This week on Here's What We Know Podcast, our guest is Mina Starsiak Hawk, the HGTV star best known for her hit show "Good Bones" and podcast host of "Mina AF." Join us as Mina shares her life behind reality TV fame, sharing insights from her journey as a woman in construction, a public figure, and a family-oriented person.

Tune in now to catch all these revelations and more from one woman who truly knows how to build something great!

In This Episode:

• Mina’s transition from TV to podcasting and why she values candid monologues offering a raw and unfiltered look at her life behind the scenes.
• Discover how Mina maintains her authenticity while respecting boundaries in navigating her privacy vs. public life.
• Real Talk on Renovation and Reality TV, from mommy makeovers to marriage challenges and sobriety.
• Insights on how to navigate negative comments online, particularly among women criticizing each other rather than offering support.
• Mina’s plans as "Good Bones" wraps up its final season. Hear what’s next for this dynamic personality who isn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty (or tackling new adventures).
• Behind-the-scenes stories about filming "Good Bones," including adjusting to constant camera presence and candid moments that never made it on air.
• Learn Mina's perspective as a construction leader facing industry challenges head-on as a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated field.

This episode is sponsored by:
Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)
Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)
GymGuyz (#1 In-Home Personal Training)

Bio:
Mina Starsiak Hawk is an American reality television show star and host. She is dedicated to the art and the business of saving old homes — and to an overarching mission of revitalizing entire city neighborhoods, one house at a time. She got a degree in Business and Sociology from Indiana University. After graduating, Hawk worked as a waitress before buying her first house and conducting repairs. That’s when she found her true calling.

She renovated houses and started a company called Two Chicks and a Hammer with her mother. In 2016, she appeared on the H.G.T.V. reality television series Good Bones. She was the show’s host and has appeared in over 101 episodes and eight seasons from 2016 to 2023. She appeared in four episodes of Building Brady between 2018 and 2019 and has featured in countless other shows like Rachael Ray in 2017, Brother vs. Brother (2017 to 2018), A Very Brady Renovation (2019), Rock the Block (2019), and Martha Knows Best (2020), e.t.c. In 2020, Hawk and her mother opened a storefront for their business, Two Chicks District Co., selling home decor and furniture. In 2021, she appeared on Battle on the Beach as a judge for six episodes.

In 2013, she met Steve Hawk, and they dated for two years before getting married in 2016. They have two kids together.

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

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas dives into the art of home design with our special guest, Zandra Zuraw, the podcast host and founder of Slow Style Home (formerly the Style Matters podcast by Little Yellow Couch). She is an interior design coach for everyday homeowners. Zandra shares her philosophy on why design matters and how it intertwines with personal happiness and mental well-being. She emphasizes that it’s not about filling rooms overnight; it’s about crafting spaces that tell your story over time.

So if you've ever felt like your home is just a house filled with 'stuff' rather than a reflection of you, then this episode is for you! Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• Find out how Zandra transitioned from being self-taught to becoming an expert in helping others find their unique style.
• Discover how to create a home that reflects your unique personality and the importance and impact of home design on our daily lives.
• Learn how to approach decorating room by room and gain insights about the common mistakes people make in interior design, such as buying everything for a room all at once.
• Understand the importance of layering your home with pieces that tell your story over time.
• Gain insight into how COVID has influenced our relationship with our homes and the rise of disposable decor trends.
• Learn that design is not just about aesthetics; it's deeply connected to how we feel and live within our spaces.
• Discover Zandra’s coaching process, which involves abstract thinking while connecting emotions to come up with concrete design decisions.
• Personal anecdotes from Zandra and Gary about their families, home design, and more.

This episode is sponsored by:
Nugent Family Counseling Center
Sterling Oak Cabinetry

Bio:
Zandra Zuraw is the podcast host and founder of Slow Style Home (formerly the Style Matters podcast by Little Yellow Couch), she is an Interior Design Coach for everyday homeowners. With 30+ years of experience teaching herself how to create beautiful, meaningful homes, she has developed her own step-by-step Slow Style approach to teaching others how to do the same. Along with the podcast, Zandra has also created a monthly membership called “The Slow Style Society”, she teaches an online course called “Master The Mix,” and hosts in-person signature style retreats.

Little Yellow Couch has been featured on many media outlets, including iTunes, Dominio, Better Homes & Gardens, USA Today, and Podcast Magazine. Zandra has also been a speaker at several creative business conferences in the US and Canada.

Website: https://www.slowstylehome.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slowstylehome/
YouTube: @slowstylehome
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zandra-zuraw-83323b174/

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, join us in this heartfelt and candid episode where we welcome back the multi-talented country artist and family man, Walker Hayes. Dive into an intimate conversation about life, parenting, and the journey through success and failure.

For anyone looking for inspiration and a refreshing perspective on what really counts in life, this episode has profound wisdom that will surely resonate with everyone! Tune in now!

In This Episode You’ll Discover:

• How Walker balances making music, preparing for tours, and being an active father.
• His approach to parenting that focuses on creating moments rather than material success.
• The impact of losing his father in 2021 and how it has shaped his views on appreciating the small things in life.
• The importance of teaching kids resilience through efforts like trick shots illustrates that success often comes after many attempts.
• Why he believes the journey is more important than reaching a destination or achieving traditional markers of success.
• An honest discussion about discipline, setting examples as parents, and having tough but necessary conversations with children for their long-term benefit.
• A touching moment where Walker shares a personal story about encouraging his daughter to take action towards her dreams.
• Insights into how families can improve by learning out loud from each other’s mistakes openly at home.

This episode is sponsored by:
Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solutions for your junk removal needs!)
Dignity Memorial (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you to receive a "Thank you" gift!)

Bio:
Walker Hayes is a popular American country music artist known for his unique blend of modern sounds and heartfelt storytelling. His hit song “Pants” propelled him to fame and showcased his infectious energy and memorable melodies. With his sincere lyrics and distinct vocal style in the country music industry, Hayes has become a rising star and has also been acknowledged and nominated for significant honors. In addition to his musical accomplishments, Hayes has had a profound social impact through his charitable work. He established the “Be A Craig Fund” in memory of Craig, a kind man who supported Hayes during a trying time in his life. The goal of the fund is to assist people and families in need, highlighting Hayes’ dedication to giving back to his community. His 2017 hit, “You Broke Up with Me,” which had tremendous popularity and chart success. Hayes reaped the benefits of his newfound notoriety by putting out hit singles like “90’s Country” and “Don’t Let Her.” He went viral again after his TikTok video dancing with his daughter to his song “Fancy Like” received millions of views. Walker is well known for his musical prowess and poignant narrative, but he also has a full personal life that has influenced his artistic development. He is a loving father who finds motivation in his relationships and life experiences. He got married to his high school love, Laney Beville. The couple started dating when they first met while they were teenagers. Hayes’ personal

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, join our host Gary Scott Thomas and our special guest host Julie Stevens of KRTY.com for an exciting conversation featuring the one and only, Scotty McCreery, the country music sensation behind the songs “Damn Strait,” “Five More Minutes,” “Cab In A Solo,” and many more! It’s an episode about Scotty’s life on tour, the thrill of performing live, and the joys and challenges of parenthood. This one is filled with heart and laughter, so be sure you won’t miss it! Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• Scotty shares adorable updates about being a father to his one-and-a-half-year-old son.
• Scotty shares how he still gets nervous and excited before performing at big gigs despite a skyrocketing career.
• Find out which of Scotty’s songs is the fan favorite and make the crowd go wild.
• Discover Scotty's unique approach to writing new music by retreating and getting insights into his songwriting process, which starts with jotting down ideas on his iPhone.
• Hear all about Scotty’s star-struck experiences and lasting friendships within the industry.

This episode is sponsored by:
GymGuyz (Your #1 In-Home Personal Training)
Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!)

Bio:
Scotty McCreery is an American country singer. He rose to fame after winning the tenth season of American Idol in May 2011. He captured hearts with his humble demeanor and undeniable talent. Since then, he has released several chart-topping albums, including "Clear as Day" and "See You Tonight," earning accolades for his distinct blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds.

Scotty’s journey from small-town singer to country star has been marked by dedication and perseverance. Despite his meteoric rise to fame, he remains grounded in his roots, often drawing inspiration from his upbringing in North Carolina. His music reflects themes of love, faith, and the joys and struggles of everyday life, resonating with audiences across the globe.

In 2024, Scotty received one of country music's crowning achievements when he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was inducted on April 20 by his childhood hero Josh Turner.

Website: https://www.scottymccreery.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottymccreery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottymccreery
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smccreeryofficial
X: https://twitter.com/ScottyMcCreery
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scottymccreery

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, hear an inspiring conversation with Ann Gustafson, author of the book "Seeds Sown, A Walk of Faith with the Intention of Restoration." Anne shares her unexpected journey from being a nurse for 29 years to becoming an author following her diagnosis and battle with colon cancer at age 49. Despite living a healthy lifestyle and having no risk factors typically associated with the disease, Ann faced what many cancer patients experience—a sense that their body has betrayed them.

Don't miss this powerful story that could offer comfort or guidance for people facing similar battles or seeking comfort from someone who has walked that path before—to spread hope and knowledge that can make all the difference during challenging times! Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• The transformative power of adversity and how unexpected life events can lead to growth and self-discovery.
• Ann's background as a nurse with 29 years under her belt, who faced her own health crisis when diagnosed with colon cancer at age 49.
• The surprising revelation that despite leading a healthy lifestyle, she was not immune to illness – challenging the misconception that disease always follows rules.
• Insights into navigating healthcare systems during COVID times; from patient advocacy to questioning medical practices amidst pandemic protocols.
• How faith played an integral role in coping with her diagnosis and treatment. Discover how spiritual beliefs can provide solace and strength even when confronting mortality.
• Personal anecdotes related to farming life lessons that influenced Ann’s resilience and perspective on life challenges.

Ann has a special treat for the first 100 listeners of this episode: order her book "Seeds Sown, A Walk of Faith with the Intention of Restoration," and receive an exclusive 15% discount with a special Andy "paw-dograff" bookmark! To claim your discounted copy, simply email Ann at rootedwisdomfromthefields@gmail.com to place your order!

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

Bio:
Ann Gustafson was raised on a family farm in Northwest Iowa, where she was blessed to be nurtured by her parents and tolerated by her older siblings. She attended the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Before Ann’s life-changing health experience, she spent many years as a Registered Nurse in Labor/Delivery. Her career path led her to serve as a nurse consultant in a corporate wellness company, where she provided positive health plans for clients.

After learning of her colon polyp diagnosis and the steps needed to remove it, Ann had a pivotal moment in her surgeon's office. She turned her colon cancer journey from a quiet chapter to writing her story to help others navigate and overcome various obstacles they may experience far beyond colon cancer. Ann now enjoys sharing her story to help equip others to be prepared for a possible crisis moment/diagnosis in their life journey.

Instagram:

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, we celebrate National Mental Health Awareness Month with the incredible Dr. Jason Richardson, a gold medalist in BMX Racing turned psychologist. Dr. Jason shares his harrowing experience breaking his femur just over a year before winning the Pan Am Games—an injury that could have been career-ending but instead fueled his determination not to let it define his exit from racing. We delve into how he channeled this setback into motivation for healing, which eventually led him down the path to becoming a psychologist involved in sports performance and mental health.

This inspiring conversation explores themes of resilience, recovery from injury, and mental health fortitude. Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• From a shattered femur to winning the Pan Am Games, Dr. Jason Richardson shares his inspiring story of resilience and determination.
• Discover how intention played a crucial role in Dr. Richardson's healing process and propelled him back into BMX racing at the highest level.
• Dr. Richardson discusses how facing the possibility of never racing again led to soul-searching and an eventual career transition.
• Explore the challenges of balancing family expectations, business opportunities, and finding passion post-injury.
• Learn about energy-draining behaviors like comparing, complaining, complicating, and worrying, and discover strategies for overcoming them.
• Dr. Richardson shares insights on how practicing gratitude can shift perspectives during challenging times and foster resilience.
• Dive into the importance of radical acceptance and brutal honesty as tools for self-improvement, encouraging listeners to face their fears head-on.

This episode is sponsored by:
Habana Cuba (Be sure to use code "Gary20" to get 20% off your order!)
A Flood of Love

Bio:
Dr. Jason Richardson is a World Champion and Pan Am Games Gold Medalist. As a professional BMX racer turned psychologist, speaker, and high-performance coach, Dr. Jason Richardson has blazed a trail of excellence both on and off the track. Transitioning from elite athleticism to academia, Dr. Richardson earned his undergrad and graduate degrees while still competing, eventually adding a Doctorate in Psychology to his accolades.

Even in retirement from professional racing, Dr. Richardson's passion for helping others achieve greatness never waned. He found his calling in guiding individuals to recognize and amplify their strengths while transforming weaknesses into opportunities for growth. Through his unique approach, Dr. Richardson empowers Olympic athletes, executives, and individuals alike to strive for more, be better, and live happier. With a career spanning professional sports, marketing, entrepreneurship, and psychology, Dr. Jason Richardson brings a wealth of experience and insights to his coaching practice. But he doesn't just preach – he practices what he preaches, sharing his training routines and mindset strategies on social media to inspire others to live a #ChampionshipLife.

Website: https://www

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes back our special guest, Darren Haruo Rae, the brilliant director and creative force behind the short film “Nisei,” which won the grand jury prize for ‘Best Dramatic Short Film’ at the Cinequest International Film Festival, making it an Academy Award-qualified film. Darren shares the behind-the-scenes journey of how the film was created despite having a limited budget and producing on their own.

This episode is not just about the professional wisdom of creating a magnificent film but highlights personal connection as it is based on Darren’s family history, specifically his grandfather’s experience and the Japanese-American community during World War II. Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• Darren shares exciting news about "Nisei" winning the grand jury prize for best dramatic short at the Cinequest International Film Festival in San Jose. This win has made the "Nisei" Academy Award qualified and a chance to get nominated.
• Darren shares about the process of becoming Academy Award-nominated, including academy voting members' involvement and 'For Your Consideration' events planned in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
• Insight into how Darren found out about winning: a mix of confusion, excitement, and disbelief while watching an Instagram livestream from home.
• Discover Darren’s connection to "Nisei" as it tells a story close to Darren’s family history—his grandfather’s experience fighting for the US in WWII while his family was in internment camps.
• Hear serendipitous aspects of filmmaking emerge through stories like finding a period-correct bus just after restoration or connecting with costume designers who had authentic resources linked to their heritage.

This episode is sponsored by:
Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!)
Dignity Memorial (Mention Gary & receive a Thank You Gift)
GymGuyz (#1 In-Home Personal Training)

Bio:
Darren Haruo Rae is a Japanese-American producer/director based in Los Angeles who co-founded the boutique production company Roann Films. He has directed high-profile commercials and branded content for clients such as Western Digital, Airbnb, and Cisco. Rae's directorial debut, Park Arcadia, garnered Best Screenplay at the 2014 International Film Festival Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles. His latest film, Nisei, inspired by his Japanese-American grandfather's WWII experiences in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, earned Best Drama and Audience Choice at the 2023 Poppy Jasper Film Festival and continues its festival circuit, screening at Indy Shorts by Heartland Film, LA Shorts International Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, and Cinequest Film Festival.

Currently, Rae is the series producer for the MasterClass G.O.A.T. Original Series and is producing the feature film Surrender, starring Andrea Bang. Surrender was selected as one of Film Independent's Fast Track fellowship program's top 10 narrative fiction features and is slated for

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This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas sits down with Gary Schneeberger, president of Roar PR. As a seasoned writer and former journalist who crossed over to the public relations realm, Gary brings his unique perspective on the evolution of media alongside his expertise in one of cinema’s most iconic franchises: James Bond.

So if you're a die-hard 007 fan, be sure to listen because this episode is packed with engaging tales, nostalgia, thoughtful analysis, and passion for all things Bond. Tune in now!

In this Episode:

• Introduction to Gary Schneeberger and his career transition from newspapers to public relations.
• Insights about the shift in media consumption over time and the decline in print journalism contrast with online growth.
• Listen to personal anecdotes about moving from California back to Wisconsin after decades away.
• In-depth analysis of why James Bond is a universally appealing character and a cultural phenomenon.
• Delve into each actor’s portrayal of James Bond and how they brought something different to the role from Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.
• Hear trivia and insights about Barbara Carrera's award nomination and Frank Sinatra’s role as the first John McClane in an alternate universe.
• Speculation on James Bond’s future casting, celebration of six decades of the franchise's legacy, and continual captivation of audiences worldwide.

This episode is sponsored by:
Nugent Family Counseling Center
Sterling Oak Cabinetry
Habana Cuba (Be sure to use code "Gary20" to get 20% off your order!)
A Flood of Love

Bio:
Gary Schneeberger’s three decades in journalism and public relations fuel his passion for, and success in, strategic marketing and communications. As founder and president of ROAR, Schneeberger draws on his executive and executional experience in entertainment, ministry, and media to help individuals and organizations engage audiences with the boldness and creative clarity that ensures they are heard. He has captured his insights and experience on the wise practice of public relations in Bite the Dog: Build a PR Strategy to Make News That Matters, available at most online booksellers.

Schneeberger also spent more than 15 years as an award-winning reporter and editor for daily newspapers across the country, including the Los Angeles Times. He and his wife, Kelly, live in Camp Lake, Wis., with her two children, Alyssa and Hunter.

Website: https://weroar.la/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyschneeberger/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyschneeberger/
X: https://twitter.com/gschneeberger

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Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!