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podcast

Mar 12
Love22

Arukah Project

By Community, Podcast, True Crime No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, Gary sits down with Loreal and Natasha from Arukah Project—an organization dedicated to combating sex trafficking across California—to have a crucial conversation about the realities of this crisis. They uncover the hidden truths of sex trafficking, share real-life stories, and discuss how their organization is working to bring restoration and hope to survivors.

Loreal and Natasha break down common misconceptions, reveal how traffickers exploit vulnerabilities, and emphasize the importance of education and awareness. This episode will not only open your eyes but also inspire you to be part of the solution.

This episode is sponsored by:

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

 (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • The meaning of ‘Arukah’—a Hebrew word for restoration to wholeness—and its significance in shaping their mission
  • The shocking reality of how sex trafficking occurs in plain sight.
  • How traffickers manipulate personal and economic vulnerabilities to entrap victims
  • The critical role of education in prevention and how communities can take action
  • Specialized training programs that teach individuals how to identify trafficking signs both online and offline
  • Why parental involvement is essential in protecting children and fostering safety conversations

Quotations:

“Arukah is a Hebrew word meaning restoring to wholeness in spirit, soul, and body. So what Arukah does is we serve survivors of sex trafficking.” ~ Loreal Weitzel

“We basically have a training for any type of organization, business or demographic out there because sexual trafficking does not discriminate.” ~ Natasha

“Due to sex is a taboo topic in general and people don’t want to talk about prostitution, escort. stripping in the club, pornography, the adult industry. People don’t want to talk about that because as a society, they are disregarded, right?” ~ Natasha

“Here’s all these different ways that people don’t recognize what sex trafficking can be and how it’s so close to home.” ~ Natasha

“Whatever that vulnerability is, that trafficker identifies that and then provides that vulnerability and then exploits that vulnerability. Once they’ve exploited that vulnerability, like, so you want to go back home and starve because now that that child has realized what they’re what they’ve gotten into and they don’t like it anymore. And now there’s no way out for them through their thought process. And now that trafficker is exploiting that.” ~ Natasha

“Trafficking is not just what I think the movies and the TV shows want to make it out to be, right? That does happen and I am not minimizing that, but we are talking about sex trafficking in our country and in our area in the state of California right now and specifically in this area that we’re discussing. And that’s what we’re seeing and we’re also seeing, unfortunately, this is not a political statement, but when the economy is doing well, you see fluctuations in any criminal activity, right?” ~ Natasha

“We don’t really use the word like prostitute or prostitution. It’s called survival sex work. And the reason is it doesn’t matter whether trafficked or not, you’re out there trying to survive, whether it’s feeding your addiction, whether it’s feeding your family, whether you’re being trafficked, it is survival sex work.” ~ Natasha

“We know with a healthy state of mind, we might make different choices.” ~ Natasha

“The fact that your children think they know everything is one of the most dangerous mindsets that they can have.” ~ Natasha

“Every single person has a vulnerability.” ~ Natasha

“I absolutely fell in love with psychology and the idea of being able to create a safe space for somebody to walk through and process something difficult or traumatic in their life and being that safe space for somebody. ~ Loreal Weitzel

“Our job as guardians, as parents is to empower our children to be able to empower themselves. To be able to protect themselves when they become adults. That is our job. ~ Natasha

Bio:

Loreal Weitzel graduated with a BA in Psychology from the University of Santa Cruz, is a Certified Human Trafficking Case Manager in California, and has an MA in Intercultural Studies with a focus on Children at Risk from Fuller Seminary. She founded Arukah Project in 2019 with a passion to restore the lives of sex trafficking survivors from all over California.

Natasha (last name withheld for privacy) is the Deputy Executive Director of the Arukah Project with over 20 years of experience in the field. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is deeply committed to making a difference.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.arukahproject.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arukah.project/

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

Mar 05
Love32

Chia-Lin Simmons

By Education, Leadership, Personal Growth, Podcast, Technology No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we’ve got the perfect episode to inspire you—just in time for International Women’s Day! Meet Chia-Lin Simmons, CEO of a NASDAQ company, AI startup founder, licensed New York State attorney, and all-around powerhouse. From dreaming of a publishing career to leading at Google, Audible (Amazon), and Harman, her journey proves that success isn’t always a straight line—and that’s more than okay.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or just needed a reminder that your path is yours to create, this episode is for you! 

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!)

License #: 679261

In this episode, we dive into:

  • Taking unexpected career turns (and why they often lead to the best opportunities)
  • Why soft skills—like adaptability and resilience—are just as important as hard skills
  • AI, creativity, and why human innovation still matters
  • The future of work and why treating employees like adults is the way forward
  • The power of finding your people and learning from every step of the journey

Quotations:

“College is a really great place. You will find your tribe, you’ll find your place, whatever college you go to.”  ~ Chia Lin Simmons

“Whatever you study doesn’t mean that that’s what you’re going to do in life. And eventually people find the space that’s really an area, a place that they feel like they can contribute to.” ~ Chia Lin Simmons

“Whatever you do, you want to do something that hopefully will make somebody’s lives a little better.” ~ Chia Lin Simmons

“We always need people who are creators in the world.” ~ Chia Lin Simmons

“Work experience is one that they’re building together. Work culture is a live thing. It’s not a static thing that we impose on other people.” ~ Chia Lin Simmons

“If they can get their work done, do I care if they’re doing it like in another state? Do I care if they’re doing it on the beach? Are they delivering what they need to deliver? You know, the reality is I don’t care so long as the work gets delivered; meetings are had so that we can actually get things done together.” ~ Chia Lin Simmons

“With really good managers, they’re looking for opportunities; they can see what you can do, and they’re looking for opportunities for you to feel like you can stretch. And if you pick a really great person, they can stretch to in ways and learn in ways that you cannot imagine.” ~ Chia Lin Simmons

“I do believe in putting in practice and working at something; there’s no overnight success in many ways. Like you’re putting in your time, you’re learning, and you’re applying, right? It may not be always directly the same thing, but whatever you’re learning in business, it’s you’re putting in the hours and times to basically be proficient at being in business.” ~ Chia Lin Simmons

“Working skills and practicing is important. And then being at the right place at the right time also makes a difference.” ~ Chia Lin Simmons

“When you take a new job, you’re looking at it the way that an investor would look at an opportunity because you’re investing your time.” ~ Chia Lin Simmons

“I always tell people shareholders and boards do not hire me to basically, the words of Gretzky, right? And in ice hockey, I shouldn’t be skating to where the puck is. I have to skate to where the puck is going to be. And so you may not see it now, but I see where the puck is going to be and that’s where I need to drive towards, not where it is today.” ~ Chia Lin Simmons

Bio:

Chia-Lin Simmons is the CEO of LookyLoo, a technology startup that brings together social, big data and machine learning AI to help identify fit in apparel, increase conversion, increase customer confidence and drive down return rates for apparel and online retailers. Chia-Lin is active in the automotive, transportation, digital media ande-commerce technology space as a consultant and advisory board member for a number of companies in the space. Her interest and expertise in the automotive technology space stems from her role as the former VP of Marketing & Content for Harman International’s (NASDAQ: HAR, now a Samsung business) Connected Car business. Chia-Lin helped build and launch Harman’s Connected Car service Aha which is featured in Honda, Subaru, Porsche and other automotive partners and availability in millions of vehicles and more than 50+ countries worldwide. Prior to her starting her own company, Chia-Lin was an executive at a number of high visibility technology companies. She was the former Head of Global Partner Marketing for Google’s digital business Google Play Music and the Google Play Store, the VP of Marketing and General Manager of Playphone North America, a senior business development executive at Time Warner/ AOL, as well as the VP of Strategic Alliances at Audible (an Amazon company). Chia-Lin serves on the Board of Directors for Servco Pacific, a $1.3B global automotive / goods company, and recently gave presentations on Autonomous Vehicles and legal concerns to more than 400+ autonomous car experts in Silicon Valley. In her free time, Chia-Lin founded the #bindersproject, which helps connected women tech founders with global funders looking to accelerate female founded startups. Chia-Lin graduated Magna cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from U.C. San Diego and received her MBA from Cornell University, where she was a Park Leadership Fellow. Chia-Lin is a licensed New York State attorney and earned her JD from George Mason University School of Law.

Guest Contact Info:

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

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

X: https://x.com/chialinsimmons

Feb 26
Love22

Terry McBride

By Music, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with Terry McBride, a legendary figure in 90s country music. He was the lead vocalist and bass guitarist in the band McBride & the Ride. From growing up in a small Texas town to writing hits for country legends, Terry’s journey is all about hard work, passion, and a few surprising turns along the way. Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

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

 (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)

In this Episode:

  • Growing up in a ranching community and finding his passion for music
  • Learning from his father, regional musician Dale McBride
  • How Tony Brown’s recognition led him to a deal with MCA Records
  • Writing with legends like Guy Clark and shaping country music’s golden era
  • Tour life—from driving buses to fronting his own band
  • The hilarious and humbling reality of family honesty (yes, hair loss included!)

Quotations:

“You always want something better for your children. You hope they’ll go on and be happy and successful.” ~ Terry McBride

“I had such respect for those songwriters behind the scenes.” ~ Terry McBride

“You’ve got to have a guy that believes in you so much; other people eventually believe in you too.” ~ Terry McBride

“When the record button hits or the camera’s on, you got it, it’s your shot. You got to show what you got. You got to be good at it.” ~ Terry McBride

“Once you have the hits, it gets a little easier; it gets a lot more fun. You know, people are singing along. Now it’s just fun.” ~ Terry McBride

“I’ll take a hundred people who want to be there over 5,000 that are just whatever, you know? Cause it’s just so much fun for me.” ~ Terry McBride

“We’re small but mighty and that three-part harmony really fills up the band much bigger than it appears by just the four pieces.” ~ Terry McBride

“If you’re miserable and you have nothing to look forward to, then I don’t want to live like that.” ~ Terry McBride

Bio:

Terry McBride is a true Texas original—a chart-topping songwriter, frontman, and multi-instrumentalist with a career spanning four decades. From touring with his father’s band to forming McBride & The Ride and penning hits for Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and many more, Terry’s impact on country music is undeniable. With multiple #1 songs, millions of airplay awards, and a recent induction into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame, he continues to write, record, and tour—both as a solo artist and with the reunited McBride & The Ride.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.terrymcbridemusic.com/

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

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

YouTube: @TerryMcBrideMusic

_______________

Feb 19
Love33

Jerry Flowers

By Music, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re sitting down with Jerry Flowers, one of Nashville’s most respected musicians and songwriters. Best known as Keith Urban’s longtime band leader and bass player, Jerry has spent decades touring the world, playing massive stages, and shaping the sound of country music.

In this raw and honest conversation, Jerry pulls back the curtain on life in the music industry—sharing behind-the-scenes stories, the highs and lows of his journey, and what it really takes to make it in Nashville. Listen now!

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!)

License #: 679261

In this Episode:

  • His journey from Pinch, WV, to Nashville and beyond
  • The early days as a founding member of The Ranch (Keith Urban’s first band)
  • Writing with Sam Hunt and the magic behind crafting a hit song
  • What it really takes to make it in music—talent, grit, and the right people believing in you

Quotations:

“When you first come here you think it’s impossible, especially if you’re from a really small town. But then you realize the more, the longer you’re here, like, it’s not that big of a business and you know these everybody you just need to find your people to.” ~ Jerry Flowers

“If you have everything when you move here, you’re most likely not gonna be willing to go through all the hard stuff that you’re gonna have to go through cause it’s gonna be hard. I don’t care who it is. It’s gonna be rough. And so if you don’t have that hunger, you’re not gonna stay.” ~ Jerry Flowers

“Most people that are jerks, they just don’t make it in this business because you have to be a fun hang, you have to be a good person to be around. And I think that’s the same with the label people too and management. It’s, like, you have to be a good, good person or I think it just, you get weeded out.” ~ Jerry Flowers

“Even at the lowest level and you’re still getting to do it, it’s still an absolute gift to be able to do it.“ ~ Jerry Flowers

“I watched the audience a lot more than the bands just to see what their reaction is.” ~ Jerry Flowers

Bio:

Jerry Flowers is a seasoned bassist, songwriter, and music industry veteran, best known for his longtime role as Keith Urban’s bass player and band leader. With a career spanning decades, Jerry has toured the world, shared the stage with music legends, and played a pivotal role in crafting chart-topping hits both on and off the road.

Originally from Pinch, West Virginia, Jerry’s musical journey began at just 12 years old, fueled by a passion for bass guitar. His talent and dedication took him from small-town gigs to global stages, touring with The Chicks, Counting Crows, and more.

Beyond performing, Jerry is an accomplished songwriter, earning #1 hits with Billy Currington, Jason Aldean, Sam Hunt, and Ryan Hurd. His musicality and creativity continue to inspire every session he’s in, making him a sought-after collaborator in Nashville’s thriving music scene.

Guest Contact Info:

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