What keeps a person moving forward after loss, trauma, disappointment, and heartbreak?
This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with country music artist Michael Peterson, known for hits like Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie, From Here to Eternity, and When the Bartender Cries.
Michael shares the story behind the music, how he survived a childhood marked by abuse, loss, and learning challenges. He almost gave up on music twice, and then one phone call came right when he needed it most.
We also talk about what Michael calls “The Habit of Hope,” a simple but powerful practice that helped him keep going when life gave him every reason to quit.
Michael went on to become a platinum artist in country music, a published author of eight books, and someone who’s performed for deployed service members across three continents. But his real story starts much earlier, and it’s about learning to see 50 feet ahead when you can’t see 50 miles.
If you’ve ever questioned whether your hard work is worth it, this episode is for you.
This episode is sponsored by:
(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)
In this episode:
- Overcoming childhood trauma and finding meaning
- Why “overnight success” took 25 years
- The habit of hope and how to redirect your thoughts
- What happens when you almost give up right before your breakthrough
- Why learning disabilities don’t define you
- How to keep making art when nobody’s watching
- The power of second seasons in life and career
- Why you might have already done your best work and don’t know it yet
Quotations:
“I just am always very appreciative of the gifts that come from having a tough life when I see it in other people. I just think, man, they’re strong; their character is strong.” – Michael Peterson
“I needed encouragement. So I sought encouragement.” – Michael Peterson
“I’m a writer. I’ve had a publishing deal and almost continually been writing for people since I was 24 years old. And I’ve been a writer, and I just think, how did I, a kid who couldn’t read very well, end up with a career as a writer?” – Michael Peterson
“I just realized, if they say, well, people can’t change, well, people do change. I’ve seen my mom change. I’ve seen my life change. So there’s a certain grace in that I find it easier to extend to other people because people have extended that grace to me.” – Michael Peterson
“We can get discouraged when we just measure our destination by where we currently are.” – Michael Peterson
Bio:
Michael Peterson is a country music artist, singer-songwriter, author, and speaker. He’s had multiple hit records, including “Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie,” “From Here to Eternity,” and “When the Bartender Cries.” He’s written or co-authored eight books and has performed over 300 shows for deployed service members. His new albums, “Down on the Farm” and “We Are Veterans,” are being released commercially for the first time through Star Vista Records.
Guest Contact Info:
Website: https://www.michaelpetersonmusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpetersonmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.peterson.106
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc30Jzs0yP_UbAFa3prIJxw