Once Around the Country with Singer-songwriter Will Jones

Send us a textThis week on Here’s What We Know, we’re ending the year with a bang in this episode of Once Around the Country as we welcome singer-songwriter Will Jones! Join us for a relaxed, honest conversation that wanders through bluegrass roots, songwriting, fatherhood, and the beauty of keeping things simple.Will shares stories from growing up in Cana, Virginia, playing in a family bluegrass band tucked into the Appalachian Mountains, learning music before most kids learn multiplication tables, and waking his dad up singing gospel songs at six years old. Those early porch-front, small-town moments still shape how he writes and performs today.We also explore the grind of the road, lessons learned from nearly empty rooms, moments with artists like Josh Turner, Laney Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Jon Pardi, and Zach Brown, and how faith, family, and years of persistence have shaped his perspective.This episode is funny, reflective, and deeply human. It is about staying rooted, showing up honestly, and finding joy in the journey, even when it is messy.In This Episode:Bluegrass roots and Appalachian beginningsLearning music before learning mathWriting songs from real conversationsFatherhood, family, and finding balanceFixing old trucks between showsPlaying live with no tracks, no safety netLessons from empty rooms and long roadsWhy honesty still wins in country musicThis episode is sponsored by:Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)License #: 679261Bio:Will Jones is a country artist raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains and based in Nashville. A seasoned performer and songwriter, he blends mountain grit, soul, and timeless storytelling into a sound all his own.His sound is a love letter to the past and a firm handshake to the future—carving his own lane in country music.Website: https://willjonescountry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willjonesofficial/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillJonesCountry/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@willjonesofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCD_ZJSvhqWmy967s-_iaSgConnect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us a textThis week on Here’s What We Know, we’re joined by Steve Griggs, founder of Steve Griggs Design, who has earned a reputation as one of New York’s most respected landscape designers, known not just for his designs but for how he shows up for the people he serves.We’ll explore where he came from, how he found his calling, and why the work he does is more art than architecture. We also get into college football rivalries, pricing creative work, learning the hard way, and what it really means to be “the guy” people trust when things get complicated.This episode is relaxed, funny, honest, and full of those little moments that remind you why experience still matters and why good work always starts with caring. Tune in now.In this episode, we talk about:Why creating outdoor spaces is really about people, not projectsThe difference between talent and experienceThe truth about pricing creative work and saying, “it costs what it costs”How to think about money when the work is personalWhy execution matters more than the ideaWhat decades of doing the hard jobs teach youBecoming the person people trust when things get hardThis episode is sponsored by:Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)Bio:Steve Griggs is not your typical landscape designer. He has been getting dirt on his hands since he was 16, cutting grass to earn extra money and learning the value of hard work early on. That work ethic carried him through advanced landscaping studies at Mississippi State University and SUNY Cobleskill College of Environmental Design and Horticulture.At 25, Steve founded Steve Griggs Design after working alongside his father in the industry, where he absorbed core values that still guide his work today: make no excuses, keep your promises, respect the deadline, and always deliver for the client. When he saw those principles missing in much of the industry, he chose to do things differently.That commitment to a customer-first approach has earned Steve a reputation as one of New York’s most respected landscape designers, known not just for his designs but for how he shows up for the people he serves.Website: https://stevegriggsdesign.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevegriggsdesign/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3rPHh3yC3FgzQ_nw9xenwLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/in/stevegriggsdesign/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveGriggsDesignConnect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us a textThis week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with legendary entertainment attorney John Mason for a conversation filled with heart, humor, and jaw-dropping stories from behind the curtain of the music and film industry.Growing up in the San Fernando Valley alongside the children of Hollywood icons, he followed an unexpected path that led him from law school to jam sessions with the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, and the musicians who quietly shaped modern music. Along the way, he built a career representing some of the biggest names in entertainment, while never losing sight of the human stories behind the fame.Drawing from his book Crazy Lucky, John shares intimate moments with Brian Wilson, Olivia Newton-John, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Randy Travis, and more. These are not tabloid stories. They are reflections on genius, vulnerability, perseverance, and the strange way talent and timing collide to shape a life.This episode is a love letter to creativity, resilience, and the unpredictable paths that lead us exactly where we are meant to be. Tune in now!In This Episode:John Mason’s unexpected path to musicThe magic and pressure of recording sessions with The Wrecking CrewBrian Wilson’s musical brilliance and personal strugglesOlivia Newton-John’s grace, strength, and lasting impactMichael Jackson and Quincy Jones creating history togetherRandy Travis and the rebirth of country musicThis episode is sponsored by:Dignity MemorialBio:John Mason is one of the most respected entertainment attorneys in the business, with a career spanning decades across film, television, and music. From representing Academy Award winners to working with artists who have sold over 100 million records, John has been a trusted advocate for some of the biggest names in the industry. A UCLA and UC Berkeley Law graduate with the highest honors, his work has earned national recognition and shaped major moments in entertainment law. Beyond the courtroom, John is deeply committed to the arts, philanthropy, and mentoring the next generation of creators.Website: https://www.johnmasonlaw.com/Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us a textThis week on Here’s What We Know, Gary Scott Thomas sits down with Dan Ashley, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, longtime ABC7 News anchor in San Francisco, and a musician with a true storyteller’s heart.From political satire and freedom of speech to small-town Southern roots, Dan opens up about his journey through media, music, and the moments that shaped him.Discover what it means to speak truth with kindness, how good writing drives great journalism, and why music became such a meaningful outlet in Dan’s life. With humor, heart, and plenty of honesty, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at two careers built on curiosity, connection, and a love for people.In This Episode:Why being able to joke about our leaders matters and how it sets America apart from places like Russia or ChinaDan shares unforgettable moments interviewing Presidents Obama and George W. Bush and what he learned from eachGary and Dan look back on small-town life, radio mishaps, and the early days that shaped their careersHear how Dan pushed past his fear of singing and stepped into a musical life that changed everythingThis episode is sponsored by:Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Bring your dream cabinet to life!)Bio:Dan Ashley has been connected to music his whole life, beginning with childhood guitar and piano lessons in North Carolina and long summer days filled with music on his family’s farm. Today, he leads his own band and has performed alongside artists like REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Eddie Money, Melissa Etheridge, Dionne Warwick, Neal Schon, and Narada Michael Walden. He is also a frequent National Anthem performer for major sports events across the country.Outside of music, Dan is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and longtime ABC7 News anchor in San Francisco. He has covered major national and international stories, built strong relationships across the media world, and is known for his communication skills, generosity, and commitment to community work.Website: https://danashleymusic.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DanAshleyMusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanAshleyABC7/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-ashley-479199185/?skipRedirect=trueInstagram: https://www.facebook.com/DanAshleyABC7/Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us a textThis week on Here’s What We Know, Jonathan Kite joins us for a conversation that is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply human. You may know him as Oleg from “2 Broke Girls,” but today he pulls the curtain back on the real craft of comedy and the unexpected moments that shaped his journey.We dig into what it takes to build a stand-up set, how crowd work has changed, and why impressions are more than funny voices. Jonathan shares stories from the road, reflections on early influences like Abbott and Costello, and a beautiful moment involving a phone call from a friend he thought he had lost forever.We also talk about the energy it takes to perform at a Jim Carrey level, the kindness behind Tom Hanks’s gift of earnestness, and why laughter still feels like one of the most meaningful ways to lift someone’s spirit.Tune in and enjoy this warm and wonderfully unexpected ride with Jonathan Kite.In This Episode: • How stand-up comedy evolves with every audience • The art and heart behind great impressions • A life-changing call that arrived at the exact right moment • What Jonathan learned from Robin Williams, Norm Macdonald, and others • Why laughter matters more than everThis episode is sponsored by:Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)Bio:Jonathan Kite is a versatile actor, comedian, and master impressionist, famous for his role as Oleg the Ukrainian cook on the hit CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls.Known for his quick wit and over 250 celebrity impressions, Jonathan has built a diverse career across television, film, voice acting, and stand-up comedy. His notable credits include starring opposite Jamie Foxx in the Netflix series Dad Stop Embarrassing Me and voicing characters in animated films like The Addams Family 2, as well as shows like Family Guy and American Dad.An alumnus of Second City and The Groundlings, he tours nationally with his stand-up and is currently producing his feature screenwriting debut. Jonathan is celebrated as one of today's most versatile comedic talents.Website: https://www.jonathankitecomedy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathankite/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialjonathankite/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thejonathankiteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JONATHANKITECOMEDYConnect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us a textRadio legend Jungle Doug Griffin joins us back on Here’s What We Know for a fast-moving, heartfelt conversation about life behind the mic, changing technology, and the moments that shaped his story. Doug shares memories from his KRTY years, the rise of his son DJ Garlic, and the communication skills you only learn when all you have is your voice.He also opens up about his prostate cancer journey and the miracle connections that guided him toward healing. From country music to Christian crossovers, Jelly Roll to Lauren Daigle, this episode blends nostalgia, insight, and a whole lot of heart.A must-listen for anyone who loves real stories, real people, and real hope.In This Episode:Discover how technology has transformed radio from two guys talking to sticks into a dynamic platform that connects citiesHear Doug’s candid stories about his son’s DJ journey and his own powerful fight through prostate cancerGet fresh insight on how Christian themes are shaping country music with artists like Jelly Roll and Lauren DaigleLearn why local radio is fading, how voice tracking is changing everything, and why real personalities still matter mostThis episode is sponsored by:Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)Bio:Doug Griffin is a radio veteran with a career spanning over 35 years, best known for his work across the San Francisco Bay Area. His notable roles include "Jungle Doug" on KRTY Country and hosting the syndicated "Doug & Connie / Doug & Karla" morning show. Having also worked with Christian music channels on XM Satellite Radio, Doug's life is guided by his faith. He is married to author Sheryl Griffin and is passionate about helping others move past worry, inspired by his favorite verse, Philippians 4:6-7.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-griffin-065206a/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djdouggriffin/Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us a textThis week on Here’s What We Know, step into the world of pirates and hidden histories with bestselling author Samuel Marquis. In this conversation, we dig into the life of Captain William Kidd and explore where fact meets myth. Samuel shares how his family's connection to Kidd opened the door to a deeper look at piracy, courage, politics, and the stories that shape our understanding of early America.We talk about the rise of pirate legends, the real struggles sailors faced on the open seas, and the untold strength of Kidd’s wife, Sarah Bradley Cox Kidd. Samuel also gives us a look into his writing process and how he works to honor history while still telling a powerful story.If you love rich conversations about identity, resilience, and the truth hidden behind old legends, this episode will pull you right in.In This Episode:Samuel Marquis and his unique connection to Captain KiddHow real pirate life compares to the stories we tellThe political tides that changed Captain Kidd’s fateThe overlooked resilience of Sarah Bradley Cox KiddWhat early piracy reveals about the birth of American identityWhy these stories still capture our imagination todayThis episode is sponsored by:Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Bring your dream cabinet to life!)Dignity MemorialBio:The ninth-great-grandson of legendary privateer Captain William Kidd, Samuel Marquis, M.S., P.G., is a professional hydrogeologist, expert witness, and bestselling, award-winning author of twelve American non-fiction-history, historical-fiction, and suspense books, covering primarily the period from colonial America through WWII. His American history and historical fiction books have been #1 Denver Post bestsellers and received multiple national book awards (Publishers Weekly Starred Review, Kirkus and Foreword Reviews Book of the Year, American Book Fest and USA Best Book, Readers’ Favorite, Beverly Hills, Independent Publisher, Colorado Book Awards). His historical titles have garnered glowing reviews from bestselling authors, colonial American history and maritime historians, U.S. military veterans, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Foreword Reviews (Starred, 5 Stars).Website: https://samuelmarquisbooks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammarquisbooks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samuelmarquisbooks/Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us a textThe queen of forensic fiction is back!This week on Here’s What We Know, New York Times bestselling author and forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs is back to celebrate the release of Evil Bones, her 24th Temperance Brennan novel. From balancing grim mysteries with witty moments to revealing how real-life quirks inspired Tempe’s world, Kathy shares stories that remind us why readers keep coming back. You’ll also hear how she keeps up with forensic science, her favorite character dialogue, what sets the books apart from the Bones TV series, and why Birdie the cat will never die.In This Episode:The delicate art of using humor to illuminate dark subjectsHow Kathy’s writing process keeps Tempe Brennan evolvingThe science and heart behind Evil BonesWhy readers forgive a character’s death, but never a pet’s"Evil Bones" out November 18th! Pre-order now!This episode is sponsored by:Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)License #: 679261Bio:Kathy Reichs’s first novel Déjà Dead catapulted her to fame when it became a New York Times bestseller and won the 1997 Ellis Award for Best First Novel. Her other Temperance Brennan books include Death du Jour, Deadly Decisions, Fatal Voyage, Grave Secrets, Bare Bones, Monday Mourning, Cross Bones, Break No Bones, Bones to Ashes, Devil Bones, 206 Bones, Spider Bones, Flash and Bones, Bones Are Forever, Bones of the Lost, Bones Never Lie, Speaking in Bones and the Temperance Brennan short story collection, The Bone Collection.   In addition, Kathy co-authored the Virals young adult series with her son, Brendan Reichs. The best-selling titles are: Virals, Seizure, Code, Exposure, Terminal, and the novella collection Trace Evidence. The series follows the adventures of Temperance Brennan’s great niece, Tory Brennan.  Dr. Reichs’ latest novel, Two Nights, was released July 11 and features Sunday Night, a tough-talking, scarred heroine.  Dr. Reichs was also a producer of the hit Fox TV series, Bones, which is based on her work and her novels.Website: https://kathyreichs.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathyreichs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathyreichsbooks/Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us a textThis week on Here’s What We Know, Grammy-winning songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Tim Nichols joins us for a heartfelt look at the magic and grit behind nearly four decades in country music. Tim opens up about four decades in country music, the miracle of songwriting, and what it really takes to build a lasting career in Nashville. From his first publishing deal in 1986 to crafting hits for legends like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Ronnie Milsap, Tim shares what keeps him passionate about his craft and why he still calls every song “a little miracle.”You’ll hear the inside story of “Live Like You Were Dying,” how collaboration shapes Nashville’s best songs, and why “writing bad songs” is just part of becoming great. Plus, Tim talks about his next chapter as a keynote speaker, helping people and businesses alike realize they truly belong in the room.In This Episode:The miracle of songwriting and the discipline behind itWhat it really means when a song is “on hold” in NashvilleWhy rejection fuels resilience for artists and athletes alikeBehind-the-scenes stories with Faith Hill, Ronnie Milsap, and Mark KnopflerThe making of “Live Like You Were Dying” and its lasting emotional impactHow Tim’s message “You Belong in the Room” inspires creators everywhereThis episode is sponsored by:Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)Bio:Tim Nichols, Grammy-Winning Songwriter & Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame MemberWith nearly two dozen hit songs, multiple BMI songwriting awards, and a Grammy for Best Country Song, Tim Nichols has earned his place among Nashville’s most respected and enduring songwriters.In 2004, Tim co-wrote Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying,” which spent ten consecutive weeks at #1 and broke a thirty-year Billboard record. The song went on to win every major country music award that year, including honors from the CMA, ACM, Billboard, BMI, ASCAP, and the Nashville Songwriters Association International—a feat no other song has ever achieved.Beyond the charts, Tim is deeply committed to giving back. He’s served on the boards of the Country Music Association, High Hopes Preschool and Pediatric Therapy Clinic, and the Nashville Songwriters Association International, continuing to champion both the craft of songwriting and the community that sustains it.When he’s not on Music Row writing his next hit or sharing stories from a life in music, Tim brings his passion for creativity and collaboration to keynote stages across the country—helping businesses and teams discover how the same principles that create hit songs can also drive success in any industry.Website:https://timnicholskeynotes.com/https://www.timnicholsofficial.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timnicholstn/Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us a textThis week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome voiceover artist and creative powerhouse Gina Scarpa. You may not recognize her face, but you’ve definitely heard her voice, from radio airwaves to major video games and promos for brands you know by heart.Gina opens up about her journey from hand-delivering cassette tapes to radio stations in Connecticut to becoming a full-time voice actor and respected coach. We’ll explore the evolution of media, the realities of creative reinvention, and why finding your authentic voice, literally and figuratively, matters more than ever.In This Episode:The grit and heart behind building a voiceover career from scratchHow rejection can fuel resilience instead of fearWhy authenticity beats perfection every single timeThe parallels between gaming, storytelling, and self-discoveryThis episode is sponsored by:Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)Bio:Gina Scarpa is an accomplished professional voiceover artist and coach. She is currently available to appear as a guest on podcasts and can speak on a number of engaging topics. With a wide array of interests, Gina is a great podcast guest for a variety of programs.Gina has spent decades in radio broadcasting and voice acting. She is proud to have voiced national TV and radio commercials. Additionally, Gina has voiced video games and corporate content for some of the biggest brands in the country. Some of Gina’s happy clients include VistaPrint, Burger King, Xfinity, L’Oreal, and Invesco. Gina also has a passion for both voicing and playing video games. She is a competitive gamer and is accomplished in Valorant, League of Legends, and other competitive games.Before taking her VO career full-time, Gina spent many years as an on-air radio DJ. She has also worked as a reality television journalist. As a potential podcast guest, she is able to speak on many topics that may grow your audience. With humor and warmth, she would be a good fit for your list of interested guests.Gina is also an award-winning teacher and director. She was named the 2019 ACE Educator of the Year by the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County in CT. She is also the founder, owner, and Creative Director of Positive Voices Studio. This program provides coaching and educational programming for children, teens, and rising adult voice actors.Website: https://ginascarpa.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginascarpa/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginascarpa/Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!