podcast

Aug 25

Brooks and Dunn

Ronnie Dunn was studying to be a preacher while Kix Brooks was already a working Nashville songwriter with hits on the radio. Neither one planned on becoming half of the biggest duo in country music history, and neither one really wanted to be tied to a partner.

This week on Once Around the Country, our host, Gary Scott Thomas, walks through the real story of Brooks & Dunn, from a Nashville meeting neither man asked for, to three straight number one singles to a farewell tour that didn’t stick, and the reunion that proved some partnerships are worth fighting to keep.

Give it a listen today. We think you’ll walk away with a whole new appreciation for the two guys behind “Neon Moon.”

This episode is sponsored by:

Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) License #: 679261

In this Episode:

How Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks were introduced by producer Tim DuBois
The story behind their first single, “Brand New Man,” and writing three hits in one session
Why Kix Brooks was considered the bigger star when the duo formed
The disagreement over recording “My Maria” and why it became their biggest hit
How “Only in America” ended up as a campaign song for both parties
Brooks & Dunn’s first attempted breakup and the record executive who talked them out of it
The Last Rodeo farewell tour and what changed Ronnie Dunn’s mind
Why Reboot and Reboot 2 brought a new generation of country stars into their catalog
What it’s really like watching Brooks & Dunn open for Morgan Wallen today

Bio:

Brooks and Dunn:

Brooks & Dunn, made up of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, became one of the most successful duos in country music history. They came together in Nashville in the late 1980s and quickly found success with hits like “Brand New Man,” “Neon Moon,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and “My Maria.” Their partnership produced years of awards, chart-topping songs, and unforgettable live performances, even as the two men eventually tried to go their separate ways twice. Somehow, they kept finding their way back to the music that made them one of country’s most beloved duos.

Website: https://www.brooks-dunn.com/

Aug 05

Love27

Dave Jensen

By Chrissy Bernal Podcast No Comments

What happens when two old friends reconnect after more than three decades?

This week on Here’s What We Know, our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes longtime Colorado radio personality Dave Jensen for a conversation filled with laughter, memories, and honest reflections about a business they both love.

They revisit their days together at TRI 102.5 in Northern Colorado, swap stories that have only gotten better with time, and talk about how a radio career has changed over the years. Gary shares why getting fired became one of the greatest blessings of his life, while Dave reflects on staying in one market long enough to become part of the community’s story.

This conversation is about friendship, resilience, finding joy in your work, and realizing that the people who cross your path often leave a bigger mark than you ever imagined. Listen now.

This episode is sponsored by:

Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) License #: 679261

In this Episode:

Reconnecting after more than 30 years
Behind-the-scenes stories from Colorado radio
Why local radio still matters
How getting fired changed Gary’s life forever
Funny memories from TRI 102.5
Dave Jensen’s award-winning career
The future of radio and streaming
Why local, human content still beats syndicated content
Why relationships outlast careers

Quotations:

“Now and then, I still go to Runza. It’s weird… but I still get the original.” – Dave Jensen

“I finally got to move from second place to first place. That’s the bottom line.” – Dave Jensen

“Radio is still our core, but now it’s all about digital.” – Dave Jensen

“I try not to take it too seriously.” – Dave Jensen

“Being a better man is showing up for your job.” – Dave Jensen

“I’ve seen people leave, then come right back.” – Dave Jensen

Bio:

Dave Jensen was born in Paterson, New Jersey, but moved to Colorado (in the back window of his parents’ VW 1968) when he was 12 months old and has lived in the area ever since. Dave worked at Runza in Loveland when he was younger and still enjoys stopping now and then for an Original Runza. Dave is currently the longest-tenured employee in the Townsquare Media Northern Colorado office at 600 Main St. in Windsor, having worked here since 1997. Dave was awarded ‘Best Afternoon Show/Major Market’ by the Colorado Broadcasters Association (CBA) in 2025; RETRO 102.5 was awarded ‘Station of the Year’ in 2022. He has family in the area, with his brother living in Fort Collins and a nephew in Eaton. Dave loves movies, disc golf, movies, great TV, the local craft beers around Fort Collins, and all things radio.

Jul 29

Love41

Garry Meier

By Chrissy Bernal Podcast No Comments

If radio ever felt personal to you, this episode will bring back a lot of memories.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with Chicago radio legend Garry Meier, one half of the iconic Steve and Garry afternoon show that defined a generation of radio listeners.

Garry opens up about how Larry Lujack’s sarcasm on WLS first pulled him toward broadcasting, what it was actually like to work alongside his childhood radio hero, and the story that sparked his on-air partnership with Steve Dahl.

The conversation moves into the night that made Garry Meier a piece of American pop culture history: Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park, where a stunt built around smashing records grew into a forfeited baseball game and international news coverage. Garry pushes back on how the event has been reframed over the decades and explains what he actually witnessed that summer night in 1979.

From there, the two Garys talk about the business side of broadcasting: why big radio companies loaded themselves with debt buying up stations, why hiring managers now care more about a resume than a demo tape, and why podcasting has become the format radio should have evolved into decades ago.

If you remember what radio felt like before it became all business and no personality, you’re going to enjoy this one. Listen now!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

How Larry Lujack’s WLS show inspired an entire generation of radio hosts
The real story behind meeting a childhood hero and finding out they’re human
How the Steve and Garry partnership started with an offhand comment about gas prices
The night of Disco Demolition Night and what actually happened at Comiskey Park
Why the disco backlash has been mischaracterized in the years since
What went wrong with corporate radio consolidation after FCC ownership rules changed
Why podcasting outperforms traditional radio for long-form conversation
Behind-the-scenes stories with Sam Kinison, Albert Brooks, Garry Marshall, and Paul McCartney
Garry Meier’s induction into the Radio Hall of Fame

Quotations:

“I don’t want to be that disappointment because I’ve been disappointed too many times to know what that feels like.” – Garry Meier

“My whole philosophy: good timing, good lighting.” – Garry Meier

“And my thought on that, Gary, is you’re hired to bring whatever you have, whatever talent you have to the party. So why do I have to hire other people to tell me what my talent should be or feed me a talent? That’s why you’re hired when you go to these bigger cities.” – Garry Meier

“That’s the beauty of radio that separated us to make us more available, where you can be with us.” – Garry Meier

“Don’t just dismiss competition as I’m bigger than that. I don’t have to worry. Always worry about possible competition.” – Garry Meier

Bio:

Garry Meier is a Radio Hall of Fame inductee and one of Chicago’s most celebrated radio personalities. His legendary career includes groundbreaking partnerships with Steve Dahl, multiple No. 1 radio shows, five A.I.R. Awards for Best Afternoon Talk Show, and recognition by Talkers Magazine as one of America’s most influential talk show hosts. Today, Garry brings the same sharp wit, curiosity, and engaging storytelling to The Garry Meier Show, where he continues to entertain audiences with thoughtful conversations, humor, and commentary on life and current events.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://garrymeier.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-meier-571478187/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/garrforcelive

Apr 29

Love42

Trey Calloway

By Chrissy Bernal Music, Podcast No Comments

There’s an idea we all want to believe. If you’re talented enough, you’ll make it.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with singer-songwriter Trey Calloway, a rising country artist navigating the reality of building a career in today’s music industry. And what we uncover is something a lot of people don’t want to admit: Timing matters more than talent.

We talk about country stars like Jason Aldean and Eric Church, artists who feel inevitable now but weren’t always. There were years where nobody knew who they were, years where it could have gone the other way.

Because when you really look at success in the music industry, you start to realize something. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen just because someone is talented.

It happens when everything lines up. Talent. Timing. Opportunity. And readiness.

Miss one of those, and the outcome can look completely different.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make it in country music, why some artists break through and others don’t, or how timing shapes success in the music industry, give this episode a listen!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

Why some incredibly talented artists never break through
How timing, readiness, and life experience all collide
The reality of making money in music today
Why success often comes later than expected
And what keeps someone going when it would be easier to quit

Quotations:

“Once I had lost my ego, once I had lost all of the negative emotions that come with this business, and once I had more maturity about it, I was ready and seasoned to come to Nashville. And I think that’s part of the reason why I’m doing okay is because I feel like I was ready.” – Trey Calloway

“I think if I had moved to Nashville when I was 19, like I originally planned to. I don’t think I would have made it; I was too hot-headed and too headstrong and too conceited and just not in the right headspace.” – Trey Calloway

Bio:

Trey Calloway is a singer/songwriter born and raised in North Carolina. The son of a preacher man, Trey grew up singing in church and was a seasoned performer by the age of 10. Although southern and contemporary gospel were his first musical loves, he was instantly mesmerized by the sounds of country music after hearing a Garth Brooks Greatest Hits album his parents bought for him. A deep understanding and passion for the rocking, boot stomping, country music of artists such as Clint Black, Alan Jackson, and Travis Tritt began to grow within him. Trey began writing songs, playing guitar, and performing in clubs at age 15. He knew early on without a shadow of a doubt that he would make music his career. Trey recorded and released his debut Nashville album entitled “Carolina Man” and was able to work with some of his musical heroes including Brent Mason, Lonnie Wilson and Buddy Hyatt on the album.

Trey penned all twelve songs on the album, including “Daddy from Day One” inspired by the birth of his son Cash, and teamed up with musician and producer Mike Rogers to bring the songs to life. In 2020, Trey released several original singles, working with Nashville producer Kevin Key, including his most recent song entitled “Heal This Family.” Trey created his first ever music video for this new single, which is a timely message of love and unity that he wants to share with the world. In addition to songwriting, Trey is passionate about inspiring and energizing live audiences and currently travels between Nashville and the Carolinas performing at clubs, festivals and private and charitable events such as Vet Fest Carolinas which he headlined in 2020.