This week on Here’s What We Know, Gary Scott Thomas sits down with Dan Ashley, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, longtime ABC7 News anchor in San Francisco, and a musician with a true storyteller’s heart.
From political satire and freedom of speech to small-town Southern roots, Dan opens up about his journey through media, music, and the moments that shaped him.
Discover what it means to speak truth with kindness, how good writing drives great journalism, and why music became such a meaningful outlet in Dan’s life. With humor, heart, and plenty of honesty, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at two careers built on curiosity, connection, and a love for people.
This episode is sponsored by:
In This Episode:
- Why being able to joke about our leaders matters and how it sets America apart from places like Russia or China
- Dan shares unforgettable moments interviewing Presidents Obama and George W. Bush and what he learned from each
- Gary and Dan look back on small-town life, radio mishaps, and the early days that shaped their careers
- Hear how Dan pushed past his fear of singing and stepped into a musical life that changed everything
Quotations:
“If you look at the late-night talk show hosts, they’re making fun of our leaders, or Saturday Night Live is poking fun at our leaders every time I see that. Regardless of what side you’re on, poking fun at somebody you like or admire, in the bigger picture, is something to be thankful we live in a country where we can do, because it’s healthy to do that, to humanize our leaders, and to be able to speak truth to power. And you try doing that in other countries; try doing that in Russia or China. I don’t know if there are any late-night talk shows making fun of their leaders. You just vanish.” ~ Dan Ashley
“I actually came to appreciate and enjoy radio more than I ever had because there’s something about transporting people to the scene of a new story or, as you so incredibly do, telling great fun stories and taking people there. When it’s just the power of your voice and your imagination.” ~ Dan Ashley
“Good writing is a product of clear thinking. You have to know what you’re going to say before you say it. And I love the challenge of trying to express and explain things to people through clear writing so that they get it in one pass through. It’s hard, but I enjoy it.” ~ Dan Ashley
“Many of my songs, if not most, are really about real things; they are about issues or experiences or challenges or things to be grateful for. So I write songs about things that I know, or I’m familiar with, or that I’ve seen.” ~ Dan Ashley
Bio:
Dan Ashley has been connected to music his whole life, beginning with childhood guitar and piano lessons in North Carolina and long summer days filled with music on his family’s farm. Today, he leads his own band and has performed alongside artists like REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Eddie Money, Melissa Etheridge, Dionne Warwick, Neal Schon, and Narada Michael Walden. He is also a frequent National Anthem performer for major sports events across the country.
Outside of music, Dan is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and longtime ABC7 News anchor in San Francisco. He has covered major national and international stories, built strong relationships across the media world, and is known for his communication skills, generosity, and commitment to community work.
Guest Contact Info:
Website: https://danashleymusic.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DanAshleyMusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanAshleyABC7/
Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/DanAshleyABC7/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-ashley-479199185/?skipRedirect=true