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This week on Here's What We Know, we’re rolling with the laughs—and some heartfelt moments—with the hilarious and down-to-earth Felipe Esparza! Felipe joins us ahead of his sold-out show at the San Jose Civic (May 10!), and we dive into everything from his early days at the San Jose Improv to what it’s like raising a stepson who's enthusiastically trying to embrace his Mexican roots (despite being very white).

Whether you’ve been a Felipe fan for years or you’re just getting to know him, this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and the kind of heart that sticks with you. Listen now!

In This Episode:

• How Felipe transforms personal pain into laugh-out-loud comedy
• Hilarious dating stories featuring “smart women with low standards”
• Lessons from comedy greats like Richard Pryor
• A peek into his hit podcast, What’s Up Fool? and History for Fools
• Behind-the-scenes look at the art of stand-up, comedic timing, and joke crafting

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:

Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor best known for his multiple stand-up specials, winning Last Comic Standing and his recurring roles on “The Eric Andre Show,” “Superstore,” and “Gentefied.” He’s also the host of a popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?” that has been running for 10 years.

Website: https://felipesworld.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/felipeesparza

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

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

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

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This week on Here's What We Know, we’re sitting down with the incredibly talented Michael Hardy—better known as HARDY. He’s the genre-bending singer-songwriter making waves in both the country and rock scenes, and he’s got stories, heart, and grit to spare. Listen now!

In This Episode:

• How HARDY balances rock grit with country soul
• What it’s like having #1 songs in two genres at once
• The story behind “Jim Bob” and other bold songwriting choices
• Behind-the-scenes of Wait In The Truck and acting alongside Lainey Wilson
• From Charlie Daniels to Brad Paisley, discover the country artists who shaped and inspired him

📌 Catch HARDY live at Shoreline Amphitheatre on June 7! See you there!

This episode is sponsored by:

Tranont

Dignity Memorial

Bio:

Michael Wilson Hardy—known simply as HARDY—is a genre-blending powerhouse in country and rock music. Originally from Mississippi, he started his career as a hit songwriter for artists like Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, and Morgan Wallen before stepping into the spotlight with his own gritty, high-energy sound. With songs like “TRUCK BED” and “One Beer,” HARDY brings bold storytelling, small-town heart, and a rock ‘n’ roll edge to everything he does. Whether he’s on stage or behind the mic, HARDY keeps it honest, loud, and unapologetically real.

Website: https://hardyofficial.com/

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

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

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

YouTube: @HARDYmusic

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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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This week on Here's What We Know, meet Carrie E. Pierce—an accomplished writer with over 20 years of experience who started her creative career in the film industry, working behind the scenes with makeup and special effects. But her heart always belonged to storytelling, and today, she’s writing children’s books that tackle big emotions with grace, honesty, and a whole lot of Southern charm.

In This Episode:

• Carrie’s journey from film sets to writing
• Why her children’s books tackle big emotions like grief and fear
• The hilarious pitfalls of Southern dialect + voice-to-text (spoiler: bald peanuts)
• A surprisingly thoughtful tangent about lizard people
• What it really takes to get through the hard parts of writing (and life)
• Pulling back the curtain on the darker corners of the entertainment industry, where exploitation often hides in plain sight
• Carrie shares the deeply personal inspiration behind her book Becoming Billie
• Reflections on societal issues—from high-profile scandals shaking up entire industries to the quest for authenticity
• And when it comes to protecting our kids? We get real about the moral responsibility we all share in pushing back against hypersexualization

This episode is sponsored by:

Dignity Memorial

Bio:

Carrie E. Pierce has over 20 years of experience in publishing, radio, & TV. She is a published author and ghostwriter. Her children’s book Abby Apple Tree was named a finalist for an Eric Hoffer Award. She is a partner in Morgan Pierce Media & Publishing. And her subscription service Letters from Elizabeth, delivers thoughtfully penned letters twice a month to women who suddenly find themselves alone after a major life change later in life.

Carrie lives in Idaho, surrounded by good friends, gorgeous scenery, and amazing people. When not writing, she enjoys snowshoeing, gardening, good food and wine, and dancing. When writing, her trusty 20-year-old cat, Bluey, is almost always to be found snoring on a pillow next to Carrie’s desk.

Website: https://morganpiercemediapublishing.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieelizpierce/

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!