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. Overnight Success After 25 Years: The Chas Collins Story

    2D AGO

    Overnight Success After 25 Years: The Chas Collins Story

    Send a text Sometimes what looks like an overnight success story is really a 25 year journey that most people never see. Country artist Chas Collins knows that road well. This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with Chas Collins to talk about what the music business really looks like behind the curtain. They dive into the long road of touring, the reality of chasing a dream, and why some artists are finally finding success later in life. Chas shares stories from 25 years of performing across the country, the moment he realized people were actually paying attention, and why faith and timing can sometimes matter more than raw talent. If you have ever chased something that took longer than you expected, this conversation will probably feel very familiar. Tune in now! In This Episode: • How Chas Collins built a fan base singing karaoke • Why success in country music doesn’t have an expiration date anymore • The grind behind life on the road that fans rarely see • Why faith and timing matter in creative careers • What it feels like when 25 years of work finally starts paying off This episode is sponsored by: Reed Animal Hospital Dignity Memorial Be sure to tell them Gary sent you! Bio: Chas Collins is a country music artist and Nashville recording artist known for powerful storytelling, raw emotion, and high-energy performances. Blending deep country roots with an influence of 80s rock, his music captures life’s most vivid moments, from the thrill of a Saturday night to the quiet ache of life on the road.  Born in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, Chas overcame personal loss and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina before heading to Nashville with just $500 and a dream. Those experiences shaped a songwriting style grounded in authenticity, resilience, and heart.  Standing 6'6" with a commanding stage presence, Chas has performed more than 3,500 shows across 43 states, building a loyal grassroots fanbase through relentless touring and genuine connection with audiences. Now based in Tampa Bay while continuing to record in Nashville, he continues to share stories of life, loss, faith, and hope through music that resonates with fans across the country.  Website: https://www.chascollins.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chascollinsmusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chascollinsmusic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chascollinsmusic Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    17 min
  2. Shawn Inmon on Writing Every Day, Building Middle Falls, and Creating a Fiction Universe

    MAR 4

    Shawn Inmon on Writing Every Day, Building Middle Falls, and Creating a Fiction Universe

    Send a text What does it really take to build a fictional universe that readers cannot get enough of? This week on Here's What We Know, let’s welcome back bestselling author Shawn Inmon, the wildly prolific and deeply thoughtful author behind the Middle Falls series, to explore the discipline behind writing every single day, the emotional depth of the Middle Falls series, and the surprising origin of the Universal Life Center and “the machine” that connects his stories.  Shawn shares how he writes six to seven books a year, why he never waits for inspiration, and how internal dialogue became the secret weapon behind his most beloved characters. We’ll dive into redemption arcs, writing action scenes, killing off favorite characters, franchising fiction across continents, and what happens when creativity is fueled by instinct rather than outlines. If you are a writer, a creative, or simply someone fascinated by how stories shape us, this one is for you. In this episode, we talk about: Why he refuses to write multiple projects at onceThe secret behind writing powerful internal dialogueKilling off characters you loveWhy action scenes are actually the easy partThe origin of the Universal Life Center and “the machine”Expanding Middle Falls beyond AmericaWhat redemption really means when someone resists it This episode is sponsored by:  Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)  Bio: Shawn Inmon is a small-town kid who dreamed of being a writer. Today, he is now a full-time author who lives in Tumwater, Washington, USA. He worked several dozen jobs - retail, real estate, traveling with the Unlimited Hydroplanes, crabbing in Alaska, morning disc jockey and station manager, and many others he can't remember to list. These jobs gave him a wonderful base to write what he knows because he knows a little about a lot. He achieved his dream of becoming a full-time writer in 2016 and has never looked back. One reviewer called him "The King of Redemption stories." Shawn says he doesn't feel like a king of anything, but he does love a good tale of second chances. He is the author of the ever-growing The Middle Falls Time Travel series, 18 books and counting, and The Alex Hawk Time Travel Adventure series. He is also the author of Feels Like the First Time, a bestselling memoir of growing up in a small town in the seventies, falling in love, and messing everything up. He lives with his high school sweetheart - now wife -Dawn, two happy-go-lucky Chocolate Labs, and a slightly schizo cat named Georgie.  Website: https://www.shawn-inmon.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShawnInmonWriter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawninmon/ X: https://twitter.com/ShawnInmon Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    1h 1m
  3. Buried by an Avalanche, Broken by Grief, Redeemed by Faith with Mick Wienholt

    FEB 25

    Buried by an Avalanche, Broken by Grief, Redeemed by Faith with Mick Wienholt

    Send a text This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for an unforgettable conversation as we sit down with Mick Wienholt, a man who survived a catastrophic avalanche that should have taken his life. With a fractured skull, a broken jaw, and massive blood loss, Mick walked three miles back to his truck before collapsing into emergency brain surgery. But that miracle was only the beginning. Years later, Mick and his wife experienced the devastating stillbirth of their son, Luke, a loss that brought them to their knees and ultimately led them into a life-changing relationship with Christ. What followed was a story of redemption neither of them could have scripted. This episode explores ego, survival, grief, faith, and the way God can redeem even the darkest chapters of our lives. In This Episode: What really happened the day Mick triggered an avalanche in ColoradoWalking three miles with a fractured skullThe difference between surviving something… and being changed by itThe grief of stillbirth and losing their son, LukeHitting the emotional bottom and crying out to GodFaith as a daily choice, not a family inheritanceThe redemption of JanuaryHow twin boys were born seven years after a lossThe difference between coincidence and God in action This episode is sponsored by: Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) License #: 679261 Bio: Mick Wienholt is the host of the podcast When You Look, where everyday people share extraordinary stories of God’s presence in their lives. After surviving a catastrophic avalanche as a teenager and later experiencing the stillbirth of his firstborn son, Mick’s life took a dramatic turn. What began as a 25-year-faith-avoidant journey became a ministry rooted in redemption, raw testimony, and honest conversations about grief and grace. He is a redeemed son of Jesus Christ, grateful husband to an incredible wife, and father of four children, three of whom are living. Website: https://www.whenyoulook.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whenyoulookshow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whenyoulookshow/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhenYouLookShow Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    1h 3m
  4. Phil Vassar’s 25-Year Journey

    FEB 18

    Phil Vassar’s 25-Year Journey

    Send a text For 25 years, Phil Vassar has written and performed songs that defined an era of country music. But behind the hits like Just Another Day in Paradise, Carlene, and The Sound of a Million Dreams is a story of rejection, resilience, health scares, and hard-earned perspective. This week on Here’s What We Know, Phil reflects on the roadblocks that nearly stopped him, the heart attack that changed his outlook, and why he believes songwriters are more like therapists than hitmakers. From owning his own bar in Nashville to outlasting the gatekeepers who said piano players would never work in country music, Phil opens up about what it really takes to build a lasting career. This is a conversation about instinct, grit, healing, and the power of a song to carry you through the hardest seasons of life. In This Episode: Writing Songs Is Therapy“They Said Piano Players Don’t Work in Nashville”Building a Following Before a Record DealThe Hits They HatedKnowing When You’ve Got SomethingSurviving a Heart Attack and StrokeJust Another Day in ParadiseThe Story Behind CarleneThe Sound of a Million DreamsBands, Egos, and Going SoloToby Keith, Vince Gill, and Songwriting BrotherhoodSlowing Down After 25 YearsEnding with Piano Man This episode is sponsored by: Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!) Bio: Phil Vassar is a chart-topping country artist and acclaimed Nashville songwriter whose piano-driven sound helped redefine modern country music. Raised in a home filled with Motown, gospel, bluegrass, and classic rock, Vassar developed an eclectic musical foundation that blends heartfelt storytelling with unforgettable hooks. Influenced by artists like Billy Joel and Elton John, he found his true voice behind the piano, crafting songs that resonate across generations. Over a 25-year career, Vassar has earned two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist honors, and scored 10 No. 1 hits including “Just Another Day in Paradise,” “Carlene,” and “Six-Pack Summer.” As a songwriter, he’s penned major hits for Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina, and others, cementing his reputation as one of Nashville’s most versatile hitmakers. Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of his breakout success, Vassar continues to tour nationally, blending his classic hits with fresh interpretations and new music. After surviving a life-altering heart attack in 2023, he brings renewed gratitude and perspective to both his life and career. At his core, Phil Vassar remains a passionate storyteller dedicated to creating songs that move people and stand the test of time. Website: https://www.philvassar.com/ Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    47 min
  5. Pro Football Hall of Fame Voting Explained by Sportswriter Jason Cole

    FEB 11

    Pro Football Hall of Fame Voting Explained by Sportswriter Jason Cole

    Send a text What really happens inside the room when Pro Football Hall of Fame decisions are made? This week on Here's What We Know, we sit down with longtime NFL writer and Hall of Fame voter Jason Cole to pull back the curtain on a process most fans think they understand but usually don’t. Jason explains how Hall of Fame voting actually works, why the math matters more than people realize, and why some obvious names don’t get in right away. We talk about grit, greatness, coaching versus players, and the thin line between legacy and perception. Along the way, Jason shares old-school football stories that remind us why this game still matters so much to so many people. If you’ve ever argued about the Hall of Fame at a bar, on the couch, or online, this conversation will give you a whole new perspective. In This Episode: How Pro Football Hall of Fame voting really worksWhy first-ballot decisions are more complicated than fans thinkCoaching impact versus player greatnessWhat separates legends from very good playersStories that remind us football is still a human game This episode is sponsored by: Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) License #: 679261 Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!) Bio: Jason Cole has covered or written about pro football since 1992 and has been a selector for the Pro Football Hall of Fame since 2013. He has worked for publications such as Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, The Miami Herald, and the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. Cole has authored Elway: a Relentless Life and co-authored six books, including Giant with Plaxico Burress, Heart for the Game with Simon Keith, and Ocho Cinco with Chad Johnson. Prior to covering the NFL, Cole covered the NBA, Major League Baseball, and high school sports in the San Francisco Bay Area. Cole teaches sports writing at the University of Florida and is the father of two Eagle Scouts. He is a graduate of Stanford University, which he attended at the same time as Elway. X: https://x.com/jasoncole62 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-cole-1330266/ Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    31 min
  6. Living and Learning with Clayton Johnson

    FEB 4

    Living and Learning with Clayton Johnson

    Send a text Now and then, a conversation reminds you why you love sitting down with people in the first place. This week on Here’s What We Know, Clayton Johnson stopped by, and what unfolded was more than just an interview but a long, winding talk about music, patience, heartbreak, and paying attention while you’re living your life. We talked about Nashville, classic country, the importance of learning from people who have lasted, and an unforgettable night Clayton spent watching Metallica up close. Not from the cheap seats, but close enough to notice the discipline, the preparation, and the humility that come with real longevity. This episode is about the long game and about resisting the urge to rush. It's about trusting that if you stay curious and keep showing up, life has a way of teaching you exactly what you need to know. Listen now! In This Episode: Life in Nashville and finding your footingA surprising night with MetallicaLessons from artists who lastGrowing up on classic country musicPlaying the long game in musicHeartbreak, timing, and personal growthLiving and learning along the way This episode is sponsored by: Reed Animal Hospital Dignity Memorial Be sure to tell them Gary sent you! Bio: Clayton Johnson is a Nashville-based country music artist originally from the farming town of Modesto, California. Raised in the heart of the Central Valley, his passion for music was sparked through songwriting and performing in church, setting the foundation for his career. Clayton's rise in the industry began with a modeling campaign for Boot Barn, leading to acting and music opportunities. He has since played guitar for notable artists, including American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter. Along the way, he continued to perfect his craft, writing songs for himself and other artists. His original music has garnered millions of streams. Country Central has praised Clayton's infectious hooks, calling them "reminiscent of the best of Thomas Rhett." Clayton is currently signed to UMPG & Audio Chateau Publishing. Website: https://claytonjohnsoncountry.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claywatch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaytonJohnsonMusic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LWP6c2LrW1ofkM3e8kmEA Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    55 min
  7. How Music Saved Her Life with Hannah Marie Kelley and Gabriel Kelley

    JAN 28

    How Music Saved Her Life with Hannah Marie Kelley and Gabriel Kelley

    Send a text Every once in a while, after years around country music, you hear a voice that makes you stop and listen. On this Once Around the Country Edition of Here’s What We Know, we welcome singer and songwriter Hannah Marie Kelley and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer Gabriel Kelley, a real-life country music couple creating music that does more than entertain. It heals. Hannah shares her powerful story of growing up in poverty, surviving trauma, and finding refuge in music long before she ever imagined a career. What began as survival slowly became purpose, and songwriting became a way to make sense of pain, faith, and resilience. This is a conversation about music as medicine, finding your voice when life tries to silence it, and recognizing undeniable talent before the rest of the world catches on. In This Episode: Hearing a Voice That Stops You ColdDiscovering Hannah Marie KelleyWhen Music Becomes Survival“Singing Saved Me”Music as MedicineFaith, Pain, and Finding PurposeLearning to Write the TruthA Thanksgiving Day MeetingFalling in Love Before the MusicWhat a Producer Really DoesWhy Simple Singing Matters MostThe Power of HarmonyReimagining a Familiar SongInfluences That Shape a VoiceRedefining What Success MeansBelieving in Talent Before It BreaksStaying on the Journey This episode is sponsored by: Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!) Bio: Hannah Marie Kelley is a singer and songwriter whose music blends emotional honesty with a timeless, roots-driven sound. Raised in the Appalachian tradition and shaped by lived experience, her voice carries both vulnerability and quiet strength. Drawing inspiration from classic folk, country, and Americana, Hannah writes songs that feel intimate and lived-in, often exploring themes of resilience, faith, and healing. Her approach is unforced and sincere, letting melody and storytelling do the heavy lifting. https://www.instagram.com/hannahmariekelleymusic/ Gabriel Kelley is a singer, songwriter, and producer whose work is guided by a simple belief: find the music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Raised on a family farm in rural Georgia, Gabriel’s journey has taken him from music school in Sweden to songwriting rooms in Nashville and from street corners to concert halls across the country. Along the way, he developed a distinctive voice and a songwriting style rooted in honesty, restraint, and emotional connection. https://www.gabrielkelley.com/ Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    50 min
  8. We Started Talking About Golf and Ended Up Talking About God with Bryan Wetzel

    JAN 21

    We Started Talking About Golf and Ended Up Talking About God with Bryan Wetzel

    Send a text This episode was supposed to be about education. It turned into a long, winding, honest conversation about growing up Southern, malls as social centers, life without air conditioning, aging bodies, faith, comedy, celebrities, grief, golf, gyms, and the strange moments that make you wonder if the universe is paying attention. This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with Bryan Thomas Wetzel, author, gym owner, former TV host, lifelong entrepreneur, and a guy who somehow shares about 90 percent of my life experiences, just arranged in a slightly different order. In This Episode: Small towns, big heat, and why Chick-fil-A used to only exist in mallsPlaying golf with men in their 90s who can still stripe itWhat happens when celebrities disappoint you (and when they don’t)Why radio people are wired differentlyAging, fitness, and the moment your goals shift from “looking good” to “staying alive”Faith, doubt, near-death stories, and moments that don’t fit neat explanationsWhy kindness from strangers sometimes arrives at exactly the right timeNo debates, no shouting. Just stories, curiosity, laughter, and the kind of conversation you don’t want to rush. Pull up a chair. This one wanders in the best way. Tune in now! This episode is sponsored by: Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Bring your dream cabinet to life!) Bio: Bryan Wetzel is a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and media professional with more than 30 years of experience launching and leading companies across education, fitness, hospitality, and media. He has founded multiple successful businesses, two of which were acquired by larger enterprises. He is the author of The Real Problems Destroying Education (2024), inspired by his work with school administrators and district leaders while leading Skubes, an education startup recognized by Dig South as a top education company prior to its acquisition in 2017. His most recent book, A Path to Faith Through Science and Common Sense (2025), explores belief, reason, and lived experience. Bryan currently owns and operates The Local Gym in Georgia and Texas and previously founded Cedarcrest Grill, which was sold in 2022. Earlier in his career, he built and ran a production company for over two decades, working in television, film, and live events, including projects tied to the 1996 Olympic Games. His work has earned 16 national and international awards. He now writes on Substack and continues exploring entrepreneurship, faith, health, and creativity through writing and conversation. Website: https://www.bryanthomaswetzel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onefourtwo/ Substack: https://bryanwetzel.substack.com/ Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

    1h 3m
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4.9
out of 5
36 Ratings

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
    282
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Here's What We Know
  • Show Website
    Here's What We Know

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