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. 1d ago

    NFL Is Back: 49ers, Rams, Chargers, Broncos & Super Bowl Picks with Mark Willard

    Send us Fan Mail Who has the best shot at making the Super Bowl this NFL season? This week on Here’s What We Know, longtime Bay Area sports radio host Mark Willard joins Gary Scott Thomas to talk 49ers, Rams, Chargers, Broncos, and the teams he thinks could make a serious run this season. Mark explains why he has the Rams as his favorite in the NFC, where he sees the 49ers in the NFC West, and why he’s finally willing to take the Chargers seriously. We get into Justin Herbert, Matthew Stafford, quarterback play, injuries, the changing world of college football, NIL, the transfer portal, and what it all means for the game we grew up watching. And yes, they make their Super Bowl predictions. It is a fun, opinionated conversation full of Bay Area sports talk, some good-natured arguing, and a reminder that being a fan is supposed to be fun in the first place. In This Episode: Why local radio is not dying, even when parts of the industry are strugglingWhat it is like to be a fan of a genuinely hated teamGrowing up a Saints fan in South Alabama with no cable televisionWhy criticism online is often a sign you are doing something rightFootball as the last true team sport left in modern athleticsThe NIL era and what it means for the future of college footballNFC West breakdown: Rams, 49ers, Seahawks, and CardinalsMatthew Stafford, Justin Herbert, and the quarterbacks who deserve more creditBaker Mayfield's contract standoff with the BuccaneersWhy the Patriots may take a step back this seasonThe case for the Chargers as a real AFC contenderFinal Super Bowl predictions from both Gary and Mark  This episode is sponsored by:  Bison Junk Removal  Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)  License #: 679261  Bio: Mark Willard is the host of the San Francisco-Bay Area leading drive-time show “Willard & Dibs” on 95.7 The Game and is a nationally syndicated weekend host on FOX Sports Radio. He previously hosted college football Saturdays for Pac-12 Networks and a daily show on ESPNLA with Lakers great Mychal Thompson, as well as the weekly show The Forum. He is the proud father of three teens. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktwillard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtwillard/ Tags: NFL predictions 2026, NFL season predictions, 49ers predictions, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, LA Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, LA Chargers, Denver Broncos, NFC West predictions, Super Bowl predictions, Mark Willard, Mark Willard NFL, Matthew Stafford, Justin Herbert, NFL quarterbacks, college football, sports radio, football podcast, Gary Scott Thomas  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!

    NFL Is Back: 49ers, Rams, Chargers, Broncos & Super Bowl Picks with Mark Willard

  2. Sep 2

    Comedian Alex Pearlman on the Taco Bell Rant That Went Viral and Turning Anger Into Comedy

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when anger becomes funny? Alex Pearlman has built a following by saying the things many people are thinking but cannot always say themselves. His viral Mexican Pizza rant helped put him on the map, but there was a lot of work behind that moment. This week on Here’s What We Know, comedian and TikTok star Alex Pearlman talks about growing up outside Philadelphia, finding his voice through more than two decades of comedy, going viral, and what happens when the internet suddenly decides you're an "overnight success." Alex believes people have lost sight of the fact that there is a real person on the other side of the screen. His Crashing Out Tour is part of his effort to get people out of comment sections and back into real conversations. Listen now. In This Episode: The real story behind Alex's viral "Mexican Pizza Hut rant" and what he learned about timing, monetization, and TikTokWhy Alex calls himself an "anger translator" for people who can't say what they're really thinkingGrowing up in Delco, outside Philadelphia, and how that shaped his comedic voiceThe difference between angry-and-funny and angry-and-jerky, and why so few comedians land on the right side of that lineWhat Alex means by a "25-year overnight success" and the odd jobs that quietly fed his material for decadesWhy his wife became his most trusted editor and what that partnership taught him about egoThe danger of young creators going viral with no life experience to back it upWhy Alex built the Crashing Out Tour around getting people off their phones and back into a room togetherWhat's coming to San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts on September 11th Catch Alex Pearlman's Crashing Out Tour on September 11. Pick up your tickets here before they sell out!  This episode is sponsored by:  Sterling Oak Cabinetry  Reed Animal Hospital  Bio: Alex Pearlman is a comedian, podcaster, and creator who has been performing stand-up since 2002. A longtime Philadelphia-area resident, Alex has built a following with his sharp, often angry, and always funny takes on everyday life, culture, and politics. His viral videos have introduced him to a much larger audience, but his comedy is rooted in more than two decades of performing and developing his voice. He is also the creator of the Crashing Out Tour, which aims to bring people out of online arguments and back into real conversations with one another. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearlmania500/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pearlmania500/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pearlmania500 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPearlman2000 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!

    Comedian Alex Pearlman on the Taco Bell Rant That Went Viral and Turning Anger Into Comedy

  3. Aug 31

    Remembering Dolly Parton | Once Around the Country

    Send us Fan Mail We lost the biggest star country music has ever had. This week on Once Around the Country, our host, Gary Scott Thomas, takes you back to a Saturday afternoon in Red Level, Alabama, where an eight-year-old boy stood in a plowed field, fire ants and all, as Porter Wagoner performed on a flatbed trailer and a young Dolly Parton walked onto the stage. Gary had no idea then that he was watching someone who would become one of country music’s biggest stars. In this episode, Gary shares what he remembers about that day, industry insight from his years in country radio, and a heartfelt tribute to a woman who built an empire, stayed true to herself, and never forgot where she came from. Gary also talks about Dolly’s relationship with Porter, her rise from country music star to cultural icon, her marriage to Carl Dean, and the few moments he was lucky enough to speak with her. And at the end, he’ll tell you what happened when he asked Dolly if she remembered that first concert. Listen now. In this episode: Gary's first concert ever, and why it still sticks with him todayThe real story behind Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton's partnership and eventual splitHow "I Will Always Love You" started as a professional goodbye letterDolly's business instincts, including the decision that cost Elvis Presley the song and made Dolly millionsDollywood, her marriage to Carl Dean, and what she was like one-on-oneWhy Gary believes Dolly was country music's first true crossover star This episode is sponsored by:  Sterling Oak Cabinetry  Reed Animal Hospital  Bio: Dolly Parton is a country music legend, singer, songwriter, actress, author, and entrepreneur who rose from a large, poor family in Tennessee to become one of the most recognizable and beloved artists in the world. Known for her distinctive voice, songwriting talent, humor, and business sense, she built a career that crossed from country music into pop culture while remaining proud of her Appalachian roots. Her catalog includes classics such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” and her legacy extends beyond music through Dollywood, philanthropy, and her commitment to literacy and children’s causes. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollyparton/ Tags: Dolly Parton, Dolly Parton podcast, Dolly Parton story, Dolly Parton first concert, Here’s What We Know, Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, country music history, country music stories, Dolly Parton career, Dolly Parton legacy, I Will Always Love You, Dollywood, Carl Dean, country music podcast 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!

    Remembering Dolly Parton | Once Around the Country

  4. Aug 26

    Middle Falls Bestselling Author Shawn Inmon Opens Up About Writing, Love, and Cancer

    Send us Fan Mail Middle Falls Time Travel series bestselling author Shawn Inmon has been on Here's What We Know twice before, and this conversation might be the most personal one yet.  In this episode, join us for a wide-ranging conversation about writing, love, creativity, and facing cancer. Shawn shares how the idea behind Middle Falls came from wondering whether we could go back in time and change the choices we made, and how that universal idea grew into a bestselling book series. He also talks about expanding the Middle Falls universe to England and Australia, working with other writers, and why he trusts his audiobook narrators so much. Shawn also opens up about how cancer and treatment have affected his ability to write, why he has permitted himself to step away from the keyboard for a while, why he's choosing to be open about it publicly, and what he wants other men to know about catching it early. Listen now. In this episode: How Shawn met his wife at 15, lost her for 30 years, and found her again at a drive-inWhy Shawn calls himself an organic writer and how he builds a book without an outlineThe story behind Michael Hollister, the shortest and most beloved book in the Middle Falls seriesWriting Reggie Blackwell, a character who resists redemption for yearsHow Chuck Burke's storyline tackles hoarding and addiction with honestyExpanding Middle Falls into England with co-writer Kirsten McKenzieBringing a Western Australia storyline into the series with a new collaboratorShawn's prostate cancer diagnosis, his treatment, and why he's sharing his story publiclyWhat's coming next, including fan-favorite character Moondog This episode is sponsored by: Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) License #: 679261 Bison Junk Removal Bio: Shawn Inmon is a small-town kid who dreamed of being a writer. Today, he is 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 Tags: Shawn Inmon, Middle Falls, Middle Falls series, bestselling author, Shawn Inmon interview, time travel books, second chances, writing books, author interview, audiobook narration, cancer and creativity, writing through adversity, Who is Shawn Inmon, what is the Middle Falls series, Shawn Inmon books, Shawn Inmon author interview, what is Middle Falls about, Shawn Inmon writing process, Shawn Inmon cancer, Shawn Inmon audiobook, books about second chances, books about time travel, 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!

    Middle Falls Bestselling Author Shawn Inmon Opens Up About Writing, Love, and Cancer

  5. Aug 25

    Brooks & Dunn: The Duo That Tried to Break Up Twice | Once Around The Country

    Send us Fan Mail Ronnie Dunn was studying to be a preacher while Kix Brooks was already a working Nashville songwriter with hits on the radio. Neither one planned on becoming half of the biggest duo in country music history, and neither one really wanted to be tied to a partner.  This week on Once Around the Country, our host, Gary Scott Thomas, walks through the real story of Brooks & Dunn, from a Nashville meeting neither man asked for, to three straight number one singles to a farewell tour that didn't stick and the reunion that proved some partnerships are worth fighting to keep. Give it a listen today. We think you'll walk away with a whole new appreciation for the two guys behind "Neon Moon." In This Episode: How Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks were introduced by producer Tim DuBoisThe story behind their first single, "Brand New Man," and writing three hits in one sessionWhy Kix Brooks was considered the bigger star when the duo formedThe disagreement over recording "My Maria" and why it became their biggest hitHow "Only in America" ended up as a campaign song for both partiesBrooks & Dunn's first attempted breakup and the record executive who talked them out of itThe Last Rodeo farewell tour and what changed Ronnie Dunn's mindWhy Reboot and Reboot 2 brought a new generation of country stars into their catalogWhat it's really like watching Brooks & Dunn open for Morgan Wallen today This episode is sponsored by: Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)  License #: 679261  Bison Junk Removal Brooks and Dunn: Brooks & Dunn, made up of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, became one of the most successful duos in country music history. They came together in Nashville in the late 1980s and quickly found success with hits like “Brand New Man,” “Neon Moon,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and “My Maria.” Their partnership produced years of awards, chart-topping songs, and unforgettable live performances, even as the two men eventually tried to go their separate ways twice. Somehow, they kept finding their way back to the music that made them one of country’s most beloved duos. Website: https://www.brooks-dunn.com/ Tags: Brooks & Dunn, Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks, Brooks and Dunn breakup, Brooks & Dunn history, Brooks & Dunn story, Neon Moon, Brand New Man, My Maria, country music history, country music duos, Nashville music, Last Rodeo, Brooks & Dunn Reboot 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!

    Brooks & Dunn: The Duo That Tried to Break Up Twice | Once Around The Country

  6. Aug 19

    Why Curiosity Wins Every Time: Mark J. Carter on Networking With Successful People

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wanted to reach out to someone you admire but talked yourself out of asking? This week on Here’s What We Know, Mark J. Carter has been asking people for their time since he was in college, when he started tracking down CEOs, authors, and other successful people simply because he wanted to learn from them. That curiosity eventually led to his work as an interviewer, the Idea Climbing podcast, and conversations with people like Bo Jackson. Mark shares what he has learned from years of interviewing successful people, including the two questions that can help an interviewer when they don't know what to ask next: How? And why? We also talk about networking, asking for help, finding your personal superpower, building a brand, and figuring out how to turn a big idea into something that can actually make money. In this episode, you'll hear about: How Mark started reaching out to successful people before social media changed networkingWhy asking for someone's time can be much easier than we make itThe importance of genuine curiosityMark's "How and Why" approach to interviewingWhat he learned from interviewing Bo JacksonHow to find your personal superpowerWhy everyone has a personal brandHow to ask for help without feeling like you're imposingTurning a big idea into a businessWhy successful entrepreneurs keep looking for the next challengeHow Mark uses interviews to help coaches, consultants, and speakers tell better stories  This episode is sponsored by:  Dignity Memorial  Sterling Oak Cabinetry  Bio: Mark J. Carter is the founder and host of the Idea Climbing podcast, as well as an interviewer, speaker, author, and entrepreneur. For more than 27 years, his curiosity about how successful people think, solve problems, and turn ideas into action has led him to conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, athletes, and other accomplished people. He is the author of Idea Climbing: How to Create a Support System for Your Next Big Idea, and his upcoming book, Idea Scaling: How to Monetize Your Next Big Idea With Passion and Purpose, draws on interviews with six-, seven-, and eight-figure business owners to offer practical guidance for entrepreneurs. Mark also brings his experience as an improv practitioner to his interviews and presentations, creating conversations that are curious, collaborative and spontaneous. Website: https://www.markjcarter.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjcarter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markjcarter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjcarter/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkJCarter 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 Curiosity Wins Every Time: Mark J. Carter on Networking With Successful People

  7. Aug 17

    Before Taylor Swift, There Was Shania Twain | Once Around The Country

    Send us Fan Mail Before Taylor Swift, there was Shania Twain. This week on Once Around the Country, Gary breaks down the real story behind one of the most successful and most underrated careers in music history. Shania Twain grew up as Eileen Edwards in Windsor and Timmins, Ontario, raising money for her family by singing in bars from age 8. She lost both of her parents in a car accident at 21 and stepped in to raise her younger siblings while working six nights a week at a resort. From there, she became Shania Twain and built a career that redefined what a country artist could be, from the record-breaking sales of The Woman in Me and Come On Over to a Super Bowl halftime show and a heartbreak so public it played out like a soap opera. This episode covers her childhood, her early years playing bars for tips, the loss of her parents, her marriage to producer Mutt Lange, the explosion of Come On Over, her Lyme disease diagnosis and vocal struggles, and how she rebuilt her voice and her career on her own terms. In This Episode: Shania Twain's childhood in Windsor and Timmins, OntarioGrowing up with food scarcity and family hardshipSinging in bars at age eight to help support her familyThe loss of her parents and raising her siblingsHow Eileen Edwards became Shania TwainMeeting producer Robert "Mutt" LangeThe Woman in Me and Come On Over album successShania Twain's record-breaking album salesHer Super Bowl halftime performanceHer divorce from Mutt Lange and the story behind itHer Lyme disease diagnosis and vocal cord dysfunctionWhy Shania Twain deserves more credit as a music industry pioneer This episode is sponsored by: Sterling Oak Cabinetry  Dignity Memorial  Bio: Shania Twain is one of the most successful and influential country music crossover artists of all time. Born Eileen Edwards in Ontario, Canada, she began performing as a child and overcame a difficult upbringing before building a career that would take her from small-town bars to the biggest stages in the world. With hits like “Any Man of Mine,” “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “From This Moment On,” along with the massive success of The Woman in Me and Come On Over, Shania helped redefine what a country music superstar could be. Her story also includes personal heartbreak, the loss of her singing voice and an extraordinary determination to keep performing and creating. Tags: Tags; Shania Twain, Shania Twain biography, Shania Twain story, Shania Twain career, Shania Twain Come On Over, Shania Twain The Woman in Me, Shania Twain country music, Shania Twain greatest hits, Shania Twain 1990s, Shania Twain biggest star, country music legends, country music history, 90s music, 90s country music, Taylor Swift Shania Twain, women in country music, country music crossover, Shania Twain resilience, 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!

    Before Taylor Swift, There Was Shania Twain | Once Around The Country

  8. Aug 12

    Inside the Golden Age of Radio: Stories, Life Lessons, and Lasting Connections with George Lindsey

    Send us Fan Mail What was it like to build a career in radio when every conversation had the power to bring people together? This week on Here's What We Know, we welcome veteran broadcaster George Lindsey, whose remarkable career began at just 15 years old behind a radio microphone.  George shares unforgettable stories from decades in broadcasting, remembers the legendary entertainers he met, and reflects on how radio created friendships that lasted a lifetime. He also opens up about his passion for charity auctions, explaining why helping communities has become one of the most rewarding chapters of his career.  Join us as we explore the lasting value of curiosity, meaningful conversations, and the simple joy of connecting with people. Listen now. In This Episode: How George Lindsey got his start in radio as a teenagerWhat made the golden age of radio so memorableStories about legendary musicians, entertainers, and life behind the microphoneWhy building genuine relationships mattered more than ratingsHow charity auctions became an unexpected callingLessons about service, gratitude, and staying curious throughout lifeWhy authentic conversations continue to matter in every generation This episode is sponsored by:  Dignity Memorial  Reed Animal Hospital  Bio: George Lindsey spent decades behind the microphone as an award-winning radio personality, delivering ratings, results, and memorable moments. Four years ago, after graduating from auction school and earning his auctioneer's license, he traded the studio for the stage, where he now energizes audiences as a professional emcee and benefit auctioneer. Alongside his wife, George also leads unforgettable small-group journeys across Europe's most iconic destinations, helping empty nesters, solo travelers, and reluctant adventurers experience the trip of a lifetime. Whether he's driving excitement at a fundraising auction, guiding travelers through Europe, or sharing stories that connect people, George's passion is creating experiences that matter. Website: https://www.lindsey-adventures.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-lindsey-auctioneer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgelindseyofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.lindsey/ Tags: Golden Age of Radio, Radio History, Classic Radio, Broadcasting, Radio Personality, George Lindsey, Gary Scott Thomas, Here's What We Know Podcast, Storytelling, Great Storytelling, Human Connection, Meaningful Conversations, Life Lessons, Career in Radio, Behind the Microphone, Radio Industry, Radio Memories, Communication Skills, Media Careers, Podcast Interview, Broadcast Journalism, Entertainment Industry, Charity Auctions, Community Service, Building Relationships, Personal Growth, Inspiring Stories, Nostalgic Stories, Legendary Entertainers, Music Industry Stories, Radio Legends, Authentic Conversations, Podcast About Radio, History of Radio Broadcasting, Lessons from Broadcasting, Storytelling Podcast, Interview with George Lindsey, Best Radio Stories 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!

    Inside the Golden Age of Radio: Stories, Life Lessons, and Lasting Connections with George Lindsey
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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
    313
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Here's What We Know
  • Show Website
    Here's What We Know

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