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podcast

Jan 15
Love15

Craig Allen Cooper

By Author, Community, Faith, Podcast No Comments

This episode of Here’s What We Know is an emotional rollercoaster you won’t want to miss. Our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes back return guest Craig Allen Cooper for an inspiring conversation that spans life’s joys, struggles, and unexpected surprises! Tune in now, and let this episode remind you of the beauty in life’s twists and turns, the power of faith, perseverance, and community.

Yep, he’s that guy Walker Hayes wrote about. You can listen to our first conversation with Craig here: https://garyscottthomas.com/craig-allen-cooper/

This episode is sponsored by:

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In this Episode:

  • Craig Cooper’s son’s incredible journey to NYU’s Clive Davis Institute
  • A raw and honest discussion about navigating a faith crisis
  • The inspiring story behind Walker Hayes’ song “Craig”
  • Insights into the art of preaching
  • Life lessons and reflections on God’s mysterious plan
  • An unforgettable mission trip to Rwanda with Hope International

Quotations:

“Scriptures are just filled with so much wisdom. That’s why I make it practice to try to just continually read through the scriptures. And because I need it, it’s like daily bread man; man doesn’t live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” ~ Craig Allen Cooper

“Walker shares his story, shares his testimony before he sings the song, Craig, in every concert. And I mean, he’s done that. It’s packed stadium like the Houston rodeo had 70,000 people and they packed that out and he’s sharing with all these people about Jesus through the story of our friendship.” ~ Craig Allen Cooper

“It’s not an easy thing to do it, but I believe in the power of preaching. I really do believe, I believe God speaks through what he’s spoken. I believe there’s a lot of grace that’s given in that moment and a lot of pasturing takes place through the pulpit.” ~ Craig Allen Cooper

“It’s a privilege for us to have the word of God and then to be able to read it in the morning and meditate on it throughout the day and listen to it preached.” ~ Craig Allen Cooper

Bio:

Craig Allen Cooper is a USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker. He co-wrote the book “Glad You’re Here” with Grammy-nominated country singer and songwriter Walker Hayes. “Glad You’re Here” instantly became a Publisher’s Weekly, ECPA, and USA Today national bestseller and has been featured on The Today Show, People Magazine, The 700 Club, Jesus Calling, and Family Life Radio, as well as various other news sources, radio and television programs, and podcasts, including That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs and Dream Big with Bob Goff.

Craig served as one of the founding pastors of Redeeming Grace Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and is the founder of Glad You’re Here Ministries. He is the subject of the song “Craig” by Walker Hayes, and he resides in the greater Nashville area with his lovely wife, Laura, and their four kids.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.craigallencooper.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigallencooper/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/craigallencooper/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigallencooper/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@craigallencooper

Jan 08
Love20

Tim Rickard

By Art, Podcast, Sci-Fi No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, our host Gary sits down with the one and only Tim Rickard, the brilliant mind behind the comic strip “Brewster Rockit: Space Guy!” Tim’s humor, storytelling, and passion for cartooning have made his work a staple in newspapers and online. From drawing on restaurant windows as a kid to crafting one of Gary’s daily must-reads, Tim’s journey is as entertaining as his comics. If you’re a fan of comics and storytelling or just need a lighthearted listen, this episode is for you!

This episode is sponsored by:

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

In this Episode:

  • How Tim’s early love for drawing and comics like Peanuts and Calvin & Hobbes shaped his path
  • The creative challenges and rewards of working on tight deadlines
  • The evolution of fan-favorite characters like Brewster and Pam
  • How sci-fi icons sneak their way into Tim’s work (yes, we’re talking Captain Kirk and Darth Vader vibes).
  • Why flashbacks are one of his secret storytelling weapons.

Quotations:

“I always loved to draw. I love cartooning. So I always wanted to be a cartoonist.” ~ Tim Rickard 

“Sometimes I start with the doodle and add the words. Probably more often than not, I start with the words and add the doodles. But I say, usually the words come first, but occasionally sometimes the images come first, and I just got to find the right words to go with it.” ~ Tim Rickard 

“Too much coffee, lack of sleep, a combination of the two, that helps. Deadline pressures; you put those three in a mixer together and that’s my creative juice right there.” ~ Tim Rickard 

“As far as the flashbacks go, I just want people to know that I’m not making this up. This was a real strip five years ago that I’m calling back to.” ~ Tim Rickard 

“It’s great not having to solve things or wrap things up a lot of times. So I’ll get done with a story arc and I won’t even write a finish for it. I’ll just like, yeah, I’ve said all I wanted to say about this and I’ll drop an arc.” ~ Tim Rickard 

“I don’t think I could do rocket science without all the new technology that we have, especially like YouTube and videos and stuff, animation that really helps explain a lot of things. I love science, but the thing is I’m not like an expert in science. So I’m learning these things I write about in rocket science. I’m learning them right along with the reader because a lot of these things I researched and they learned about as I was writing. I just had to pick things that interest me and that I find interesting.” ~ Tim Rickard 

“The funny thing is I didn’t think I was capable of writing comics. When I was younger, I mean, I loved it and I did it anyway, just simply because I loved it. It looked like so much fun. But the more I did it, the more I kind of started getting better at it.” ~ Tim Rickard 

“I thought, you know, if I’m going to get rejected, I might as well get rejected for doing something I want to do rather than doing strips I didn’t really want to do, just I thought would sell and that’s the one that they like, that’s the one they bought.” ~ Tim Rickard

Bio:

Tim Rickard is an award-winning cartoonist, illustrator, and graphic artist for the News and Record in Greensboro, N.C. He is a member of Mensa, which means his remarkably large brain houses all sorts of inane science-fiction facts. He lives in Greensboro, N.C.

Guest Contact Info:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rickard-3a59619/
Read Brewster Rockit: Space Guy! on GoComics or Amazon

Jan 01
Love15

Tyler Rich

By Music, Sports No Comments

New year! New episode!

This week on Here’s What We Know, welcome 2025 with an entertaining chat featuring country music star and diehard sports fan Tyler Rich! Dive into Tyler’s love for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers and his excitement about performing at the Giants’ first doubleheader event in 26 years. Tune in now and join the conversation about music, sports, and what makes ballpark culture so unforgettable!

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!)

In this Episode:

  • Fan First, Performer Second: Tyler shares what it means to be chosen for such a historic event and his lifelong love for the Giants.
  • Doubleheader Buzz: Discover how the pitch clock has changed the pace of baseball games, making them even better for fans.
  • Ballpark Nostalgia: Red ropes licorice, garlic fries, and why snacks make or break the ballpark experience.
  • Sports Heartbreak & Hope: Tyler’s highs and lows as a 49ers fan, plus his outlook for the seasons ahead.

Quotations:

“When you love the game, you love the game.” ~ Tyler Rich

“We got to do it now or never, as we all know, because we’re not going to have these (49ers) guys forever.” ~ Tyler Rich

Bio:

Northern California-raised, Nashville-rooted Tyler Rich his love of music gathered around a Christmas tree alongside family singing holiday classics and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Fast forward to graduating college with a degree in Economics, Tyler moved to LA to pursue a different game of numbers – music – exploring various genres with songwriting and bands before taking the leap as a solo artist. Since, Tyler has amassed nearly half a billion global streams to date and notched three No. 1 hits on SiriusXM’s The Highway with his debut album TWO THOUSAND MILES (The Valory Music Co.), featuring GOLD-certified “The Difference” plus subsequent releases “Better Than You’re Used To,” “A Little Bit of You” and “Trucks Don’t Lie.” In 2022, Tyler joined forces with one of Canada’s most successful bilingual singer-songwriters, Marie-Mai for a duet on “Thinkin’ We’re In Love,” which serviced as the name of his headline tour. With his newly released I KNOW YOU DO EP, Tyler gives fans the best of both worlds fusing the spirit of youth with an easy-going buzz. Produced by The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston, the three-track collection puts the many layers of the heartfelt singer/songwriter on full display. Tyler’s music embodies the feelings all people have in common – the need for acceptance, devotion, and a place to call their own – and that empathetic spirit extends to animals too. With Rich Rescues, Tyler visits local shelters while out on the road to raise awareness for pet adoption.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.tylerrich.com/

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

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

YouTube: @tylerrrichmusic

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

Dec 26
Love20

Jay Allen

By Caregiving, Community, Music, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for an unforgettable conversation with country singer-songwriter, philanthropist, advocate, and all-around amazing human, Jay Allen. Known for his emotional storytelling, trademark humor, electric performances, and tireless work to make a difference, Jay opens up about his life, career, and the causes closest to his heart. Listen now!

This episode is sponsored by:

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

In this Episode:

  • Jay dives into his fitness routine and how staying active helps him maintain mental clarity. 
  • Get a behind-the-scenes look at Jay’s preparation for the last ACM Awards, where he rocked a timeless all-black wedding tuxedo.
  • Jay opens up about how he and his wife overcame the curveball of Hurricane Ian disrupting their wedding plans. Thanks to the generosity of friends, they turned a challenge into a beautiful celebration of love.
  • Prepare to be moved as Jay shares his mission to fight Alzheimer’s. With over $120 million raised for research, collaborations with artists like Walker Hayes, and impactful charity concerts, Jay’s philanthropy shines a light on how music and storytelling can make a difference.
  • Jay reflects on an emotional visit to The White House during a film screening, sharing how vulnerability and empathy fuel his powerful storytelling through music.
  • Jay talks about his music “Better Now” dedicated to those facing anxiety and depression, this song is a reminder that healing is possible.

Quotations:

“God works in your life if your heart if you try to force your heart into the right place and do the right thing you know so that’s what happened it was stunning.” ~ Jay Allen

“I’m far from perfect. I fail every day. But, I feel like when I check myself, he reminds me as to why we should do the right thing as often as we can.” ~ Jay Allen

“Our industry, especially on the road, can get dark. If you allow it to, And it’s really important to surround yourself, especially men of character.” ~ Jay Allen

“We pray not just before every show for looks, but we intentionally pray all the time on the road together. And, we rock and roll on stage It’s very like rock-influenced meets country, but, we talk about our faith and we’re proud of it.” ~ Jay Allen

“Real men cry, so cry away, my friend. That’s your strength in my opinion.” ~ Jay Allen

“God turned me into a philanthropist and I’ve gotten really good at helping raise awareness towards the cause and now other charities as well.” ~ Jay Allen

“There’s so much beauty that can come from sadness and pain and vulnerability and being human if we just share it, if we just open up.” ~ Jay Allen

Bio:

Known for his philanthropic work spurred on by his mother’s passing from Alzheimer’s in 2019, Jay has gone on to raise over $160 million to help fight the disease.

He’s been featured on NBC’s The Voice, ABC World News, PeopleTV, Pickler & Ben, and in People & Forbes Magazine, among many other media outlets. He was selected as The Highway Find on Sirius XM with his song “Sounds Good To Me”, won the 2022 Country Now Awards as Favorite Competition Contestant, and was recognized as one of Music Mayhem Magazine’s 2023 Artists to Watch.

Celebrated for his philanthropic work in 2023, Allen was presented The Caregiver Award by The National Alzheimer’s Association, was personally invited to The White House by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, made history by performing the first-ever concert in the U.S. Capitol Building, and successfully concluded his first international tour in the United Kingdom, leading to airplay on BBC.

Jay signed a record deal with ONErpm in 2023 and continues to tour with his band “The Stallions” in effort to help those suffering with dementia and their caregivers. His new 10-song album “Des Moines” is available now.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.jayallenofficial.com/

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

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayallenmusic

Youtube: @JAYALLENOFFICIAL