Better Than We Found It

In this powerful episode of Better Than We Found It, we sit down with Jennifer Brusstar, President and CEO of The Tug McGraw Foundation, to explore a mission that’s changing lives at one of the most vulnerable intersections of health and hope.Jennifer shares the heart behind the foundation’s work—supporting individuals and families navigating the emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges of brain tumors. But this conversation goes deeper than programs and services. It uncovers the “why” that fuels Jennifer’s leadership: a personal connection to the cause, a relentless commitment to advocacy, and a belief that no one should face this journey alone.We talk about how the foundation uniquely blends military and civilian research to create meaningful, real-world impact, and why collaboration is key to accelerating breakthroughs. Jennifer also opens up about the human side of this work—the stories that stay with her, the moments that test her, and the ones that remind her exactly why she keeps going.If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to turn purpose into action, this episode will leave you inspired—and challenged—to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Patrick and I met back in 2023 when i walked into a barber shop and he welcomed me on to his chair and little did i realize at the time, but into his life.What happens when someone survives their darkest moments- and chooses to turn that pain into purpose?Today I sit down with my friend and suicide survivor Patrick Lomantini to find out.Patrick shares his story with honesty and courage, opening up about the struggles that nearly took his life and the turning points that helped him find a new path forward, Today he works with people who feel trapped in silence, reminding them that their lives still matter and that hope can return- even when it feels impossible. This conversation is raw , compassionate, and ultimately hopeful. It's a reminder that even in the darkest seasons of life, light can break through-and that each of us has the power to help someone else keep going. And,IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS STRUGGLING: In the United States, you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to connect with traIned counselors 24/7. You are not alone, and help is available.If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Sometimes one conversation can change-or even save- a life.I hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Patrick Lomantini and I hope you have the best day ever!Peace! ✌🏽

In this episode of Better Than We Found It I sit down with Chris Whitney founder of One Gereration Away to talk about turning hardships into hope.Chris shares how personal struggle and a deep sense of purpose led him and his wife to launch a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing surplus food and delivering it directly to families in need.Chris and I explore faith, resilience and what it really looks like to serve others when life gets hard.If you've ever wondered how one person can create real change, this is your episode.sit back, relax, and enjoy my conversation with Chris Whitney https:/onegenaway.org

In this episode of The Better Than We Found It Podcast I'm sitting down with a woman who turned heartbreak into hope.Lisa Moore, founder and CEO of Blaze of Hope in Sarasota, Florida, created a lifeline for families facing the emotional toll of caring for a critically ill child.Her mission is simple, but powerful: no parent should have to choose between their child's health and their household's survival. Join me and listen in as I learn how one mother's love sparked a movement that's helping families find light in their darkest days.Thank you for being here,Enjoy. www.blazeofhope.org

In this episode of The Better Than We Found It Podcast, I get the opportunity to have an amazing conversation with Christian Countzler.Christian is the Executive Director / CEO of Stable Recovery, Inc., a nonprofit based in Lexington Kentucky. At Stable Recovery, men in early recovery from alcoholism and addiction engage in structured community living, 12-step support, all being centered around equine-assisted recovery including a "School of Horsemanship at Taylor Made Farms. But what makes this story truly powerful isn't just what they do-it's how it all began.This story is not about ease. it's a story about redemption, about the quiet power of showing up-for yourself, and then for others.So glad you're here.Deano

In this heartfelt one on one episode, Deano reflects on the quiet power of everyday helpers-those people who show up, step up, and make the world a little better just by being kind, being consistent and being human. Through stories, reflections and a reminder that you don't need a title to make an impact, this episode invites you to notice the helpers around you-and become one yourself. Because real change doesn't start with perfection. It starts with care. www.instagram.com/[email protected]

Just checkin in... letting ya'll know, we're still here. Today I venture out into the podcast universe, alone... On a verbal excursion through my inner most thoughts, ideas, and aspirations. Wanna join?C'mon... don't be afraid... Oh BTW the Youtube Channel I reference in the episode is Old Jazz Cafe. Check it Out.

Nathan grew up in the North East and was introduced to the joy of music at a young age as he spent most his spare time in his fathers recording studio. The buzz would fuel his drive to pursue his love of piano and song-writing. Having the opportunity to perform on the national television show, Star Search would only validate his desires of becoming a Rock Star. Moving to Nashville at the age of nineteen, Nathan quickly came face to face with many choices which were vital to his success in the Music City. The need to keep the lights on and food in his stomach would eventually force him to start his own painting company which quickly grew to a successful six-figure business but still left him empty.Nathan's story is one of hope, pain, seeking, finding and ultimately, learning how to love the the most important person on the planet...himself.I hope you enjoy this episode of The Better Than We Found It Podcast with Nathan Lee.https://www.sendmusicianstoprison.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@sendmusicianstoprison

Eddie Garcia, fellow Texan, father, husband, radio-personality, video producer, pod-caster... the list goes on and on, but most importantly, outstanding human being.Eddie works tirelessly at his day job, which goes way beyond the normal 8:00-5:00, and somehow he still finds time to help raise 4 young boys and over $2 million for various charities through comedy and music.Eddie and I met years ago shortly after he and his radio team moved to Nashville. We became instant amigos and continuously find out more and more similarities we share growing up in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.I had a real good time talking with my buddy, I hope you enjoy listening in.Peace!

From the heart of New England comes a master of mischief! This episode features Josh Funk, the children's book author who's bringing laughter to young readers everywhere. We'll dive into his creative process, explore his quirky characters, and maybe even hear a few behind-the-scenes stories. So grab a snack and get ready for a delight conversation with software engineer by day, children's book "Shakespear" by noon... leaving it better than he found it, Josh Funk. Enjoy ! Peace www.joshfunkbooks.com

Bonus episode. Im in South Texas away from all my stuff but i really wanted to tell yall I love you and I hope you all have a Happy New Year

Wendy Moten is an amazing vocalist and human being. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, where she says, "everybody sings..." Wendy had no real attraction to singing. Spending a lot of her childhood in church with her mother and father who was also a pastor, Wendy thought that singing and performing in choir was something everybody did. As she began singing locally in Memphis one day she was over-heard singing jingles and the rest, as they say, is history. There is so much to learn about this powerhouse, multi-genre talent and hope you enjoy our conversation. I am honored to have Wendy Moten in the studio today, Enjoy! Peace! www.wendymoten.com

Charles is a remakable individual who has dedicated his life the practices of Native American storytelling and traditional dance. Im sure you are going to love this conversation with us. Enjoy, Peace!

Isaac and I crossed paths in 2017 when he joined us on the road and stage to sing background vocals for the Soul 2 Soul The World Tour, the third Soul 2 Soul duo co-headline tour Tim and Faith would do. Before that I knew as much about Isaac Carree as he knew about me, but over the years I've have had the opportunity to learn so much more about the real Isaac. Issac began his musical career as a young boy singing in church while his mother, Pastor Nancy Wilson of New Beginnings Community Outreach Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, would lead worship services, deliver sermons, and oversee various church ceremonies like baptisms, weddings, and funerals In 1990 Isaac would get the chance to work with gospel music's legendary John P. Kee and that would propel Isaac into the stratosphere of his genre finally earning him a Stellar Award for his achievements in the gospel music industry. I am so thrilled to be able to sit and talk with my dear friend. I truly hope you enjoy listening in while Isaac and I discuss just about everything, from growing-up ,to hard work, to the road, even determining if i was a "blind up" or a "blinds down" guy . Enjoy!

Bob Minner as a young boy growing-up in DeSoto Missouri, would be allowed to strum and pluck his dad's prized banjo, which his father kept secretly hidden in a tattered, cardboard case, under his bed. Fastforward... 2024, Bob is and has been the acoustic guitar player for Country Music Superstar Tim McGraw for 30 plus years, he has played on four multi-platinum McGraw records (Dancehall Doctors, Live Like You Were Dying, Southern Voice, and Let It Go), as well as having performed on every major morning and late-night TV show, from The Late Show with David Letterman to Good Morning America including the CMA Awards, ACM Awards, Grammys, and American Music Awards. Listen in while he and I catch up and connect the dots on this episode of The Better Than We Found It Podcast. Thank you for being here. Peace! Deano  

For the last two years Dave has been crushing it out on the road with Country Music Star Tim McGraw as Lead drum technician/stage assistant and guitar catcher. Dave and I go back several years as friends and co-writers but I never really knew Dave's background or his journey to Nashville. Daves compassion and hard-working mentality are contagious and willingness to help others motivating. You can learn more about Dave's new journey at: www.druminsync.com

Denny Hemingson is one of the most down to earth people I know. His talents as a musician are amazing. Between writing, producing, and engineering clients from all across the globe, Denny is the full time band leader, musical director and steel guitar player for Country music Superstar Tim McGraw. When we're touring Denny and I are constantly in the gym or outdoors walking, getting some vitamin D. He is my/our bus functional medicine advisor and we've all come to him at one time or another, with questions concerning our aches and pains. Denny's desire to help others has motivated him to become a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner as well as a Precision Nutrition Coach. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Denny and I as we learn more about Denny and just what drives him to strive to be better everyday and to leave this place better than he found it. You can learn more about Denny at: www.allacesshealth.com www.soundbetter.com

I am so fortunate to have this gentleman as a friend. He is an outstanding songwriter, guitar player, vocalist, and performer. You can find him almost any night of the week playing music somewhere in and around Nashville. He co-wrote, with Dickey Betts, the Allman Brothers top ten single, "No One To Run With" which was featured in Adam Sandler's The Waterboy. When he's not guitar teching for Country Superstar Tim McGraw, John likes to spend his time "noodling" in his happy place, a converted garage he affectionally calls, "The Tone Zone". I love John's outlook on life and his love of music. I hope you enjoy my conversation with my friend, John Prestia. www.instagram.com/johnprestiamusic

I get the chance to catch up with my friend and co-worker for the past 14 plus years, Billy Nobel. Billy is a great pianist and having the opportunity to share my life out on the road with this guy has been a gift. This is the first time Billy and I have really been able to chat since we got off the road in August so it was a real treat to spend some time with him. Ya'll I really appreciate your time, and I hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with my friend Billy Nobel

I caught up with our other guitar player David Levita. David has had an amazing life. From living on his own at 15 in New York City to busking on the streets of London, to laying down amazing guitar tracks for such great artists as Eminem, Faith Hill, Jewel, Meatloaf, Alanis Morissette and many more. David is a force to be reckoned with on stage and in this conversation we talk about the “Standing Room Only” tour with Tim McGraw and the amazing energy everyone brought including the audience, to make this one of the most exciting, electric, shows to date. We barely scratched the surface of this fantastic human being but I do hope you enjoy listening to our little conversation . Love! ✌🏽

I catch up with my dear friend and musical brother, to have a little chat about life, the boldness of asking questions, and chasing the Muse.  I could go on and on and on and on about the musical genius of my dear friend Adam Shoenfeld. I mean come on, his guitar playing is featured on over 500 albums playing for artists such as Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, Rhett Akins, Big and Rich, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, and many many more. He’s been nominated for the ACM guitar player of the year award in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019. When he’s not on stage with country superstar, Tim McGraw, you can find him in the studio, either recording, writing, producing, or being the front man for one of his other musical endeavors, Digital Brains, a rocking, “rip your face off” power trio or Sunkat, a vibe-filled vocal duo collaboration with wife Katie Cook-Shoenfeld.  But I really wanted to get to know Adam in a different light so we just pressed record. Poured the coffee and had a great little conversation. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage and enjoy my little discussion with guitarist songwriter producer just all around bad ass Adam Shoenfeld. ✌🏽

Nick is the CEO and founder of the motivational brand Choose Your Attitude change your life. A brand inspired by his late wife Brianna. Nick is a force of positivity and is set on changing the world by introducing a them to the power of a positive attitude. I hope you enjoy. Deano

Call to action to tune in and listen to my next episode with Nicholas Strand of Choose Your Attitude change your life

Deano shares an inspirational story of his 19-year-old son’s choice to move to Houston Texas to pursue his love of fast cars, and encourages everyone not to be afraid to dream big crazy dreams.

True self care is a journey of self-awareness, inner growth, and meaningful connection.

Deano discusses adversity and share’s some helpful steps and thought processes to help over come it. Enjoy!

Deano walks and rambles about family, dogs, and over coming the hurdles he creates and puts in the way of his desire to create a popular podcast. Kinda like his last episode but way different.

Deano welcomes you to Better Than We Found It and shares his excitement of getting the pod cast started. Sometimes, the first steps in a journey are not the steps we dreamt of taking but they are steps in the right direction nonetheless. Come back every Wednesday and see what we’re up to, or have a laugh and maybe get inspired to find what you can do to leave it better than we found it. Peace!