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This week on Here’s What We Know, Grammy-winning songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Tim Nichols joins us for a heartfelt look at the magic and grit behind nearly four decades in country music.

Tim opens up about four decades in country music, the miracle of songwriting, and what it really takes to build a lasting career in Nashville. From his first publishing deal in 1986 to crafting hits for legends like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Ronnie Milsap, Tim shares what keeps him passionate about his craft and why he still calls every song “a little miracle.”

You’ll hear the inside story of “Live Like You Were Dying,” how collaboration shapes Nashville’s best songs, and why “writing bad songs” is just part of becoming great. Plus, Tim talks about his next chapter as a keynote speaker, helping people and businesses alike realize they truly belong in the room.

In This Episode:

• The miracle of songwriting and the discipline behind it
• What it really means when a song is “on hold” in Nashville
• Why rejection fuels resilience for artists and athletes alike
• Behind-the-scenes stories with Faith Hill, Ronnie Milsap, and Mark Knopfler
• The making of “Live Like You Were Dying” and its lasting emotional impact
• How Tim’s message “You Belong in the Room” inspires creators everywhere

This episode is sponsored by:

Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

Bio:

Tim Nichols, Grammy-Winning Songwriter & Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Member

With nearly two dozen hit songs, multiple BMI songwriting awards, and a Grammy for Best Country Song, Tim Nichols has earned his place among Nashville’s most respected and enduring songwriters.

In 2004, Tim co-wrote Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying,” which spent ten consecutive weeks at #1 and broke a thirty-year Billboard record. The song went on to win every major country music award that year, including honors from the CMA, ACM, Billboard, BMI, ASCAP, and the Nashville Songwriters Association International—a feat no other song has ever achieved.

Beyond the charts, Tim is deeply committed to giving back. He’s served on the boards of the Country Music Association, High Hopes Preschool and Pediatric Therapy Clinic, and the Nashville Songwriters Association International, continuing to champion both the craft of songwriting and the community that sustains it.

When he’s not on Music Row writing his next hit or sharing stories from a life in music, Tim brings his passion for creativity and collaboration to keynote stages across the country—helping businesses and teams discover how the same principles that create hit songs can also drive success in any industry.

Website:

https://timnicholskeynotes.com/

https://www.timnicholsofficial.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timnicholstn/

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This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome voiceover artist and creative powerhouse Gina Scarpa. You may not recognize her face, but you’ve definitely heard her voice, from radio airwaves to major video games and promos for brands you know by heart.

Gina opens up about her journey from hand-delivering cassette tapes to radio stations in Connecticut to becoming a full-time voice actor and respected coach. We’ll explore the evolution of media, the realities of creative reinvention, and why finding your authentic voice, literally and figuratively, matters more than ever.

In This Episode:

• The grit and heart behind building a voiceover career from scratch
• How rejection can fuel resilience instead of fear
• Why authenticity beats perfection every single time
• The parallels between gaming, storytelling, and self-discovery

This episode is sponsored by:

Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

Bio:

Gina Scarpa is an accomplished professional voiceover artist and coach. She is currently available to appear as a guest on podcasts and can speak on a number of engaging topics. With a wide array of interests, Gina is a great podcast guest for a variety of programs.

Gina has spent decades in radio broadcasting and voice acting. She is proud to have voiced national TV and radio commercials. Additionally, Gina has voiced video games and corporate content for some of the biggest brands in the country.

Some of Gina’s happy clients include VistaPrint, Burger King, Xfinity, L’Oreal, and Invesco. Gina also has a passion for both voicing and playing video games. She is a competitive gamer and is accomplished in Valorant, League of Legends, and other competitive games.

Before taking her VO career full-time, Gina spent many years as an on-air radio DJ. She has also worked as a reality television journalist. As a potential podcast guest, she is able to speak on many topics that may grow your audience. With humor and warmth, she would be a good fit for your list of interested guests.

Gina is also an award-winning teacher and director. She was named the 2019 ACE Educator of the Year by the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County in CT. She is also the founder, owner, and Creative Director of Positive Voices Studio. This program provides coaching and educational programming for children, teens, and rising adult voice actors.

Website: https://ginascarpa.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginascarpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginascarpa/

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This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for a deeply moving episode with Kim Cantin, speaker and author of Where the Yellow Flowers Bloom, to share her powerful journey through unimaginable loss and the unbreakable strength of love. After surviving the 2018 Montecito mudslide that claimed her husband and son, Kim opens up about grief, healing, and the small miracles that helped her rebuild her life.

You’ll hear how Kim’s daughter Lauren survived six hours buried under twenty feet of mud, how community became her lifeline, and why true healing happens on your own timeline. Her story is one of heartbreak and hope, a reminder that even in the darkest seasons, compassion and connection can bring us back to life.

In This Episode:

• Surviving the unthinkable and finding purpose beyond pain
• The incredible story of Lauren’s survival
• Lessons in grief, love, and letting others help
• Rebuilding with grace and gratitude
• The healing power of writing and community

Book: Where Yellow Flowers Bloom

This episode is sponsored by:

Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)

License #: 679261

Bio:

Kim Cantin is a powerful symbol of resilience, having survived the devastating Montecito mudslides of 2018 that claimed 23 lives, including her husband and son, and left her daughter buried alive. Through unimaginable loss, Kim has fought to rebuild her life, driven by a fierce commitment to hope. She courageously shares her experience and new-found wisdom through her first book, Where Yellow Flowers Bloom.

Website: https://kimcantin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimcantinauthor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimcantin/

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This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for a lively and revealing conversation with broadcaster and political commentator, the Liberty-Loving-Latino, Chris Salcedo, for an honest look at how media, politics, and personal values collide in today’s America.

From his early radio days to hosting on Newsmax and writing The Rise of the Liberty Loving Latino, Chris shares how showing up, staying curious, and standing firm in your beliefs can change the course of your life.

We’ll explore the lessons learned from legendary broadcasters, the changing perspectives among Latino voters, and how humor, culture, and truth all come together in today’s conversations.

In This Episode:

• What Chris learned chasing airtime and how those lessons shaped his career
• The surprising mentors and classic radio legends who inspired his path
• Why more Americans are questioning media bias and finding their voice online
• Why Latino voters are flipping the script on American politics (and what both parties keep getting wrong).
• Why authenticity, humor, and faith matter more than ever in public life
• Behind-the-scenes revelations from Chris’s interview with President Trump
• A fiery debate over who actually runs America, the ruling elite or everyday people?
• Plus, personal stories, sharp humor, honest disagreements…and a challenge to every listener to rethink what freedom means now

This episode is sponsored by:

Sterling Oak Cabinetry

Bio:

Chris Salcedo is a veteran television and radio broadcaster, author, political analyst and podcaster who is also a proud Latino Conservative. He is Executive Director of the Conservative Hispanic Society.

Chris would go on to become a TV news anchor and reporter in Dallas / Fort Worth, the 5th largest TV market in the nation at CBS11/TXA 21. From there, Chris moved to Washington D.C. as an anchor for America’s Radio news Network.

Today you can hear Chris hosting his daily radio show on AM 700 KSEV in Houston, the sixth largest radio market in the country, and later in the day you can see Chris on his daily TV show across the country and beyond, on Newsmax TV from 4 – 5 pm / ET. And yes, Chris also produces The Salcedo Storm Podcast for your on-demand listening pleasure.

As Chris would say, “I am your Liberty Loving Latino. Do not confuse me with loudmouthed leftist Latinos; I actually love my country.”

Chris wants Americans to re-establish the proper relationship between government and citizen: A society’s worth isn’t measured by how much power is seized by its government but rather, how much power is reserved for its people.

Chris is a graduate of San Diego State University and lives in the free state of Texas with his family.

Website: https://chrissalcedo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrissalcedoshow/

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This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome Dr. Dan Docherty, Chief Coaching Officer of Braintrust and a leadership development expert, for an inspiring conversation about the heart of human connection. We’ll explore how communication, neuroscience, and mentorship shape who we become as leaders, parents, and friends.

From the story of a music teacher who changed Dan’s life to the Six P’s framework that can transform any relationship, this episode is packed with insights on purpose, empathy, and growth. It’s a conversation that reminds us all to reach out, say thank you, and keep learning from the people who believed in us first.

In This Episode:

• Why great communication is the greatest gift we can give
• Discover how personal setbacks can become powerful springboards for growth
• How applied neuroscience helps us connect more deeply
• Learn practical frameworks (like the Six P’s) that transform everyday interactions into moments of real impact
• The difference between wisdom and knowledge
• Simple steps to discover your personal “why”
• A touching reunion story decades in the making

This episode is sponsored by:

Dignity Memorial

Bio:

Dan Docherty, PhD, Chief Coaching Officer of Braintrust, has found a true passion for creating world-class communicators that make a positive difference. His 25 years of experience in leading various sales, marketing, MSL, and operational pharmaceutical teams, led him to a PhD degree in Management at Case Western Reserve University where his research was focused on the neuroscience of coaching, engagement, and performance in the leader-team member relationship. All of this led to a commitment to the science behind brilliant and effective leadership, and ultimately, the co-creation of NeuroCoaching®.

Dr. Dan has coached thousands of leaders in management positions around the world, all while continuing to pour into the lives and futures of students in his own backyard at Miami University in Oxford, OH. Dan teaches courses in management, leadership coaching, and entrepreneurship within undergraduate, MBA, and executive education at the Farmer School of Business. From the world-renowned mentors of his doctorate program to the wisdom shared by his small-town high school music teacher, Dan knows firsthand just how formative good leadership can be to the individual, thus leading to stronger organizations, communities, and families.

Website: https://dandocherty.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-docherty/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdandocherty/

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This week on Here’s What We Know, Gary Scott Thomas sits down with nine-time Olympic medalist and world record holder Ryan Murphy for a heartfelt conversation about Olympic glory, family stories, and a brand-new chapter called fatherhood.

Ryan shares his journey from a determined seven-year-old with big dreams to becoming a five-time gold medalist. He opens up about the joy of raising his daughter Eevi, the perspective fatherhood has given him, and why he’s passionate about water safety for kids. Plus, he reveals the mindset that continues to fuel his drive toward the 2028 Olympics.

In This Episode:

• Adjusting to life with baby Eevi and the joy of parenthood while keeping love and balance alive
• How becoming a parent reshapes the way Ryan sees family history
• Childhood in Illinois and Florida, college years at Cal Berkeley, and proposing to Bridget in San Francisco
• Why Ryan gravitated toward swimming and the thrill of individual competition
• Learning resilience and motivation through tough defeats
• Calories, genetics, and the daily grind behind an Olympian’s body
• Rivalries that turn into lifelong respect and the true meaning of leading Team USA as captain
• The physical challenges of swimming, from burning quads to pressure on the back
• Why Ryan believes Katie Ledecky is the greatest swimmer of all time
• His mission to teach kids water safety through early swim lessons
• His Olympic dreams for LA 2028, his interest in media, and his vision for expanding swim schools

This episode is sponsored by:

Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)

Bio:

Ryan Murphy is one of the world's premier backstroke swimmers, a world record holder, and a multiple Olympic gold medalist. Known for his exceptional underwater skills and consistent performances, Murphy has established himself as a dominant force in backstroke events on both the national and international stages. His technical proficiency and competitive drive have made him a cornerstone of the U.S. national swimming team. Off the lanes, Ryan is also a devoted husband and new father, committed to combining his passion for sport with a mission to promote water safety, swim education, and a legacy of family values.

Website: http://www.ryanmurphy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_f_murphy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanmurphyswim/

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Hey country fans!

This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re shaking things up with a brand-new monthly series: Once Around the Country, your all-access roundup for what’s hot in country music.

To kick things off, Gary dives into the 59th CMA Awards with insider stories, bold opinions, and a passion for the genre that only a radio veteran can bring.

It’s country music talk with heart, humor, and honesty; don’t miss it!

In This Episode:

• The biggest CMA categories, plus the snubs and surprises everyone’s talking about
• Why Jelly Roll and Eric Church’s absence matters
• Rising stars you should have on your radar, like Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr.
• The hard truth about songwriting in the streaming era
• Why award shows might need a total reboot to win back fans

This episode is sponsored by:

Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)

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This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for a fascinating episode with astrophysicist Dr. Jeff Zweerink from Reasons to Believe for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about science, faith, and the joy of curiosity.

We’ll explore cosmic mysteries, personal stories, and the deep questions that connect physics, philosophy, and spirituality. Dr. Zweerink’s perspective is both deeply knowledgeable and refreshingly humble, reminding us that the more we learn, the more wonder there is to discover. Listen now!

In This Episode:

• Why science and faith aren’t enemies and how they work in harmony
• The role of curiosity in uncovering both cosmic and spiritual truths
• How advances in technology make complex ideas accessible
• Big-picture topics like the multiverse, quantum weirdness, and the origins of the universe
• Reflections on humility, lifelong learning, and the layers of meaning in both scripture and science

This episode is sponsored by:

Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Bring your dream cabinet to life!)

Dignity Memorial

Bio:

Jeff Zweerink is an astrophysicist and senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe, where he bridges his lifelong passions for science and Christian faith. Inspired early on by Hugh Ross’s vision of integrating scientific discovery with theology, Jeff has dedicated his career to showing how the two complement rather than conflict. Through his research and teaching, he helps Christians see science as a powerful way to declare God’s glory, while also engaging scientists with the rational foundation of faith.

Website: https://reasons.org/

X: https://x.com/rtb_jzweerink

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RTB_official

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-zweerink-a194626b/

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