Category

Personal Growth

Oct 25
Love10

Dr. Dave Reed

By Caregiving, Fun, Personal Growth, Science No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, host Gary Scott Thomas had an amazing and fun-filled chat with our special guest, the esteemed veterinarian, Dr. Dave Reed from Reed Animal Hospital, in the Bay Area. With years of experience under his belt and countless pet lives saved, his passion for his profession and dedication to animal welfare are truly inspiring. His journey started on a farm in the Midwest, where he grew up around animals, leading him initially to aspire to be a mixed animal practitioner.

Tune into this engaging conversation filled with personal anecdotes, professional expertise, humor, and heartfelt advice on caring for our furry friends!

This episode is sponsored by:

Tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!

In This Episode:

  • Being a Vet: Understand the commitment involved in becoming a vet – 8 years of education, including specialization
  • Career Highlights: Hear about Dr.Dave’s memorable encounter with famous veterinarian James Herriot and how he decided against large animal practice.
  • Fear Free Veterinary Medicine: Learn about ‘fear-free veterinary medicine’ that focuses on creating relaxed environments for pets and their owners.
  • Dealing with Pets: Discover how to anticipate dog behavior to avoid bites and understand why cats can be more unpredictable than dogs.
  • Pet Health Indicators: Find out when pet lethargy should cause concern and other signs of ill health in pets.
  • Communication is Key: Learn how effective communication can address the many concerns of first-time pet owners.
  • Changes Over Time: Reflect on the significant advancements in veterinary medicine over the past decades due to increased care levels for pets seen as family members rather than outdoor creatures.

Quotations:

“It’s surprising though, the number of people that ask me, they say, are you going to retire? And I think to myself, no, I don’t think so. You know? I love what I do. ~ Dr. Dave Reed

“Thank you to you, good pet owners. Because, to be honest with you, if we didn’t have good pet owners asking us to do these things, we would’ve been doing it just like we did it 30 years ago”.  ~ Dr. Dave Reed

“They’re not our children, but they are a significant member of the family.” ~ Dr. Dave Reed

Guest’s Bio:

Dr. David Reed of Reed Animal Hospital grew up on a farm in Illinois and has loved animals since his childhood. An alumnus of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, he soon moved to the Bay Area, where he has made the exceptional veterinary care of cats and dogs his professional passion for more than three decades. He enjoys working with the community through low-cost vaccination clinics, speaking at local schools, and working with the Santa Clara County Sheriff K9 Unit. He considers working with the amazing police dogs some of his most rewarding work. Recently, “Dr. Dave” was voted one of the Bay Area’s Best Veterinarians, along with Dr. Dave’s Doggie Daycare as one of the Best Doggie Daycares, in Bay Woof Magazine’s Beast of the Bay Awards. Dr. Reed is highly respected and beloved by his furry patients and their families.

Guest’s Contact Info:

Website: https://www.reedanimalhospital.com/

Oct 18
Love10

Fortune Feimster

By Comedian, Film, Fun, Movies, Personal Growth, TV No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas had a fascinating conversation with Hollywood’s comedy sensation, Fortune Feimster. For over two decades, Fortune has been crafting an innovative, inclusive, and unparalleled career. Whether she’s on stage, in the radio studio, or on screen, her contagious and joyous comedy continues to touch lives and bring people together every day. Fortune shared her career journey, starting from humble beginnings in a small town to achieving success in Hollywood through sheer determination, hard work, humor, and a dash of luck. Her continued humility despite her growth is truly inspiring!

Join us in this exciting episode and hear more of Fortune’s story about her comedic techniques and future aspirations. With opportunities rolling in as quickly as punchlines, it’s evident that this determined and unflinching comedian is just beginning her remarkable journey. Indeed, Fortune Feimster is making waves everywhere.

Be sure to check her tour schedule to see if she’s performing in a city near you and experience her extraordinary talent in person!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Use my promo code “GST” on their website and enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on your favorite shoes!)

In This Episode:

  • Fotune’s Humble Beginnings
  • Career Progression
  • Upcoming Events
  • Netflix Special Projects
  • Acting Techniques
  • Future Goals
  • The Power of Podcasting

Quotations:

“I was like a kid in a candy store.” ~ Fortune Feimster

“I just couldn’t believe that they were like taking that kind of time with even someone like me who was such a small part of that.” ~ Fortune Feimster

“At this point, I’ll take anything to make whatever part of my body I could use to make people laugh, I’ll use it.” ~ Fortune Feimster

“I think stand-up will always be part of my career just because it’s the one medium that you have complete control over. It’s a way to connect to your audience without any middleman, and I really love that part of my business. And I think it’s the thing that has made people get to know me the most and, uh, understand who I am as a person.” ~ Fortune Feimster

Guest’s Bio:

Fortune Feimster, a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor known for her affable and charismatic presence, wields her unique brand of confessional comedy to unite people from all walks of life. You can catch Fortune across various media platforms, whether through radio broadcasts, appearances on both the big and small screens or during her nationwide stand-up comedy tours. Her first one-hour special, Sweet & Salty, is currently available for streaming on Netflix and earned a well-deserved nomination for Best Comedy Special at the Critics’ Choice Awards. Prior to this, Netflix showcased her talents in a half-hour special as part of The Standups in 2018, which garnered enthusiastic reviews. Fortune has graced late-night television with memorable sets on Conan and Late Night with Seth Meyers. She also boasts another acclaimed half-hour special on Comedy Central. Starting her career in Los Angeles as a member of the esteemed Groundlings Sunday Company, Fortune first gained national recognition as a writer and panelist on E’s popular show Chelsea Lately. This was followed by series regular roles on Hulu’s The Mindy Project and NBC’s Champions. Her versatile talent has led to numerous guest appearances and recurring roles on a variety of TV shows, including Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Dear White People, Drunk History, Claws, 2 Broke Girls, Workaholics, Glee, Idiotsitter, Tales of the City, The L Word: Generation Q, Life in Pieces, and @Midnight.

On the silver screen, Fortune has made her mark in films like Office Christmas Party, Social Animals, Father of the Year, and Yes Day. Her distinctive voice can be recognized in various animated roles, such as Evelyn on The Simpsons, Brenda on Fox’s Bless the Harts, and Ava on Cartoon Network’s Summer Camp. Fortune can be heard alongside Tom Papa on Sirius XM’s channel 93 in their show, What a Joke with Papa and Fortune, every morning. She also co-hosts a weekly podcast with her partner, Jax, aptly named Sincerely Fortune.Her career has continued to flourish with recurring appearances on Lights Out with David Spade on Comedy Central. Currently, she stars alongside David Spade in the new Netflix series, The Netflix Afterparty. You can also catch her playing Pam on NBC’s Kenan or Pinky in the recently released Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar. Not limited to her on-screen endeavors, Fortune’s creative prowess extends to writing. She has co-written and sold two comedy pilots to ABC, with one of them produced by the esteemed Tina Fey. Additionally, she is set to co-write and star in two feature films, Bad Cop Bad Cop and Field Trip, both acquired by Spielberg’s Amblin Pictures.

Guest’s Contact Info:

Website: https://www.fortunefeimster.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fortunefeimster/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/funnyfortune

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fortunefeimster/

Merch Website: https://fortunefeimster.merchmadeeasy.com/

Oct 04
Love10

Sam Liccardo

By Mental Health, Personal Growth, Politics No Comments
 

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes Sam Liccardo, the 64th mayor of San Jose, for an insightful discussion on technology’s impact on legacy and memory. Join us on a fascinating journey as we explore his lineage and the intriguing blend of Sicilian, Irish, and Mexican roots that converge in his family tree. During this engaging episode, Sam Liccardo delves into the unique leadership challenges he encountered, particularly those faced by mayors of big cities. A role often regarded as one of the most demanding. Yet amidst these difficulties lie opportunities for growth and resilience.

Tune in to this conversation filled with captivating stories about our past while providing thought-provoking insights about our present and future! 

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

  • Unity and Division: A Historical Perspective
  • Technology’s Role in Remembering Personalities 
  • Candid Conversations with Leaders
  • Ancestry Documentation and its Significance
  • Debunking ‘The Good Old Days’ Concept 
  • Future Technology and Social Implications
  • The Power of Mementos 
  • Transition from Physical Spaces to Virtual Studios  
  • Story Topping: A Conversation Killer
  • Politics, Human Interaction, and Quick Connections
  • Door-to-Door Politics: A Deep Insight into Community Concerns 
  • The Rise of AI and Trust Issues
  • Resilience: A Recurring Theme 
  • Ego and Hubris: Obstacles to Scientific Discourse
  • Housing Crisis: Need for Innovation 
  • Balancing Ideological Differences: Finding Middle Ground
  • Pandemic Response: Challenges and Triumphs
  • High Construction Cost: Need for Innovative Models
  • Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap
  • Leadership Effectiveness in High-Pressure Situations 
  • Name-dropping and Celebrity Encounters
  • Future Political Aspirations: A Return to Public Service
  • Free Speech and Diverse Viewpoints

Quotations:

“The reality is, you know, we’ve survived to this country because somehow or another, one generation or another found a way to be resilient and said resilience, and we gotta find again.” ~ Sam Liccardo

“I certainly hope that real human communication comes back into vogue because the trend lines are going exactly opposite direction.” ~ Sam Liccardo

“You know, there are no easy solutions to a lot of these complex urban challenges.”

~ Sam Liccardo

“You know, really, the best approach of all was just asking questions.” ~ Sam Liccardo

“It’s a terrifying prospect that we just can’t all agree on just a few basic truths so that we can begin to disagree about something more interesting, rather than the fact that we have to question whether or not, you know, whatever anybody said was deep, fake, or real.” ~ Sam Liccardo

Guest’s Bio:

Sam Liccardo became the 64th mayor and one of the youngest individuals to serve in San José, California’s highest elected office. A member of the Democratic Party, Sam was elected mayor in November 2014. He was re-elected in 2018 with 75.8% of the vote. After graduating from Bellarmine College Preparatory in San José, Sam attended Georgetown University, where he rowed crew as captain of the heavyweight squad. He graduated magna cum laude in 1991 and enrolled at Harvard Law School and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. After graduating with honors with a law degree and a master’s degree in public policy, Sam returned to the Bay Area in 1996. Sam’s writing has appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and other publications.

Prior to his election to public office, Sam spent a number of years in public service, serving as a federal and local criminal prosecutor on a range of felony cases, from sexual assault and child exploitation to international narcotrafficking. Sam’s extensive work in the community also included teaching political science at San José State University, co-founding an innovative program to mentor children, serving on the boards of several affordable housing organizations, and advocating for several successful countywide ballot measures that are bringing BART to San José. 

Under his leadership, San Jose thrived with his efforts by growing the economy equitably, supporting struggling neighbors and broadening inclusion, investing in youth, beautifying San Jose and advancing smart environmental policies, improving public safety, building a 21st-century transportation network, and embracing innovation in the government. Sam and his wife, Jessica Garcia-Kohl, live near downtown San Jose.

Guest’s Contact Info:

Website: https://www.samliccardo.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamLiccardo1/

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

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/sliccardo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-liccardo-a9a1759/

Sep 27
Love10

George Maxe

By Education, Personal Growth, Professional Athlete, Sports No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, our guest George Maxe shares his 30-year career path filled with unexpected twists and turns that led him to his current role as the president and CEO of The First Tee of Silicon Valley, where he’s been making a significant impact for the past 15 years.

Listen in to hear more about George’s inspiring journey. He recalls memorable moments playing golf and how golf transcends being just a sport into a powerful tool for character development and social inclusivity. He also emphasizes making golf accessible to children from all backgrounds and creating balanced environments where they can learn from each other’s experiences.

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

  • The Unexpected Journey
  • A Swing to Remember
  • From Berkeley to San Jose 
  • Numbers Game 
  • Golf: A Social Catalyst 
  • Making Golf Accessible 
  • Balancing Act
  • The Power Within   
  • Unforgettable Encounters  
  • Women and Golf
  • The Art of Mentorship
  • Volunteering
  • Building Rapport Through Humor 
  • Golf Course Conversations

Quotations:

“There’s something magical that happens when two people click.” ~ George Maxe

“When you love competition, it’s gotta be so hard to let go of it when you think you have a chance to win again.”  ~ George Maxe

“One of the great things about golf is that we’re using it as a vehicle for character development.” ~ George Maxe

Guest’s Bio:

George Maxe is a dedicated and visionary leader who has made a significant impact on youth development through his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of The First Tee of Silicon Valley. His journey with the organization began in 2008, when he assumed the position of Executive Director at The First Tee of San Jose. Over the years, his leadership and unwavering commitment have transformed the organization, leaving an indelible mark on the community, which revolves around nurturing young talent and enabling them to reach their fullest potential, allowing him to leverage his education, experience, expertise, and background to make a positive impact on young lives. Under his guidance, The First Tee of San Jose experienced remarkable growth and expansion. By early 2012, he had successfully extended the program’s reach to include not only San Jose but also Gilroy and East Palo Alto, effectively renaming it The First Tee of Silicon Valley. This strategic move broadened the organization’s service area, ensuring more young people had access to its valuable programs. He aims to serve 10,000 youth by 2020 and elevate that number to 18,000 by 2025.

Guest’s Contact Info:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmaxe/

Website: https://firstteesiliconvalley.org/