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Aug 21

Barron Ryan

By Chrissy Bernal Art, Author, Music, Podcast One Comment

This week on Here’s What We Know, join us as we sit down once again with the multi-talented pianist, composer, and author Barron Ryan. From discussing his early beginnings on the piano to exploring the intricacies of practice and performance, let’s discover insights into what makes music such a powerful form of expression. He also reveals the inspiring yet tragic story of his book, “Honey, If It Wasn’t For You.”

This episode is sponsored by:

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In this Episode:

Discover how Barron’s musical journey began at age 4 under his father’s tutelage.
Learn about Barron’s approach to practicing, including tackling new pieces and managing extensive rehearsal hours.
Hear about the challenges that come with being a professional musician, including dealing with injuries like tenosynovitis.
Delve into the technical aspects of playing the piano, from separating hands during practice to maintaining stamina during long sessions without injury.
Uncover why musicians perform and how they connect with their audience through beauty and love expressed in art.
Gain insight into how he articulates his purpose as an artist: “to discover and present the beauty I’m uniquely positioned for.”
Discover the beautiful story behind his book “Honey, If It Wasn’t For You.”

Quotations:

“There’s always somebody better than you.” ~ Barron Ryan

“I think for everybody, you have to strive to be great, to improve all the time, but you also have to realize that you need to find your own way of presenting music so that you’re not being compared to everybody else all the time.” ~ Barron Ryan

“I’m gonna find a way of presenting this in a way that you don’t compare me to somebody else. You just think, oh, well, this is its own unique experience.” ~ Barron Ryan

“A lot of times as musicians, we don’t stop to consider why somebody wants to listen to us. We just think, well, it’s fun for me and other people seem to like it. And so I’ll keep doing it.” ~ Barron Ryan

“I believe that they’re paying attention because they want to witness beauty. Beauty is an expression of love. That’s what they want. They want to hear this music that makes them feel something. And the only reason that somebody is creating it is so that they’ll feel something. That’s the expression of love. I’m doing this because I want you to feel good.” ~ Barron Ryan

“I wanted to play music that people would enjoy, but I also wanted to play music that I would enjoy.” ~ Barron Ryan

“Practice is problem-solving.” ~ Barron Ryan

“Any pianist can practice multiple hours a day and should not be in danger of injury unless they’re doing something that is unusual, which they shouldn’t be doing.” ~ Barron Ryan

“To discover and present the beauty I’m uniquely positioned for.” ~ Barron Ryan

Bio:

Barron Ryan’s love for music has always been divided. The son of two musicians, he grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Mozart to Motown. So when it comes to his own work, he’s not content drawing on just one influence. He combines them all into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool.

After beginning piano lessons at age four with his father, Barron seemed destined for a career in music. He excelled in performing throughout his middle and high school years in Tulsa, OK, then continued to impress his peers and instructors as a piano performance major at The University of Oklahoma.

Everything did not come up roses, however, as Barron was then rejected from all the music conservatories you might be impressed by. Disheartened and a little annoyed, he briefly gave up on the piano in pursuit of a satirical hip-hop career. But due to a favorable result in a piano competition that sent its winner to perform internationally, that project was graciously short-lived.

Thanks to that concert tour, Barron found his artistic voice. He discovered the joy of jazz- and ragtime-inspired concert music (found on his debut album, Classical with Attitude), and learned from great jazz pianists by transcribing and replaying their solos (found on his second album, The Masters’ Apprentice).

In 2019, Barron noticed a shocking lack of funk-, pop-, and country-inspired classical music. Realizing he could fill that void, he composed the “Magic City” Sonata and a dance suite called Suite Thing. Those works are now published and recorded on his third solo record, First of Its Kind.

In 2021, Barron added ‘commissioned composer’ to his growing list of accolades. Commissioned by Chamber Music Tulsa to produce a work commemorating the 1921 massacre in Tulsa, OK, he wrote a piece for piano trio entitled My Soul Is Full of Troubles. Smithsonian Magazine even took note, and named Barron One of Ten Innovators to Watch in 2021.

As of 2023, Barron can add ‘published author’ to his uncommon set of accolades. He published Honey, If It Wasn’t for You, an illustrated storybook about a song he co-wrote with a man who died six years before Barron was born. It’s even more intriguing than it sounds.

Barron is following in his favorite composers’ footsteps by publishing his original works in the public domain. He offers his work as a gift to the world, and as a chance to collaborate with artists from around the globe.

What’s next? You’ll have to wait to find out, but rest assured that in all Barron Ryan’s music, Classic Meets Cool.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.barronryan.com/

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BarronRyan

X: https://x.com/barroncp

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

Aug 07

Love12

Robert ‘Bob’ Christophor Coppes

By Chrissy Bernal Author, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, our host Gary Scott Thomas sits down with the author of “Impression of Near-Death Experiences,” Robert ‘Bob’ Christophor Coppes. His book gives an impression of what Near-Death Experiences are like by giving hundreds of quotes from more than 100 experiences from all over the world. They explore Bob’s unexpected journey from a finance background to becoming an NDE researcher and discuss compelling stories that challenge our understanding of life and consciousness. You don’t want to miss this thought-provoking conversation. Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!

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In this Episode:

Bob’s Background: Despite having a career in finance and working at the Central Bank of the Netherlands, he developed a keen interest in spirituality and NDEs.
Near-Death Experiences: Bob shares insights about life reviews during such experiences, where individuals relive moments from their lives from multiple perspectives, including those they interacted with.
Hear our host Gary as he shares a story about his mother’s NDE during a lightning storm, where she had an out-of-body experience and was given a choice to return or not.
Verifiable Out-of-Body Experiences: Highlighting cases where people have observed details during their NDEs that were later confirmed to be accurate despite not being conscious or able to see at the time.
Unconditional Love & Judgment: Discusses how many who have had NDEs report experiencing unconditional love—a concept difficult for some to grasp—and explains there is no external judgment; rather, individuals feel empathy towards others affected by their actions.
Life Reviews: Explores how life reviews allow individuals to understand the ripple effect of their actions on others’ feelings—emphasizing missed opportunities for kindness as profound learning moments without any external judgment attached.

Quotations:

“The interesting thing about a near-death experience is that it starts with that you see your environment, where you are, where you had your cardiac arrest or where you were hit by lightning or where you were having an accident.” ~ Bob Coppes

“Near-death experiences are real, that you can really get out of your body, that your consciousness can be somewhere else than where your body is, that your consciousness can be outside your body. It doesn’t need your body to exist.” ~ Bob Coppes

“To many people who had an NDE, what they experience is so extraordinary and so real. They say this is more real than our life here.”~ Bob Coppes

“Every NDE is different. There are commonalities, but the pictures they get are totally different. There’s not one NDE equal to another one. They are all unique.” ~ Bob Coppes

“I understand NDE is for everyone. There’s no exception, it’s unconditional.” ~ Bob Coppes

“Another thing that we discovered is that you cannot say that people who are bad have a distressing NDE and that people who have been good only get blissful NDE.”~ Bob Coppes

“I believe that everyone eventually goes home, whatever you did, but it’s nicer if you have done loving things. You will look back on your life much more happy if you have done loving things to others.”~ Bob Coppes

“I think dying, even if it’s in perhaps a violent way, can be quick. And you will eventually feel well. The feeling well part will be there anyway.” ~ Bob Coppes

Bio:

Robert ‘Bob’ Christophor Coppes, based in The Netherlands, is a scientist, author, and NDE Researcher. He is a Board Member of IANDS (That’s the International Association of Near-Death Studies), and has given keynote talks, and has compiled hundreds of quotes from Near-Death Experiencers.

With a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Groningen, Bob held roles at the Dutch Central Bank as a banking supervisor, risk manager, and insurance supervisor. Now retired, he supports children with their schoolwork and works with refugees.

His writing journey began after his brother’s death from AIDS, inspiring him to write “Michael’s Cloak.” He also authored “Beyond the Yellow Bridge,” which tells the story of women left behind after the Srebrenica massacre.

Bob’s fascination with near-death experiences (NDEs) led to “The Essence of Religions” and “Messages from the Light.” His latest book, “Impressions of Near-Death Experiences,” includes many of these quotes along with recurring themes of the Near Death Experience.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.bobcoppes.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.c.coppes

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

X: https://x.com/bob_coppes

Jul 10

Love13

Steve Hines

By Chrissy Bernal Author, Faith, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with the brilliant author Steve Hines to discuss his book “Salt, Light, & Kids,” and the challenges of parenting in today’s culture. In this book, Steve shares how to raise children to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world our culture desperately needs. Steve offers timeless wisdom for parenting in today’s tech-savvy world and shares insights from his journey, from growing up in Alabama to becoming a lacrosse coach for young boys and now embracing the role of a grandfather, or “Bam,” as his grandchildren affectionately call him. Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

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In this Episode:

Discover the importance of biblically based parenting.
Gary and Steve’s perspective on Nick Saban’s retirement as head football coach at the University of Alabama and its impact on college sports.
Steve shares what led him to write “Salt, Light, & Kids,” an experience he attributes to divine inspiration.
Explore the heartwarming and sometimes challenging dynamics of mentoring and coaching young people.
Hear Steve’s insights on navigating the trials of digital influences and cultural challenges.
The importance of how you accept and respond when it comes to losing.
Steve’s take on being a grandparent: loving anything that someone you love so much loves.

Quotations:

“I thought kids were the greatest thing in most instances when I had them and then when I had grandkids,, I figured out that they were way better than kids.” ~ Steve Hines

“We want our kids today, more than ever, I think parents who have a, you know, really high level of interest in their kids and how they parent for them to be good people and to be lovers of Jesus.” ~ Steve Hines

“For most people, it’s not hard to become a parent, but for everybody, it’s hard to parent well.” ~ Steve Hines

“I was always an overly confident person because I was more sure of myself than anything else and that’s pride and that’s not the way to be.” ~ Steve Hines

‘I just want to encourage parents who are listening; you’re going to make mistakes, and there is no set formula that works for every single kid. And you just have to pray for wisdom and you have to give it everything you have. And sometimes giving it everything you have is doing nothing.” ~ Steve Hines

“I encourage parents, let your kids fail and let them get themselves out of it.” ~ Steve Hines

“Losing is terrible. We need to know that nobody should be just fine with losing. And I’ll probably have some people that disagree me on that, but that’s just the way I am. But how you handle losing is really important in terms of, you know, in everything you do, whether it’s losing sports or you get fired from your job or somebody gets a promotion over your whatever, we have to have the mind of Christ and be humble and resilient and all that. “ ~ Steve Hines

“Enjoy winning and find grace in losing.” ~ Steve Hines

Bio:

Steve Hines, author of “Salt, Light, & Kids,” lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his high school sweetheart, Leigh Ann, to whom he has been married for 35 years. Together, they have dedicated decades to mentoring younger parents through parenting study groups and one-on-one relationships. As the father of two adult children and the grandfather of three adorable kids, Steve’s passion for supporting families continues to grow amidst the challenges of today’s culture. A former C.P.A. and life-long entrepreneur, Steve is also a junior high and high school lacrosse coach and an ardent musician.

_______________________________

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.saltlightandkids.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevehines2/

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

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

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

Salt, Light, & Kids: Amazon Link

Jun 05

Love12

Mina Starsiak Hawk

By Chrissy Bernal Author, Leadership, Personal Growth, Podcast, Relationship No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know Podcast, our guest is Mina Starsiak Hawk, the HGTV star best known for her hit show “Good Bones” and podcast host of “Mina AF.” Join us as Mina shares her life behind reality TV fame, sharing insights from her journey as a woman in construction, a public figure, and a family-oriented person. Tune in now to catch all these revelations and more from one woman who truly knows how to build something great!

This episode is sponsored by:

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(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)

(We bring the workout to you!)

In this Episode:

Mina’s transition from TV to podcasting and why she values candid monologues offering a raw and unfiltered look at her life behind the scenes.
Discover how Mina maintains her authenticity while respecting boundaries in navigating her privacy vs. public life.
Real Talk on Renovation and Reality TV, from mommy makeovers to marriage challenges and sobriety.
Insights on how to navigate negative comments online, particularly among women criticizing each other rather than offering support.
Mina’s plans as “Good Bones” wrap up its final season. Hear what’s next for this dynamic personality who isn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty (or tackling new adventures).
Behind-the-scenes stories about filming “Good Bones,” including adjusting to constant camera presence and candid moments that never made it on air.
Learn Mina’s perspective as a construction leader facing industry challenges head-on as a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated field.

Quotations:

“But there’s also a lot of just like really normal, everyday bullshit things that everyone goes through that I go through as well. And I think, you know, people tend like, don’t put me up on a pedestal because then I’ll just fall down. I’m just like all of you.” ~ Mina Starsiak Hawk

“It’s rough because like everyone wants you to do good, do well, but like not better than them. So like, yeah, get fit, but don’t get more fit than me. Like yeah, be successful, but don’t be more successful than me. Anything that we perceive as a threat and then we’re just awful to each other.” ~ Mina Starsiak Hawk

“What I try to do there is kind of fill in the blanks and give the information so people don’t have to make their own incorrect assumption.” ~ Mina Starsiak Hawk

“I like that it’s like everything’s a problem to solve. And 1000% some days I’m like, I would love to stop solving problems. I would love today to just be fucking easy. But I also know myself well enough to know that if every day was easy I’d be really bored. So I think that’s the big part of it.” ~ Mina Starsiak Hawk

“No matter what level you’re at, it’s really hard not to compare yourself with other people.” ~ Mina Starsiak Hawk

“You gotta have balance in it. They’re always looking for like the yin and the yang of everything.” ~ Mina Starsiak Hawk

“Thinking 10 steps ahead makes your job so much easier, but not a lot of people either like to do it or are good at it.” ~ Mina Starsiak Hawk

“If you’re gonna come in and do the bare minimum to keep your job and expect something better, that’s what I can’t, like the sense of entitlement I don’t get.” ~ Mina Starsiak Hawk

“People underestimate how powerful that is, just knowing that you’re not in this little bubble.” ~ Mina Starsiak Hawk

“Every day I’m trying to figure out which thing I should do, like where does what I like doing with what I’m good at doing, with what makes money doing, like where do those three things overlap, and then pick that thing, and I haven’t really got there yet.” ~ Mina Starsiak Hawk

“I don’t want to be creating things that I’m not proud of.” ~ Mina Starsiak Hawk

Bio:

Mina Starsiak Hawk is an American reality television show star and host. She is dedicated to the art and the business of saving old homes—and to an overarching mission of revitalizing entire city neighborhoods, one house at a time. She got a degree in Business and Sociology from Indiana University. After graduating, Hawk worked as a waitress before buying her first house and conducting repairs. That’s when she found her true calling.

She renovated houses and started a company called Two Chicks and a Hammer with her mother. In 2016, she appeared on the H.G.T.V. reality television series Good Bones. She was the show’s host and has appeared in over 101 episodes and eight seasons from 2016 to 2023. She appeared in four episodes of Building Brady between 2018 and 2019 and has featured in countless other shows like Rachael Ray in 2017, Brother vs. Brother (2017–2018), A Very Brady Renovation (2019), Rock the Block (2019), and Martha Knows Best (2020), e.t.c. In 2020, Hawk and her mother opened a storefront for their business, Two Chicks District Co., selling home decor and furniture. In 2021, she appeared on Battle on the Beach as a judge for six episodes.

In 2013, she met Steve Hawk, and they dated for two years before getting married in 2016. They have two kids together.