This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, hear an inspiring conversation with Ann Gustafson, author of the book "Seeds Sown, A Walk of Faith with the Intention of Restoration." Anne shares her unexpected journey from being a nurse for 29 years to becoming an author following her diagnosis and battle with colon cancer at age 49. Despite living a healthy lifestyle and having no risk factors typically associated with the disease, Ann faced what many cancer patients experience—a sense that their body has betrayed them.

Don't miss this powerful story that could offer comfort or guidance for people facing similar battles or seeking comfort from someone who has walked that path before—to spread hope and knowledge that can make all the difference during challenging times! Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• The transformative power of adversity and how unexpected life events can lead to growth and self-discovery.
• Ann's background as a nurse with 29 years under her belt, who faced her own health crisis when diagnosed with colon cancer at age 49.
• The surprising revelation that despite leading a healthy lifestyle, she was not immune to illness – challenging the misconception that disease always follows rules.
• Insights into navigating healthcare systems during COVID times; from patient advocacy to questioning medical practices amidst pandemic protocols.
• How faith played an integral role in coping with her diagnosis and treatment. Discover how spiritual beliefs can provide solace and strength even when confronting mortality.
• Personal anecdotes related to farming life lessons that influenced Ann’s resilience and perspective on life challenges.

Ann has a special treat for the first 100 listeners of this episode: order her book "Seeds Sown, A Walk of Faith with the Intention of Restoration," and receive an exclusive 15% discount with a special Andy "paw-dograff" bookmark! To claim your discounted copy, simply email Ann at rootedwisdomfromthefields@gmail.com to place your order!

This episode is sponsored by:
Reed Animal Hospital
Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)

Bio:
Ann Gustafson was raised on a family farm in Northwest Iowa, where she was blessed to be nurtured by her parents and tolerated by her older siblings. She attended the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Before Ann’s life-changing health experience, she spent many years as a Registered Nurse in Labor/Delivery. Her career path led her to serve as a nurse consultant in a corporate wellness company, where she provided positive health plans for clients.

After learning of her colon polyp diagnosis and the steps needed to remove it, Ann had a pivotal moment in her surgeon's office. She turned her colon cancer journey from a quiet chapter to writing her story to help others navigate and overcome various obstacles they may experience far beyond colon cancer. Ann now enjoys sharing her story to help equip others to be prepared for a possible crisis moment/diagnosis in their life journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamagustafson/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-gustafson-573242a/
Book Amazon Purchase Link: Click here

www.GaryScottThomas.com

This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, we celebrate National Mental Health Awareness Month with the incredible Dr. Jason Richardson, a gold medalist in BMX Racing turned psychologist. Dr. Jason shares his harrowing experience breaking his femur just over a year before winning the Pan Am Games—an injury that could have been career-ending but instead fueled his determination not to let it define his exit from racing. We delve into how he channeled this setback into motivation for healing, which eventually led him down the path to becoming a psychologist involved in sports performance and mental health.

This inspiring conversation explores themes of resilience, recovery from injury, and mental health fortitude. Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• From a shattered femur to winning the Pan Am Games, Dr. Jason Richardson shares his inspiring story of resilience and determination.
• Discover how intention played a crucial role in Dr. Richardson's healing process and propelled him back into BMX racing at the highest level.
• Dr. Richardson discusses how facing the possibility of never racing again led to soul-searching and an eventual career transition.
• Explore the challenges of balancing family expectations, business opportunities, and finding passion post-injury.
• Learn about energy-draining behaviors like comparing, complaining, complicating, and worrying, and discover strategies for overcoming them.
• Dr. Richardson shares insights on how practicing gratitude can shift perspectives during challenging times and foster resilience.
• Dive into the importance of radical acceptance and brutal honesty as tools for self-improvement, encouraging listeners to face their fears head-on.

This episode is sponsored by:
Habana Cuba (Be sure to use code "Gary20" to get 20% off your order!)
A Flood of Love

Bio:
Dr. Jason Richardson is a World Champion and Pan Am Games Gold Medalist. As a professional BMX racer turned psychologist, speaker, and high-performance coach, Dr. Jason Richardson has blazed a trail of excellence both on and off the track. Transitioning from elite athleticism to academia, Dr. Richardson earned his undergrad and graduate degrees while still competing, eventually adding a Doctorate in Psychology to his accolades.

Even in retirement from professional racing, Dr. Richardson's passion for helping others achieve greatness never waned. He found his calling in guiding individuals to recognize and amplify their strengths while transforming weaknesses into opportunities for growth. Through his unique approach, Dr. Richardson empowers Olympic athletes, executives, and individuals alike to strive for more, be better, and live happier. With a career spanning professional sports, marketing, entrepreneurship, and psychology, Dr. Jason Richardson brings a wealth of experience and insights to his coaching practice. But he doesn't just preach – he practices what he preaches, sharing his training routines and mindset strategies on social media to inspire others to live a #ChampionshipLife.

Website: https://www.drjasonrichardson.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjrich/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realdrjrich/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjasonrichardson/

www.GaryScottThomas.com

This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes back our special guest, Darren Haruo Rae, the brilliant director and creative force behind the short film “Nisei,” which won the grand jury prize for ‘Best Dramatic Short Film’ at the Cinequest International Film Festival, making it an Academy Award-qualified film. Darren shares the behind-the-scenes journey of how the film was created despite having a limited budget and producing on their own.

This episode is not just about the professional wisdom of creating a magnificent film but highlights personal connection as it is based on Darren’s family history, specifically his grandfather’s experience and the Japanese-American community during World War II. Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• Darren shares exciting news about "Nisei" winning the grand jury prize for best dramatic short at the Cinequest International Film Festival in San Jose. This win has made the "Nisei" Academy Award qualified and a chance to get nominated.
• Darren shares about the process of becoming Academy Award-nominated, including academy voting members' involvement and 'For Your Consideration' events planned in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
• Insight into how Darren found out about winning: a mix of confusion, excitement, and disbelief while watching an Instagram livestream from home.
• Discover Darren’s connection to "Nisei" as it tells a story close to Darren’s family history—his grandfather’s experience fighting for the US in WWII while his family was in internment camps.
• Hear serendipitous aspects of filmmaking emerge through stories like finding a period-correct bus just after restoration or connecting with costume designers who had authentic resources linked to their heritage.

This episode is sponsored by:
Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!)
Dignity Memorial (Mention Gary & receive a Thank You Gift)
GymGuyz (#1 In-Home Personal Training)

Bio:
Darren Haruo Rae is a Japanese-American producer/director based in Los Angeles who co-founded the boutique production company Roann Films. He has directed high-profile commercials and branded content for clients such as Western Digital, Airbnb, and Cisco. Rae's directorial debut, Park Arcadia, garnered Best Screenplay at the 2014 International Film Festival Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles. His latest film, Nisei, inspired by his Japanese-American grandfather's WWII experiences in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, earned Best Drama and Audience Choice at the 2023 Poppy Jasper Film Festival and continues its festival circuit, screening at Indy Shorts by Heartland Film, LA Shorts International Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, and Cinequest Film Festival.

Currently, Rae is the series producer for the MasterClass G.O.A.T. Original Series and is producing the feature film Surrender, starring Andrea Bang. Surrender was selected as one of Film Independent's Fast Track fellowship program's top 10 narrative fiction features and is slated for production in 2023.

Website: https://www.dhrae.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrenhrae/
Nisei Film Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niseithefilm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoannFilm

www.GaryScottThomas.com