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This week on Here’s What We Know, Gary Scott Thomas sits down with Dan Ashley, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, longtime ABC7 News anchor in San Francisco, and a musician with a true storyteller’s heart.

From political satire and freedom of speech to small-town Southern roots, Dan opens up about his journey through media, music, and the moments that shaped him.

Discover what it means to speak truth with kindness, how good writing drives great journalism, and why music became such a meaningful outlet in Dan’s life. With humor, heart, and plenty of honesty, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at two careers built on curiosity, connection, and a love for people.

In This Episode:

• Why being able to joke about our leaders matters and how it sets America apart from places like Russia or China
• Dan shares unforgettable moments interviewing Presidents Obama and George W. Bush and what he learned from each
• Gary and Dan look back on small-town life, radio mishaps, and the early days that shaped their careers
• Hear how Dan pushed past his fear of singing and stepped into a musical life that changed everything

This episode is sponsored by:

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

Bio:

Dan Ashley has been connected to music his whole life, beginning with childhood guitar and piano lessons in North Carolina and long summer days filled with music on his family’s farm. Today, he leads his own band and has performed alongside artists like REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Eddie Money, Melissa Etheridge, Dionne Warwick, Neal Schon, and Narada Michael Walden. He is also a frequent National Anthem performer for major sports events across the country.

Outside of music, Dan is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and longtime ABC7 News anchor in San Francisco. He has covered major national and international stories, built strong relationships across the media world, and is known for his communication skills, generosity, and commitment to community work.

Website: https://danashleymusic.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DanAshleyMusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanAshleyABC7/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-ashley-479199185/?skipRedirect=true

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/DanAshleyABC7/

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This week on Here’s What We Know, Jonathan Kite joins us for a conversation that is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply human. You may know him as Oleg from “2 Broke Girls,” but today he pulls the curtain back on the real craft of comedy and the unexpected moments that shaped his journey.

We dig into what it takes to build a stand-up set, how crowd work has changed, and why impressions are more than funny voices. Jonathan shares stories from the road, reflections on early influences like Abbott and Costello, and a beautiful moment involving a phone call from a friend he thought he had lost forever.

We also talk about the energy it takes to perform at a Jim Carrey level, the kindness behind Tom Hanks’s gift of earnestness, and why laughter still feels like one of the most meaningful ways to lift someone’s spirit.

Tune in and enjoy this warm and wonderfully unexpected ride with Jonathan Kite.

In This Episode:
• How stand-up comedy evolves with every audience
• The art and heart behind great impressions
• A life-changing call that arrived at the exact right moment
• What Jonathan learned from Robin Williams, Norm Macdonald, and others
• Why laughter matters more than ever

This episode is sponsored by:

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

Bio:

Jonathan Kite is a versatile actor, comedian, and master impressionist, famous for his role as Oleg the Ukrainian cook on the hit CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls.

Known for his quick wit and over 250 celebrity impressions, Jonathan has built a diverse career across television, film, voice acting, and stand-up comedy. His notable credits include starring opposite Jamie Foxx in the Netflix series Dad Stop Embarrassing Me and voicing characters in animated films like The Addams Family 2, as well as shows like Family Guy and American Dad.

An alumnus of Second City and The Groundlings, he tours nationally with his stand-up and is currently producing his feature screenwriting debut. Jonathan is celebrated as one of today's most versatile comedic talents.

Website: https://www.jonathankitecomedy.com/

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

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

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thejonathankite

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

Connect with Gary:

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Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

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Radio legend Jungle Doug Griffin joins us back on Here’s What We Know for a fast-moving, heartfelt conversation about life behind the mic, changing technology, and the moments that shaped his story. Doug shares memories from his KRTY years, the rise of his son DJ Garlic, and the communication skills you only learn when all you have is your voice.

He also opens up about his prostate cancer journey and the miracle connections that guided him toward healing. From country music to Christian crossovers, Jelly Roll to Lauren Daigle, this episode blends nostalgia, insight, and a whole lot of heart.

A must-listen for anyone who loves real stories, real people, and real hope.

In This Episode:

• Discover how technology has transformed radio from two guys talking to sticks into a dynamic platform that connects cities
• Hear Doug’s candid stories about his son’s DJ journey and his own powerful fight through prostate cancer
• Get fresh insight on how Christian themes are shaping country music with artists like Jelly Roll and Lauren Daigle
• Learn why local radio is fading, how voice tracking is changing everything, and why real personalities still matter most

This episode is sponsored by:

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

Bio:

Doug Griffin is a radio veteran with a career spanning over 35 years, best known for his work across the San Francisco Bay Area. His notable roles include "Jungle Doug" on KRTY Country and hosting the syndicated "Doug & Connie / Doug & Karla" morning show. Having also worked with Christian music channels on XM Satellite Radio, Doug's life is guided by his faith. He is married to author Sheryl Griffin and is passionate about helping others move past worry, inspired by his favorite verse, Philippians 4:6-7.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-griffin-065206a/

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

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!