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This week on Here’s What We Know, Gary Scott Thomas sits down with Robert Emery, world-renowned conductor, pianist, and Founder of The Arts Group, one of the UK’s most dynamic entertainment companies. From childhood prodigy to international maestro, Robert brings a refreshing, fun, and deeply human perspective on classical music, creativity, and the colorful personalities behind history’s greatest composers.

In This Episode:

• Why classical music was once the “pop music” of its time
• Surprising connections between country, rock, and opera
• Robert’s bold journey from a 7-year-old pianist to global conductor and entrepreneur
• What conductors really do and the leadership lessons they offer
• Wild, unforgettable stories about legends like Liszt and Mozart
• How classical themes show up everywhere, from film scores to cartoons
• Robert’s drive to keep innovating through conducting, musicals, and TED’s List for online music education

This episode is sponsored by:

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

Bio:

Robert Emery is a conductor, pianist, and serial entrepreneur. He is lucky enough to travel the world; ranging from performances in London's Royal Albert Hall, through to the Sydney Opera House, Robert has seen them all. Besides music, he is the Founder & Director of The Arts Group, one of the most diverse entertainment companies in the UK. Within the portfolio is a national music tuition agency, symphony orchestra, choir, artist agency, record label, and production company. Aside from that, he lives in London and Cambridge, has a wife (Mrs. E), a toddler (Master T), a baby (Master A), and 4 cats.

Website: https://robertemery.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/robertemeryofficial

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

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

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This week on Here’s What We Know, host Gary sits down with one of Nashville’s brightest songwriters, Trannie Anderson. From fishing trips with her dad to co-writing award-winning songs like “Heart Like a Truck,” Trannie opens up about the journey, the struggles, and the joy of making music that truly matters.

In This Episode:

• Hear about family quirky food traditions
• How growing up in Texas church culture shaped her interest in music
• Honest reflections on women in country music
• The magic of collaboration and why great songs often start solo
• The personal struggles that fuel authentic writing and connect deeply with audiences
• Surprising fun facts about her name, her golfing background, and full-circle career moments

This episode is sponsored by:

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

Bio:

Trannie Anderson is a songwriter from Waco, Texas, who honed her craft as an active member of NSAI before signing a co-publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing in 2018. Since then, her songs have been recorded by artists including Lainey Wilson, Dan + Shay, Cole Swindell, Gabby Barrett, Nate Smith, Meghan Trainor, Pentatonix, Reba McEntire, and many more.

She co-wrote Lainey Wilson’s #1 award-winning single “Heart Like A Truck,” named NSAI’s Song of the Year in 2023, as well as Wilson’s single “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” which is currently climbing the country radio charts. Beyond the stage, Trannie’s songs have been featured in campaigns and placements with brands and platforms such as T-Mobile, Dodge Ram, Wrangler, Tractor Supply, Marshall’s, The CW, and Netflix.

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

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Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

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This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome entrepreneur and podcasting veteran Andrew Allemann for an honest and insightful conversation about the realities of preparing for college today. From the sticker shock of tuition and the myths surrounding student debt to the hidden gems beyond the Ivy League and the life lessons that matter more than test scores, Gary and Andrew delve into the rabbit hole of thriving beyond high school. Andrew also shares his journey as a multi-time entrepreneur, from building PodcastGuests.com to launching CollegeIQ, a platform designed to help families make smarter, more confident college decisions.

In This Episode:

• Why starting college prep early gives students an edge
• How financial aid, merit scholarships, and state funding shape the true cost of higher education
• The balance between passion and practicality when choosing a major
• Why learning “how to learn” may be the most valuable college lesson of all
• Alternatives to a four-year degree and redefining success on your own terms

This episode is sponsored by:

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

License #: 679261

Bio:

Andrew Allemann is a technology media entrepreneur and publisher with a passion for building niche platforms that connect people with the information they need most. Inspired by his experience as a parent supporting his child through the college application process, he created CollegeIQ, a platform designed to make it easier for students to discover schools that are the right fit for them. Andrew is also the founder and publisher of Domain Name Wire, the leading news source covering the domain name industry, and previously built and sold PodcastGuests.com, a service that helped more than 50,000 users get booked on podcasts. His expertise in online media has earned him recognition in outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and NPR.

At the heart of his work is a drive to simplify complex industries and empower people with better tools and insights.

Websites:

https://collegeiq.com/

https://domainnamewire.com/

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

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

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!