Here's What We Know

• From News Anchor to Music Maker with Dan Ashley

  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!

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• Jonathan Kite Unfiltered on Comedy and Unforgettable Impressions

  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!

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• Jungle Doug Griffin on Radio Secrets, Country Music Stories, and Healing Journey

  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!

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• Uncovering Captain Kidd with Bestselling Author Samuel Marquis

  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!

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• New York Times Bestselling Author Kathy Reichs Returns with Her New Temperance Brennan Novel “Evil Bones”

  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!

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