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podcast

Apr 09
Love24

Timothy Glover aka Dash Gordon

By Community, Podcast No Comments

Some superheroes wear capes… but this one delivers hope, joy, and community impact.

This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for an extraordinary episode where we dive into the inspiring journey of Timothy Glover, aka Dash Gordon—a man who turned life’s challenges into something truly incredible—a mission of making a real difference. This conversation will inspire you to make a difference—big or small—in your own community. Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

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In this episode:

  • Meet Dash Gordon: How Tim transformed his life and found purpose in unexpected ways.
  • The Birth of the Dash Gordon Foundation: What started as a simple DoorDash gig evolved into something much greater.
  • From Personal Struggles to Community Hero: From foster care to becoming a local superhero.
  • Impactful Initiatives: The Winter Formal & A Night to Remember Pageant—bringing joy to special needs individuals.
  • Unwavering Faith & Purpose: How faith and resilience shaped his journey.

Quotations:

“People would smile and they’d laugh and they’d wave, and I would play loud music and I would just have a good time. And I’d pop into restaurants, and the crowd would go crazy, and they’d want to take pictures with their kids and with themselves and with their families. So I just kept doing it.” ~ Tim Glover aka Dash Gordon

“We just kind of want to do everything at a level that the kids and the young adults and the parents will never forget.”  ~ Tim Glover aka Dash Gordon

“We’re making sure that all of these individuals get an equal opportunity and maybe sometimes even better than young adults and people without disabilities. mean, where our motto is we’ve made actually having a disability and a special need like really cool.“  ~ Tim Glover aka Dash Gordon

“It’s a person first, then the disability. But if you have a good memory, if you just remember their name, you never have to worry about the person first and their disability; just call them by their name.”  ~ Tim Glover aka Dash Gordon

“I make myself available for everything.”  ~ Dash Gordon

“If I help fundraise or anything, I expect nothing in return. I don’t ask for anything. I don’t ask for donations. I don’t ask for anything. I’ll do it.”  ~ Tim Glover aka Dash Gordon

“We’re just going to continue to let the world know this. Every single individual with a disability or special need or whatever else that’s been put on this earth was put here to be seen. That’s it. They’re not to be pushed aside. They’re not to be a second thought. They are they are pushed to be they’re here to be seen and so we’re gonna make sure that their voices are like a Bose stereo you are going to encounter an Individual with a disability or a special need and you are not going to have a choice because we are going to put it in your face.”  ~ Tim Glover aka Dash Gordon

“The moms and the dads will tell you there’s something about this Dash Gordon guy that can make these kids do things that we’ve never seen before. We can’t; he just does. He just gets them; they’re in such a comfort zone with me. They just do things they normally don’t do, and they do it at a different level. And the parents are seeing a lot of this stuff for the first time.”  ~ Tim Glover aka Dash Gordon

Bio:

​Timothy Glover, affectionately known as “Dash Gordon,” is a community advocate and founder of the Dash Gordon Foundation, dedicated to uplifting special needs, disabled, and at-risk individuals. In March 2022, Tim began delivering food for DoorDash to fund a vacation for his wife, Natalie, who was battling stage five kidney failure. Seeking to bring joy to his deliveries, he donned a superhero costume and adopted the moniker “Dash Gordon,” transforming routine deliveries into moments of delight for his community. 

This initiative quickly evolved into the Dash Gordon Foundation, which creates inclusive events and provides resources for individuals with disabilities and their families. Tim’s efforts have garnered widespread recognition, establishing him as a local hero in League City, Texas. Through his foundation, Tim continues to spread joy and foster a sense of belonging, demonstrating the profound impact of compassion and community engagement.​

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.thedashgordonfoundation.org/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dash_gordon2022/

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

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

Apr 02
Love19

Gregg Hurwitz

By Author, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with the brilliant Gregg Hurwitz—#1 New York Times internationally bestselling author of 26 thrillers, including the Orphan X series. Gregg takes us behind the scenes of his writing journey, the evolution of Orphan X, and what it takes to craft unforgettable characters. From his early inspirations to the emotional depths of Evan Smoak, he shares the intricacies of his creative process, character development, and even a few surprises about what’s next for Orphan X. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!

This episode is sponsored by:

In this Episode:

  • Gregg’s Writing Journey: How a love for literature (and a deep dive into psychology) shaped his storytelling.
  • The Birth of Orphan X: What makes Evan Smoak so addictive to readers—and how he’s grown over ten books.
  • The Secret Sauce to Character Development: How psychology, mythology, and a bit of magic help create unforgettable characters.
  • Why Nemesis Hits Different: The emotional punch of Book 10 and why it might be the most personal yet.
  • Audiobook Alchemy with Scott Brick: How the right narrator can breathe life into a story.
  • Orphan X on the Big Screen?: Gregg’s take on Hollywood adaptations, dream casting, and the challenges of bringing Evan Smoak to life on screen.

Quotations:

“The only thing I ever wanted to do was to write.” ~ Gregg Hurwitz

“I knew that college was gonna be the one time in my life that I could just study anything I wanted.”  ~ Gregg Hurwitz

“I followed the things that were of the utmost interest to me only no matter how stupid or risky they seemed.”  ~ Gregg Hurwitz

“You follow where the light is beckoning, no matter how inane it might seem. And it doesn’t really make sense, but you walk this really weird path. And all of sudden, if you look back, there’s a pattern to it all. And that’s a lot of what happened with me.”  ~ Gregg Hurwitz

“I like crime stuff. I like thrillers. I like things that are a little bit dangerous and a little bit dark. And being a novelist is the best excuse in the world to be a dilettante. I mean, I get to go up to whatever little dark corner of the culture that fascinates me and click on a flashlight and go poke around and build a story out of it.”  ~ Gregg Hurwitz

“If you follow the thing that you love more than anything, or that interests you more than anything, you don’t work a minute in your life.”  ~ Gregg Hurwitz

“So every reader is a collaborator. And it’s part of why with writing, we always want to intimate emotion. You don’t want to over-explain.”  ~ Gregg Hurwitz

Bio:

Gregg Hurwitz is the New York Times, #1 internationally bestselling author of 26 thrillers, including the Orphan X series, and two award-winning thriller novels for teens. His novels have won numerous literary awards, graced top ten lists, and have been published in 33 languages. Gregg currently serves as the Co-President of International Thriller Writers (ITW).

Gregg has written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios (including SWEET GIRL and THE BOOK OF HENRY), and written, developed, and produced television  for various networks. He is also a New York Times bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for AWA (Knighted and the critically acclaimed anthology NewThink), Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). He has published poetry, numerous academic articles on Shakespeare, taught fiction writing in the USC English Department, and guest lectured for UCLA, and for Harvard in the United States and internationally. In 2022, he helped write the opening ceremony of the World Cup. In the course of researching his thrillers, he has sneaked onto demolition ranges with Navy SEALs, swum with sharks in the Galápagos, and gone undercover into mind-control cults.

Currently, Gregg is actively working against polarization in politics and culture. To that end, he’s produced hundreds of commercials and creative content which have gotten several hundred million views on digital TV platforms. His editorial pieces have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, The Bulwark, The Telegraph, Salon, and others.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://gregghurwitz.net/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/gregghurwitz

Mar 26
Love18

Rhonda Vincent

By Music, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome the one and only Rhonda Vincent, the crowned Queen of Bluegrass! She takes us behind the scenes of her incredible journey, from growing up in a bluegrass family to sharing the stage with legends like Dolly Parton, Cody Johnson, and Faith Hill. Listen now!

This episode is sponsored by:

In this Episode:

  • How Rhonda officially became bluegrass royalty after being recognized by The Wall Street Journal and crowned by an Iowa organization.
  • Growing up surrounded by music, learning multiple instruments under her father’s guidance, and embracing the deep traditions of bluegrass.
  • The incredible story of how a surprise call from Dolly herself led to a magical collaboration. Plus, Rhonda shares heartwarming stories about Dolly’s kindness and generosity.
  • From teaming up with Cody Johnson and Faith Hill to reimagining Olivia Newton-John’s “Please Mr. Please” as a bluegrass hit.
  • Rhonda’s daughter is making history as the first female lead in the U.S. Navy Band Country Current!
  • Rhonda opens up about nerve-wracking moments at Dollywood and the joy of recording American Grandstand with the late Daryl Singletary.

Quotations:

“My family ended up specializing in bluegrass, there’s a special feeling. There’s an authenticity that you get in bluegrass.” ~ Rhonda Vincent

“I started playing guitar by accident because I was 16 and writing songs and I saw these people singing their songs like, man, I need to learn how to play this so I can write a song.” ~ Rhonda Vincent

“I had a life-threatening illness and I didn’t expect it to be talking to you right now. And when I got out of the hospital, I came home to her standing in the living room in Green Top, Missouri. Cause she said, I had to make sure you were okay myself. I just started crying. I could not believe Dolly Parton would come five drive, would travel 550 miles, and come to come and see me.” ~ Rhonda Vincent

Bio:

Rhonda Vincent is a Grammy-winning bluegrass artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, Grand Ole Opry member, and one of the genre’s most respected musicians. Known as the “Queen of Bluegrass,” she blends powerhouse vocals, masterful musicianship, and heartfelt storytelling. With a career spanning decades, Rhonda has earned countless awards and accolades, solidifying her place as a true icon in country and bluegrass music.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://rhondavincent.com/

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

Youtube: @rhondavincent

Mar 19
Love22

John Zaller

By Art, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, Gary welcomes back John Zaller, the brilliant executive producer of Exhibition Hub, who has brought some of the most breathtaking immersive experiences to life—including Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience and Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience.

John takes us deeper into his creative process, sharing stories from his most impactful projects. He explores how immersive environments can reshape our perceptions and reveals why art continues to serve as a sanctuary for so many. Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to use code “Gary20” to get 20% off your order!)

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In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • How immersive exhibitions are designed to make audiences feel like they’re stepping into another world.
  • The fascinating story behind Dialogue in the Dark—an exhibition that turns the lights off and shifts perspectives on ability and disability.
  • How Claude Monet’s deteriorating eyesight influenced his most famous works.
  • Why art has the power to provide comfort, connection, and escape—even in the busiest, most chaotic times.

Quotations:

“Whenever I think about creating these experiences, I’ve always thought about them as a sort of 3D walkthrough novel, 3D walkthrough story that we created on paper first, and then it comes to life in this big dimensional structure, and then you’re wandering through it.” ~ John Zaller

“Photographs can show you what something looks like. Photography had just been invented around the time that he (Monet) was born. People said the painting was dead. But a photograph can’t let you know how it feels; a painting can.” ~ John Zaller

“It’s rare for artists from any era to see success when you think about the number of people that are doing creative work and the number of people that are recognized.” ~ John Zaller

“It’s always great to see a talented artist get some success in their life because it is so often the case that we get more interested in an artist after they’re gone because we start to reflect on that body of work. And that’s tragic.” ~ John Zaller

“It is tragic when you have talented artists who struggle their whole lives because they’re so dedicated to their craft that don’t really get that recognition.” ~ John Zaller

“We love artists so much that they show us another way of seeing. They show us another way of being. They show us they give us another avenue of thought. It’s these new gifts.” ~ John Zaller

“What makes people flock to these immersive experiences is that they have a chance to get away from the craziness in the world. To be completely surrounded in this theme and the beauty of the art, especially Claude Monet, whose work was so serene and so rich in terms of color, and give you a chance to just reflect and just be.” ~ John Zaller

“To take more time. And it really is that simple of stopping what you’re doing, looking around, and taking it in. And that’s what makes these artists so special is they give us that ability. But we can learn from them too in the sense that we have that same opportunity. We just have to give ourselves that time.” ~ John Zaller

“Trying to remain humble is the hardest part, I think, for a successful artist. And that really, the way you do that is by staying in the work because the work is what you approve upon, but it’s also what shows you what your limits are every time.”~ John Zaller

“We’re looking for that transcendent experience. We’re either looking to connect with the past to validate that spark within us or to nurture that spark within us through these transcendent experiences that other immersive experiences.” ~ John Zaller

Bio:

John Zaller is the executive producer of Exhibition Hub, a curator and distributor of world-renowned immersive exhibitions. He has honed his unique skills of production, visual art, and set design for more than 25 years while working in the museum, entertainment, retail, and attractions/theme parks industries through his own immersive design firm, KRE8 360, that specializes in creating story-driven, traveling immersion experiences. He has contributed to creating and overseeing multiple immersive experiential environments including Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition; Jurassic World: The Exhibition; Bodies the Exhibition; Star Trek: The Exhibition; and the Themed Entertainment Association’s Thea award-winning experience at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. Most recently, Zaller has been credited for his contributions and skillful expertise on Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which was named the 2021 best immersive experience by USA Today and among the 12 best immersive experiences in the world by CNN. He has been working with Exhibition Hub for more than a decade and is responsible for the implementation of all Exhibition Hub properties in the United States.

Guest Contact Info:

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

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

Claude Monet The Immersive Experience: https://monetexpo.com/

Bubble Planet in Denver: https://bubble-planet.com/denver/