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Sometimes what looks like an overnight success story is really a 25 year journey that most people never see. Country artist Chas Collins knows that road well.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with Chas Collins to talk about what the music business really looks like behind the curtain. They dive into the long road of touring, the reality of chasing a dream, and why some artists are finally finding success later in life.

Chas shares stories from 25 years of performing across the country, the moment he realized people were actually paying attention, and why faith and timing can sometimes matter more than raw talent.

If you have ever chased something that took longer than you expected, this conversation will probably feel very familiar. Tune in now!

In This Episode:

• How Chas Collins built a fan base singing karaoke
• Why success in country music doesn’t have an expiration date anymore
• The grind behind life on the road that fans rarely see
• Why faith and timing matter in creative careers
• What it feels like when 25 years of work finally starts paying off

This episode is sponsored by:

Reed Animal Hospital

Dignity Memorial

Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!

Bio:

Chas Collins is a country music artist and Nashville recording artist known for powerful storytelling, raw emotion, and high-energy performances. Blending deep country roots with an influence of 80s rock, his music captures life’s most vivid moments, from the thrill of a Saturday night to the quiet ache of life on the road.

Born in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, Chas overcame personal loss and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina before heading to Nashville with just $500 and a dream. Those experiences shaped a songwriting style grounded in authenticity, resilience, and heart.

Standing 6'6" with a commanding stage presence, Chas has performed more than 3,500 shows across 43 states, building a loyal grassroots fanbase through relentless touring and genuine connection with audiences. Now based in Tampa Bay while continuing to record in Nashville, he continues to share stories of life, loss, faith, and hope through music that resonates with fans across the country.

Website: https://www.chascollins.com/

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

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

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

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What does it really take to build a fictional universe that readers cannot get enough of?

This week on Here's What We Know, let’s welcome back bestselling author Shawn Inmon, the wildly prolific and deeply thoughtful author behind the Middle Falls series, to explore the discipline behind writing every single day, the emotional depth of the Middle Falls series, and the surprising origin of the Universal Life Center and “the machine” that connects his stories.

Shawn shares how he writes six to seven books a year, why he never waits for inspiration, and how internal dialogue became the secret weapon behind his most beloved characters.

We’ll dive into redemption arcs, writing action scenes, killing off favorite characters, franchising fiction across continents, and what happens when creativity is fueled by instinct rather than outlines.

If you are a writer, a creative, or simply someone fascinated by how stories shape us, this one is for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why he refuses to write multiple projects at once
• The secret behind writing powerful internal dialogue
• Killing off characters you love
• Why action scenes are actually the easy part
• The origin of the Universal Life Center and “the machine”
• Expanding Middle Falls beyond America
• What redemption really means when someone resists it

This episode is sponsored by:

Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

Bio:

Shawn Inmon is a small-town kid who dreamed of being a writer. Today, he is now a full-time author who lives in Tumwater, Washington, USA. He worked several dozen jobs - retail, real estate, traveling with the Unlimited Hydroplanes, crabbing in Alaska, morning disc jockey and station manager, and many others he can't remember to list. These jobs gave him a wonderful base to write what he knows because he knows a little about a lot.

He achieved his dream of becoming a full-time writer in 2016 and has never looked back. One reviewer called him "The King of Redemption stories." Shawn says he doesn't feel like a king of anything, but he does love a good tale of second chances.

He is the author of the ever-growing The Middle Falls Time Travel series, 18 books and counting, and The Alex Hawk Time Travel Adventure series. He is also the author of Feels Like the First Time, a bestselling memoir of growing up in a small town in the seventies, falling in love, and messing everything up.

He lives with his high school sweetheart - now wife -Dawn, two happy-go-lucky Chocolate Labs, and a slightly schizo cat named Georgie.

Website: https://www.shawn-inmon.com/

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

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

X: https://twitter.com/ShawnInmon

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This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for an unforgettable conversation as we sit down with Mick Weinholt, a man who survived a catastrophic avalanche that should have taken his life. With a fractured skull, a broken jaw, and massive blood loss, Mick walked three miles back to his truck before collapsing into emergency brain surgery.

But that miracle was only the beginning.

Years later, Mick and his wife experienced the devastating stillbirth of their son, Luke, a loss that brought them to their knees and ultimately led them into a life-changing relationship with Christ. What followed was a story of redemption neither of them could have scripted.

This episode explores ego, survival, grief, faith, and the way God can redeem even the darkest chapters of our lives.

In This Episode:

• What really happened the day Mick triggered an avalanche in Colorado
• Walking three miles with a fractured skull
• The difference between surviving something… and being changed by it
• The grief of stillbirth and losing their son, Luke
• Hitting the emotional bottom and crying out to God
• Faith as a daily choice, not a family inheritance
• The redemption of January
• How twin boys were born seven years after a loss
• The difference between coincidence and God in action

This episode is sponsored by:

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

License #: 679261

Bio:

Mick Weinholt is the host of the podcast When You Look, where everyday people share extraordinary stories of God’s presence in their lives. After surviving a catastrophic avalanche as a teenager and later experiencing the stillbirth of his firstborn son, Mick’s life took a dramatic turn. What began as a 25-year-faith-avoidant journey became a ministry rooted in redemption, raw testimony, and honest conversations about grief and grace. He is a redeemed son of Jesus Christ, grateful husband to an incredible wife, and father of four children, three of whom are living.

Website: https://www.whenyoulook.com/

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

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

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

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For 25 years, Phil Vassar has written and performed songs that defined an era of country music. But behind the hits like Just Another Day in Paradise, Carlene, and The Sound of a Million Dreams is a story of rejection, resilience, health scares, and hard-earned perspective.

This week on Here’s What We Know, Phil reflects on the roadblocks that nearly stopped him, the heart attack that changed his outlook, and why he believes songwriters are more like therapists than hitmakers. From owning his own bar in Nashville to outlasting the gatekeepers who said piano players would never work in country music, Phil opens up about what it really takes to build a lasting career.

This is a conversation about instinct, grit, healing, and the power of a song to carry you through the hardest seasons of life.

In This Episode:

• Writing Songs Is Therapy
• “They Said Piano Players Don’t Work in Nashville”
• Building a Following Before a Record Deal
• The Hits They Hated
• Knowing When You’ve Got Something
• Surviving a Heart Attack and Stroke
• Just Another Day in Paradise
• The Story Behind Carlene
• The Sound of a Million Dreams
• Bands, Egos, and Going Solo
• Toby Keith, Vince Gill, and Songwriting Brotherhood
• Slowing Down After 25 Years
• Ending with Piano Man

This episode is sponsored by:

Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

Bio:

Phil Vassar is a chart-topping country artist and acclaimed Nashville songwriter whose piano-driven sound helped redefine modern country music. Raised in a home filled with Motown, gospel, bluegrass, and classic rock, Vassar developed an eclectic musical foundation that blends heartfelt storytelling with unforgettable hooks. Influenced by artists like Billy Joel and Elton John, he found his true voice behind the piano, crafting songs that resonate across generations.

Over a 25-year career, Vassar has earned two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist honors, and scored 10 No. 1 hits including “Just Another Day in Paradise,” “Carlene,” and “Six-Pack Summer.” As a songwriter, he’s penned major hits for Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina, and others, cementing his reputation as one of Nashville’s most versatile hitmakers.

Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of his breakout success, Vassar continues to tour nationally, blending his classic hits with fresh interpretations and new music. After surviving a life-altering heart attack in 2023, he brings renewed gratitude and perspective to both his life and career. At his core, Phil Vassar remains a passionate storyteller dedicated to creating songs that move people and stand the test of time.

Website: https://www.philvassar.com/

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What really happens inside the room when Pro Football Hall of Fame decisions are made?

This week on Here's What We Know, we sit down with longtime NFL writer and Hall of Fame voter Jason Cole to pull back the curtain on a process most fans think they understand but usually don’t.

Jason explains how Hall of Fame voting actually works, why the math matters more than people realize, and why some obvious names don’t get in right away. We talk about grit, greatness, coaching versus players, and the thin line between legacy and perception. Along the way, Jason shares old-school football stories that remind us why this game still matters so much to so many people.

If you’ve ever argued about the Hall of Fame at a bar, on the couch, or online, this conversation will give you a whole new perspective.

In This Episode:

• How Pro Football Hall of Fame voting really works
• Why first-ballot decisions are more complicated than fans think
• Coaching impact versus player greatness
• What separates legends from very good players
• Stories that remind us football is still a human game

This episode is sponsored by:

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

License #: 679261

Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)

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/jasoncole62

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-cole-1330266/

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Now and then, a conversation reminds you why you love sitting down with people in the first place.

This week on Here’s What We Know, Clayton Johnson stopped by, and what unfolded was more than just an interview but a long, winding talk about music, patience, heartbreak, and paying attention while you’re living your life.

We talked about Nashville, classic country, the importance of learning from people who have lasted, and an unforgettable night Clayton spent watching Metallica up close. Not from the cheap seats, but close enough to notice the discipline, the preparation, and the humility that come with real longevity.

This episode is about the long game and about resisting the urge to rush. It's about trusting that if you stay curious and keep showing up, life has a way of teaching you exactly what you need to know. Listen now!

In This Episode:

• Life in Nashville and finding your footing
• A surprising night with Metallica
• Lessons from artists who last
• Growing up on classic country music
• Playing the long game in music
• Heartbreak, timing, and personal growth
• Living and learning along the way

This episode is sponsored by:

Reed Animal Hospital

Dignity Memorial

Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!

Bio:

Clayton Johnson is a Nashville-based country music artist originally from the farming town of Modesto, California. Raised in the heart of the Central Valley, his passion for music was sparked through songwriting and performing in church, setting the foundation for his career.

Clayton's rise in the industry began with a modeling campaign for Boot Barn, leading to acting and music opportunities. He has since played guitar for notable artists, including American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter.

Along the way, he continued to perfect his craft, writing songs for himself and other artists. His original music has garnered millions of streams.

Country Central has praised Clayton's infectious hooks, calling them "reminiscent of the best of Thomas Rhett."

Clayton is currently signed to UMPG & Audio Chateau Publishing.

Website: https://claytonjohnsoncountry.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LWP6c2LrW1ofkM3e8kmEA

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Every once in a while, after years around country music, you hear a voice that makes you stop and listen.

On this Once Around the Country Edition of Here’s What We Know, we welcome singer and songwriter Hannah Marie Kelley and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer Gabriel Kelley, a real-life country music couple creating music that does more than entertain. It heals.

Hannah shares her powerful story of growing up in poverty, surviving trauma, and finding refuge in music long before she ever imagined a career. What began as survival slowly became purpose, and songwriting became a way to make sense of pain, faith, and resilience.

This is a conversation about music as medicine, finding your voice when life tries to silence it, and recognizing undeniable talent before the rest of the world catches on.

In This Episode:

• Hearing a Voice That Stops You Cold
• Discovering Hannah Marie Kelley
• When Music Becomes Survival
• “Singing Saved Me”
• Music as Medicine
• Faith, Pain, and Finding Purpose
• Learning to Write the Truth
• A Thanksgiving Day Meeting
• Falling in Love Before the Music
• What a Producer Really Does
• Why Simple Singing Matters Most
• The Power of Harmony
• Reimagining a Familiar Song
• Influences That Shape a Voice
• Redefining What Success Means
• Believing in Talent Before It Breaks
• Staying on the Journey
  
  

This episode is sponsored by:

Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)

Bio:

Hannah Marie Kelley is a singer and songwriter whose music blends emotional honesty with a timeless, roots-driven sound. Raised in the Appalachian tradition and shaped by lived experience, her voice carries both vulnerability and quiet strength.

Drawing inspiration from classic folk, country, and Americana, Hannah writes songs that feel intimate and lived-in, often exploring themes of resilience, faith, and healing. Her approach is unforced and sincere, letting melody and storytelling do the heavy lifting.

https://www.instagram.com/hannahmariekelleymusic/

Gabriel Kelley is a singer, songwriter, and producer whose work is guided by a simple belief: find the music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

Raised on a family farm in rural Georgia, Gabriel’s journey has taken him from music school in Sweden to songwriting rooms in Nashville and from street corners to concert halls across the country. Along the way, he developed a distinctive voice and a songwriting style rooted in honesty, restraint, and emotional connection.

https://www.gabrielkelley.com/

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This episode was supposed to be about education.

It turned into a long, winding, honest conversation about growing up Southern, malls as social centers, life without air conditioning, aging bodies, faith, comedy, celebrities, grief, golf, gyms, and the strange moments that make you wonder if the universe is paying attention.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with Bryan Thomas Wetzel, author, gym owner, former TV host, lifelong entrepreneur, and a guy who somehow shares about 90 percent of my life experiences, just arranged in a slightly different order.

In This Episode:

• Small towns, big heat, and why Chick-fil-A used to only exist in malls
• Playing golf with men in their 90s who can still stripe it
• What happens when celebrities disappoint you (and when they don’t)
• Why radio people are wired differently
• Aging, fitness, and the moment your goals shift from “looking good” to “staying alive”
• Faith, doubt, near-death stories, and moments that don’t fit neat explanations
• Why kindness from strangers sometimes arrives at exactly the right time

No debates, no shouting. Just stories, curiosity, laughter, and the kind of conversation you don’t want to rush. Pull up a chair. This one wanders in the best way. Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Bring your dream cabinet to life!)

Bio:

Bryan Wetzel is a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and media professional with more than 30 years of experience launching and leading companies across education, fitness, hospitality, and media. He has founded multiple successful businesses, two of which were acquired by larger enterprises.

He is the author of The Real Problems Destroying Education (2024), inspired by his work with school administrators and district leaders while leading Skubes, an education startup recognized by Dig South as a top education company prior to its acquisition in 2017. His most recent book, A Path to Faith Through Science and Common Sense (2025), explores belief, reason, and lived experience.

Bryan currently owns and operates The Local Gym in Georgia and Texas and previously founded Cedarcrest Grill, which was sold in 2022. Earlier in his career, he built and ran a production company for over two decades, working in television, film, and live events, including projects tied to the 1996 Olympic Games. His work has earned 16 national and international awards.

He now writes on Substack and continues exploring entrepreneurship, faith, health, and creativity through writing and conversation.

Website: https://www.bryanthomaswetzel.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onefourtwo/

Substack: https://bryanwetzel.substack.com/

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