The Morning Show Mavericks: Voices That Shaped Radio and Beyond with Devon O’Day

Send us a textThis week on Here's What We Know, Gary sits down with the remarkable Devin O’Day, a beloved voice in country music radio whose career has touched countless lives. Together, they reminisce about their early days in small-town stations, swapping stories filled with humor, resilience, and a genuine love for community connection.Devon opens up about her journey from aspiring careers to becoming a full-time broadcaster, author, audiobook narrator, and hit songwriter. Tune in and discover what it means to honor your passions, no matter where the road takes you.In This Episode:Why local radio is a lifeline for so many communitiesHear behind-the-scenes stories of radio life and insights into the art of audiobook narrationDevon’s songwriting successes with George Strait, Trace Adkins, and Lee Ann WomackThe joys (and mishaps) of early broadcasting in Louisiana and AlabamaEmbracing new media without losing your rootsThis episode is sponsored by:Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Bring your dream cabinet to life!) Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) License #: 679261 Bio:Devon O'Day is a storyteller at heart, a seasoned radio personality, speaker, author, voice actor, and champion for creatives. With a career of over 30 years in broadcast, Devon has hosted nationally syndicated shows, voiced thousands of commercials, and written books that inspire and uplift. Beyond the mic, she’s a proud advocate for kindness, purpose-driven living, and the power of faith. Whether sharing her journey or elevating others, Devon brings warmth, grit, and heart to every conversation.Website: https://devonoday.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devonodayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/devonodaysnashville/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@devonodayConnect 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, Meghan Patrick returns to reflect on how her life and her music have evolved over the past few years. Meghan shares what it really takes to stay true in an industry that rewards masks more than authenticity.We talk about the fatigue behind the spotlight, the courage it takes to walk away from toxic relationships (even when they’re family), and how songwriting helped her process deep personal wounds. Megan opens up about the emotional weight behind songs like “Blood From a Stone” and “Golden Child,” offering listeners comfort, connection, and clarity through her vulnerability. Listen now!In This Episode:Meghan’s evolution as an artist and humanThe power of having a team who gets youChoosing authenticity over viralityHealing through songwritingThe realities of navigating toxic family dynamicsWhy drudgery is part of the dreamThis episode is sponsored by: Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!) Bio:Meghan Patrick is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter originally from Ontario, known for blending raw vulnerability with fierce confidence. A two-time CCMA Female Artist of the Year with 19 CMAOntario Awards, Meghan’s music unpacks the grit, grace, and truth of life on her own terms. Her latest album, Golden Child, marks a powerful turning point, diving into personal healing, hard-earned wisdom, and what she now calls Big Sister Country, where strength and intimacy coexist. From bluegrass to funk to country, Meghan’s musical journey defies easy labels, but one thing’s clear: when she tells her story, people listen.Website: https://www.meghanpatrickmusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MegPatrickMusic/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MegPatrickMusic/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MeghanPatrickMusicTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megpatrickmusicConnect 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, our host Gary sits down with former NFL fullback Jedidiah “Jed” Collins, now a financial educator, author, and founder of Money Vehicle. From playing with the New Orleans Saints to launching a financial literacy movement, Jed shares what it means to lead with purpose both on and off the field.​​If you're a football fan or just trying to get smarter with your money, this one's for you.In This Episode:The NFL Days: Stories from Jed's time with the Saints, team culture, and what it was really like to play with legends like Drew Brees.The Fullback Mindset: Why the most underrated positions can teach us the most about teamwork and grit.Failing Forward: How the NFL taught Jed to embrace failure and channel it into growth.Building Legacy Over Lifestyle: Why top athletes and all of us should be thinking about impact, not just income.A Saints Fan for Life: Gary shares his childhood fandom and why the Saints always felt like more than just a team.Money Vehicle Mission: Jed’s passion project teaching students how to make smart financial decisions early.Why Financial Literacy Matters: Especially for athletes entering sudden wealth, real talk on fraud, fame, and responsibility.Entrepreneurship & Life After Sports: The parallels between athletics and business, and how resilience shows up in both.This episode is sponsored by: Tranont  Dignity MemorialBio:Jedidiah Collins, CFP®, is a former NFL fullback, Amazon best-selling author, adjunct professor, and Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) with a passion for financial education. His journey to financial empowerment didn’t begin with a textbook but with personal experience—after being cut 12 times, he persevered to become the #1 fullback in the NFL.While living the dream of playing professional football, Jed faced a harsh reality: he was unprepared for the financial opportunities that came with success. Determined to change that, he pursued his CFP® certification while still in the league. After transitioning from football, he gained real-world experience in wealth management but soon realized his true passion wasn’t in helping people end their financial journey—it was in empowering those who had never spoken the language of money to begin theirs.To fulfill this mission, Jed founded Money Vehicle, an education technology company providing schools and students with a roadmap to financial freedom through an engaging and accessible financial literacy curriculum.Today, Jed is a passionate advocate for financial awareness, helping professional athletes capture their dreams while also guiding young professionals to start theirs.Website: https://yourmoneyvehicle.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullbackoffinance/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, be ready for a deeply inspiring conversation as we sit down with Dustin Gutkowski, entrepreneur, family man, and host of The DG Show, who went from being homeless at 14 to building a $100 million business. With a heart as big as Texas and a love for 90s country music, Dustin opens up about what fuels him: storytelling, fatherhood, resilience, and relationships. Give it a listen today!In This Episode:Dustin’s rise from hardship to hopeDive into discussions about love for 90s country and artists like Midland, The Cadillac Three, and Post MaloneUnderstand how Dustin’s personal struggles inform his parenting philosophyBuilding a people-first business in the roofing industryWhat it means to be your child’s heroThis episode is sponsored by:Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Bring your dream cabinet to life!) Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)Bio:Dustin Gutkowski is the founder of Results Roofing, a DFW-based company serving residential, commercial, and multi-family clients. Built on the belief that relationships matter more than transactions, Dustin created a culture rooted in gratitude, service, and kindness, shaped by his own journey from homelessness at 14 to business leadership. A champion for both customers and employees, he ensures every client receives above-and-beyond care, including a complimentary 360° inspection with photo documentation. Dustin is also the host of The DG Show podcast, where he shares real stories of resilience, business, and personal growth.Website: https://resultsroofing.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustingutkowskirr/YouTube: @DustingutkowskiFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustin.gutkowski/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-gutkowski-9a8474177/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’re talking with the incredible Faith Martin, a woman who proves that life doesn’t slow down after 60, it just gets more interesting.You might know her from her voice on the radio, her music, or her appearance on The Golden Bachelor. Her journey is inspiring, funny, and full of heart. We talk about reinvention, connection, and why saying YES to life is the best move you can make. Listen now!In This Episode:Why her guitar collection means so much (yes, there's a Jimi Hendrix story!)How she landed her first radio job with zero experienceWhat surprised her most about The Golden BachelorWhat it’s like broadcasting live from a horse trailer!This episode is sponsored by: Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!) Bio:Faith Martin is a vibrant 60-year-old radio host, musician, former high school teacher, and beloved personality from The Golden Bachelor. Born and raised in the mountains of Santa Cruz, California, Faith has spent her life in front of microphones, whether as a radio host, TV news anchor, podcaster, or classroom teacher.She began her radio career in Provo, Utah, and spent a decade on-air in Salt Lake City before settling in Tri-Cities, Washington, in 1990. Today, she hosts three nationally syndicated radio shows and a lively podcast that dives into the joys and curveballs of modern dating.Outside the studio, Faith is a thrill-seeker who lives life to the fullest. From diving with sharks and riding motorcycles to horseback adventures in the countryside, she finds freedom in movement and music. A talented singer and guitarist, she’s never far from her instruments, or her animals.Faith is the proud mother of two sons and adoring grandmother to five grandchildren, who she says are the greatest loves of her life. She also cherishes time with her horses, two dogs, and, of course, her ever-growing guitar collection.Website: https://www.thefaithmartin.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithsmartin/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fmfaithmartin35YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fmfaithmartin35Connect 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 shares a pint (and some amazing stories) with Dan Gordon of Gordon Biersch Brewery! From a teen trip to Germany that changed his life to crafting beers for big names like Sammy Hagar, Ryan Reynolds, and Trader Joe’s, Dan’s journey is equal parts inspiring and entertaining.Plus, they dig into the heart of brewing, why music and beer are surprisingly connected, and how to do Oktoberfest the right way.Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just love a good story about pursuing your passion and inspiration, this episode is for you! Give it a listen, and maybe crack open a cold one while you do!In This Episode:How a 15-year-old’s trip to Germany sparked a lifelong careerThe science behind consistent, quality beer makingWhat it’s like brewing for Trader Joe’s, Kirkland, Betty Buzz, and beyondHow Dan’s music background shapes teamwork and creativity in businessTips for Oktoberfest (and what to eat with your beer!)This episode is sponsored by: Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Bring your dream cabinet to life!) Bio:Dan Gordon is the co-founder of Gordon Biersch and one of America’s top brewing engineers. A San Jose native, Dan earned his brewing degree from the prestigious Technical University of Munich in Weihenstephan—becoming the first American in over 40 years to do so. Before that, he studied resource economics at UC Berkeley and gained hands-on experience at Anheuser-Busch and Spaten Brewery.In 1988, Dan partnered with Dean Biersch to launch their first brewery restaurant in Palo Alto, helping to pioneer the brewpub concept in California. Today, he still oversees operations in San Jose, ensuring every beer follows traditional German purity laws using premium ingredients.Beyond beer, Dan is also an accomplished jazz trombonist, performing across the Bay Area and recording with artists like Michael Davis and Curtis Campbell. Whether he’s brewing lagers or laying down brass lines, Dan brings heart, discipline, and creativity to everything he does.Website: https://gordonbiersch.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-gordon-6429916/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gordonbierschbrewingco/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gordonbierschbrewco/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gordonbierschbrewcoConnect 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 welcoming back our very first three-time guest, Sam LaCrosse! From Olympic athletes to comedians, we've had some incredible conversations—but Sam always brings fresh, thought-provoking insights.If you're looking for an honest, down-to-earth conversation about life, business, relationships, and staying true to your values—this episode is for you.In This Episode:The power of consistency in content creation and how it’s helped Sam (and can help you too!) stay ahead.His bold leap from corporate life to building the Value Economics Academy—and scaling it with heart.A candid chat on modern dating dynamics and the rise of the “passport bros” movement.Why Sam believes therapy culture sometimes replaces valuable family conversations, and how self-reliance plays a role.Insightful tips for entrepreneurs on building businesses that stay true to personal values.A heartfelt look at how parenting is often misunderstood in today’s society as a “burden” instead of a source of fulfillment.This episode is sponsored by:Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!) Bio:According to Sam, Sam LaCrosse is a nobody. He hasn’t done anything amazing. He is not extraordinary or impressive. He doesn’t even have a Wikipedia entry. He’s just an ordinary guy from Cleveland, Ohio, who now lives an ordinary life in Austin, Texas. But if you want to check him out, he’s the author of “Value Economics: The Study of Identity, writes blogs on dontreadthisblog.com, and hosts Don’t Listen to This Podcast. Sam is the CEO and founder of Don’t Do This, LLC, which makes no money. He is also a board member of Thrive Living Corporation and an ambassador for RallyCap Sports.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realsamlax/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realsamlax/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realsamlaxConnect 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 rolling with the laughs—and some heartfelt moments—with the hilarious and down-to-earth Felipe Esparza! Felipe joins us ahead of his sold-out show at the San Jose Civic (May 10!), and we dive into everything from his early days at the San Jose Improv to what it’s like raising a stepson who's enthusiastically trying to embrace his Mexican roots (despite being very white).Whether you’ve been a Felipe fan for years or you’re just getting to know him, this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and the kind of heart that sticks with you. Listen now!In This Episode:How Felipe transforms personal pain into laugh-out-loud comedyHilarious dating stories featuring “smart women with low standards”Lessons from comedy greats like Richard PryorA peek into his hit podcast, What’s Up Fool? and History for FoolsBehind-the-scenes look at the art of stand-up, comedic timing, and joke craftingThis episode is sponsored by:Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!) Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) Bio:Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor best known for his multiple stand-up specials, winning Last Comic Standing and his recurring roles on “The Eric Andre Show,” “Superstore,” and “Gentefied.” He’s also the host of a popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?” that has been running for 10 years.Website: https://felipesworld.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/felipeesparzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/felipeesparzacomedianTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@felipeesparzacomicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FelipeEsparzaFanPage/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’re sitting down with the incredibly talented Michael Hardy—better known as HARDY. He’s the genre-bending singer-songwriter making waves in both the country and rock scenes, and he’s got stories, heart, and grit to spare. Listen now!In This Episode:How HARDY balances rock grit with country soulWhat it’s like having #1 songs in two genres at onceThe story behind “Jim Bob” and other bold songwriting choicesBehind-the-scenes of Wait In The Truck and acting alongside Lainey WilsonFrom Charlie Daniels to Brad Paisley, discover the country artists who shaped and inspired him📌 Catch HARDY live at Shoreline Amphitheatre on June 7! See you there!This episode is sponsored by:TranontDignity MemorialBio:Michael Wilson Hardy—known simply as HARDY—is a genre-blending powerhouse in country and rock music. Originally from Mississippi, he started his career as a hit songwriter for artists like Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, and Morgan Wallen before stepping into the spotlight with his own gritty, high-energy sound. With songs like “TRUCK BED” and “One Beer,” HARDY brings bold storytelling, small-town heart, and a rock ‘n’ roll edge to everything he does. Whether he’s on stage or behind the mic, HARDY keeps it honest, loud, and unapologetically real.Website: https://hardyofficial.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardy/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hardy/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardyYouTube: @HARDYmusicConnect 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, meet Carrie E. Pierce—an accomplished writer with over 20 years of experience who started her creative career in the film industry, working behind the scenes with makeup and special effects. But her heart always belonged to storytelling, and today, she’s writing children’s books that tackle big emotions with grace, honesty, and a whole lot of Southern charm.In This Episode:Carrie’s journey from film sets to writingWhy her children’s books tackle big emotions like grief and fearThe hilarious pitfalls of Southern dialect + voice-to-text (spoiler: bald peanuts)A surprisingly thoughtful tangent about lizard peopleWhat it really takes to get through the hard parts of writing (and life)Pulling back the curtain on the darker corners of the entertainment industry, where exploitation often hides in plain sightCarrie shares the deeply personal inspiration behind her book Becoming BillieReflections on societal issues—from high-profile scandals shaking up entire industries to the quest for authenticityAnd when it comes to protecting our kids? We get real about the moral responsibility we all share in pushing back against hypersexualizationThis episode is sponsored by:Dignity MemorialBio:Carrie E. Pierce has over 20 years of experience in publishing, radio, & TV. She is a published author and ghostwriter. Her children’s book Abby Apple Tree was named a finalist for an Eric Hoffer Award. She is a partner in Morgan Pierce Media & Publishing. And her subscription service Letters from Elizabeth, delivers thoughtfully penned letters twice a month to women who suddenly find themselves alone after a major life change later in life.Carrie lives in Idaho, surrounded by good friends, gorgeous scenery, and amazing people. When not writing, she enjoys snowshoeing, gardening, good food and wine, and dancing. When writing, her trusty 20-year-old cat, Bluey, is almost always to be found snoring on a pillow next to Carrie’s desk.Website: https://morganpiercemediapublishing.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarrieEPierce/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcarrieepierce/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieelizpierce/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!