Here's What We Know – Details, episodes & analysis

This week on Here's What We Know, explore the mysteries of the unknown with the incredible Cristina Gomez, UFO and Paranormal Researcher, Podcaster, Journalist, Content Creator with a BA in Communication, and Founder of Strange Paradigm. Cristina shares her fascinating journey from growing up as the “odd kid” and how a kind librarian fueled her passion for the unexplained. She brings her expert knowledge and boundless curiosity to this out-of-this-world discussion, leaving us to wonder: What’s really out there?

In This Episode:

• Learn about the shift from UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) to UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena).
• Cristina sheds light on the complexities of interstellar travel and what advanced civilizations might know that we don’t.
• Discover mind-bending concepts like quantum mechanics, exotic matter, and wormholes, which could redefine our understanding of the universe.
• Explore how government-released footage and changing media coverage have transformed public views on UFOs and the unexplained.
• Peek into Cristina’s rigorous process for investigating UFOs and paranormal phenomena.
• Understand the dynamics of government secrecy and how it impacts what we know—or don’t know—about potential extraterrestrial life.
• Consider the balance between curiosity and national security when discussing potential alien encounters.
• Investigate recurring UFO sightings at nuclear sites worldwide and what this could mean for humanity.
• Analyze the possible motivations behind extraterrestrial interest in Earth’s most powerful technologies.
• Reflect on the rarity of intelligent life and what makes Earth’s ecosystems so unique.
• Theorize why alien civilizations might be observing us—or even intervening.
• Discuss how science fiction inspires ideas about alien life forms and the possibilities of their physiology.

This episode is sponsored by:
Winchester Western Wear (Tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!)
Dignity Memorial


Bio:
Cristina Gomez is a UFO and Paranormal Researcher, Podcaster, Journalist, and Content Creator with a BA in Communication. She brings a young and fresh perspective to the UFO and Paranormal research fields. She is a proud ‘Gen Z’ Latina, being of Venezuelan heritage. She has produced and presented over 700 shows for her YouTube channel and podcast platform.

Website: https://strangeparadigms.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CristinaGomezOfficial
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CristinaG
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strangeparadigms/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialcristinagomez

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This week on Here's What We Know, we’re thrilled to have Jason Cole with us, author of Shut Up, Your Kid is Not That Great. Jason’s book digs into the realities of parenting young athletes and managing those sometimes sky-high expectations. As a sports writer and a dad, Jason brings unique insights and anecdotes on raising kids to follow their dreams—without all the unnecessary pressure.

In This Episode:

• Jason shares stories about the unique challenges and pressures faced by children of famous athletes.
• Discover the importance of supporting kids’ dreams quietly, letting them shine without feeling the weight of the world’s expectations.
• Explore what it’s like for children of sports legends who may not reach the same level of success as their parents—and why that’s perfectly okay.
  • Hear examples like Jack Nicklaus' sons, who carved their own paths instead of following directly in their dad’s footsteps.
  • Listen to the story of John Elway’s father, who encouraged his son to choose between football and baseball with no pressure—just options and unwavering support.
• Get a look behind the scenes at the sacrifices and pressures pro athletes endure, reminding us that every level of success brings its own unique struggles, where preparation matters as much as talent.
• Uncover the value of allowing kids to choose their own paths, guiding them gently along the way, and cheering them on—wherever their journeys may lead.

This episode is sponsored by:
Reed Animal Hospital
Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)


Bio:
Jason Cole has covered or written about pro football since 1992 and has been a selector for the Pro Football Hall of Fame since 2013. He has worked for publications such as Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, The Miami Herald, and the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. Cole has authored Elway: a Relentless Life and co-authored six books, including Giant with Plaxico Burress, Heart for the Game with Simon Keith, and Ocho Cinco with Chad Johnson. Prior to covering the NFL, Cole covered the NBA, Major League Baseball, and high school sports in the San Francisco Bay Area. Cole teaches sports writing at the University of Florida and is the father of two Eagle Scouts. He is a graduate of Stanford University, which he attended at the same time as Elway.

X: https://x.com/jasoncole62
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-cole-1330266/

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This week on Here's What We Know, we're thrilled to welcome the incredibly versatile Don Stuck, a media personality who has truly done it all. From his early days as a musician to his transition into radio as a disc jockey, and now a licensed pilot and rising television actor, Don Stuck is the epitome of someone who never stops chasing his dreams. Get ready for a wild ride of nostalgia, laughter, and unexpected stories in this fascinating conversation you won't want to miss!

In This Episode:

• Don takes us on his unconventional journey from being a musician to becoming a renowned radio personality.
• Hear about Don’s acting career, including his roles on shows like Chicago PD, where he often portrays intriguing characters like drug dealers and bad guys, and learn how he stood out in thousands of auditions.
• Discover the thrilling story of how Don became a licensed pilot.
• Join Don and Gary as they take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the thrill, magic, and irreplaceable energy of live radio.
• Gain insights into how corporate changes have reshaped the radio landscape, with personal anecdotes from both Gary and Don.
• Listen to their admiration for Howard Stern's evolution into one of the greatest interviewers of our time, despite his controversial beginnings.
• And don’t miss the story behind Gary’s supposed first radio career debut!

This episode is sponsored by:
Bison Junk Removal
Sterling Oak Cabinetry
Dermawav (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you to receive free extra treatment!)

Bio:
Don Stuck is a veteran SAG-AFTRA radio/television personality and actor who is heard daily in Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, St Louis, Milwaukee, and SiriusXM. As a licensed pilot, Don Stuck is the "Eye in the Sky" as an airborne traffic reporter and is a reporter for NBC Chicago's Sky 5 helicopter operation. A professional musician since age 16, Don has shared the stage with some of the world's biggest bands.

Website: https://donstuck.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donstuck/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonstuck/
X: https://x.com/donstuck
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-stuck-ii-4aa63348/

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Josh Bains joined me this week, and his journey is fascinating!!

Ghostwriting is its own form of literary mastery. In his efforts to expand on the profession, Josh Bains invites listeners to consider the stories in their lives. Through vulnerability and open-mindedness, Josh elaborates on his various adventures and those of others that ultimately led to priceless lessons, life-changing morals, and new growth paths.

In this episode:

• Bagpipes and a bicycle: A journey to Scotland
• Searching for roots in Auschwitz
• Hong Kong & the surprise synagogue
• India, Thailand, Israel, and California: a search for living Jews
• Finding an international family in the Jewish Community
• Christian and Jewish Spirituality
• Josh Bain’s path into ghostwriting
• Finding the Elixir in a story (River Town by Peter Hessler)
• Using literary concepts to delve into impactful writing

About Josh:
Josh Bains is a New York Times Bestselling Ghostwriter, Author Coach, and World Traveler. A SoCal native, after receiving his journalism degree from the University of Hong Kong, Josh began exploring his Jewish roots--eventually spending three years in Israel, where he reported on the Middle East conflict, as he learned in a traditional yeshiva for Jewish learning in the Old City of Jerusalem. Today, Josh helps people tell their stories and speaks about self-development.

https://joshbains.com/

This episode is sponsored by Habana Cuba.

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Country artist Tyler Rich has such an incredible connection with his fans, and you'll see why in this episode. Enjoy moments of laughter and meaning as Tyler expands on the work it took to become a world-famous songwriter and country artist.

Also in this episode:

• Pumpkin Pie, Salmon, and Quail Eggs; a critique
• Radio tour and the challenging yet rewarding experience it is
• What’s more intimidating? 15, 50, or 500-person audiences?
• Tyler’s various childhood introductions to live music
• The many influences that shape Tyler’s music
• From the Casino Circuit to Nashville, Tennessee
• A dream, a business card, and a lie
• 6 Hour French lesson produced a Top 10 Billboard Hit

About Tyler:
Northern California-raised, Nashville-rooted Tyler Rich found 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, he has been named a 2018 CMT Listen Up artist, 2019 Pandora Artist and Rolling Stone touted him as “the newest member of country music’s radio-minded incoming class, with a homecoming king’s swagger and a valedictorian’s songwriting smarts. ”Amassing over 394.4M+ total global streams 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” and The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston-produced “A Little Bit of You.” With “Thinkin’ We’re In Love,” an English and French duet with one of Canada’s most successful bilingual singer-songwriters, Marie-Mai, Tyler has announced a headline tour of the same name. Tickets are on sale now for his headline THINKIN’ WE’RE IN LOVE TOUR. His 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.

https://www.tylerrich.com

Episode sponsored by: Habana Cuba

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It’s always a pleasure to sit across from a friend and chat about your favorite music, let alone a Grammy Award-winning songwriter. Walk down memory lane with Brett James as he shares stories from his past and brings appreciation to the icons of the music industry who have paved the way for future singers and songwriters.

In this episode:

• Thoughts on the CMA’s
• Med School drop-out twice!
• The difficulties of writing a hit song
• The benefits and challenges of co-writing
• Co-writing with Don Schlitz & other favorite artists
• The impact of Garth Brooks on the country music industry
• Which artists belong on the “Mount Rushmore” of the music industry?

This episode is sponsored by: Habana Cuba

About Brett:
For over a decade, Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Brett James has been one of the most prolific and versatile songwriters in Nashville, having had more than three hundred of his songs recorded by major label recording artists. James has become a fixture on the Billboard Country chart with thirteen #1 songs and scores of top 20 singles to his credit.

In 2009, Brett achieved the Music Row “Triple Play,” an award for three #1 songs in a single chart year, not once, but twice! These six #1‘s; ‘It’s America,’ by Rodney Atkins, ‘Out Last Night,’ by Kenny Chesney, ‘Cowboy Cassanova,’ by Carrie Underwood, ‘Summer Nights,’ by Rascal Flatts, ‘The Truth’ by Jason Aldean, and ‘The Man I Want To Be’ Chris Young earned James ASCAP Songwriter of the Year for the second time in October 2010.

A native of Oklahoma City, Brett attended Baylor University, where he completed two years of medical school before moving to Nashville to pursue his dream of becoming a country star. In 1995, Brett James was signed to the Arista subsidiary Career Records and subsequently released his self-titled debut album. Career Records was later dissolved in consolidation, and with it, James’s recording artist aspirations. Brett persevered as a writer at Patrick Joseph Publishing which fostered the relationships that destined him for success.

In the year 2000, James received his first major album cut with the song ‘Love Is A Sweet Thing,’ recorded by Faith Hill, followed by a top 20 single ‘You Won’t Be Lonely Now,’ with Billy Ray Cyrus. It wasn’t long before Brett reached the benchmark that all songwriters and artists alike strive for, the coveted #1 song. In April of 2001, then-break-out artist Jessica Andrews landed James his first #1 with the song ‘Who I Am.’ He returned to the top of the chart in 2002, this time with country superstar Martina McBride and the song ‘Blessed.’

As his chart success continued, Brett appeared on Billboard Magazine’s top-ten country songwriters list for five consecutive years, the only writer to do so, and in 2006 reached yet another musical milestone winning ASCAP Songwriter of the Year. In 2007, Brett received the music industry’s highest honor winning the Grammy Award for Best Country Song ‘Jesus Take The Wheel,’ recorded by Carrie Underwood.

The list of artists that have recorded songs penned by Brett James resembles a who’s who in the country music list but also straddles genre lines into American and world pop music. Some notable pop artis

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In this vulnerable and enlightening conversation, Whitney Miller reveals that she’s just as scared as the rest of us - but she doesn’t let that stop her. From being crowned Miss United States to a Country Music career and becoming an MMA fighter, Whitney Miller shares her secrets on never letting fear get in the way of your dreams.

In this episode:

• From evening gloves to boxing gloves - next steps after passing on the crown
• Whitney Miller’s biggest fear
• The surprising way Whitney started singing (that’s different from most artists!)
• What is a walking coach?
• A behind-the-scenes look at Whitney Miller’s singer/songwriter career
• Turning emotions into art
• Miss United State’s best advice on how to face your fears

This episode sponsored by: Habana Cuba

About Whitney:
Former professional athlete, Miss United States 2012, kickboxing commentator, and podcaster Whitney is a Texas-born country rock pop singer-songwriter living in Nashville, TN. Whitney’s roots and deep love to write and perform original country music dates back to being a little girl in South Texas, growing up listening to acts like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Bonnie Rhiatt, and Johnny Cash from her parents' record collection. Today, her sound is influenced by those early days and early Miranda Lambert and Gretchen Wilson. 

Whitney strongly encourages self-empowerment and a fearless take on life. Hearing no is only an opportunity to find a yes. Her overall mission in life is to inspire others to live life out loud! Before her move into her passion for creating music, Whitney specialized in unique relationship and life design. She knows how freeing it is to live life on your own terms, with less fear, and she directly supported hundreds of people, from professional and Olympic athletes and CEOs to stay-at-home parents, as they step into their truth and unleash the life they truly desire.   

She joined forces with some of the leading scientists and researchers in the field and co-hosted an extremely popular podcast that debuted at #50 on the overall iTunes charts and now has over 1.5 million downloads. 

In true "go for it" Whitney fashion, she has decided to take her biggest leap of faith yet and left her home state of Texas for Nashville, Tennessee, to chase her lifelong dream as a singer-songwriter. Her vast life experience and comfort in the spotlight allow her to not only create feeling through her lyrics and voice but also to inspire her audience. Whitney is currently finishing her debut album, recorded at Orb Recording studios with an all-star cast of guest musicians to be released in 2022. Expect a fun, country rock album filled with vulnerable, real-life stories and lots of attitude!

https://www.whitneymillermusic.com/

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Sports, sports, sports! Fans of the Golden States Warriors will definitely recognize his voice, but did you know he's also done broadcasting for water polo at the Olympics, boxing and more? Listen to this episode to get an inside look at the fascinating world of sports broadcasting.

In this episode:

• How competitive it is to be a sports broadcaster
• Alabama football
• Stephen Curry
• Notre Dame
• His thoughts on Brian Kelly leaving to go to LSU
• Shifting from accounting to sports
• What makes hockey players different
• The really competitive thing Michael Jordan did
• Calling water polo in the Olympics
• Something he hasn’t had the opportunity to call but would love to
• Concussions in the NFL and what could change

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/RM5a82Jb4BM

About American sports commentator Bob Fitzgerald:
One of the most recognizable sports personalities in the Bay Area, Bob Fitzgerald has served as television play-by-play announcer for the Warriors on NBC Sports Bay Area since 1997. He called his first Warrior game on radio, Feb 18, 1993, as the backup radio play-by-play broadcaster and host of the Warriors Roundtable television programs. Since his arrival, the Warriors broadcast team has received 16 nominations and won three Emmy Awards for “Best Live Sports Broadcast,” most recently for NBC Sports Bay Area’s broadcast of the Warriors vs. Kings game during the 2014-15 season that featured Klay Thompson’s NBA-record 37 points in a single quarter. Fitzgerald has received six Emmy nominations for “Best On-Camera” and was awarded the Emmy for “Best On-Camera, Play-by-Play Sports” for Northern California in 2007 and 2014.

On a national basis, Fitzgerald currently calls NFL and college football games for Sports USA Radio and the San Francisco 49ers preseason broadcasts. He has 25 years of experience broadcasting the Olympic games for NBC Sports, and has called the 2021 Tokyo Olympics (Men’s and Women’s Basketball). Additional credits include NBC’s 2012 London Summer Olympics (Men’s and Women’s Basketball), 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics (Men’s and Women’s Water Polo), 2004 Athens Summer Olympics (Men’s and Women’s Basketball), and the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics (Men’s and Women’s Swimming). Fitzgerald was also chosen to call the NBA Playoffs in 2020 for TNT at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Fitzgerald has also handled network television NFL broadcasts for NBC and the NBA G League Finals series for Versus in 2010.

In 2019, Fitzgerald finished a 28-year run at KNBR radio in San Francisco, hosting the popular Fitz and Brooks show for 15 years. Fitzgerald was the television and radio voice for the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League for twenty years and spent six years as the play-by-play voice for ESPN’s NBA Basketball video game series. He also wrote a column for the Oakland Tribune and ANG Newspapers for seven years.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Fitzgerald also received his master’s degree in sports management from the Ohio State University. While at Notre Dame, he worked as a play-by-play broadcaster for Fighting Irish football and ba

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To say Nicolle is a hit songwriter might be an understatement. She has written songs for Lady A, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, and many others. Galyon has written nine No. 1 hits including "Automatic," Miranda Lambert's chart-topping lead single from her critically-acclaimed album Platinum, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart and featured five songs by Galyon.

In this episode:

• Starting off as a pianist
• Giving herself permission to make a record despite not wanting to be a performer
• Having three #1 songs in a year
• Looking for the next “one”
• Where “Disneyworld” came from
• Having a very humble beginning
• Why she tells her kids “no”
• How moving out of Nashville was the catalyst for First Born
• Making songs NOT meant for radio
• How not winning class President in high school was a gift
• Being back in her hometown
• How not knowing her biological father shaped some of her music

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In this intense yet uplifting conversation, David Taylor-Klaus is open and honest with Gary about his suicide attempt and what he does now to keep himself on track. This episode will make you think while also lifting you up.
Also in this episode:

• Internal self-awareness
• External self-awareness
• Being a thought leader
• Ticking people off
• Whether or not it’s ok for your family to judge you
• Attempting suicide
• The impact Hurricane Katrina had on him
• The problem with the term “Work/Life Balance”
• Why you can’t separate work and life
• Being in relationship with what you’re doing

About David
David’s personal and professional worlds clearly reflect a journey in pursuit of excellence, always with a great deal of humor and heart. He is known for his sharp intellect and incisive ability to see and say what others do not. He balances fierce candor with genuine compassion … aka “an iron fist in a velvet glove.”

Whether working with individuals, teams, or speaking to large groups, David believes that a powerful leader exists in each of us, his goal is to empower others to unearth and unleash their own leadership mastery. From personal experience, he drives home the importance for all professionals to take an active, intentional, and dynamic role in their private and professional lives.

The mission of DTK Coaching is to reintroduce successful business people to their families and the world outside the office.

Through an informed, well-applied process and an inspired approach, David’s clients overcome the overwhelming aspects of succeeding in business and being a part of a family. DTK Coaching helps them create the kind of Life-Work Balance they only dared to imagine was possible, while also achieving dramatic shifts in their performance.

David’s insight and wisdom are built on his three decades as a successful serial entrepreneur.

Prior to establishing DTK Coaching, he was CEO of Digital Positions (DP), an internet strategy and web development firm he co-founded in 1995 and sold in 2009. As a strategist, he worked with C-level executives, senior management teams and boards of directors to broaden their perspective and see how interactive initiatives support corporate visions and values for positive growth.

It was during this time, however, that David realized that his success came from being reactive rather than proactive, and that he wasn’t participating consciously as a husband, father, business partner, or entrepreneur.  As he headed toward rock-bottom, David had a significant wake-up call that ultimately resulted in DTK Coaching. 

(It’s a great story… read how really bad it got)

Recent empty-nesters (a status modified due to the pandemic), David and his wife, Elaine, live in the heart of Atlanta with their dogs. A gold-medal rower in the 2004 Georgia State Games, an avid cyclist, and an enthusiastic wine-collector (and drinker), David also enjoys kick-boxing, really great jokes, laughing with others … and at himself.

https://dtkcoaching.com

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