How to Improvise Like T.J. Miller: Secrets from a Comedy Icon

This week on Here's What We Know, we’re thrilled to have Jason Cole with us, author of Shut Up, Your Kid is Not That Great. Jason’s book digs into the realities of parenting young athletes and managing those sometimes sky-high expectations. As a sports writer and a dad, Jason brings unique insights and anecdotes on raising kids to follow their dreams—without all the unnecessary pressure.In This Episode:Jason shares stories about the unique challenges and pressures faced by children of famous athletes.Discover the importance of supporting kids’ dreams quietly, letting them shine without feeling the weight of the world’s expectations.Explore what it’s like for children of sports legends who may not reach the same level of success as their parents—and why that’s perfectly okay.Hear examples like Jack Nicklaus' sons, who carved their own paths instead of following directly in their dad’s footsteps.Listen to the story of John Elway’s father, who encouraged his son to choose between football and baseball with no pressure—just options and unwavering support.Get a look behind the scenes at the sacrifices and pressures pro athletes endure, reminding us that every level of success brings its own unique struggles, where preparation matters as much as talent.Uncover the value of allowing kids to choose their own paths, guiding them gently along the way, and cheering them on—wherever their journeys may lead.This episode is sponsored by:Reed Animal HospitalMike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)Bio:Jason Cole has covered or written about pro football since 1992 and has been a selector for the Pro Football Hall of Fame since 2013. He has worked for publications such as Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, The Miami Herald, and the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. Cole has authored Elway: a Relentless Life and co-authored six books, including Giant with Plaxico Burress, Heart for the Game with Simon Keith, and Ocho Cinco with Chad Johnson. Prior to covering the NFL, Cole covered the NBA, Major League Baseball, and high school sports in the San Francisco Bay Area. Cole teaches sports writing at the University of Florida and is the father of two Eagle Scouts. He is a graduate of Stanford University, which he attended at the same time as Elway.X: https://x.com/jasoncole62LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-cole-1330266/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!

This week on the Here's What We Know, buckle up for a conversation filled with laughter, quirky stories, and a surprising amount of heart! We’re thrilled to welcome T.J. Miller—a comedian, actor, and voice you’ll recognize from Deadpool, Silicon Valley, and How to Train Your Dragon. T.J. is here to share his refreshingly down-to-earth approach to comedy, life, and everything in between.In This Episode:Learn why his website is humorously named tjmillerdoesnothaveawebsite.com, a playful nod to the early 2000s domain craze.Discover the quirky backstory of T.J.’s cowboy baseball hat, inspired by a friend’s bold character transformation that brings plenty of laughs.Get to know his unique perspective on performing in tech-heavy places like San Jose, where he shares how the Bay Area audience has shifted post-pandemic but still appreciates his signature comedy.Uncover T.J.’s approach to comedy, centered around not taking himself too seriously. His live shows are a celebration of authenticity, inviting the audience to laugh with him and at themselves.Learn about his personal life, including meeting his wife in college theater and the steadfast support they’ve shared through life’s many twists and turns.Discover the charm behind his gruff, recognizable voice that’s landed him memorable roles—and why he thinks audiences are drawn to those “rough around the edges” characters.Get to know his love for improv, making each live performance an unforgettable, interactive experience that keeps comedy fresh and engaging.This episode is sponsored by:Habana Cuba (Be sure to use code "Gary20" to get 20% off your order!)A Flood of LoveBio:T.J. Miller is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer known for his unique style of humor and versatility across television, film, and stand-up comedy. With memorable roles in hit films like Deadpool and Cloverfield, and as the voice of characters like Tuffnut in the How to Train Your Dragon series, T.J. brings his quirky, energetic presence to every project. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Erlich Bachman on HBO's Silicon Valley, where his eccentric, over-the-top performance made him a fan favorite. A staple in the comedy world, T.J. continues to tour and bring his boundary-pushing humor to audiences worldwide.Website: https://tjmillerdoesnothaveawebsite.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagemillionaire/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nottjmiller/Youtube: @tjmillerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nottjmillerX: https://x.com/nottjmillerConnect 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!

Are you feeling the weight of political tensions? You're not alone! This week on Here's What We Know, we're joined by Elliot Sands, Executive Director of Live Faith First and host of the Live Faith First podcast. We unravel the emotional divide that's gripping America during election seasons and explore how it impacts personal relationships—even within families.In This Episode:Navigating the Election CycleUnderstanding Political PolarizationThe Impact of Loneliness on PoliticsQuestioning Our Political AffiliationsThe Importance of Love, Respect, and KindnessFinding Common Ground in Divisive TimesThe Power of Positive ThinkingEmotional Health During ElectionsThe Importance of Gratitude, Resilience, and PerspectiveNavigating Contentious IssuesConversations Beyond Winning and LosingFaith and Trust in LeadershipThe Future of Political DiscourseThis episode is sponsored by:Bison Junk (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)Sterling Oak CabinetryBio:Elliot Sands is a dynamic leader with diverse experiences across multiple sectors. He is the Executive Director at Live Faith First, where he takes on the challenge of addressing division in society head-on, refusing to choose the easy path. As COO of The SHP Foundation, Elliot supports churches and homeless initiatives, meeting incredible people along the way. He was also a co-founder of CirrusMD, one of the fastest-growing telehealth companies in the nation, connecting thousands of patients to live physicians within 60 seconds—no bots, no AI, just real doctors.With roles ranging from Executive Pastor to School Principal, Elliot’s leadership has touched lives in profound ways. His career began in sales and customer service, with early lessons learned during his time as a Sales Rep at FCPA and as a Customer Service Rep at PG&E. Elliot’s education includes a Masters in Divinity from Western Seminary, where he grew immensely, and an MBA from San Jose State University, where he formed lifelong friendships. Website: https://www.elliotsands.me/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotsands/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliot.sands/X: https://x.com/eshrapInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefaithfirst/Live Faith First: https://www.livefaithfirst.org/Love Respect Kindness: https://mustdobetter.org/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!

This week on Here's What We Know, join us for an inspiring conversation with former Minor League baseball player John Sealy Livermore Gavin. Our host shares his admiration for John’s remarkable journey, recently featured in The Athletic, and dives deeper into his experiences—from childhood baseball dreams to life transitions and lasting relationships. Tune in for an uplifting episode full of laughter, reflection, and a reminder of the connections that bring us together!In This Episode:John’s Journey: From growing up in San Jose and attending Saint Francis High School to becoming a standout athlete at Cal State Fullerton, where he helped lead the team to the College World Series in 2015 and 2017, John shares how his passion for baseball shaped his life.Radio Memories: Reminisce about the good old days of radio contests on 95.3 KRTY and the sense of community they created, leaving lasting memories.Concert Fun: Get ready to laugh at some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from concerts at Shoreline Amphitheatre.Height Perks & Challenges: Enjoy a light-hearted discussion about the joys and quirks of being tall, as John shares funny moments alongside his towering friends.Life Lessons from Baseball: John reflects on the friendships and life lessons baseball has brought him, showing how the sport helped shape his character both on and off the field.Career Challenges: Get insights into John’s post-baseball career challenges, navigating economic shifts while staying true to himself and his values.Life Shifts: Learn how meeting his future wife shifted John’s priorities from chasing dreams on the field to building a meaningful life and family off the field.Marriage & Companionship: A heartfelt conversation on the beauty of marriage and insights on how companionship enriches life, helping us live longer and healthier.This episode is sponsored by:Habana Cuba (Be sure to use code "Gary20" to get 20% off your order!)A Flood of LoveBio:John Sealy Livermore Gavin is an ex-Minor League baseball player known for his drive to exceed expectations both on and off the field. He majored in Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations at Cal State Fullerton, where he helped his team reach the College World Series in 2015 and 2017. John’s unique blend of emotional empathy and competitiveness makes him a standout candidate for companies seeking to expand and connect with diverse audiences. Passionate about building relationships and uncovering what makes people unique, John is dedicated to creating meaningful connections and driving success.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnslgavin/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnslgavin/X: https://x.com/johnslgavinConnect 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!

This week on Here's What We Know, we’re sitting down with the hosts of The Fit Mess Podcast, Zach Tucker and Jeremy Grater, to dive into their personal stories of fitness, friendship, and transformation. If you're looking for a little inspiration with a touch of realness, you’re in the right place.In This Episode:Discover how they started their unexpected podcast journey and open up about life beyond fitness.Learn about Zach and Jeremy’s 13-year friendship, which began through their wives during pregnancy. Hear how their stories go beyond fitness to explore mental health, personal growth, and the power of forgiveness.Listen to Zach’s inspiring transformation from nearly 300 pounds and a smoker to a long-distance runner. Discover how a knee injury became Jeremy’s wake-up call, leading him to embrace bike commuting and mindfulness practices. Zach and Jeremy emphasize the power of vulnerability and learn why they believe small steps, both in fitness and mental health, make the biggest impact over time.Zach opens up about how forgiving his mother brought him peace, while Jeremy shares valuable lessons from therapy, including how to challenge inherited negative self-talk.Discover their refreshing, realistic approach to wellness. Their advice? Focus on small, manageable changes—whether it's a short walk or five minutes of mindfulness.This episode is sponsored by:Reed Animal HospitalMike Counsil Plumbing & RooterBio:Zach Tucker resides in Albany, NY with his young daughter. Zach has a passion for helping people define and meet their wellness goals. He thinks that every person is different and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for someone’s wellness. He is on a mission to share his story and some of the tools that helped him on his own wellness journey. Zach is certified to teach yoga and Insanity® Live.Jeremy Grater is a married father of two young girls and lives in rural British Columbia. He’s been in the broadcasting and podcasting business for about two decades. Jeremy is a certified REBT Mindset Life Coach.Website: https://www.thefitmess.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!

This week on Here's What We Know, our guest is Karen Howard, the brilliant author behind the book, Upset is Optional and Executive Director of the Organic and Natural Health Association. Listen in as she shares her wisdom on personal growth, professional journeys, and societal reflections.In This Episode:Meet Karen Howard as a powerhouse in natural health advocacy and an insightful author aiming to help us control our reactions to life's challenges.Discover the essence of Upset is Optional, focusing on maintaining control over one's reactions.Explore parenting insights deeply tied to overcoming adversity.Hear how 9/11 significantly pivoted Karen’s career trajectory.Learn life lessons & parenting tips for teaching children to follow their passions rather than societal expectations.Dive into Karen's extensive involvement in government policy-making.Understand how political engagement has evolved with an emphasis on voting knowledgeably about candidates and issues.Learn the value of open-mindedness in decision-making processes & educate oneself to actively participate in democratic processes and remain open to evolving perspectives.This episode is sponsored by:Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!Dignity MemorialBio:Originally from Springfield, MO, Karen spent the last 40 living years in Washington, DC working as Congressional Committee staff, lobbying for health care issues, and working for a variety of professional and trade associations. She has experienced a monumental shift in her outlook since the fateful events of 9/11 in 2001. This cataclysmic event left an indelible mark on her sensibilities, prompting her to seek a more purposeful existence. Thus commenced her extraordinary journey towards healing and self-discovery.For a decade, Karen collaborated closely with naturopathic physicians, leading the way as their Executive Director. She ventured to Ecuador, immersing herself in the wisdom of native healers.It was during that time that she was introduced to Bob Duggan, the visionary behind Tai Sophia acupuncture school. Pursuing a master’s degree under his tutelage, Karen learned to cultivate a state of well-being through mindful language and actions. Website: https://upsetisoptional.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.howard.75641Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenhoward1761/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-howard/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karenhoward857Connect 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!

This week on Here's What We Know, we have a groundbreaking conversation with two esteemed guests, Hunter Walker, an investigative journalist and former White House correspondent, and Luppe B. Luppen, a lawyer and a prominent social media presence and writer. Together they discuss their book, The Truce: Progressive, Centrist, and the Future of the Democratic Party, offering listeners an insider's account of political dynamics within the Democratic Party.In This Episode:Access to Insider StoriesThe Relationship Between Barrack Obama and Joe BidenObama’s Role in the 2020 ElectionThe Standard Bearer of the Democratic PartyKamala Harris & MisstepsLikability and Sexism in PoliticsAttacks and Double Standards in PoliticsTension Over US Support for Israel’s Campaign in GazaFractures with the Progressive and Centrist CoalitionThe Importance of Key Voters Groups of BidenThe High School Drama of PoliticsWriting a Book TogetherUnvarnished Understanding of Political PlayersElection InsightsThe Goal for Biden and Trump: Just Win, BabyThis episode is sponsored by:Bison Junk RemovalSterling Oak CabinetryBio:Luppe B. Luppen is a lawyer and a writer in New York City. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he graduated from Stanford University (2005) and Washington & Lee School of Law (2008).Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nycsouthpaw/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@nycsouthpawX: https://x.com/nycsouthpawHunter Walker is an investigative reporter and author based in Brooklyn, New York. He has written for notable publications such as Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and The Atlantic. Walker spent five years as a White House Correspondent for Yahoo! News during the Trump administration and has covered politics for outlets like Business Insider and the New York Observer. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrhunterwalker/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterwalker/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!

This week on Here's What We Know, we’re thrilled to bring you a fascinating conversation with an award-winning audiobook narrator! Our guest is the incredibly talented Scott Brick. Scott shares how he continues navigating his successful career from his journey through 1,100 audiobooks to overcoming health challenges and working on notable titles like Jurassic Park from Michael Crichton’s collection, Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz, and many more!Tune in and discover how his dedication shines through every project, whether it be new releases or classic retellings! In This Episode:Career Milestones: From Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park to its sequel, The Lost World, discover how Scott got these iconic gigs.Health Challenges: Hear about Scott's journey through diabetes and thyroid cancer and how it shaped his career.Character Voices: Learn about the delicate balance between staying true to characters without mimicking previous performances.Audiobook Narration Techniques and Insights: Uncover Scott’s approach to vocal training and balancing originality with audience expectationsEmotional Depths: Feel the passion as Scott recounts breaking into tears while narrating an Orphan X book.Preparation & Dedication: Discover how thorough preparations like listening to previous series' narrators have helped him excel—such as for Shawn Inmon's Middel Falls Time Travel series.This 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:Scott Brick is an actor, writer, and award-winning audiobook narrator who certainly knows how to tell a story! Hailed by Audible in 2012 as their most prolific narrator, Brick has narrated titles such as Jurassic Park, the Jack Reacher series, Alexander Hamilton, the Hunt For Red October, The Passage trilogy, In Cold Blood, the Bourne trilogy, Atlas Shrugged, Helter Skelter, Fahrenheit 451 and the Dune series. To date, he’s won over 60 Earphones Awards for his narrating skills, as well as five Audie Awards, five SOVAS Awards for voiceover, and a Grammy nomination for the multi-cast recording of The Mark of Zorro (2011). After recording 250 titles in his first five years, AUDIOFILE MAGAZINE named Brick “one of the fastest-rising stars in the audiobook galaxy,” and proclaimed him a Golden Voice, but it was the WALL STREET JOURNAL that sealed the moniker with a front-page article in November, 2004.  PUBLISHERS WEEKLY then honored Brick as Narrator of the Year in both 2007 and 2011.  That honor was followed up with another feature in the WSJ in 2019 and a recent appearance on the CBS Sunday Morning news show.  And the ultimate distinction – being inducted into the Audible Narrator’s Hall of Fame in 2018.  Having now recorded over 1100 audiobooks, Brick has no intention of slowing down. He obviously won’t be happy until he’s recorded every book ever published.Website: https://scottbrick.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!

This week on Here's What We Know, we’re joined by Ganesh Venkataramanan, an accomplished engineer, Vice President at a leading software technology company, and author of the book Let Me Into Heaven. In this insightful and thought-provoking conversation, Ganesh shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a Hindu household, becoming an atheist, and ultimately finding faith in Christ through his interactions with influential entrepreneurs.Prepare for an engaging dive into big questions about the intersection of science and faith, the mysteries of the universe, and how Ganesh’s intellectual exploration led him to rediscover a belief in God.In This Episode:Ganesh’s path from Hinduism to atheism and his embrace of ChristianityThe intersection of science and faith in understanding the universeThe Big Bang and what it reveals about the existence of a CreatorThe rarity of life and the intricate design of the universeThe importance of truth, honesty, and integrity in scienceHow faith can transform lives, bringing joy, peace, and purposeThe existence of evil and the human longing for a heavenly homeInsights from Ganesh’s book Let Me Into HeavenThis episode is sponsored by:Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!)Dignity MemorialBio:Ganesh Venkataramanan, pen-named Geeves, is a graduate from the prestigous Indian Institute of Technology. He works as Vice President at a Software Technology company. With his background in science and experience in working with highly analytical teams, Geeves found that scientific explanations, while fine in themselves, lacked depth and human meaning. In his attempts to better understand life, Geeves stumbles across religion and then Jesus. Thanks to his mentors, Bill and Paul, Geeves learned about living a meaningful life that spans eternity.Website: https://www.letmeintoheaven.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geevesofficialYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GEEVESOFFICIALConnect 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!

This week on Here's What We Know, we're thrilled to welcome the incredibly versatile Don Stuck, a media personality who has truly done it all. From his early days as a musician to his transition into radio as a disc jockey, and now a licensed pilot and rising television actor, Don Stuck is the epitome of someone who never stops chasing his dreams. Get ready for a wild ride of nostalgia, laughter, and unexpected stories in this fascinating conversation you won't want to miss!In This Episode:Don takes us on his unconventional journey from being a musician to becoming a renowned radio personality.Hear about Don’s acting career, including his roles on shows like Chicago PD, where he often portrays intriguing characters like drug dealers and bad guys, and learn how he stood out in thousands of auditions.Discover the thrilling story of how Don became a licensed pilot.Join Don and Gary as they take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the thrill, magic, and irreplaceable energy of live radio.Gain insights into how corporate changes have reshaped the radio landscape, with personal anecdotes from both Gary and Don.Listen to their admiration for Howard Stern's evolution into one of the greatest interviewers of our time, despite his controversial beginnings.And don’t miss the story behind Gary’s supposed first radio career debut!This episode is sponsored by:Bison Junk RemovalSterling Oak CabinetryDermawav (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you to receive free extra treatment!) Bio:Don Stuck is a veteran SAG-AFTRA radio/television personality and actor who is heard daily in Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, St Louis, Milwaukee, and SiriusXM. As a licensed pilot, Don Stuck is the "Eye in the Sky" as an airborne traffic reporter and is a reporter for NBC Chicago's Sky 5 helicopter operation. A professional musician since age 16, Don has shared the stage with some of the world's biggest bands.Website: https://donstuck.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donstuck/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonstuck/X: https://x.com/donstuckLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-stuck-ii-4aa63348/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!