family

Jun 05

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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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.

Guest Contact Info:

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

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

Two Chicks & a Hammer

Website: https://www.2chicksandahammer.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoChicksandaHammer

May 29

Love14

Zandra Zuraw

By Chrissy Bernal Fun, Podcast No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas dives into the art of home design with our special guest, Zandra Zuraw, the podcast host and founder of Slow Style Home (formerly the Style Matters podcast by Little Yellow Couch). She is an interior design coach for everyday homeowners. Zandra shares her philosophy on why design matters and how it intertwines with personal happiness and mental well-being. She emphasizes that it’s not about filling rooms overnight; it’s about crafting spaces that tell your story over time.

So if you’ve ever felt like your home is just a house filled with ‘stuff’ rather than a reflection of you, then this episode is for you! Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

In this Episode:

Find out how Zandra transitioned from being self-taught to becoming an expert in helping others find their unique style.
Discover how to create a home that reflects your unique personality and the importance and impact of home design on our daily lives.
Learn how to approach decorating room by room and gain insights about the common mistakes people make in interior design, such as buying everything for a room all at once.
Understand the importance of layering your home with pieces that tell your story over time.
Gain insight into how COVID has influenced our relationship with our homes and the rise of disposable decor trends.
Learn that design is not just about aesthetics; it’s deeply connected to how we feel and live within our spaces.
Discover Zandra’s coaching process, which involves abstract thinking while connecting emotions to come up with concrete design decisions.
Personal anecdotes from Zandra and Gary about their families, home design, and more.

Quotations:

“If you still want a beautiful home, what you can learn is how to make really good choices that lead to a home that’s not like anyone else’s.” ~ Zandra Zuraw

“Why does style matter? Why should we care about this stuff? Because for many, many people, it’s so superfluous. It’s so first-world problem. It’s so, you know, and I really wanted to answer that question.” ~ Zandra Zuraw

“Art is put up on a big, taller pedestal, understandably than style, but it’s the same reason, it’s the same reason. It’s about beauty, it’s about understanding how humans crave beauty in order to feel happy, feel fulfilled, feel motivated, and feel ready to take on the day.” ~ Zandra Zuraw

“I wanna let people know that you have it within you, the ability to create beauty.” ~ Zandra Zuraw

“Different rooms have different purposes, you’re going to change your style, it’s going to shift a little bit according to the purpose, according to the time of day that you’re using it, and according to who’s using it.” ~ Zandra Zuraw

“So helping people pay attention to what they love, then being able to articulate why they love it so that they can then superimpose that on the next design decision they make is the process.” ~ Zandra Zuraw

“When you collect things over time, you’re really layering your home with stories of who you are or where that thing came from.” ~ Zandra Zuraw

“I’m gonna start at an antique store or a thrift store because that’s where I might find something that somebody discarded from a while ago, that means it’s going to be better made, first of all, if it’s made from 50 years ago and earlier.” ~ Zandra Zuraw

“My favorite place to go, and I know it’s not for everyone, is a thrift store or an antique store. Because that’s where I’m gonna find the one-of-a-kind things.” ~ Zandra Zuraw

“If they’re happy in their homes, if they’re getting what they want out of their homes, and their homes are actually doing something for them and aren’t just a noose around their neck with a mortgage, that’s what I really want. I want everyone to be happy in their home.” ~ Zandra Zuraw

“I’ve been through about six different yellows in the same room trying to get the right yellow because the light changes everything and what looks good in the store doesn’t look good on my walls.” ~ Zandra Zuraw

Bio:

Zandra Zuraw is the podcast host and founder of Slow Style Home (formerly the Style Matters podcast by Little Yellow Couch). She is an interior design coach for everyday homeowners. With 30+ years of experience teaching herself how to create beautiful, meaningful homes, she has developed her own step-by-step Slow Style approach to teaching others how to do the same. Along with the podcast, Zandra has also created a monthly membership called “The Slow Style Society,” she teaches an online course called “Master The Mix,” and hosts in-person signature style retreats.

Little Yellow Couch has been featured on many media outlets, including iTunes, Dominio, Better Homes & Gardens, USA Today, and Podcast Magazine. Zandra has also been a speaker at several creative business conferences in the US and Canada.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.slowstylehome.com/

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

YouTube: @slowstylehome

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zandra-zuraw-83323b174/

May 15

Love22

Scotty McCreery

By Chrissy Bernal Music No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, join our host Gary Scott Thomas and our special guest host Julie Stevens of KRTY.com for an exciting conversation featuring the one and only, Scotty McCreery, the country music sensation behind the songs “Damn Strait,” “Five More Minutes,” “Cab In A Solo,” and many more! It’s an episode about Scotty’s life on tour, the thrill of performing live, and the joys and challenges of parenthood. This one is filled with heart and laughter, so be sure you won’t miss it! Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

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In this Episode:

Scotty shares adorable updates about being a father to his one-and-a-half-year-old son.
Scotty shares how he still gets nervous and excited before performing at big gigs despite a skyrocketing career.
Find out which of Scotty’s songs is the fan favorite and make the crowd go wild.
Discover Scotty’s unique approach to writing new music by retreating and getting insights into his songwriting process, which starts with jotting down ideas on his iPhone.
Hear all about Scotty’s star-struck experiences and lasting friendships within the industry.

Quotations:

“It’s a heartbreak, but he’s finding his way to it; he’s doing just fine.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“I still get excited more than anything. I love, my passion is, to write and sing country music and getting to do that anytime. I love it.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“To actually have people show up and sing a song back to you, it’s pretty awesome.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“Five More Minutes is the song where you see people bumping their neighbors and smiles and phones come up. And that’s the one I think they’re waiting on.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“It’s a heartbreak song, but I swear I’m smiling every night when I’m singing it.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“My goal was always to be a country singer, country musician.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“I had no clue what the heck I was doing, but little by little I started writing songs and, uh, started growing up and having life experience and figuring out who I was as a man first and then as an artist.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“We had like a little retreat and we, most of the songs we wrote, were outside on the back porch around a fire and guitars writing just no phones out, no nothing. It was, it was, uh, it felt like the old days, like how songs should be written.” ~ Scotty McCreery

Bio:

Scotty McCreery is an American country singer. He rose to fame after winning the tenth season of American Idol in May 2011. He captured hearts with his humble demeanor and undeniable talent. Since then, he has released several chart-topping albums, including “Clear as Day” and “See You Tonight,” earning accolades for his distinct blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds.

Scotty’s journey from small-town singer to country star has been marked by dedication and perseverance. Despite his meteoric rise to fame, he remains grounded in his roots, often drawing inspiration from his upbringing in North Carolina. His music reflects themes of love, faith, and the joys and struggles of everyday life, resonating with audiences across the globe.
In 2024, Scotty received one of country music’s crowning achievements when he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was inducted on April 20 by his childhood hero Josh Turner.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.scottymccreery.com

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smccreeryofficial

X: https://twitter.com/ScottyMcCreery

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

May 05

Love14

Walker Hayes

By Chrissy Bernal Faith, Music, Personal Growth No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, join us in this heartfelt and candid episode where we welcome back the multi-talented country artist and family man, Walker Hayes. Dive into an intimate conversation about life, parenting, and the journey through success and failure.

For anyone looking for inspiration and a refreshing perspective on what really counts in life, this episode has profound wisdom that will surely resonate with everyone! Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

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In this Episode You’ll Discover:

How Walker balances making music, preparing for tours, and being an active father.
His approach to parenting that focuses on creating moments rather than material success.
The impact of losing his father in 2021 and how it has shaped his views on appreciating the small things in life.
The importance of teaching kids resilience through efforts like trick shots illustrates that success often comes after many attempts.
Why he believes the journey is more important than reaching a destination or achieving traditional markers of success.
An honest discussion about discipline, setting examples as parents, and having tough but necessary conversations with children for their long-term benefit.
A touching moment where Walker shares a personal story about encouraging his daughter to take action towards her dreams.
Insights into how families can improve by learning out loud from each other’s mistakes openly at home.

Quotations:

“I’m not the smartest guy in the world and I try to look at the lens through a kind of backward, view of like, you know, life’s pretty short.” ~ Walker Hayes

“One thing I want to do is set up my kids for success. And I don’t mean that as like to make money or to, to make dreams, you know, I just, I think if you have kind of a level of contentment and confidence as you walk through life and you are able to focus on moments and not the past or the future, it’s a very, it’s an asset, to society.” ~ Walker Hayes

“My point is I feel like just seconds on the clock with my kids might be one of the best things I can give them.” ~ Walker Hayes

“If you have kind of a level of contentment and confidence as you walk through life and you are able to focus on moments and not the past or the future, it’s an asset to society. It makes people around you. It makes their shoulders relax and go, Oh yeah, we’re just kind of in this life together.” ~ Walker Hayes

“So if you see me and you’re like, Oh, that dude’s a really great family guy. Trust me. It’s a daily battle. It’s a daily journey, it’s a daily reminder, like, Hey man, I want to, I need to help with these kids.” ~ Walker Hayes

“My music journey is funny. It’s like a 20-year trick shot.” ~ Walker Hayes

“When you’re doing those things in life, what it boils down to the most precious thing about it is who you’re doing it with.” ~ Walker Hayes

“Adults are no different than kids.” ~ Walker Hayes

“I don’t want to ever tell my kids what to do. I just want them to know It’s up to them, man.” ~ Walker Hayes

“I hate when I start to feel like I sound like a teacher, but I guess I’m old enough to start sounding like a teacher.” ~ Walker Hayes

“I think we’re a better family when we are humble enough to learn out loud.” ~ Walker Hayes

“I really feel like a family is like a tiny little city that God gives us.” ~ Walker Hayes

“I don’t got it all figured out. I’m actually figuring it out as I go a little bit, you know, and, But I’m trying, like, anybody got some advice? You know, anybody got some help? And I think that’s just kind of a thing that community needs, starting in the home.” ~ Walker Hayes

“I thought by the time I was 35 I’d be a freaking genius. Like I would have it, I’d have it down, but all I do is figure out, there’s more that I’m not really understanding.” ~ Walker Hayes

“Things you will not regret are a positive attitude and a hundred percent effort. And really, that’s all you can control.” ~ Walker Hayes

“Every single life that you pass, whatever eight point something billion people every day. They have someone they lost, they have a heart that’s broken, they have scars like you wouldn’t believe, they have a future like you wouldn’t believe, and then some of them are going to be gone by next Wednesday, you know, it’s just insane to think how fast, how forgotten we will be, no matter how large your life is, you know, here on Earth. It is just a stop along the way of eternity. And I feel like the more we can grasp that, the more God can allow us to see the brevity of life.” ~ Walker Hayes

“When I pick up a guitar, it’s an escape, and it’s good because it feeds the kids and it takes care of the family, but it also, steals me away from things that are more important.” ~ Walker Hayes

“I love words, man I love lyrics, and I always have since I wrote my first song as a kid.” ~ Walker Hayes

“And so songwriting, it basically is just a beautiful file cabinet that I organize each day. And the songs for me are like, they’re what I wanted to say. They’re the feeling I want to hand people on a plate.” ~ Walker Hayes

Bio:

Walker Hayes is a popular American country music artist known for his unique blend of modern sounds and heartfelt storytelling. His hit song “Pants” propelled him to fame and showcased his infectious energy and memorable melodies. With his sincere lyrics and distinct vocal style in the country music industry, Hayes has become a rising star and has also been acknowledged and nominated for significant honors. In addition to his musical accomplishments, Hayes has had a profound social impact through his charitable work. He established the “Be A Craig Fund” in memory of Craig, a kind man who supported Hayes during a trying time in his life. The goal of the fund is to assist people and families in need, highlighting Hayes’ dedication to giving back to his community. His 2017 hit, “You Broke Up with Me,” which had tremendous popularity and chart success. Hayes reaped the benefits of his newfound notoriety by putting out hit singles like “90’s Country” and “Don’t Let Her.” He went viral again after his TikTok video dancing with his daughter to his song “Fancy Like” received millions of views.

Walker is well known for his musical prowess and poignant narrative, but he also has a full personal life that has influenced his artistic development. He is a loving father who finds motivation in his relationships and life experiences. He got married to his high school love, Laney Beville. The couple started dating when they first met while they were teenagers. Hayes’ personal and professional lives have been solidly supported by their enduring love and partnership. Together, they have six children, demonstrating their dedication to raising a strong family and providing a supportive atmosphere. He never ceases to motivate people with his openness, genuineness, and the devotion he shows to both his family and his profession.