This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re shaking things up with a brand-new monthly series: Once Around the Country, your all-access roundup for what’s hot in country music.
To kick things off, Gary dives into the 59th CMA Awards with insider stories, bold opinions, and a passion for the genre that only a radio veteran can bring.
It’s country music talk with heart, humor, and honesty; don’t miss it!
In This Episode:
The biggest CMA categories, plus the snubs and surprises everyone’s talking about
Why Jelly Roll and Eric Church’s absence matters
Rising stars you should have on your radar, like Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr.
The hard truth about songwriting in the streaming era
Why award shows might need a total reboot to win back fans
This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for a fascinating episode with astrophysicist Dr. Jeff Zweerink from Reasons to Believe for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about science, faith, and the joy of curiosity.
We’ll explore cosmic mysteries, personal stories, and the deep questions that connect physics, philosophy, and spirituality. Dr. Zweerink’s perspective is both deeply knowledgeable and refreshingly humble, reminding us that the more we learn, the more wonder there is to discover. Listen now!
This episode is sponsored by:
In This Episode:
Why science and faith aren’t enemies and how they work in harmony
The role of curiosity in uncovering both cosmic and spiritual truths
How advances in technology make complex ideas accessible
Big-picture topics like the multiverse, quantum weirdness, and the origins of the universe
Reflections on humility, lifelong learning, and the layers of meaning in both scripture and science
Quotations:
“Two of my earliest memories are fascination with science and the importance of Christianity in life. So just as a practical measure, science and Christianity have worked very well throughout my whole life. They worked in unison, and they’ve worked to help me understand the truth.” ~ Jeff Zweerink
“I think God has designed us to be fascinated and curious.” ~ Jeff Zweerink
“I just love being able to figure out what’s going on and what I can do to learn more, not only about how this world works, but also about the God who created it all so that I can help others see that those really do work together.” ~ Jeff Zweerink
“I’ve always found that scripture and science, when interpreted with integrity, always line up, or they can always line up, and that has been a tremendous boost to my confidence in the truth of Christianity.” ~ Jeff Zweerink
“When you’re talking with people, you’re dealing with a person. Understand that person. Don’t try to put them in the box that fits your explanation. Understand what that person is, who they are, and what they’re wrestling with. And ultimately, how is God working in their life? ” ~ Jeff Zweerink
Bio:
Jeff Zweerink is an astrophysicist and senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe, where he bridges his lifelong passions for science and Christian faith. Inspired early on by Hugh Ross’s vision of integrating scientific discovery with theology, Jeff has dedicated his career to showing how the two complement rather than conflict. Through his research and teaching, he helps Christians see science as a powerful way to declare God’s glory, while also engaging scientists with the rational foundation of faith.
This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for a fascinating conversation with Scott Howell, owner of Red Dot Fitness and creator of the Iron Sights Podcast. We’ll explore fitness, longevity, motivation, and the truth behind training in both gyms and law enforcement.
From practical advice on staying healthy for the long haul to candid conversations about social media myths and the realities faced by those who serve in uniform, this is an episode full of real-world wisdom. Listen now!
This episode is sponsored by:
(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)
In this Episode:
Why your “why” is the key to long-term health and fitness
How fitness is personal—not a one-size-fits-all formula
The truth about resistance training and muscle growth myths
How to stay flexible and compassionate with yourself through setbacks
Why diet fads and shortcuts rarely work in the long run
Scott’s story of creating Red Dot Fitness and launching Iron Sights
Rare insights from first responders and military veterans through his After Dark conversations
Quotations:
“Fitness, I look at it sort of in this triangle of awareness, and there has to be a deep-rooted why within that triangle of awareness that connects somebody to what it is that they’re doing to get them or so that when they’re going to the gym, whatever they’re doing, whether they’re hiking or whatever, there’s a bigger connection than I’m just here to fitness today.” ~ Scott Howell
“I don’t care who you are—you should be doing some type of fitness on a regular, consistent basis for long-term health.” ~ Scott Howell
“But you have to have a connection to what it is that you’re training or why it is that you’re training to ever come up with what it is I should be doing, how often I should be doing it, and what exercises I should do. All of those, it’s like a flow chart of kinds of things, and then you can kind of work into a matrix of things without over-complicating it.” ~ Scott Howell
“When folks embark on this quote-unquote fitness journey, it should be more of a lifestyle that you’re adopting here, and what works for you and why is that important for you, and let’s figure out a way to make that work because there is no one-size-fits-all. It just doesn’t exist.” ~ Scott Howell
“There’s not one workout. There is you, and there is where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you want to go. And how do we make sense of this? And how do we then put some things that are actionable and reasonable.” ~ Scott Howell
Bio:
Scott Howell is a lifelong coach and human performance expert who launched the Iron Sights Podcast from the heart of Red Dot Fitness. Originally created to provide straightforward health and training insights for clients, Scott’s vision expanded when he recognized a critical disconnect between the fitness industry and the tactical community, despite shared physical challenges. What emerged was After Dark, a breakout segment featuring candid conversations with first responders, veterans, and everyday guardians about mindset, mission, and mastery. Today, Iron Sights reaches thousands of loyal listeners across the U.S., sparking real talk in gyms, agencies, and homes—and opening doors to speaking engagements, training partnerships, and a thriving community dedicated to strength, preparedness, and resilience.
This week on Here’s What We Know, Gary Scott Thomas sits down with Robert Emery, world-renowned conductor, pianist, and Founder of The Arts Group, one of the UK’s most dynamic entertainment companies. From childhood prodigy to international maestro, Robert brings a refreshing, fun, and deeply human perspective on classical music, creativity, and the colorful personalities behind history’s greatest composers.
Why classical music was once the “pop music” of its time
Surprising connections between country, rock, and opera
Robert’s bold journey from a 7-year-old pianist to global conductor and entrepreneur
What conductors really do and the leadership lessons they offer
Wild, unforgettable stories about legends like Liszt and Mozart
How classical themes show up everywhere, from film scores to cartoons
Robert’s drive to keep innovating through conducting, musicals, and TED’s List for online music education
Quotations:
“There’s always going to be people who are better than you, always. And the trick is to not care about that and to admire it and to say, “Well, maybe I can get to that status one day.” And then even if you do get to that level one day, there’ll always be somebody else who’s better than you, always a in music.” ~ Robert Emery
“Everybody has something special about them. You just have to find out what it is and tap into it. And that’s easier said than done.” ~ Robert Emery
“One of the problems with becoming an adult is that we put ourselves in boxes.” ~ Robert Emery
Bio:
Robert Emery is a conductor, pianist, and serial entrepreneur. He is lucky enough to travel the world; ranging from performances in London’s Royal Albert Hall, through to the Sydney Opera House, Robert has seen them all. Besides music, he is the Founder & Director of The Arts Group, one of the most diverse entertainment companies in the UK. Within the portfolio is a national music tuition agency, symphony orchestra, choir, artist agency, record label, and production company. Aside from that, he lives in London and Cambridge, has a wife (Mrs. E), a toddler (Master T), a baby (Master A), and 4 cats.
