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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

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What happens when the thing you love most becomes the thing you can never completely walk away from?

This week on Here's What We Know, conductor and pianist Robert Emery returns for a conversation about creativity, music, and the curious ways our minds work. From practice rooms to Abbey Road Studios, Robert shares what life is really like for a professional musician, why creative people often struggle to switch off, and what he's learned from spending a lifetime immersed in music.

Gary and Robert also trade stories about family, parenting, travel, questionable hotel experiences, and the challenges that come with building a career around passion. They explore the lives of Mozart, Franz Liszt, and Berlioz, uncovering the very human struggles, quirks, and triumphs behind some of history's most celebrated composers.

Robert also shares the story behind Orchestral Meditations, his latest project featuring meditation music recorded at Abbey Road Studios with a full symphony orchestra and choir.

In This Episode:

• Why musicians never really leave work behind
• The truth about practicing and mastering a craft
• What Mozart and Michael Jackson may have had in common
• How creativity affects everyday life
• Stories from Abbey Road Studios
• The fascinating history of Franz Liszt and musical celebrity
• Why travel helps reset the mind

This episode is sponsored by:

Reed Animal Hospital

Bio:

Robert Emery is a conductor, pianist, and serial entrepreneur. He is lucky enough to travel the world; ranging from performances in London's Royal Albert Hall, through to the Sydney Opera House, Robert has seen them all.

Besides music, he is the Founder & Director of The Arts Group, one of the most diverse entertainment companies in the UK. Within the portfolio is a national music tuition agency, symphony orchestra, choir, artist agency, record label, and production company.

Aside from that, he lives in London and Cambridge, has a wife (Mrs. E), a toddler (Master T), a baby (Master A), and 4 cats.

Website: https://robertemery.com/

Orchestral Meditation: http://orchestralmeditation.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/robertemeryofficial/

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

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

Tags: Robert Emery, Creativity, Classical Music, Professional Musician, Music Career, Mozart, Franz Liszt, Music History, Conducting, Pianist, Abbey Road Studios, Orchestral Meditations, Creative Process, Creative Life, Music Industry, Composers, Arts & Culture, Creativity and Purpose, Work-Life Balance, Performing Arts, Creative Careers, Music Education,

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Why are people willing to spend thousands of dollars on concert tickets?

Why do fans sit in online queues for hours, refreshing browsers and hoping they get lucky?

And why do live experiences still matter so much when we can almost stream everything?

This week on Here’s What We Know, Michael Dodsworth, CEO and founder of Fanfare, joins us for a conversation that starts with ticketing and eventually reveals something much deeper about human nature.

We talk about Taylor Swift, Formula 1, English soccer fandom, sneaker culture, bad actors, live events, and the psychology behind why people care so deeply about the things they love.

We explore scarcity, obsession, loyalty, competition, and the strange human need to be part of something shared.

Honestly, it’s one of my favorite rabbit-hole conversations we’ve had in a while.

In This Episode:

• Why concert ticketing feels so broken
• The psychology behind scarcity and demand
• How Taylor Swift changed the live event business
• Why Formula 1 has exploded in popularity
• The difference between loyal fans and casual audiences
• What sports fandom looks like in England vs. America
• How “bad actors” manipulate systems
• Why sneaker culture feels like a secret club
• The hidden emotional power of shared experiences

This episode is sponsored by:

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

License #: 679261

Bison Junk Removal

Bio:

Michael Dodsworth is the founder and CEO of Fanfare, a platform that turns product launches, events, and brand collaborations into seamless, memorable experiences—helping brands build lasting customer loyalty and capture actionable insights from every interaction. With a background in infrastructure and high-demand digital systems, Michael combines deep technical expertise with a passion for culture, community, and brand storytelling. His work focuses on helping brands create meaningful customer moments that build loyalty and lasting connections.

Website: https://fanfare.io/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dodsworth/

Tags: Michael Dodsworth, live events, concert tickets, Taylor Swift tickets, Formula 1 fandom, sports psychology, customer experience, ticketing industry, event management, fandom culture, sneaker culture, English soccer fans, Gary Scott Thomas, Here’s What We Know podcast, scarcity psychology, live entertainment, Formula One, Taylor Swift concert

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!