This week on Here's What We Know, we sit down with the brilliant author Steve Hines to discuss his book "Salt, Light, & Kids," and the challenges of parenting in today’s culture. In this book, Steve shares how to raise children to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world our culture desperately needs. Steve offers timeless wisdom for parenting in today's tech-savvy world and shares insights from his journey, from growing up in Alabama to becoming a lacrosse coach for young boys and now embracing the role of a grandfather, or "Bam,” as his grandchildren affectionately call him. Tune in now!

In This Episode:

• Discover the importance of biblically based parenting.
• Gary and Steve’s perspective on Nick Saban's retirement as head football coach at the University of Alabama and its impact on college sports.
• Steve shares what led him to write “Salt, Light, & Kids,” an experience he attributes to divine inspiration.
• Explore the heartwarming and sometimes challenging dynamics of mentoring and coaching young people.
• Hear Steve’s insights on navigating the trials of digital influences and cultural challenges.
• The importance of how you accept and respond when it comes to losing.
• Steve’s take on being a grandparent: loving anything that someone you love so much loves.

This episode is sponsored by:
Dermawav
Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you to save up 20%!)
Dignity Memorial

Bio:
Steve Hines, author of "Salt, Light, & Kids," lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his high school sweetheart, Leigh Ann, to whom he has been married for 35 years. Together, they have dedicated decades to mentoring younger parents through parenting study groups and one-on-one relationships. As the father of two adult children and the grandfather of three adorable kids, Steve’s passion for supporting families continues to grow amidst the challenges of today's culture. A former C.P.A. and life-long entrepreneur, Steve is also a junior high and high school lacrosse coach and an ardent musician.

Website: https://www.saltlightandkids.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevehines2/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltlightandkids
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saltlightandkids
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltlightandkids/
Salt, Light, & Kids: Amazon Link

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This week on Here's What We Know, we're joined by the global entertainer, Charles Esten. Chip, best known for his role as Deacon Claybourne in the hit TV series "Nashville," delves into his musical journey with the release of his debut album, "Love Ain't Pretty."

Tune in to hear heartfelt insights into his creative process and overcoming hardships through gratitude and music. He also reveals what he believes is waiting for us, "Somewhere in the Sunshine."

In This Episode:

• Chip reveals the collaborative effort behind 'Love Ain't Pretty' with award-winning songwriters.
• Hear the Impact of the TV show ‘Nashville’ on his life and how they warmly welcomed him as Deacon Claybourne.
• Chip talks about his journey back to music after initially pursuing acting and how gratitude plays a central role in his life and happiness.
• Chip highlights the power of gratitude and the beauty of life and the afterlife.
• He discusses dealing with personal heartbreaks including his daughter's battle with leukemia at age two-and-a-half, now fully recovered.
• He shares his experience performing at the Grand Ole Opry, performing Improv, game show-winning experiences, and acting on Star Trek.

This episode is sponsored by:
Habana Cuba (Use code 'Gary20' so you can save up to 20% off your orders!)
A Flood of Love

Bio:
Charles "Chip" Esten is an American actor, singer, and songwriter. Best known for his roles as Deacon Claybourne on CMT's Nashville and as Ward Cameron on Netflix's Outer Banks. He’s made nearly 170 appearances at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry and performed multiple headline tours in the US, Germany, Amsterdam, and the UK. Surpassing 21 million streams for his music to date, Esten is a 2018 Guinness World Records title holder for the “Most consecutive weeks to release an original digital single by a music act” after delivering 54 original songs once a week for 54 straight weeks. In addition, Esten serves as the National Honorary Spokesperson for the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light The Night Walk and is a board member and volunteer for Musicians On Call.

Website: https://www.charlesesten.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesesten/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialcharlesesten
Get Chip's New Album: ‘Love Ain’t Pretty'

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This week on Here's What We Know, we dive into the fascinating world of professional soccer, featuring our guest, JT Marcinkowski. From his childhood in Alamo, California, to defending the net for San Jose Earthquakes, JT shares his inspiring journey and gives us an insider look at what it takes to be an amazing goalkeeper.

In this Episode:

• Learn about how goalkeepers are no longer just shot-stoppers but integral playmakers on their teams.
• Understand why positioning is as critical as reflexes when it comes to making those game-saving blocks.
• JT shares insights on how other sports influenced his goalkeeping skills, particularly baseball and basketball.
• Listen as JT discusses the challenges and stereotypes associated with height in goalkeeping and how he overcomes them.
• JT candidly addresses the mental challenges faced by goalkeepers—the pressure of being the last line of defense—and how he works continuously with sports psychologists to maintain focus during games.
• An in-depth discussion on how changes in soccer rules have affected gameplay strategy over time, particularly for goalkeepers, who now participate actively in building up plays rather than just waiting to react defensively.

This episode is sponsored by:
San Jose Earthquakes (Use code "Gary" to get a Family Firework Four Pack for only $25. Click this link and hit "Unlock" to reveal this amazing offer! )
Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!)
Dignity Memorial

Bio:
James Thomas "JT" Marcinkowski is a professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes. JT played for the Georgetown Hoyas for three seasons, from 2015 to 2017, where he achieved a 0.84 goals against average (GAA) over 56 appearances.

In his final season at Georgetown, he captained the team to a 2017 Big East Conference Men's Soccer Tournament championship win, his second with the team. He also played two games for the USL PDL side, the Burlingame Dragons. Marcinkowski signed a Homegrown Player contract with the MLS side San Jose Earthquakes on December 6, 2017, after spending four years prior to his college career with the team's academy. He was San Jose's third-ever homegrown signing to the first team, after Tommy Thompson and Nick Lima. Marcinkowski was then temporarily loaned to San Jose's USL affiliate, Reno 1868 FC, and played his first game for the team in Reno's 3-4 loss to Swope Park Rangers on March 17, 2018. Marcinkowski has played for the United States men's national team at multiple levels, earning 24 caps between the U14 and U18 levels. In 2017, he played for the U20 squad, at the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship and the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

JT was named to the final 20-player United States under-23 roster for the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship in March 2021.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtmarcinkowski/
X: https://x.com/jt_marcinkowski

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