storytelling podcast

Aug 12

George Lindsey

What was it like to build a career in radio when every conversation had the power to bring people together?

This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome veteran broadcaster George Lindsey, whose remarkable career began at just 15 years old behind a radio microphone.

George shares unforgettable stories from decades in broadcasting, remembers the legendary entertainers he met, and reflects on how radio created friendships that lasted a lifetime. He also opens up about his passion for charity auctions, explaining why helping communities has become one of the most rewarding chapters of his career.

Join us as we explore the lasting value of curiosity, meaningful conversations, and the simple joy of connecting with people. Listen now.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

How George Lindsey got his start in radio as a teenager
What made the golden age of radio so memorable
Stories about legendary musicians, entertainers, and life behind the microphone
Why building genuine relationships mattered more than ratings
How charity auctions became an unexpected calling
Lessons about service, gratitude, and staying curious throughout life
Why authentic conversations continue to matter in every generation

Quotations:

“I started in radio when I was just 15 years old, and I’ve never lost my love for it.” – George Lindsey

“The business has changed, but people still want to feel connected.” – George Lindsey

“Helping people has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career.” – George Lindsey

“The memories stay with you long after the microphone is turned off.” – George Lindsey

Bio:

George Lindsey spent decades behind the microphone as an award-winning radio personality, delivering ratings, results, and memorable moments. Four years ago, after graduating from auction school and earning his auctioneer’s license, he traded the studio for the stage, where he now energizes audiences as a professional emcee and benefit auctioneer.

Alongside his wife, George also leads unforgettable small-group journeys across Europe’s most iconic destinations, helping empty nesters, solo travelers, and reluctant adventurers experience the trip of a lifetime.

Whether he’s driving excitement at a fundraising auction, guiding travelers through Europe, or sharing stories that connect people, George’s passion is creating experiences that matter.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.lindsey-adventures.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-lindsey-auctioneer/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.lindsey/

Jun 17

Love44

Michael Peterson

By Chrissy Bernal Author, Faith, Music, Personal Growth, Podcast No Comments

What keeps a person moving forward after loss, trauma, disappointment, and heartbreak?

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with country music artist Michael Peterson, known for hits like Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie, From Here to Eternity, and When the Bartender Cries.

Michael shares the story behind the music, how he survived a childhood marked by abuse, loss, and learning challenges. He almost gave up on music twice, and then one phone call came right when he needed it most.

We also talk about what Michael calls “The Habit of Hope,” a simple but powerful practice that helped him keep going when life gave him every reason to quit.

Michael went on to become a platinum artist in country music, a published author of eight books, and someone who’s performed for deployed service members across three continents. But his real story starts much earlier, and it’s about learning to see 50 feet ahead when you can’t see 50 miles.

If you’ve ever questioned whether your hard work is worth it, this episode is for you.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

Overcoming childhood trauma and finding meaning
Why “overnight success” took 25 years
The habit of hope and how to redirect your thoughts
What happens when you almost give up right before your breakthrough
Why learning disabilities don’t define you
How to keep making art when nobody’s watching
The power of second seasons in life and career
Why you might have already done your best work and don’t know it yet

Quotations:

“I just am always very appreciative of the gifts that come from having a tough life when I see it in other people. I just think, man, they’re strong; their character is strong.” – Michael Peterson

“I needed encouragement. So I sought encouragement.” – Michael Peterson

“I’m a writer. I’ve had a publishing deal and almost continually been writing for people since I was 24 years old. And I’ve been a writer, and I just think, how did I, a kid who couldn’t read very well, end up with a career as a writer?” – Michael Peterson

“I just realized, if they say, well, people can’t change, well, people do change. I’ve seen my mom change. I’ve seen my life change. So there’s a certain grace in that I find it easier to extend to other people because people have extended that grace to me.” – Michael Peterson

“We can get discouraged when we just measure our destination by where we currently are.” – Michael Peterson

Bio:

Michael Peterson is a country music artist, singer-songwriter, author, and speaker. He’s had multiple hit records, including “Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie,” “From Here to Eternity,” and “When the Bartender Cries.” He’s written or co-authored eight books and has performed over 300 shows for deployed service members. His new albums, “Down on the Farm” and “We Are Veterans,” are being released commercially for the first time through Star Vista Records.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.michaelpetersonmusic.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.peterson.106

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc30Jzs0yP_UbAFa3prIJxw

May 20

Love28

Kyle Clark

By Chrissy Bernal Music, Podcast No Comments

What if the biggest moments in your life come down to one simple decision?

Show up.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with rising country artist and songwriter Kyle Clark for a conversation about faith, songwriting, Nashville, and the unpredictable moments that can change everything.

Kyle shares the story behind how one late-night decision to “just show up” led to a song eventually recorded by Blake Shelton after first being held by HARDY and Morgan Wallen.

The episode explores creativity, resilience, purpose, and the small moments that shape our lives forever.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the little decisions in life really matter, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the moments that change everything begin with simply walking through the door.

This episode is sponsored by:

Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) License #: 679261

In this Episode:

How hit country songs are really written
Moving from Georgia to Nashville
Leaving college to pursue music full-time
Learning to trust timing instead of forcing outcomes
Why great songs sometimes sit for years before finding the right artist
The role faith plays in creativity and songwriting
The emotional reality of chasing a dream in Nashville
Why vulnerability matters in both music and life
How persistence and consistency open unexpected doors
Why “showing up” became the defining lesson of his career

Quotations:

“I’m always surprised by how a song can come about.” – Kyle Clark

“The chemistry of a room can change what direction you’re going that day.” – Kyle Clark

“I’m telling you, you win the wife over or the girlfriend, whatever it is; that is how you seal the deal on getting a cut in Nashville.” – Kyle Clark

“The difference between when I want it and when I need it. God knows. And it happens every single time.” – Kyle Clark

“As much as I want something, God always knows when I need it.” – Kyle Clark

Bio:

Kyle Clark is a songwriter, artist, and producer born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in the small town of Jefferson, Georgia. His love for country music, paired with a diverse range of influences and a strong work ethic, has shaped his unique sound. After winning the 101.5 Kicks Radio competition in Atlanta two years in a row, Clark’s music caught the attention of hit songwriter and producer Jordan Schmidt (Kane Brown, Tyler Hubbard, Jason Aldean). In 2019, Schmidt offered Clark a joint venture publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing. Within a year, Clark co-wrote his first RIAA-certified Platinum single, “Villain” by Lily Rose.

When the global pandemic hit, Clark focused his energy on producing his own music, learning from his mentor Jordan Schmidt and his roommate Jacob Durrett (Morgan Wallen, ERNEST). His dedication paid off in early 2022 when a video of his song went viral on TikTok, driving over 21,000 pre-saves for “Hope It’s Hot Out,” which was released on May 27, 2022. The track crossed 1 million streams in its first week and has since amassed over 40 million streams independently across all platforms.

In 2024, Clark signed a new publishing deal with Relative Music Group, and has since landed cuts with major country acts including HARDY, Blake Shelton, Dylan Scott, Jon Pardi, Mitchell Tenpenny, Restless Road, Mackenzie Carpenter, Erin Kinsey, and Chayce Beckham.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.kyleclarkmusic.com/

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

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

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

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

May 13

Love43

Teri M Brown

By Chrissy Bernal Author, Personal Growth, Podcast, Relationship No Comments

Sometimes the biggest adventures begin after life falls apart.

This week on Here’s What We Know, our host, Gary Scott Thomas, sits down with author Teri M Brown about surviving emotional abuse, rebuilding self-worth, and riding a tandem bicycle across America with her husband.

Their 3,102-mile journey became more than a cycling trip. It became a story about resilience, relationships, fear, kindness, and discovering what’s possible when you stop letting your past define you.

This conversation is funny, vulnerable, deeply human, and exactly the kind of unexpected story that reminds us how powerful connection can be.

Listen now and discover why Teri says adventure can restore your faith in humanity.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

How Teri rebuilt confidence after emotional abuse
What riding across America taught her about resilience
Why tandem bicycles are called “divorce machines”
What cross-country travel revealed about humanity
How adventure changes relationships and identity
Why most people are far kinder than the internet makes us believe

Quotations:

“You can’t educate people who don’t want to be educated.” – Teri M Brown

“I stay away from the news because generally, all the news is doing is making everybody hate one another. And the truth is that we don’t hate one another if we will just get out and say hello to people. Generally, people are very nice.” – Teri M Brown

“Don’t quit on a bad day.” – Teri M Brown

“Learn to enjoy the downhills.” – Teri M Brown

Bio:

Born in Athens, Greece as an Air Force brat, Teri M Brown graduated from UNC Greensboro. She began her writing career helping small businesses with content creation and published five nonfiction self-help books dealing with real estate and finance, receiving multiple awards.

In 2017, after winning the First Annual Anita Bloom Ornoff Award for Inspirational Short Story, she began writing fiction in earnest, and published her debut novel in 2022, Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, a historical fiction set in Ukraine. Her second novel published in 2023, An Enemy Like Me, takes place during WWII. Her third novel, Daughters of Green Mountain Gap, a generational story about Appalachian healers came out in January 2024. 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure (Feb 2025), is an inspirational look at the life lessons she learned riding across the United States on a tandem bicycle. Little Lola and Her Big Dream, is a children’s picture book helping children realize that it is okay to have big dreams even in the face of opposition. Her newest work, Peg, Unhinged (April 2026), is a humorous contemporary women’s fiction looking at menopause.

Teri is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author who loves word games, reading, bumming on the beach, taking photos, singing in the shower, hunting for bargains, ballroom dancing, playing bridge, and mentoring others.