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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.

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

This episode is sponsored by:

Dignity Memorial

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.

https://www.terimbrown.com/

Tags: tandem bicycle across America, emotional abuse recovery, resilience stories, cross-country bicycle trip, adventure podcast, inspirational life stories, healing after trauma, tandem bike journey, overcoming fear, personal growth podcast, cycling across America, relationship stories, life after divorce, podcast interviews, human connection stories, emotional resilience, storytelling podcast, author,

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This week on Here’s What We Know, James Rollins shares how bestselling authors actually create stories that last.

James Rollins is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers translated into more than forty languages. His Sigma Force series has been called one of the “top crowd-pleasers" by the New York Times and one of the “hottest summer reads” by People Magazine. He’s written more than 40 books, built entire worlds, and still approaches storytelling with the curiosity of someone just getting started.

In this conversation, we explore how curiosity, research, and imagination come together, not all at once, but piece by piece, until something clicks.

If you enjoy conversations about creativity, storytelling, and the human side of success, this one’s worth your time.

In This Episode:

• How bestselling authors develop story ideas
• Why curiosity is the foundation of creativity
• The difference between learning to write and becoming a storyteller
• How reading improves writing over time
• What makes “popcorn fiction” so powerful

This episode is sponsored by:

Sterling Oak Cabinetry

Reed Animal Hospital

Bio:

James Rollins is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers, translated into more than forty languages. His Sigma series has been lauded as one of the "top crowd pleasers" (New York Times) and one of the "hottest summer reads" (People Magazine). In each novel, acclaimed for its originality, Rollins unveils unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets—and he does it all at breakneck speed and with stunning insight. Known for building high-octane adventures on a solid science foundation, Jim juxtaposes the familiar with the exotic and then turbo-charges his tales with suspense. Always mindful of history’s legacy, Jim reveals how secrets, some hidden for centuries, can change the course of human events. His novels explore how advancing technology can impact society—not just the physical threats of unchecked developments, but also the spiritual and moral challenges that result. “The true terror of technology is not the cogs and the wheels, but how it will change us,” he says

Website: https://jamesrollins.com/

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

Tags: how to write a book, storytelling process, writing tips, bestselling author interview, Sigma Force, creative process, how to be a writer, fiction writing, author interview podcast, writing inspiration, author mindset, creative thinking, writing advice

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There’s an idea we all want to believe. If you’re talented enough, you’ll make it.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with singer-songwriter Trey Calloway, a rising country artist navigating the reality of building a career in today’s music industry. And what we uncover is something a lot of people don’t want to admit: Timing matters more than talent.

We talk about country stars like Jason Aldean and Eric Church, artists who feel inevitable now but weren’t always. There were years where nobody knew who they were, years where it could have gone the other way.

Because when you really look at success in the music industry, you start to realize something. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen just because someone is talented.

It happens when everything lines up. Talent. Timing. Opportunity. And readiness.

Miss one of those, and the outcome can look completely different.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make it in country music, why some artists break through and others don’t, or how timing shapes success in the music industry, give this episode a listen!

In This Episode:

• Why some incredibly talented artists never break through
• How timing, readiness, and life experience all collide
• The reality of making money in music today
• Why success often comes later than expected
• And what keeps someone going when it would be easier to quit

This episode is sponsored by:

Sterling Oak Cabinetry

Reed Animal Hospital

Bio:

Trey Calloway is a singer/songwriter born and raised in North Carolina. The son of a preacher man, Trey grew up singing in church and was a seasoned performer by the age of 10. Although southern and contemporary gospel were his first musical loves, he was instantly mesmerized by the sounds of country music after hearing a Garth Brooks Greatest Hits album his parents bought for him. A deep understanding and passion for the rocking, boot stomping, country music of artists such as Clint Black, Alan Jackson, and Travis Tritt began to grow within him. Trey began writing songs, playing guitar, and performing in clubs at age 15. He knew early on without a shadow of a doubt that he would make music his career. Trey recorded and released his debut Nashville album entitled “Carolina Man” and was able to work with some of his musical heroes including Brent Mason, Lonnie Wilson and Buddy Hyatt on the album.

Website: https://treycallowaymusic.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TreyCalloway1

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

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You ever get into one of those conversations where you think you know the subject… and then suddenly you’re ten layers deeper than you ever expected to go? That’s what happened here.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re joined by Danny Johnson, a stand-up comedian making his mark in the world of clean comedy. We start by talking about the craft, how a joke is built, why timing matters more than the words, and how comedians actually think.

And then we keep going, because comedy is more than just about being funny anymore.

Now it’s social media, followers, clips, going viral, and pressure. The conversation gets more and more fascinating, as one question keeps coming up: If being funny isn’t enough anymore… then what is?

In This Episode:

• The rise of clean comedy and why it’s finding a bigger audience
• How comedians actually write and build material
• The pressure of social media and why it changes everything
• The difference between being funny and being successful
• What it really means to “make it” in comedy today
• And why some of the funniest people you’ve ever seen might still be figuring it out

This episode is sponsored by:

Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

Bio:

Danny Johnson delivers clean stand-up with "Northeast sarcasm and Southern charm," making him a favorite for theaters, corporate events, churches, and community audiences nationwide. A Dry Bar Comedy featured comedian (Apple TV, Amazon & Peacock), he has appeared on Comedy Central, NateLand Live at Zanies, and shared stages with Howie Mandel, Bob Saget, and many others. A Carnival Cruise Line Comedy Challenge winner and 15-year headliner, Danny blends sharp observations, expressive physical comedy, and relatable stories into a show audiences trust and event planners rebook.

Website: https://dannyjohnson.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/comediandanny

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

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There’s what people see on stage, and then there’s everything else.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome back Jerry Flowers, a seasoned bassist, an accomplished songwriter, and music industry veteran, best known for his longtime role as Keith Urban’s bass player and bandleader.

We’ll talk about what life on tour is really like, from playing in front of 80,000 people at major concerts to walking into a room of 50 where no one knows who you are. It’s a side of the music industry most people never see.

Jerry shares what it takes to connect with a live audience, why some artists succeed while others struggle, and how the best performers learn to win over any crowd, whether it’s a stadium or a small private event.

We also get into the realities of touring as a musician, the highs and lows of the road, and the difference between the spotlight and the moments that happen behind the scenes.

This is a conversation about stories. The ones you remember, the ones that shape you, and the ones that don’t seem important at the time… until years later, when you realize they meant everything.

In This Episode:

• What Life on Tour Is Really Like
• Jerry Flowers on Touring with Keith Urban
• The Best Concert Experience: 80,000 Fans in Quebec City
• The Reality of Life After a Big Show
• From Stadiums to Small Rooms: The Truth About Touring
• How Great Artists Win Over Any Crowd
• Early Days on Tour: Bars, Vans, and the Grind
• Learning Storytelling as a Songwriter and Performer
• Music Industry Stories: Jack Black, Hugh Jackman, and More
• Why Storytelling Matters in Music and Life
• Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, and Artist Development
• American Idol vs Real-World Experience in Music
• Why Some Artists Make It and Others Don’t
• Great Songs That Never Became Hits
• The Stories You Carry With You

This episode is sponsored by:

Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)

License #: 679261

Bio:

Jerry Flowers is a seasoned bassist, songwriter, and music industry veteran, best known for his longtime role as Keith Urban’s bass player and band leader. With a career spanning decades, Jerry has toured the world, shared the stage with music legends, and played a pivotal role in crafting chart-topping hits both on and off the road.

Originally from Pinch, West Virginia, Jerry’s musical journey began at just 12 years old, fueled by a passion for bass guitar. His talent and dedication took him from small-town gigs to global stages, touring with The Chicks, Counting Crows, and more.

Beyond performing, Jerry is an accomplished songwriter, earning #1 hits with Billy Currington, Jason Aldean, Sam Hunt, and Ryan Hurd. His musicality and creativity continue to inspire every session he’s in, making him a sought-after collaborator in Nashville’s thriving music scene.

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

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Some conversations make you lean in… and some conversations make you uncomfortable because you realize just how much you don’t know, and this is one of those.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome Neal K. Shah, who went from a successful career as a $250 million hedge fund manager in New York to becoming a caregiver for loved ones facing dementia and cancer, and ended up uncovering just how broken parts of our healthcare system really are.

We’ll talk about what happens when healthcare says “no” in real life. Real people, real families, and real consequences.

We get into the rising number of denied claims, the strain on families who are already stretched thin, and the uncomfortable truth that the system we depend on is not always built to take care of us the way we expect.

This episode is about paying attention, asking better questions, and understanding that you have more power than you think, especially when you’re willing to fight for it.

If you’ve ever assumed the system would work when you needed it… this episode might change the way you see things.

In This Episode:

• How Caregiving Changes Your Perspective on Life and Work
• The Hidden Reality of Dementia, Cancer, and Family Impact
• Healthspan vs lifespan and the growing aging population crisis
• The Future of Healthcare Costs and Insurance Pressure
• Why the Healthcare System Feels Broken
• Health Insurance Explained: Where Your Money Really Goes
• Understanding premiums, subsidies, and the illusion of “free” healthcare
• The Rise of Claim Denials in Healthcare
• Is There a Better Way? Direct Pay Healthcare Explained
• Free Market vs Government Healthcare Debate
• Why Most People Don’t Appeal Denied Claims
• Using AI to Fight Insurance Denials (Counterforce Health)
• Real Story: Beating a $40,000 Denial
• Why We Must Pay Attention to Healthcare Now

This episode is sponsored by:

Reed Animal Hospital

Dignity Memorial

Bio:

Neal K. Shah is a healthcare innovator, entrepreneur, and former hedge fund manager who turned personal caregiving experiences into a mission to improve the healthcare system. After supporting family members through dementia and cancer, he founded CareYaya, a fast-growing platform connecting healthcare students with families in need of care, and Counterforce Health, which uses AI to help patients fight denied insurance claims. Neal’s work sits at the intersection of caregiving, technology, and healthcare reform, with a focus on empowering patients and improving access to care.

Website: https://www.careyaya.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyaya/

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

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

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There are people who know a little about a lot. And then there are people like Pete A. Turner.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with a former Army counterintelligence agent who turned a life of asking hard questions into something unexpected: a podcast built on curiosity, connection, and listening.

What starts as a conversation about baseball and sports turns into something much deeper. We’ll talk about what it really means to pay attention. Not just hearing words, but understanding what’s underneath them.

Pete also shares how his time as a spy shaped the way he sees the world. How he builds trust, how he gets people to open up, and why the best conversations rarely go the way you planned.

And if you’ve ever wondered why some conversations stay with you long after they’re over, this episode might give you a few answers.

In This Episode:

• Why This Conversation Goes Off Script Fast
• Baseball, Obsession, and How Smart Minds Stay Engaged
• Why Sports Are More Than Games
• Why He Walked Away from Football
• The Problem With “Greatest of All Time” Debates
• What Makes Elite Athletes Different
• F1, Precision, and the Psychology of High Performance
• From Podcasting to 2,000 Episodes: How Pete Built His Show
• “I Was a Spy”: Pete Turner’s Counterintelligence Background
• Fear, Growth, and Why You Should Say Yes to Hard Things
• Near-Death Experiences and What Happens at the Edge of Life
• How a Spy Becomes a Great Podcast Host
• The Secret to Getting People to Open Up
• How to Ask Better Questions (And Get Better Answers)

This episode is sponsored by:

Bison Junk Removal

Bio:

Pete A. Turner is a former U.S. Army counterintelligence agent turned podcast host and storyteller. As the executive producer and host of The Break It Down Show, Pete has led more than 2,000 conversations with a wide range of guests, from Nobel Prize winners to everyday people with extraordinary stories.

His background in espionage and global deployments across Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt, and Germany shaped the way he listens, asks questions, and connects with people. That same approach now defines his work behind the microphone.

Whether he’s exploring geopolitics, personal resilience, or the human stories behind the headlines, Pete creates space for conversations that go deeper than most.

Website: https://www.breakitdownshow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteaturner/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/peteaturner

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