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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This week on Here's What We Know, our host Gary Scott Thomas had a candid conversation about the fascinating world of soccer and being a man of faith, featuring our guest, Shea Salinas, known for his remarkable tenure as the winger of the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer (MLS). Join us as we explore Shea’s journey into soccer and personal growth through family life. Tune in now!

In This Episode:

• Discover Shea’s remarkable story of how he got into soccer.
• Shea shares the sacrifice made by his parents to support his dream.
• Hear about the evolution of soccer's popularity across small towns in America and insights into something he aims to address through coaching education and retention strategies for soccer.
• Hear about family dynamics and how Shea balances his children's screen time with creative outdoor play for development.
• Listen to Shea’s first professional game experience, where he played against iconic figures like David Beckham.
• Be inspired by how faith changes Shea’s life to be peaceful and stable and how he acts as a role model to his teammates.

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

Bio:
Shea Salinas is a distinguished professional soccer player known for his remarkable tenure with the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer (MLS). Shea has built a reputation as a versatile and dedicated midfielder/winger. He began his professional career in 2008 when he was selected 15th overall by the San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS SuperDraft.

Throughout his career, Shea became a fan favorite for his relentless work ethic, speed, and ability to deliver precise crosses. He played a crucial role in the Earthquakes' successes, including their memorable Supporters' Shield victory in 2012. Known for his leadership both on and off the field, Shea has been an integral part of the Earthquakes' squad for over a decade, making over 300 appearances for the club.

In addition to his club career, Shea is recognized for his community involvement and dedication to charitable causes, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork. His contributions to the game and his community have left an indelible mark, making him one of the most respected players in the league.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheasalinas/
X: https://twitter.com/salinassj11

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