family

Jun 11

Dustin Gutkowski

By Chrissy Bernal Business, Music, Personal Growth, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, be ready for a deeply inspiring conversation as we sit down with Dustin Gutkowski, entrepreneur, family man, and host of The DG Show, who went from being homeless at 14 to building a $100 million business. With a heart as big as Texas and a love for 90s country music, Dustin opens up about what fuels him: storytelling, fatherhood, resilience, and relationships. Give it a listen today!

This episode is sponsored by:

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In this Episode:

Dustin’s rise from hardship to hope
Dive into discussions about love for 90s country and artists like Midland, The Cadillac Three, and Post Malone
Understand how Dustin’s personal struggles inform his parenting philosophy
Building a people-first business in the roofing industry
What it means to be your child’s hero

Quotations:

“I’d probably fight someone over Midland, and I’m not proud of that but I would go there, like I will defend them.“ ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“No matter how famous, no matter how successful, no matter where everybody’s at in their life, they all have a story. And you just, you figure out that, like, although all of our stories are different per se, they’re all the same.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“You being unique and you being you is what makes you special. But when you really peel back the layers, it’s like, we’ve all been through this stuff. We’ve all been through something, and it’s really unique to hear people’s stories and how they got there. And it almost gives you a different perspective from your story.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“When it got hard for me, I was going to double down. And I was just going to keep going because I was like, what do I have to lose? Man, I’m just a white trash kid from the trailer park that was homeless at 14. Like, what do I have to lose? Like, what’s the worst thing that’s going to happen to me? It’s already happened to me. And I just had that mindset of, I’m one day going to get there and I’m going to keep going, keep going, keep going.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“Winning is more fun than fun is fun.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“I really had a complex of thinking I was better than everyone from a standpoint. I thought there was no one out there that could compete with me, but I also had a high insecurity that everybody was outworking me, everybody was better than me. And so I had to constantly try to get better at things. And so I just had such a competitive nature that I competed at everything I did. And as I got older, I realized this could be a real difference maker for me because most people are scared to compete, and most people are afraid to because they’d rather be friends and fail than go out there and have people hate them to be great. And I’m like, look, not everybody’s got to like me. I’m not here. This isn’t a popularity contest.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“I’m not worried about everybody liking me. When I go home, I worry about what my wife thinks of me and my three children. And that’s it. And I fundamentally ground myself in everything I do is predicated on being a good father. That’s like, that’s my legacy. Like, what do my kids say about me? How do my kids turn out? If I’m not my kid’s hero, I have bigger things to worry about. And so every single thing I do is predicated on being a good father.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“I’m just trying to be my kid’s hero. And when it’s all said and done and my clock strikes zero, like, what are my kids going to say about me? That’s all I care about.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“I watch how other people treat their kids. Because to me, it’s like the one person that counted on you the most was the person you decided to bring into this world. And if you can’t be there for them, well, you’re not going to be there for me and you’re not going be there for anyone else.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“I want to be the person I was supposed to be. And how I do that is look, when the door is closed and the lights are off and no one sees what you’re doing, what kind of decisions do you make? If no one would ever find out, what do you make?” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

“Whose story is bigger? It doesn’t matter. Have some empathy towards other people.” ~ Dustin Gutkowski

Bio:

Dustin Gutkowski is the founder of Results Roofing, a DFW-based company serving residential, commercial, and multi-family clients. Built on the belief that relationships matter more than transactions, Dustin created a culture rooted in gratitude, service, and kindness—shaped by his own journey from homelessness at 14 to business leadership. A champion for both customers and employees, he ensures every client receives above-and-beyond care, including a complimentary 360° inspection with photo documentation. Dustin is also the host of The DG Show podcast, where he shares real stories of resilience, business, and personal growth.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://resultsroofing.com/

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

YouTube: @Dustingutkowski

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustin.gutkowski/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-gutkowski-9a8474177/

Jan 15

Love15

Craig Allen Cooper

By Chrissy Bernal Author, Community, Faith, Podcast No Comments

This episode of Here’s What We Know is an emotional rollercoaster you won’t want to miss. Our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes back return guest Craig Allen Cooper for an inspiring conversation that spans life’s joys, struggles, and unexpected surprises! Tune in now, and let this episode remind you of the beauty in life’s twists and turns, the power of faith, perseverance, and community.

Yep, he’s that guy Walker Hayes wrote about. You can listen to our first conversation with Craig here: https://garyscottthomas.com/craig-allen-cooper/

This episode is sponsored by:

(Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)

In this Episode:

Craig Cooper’s son’s incredible journey to NYU’s Clive Davis Institute
A raw and honest discussion about navigating a faith crisis
The inspiring story behind Walker Hayes’ song “Craig”
Insights into the art of preaching
Life lessons and reflections on God’s mysterious plan
An unforgettable mission trip to Rwanda with Hope International

Quotations:

“Scriptures are just filled with so much wisdom. That’s why I make it practice to try to just continually read through the scriptures. And because I need it, it’s like daily bread man; man doesn’t live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” ~ Craig Allen Cooper

“Walker shares his story, shares his testimony before he sings the song, Craig, in every concert. And I mean, he’s done that. It’s packed stadium like the Houston rodeo had 70,000 people and they packed that out and he’s sharing with all these people about Jesus through the story of our friendship.” ~ Craig Allen Cooper

“It’s not an easy thing to do it, but I believe in the power of preaching. I really do believe, I believe God speaks through what he’s spoken. I believe there’s a lot of grace that’s given in that moment and a lot of pasturing takes place through the pulpit.” ~ Craig Allen Cooper

“It’s a privilege for us to have the word of God and then to be able to read it in the morning and meditate on it throughout the day and listen to it preached.” ~ Craig Allen Cooper

Bio:

Craig Allen Cooper is a USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker. He co-wrote the book “Glad You’re Here” with Grammy-nominated country singer and songwriter Walker Hayes. “Glad You’re Here” instantly became a Publisher’s Weekly, ECPA, and USA Today national bestseller and has been featured on The Today Show, People Magazine, The 700 Club, Jesus Calling, and Family Life Radio, as well as various other news sources, radio and television programs, and podcasts, including That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs and Dream Big with Bob Goff.

Craig served as one of the founding pastors of Redeeming Grace Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and is the founder of Glad You’re Here Ministries. He is the subject of the song “Craig” by Walker Hayes, and he resides in the greater Nashville area with his lovely wife, Laura, and their four kids.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.craigallencooper.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigallencooper/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/craigallencooper/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigallencooper/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@craigallencooper

Oct 16

Love13

Zach Tucker & Jeremy Grater

By Chrissy Bernal Personal Growth, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re sitting down with the hosts of The Fit Mess Podcast, Zach Tucker and Jeremy Grater, to dive into their personal stories of fitness, friendship, and transformation. If you’re looking for a little inspiration with a touch of realness, you’re in the right place.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

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

In this Episode:

Discover how they started their unexpected podcast journey and open up about life beyond fitness.
Learn about Zach and Jeremy’s 13-year friendship, which began through their wives during pregnancy.
Hear how their stories go beyond fitness to explore mental health, personal growth, and the power of forgiveness.
Listen to Zach’s inspiring transformation from nearly 300 pounds and a smoker to a long-distance runner.
Discover how a knee injury became Jeremy’s wake-up call, leading him to embrace bike commuting and mindfulness practices.
Zach and Jeremy emphasize the power of vulnerability and learn why they believe small steps, both in fitness and mental health, make the biggest impact over time.
Zach opens up about how forgiving his mother brought him peace, while Jeremy shares valuable lessons from therapy, including how to challenge inherited negative self-talk.
Discover their refreshing, realistic approach to wellness. Their advice? Focus on small, manageable changes—whether it’s a short walk or five minutes of mindfulness.

Quotations:

“If we just share our experience, we don’t necessarily have to be experts. But if it helps other guys the way it helps us to hear the conversations that we’re having, why not? Let’s do it.” ~ Jeremy Grater

“You can’t just fix things. Like you got to understand why something’s broken in the first place.” ~ Zach Tucker

“I am the happiest, healthiest I’ve ever been because not only did I lose a ton of weight, but like all the exercise and all the clean eating, it really helped me manage all the mental health issues, anxiety, and depression that were running rampant because of it.” ~ Zach Tucker

“All the imposter syndrome I was having about, like, they’re going to find out one day that I don’t really belong in this job I’ve had for a decade. Like it all just started to go away because I found that just by focusing on what’s right in front of you right now.” ~ Jeremy Grater

“I’d spent so long running from my feelings and running from my fears that I never stopped to realize that like I actually had it pretty good.”~ Jeremy Grater

“I’m at peace because I can’t dwell on that, right? You’ll, you’ll destroy yourself if you dwell on situations like that. You just have to move on, be okay with it, and forgive it.”~ Zach Tucker

“I learned that those voices, the things that I was saying to myself, were not me.” ~ Jeremy Grater

“I’m doing my best here and it’s not going to be very good, but just by being here, that’s enough.” ~ Jeremy Grater

“Mistakes happen. It’s okay.” ~ Jeremy Grater

“One of the biggest things is just really learning ⁓ what you believe about yourself and why you believe it.” ~ Jeremy Grater

“Now I look forward to going to the gym because I know that I’m going to be able to put myself through something challenging, put myself through something hard, and accomplish it where I spent most of my life looking at the hard thing and running the other way.” ~ Jeremy Grater

“The training in the gym. Yes, it trains your body, but for me, it trains my mind to overcome those obstacles and to find the hard things in my life and lean into them because I know that on the other side of that is the reward.” ~ Jeremy Grater

Bio:

Zach Tucker resides in Albany, NY with his young daughter. Zach has a passion for helping people define and meet their wellness goals. He thinks that every person is different and there is no one size fits all solution for someone’s wellness. He is on a mission to share his story and some of the tools that helped him on his own wellness journey. Zach is certified to teach yoga and Insanity® Live.

Jeremy Grater is a married father of two young girls and lives in rural British Columbia. He’s been in the broadcasting and podcasting business for about two decades. Jeremy is a certified REBT Mindset Life Coach.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.thefitmess.com/

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

Youtube: @fitmessguys

X: https://x.com/FitMessGuys

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

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fitmessguys

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:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you to get a free extra treatment!)

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

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.

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