This week on Here's What We Know, our host Gary sits down with the one and only Tim Rickard, the brilliant mind behind the comic strip "Brewster RockIt: Space Guy!" Tim’s humor, storytelling, and passion for cartooning have made his work a staple in newspapers and online. From drawing on restaurant windows as a kid to crafting one of Gary’s daily must-reads, Tim’s journey is as entertaining as his comics. If you’re a fan of comics and storytelling, or just need a lighthearted listen, this episode is for you!

In This Episode:

• How Tim's early love for drawing and comics like Peanuts and Calvin & Hobbes shaped his path
• The creative challenges and rewards of working on tight deadlines
• The evolution of fan-favorite characters like Brewster and Pam
• How sci-fi icons sneak their way into Tim’s work (yes, we’re talking Captain Kirk and Darth Vader vibes).
• Why flashbacks are one of his secret storytelling weapons.

This episode is sponsored by:
Habana Cuba (Be sure to use code "Gary20" to get 20% off your order!)

Bio:

Tim Rickard is an award-winning cartoonist, illustrator, and graphic artist for the News and Record in Greensboro, N.C. He is a member of Mensa, which means his remarkably large brain houses all sorts of inane science-fiction facts. He lives in Greensboro, N.C.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rickard-3a59619/
Read Brewster Rockit: Space Guy! on GoComics or at Amazon

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!

New year! New episode!

This week on Here's What We Know, welcome 2025 with an entertaining chat featuring country music star and diehard sports fan Tyler Rich! Dive into Tyler's love for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers and his excitement about performing at the Giants' first doubleheader event in 26 years. Tune in now and join the conversation about music, sports, and what makes ballpark culture so unforgettable!

In This Episode:

• Fan First, Performer Second: Tyler shares what it means to be chosen for such a historic event and his lifelong love for the Giants.
• Doubleheader Buzz: Discover how the pitch clock has changed the pace of baseball games, making them even better for fans.
• Ballpark Nostalgia: Red ropes licorice, garlic fries, and why snacks make or break the ballpark experience.
• Sports Heartbreak & Hope: Tyler’s highs and lows as a 49ers fan, plus his outlook for the seasons ahead.

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:
Northern California-raised, Nashville-rooted Tyler Rich his love of music gathered around a Christmas tree alongside family singing holiday classics and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Fast forward to graduating college with a degree in Economics, Tyler moved to LA to pursue a different game of numbers – music – exploring various genres with songwriting and bands before taking the leap as a solo artist. Since, Tyler has amassed nearly half a billion global streams to date and notched three No. 1 hits on SiriusXM’s The Highway with his debut album TWO THOUSAND MILES (The Valory Music Co.), featuring GOLD-certified “The Difference” plus subsequent releases “Better Than You’re Used To,” “A Little Bit of You” and “Trucks Don’t Lie.” In 2022, Tyler joined forces with one of Canada’s most successful bilingual singer-songwriters, Marie-Mai for a duet on “Thinkin’ We’re In Love,” which serviced as the name of his headline tour. With his newly released I KNOW YOU DO EP, Tyler gives fans the best of both worlds fusing the spirit of youth with an easy-going buzz. Produced by The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston, the three-track collection puts the many layers of the heartfelt singer/songwriter on full display. Tyler’s music embodies the feelings all people have in common – the need for acceptance, devotion, and a place to call their own – and that empathetic spirit extends to animals too. With Rich Rescues, Tyler visits local shelters while out on the road to raise awareness for pet adoption.

Website: https://www.tylerrich.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerrich/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TylerRichMusic
YouTube: @tylerrrichmusic
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tylerrichmusic

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 unforgettable conversation with country singer-songwriter, philanthropist, advocate, and all-around amazing human, Jay Allen. Known for his emotional storytelling, trademark humor, electric performances, and tireless work to make a difference, Jay opens up about his life, career, and the causes closest to his heart. Listen now!

In This Episode:

• Jay dives into his fitness routine and how staying active helps him maintain mental clarity.
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at Jay’s preparation for the last ACM Awards, where he rocked a timeless all-black wedding tux.
• Jay opens up about how he and his wife overcame the curveball of Hurricane Ian disrupting their wedding plans. Thanks to the generosity of friends, they turned a challenge into a beautiful celebration of love.
• Prepare to be moved as Jay shares his mission to fight Alzheimer’s. With over $120 million raised for research, collaborations with artists like Walker Hayes, and impactful charity concerts, Jay’s philanthropy shines a light on how music and storytelling can make a difference.
• Jay reflects on an emotional visit to The White House during a film screening, sharing how vulnerability and empathy fuel his powerful storytelling through music.
• Jay talks about his music, “Better Now,” dedicated to those facing anxiety and depression; this song is a reminder that healing is possible.

This episode is sponsored by:
Habana Cuba (Be sure to use code "Gary20" to get 20% off your order!)
A Flood of Love

Bio:
Known for his philanthropic work spurred on by his mother’s passing from Alzheimer’s in 2019, Jay has gone on to raise over $160 million to help fight the disease.

He’s been featured on NBC’s The Voice, ABC World News, PeopleTV, Pickler & Ben, and in People & Forbes Magazine, among many other media outlets. He was selected as The Highway Find on Sirius XM with his song “Sounds Good To Me”, won the 2022 Country Now Awards as Favorite Competition Contestant, and was recognized as one of Music Mayhem Magazine’s 2023 Artists to Watch.

Celebrated for his philanthropic work in 2023, Allen was presented The Caregiver Award by The National Alzheimer’s Association, was personally invited to The White House by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, made history by performing the first-ever concert in the U.S. Capitol Building, and successfully concluded his first international tour in the United Kingdom, leading to airplay on BBC.

Jay signed a record deal with ONErpm in 2023 and continues to tour with his band “The Stallions” in effort to help those suffering with dementia and their caregivers. His new 10-song album “Des Moines” is available now.

Website: https://www.jayallenofficial.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayallenmusic
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayallenmusic

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!