The Professional Noticer

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

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Herb Hughes—science fiction novelist, and Steve Woods—AI engineer at General Dynamics, for a fast, funny, and thought-provoking look at where artificial intelligence is really headed. Tune in to hear Herb and Steve join Andy for a fascinating–sometimes unsettling–conversation about how much of today's technology was first imagined in science fiction. From Asimov's predictions to real-world AI breakthroughs, the trio explores where artificial intelligence is taking us—touching on machine learning, quantum computing, and the line between imagination and reality—and asks the big question: will AI ever truly become self-aware? Works by Herb Hughes Killing Rhinos (sci-fi with long-term AI/robotic consequences) https://amzn.to/3KRYTmd Conecuh (Civil War historical fiction) https://amzn.to/46TCspk Connect with Steve and Herb Online:  Steve Woods: stevewoods500@gmail.com Herb Hughes: HerbHughes1994@att.net www.herbhughesnovels.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040197231582 Order Herb's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K83DZ0

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts John O'Leary—bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and producer of the new feature film Soul on Fire. Tune in to hear John share the "two chapters" behind his story—the miraculous rescue at age nine and the years of hiding before finally learning to live openly—while honoring the people he says are the true heroes: the nurses, the neighbors, his dad, and his wife, Beth. Listen as he recounts his father's moving reflection after seeing the film, and explains why Soul on Fire offers a powerful and timely reminder that ordinary courage and grace can still change lives. Soul on Fire Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslVGLETWps Connect with John online:  Website: https://johnolearyinspires.com/johns-story/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnOLearyRisingAbove LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-leary-08b2805/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnoleary.inspires/ Twitter: https://x.com/jolearyinspires YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRXJIPZAni0_zakjCFh5VTQ

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Sean Dietrich—"Sean of the South"—author, musician, humorist, and frequent Grand Ole Opry guest. Tune in to hear Sean share stories behind "Over Yonder"—a tender, funny tale of "found family" set on Alabama's Gulf Coast. Listen as he and Andy talk about the unlikely duo at the heart of the story, why Sean writes about places as if they're characters, and how his outline-free process keeps each book full of surprises. Hear him also share a few audiobook mishaps, uncanny Opry moments, and a peanut-butter-Kong lesson from his blind dog Marigold that remind him to keep humility—and joy—at the center of it all. Sean's brand-new novel "Over Yonder" is officially out today! This heartfelt Southern tale is filled with humor, redemption, and characters you won't forget. Don't wait—be among the very first to read it. Order your copy on Amazon right now and start the adventure! https://amzn.to/4h6COfO Connect with Sean Online: Podcast: Sean of the South https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sean-of-the-south/id1296676213  Website: https://seandietrich.com  Newsletter: https://seandietrich.com/subscribe/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seanofthesouth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanofthesouth

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes his Communications Director, Tami Nantz – author of the brand-new book "This Isn't the Life I Prayed For: A Study of the Book of Job." Tune in to hear Tami share why she wrote "This Isn't the Life I Prayed For," the story behind its message, and why Job's journey—so often misunderstood—is really about relationship and ultimately a book of hope that reminds us God is still faithful, even when life doesn't look the way we prayed it would. Listen as she and Andy talk about the reality of suffering, the process of writing, the encouragement she hopes readers will take away—and why Andy calls this "the book America needs right now." Pre-Order the physical book at TamiNantz.com,and you'll also receive a download for the PDF ebook within 24-hours! Connect with Tami Online:  Website: TamiNantz.com Email: TamiNantzWrites@gmail.com 

In this week's Encore Episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts author Peter Grainger–creator of the bestselling series of crime novels…DC Smith Investigations.  Tune in to hear Peter share details about the multiple series he's written, why his books are currently offered only in E-book and audio formats, and how and when he started writing. Listen as he reveals how and where he conducts his research, and why Andy believes he's one of the top five authors he's ever read! Encore Episode Announcement: The DC Smith Investigation series is coming to paperback! Pre-order from Amazon UK today! https://amzn.eu/d/guAUYee Connect with Peter Online: Website: https://www.petergrainger.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petergraingerDCSmith/ Pick up the first book from the DC Smith Investigation series: An Accidental Death: https://amzn.eu/d/guAUYee  

In this week's Encore Episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Dr. Henry Cloud – a clinical psychologist, pastor to pastors, and New York Times bestselling author.  Tune in to hear Dr. Cloud introduce his latest book, Why I Believe: A Psychologist's Thoughts on Suffering, Miracles, Science, and Faith. Listen as he discusses the challenge of sharing faith with close friends and recounts a transformative college experience during deep depression, as well as a miraculous childhood event. Hear him address difficult questions about God's role in suffering, the coexistence of science and faith, the pain caused by abuse and hypocrisy within the church, and why free will is necessary for genuine love. Purchase Why I Believe: A Psychologist's Thoughts on Suffering, Miracles, Science, and Faith: https://amzn.to/3VTJKm5 Connect with Dr. Cloud Online:  Website: https://www.drcloud.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrHenryCloud YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DrHenryCloud Twitter: https://twitter.com/drhenrycloud Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhenrycloudofficial/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy shares powerful insights into leadership and culture—through the lens of Alabama football. Tune in to hear Andy unpack Alabama's struggles since Nick Saban's retirement and reveal why culture—not talent—drives lasting success. Hear him explain how discipline, retention, and consistency expose the true state of any team or business, and share practical insights for leaders who want to strengthen culture daily rather than rely on past success. To find out more about how I coach entire organizations and change their culture, check out CreatingMeasurableResults.com or YourCMR.com

Buckle up—because this episode is not just about a restaurant chain. Join Andy Andrews as he delivers a cautionary tale for every leader, every business owner, and really, for all of us: you can't fix a culture problem with white paint and a new logo. And when you try… well, Cracker Barrel just showed the world what happens." Not many companies can afford to pour almost a billion dollars down the drain with nothing to show for it but embarrassment. Can Cracker Barrel? We'll see...

In this week's encore episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Chris Thomas – Entrepreneur, Podcaster, and Professional Southern Gentleman. Tune in to hear Andy and Chris share a lively conversation about all things southern! Listen as Chris shares the fun details about his company, Made South – how it got started, how it's going today, the blessings and challenges of entrepreneurship, and much, much more! ✨ And don't miss your chance to experience Made South in person at the 2025 MADE SOUTH Holiday Market – happening Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22, inside Liberty Hall at The Factory in historic Franklin, Tennessee. Do your Christmas shopping with 60+ makers and artisans from around the South, and enjoy what Food & Wine Magazine calls "the best holiday market in the state of Tennessee!" 🎁 Even better – Andy and Austin will be there as vendors! Andy will be selling and signing books, and Austin will be showcasing his Austin Legacy Knives and Mama's Secret Weapon spoons. It's the perfect opportunity to shop small, and support small business. Be sure to stop by and say hello! 👉 Grab your tickets now: https://www.madesouthmarket.com/made-south-holiday-market Connect with Chris Online: Website: https://www.madesouth.com/ Stickers: https://goodsoutherner.com/ Cocktail Mixers: https://elimason.com/ Podcast: https://www.madesouth.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madesouth Twitter: https://twitter.com/christhomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherhthomas/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christhomas/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@madesouth AirBnB: https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/450614261

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Bryan Chandler – owner of Silverhill Mill in Silverhill, Alabama. Tune in to hear Bryan share the story of how he and his wife, Rhee, built Silverhill Mill from the ground up and how the business has grown since he last appeared on the podcast. Listen as he and Andy swap stories about the types of trees and wood Bryan works with, the beautiful products he creates, and what inspired him to step into this unique line of work. Connect with Bryan Online:  Email: silverhillmill@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverhillmill  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverhill_mill/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Ben Ragsdale – pastor of Worship on the Water at the Flora-Bama in Orange Beach, Alabama. Tune in to hear Andy and his pastor share the story behind Worship on the Water, how Ben and his family became part of it, and what makes attending church in a bar on the beach such a beautifully unique experience. Connect with Ben online:  Website: https://www.worshiponthewater.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/florabamachurch