children, Beau, Bella, and Stone who all reside in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Website: https://johnnysirpilla.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-sirpilla/
www.GaryScottThomas.com