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What keeps someone creating after the industry changes, the paycheck shrinks, and the path gets harder?

This week on Here's What We Know, we welcome comedian, producer, and podcaster Deadair Dennis Maler for an honest conversation about radio, stand-up comedy, podcasting, and the lifelong search for your own voice.

Dennis shares how growing up in punk rock shaped his do-it-yourself mindset, why radio first captured his imagination, and what eventually pushed him toward stand-up comedy and podcasting. We’ll talk about creativity, authenticity, representation, and how staying true to yourself might be the only business model that works anymore.

If you've ever wondered whether you're on the right path or you've questioned whether it's worth continuing to create, this conversation will remind you why the work still matters.

In This Episode

• How Dennis went from punk rock DIY culture to radio to stand-up to podcasting
• The story of radio consultants who made everyone talk the same way for 10 seconds at a time
• The one thing that separates successful creators from those who burn out
• How Dennis's tour guide job in Boston became his favorite platform
• The reality of building a creative career
• The real numbers: why most podcasts die, and how to build one that doesn't
• What it actually takes to grind out content every single day

This episode is sponsored by:
Dignity Memorial
Sterling Oak Cabinetry

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

Bio:

Deadair Dennis Maler is a comedian, actor, writer, & podcaster who has been heard on radio stations throughout the country including SiriusXM, DC101, The Party Playhouse with Jackson Blue, and more.

He has been featured on comedy festivals throughout the country, is the Comedy Editor for DigBoston, and hosts the Big Comedy Network podcast So, What Do You Really Do? and the YouTube show Word of the Day with Comedians.

Deadair Dennis is funny, loud, abrasively social, and allergy-free since 1981.

Website: https://deadairdennis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadairdennis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deadairdennismaler/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deadairdennis

Tags: comedy, podcast, radio broadcasting, podcasting, stand up comedy, creative career, finding your voice, storytelling, entertainment industry, radio personality, podcast interview, creativity, comedians, independent, creators, creative journey, DIY creativity, producer,

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What can golf teach you about life?

This week on Here's What We Know, former PGA Tour professional Jay Delsing joins us to share lessons from 25 years competing at the highest level of golf.

From stories about Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus to conversations about failure, resilience, mental toughness, and what separates elite athletes from everyone else. We also discuss why parents should encourage their kids to dream bigger than they think is possible.

This conversation explores what it takes to perform under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and keep moving forward when things don't go your way.

Whether you're a golfer, an athlete, a parent, or someone working toward a goal, this episode offers practical lessons about perseverance, competition, and living with purpose.

In This Episode:

• Why talent alone doesn't cut it at the highest levels of competition
• How to handle pressure without losing your mind (or your game)
• What his UCLA golf team taught him about grit and heart
• That mansion story: how a stranger picked him up at LAX and changed everything
• Why he wouldn't change a thing about his career, even with all the losses
• What parents get wrong when they push their kids toward elite sports
• His four daughters, volleyball, and recognizing gifts you can't measure
• Playing golf with Sean Connery, Tiger Woods comparisons, and Jack Nicklaus's brain
• Why your kids need to fail, get uncomfortable, and learn they can survive disappointment
• The difference between being competitive and being a jerk about it
• His book, his stories, and the relationship that shaped everything

This episode is sponsored by:

Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)

License #: 679261

Bison Junk Removal (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

Bio:

Jay Delsing is a former PGA Tour professional, broadcaster, author, and host of the nationally syndicated Golf with Jay Delsing radio show and podcast. After more than 25 years competing at the highest levels of golf, Jay now shares stories and lessons from a lifetime in the game, offering insights on competition, perseverance, and what it takes to thrive under pressure. His journey has taken him from UCLA to the PGA Tour and into conversations with some of the biggest names in sports.

Website: https://jaydelsinggolf.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaydelsinggolf/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-delsing-83142914/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@golfwithjaydelsing4826

Tags: Jay Delsing, Jay Delsing podcast, PGA Tour, Professional golf, Golf podcast, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Golf stories, Sports podcast, Golf lessons, Failure and success, Parenting athletes, , Sports and life lessons, performance under pressure
Gary Scott Thomas, sports psychology, grit, talent,

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What keeps a person moving forward after loss, trauma, disappointment, and heartbreak?

This week on Here's What We Know, we sit down with country music artist Michael Peterson, known for hits like Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie, From Here to Eternity, and When the Bartender Cries.

Michael shares the story behind the music, how he survived a childhood marked by abuse, loss, and learning challenges. He almost gave up on music twice, and then one phone call came right when he needed it most.

We also talk about what Michael calls "The Habit of Hope," a simple but powerful practice that helped him keep going when life gave him every reason to quit.

Michael went on to become a platinum artist in country music, a published author of eight books, and someone who's performed for deployed service members across three continents. But his real story starts much earlier, and it's about learning to see 50 feet ahead when you can't see 50 miles.

If you've ever questioned whether your hard work is worth it, this episode is for you.

In This Episode:

• Overcoming childhood trauma and finding meaning
• Why "overnight success" took 25 years
• The habit of hope and how to redirect your thoughts
• What happens when you almost give up right before your breakthrough
• Why learning disabilities don't define you
• How to keep making art when nobody's watching
• The power of second seasons in life and career
• Why you might have already done your best work and don't know it yet

This episode is sponsored by:

Dignity Memorial

Bio:

Michael Peterson is a country music artist, singer-songwriter, author, and speaker. He's had multiple hit records, including "Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie," "From Here to Eternity," and "When the Bartender Cries." He's written or co-authored eight books and has performed over 300 shows for deployed service members. His new albums, "Down on the Farm" and "We Are Veterans," are being released commercially for the first time through Star Vista Records.

Website: https://www.michaelpetersonmusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpetersonmusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.peterson.106

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc30Jzs0yP_UbAFa3prIJxw

Tags: Michael Peterson, The Habit of Hope, Overcoming Trauma, Resilience, Personal Growth, Country Music, Faith, Perseverance, Mental Health, Motivation, Life Lessons, Singer Songwriter, Nashville, Inspiration, Hope, Drink Swear Steal and Lie

Connect with Gary:

• Gary's Website
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Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!