This week on The Professional Noticer, Andy Andrews unwraps a Christmas favorite with an encore reading of Socks for Christmas—proof that the best surprises don't always come in shiny boxes.

Told through the eyes of a young boy on Christmas Eve, this story captures the wonder, anticipation, and quiet lessons that only childhood—and Christmas—can teach. With humor, warmth, and Andy's unmistakable storytelling style, Socks for Christmas reminds us that the moments we remember most aren't always the ones we expected… and that perspective often comes wrapped in the simplest packages.

Whether this is your first time hearing it or a tradition you return to each year, this episode is a perfect pause in the middle of a busy season—a chance to smile, reflect, and remember what really matters. Settle in, listen closely, and enjoy this special Christmas episode of The Professional Noticer. 🎄

It's become one of our favorite Christmas traditions—and it's back again. 🎄

This week, Andy welcomes Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, the duo behind one of the most recorded Christmas songs of all time: Mary, Did You Know? (Seriously…there are so many versions, no one can count them.)

Tune in as Mark shares how the lyrics were first written, Buddy explains how the music came together years later, and both reveal a surprising twist—there was once an entirely different melody.

You'll also hear them reminisce about childhood Christmas memories, talk through why the song continues to resonate across generations, share their favorite renditions, and laugh through one of Mark's most memorable (and awkward) encounters with people who didn't quite love his explanation of the song.

Whether you've heard this episode before or it's your first time, this annual release is the perfect way to slow down, laugh a little, and enjoy the story behind a Christmas classic.

Buddy's favorite versions of Mary, Did You Know?

• Michael English: https://amzn.to/384wrGD
• Pentatonix: https://amzn.to/34feTq5
• Clay Aiken: https://amzn.to/3mlZ7jm
• CeeLo Green: https://amzn.to/3nxXyAB

Mark's favorite versions of Mary, Did You Know?

• Christ Church Choir: https://youtu.be/1jv_a24Bh6s
• Natalie Cole: https://amzn.to/4iUz0Pw
• Donny Osmond: https://amzn.to/3micwZJ
• Carrie Underwood: https://amzn.to/3nmOu11

Find more from Buddy and Mark—and be sure to connect with them online:

Buddy Greene

• BuddyGreene.com
• Facebook.com/Buddy-Greene-Music-352032036982

Mark Lowry

• MarkLowry.com
• Facebook.com/markalanlowry

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Pat Kelly—retired Hollywood screenwriter and debut novelist behind the upcoming thriller Rifle Season, already being hailed as "the first big thriller of 2026."

Tune in to hear Pat and Andy walk through the heart-pounding premise of Rifle Season. Listen as Pat explains the authenticity behind the hunting details, the character dynamics that drive the story, the almost-missed Glock safety error caught by publicist David Brown, and why Simon & Schuster and 20th TV are already all-in on this gripping new series.

Pre-order "Rifle Season: A Thriller" on Amazon — Available January 27, 2026: https://amzn.to/48mxD8D

This week on The Professional Noticer, we're bringing back one of our most visually stunning conversations! Join Andy as he welcomes renowned professional photographer and Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris guide, Chris Irwin.

In this encore episode, you'll not only hear about the art of capturing the wild—you'll see it. Throughout the conversation, enjoy an incredible collection of Chris's photographs that showcase the untamed beauty of wildlife and the rugged landscapes he explores.

Listen as Chris shares his fascinating journey to becoming a wildlife photographer and adventure guide, along with unforgettable stories from the field, early inspirations, and the challenges of photographing nature in its rawest form.

Connect with Chris Online:

• Website: https://iknowaguy.photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Chris-Irwin-Photography-100063744450623/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.knowaguy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-irwin-851a1628/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes back Dan Stone—pastor of Hermantown Community Church in Duluth, Minnesota, and the heart behind the Duluth Dream Center.

After last week's powerful conversation about serving a city, Dan returns for an eye-opening look at the questions young adults are asking today—and why they matter.

Tune in to hear Andy and Dan talk about a surprising shift in this generation: young adults who are spiritually hungry, thoughtful, and asking big questions long before a crisis hits. Listen as Dan shares what today's teens and twenty-somethings are asking—about faith, relationships, meaning, and how to live authentically in a shifting world. Hear him share the question he wishes he'd asked himself at seventeen, why early rhythms matter so much later, and why so many young adults refuse to settle for an "average" life.

Connect with Dan Online:

• Website: https://duluthdreamcenter.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558452268579
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/duluthdreamcenter/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Pastor Dan Stone — one of his closest friends, and the heart behind the Duluth Dream Center in Minnesota's Central Hillside.

Tune in to hear Dan share how his team was gifted a 40,000-square-foot historic church building—not because they campaigned for it, but because they were already serving the most underserved part of Duluth.

Listen as Andy and Dan talk about the difference between building a church and serving a city, how that "no-strings-attached" miracle became an after-school hub for hundreds of kids, and why haircuts, backpacks, piano lessons, tutoring, and a new PAL boxing gym are opening doors between kids, families, the church, and local law enforcement. You'll also hear Dan's very unusual long-term vision for the Dream Center!

Connect with Dan Online:

• Website: https://duluthdreamcenter.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558452268579
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/duluthdreamcenter/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes back Michael Perry—New York Times bestselling author and humorist whose wit, warmth, and everyday wisdom make him a listener favorite.

Tune in to hear Michael share the story behind his newest book, Improbable Mentors & Happy Tangents—a witty, heartfelt collection born from a fishing trip gone sideways and a conversation that lasted four unforgettable hours. Listen as Andy and Michael trade stories about creativity, resilience, and the surprising ways ordinary people become our greatest teachers, reminding us that wisdom often hides in the most unexpected places.

Buy a signed copy of Michael's newest book, Improbable Mentors and Happy Tangents https://sneezingcow.com/product/improbable-mentors-paperback/

Connect with Michael Online:

• Website: https://sneezingcow.com
• Michael Perry's Voice Mail: https://michaelperry.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sneezingcow
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sneezingcow.bsky.social

Today marks 46 years since November 4, 1979—the day the Iranian Hostage Crisis began.

To honor this significant moment in history, this week's Encore Episode of The Professional Noticer revisits Andy's powerful conversation with U.S. Marine Sergeant Rocky Sickmann, one of 65 Americans taken hostage when militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

Listen as Rocky recounts the 444 days that followed—days filled with fear, endurance, and faith. He describes the moments leading up to the crisis, what it was like to face mock executions, and the emotional release of finally returning home in 1981.

Rocky's story is a powerful reminder of courage, resilience, and patriotism. Today, he continues to serve others through Folds of Honor, an organization providing scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members.

Connect with Rocky online:

• Folds of Honor https://foldsofhonor.org/
• Email: rsickmann@foldsofhonor.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/FoldsofHonor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoldsOfHonor/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foldsofhonor/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkCp45eCf6OZu8-K2obIKAQ
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/folds-of-honor/