Here's What We Know

Gary Scott Thomas

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. What Golf Teaches You About Life | Joseph Bronson

    2d ago

    What Golf Teaches You About Life | Joseph Bronson

    Send us Fan Mail Some people play golf for fun. Joseph Bronson turned it into something deeper. This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with the award-winning author, longtime business executive, world traveler, and passionate golfer for a conversation that starts with golf… but doesn’t stay there for long. Joseph has played 93 of the world’s most iconic golf courses, teed it up with legends like Arnold Palmer, and spent decades chasing mastery in a game that never fully lets you catch it. And maybe that’s the point. We talk about competition, discipline, aging, perspective, and why the mental side of golf has so much to teach us about life itself. There’s a moment in this conversation where we land on something that felt bigger than golf: Most people aren’t thinking about your mistakes nearly as much as you think they are. Honestly, that might be one of the healthiest things any of us could remember. In This Episode: What it’s like playing Augusta, Pebble Beach, and St. AndrewsWhy golf is almost entirely a mental gameThe difference between elite athletes and everyone elseWhat Arnold Palmer was really like off the courseWhy Joseph walked away from golf for a seasonHow First Tee of Silicon Valley helps shape young people through golfThe surprising connection between golf and personal growth  This episode is sponsored by:  Dignity Memorial  Sterling Oak Cabinetry  (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)  Bio: Joseph “Joe” Bronson is a longtime business executive, world traveler, and passionate golfer whose career has taken him across the globe and onto some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. A member of renowned clubs including Monterey Peninsula Country Club, CordeValle, and Boulder Ridge Golf Club, Joe has played 93 of America’s Top 100 golf courses, along with legendary courses throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Joe is also the award-winning author of Pardon Me, Golf Chronicles, and Through the Green, three books inspired by the stories, traditions, humor, and human moments that make golf more than just a game. His writing blends personal experience, thoughtful observation, and a deep appreciation for the culture and character of golf. Website: https://www.josephbronson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-bronson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjosephbronson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebronsongroup/ Tags: golf, golf podcast, Joseph Bronson, golf mindset, mental game, life lessons, personal growth, Arnold Palmer, Pebble Beach, Augusta National, St. Andrews, golf psychology, discipline, resilience, competition, sports and life, First Tee Silicon Valley, sports culture, leadership, perseverance, curiosity, mindset, golf stories, athlete mentality, overcoming failure,  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!

    44 min
  2. Why Showing Up Changes Everything | Kyle Clark

    May 20

    Why Showing Up Changes Everything | Kyle Clark

    Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest moments in your life come down to one simple decision? Show up. This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with rising country artist and songwriter Kyle Clark for a conversation about faith, songwriting, Nashville, and the unpredictable moments that can change everything. Kyle shares the story behind how one late-night decision to “just show up” led to a song eventually recorded by Blake Shelton after first being held by HARDY and Morgan Wallen. The episode explores creativity, resilience, purpose, and the small moments that shape our lives forever. If you’ve ever wondered whether the little decisions in life really matter, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the moments that change everything begin with simply walking through the door. In This Episode: How hit country songs are really writtenMoving from Georgia to NashvilleLeaving college to pursue music full-timeLearning to trust timing instead of forcing outcomesWhy great songs sometimes sit for years before finding the right artistThe role faith plays in creativity and songwritingThe emotional reality of chasing a dream in NashvilleWhy vulnerability matters in both music and lifeHow persistence and consistency open unexpected doorsWhy “showing up” became the defining lesson of his career 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: Kyle Clark is a songwriter, artist, and producer born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in the small town of Jefferson, Georgia. His love for country music, paired with a diverse range of influences and a strong work ethic, has shaped his unique sound. After winning the 101.5 Kicks Radio competition in Atlanta two years in a row, Clark’s music caught the attention of hit songwriter and producer Jordan Schmidt (Kane Brown, Tyler Hubbard, Jason Aldean). In 2019, Schmidt offered Clark a joint venture publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing. Within a year, Clark co-wrote his first RIAA-certified Platinum single, “Villain” by Lily Rose.  When the global pandemic hit, Clark focused his energy on producing his own music, learning from his mentor Jordan Schmidt and his roommate Jacob Durrett (Morgan Wallen, ERNEST). His dedication paid off in early 2022 when a video of his song went viral on TikTok, driving over 21,000 pre-saves for “Hope It’s Hot Out,” which was released on May 27, 2022. The track crossed 1 million streams in its first week and has since amassed over 40 million streams independently across all platforms.  In 2024, Clark signed a new publishing deal with Relative Music Group, and has since landed cuts with major country acts including HARDY, Blake Shelton, Dylan Scott, Jon Pardi, Mitchell Tenpenny, Restless Road, Mackenzie Carpenter, Erin Kinsey, and Chayce Beckham. Website: https://www.kyleclarkmusic.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleClarkMusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyleclarkmusic/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kyleclarkmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyleClarkMusic Tags: Kyle Clark, Gary Scott Thomas podcast, Nashville songwriter interview, country music podcast, Blake Shelton Let Him In Anyway, HARDY songwriter story, Morgan Wallen songwriting, country songwriting process, how hit songs are written, Nashville music industry, faith and creativity, storytelling podcast, songwriter interview, Kyle Clark Nashville, creative persistence, showing up changes everything, music industry inspiration, country artist 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!

    1h 4m
  3. What Happens When You Ride a Tandem Bicycle Across America With Your Spouse? | Teri M Brown

    May 13

    What Happens When You Ride a Tandem Bicycle Across America With Your Spouse? | Teri M Brown

    Send us Fan Mail Sometimes the biggest adventures begin after life falls apart. This week on Here’s What We Know, our host, Gary Scott Thomas, sits down with author Teri M Brown about surviving emotional abuse, rebuilding self-worth, and riding a tandem bicycle across America with her husband. Their 3,102-mile journey became more than a cycling trip. It became a story about resilience, relationships, fear, kindness, and discovering what’s possible when you stop letting your past define you. This conversation is funny, vulnerable, deeply human, and exactly the kind of unexpected story that reminds us how powerful connection can be. Listen now and discover why Teri says adventure can restore your faith in humanity. In This Episode: How Teri rebuilt confidence after emotional abuseWhat riding across America taught her about resilienceWhy tandem bicycles are called “divorce machines”What cross-country travel revealed about humanityHow adventure changes relationships and identityWhy most people are far kinder than the internet makes us believe This episode is sponsored by: Dignity Memorial Bio: Born in Athens, Greece as an Air Force brat, Teri M Brown graduated from UNC Greensboro. She began her writing career helping small businesses with content creation and published five nonfiction self-help books dealing with real estate and finance, receiving multiple awards. In 2017, after winning the First Annual Anita Bloom Ornoff Award for Inspirational Short Story, she began writing fiction in earnest, and published her debut novel in 2022, Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, a historical fiction set in Ukraine. Her second novel published in 2023, An Enemy Like Me, takes place during WWII. Her third novel, Daughters of Green Mountain Gap, a generational story about Appalachian healers came out in January 2024. 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure (Feb 2025), is an inspirational look at the life lessons she learned riding across the United States on a tandem bicycle. Little Lola and Her Big Dream, is a children’s picture book helping children realize that it is okay to have big dreams even in the face of opposition. Her newest work, Peg, Unhinged (April 2026), is a humorous contemporary women’s fiction looking at menopause. ​Teri is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author who loves word games, reading, bumming on the beach, taking photos, singing in the shower, hunting for bargains, ballroom dancing, playing bridge, and mentoring others. https://www.terimbrown.com/ Tags: tandem bicycle across America, emotional abuse recovery, resilience stories, cross-country bicycle trip, adventure podcast, inspirational life stories, healing after trauma, tandem bike journey, overcoming fear, personal growth podcast, cycling across America, relationship stories, life after divorce, podcast interviews, human connection stories, emotional resilience, storytelling podcast, author, 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!

    51 min
  4. How Do Bestselling Authors Actually Create Stories? | James Rollins

    May 6

    How Do Bestselling Authors Actually Create Stories? | James Rollins

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Here’s What We Know, James Rollins shares how bestselling authors actually create stories that last. James Rollins is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers translated into more than forty languages. His Sigma Force series has been called one of the “top crowd-pleasers" by the New York Times and one of the “hottest summer reads” by People Magazine. He’s written more than 40 books, built entire worlds, and still approaches storytelling with the curiosity of someone just getting started. In this conversation, we explore how curiosity, research, and imagination come together, not all at once, but piece by piece, until something clicks. If you enjoy conversations about creativity, storytelling, and the human side of success, this one’s worth your time. In This Episode: How bestselling authors develop story ideasWhy curiosity is the foundation of creativityThe difference between learning to write and becoming a storytellerHow reading improves writing over timeWhat makes “popcorn fiction” so powerful This episode is sponsored by: Sterling Oak Cabinetry Reed Animal Hospital Bio: James Rollins is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers, translated into more than forty languages. His Sigma series has been lauded as one of the "top crowd pleasers" (New York Times) and one of the "hottest summer reads" (People Magazine). In each novel, acclaimed for its originality, Rollins unveils unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets—and he does it all at breakneck speed and with stunning insight. Known for building high-octane adventures on a solid science foundation, Jim juxtaposes the familiar with the exotic and then turbo-charges his tales with suspense. Always mindful of history’s legacy, Jim reveals how secrets, some hidden for centuries, can change the course of human events. His novels explore how advancing technology can impact society—not just the physical threats of unchecked developments, but also the spiritual and moral challenges that result. “The true terror of technology is not the cogs and the wheels, but how it will change us,” he says Website: https://jamesrollins.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjamesrollins/ Tags: how to write a book, storytelling process, writing tips, bestselling author interview, Sigma Force, creative process, how to be a writer, fiction writing, author interview podcast, writing inspiration, author mindset, creative thinking, writing advice 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!

    44 min
  5. Why Timing Matters More Than Talent in the Music Industry | Trey Calloway

    Apr 29

    Why Timing Matters More Than Talent in the Music Industry | Trey Calloway

    Send us Fan Mail There’s an idea we all want to believe. If you’re talented enough, you’ll make it. This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with singer-songwriter Trey Calloway, a rising country artist navigating the reality of building a career in today’s music industry. And what we uncover is something a lot of people don’t want to admit: Timing matters more than talent. We talk about country stars like Jason Aldean and Eric Church, artists who feel inevitable now but weren’t always. There were years where nobody knew who they were, years where it could have gone the other way. Because when you really look at success in the music industry, you start to realize something. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen just because someone is talented. It happens when everything lines up. Talent. Timing. Opportunity. And readiness. Miss one of those, and the outcome can look completely different. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make it in country music, why some artists break through and others don’t, or how timing shapes success in the music industry, give this episode a listen! In This Episode: Why some incredibly talented artists never break throughHow timing, readiness, and life experience all collideThe reality of making money in music todayWhy success often comes later than expectedAnd what keeps someone going when it would be easier to quit This episode is sponsored by: Sterling Oak Cabinetry Reed Animal Hospital Bio: Trey Calloway is a singer/songwriter born and raised in North Carolina. The son of a preacher man, Trey grew up singing in church and was a seasoned performer by the age of 10.  Although southern and contemporary gospel were his first musical loves, he was instantly mesmerized by the sounds of country music after hearing a Garth Brooks Greatest Hits album his parents bought for him.  A deep understanding and passion for the rocking, boot stomping, country music of artists such as Clint Black, Alan Jackson, and Travis Tritt began to grow within him. Trey began writing songs, playing guitar, and performing in clubs at age 15. He knew early on without a shadow of a doubt that he would make music his career. Trey recorded and released his debut Nashville album entitled “Carolina Man” and was able to work with some of his musical heroes including Brent Mason, Lonnie Wilson and Buddy Hyatt on the album.  Website: https://treycallowaymusic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treycallowaymusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treycallowaymusic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TreyCalloway1 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@treycallowaymusic 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!

    37 min
  6. Why Being Funny Isn’t Enough Anymore | Danny Johnson

    Apr 22

    Why Being Funny Isn’t Enough Anymore | Danny Johnson

    Send us Fan Mail You ever get into one of those conversations where you think you know the subject… and then suddenly you’re ten layers deeper than you ever expected to go? That’s what happened here. This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re joined by Danny Johnson, a stand-up comedian making his mark in the world of clean comedy. We start by talking about the craft, how a joke is built, why timing matters more than the words, and how comedians actually think. And then we keep going, because comedy is more than just about being funny anymore. Now it’s social media, followers, clips, going viral, and pressure. The conversation gets more and more fascinating, as one question keeps coming up: If being funny isn’t enough anymore… then what is? In This Episode: The rise of clean comedy and why it’s finding a bigger audienceHow comedians actually write and build materialThe pressure of social media and why it changes everythingThe difference between being funny and being successfulWhat it really means to “make it” in comedy todayAnd why some of the funniest people you’ve ever seen might still be figuring it out This episode is sponsored by:  Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)  Bio: Danny Johnson delivers clean stand-up with "Northeast sarcasm and Southern charm," making him a favorite for theaters, corporate events, churches, and community audiences nationwide. A Dry Bar Comedy featured comedian (Apple TV, Amazon & Peacock), he has appeared on Comedy Central, NateLand Live at Zanies, and shared stages with Howie Mandel, Bob Saget, and many others. A Carnival Cruise Line Comedy Challenge winner and 15-year headliner, Danny blends sharp observations, expressive physical comedy, and relatable stories into a show audiences trust and event planners rebook. Website: https://dannyjohnson.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DannyJohnsonComedy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannyjohnsoncomedy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/comediandanny TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dannyjohnsoncomedy 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!

    1h 5m
  7. What Life on Tour Is Really Like | Jerry Flowers

    Apr 15

    What Life on Tour Is Really Like | Jerry Flowers

    Send us Fan Mail There’s what people see on stage, and then there’s everything else. This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome back Jerry Flowers, a seasoned bassist, an accomplished songwriter, and music industry veteran, best known for his longtime role as Keith Urban’s bass player and bandleader.  We’ll talk about what life on tour is really like, from playing in front of 80,000 people at major concerts to walking into a room of 50 where no one knows who you are. It’s a side of the music industry most people never see. Jerry shares what it takes to connect with a live audience, why some artists succeed while others struggle, and how the best performers learn to win over any crowd, whether it’s a stadium or a small private event. We also get into the realities of touring as a musician, the highs and lows of the road, and the difference between the spotlight and the moments that happen behind the scenes. This is a conversation about stories. The ones you remember, the ones that shape you, and the ones that don’t seem important at the time… until years later, when you realize they meant everything. In This Episode: What Life on Tour Is Really LikeJerry Flowers on Touring with Keith UrbanThe Best Concert Experience: 80,000 Fans in Quebec CityThe Reality of Life After a Big ShowFrom Stadiums to Small Rooms: The Truth About TouringHow Great Artists Win Over Any CrowdEarly Days on Tour: Bars, Vans, and the GrindLearning Storytelling as a Songwriter and PerformerMusic Industry Stories: Jack Black, Hugh Jackman, and MoreWhy Storytelling Matters in Music and LifeFlorida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, and Artist DevelopmentAmerican Idol vs Real-World Experience in MusicWhy Some Artists Make It and Others Don’tGreat Songs That Never Became HitsThe Stories You Carry With You This episode is sponsored by:  Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)  License #: 679261  Bio: Jerry Flowers is a seasoned bassist, songwriter, and music industry veteran, best known for his longtime role as Keith Urban’s bass player and band leader. With a career spanning decades, Jerry has toured the world, shared the stage with music legends, and played a pivotal role in crafting chart-topping hits both on and off the road. Originally from Pinch, West Virginia, Jerry’s musical journey began at just 12 years old, fueled by a passion for bass guitar. His talent and dedication took him from small-town gigs to global stages, touring with The Chicks, Counting Crows, and more. Beyond performing, Jerry is an accomplished songwriter, earning #1 hits with Billy Currington, Jason Aldean, Sam Hunt, and Ryan Hurd. His musicality and creativity continue to inspire every session he’s in, making him a sought-after collaborator in Nashville’s thriving music scene. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryflowersmusic/ 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!

    1h 6m
  8. What Happens When Healthcare Says No, And What You Can Do About It | Neal K. Shah

    Apr 8

    What Happens When Healthcare Says No, And What You Can Do About It | Neal K. Shah

    Send us Fan Mail Some conversations make you lean in… and some conversations make you uncomfortable because you realize just how much you don’t know, and this is one of those. This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome Neal K. Shah, who went from a successful career as a $250 million hedge fund manager in New York to becoming a caregiver for loved ones facing dementia and cancer, and ended up uncovering just how broken parts of our healthcare system really are. We’ll talk about what happens when healthcare says “no” in real life. Real people, real families, and real consequences.  We get into the rising number of denied claims, the strain on families who are already stretched thin, and the uncomfortable truth that the system we depend on is not always built to take care of us the way we expect. This episode is about paying attention, asking better questions, and understanding that you have more power than you think, especially when you’re willing to fight for it. If you’ve ever assumed the system would work when you needed it… this episode might change the way you see things. In This Episode: How Caregiving Changes Your Perspective on Life and WorkThe Hidden Reality of Dementia, Cancer, and Family ImpactHealthspan vs lifespan and the growing aging population crisisThe Future of Healthcare Costs and Insurance PressureWhy the Healthcare System Feels BrokenHealth Insurance Explained: Where Your Money Really GoesUnderstanding premiums, subsidies, and the illusion of “free” healthcareThe Rise of Claim Denials in HealthcareIs There a Better Way? Direct Pay Healthcare ExplainedFree Market vs Government Healthcare DebateWhy Most People Don’t Appeal Denied ClaimsUsing AI to Fight Insurance Denials (Counterforce Health)Real Story: Beating a $40,000 DenialWhy We Must Pay Attention to Healthcare Now This episode is sponsored by: Reed Animal Hospital Dignity Memorial Bio: Neal K. Shah is a healthcare innovator, entrepreneur, and former hedge fund manager who turned personal caregiving experiences into a mission to improve the healthcare system. After supporting family members through dementia and cancer, he founded CareYaya, a fast-growing platform connecting healthcare students with families in need of care, and Counterforce Health, which uses AI to help patients fight denied insurance claims. Neal’s work sits at the intersection of caregiving, technology, and healthcare reform, with a focus on empowering patients and improving access to care. Website: https://www.careyaya.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyaya/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nealkshah/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearecareyaya 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!

    49 min
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.

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