The Professional Noticer

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy shares a powerful perspective on a subject many people debate, but few truly understand—manners. Tune in to hear Andy explain why manners are not about outdated rules or trying to impress people, but about something much simpler: awareness of others. Listen as he shares stories about raising his sons. In a world where courtesy has become rare, Andy explains why people who consistently demonstrate awareness stand out, earn trust, and often receive greater opportunities in business and in life. Enjoyed today's episode on manners and awareness? There's much more where that came from! Wisdom Harbour is a one-of-a-kind streaming service where Andy — along with over 30 contributors — delivers original videos, stories, conversations, and encouragement designed to help people of all ages think clearly, laugh often, and grow wiser together. Brand new content is added twice weekly — the kind you actually feel good about sharing with your family, your classroom, or your team. Inside, you'll find history, science, parenting insight, encouraging stories, humor, and content for kids, teens, and adults alike. Plans starting at $27.99/year at WisdomHarbour.com

On March 3, 1956, "Heartbreak Hotel" cracked Billboard's Top 10 for the first time, and Elvis Presley began reshaping the music world forever. In honor of that date, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations — with a man who knew Elvis not as a legend, but as a friend. In this Encore Episode, Andy sits down with Country Music Legend T.G. Sheppard — a teenager who had run away from home and was literally eating out of garbage cans in Memphis when a chance encounter outside a roller rink at midnight changed the entire trajectory of his life. What followed was a 16-year friendship, seven years living at Graceland, and a front-row seat to one of the greatest careers in entertainment history. Tune in to hear how a homeless 15-year-old ended up playing football on roller skates with the King of Rock and Roll, the advice Elvis gave him that fueled 21 #1 hits, and the moment Elvis finally figured out that "that Sheppard guy on the radio" was actually his old friend Bill Browder. Plus, the most embarrassing moment of T.G.'s career — courtesy of a kid with a water pistol and a white linen suit. See T.G. LIVE on tour with upcoming shows in Tennessee, Florida, Texas and more! https://www.tgsheppard.com/tour Connect with T.G. Online: Website: https://tgsheppard.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tgsheppard/?fref=ts Twitter: https://twitter.com/TGSheppardmusic Instagram: http://instagram.com/tgsheppardofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mejAwZZQSHmNI6KfnHMRQ

With the Winter Olympics just wrapping up, we thought this was the perfect time to revisit one of our most popular episodes from the archive — a conversation between Andy and one of the greatest names in Olympic swimming history. In this episode, Andy sits down with his old college friend Rowdy Gaines — three-time Olympic gold medalist, five-time world champion, member of the Olympic Hall of Fame, and NBC's voice of swimming for eight consecutive Olympic Games. Tune in to hear Rowdy share the story of his unique childhood in Winter Haven, Florida, and how he was cut from five different sports before trying swimming at 17 — a last-ditch attempt that changed the trajectory of his life. He opens up about the gut punch of the 1980 U.S. Olympic boycott, what it took to come back and train for three more years while working the overnight shift just to pay for food, and the razor-thin margins that separate gold from silver. You'll also hear what a 160-pound swimmer training 10 miles a day actually eats, and what it really means to stay consistently passionate about something even when you dislike doing it. Connect with Rowdy Online: https://www.stepintoswim.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RowdyGainesNBC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowdygaines/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowdy-gaines-3a4b34171/ X: https://x.com/rowdygaines

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Ricky Dickson—author of the bestselling book "One Scoop at a Time" and the retired President and CEO of Blue Bell Ice Cream. Tune in to hear Ricky tell the "first scoop" story that started it all, why Blue Bell's growth was built on patience and protecting quality, and how his faith shaped his leadership through both success and crisis. Listen as Ricky also opens up about writing his book—why he started before retirement, what was hardest to put on paper, and the "gold medal" message he hopes readers carry with them: turning fear into faith, one step at a time. Purchase "One Scoop at a Time" by Ricky Dickson: https://amzn.to/4kqJpTG Connect with Ricky Dickson Online: Website: https://www.rickydickson.com/ Book website: https://onescoopatatime.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RickyDickson007/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrickydickson/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Randy Phillips—founding member of the Dove Award–winning trio Phillips, Craig & Dean, and author of "Guppy and the Silvery Hook," his new children's book. Tune in to hear how a simple bedtime story Randy created for his daughters grew into a meaningful tool for helping children navigate peer pressure, bullying, and wise decision-making. Through the story of a curious little fish and a tempting "silvery hook," Randy and Andy talk about why rules aren't meant to keep kids from having fun—but to keep them safe. They also discuss the growing number of voices competing for children's attention today, the role parents and grandparents play in reinforcing truth, and why reading with kids remains one of the most powerful ways to shape hearts, build connection, and keep the right voices close. Purchase "Guppy and the Silvery Hook" by Randy Phillips: https://amzn.to/4qmgVfj Connect with Randy Online:  Book Website: https://guppyandthesilveryhook.com/ Church Website: https://life.family/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randy.phillips.39142 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randypcd/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy Andrews sits down with historian, author, and filmmaker Joseph Loconte, author of The War for Middle Earth, to explore the enduring influence of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis during one of history's darkest chapters. Tune in to hear how Tolkien and Lewis, both shaped by World War I and writing through World War II, used story, faith, and friendship to push back against cultural despair and moral confusion. Together, Andy and Joseph discuss the role of imagination in confronting evil, the importance of history for gaining perspective, and why great stories still matter in times of uncertainty. This conversation is a powerful reminder that courage, gratitude, and moral clarity can be cultivated—even in the middle of the storm. Connect Online with Joseph:  Website: https://www.josephloconte.com/ The Rivendell Center: https://rivendellcenternyc.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012261759127 Twitter (X): https://x.com/JosephLoconte YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeLoconte

Tomorrow marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz – a day to remember, to honor, and to never forget. In observance of this sacred anniversary, we're bringing back one of our most profound conversations: Andy's interview with Rose Schindler, a Holocaust survivor whose testimony carries the weight of history and the power of the human spirit. The timing is especially meaningful as today, January 26, has now been declared Rose Schindler Day in San Diego County. At 92 years old when this episode was recorded, Rose shares her harrowing firsthand account of life inside Auschwitz and Birkenau. She speaks of a family of eleven torn apart by hatred and genocide, and of three sisters who found the strength to survive the unthinkable. You'll also hear the beautiful story of how Rose met her husband Max – another survivor – and how two people who endured humanity's darkest chapter built a life together. In Loving Memory Rose Schindler passed away on February 17, 2022, just one month after this episode originally aired. For the last 50 years of her life, she honored her father's final words to her at Auschwitz – "stay alive so you can tell the world what they're doing to us" – by sharing her story with an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 students across three generations. Her legacy of love, resilience, and remembrance lives on through her four children, two great-grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched with her testimony. This is a story that must be heard. This is a testimony that must be preserved. This is why we remember. Learn more about Rose and Max's journey: Order their book at TwoWhoSurvived.com

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes back Jonathan Brush— President and CEO of Unbound. Tune in to hear Jonathan explain how Unbound trains young adults to thrive by building meaningful lives rooted in responsibility, relationships, everyday excellence, and resilience. Listen as Andy shares his personal endorsement and together they explore what sets Unbound apart from traditional education. The conversation highlights the power of expectations, the importance of creating value (not just making money), and a hopeful, faith-centered approach to preparing young adults for life, work, and purpose. Connect with Jonathan Online:  DontWasteThisYear.com Website: https://beunbound.us/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/be.unbound/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@BeUnbound Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getunbound

Some lessons stick with you long after you first hear them—and this conversation is full of them. This week, we're revisiting Andy's sit-down with Steve "Jake" Jacobson, Founder and CEO of Fairway Home Mortgage, a company that closed more than $65 billion in 2020. Listen as Jake opens up about "the precious present"—a mindset his college basketball coach Bo Ryan taught him at Wisconsin that still shapes how he leads today. You'll hear how his commitment to serving others was forged through sports, team camaraderie, and a relationship with his dad he calls "unconditional." Andy and Jake dig into Fairway's Ten Core Values and the real ways they've impacted the company's team members. And as a hilarious bonus, Andy grills his friend about the several hundred nicknames Jake has coined around the office—and what that reveals about connection, culture, and leadership. Whether you missed this one or it's been a while, this is a conversation about building something that matters. Find more about Fairway at their website, and connect with them on Facebook. Website: https://www.fairway.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FairwayMortgage

As a new year begins and people everywhere are thinking about what they want to build next, we're bringing back one of the most practical and timely conversations from The Professional Noticer vault. In this encore episode, Andy Andrews sits down with bestselling author, financial expert, and nationally syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey to talk about his book, Build a Business You Love—and the principles that matter most when you're starting fresh or recalibrating your direction. Listen as Dave shares timeless wisdom and real-world strategies for launching, growing, or reshaping a business with clarity, service, and integrity at the center. In a fun, down-to-earth conversation, Andy and Dave explore leadership, hiring the right people, building healthy culture, and finding balance without losing sight of your values. If the new year has you thinking differently about your work, your goals, or the legacy you're creating, this conversation offers practical perspective and encouragement to help you build something you can truly love. Grab your copy of Build a Business You Love: https://ter.li/n62212 Connect with Dave on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daveramsey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramsey-dave/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveramsey/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/daveramsey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRamseyShow RamseySolutions.com  

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy Andrews sits down with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, for a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, and what it truly means to build a business around people—not just products. Tune in to hear how the unlikely origin story of a small bird-feeding store in Wisconsin becomes a masterclass in principle-driven leadership. Listen as Joe shares how his parents' retail shop grew into the number one sport-optics brand in the world, not by chasing trends, but by committing to service, integrity, and genuine human connection. You'll also hear the heart behind Vortex's legendary VIP Warranty, why service is a true superpower, and how putting people first—customers and employees alike—has shaped a company that's built to last. If today's conversation resonated, this is where you can find more of the principles, stories, and lessons behind the CARE Movement. CARE Movement: www.vortexcare.com YouTube & Instagram: @joehamiltonlive LinkedIn: Joe Hamilton Find more at VortexOptics.com  

This week on The Professional Noticer, Andy Andrews unwraps a Christmas favorite with an encore reading of Socks for Christmas—proof that the best surprises don't always come in shiny boxes. Told through the eyes of a young boy on Christmas Eve, this story captures the wonder, anticipation, and quiet lessons that only childhood—and Christmas—can teach. With humor, warmth, and Andy's unmistakable storytelling style, Socks for Christmas reminds us that the moments we remember most aren't always the ones we expected… and that perspective often comes wrapped in the simplest packages.  Whether this is your first time hearing it or a tradition you return to each year, this episode is a perfect pause in the middle of a busy season—a chance to smile, reflect, and remember what really matters. Settle in, listen closely, and enjoy this special Christmas episode of The Professional Noticer. 🎄

It's become one of our favorite Christmas traditions—and it's back again. 🎄 This week, Andy welcomes Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, the duo behind one of the most recorded Christmas songs of all time: Mary, Did You Know? (Seriously…there are so many versions, no one can count them.) Tune in as Mark shares how the lyrics were first written, Buddy explains how the music came together years later, and both reveal a surprising twist—there was once an entirely different melody. You'll also hear them reminisce about childhood Christmas memories, talk through why the song continues to resonate across generations, share their favorite renditions, and laugh through one of Mark's most memorable (and awkward) encounters with people who didn't quite love his explanation of the song. Whether you've heard this episode before or it's your first time, this annual release is the perfect way to slow down, laugh a little, and enjoy the story behind a Christmas classic. Buddy's favorite versions of Mary, Did You Know? Michael English: https://amzn.to/384wrGD Pentatonix: https://amzn.to/34feTq5 Clay Aiken: https://amzn.to/3mlZ7jm CeeLo Green: https://amzn.to/3nxXyAB Mark's favorite versions of Mary, Did You Know? Christ Church Choir: https://youtu.be/1jv_a24Bh6s Natalie Cole: https://amzn.to/4iUz0Pw Donny Osmond: https://amzn.to/3micwZJ Carrie Underwood: https://amzn.to/3nmOu11 Find more from Buddy and Mark—and be sure to connect with them online: Buddy Greene BuddyGreene.com Facebook.com/Buddy-Greene-Music-352032036982 Mark Lowry MarkLowry.com Facebook.com/markalanlowry

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Pat Kelly—retired Hollywood screenwriter and debut novelist behind the upcoming thriller Rifle Season, already being hailed as "the first big thriller of 2026."  Tune in to hear Pat and Andy walk through the heart-pounding premise of Rifle Season. Listen as Pat explains the authenticity behind the hunting details, the character dynamics that drive the story, the almost-missed Glock safety error caught by publicist David Brown, and why Simon & Schuster and 20th TV are already all-in on this gripping new series. Pre-order "Rifle Season: A Thriller" on Amazon — Available January 27, 2026: https://amzn.to/48mxD8D

This week on The Professional Noticer, we're bringing back one of our most visually stunning conversations! Join Andy as he welcomes renowned professional photographer and Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris guide, Chris Irwin. In this encore episode, you'll not only hear about the art of capturing the wild—you'll see it. Throughout the conversation, enjoy an incredible collection of Chris's photographs that showcase the untamed beauty of wildlife and the rugged landscapes he explores. Listen as Chris shares his fascinating journey to becoming a wildlife photographer and adventure guide, along with unforgettable stories from the field, early inspirations, and the challenges of photographing nature in its rawest form. Connect with Chris Online: Website: https://iknowaguy.photography/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Chris-Irwin-Photography-100063744450623/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.knowaguy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-irwin-851a1628/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes back Dan Stone—pastor of Hermantown Community Church in Duluth, Minnesota, and the heart behind the Duluth Dream Center.  After last week's powerful conversation about serving a city, Dan returns for an eye-opening look at the questions young adults are asking today—and why they matter.  Tune in to hear Andy and Dan talk about a surprising shift in this generation: young adults who are spiritually hungry, thoughtful, and asking big questions long before a crisis hits. Listen as Dan shares what today's teens and twenty-somethings are asking—about faith, relationships, meaning, and how to live authentically in a shifting world. Hear him share the question he wishes he'd asked himself at seventeen, why early rhythms matter so much later, and why so many young adults refuse to settle for an "average" life.  Connect with Dan Online: Website: https://duluthdreamcenter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558452268579 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/duluthdreamcenter/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Pastor Dan Stone — one of his closest friends, and the heart behind the Duluth Dream Center in Minnesota's Central Hillside. Tune in to hear Dan share how his team was gifted a 40,000-square-foot historic church building—not because they campaigned for it, but because they were already serving the most underserved part of Duluth.  Listen as Andy and Dan talk about the difference between building a church and serving a city, how that "no-strings-attached" miracle became an after-school hub for hundreds of kids, and why haircuts, backpacks, piano lessons, tutoring, and a new PAL boxing gym are opening doors between kids, families, the church, and local law enforcement. You'll also hear Dan's very unusual long-term vision for the Dream Center! Connect with Dan Online: Website: https://duluthdreamcenter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558452268579 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/duluthdreamcenter/  

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes back Michael Perry—New York Times bestselling author and humorist whose wit, warmth, and everyday wisdom make him a listener favorite. Tune in to hear Michael share the story behind his newest book, Improbable Mentors & Happy Tangents—a witty, heartfelt collection born from a fishing trip gone sideways and a conversation that lasted four unforgettable hours. Listen as Andy and Michael trade stories about creativity, resilience, and the surprising ways ordinary people become our greatest teachers, reminding us that wisdom often hides in the most unexpected places. Buy a signed copy of Michael's newest book, Improbable Mentors and Happy Tangents https://sneezingcow.com/product/improbable-mentors-paperback/ Connect with Michael Online: Website: https://sneezingcow.com Michael Perry's Voice Mail: https://michaelperry.substack.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow  Instagram: https://instagram.com/sneezingcow  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sneezingcow.bsky.social

Today marks 46 years since November 4, 1979—the day the Iranian Hostage Crisis began. To honor this significant moment in history, this week's Encore Episode of The Professional Noticer revisits Andy's powerful conversation with U.S. Marine Sergeant Rocky Sickmann, one of 65 Americans taken hostage when militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Listen as Rocky recounts the 444 days that followed—days filled with fear, endurance, and faith. He describes the moments leading up to the crisis, what it was like to face mock executions, and the emotional release of finally returning home in 1981. Rocky's story is a powerful reminder of courage, resilience, and patriotism. Today, he continues to serve others through Folds of Honor, an organization providing scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members. Connect with Rocky online: Folds of Honor https://foldsofhonor.org/ Email: rsickmann@foldsofhonor.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/FoldsofHonor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoldsOfHonor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foldsofhonor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkCp45eCf6OZu8-K2obIKAQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/folds-of-honor/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes The Sound — a Dove Award–winning trio featuring Levi, Jacob, and Rob Mills. Tune in to hear Levi, Jacob, and Rob share the story behind The Sound — how a father and his two sons turned a shared love of music into a ministry reaching audiences around the world. Listen as they talk about family, creativity, and how their unique blend of voices and styles became something truly their own. You'll hear how the group came together, who does what in songwriting and performance, and enjoy a few of their incredible songs (and others you'll recognize!) along the way — all in a fun, lively conversation that showcases the heart, harmony, and incredible talent behind The Sound. Want updates from The Sound? Text your message to 615-398-4426 to be added to Levi's exclusive list—he really does see them! Connect with The Sound Online:  Website: https://www.thesound.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoundinfo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realthesound/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realthesound