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podcast

Dec 17
Love18

John Mason

By Author, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with legendary entertainment attorney John Mason for a conversation filled with heart, humor, and jaw-dropping stories from behind the curtain of the music and film industry.

Growing up in the San Fernando Valley alongside the children of Hollywood icons, he followed an unexpected path that led him from law school to jam sessions with the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, and the musicians who quietly shaped modern music. Along the way, he built a career representing some of the biggest names in entertainment, while never losing sight of the human stories behind the fame.

Drawing from his book Crazy Lucky, John shares intimate moments with Brian Wilson, Olivia Newton-John, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Randy Travis, and more. These are not tabloid stories. They are reflections on genius, vulnerability, perseverance, and the strange way talent and timing collide to shape a life.

This episode is a love letter to creativity, resilience, and the unpredictable paths that lead us exactly where we are meant to be. Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

  • John Mason’s unexpected path to music
  • The magic and pressure of recording sessions with The Wrecking Crew
  • Brian Wilson’s musical brilliance and personal struggles
  • Olivia Newton-John’s grace, strength, and lasting impact
  • Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones creating history together
  • Randy Travis and the rebirth of country music

Quotations:

“Chemistry is a big part of success.” ~ John Mason

“The best producer in the world can’t have the best result with every artist. The chemistry between the person sitting in the booth and the person sitting at the studio is where the magic sauce goes.”  ~ John Mason

“It’s just fun for me to tell the stories. That’s why I wrote the book anyway. It was never my plan to be an author, but people, you’re saying it for yourself, and I hope that people listening to the show feel the people love the stories, and it’s actually touching these people  at vulnerable times and exciting times.”  ~ John Mason

Bio:

John Mason is one of the most respected entertainment attorneys in the business, with a career spanning decades across film, television, and music. From representing Academy Award winners to working with artists who have sold over 100 million records, John has been a trusted advocate for some of the biggest names in the industry. A UCLA and UC Berkeley Law graduate with the highest honors, his work has earned national recognition and shaped major moments in entertainment law. Beyond the courtroom, John is deeply committed to the arts, philanthropy, and mentoring the next generation of creators.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.johnmasonlaw.com/

Dec 10
Love19

Dan Ashley

By Music, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, Gary Scott Thomas sits down with Dan Ashley, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, longtime ABC7 News anchor in San Francisco, and a musician with a true storyteller’s heart.

From political satire and freedom of speech to small-town Southern roots, Dan opens up about his journey through media, music, and the moments that shaped him.

Discover what it means to speak truth with kindness, how good writing drives great journalism, and why music became such a meaningful outlet in Dan’s life. With humor, heart, and plenty of honesty, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at two careers built on curiosity, connection, and a love for people.

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

  • Why being able to joke about our leaders matters and how it sets America apart from places like Russia or China
  • Dan shares unforgettable moments interviewing Presidents Obama and George W. Bush and what he learned from each
  • Gary and Dan look back on small-town life, radio mishaps, and the early days that shaped their careers
  • Hear how Dan pushed past his fear of singing and stepped into a musical life that changed everything

Quotations:

“If you look at the late-night talk show hosts, they’re making fun of our leaders, or Saturday Night Live is poking fun at our leaders every time I see that. Regardless of what side you’re on, poking fun at somebody you like or admire, in the bigger picture, is something to be thankful we live in a country where we can do, because it’s healthy to do that, to humanize our leaders, and to be able to speak truth to power. And you try doing that in other countries; try doing that in Russia or China. I don’t know if there are any late-night talk shows making fun of their leaders. You just vanish.”   ~ Dan Ashley

“I actually came to appreciate and enjoy radio more than I ever had because there’s something about transporting people to the scene of a new story or, as you so incredibly do, telling great fun stories and taking people there. When it’s just the power of your voice and your imagination.”  ~ Dan Ashley

“Good writing is a product of clear thinking. You have to know what you’re going to say before you say it. And I love the challenge of trying to express and explain things to people through clear writing so that they get it in one pass through. It’s hard, but I enjoy it.”  ~ Dan Ashley

“Many of my songs, if not most, are really about real things; they are about issues or experiences or challenges or things to be grateful for.  So I write songs about things that I know, or I’m familiar with, or that I’ve seen.”  ~ Dan Ashley

Bio:

Dan Ashley has been connected to music his whole life, beginning with childhood guitar and piano lessons in North Carolina and long summer days filled with music on his family’s farm. Today, he leads his own band and has performed alongside artists like REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Eddie Money, Melissa Etheridge, Dionne Warwick, Neal Schon, and Narada Michael Walden. He is also a frequent National Anthem performer for major sports events across the country.

Outside of music, Dan is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and longtime ABC7 News anchor in San Francisco. He has covered major national and international stories, built strong relationships across the media world, and is known for his communication skills, generosity, and commitment to community work.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://danashleymusic.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanAshleyABC7/

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/DanAshleyABC7/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-ashley-479199185/?skipRedirect=true

Dec 03
Love23

Jonathan Kite

By Music, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, Jonathan Kite joins us for a conversation that is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply human. You may know him as Oleg from “2 Broke Girls,” but today he pulls the curtain back on the real craft of comedy and the unexpected moments that shaped his journey.

We dig into what it takes to build a stand-up set, how crowd work has changed, and why impressions are more than funny voices. Jonathan shares stories from the road, reflections on early influences like Abbott and Costello, and a beautiful moment involving a phone call from a friend he thought he had lost forever.

We also talk about the energy it takes to perform at a Jim Carrey level, the kindness behind Tom Hanks’s gift of earnestness, and why laughter still feels like one of the most meaningful ways to lift someone’s spirit.

Tune in and enjoy this warm and wonderfully unexpected ride with Jonathan Kite.

This episode is sponsored by:

In this Episode:

  •  • How stand-up comedy evolves with every audience
    • The art and heart behind great impressions
    • A life-changing call that arrived at the exact right moment
    • What Jonathan learned from Robin Williams, Norm Macdonald, and others
    • Why laughter matters more than ever

Quotations:

“I really want to be there, like when I do standup, to be a good time, because that’s a lot of people’s night off. It’s like a date night; it’s their first time being at a comedy show. And I really, even when the audience is light work, you know, even if they’re energy is low, I’m always going to give it 110% because I’m performing for the people that are there, not for the people that aren’t. And so I always admired that I never felt like my heroes; I could tell that it felt like they were performing to the best of their ability just because they loved it. And for that person in the front row who was enjoying it.”   ~ Jonathan Kite

“It’s hard. Life is up and down for a lot of people. We all have our own stuff going on. And I just think if you can give someone a break for a minute, you know, I think that’s why social media is so popular, right? It’s sort of like the devil, but it’s the idea that, like, you just need a break sometimes.” ~ Jonathan Kite

Bio:

Jonathan Kite is a versatile actor, comedian, and master impressionist, famous for his role as Oleg the Ukrainian cook on the hit CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls.

Known for his quick wit and over 250 celebrity impressions, Jonathan has built a diverse career across television, film, voice acting, and stand-up comedy. His notable credits include starring opposite Jamie Foxx in the Netflix series Dad Stop Embarrassing Me and voicing characters in animated films like The Addams Family 2, as well as shows like Family Guy and American Dad.

An alumnus of Second City and The Groundlings, he tours nationally with his stand-up and is currently producing his feature screenwriting debut. Jonathan is celebrated as one of today’s most versatile comedic talents.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.jonathankitecomedy.com/

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

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

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

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

Nov 26
Love22

Jungle Doug Griffin

By Music, Podcast No Comments

Radio legend Jungle Doug Griffin joins us back on Here’s What We Know for a fast-moving, heartfelt conversation about life behind the mic, changing technology, and the moments that shaped his story. Doug shares memories from his KRTY years, the rise of his son DJ Garlic, and the communication skills you only learn when all you have is your voice.

He also opens up about his prostate cancer journey and the miracle connections that guided him toward healing. From country music to Christian crossovers, Jelly Roll to Lauren Daigle, this episode blends nostalgia, insight, and a whole lot of heart.

A must-listen for anyone who loves real stories, real people, and real hope

This episode is sponsored by:

In this Episode:

  • Discover how technology has transformed radio from two guys talking to sticks into a dynamic platform that connects cities
  • Hear Doug’s candid stories about his son’s DJ journey and his own powerful fight through prostate cancer
  • Get fresh insight on how Christian themes are shaping country music with artists like Jelly Roll and Lauren Daigle
  • Learn why local radio is fading, how voice tracking is changing everything, and why real personalities still matter most

Quotations:

“There is a lot of worship music, and obviously, worship music is people singing in church and  using that to worship God. And then there’s Christian music that’s just like anybody else talking about stuff, but from a faith perspective. And I think you’re right as far as people being able to say, “This is what I believe in, and I believe in God.” ~ Doug Griffin

“People are just like, ‘What’s a good song and who’s real?’ If you can be real and you can be a good song, I don’t really put you in a box; I just put you on my playlist.” ~ Doug Griffin

Bio:

Doug Griffin is a radio veteran with a career spanning over 35 years, best known for his work across the San Francisco Bay Area. His notable roles include “Jungle Doug” on KRTY Country and hosting the syndicated “Doug & Connie / Doug & Karla” morning show. Having also worked with Christian music channels on XM Satellite Radio, Doug’s life is guided by his faith. He is married to author Sheryl Griffin and is passionate about helping others move past worry, inspired by his favorite verse, Philippians 4:6-7.

Guest Contact Info:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-griffin-065206a/

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