The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier

Tim Brandenburg took his love of photography and built a career. Trained by the FBI for crime scene work, when he retired he changed his focus and started capturing images that inspire and educate.   

A firefighter injured battling a blaze in his hometown, finds a way to inspire others to live life to the fullest. Listen how Bob Juarez turned his darkest days into hope for himself and hundreds of others through adaptive sports. 

We sit down with a couple who have dreamed all their lives of building something together. Turns out they shared a love for restoring classic cars. Listen to their story of turning their passion into a business and making so people happy along the way.

He was a morning show host, radio news person and on air personality for decades. But Dan Kennedy would discover at the end of his career a problem he never expected. The man who used the air in his lungs to power a voice as his instrument, we finding it harder and harder to breathe. He takes us along on his journey in a battle with life or death on the line.

Eleven year old spent time during lockdowns learning how to pain. Now Levi has become an internet sensation turning photos of pets into incredible art for the families.  

Bob Petersen, and his trusty sidekick Donna, have brought new life to dozens of old classic cars. In this story we introduce you to a Ford Fronty-- a 1920's version made from scratch in Bob and Donna's Garage. Buckle up for this adventure! And catch the whole series in the playlist.  https://www.premiumbeat.com Song: Soda Jerk By: The Lone Wranglers Song: (No Copyright) Inspiring Uplifting Motivational Cinematic By: Infraction

Fred Whiteside has spent his life finding ways to give back --from volunteering and organizing races to coaching the next generation of athletes. Now Fred is challenging himself on a whole new level. Can he come in top ten in the biggest marathon of all---Boston???? #boston #bostonmarathon #running #runningmotivation #runningmotivationvideo #quadcities #quadcitymarathon Thanks to our sponsors! QCA Pools and Spas http://www.qcapoolsandspas.com/ Petersen Plumbing and Heating https://www.petersenplumbing.com/

Born to run. Sarah Foad is not even a teenager yet, but she is raking up medals on the track. The standout runner has a maturity and a sense of caring for competitors that is both inspiring and motivating. We sit down with her to talk about her national championship and other events. 

A man code-named Jaquar was left behind after serving as an interpreter helping American forces in a war zone. He moved his family from house-to-house, town-to-town, as he was being hunted by his own people after the Americans withdrew from Iraq. But the soldiers he helped get home to their families never forgot about him and his family. They were on a new mission to get him to safety. Here is their story.

Randall Rutledge doesn't take no for an answer. Even when covid struck him and his wife, and she ended up having a heart attack-- the couple was determined to see Randall go for his dream. He had plans to take his screenplay to a film festival with hopes of getting others involved. He takes us on his journey.

Marc never expected to be deployed to a war zone. He was earning his way through college when he ended up in Iraq. Now dealing with severe PTSD--he is fighting to get his life back, with a little help from his friends. Wait until you hear his voice when a local veteran founded company surprises him!

We take you inside a unique film festival dedicated to the western genre. From short films, to features to screenplays and books--- this charming multi day event brings in people from all around the world. It the brainchild of Rock and Brenda Whitehead. It showcases established filmmakers while giving newcomers a chance to have their work showcased.

A mom and son are cooking up quite the business with their small town bakery. In this podcast we give you an inside look at how a family is using their talents to overcome other barriers in life.  Welcome to Special Kneads Bakery 

Gone, but certainly not forgotten. When a young woman loses her life to a rare disorder a community comes together in a unique way to honor her memory and spread awareness inside her favorite horse arena.

Shannon has a rare disorder. When she first heard Toby Keith's music --the young girl was changed by the sounds and the character of the country superstar. She traveled hundreds of miles to see him in person. What happens next changed both their lives.

When Herb Farber and his friends decided to try something cool, it became a tradition. Work hard to get the attention of big name acts at the Mississippi Valley Fair in Davenport, Iowa. But what they didn't expect was about to far exceed what they were hoping for. Called on stage in front of thousands of cheering fans. His dream finally comes true.

Grandpa Garey Carey is up for one more demolition derby. He loves to spend time with his family. Crashing into them is his favorite activity:) Just one more is now a running joke as he lives his life doing what he loves.

Angela Meyer has a gift. It started with a gift of a guitar from her grandparents. She has spend the rest of her life finding ways to share that gift with others--including veterans. #music #songwriter #honor flight #angelameyer23

Director/actor/producer Travis Mills took on a challenge that few would even consider. He produced 12 Westerns in 12 Months. Now he is taking what he learned and building toward something even better. He is also sharing what he discovered on his journey with others hoping to bring their projects to life.

He realized his dream to become a tradesman, a plumber. But then he took a chance to see if a one in a million shot would make another dream come true. Diego Raya made it onto the world stage with his music and then he came back home to his family. He takes us along on the journey. Special thanks to Petersen Plumbing for supporting his dream and ours. Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we talk to members of a unique nonprofit. Their mission is simple at Seal Family Legacy---- make sure that Gold Star families get the support they need. From fundraisers to scholarships, a dedicated team is on the move to be there for families who have lost a loved one in service to their country.

The world is watching. Our children are watching. We sit down with a small group of school children to talk about the war in Ukraine.

When one of your best days on the job is recovering a loved one lost in a river. It takes special people to go into the dangerous water to help a family find some sort of closure. This man, and his team, have spent much of their careers answering those calls--day and night --24/7 --365. People like this don't do it to be heroes, they do it because it has to be done. But to many--they are certainly heroic beyond words. Thank you to Petersen Plumbing and Heating and Blackhawk State Bank for helping us share these inspiring stories.

He was raised in a house with a dirt floor in Mexico. But Diego Ray always had big dreams. His mother helped him get there by raising the family and getting them to the United States where he earned his way into a successful career as a tradesman. Now, as he workers as a plumber throughout the day, he spends his nights working on his music and has worked his way onto the international stage. This is how he got there.

A combat veteran has found a way to help himself and others heal from injuries and his re-integration struggles. 

Kevin Huggins loves trains--big and small. See how he has taken this hobby and transformed his life with model trains and tracks. He is sharing his passion hoping to create a spark in those who see it --young and old alike. watch our youtube version too https://youtu.be/epMUck6N0iQ subscribe here https://bit.ly/2Or1tC2 Thanks to our sponsors! Show them some love! Blackhawk Bank and Trust https://www.choosethechief.com/ Petersen Plumbing and Heating https://www.petersenplumbing.com/ And Morrison Community Hospital.   Edited By Ryan Beintema @rbp7 Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/metiviermedia/

 A police officer uses social media tools to try to connect while working through the challenges of wearing the blue in tough times.

Three GOLD STAR children share their brave stories of sacrifice, loss and inspiration after losing a parent in service to our country. Please listen and share. You can see their stories on Gary Metivier youtube channel as well. https://youtu.be/iLp4o1YpRh8 Edited By Ryan Beintema @rbp7 Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/metiviermedia/ Original Score by Roger Metivier Thanks to our sponsors — Blackhawk Bank and Trust https://www.choosethechief.com/ Petersen Plumbing and Heating https://www.facebook.com/PetersenPlumbing/ Morrison Community Hospital https://morrisonhospital.com/

Three GOLD STAR children share their brave stories of sacrifice, loss and inspiration after losing a parent in service to our country. Please listen and share. You can see their stories on Gary Metivier youtube channel as well. https://youtu.be/iLp4o1YpRh8 Edited By Ryan Beintema @rbp7 Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/metiviermedia/ Original Score by Roger Metivier Thanks to our sponsors — Blackhawk Bank and Trust https://www.choosethechief.com/ Petersen Plumbing and Heating https://www.facebook.com/PetersenPlumbing/ Morrison Community Hospital https://morrisonhospital.com/

Three GOLD STAR children share their brave stories of sacrifice, loss and inspiration after losing a parent in service to our country. Please listen and share. You can see their stories on Gary Metivier youtube channel as well. https://youtu.be/iLp4o1YpRh8 Edited By Ryan Beintema @rbp7 Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/metiviermedia/ Original Score by Roger Metivier Thanks to our sponsors — Blackhawk Bank and Trust https://www.choosethechief.com/ Petersen Plumbing and Heating https://www.facebook.com/PetersenPlumbing/ Morrison Community Hospital https://morrisonhospital.com/

A father and community leader came home from a war zone to live the American Dream. But as he started a new career and a family, he was haunted by the interpreters that helped him get safely home, but were left behind. As he gets word one of them is now potentially headed for safety, he weighs in on the current exit from Afghanistan. Produced/written/hosted by Gary Metivier Edited by Ryan Beintema

They have been bringing fun and games to fairs big and small for decades. We go behind the scenes to see what life is like running a carnival. 

A young man and his prized steer Chuck are looking to make history while raising awareness and money for the Ronald McDonald House.

Director, filmmaker, writer--(you name it) Candy Cain is celebrating her tenth feature film! In this The Heart of the Story she takes us behind the scenes into this unique world.

The journey continues for Dan Plys as he attempts to ride along the entire length of the Mississippi River on a skateboard. He is testing himself while raising awareness for hungry kids and meeting so many interesting people along the way.  See video of his trip on our youtube channel now. https://youtu.be/QrXz0gcmf1I Thanks to our sponsors Blackhawk Bank and Trust Petersen Plumbing Morrison Community Hospital

Patriot Hunts hosts events around the country for veterans, first responders and families of those lost in service to others. We take you along on a trip along the Mighty Mississippi to hear how the great outdoors is being used to help heal. Edited By Ryan Beintema @rbp7 Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/metiviermedia/ Original Score by Roger Metivier

Raised on a family farm, Holly never imagined herself drawn into the world of truck and tractor pulls. Never imagined she would be working side-by-side with her husband/best friend in a sport where power and skill are tested most weekends. But she is behind the wheel of a turbo-powered truck. Together they just keep winning.

Adrianna Timmerman comes from a long line of racers. Inspired by her grandmother and fueled by her dad, this teen is taking the Outlaw kart track by storm. In this The Heart of the Story she explains her drive and how a friend lost to cancer is motivating to her to give everything she has. Thanks to her dad Brett for his support and additional video and photos. subscribe here https://bit.ly/367ysCE Thanks to our sponsors! Show them some love! Blackhawk Bank and Trust https://www.choosethechief.com/ Petersen Plumbing and Heating https://www.petersenplumbing.com/  Morrison Community Hospital https://morrisonhospital.com/ @rbp7Edited By Ryan Beintema Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/metiviermedia/ Don't Forget to Subscribe My Channel ➜ https://bit.ly/367ysCE Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** Check out my other Videos *** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✅ 01. World's Largest Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet ➜ https://bit.ly/3j9R20I ✅ 02. 80 Year Old Soccer player teaches for Life ➜ https://bit.ly/2GcWMI5 ✅ 03. Best Bull Riding Clips ➜ https://bit.ly/2EzccpV

She was born in a war-torn nation. Her mother immediately went into hiding with her. Determined to make a life for herself, and now her children, Christine Etima Colbenson began a journey of discovery. She is now helping and inspiring others just like her.  

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you fishing with College Champion Ben Ford. Ben gives us an inside look at what it takes to win the big competition, what he loves about being on the water and how some are making big bucks in this growing national sport. Edited By Ryan Beintema @rbp7 Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/metiviermedia/ Original Score by Roger Metivier

Teen Racer takes on the big boys. From a call from Nascar to the lure of dirt track racing, high schooler Tegan Evans has shifted gears and is showing no signs of slowing down. We met her two years ago when she was traveling each weekend with her dad to racetracks all around the area. Now she is in a bigger car racing at bigger venues--pursuing her dream to become a pro driver.  Edited By Ryan Beintema @rbp7 Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/metiviermedia/

In this The Heart of the Story w/ Gary Metivier podcast we take you inside the world of ice harvesting with the amish. Photographer David Marvitz survived cancer. Part of his therapy is his work capturing unique images like ice harvesting. He takes us along on his journey that few are allowed to take into the world of the Amish through his lenses. 

Nick Stoop says he really doesn't have a nickname, but after his appearance on the dirt-covered Nascar track in Bristol, Tennessee, people are calling him "The Legend." He says he had the ugliest and slowest car out there, but he was there on the track, making his own history. His story has gone viral but as he talks with us via a weak internet connecting from his garage, Nick is just what you see--a down home. hard working country boy who is just out to have a little fun and using his new moment in the spotlight to help group the sport he loves. Edited By Ryan Beintema @rbp7 Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/metiviermedia/ Original Score by Roger Metivier see Nick on our youtube channel too https://youtu.be/2wjQeZ01vNc  

Behind every great racecar driver is a team of people working so hard behind the scenes. After a showing at Bristol Motor Speedway launched Nick Stoop into the limelight for his 'unique' style, his team has been working overtime. Brittany Bryan found herself handling the now-viral racer who doesn't even have a smartphone. She shares what the past few days has been like for her and "the legend." Also at Bristol--check out our interview with 12-year old Trey Mills who just made history at Bristol  https://theheartofthestory.libsyn.com/ep-75-bristol-boy-wondertrey-mills-the-future and listen also to Ken Schrader https://theheartofthestory.libsyn.com/episode-35-ken-schrader-an-inside-track-on-racing and Bobby Pierce https://theheartofthestory.libsyn.com/episode-34-bobby-pierce-hots-podcast and watch youtube racing stories https://youtu.be/Lofd0dhLO-4

Trey Mills aka "The Future" won his first feature on the dirt track last year. The 12 year old from Florida is making headlines for making his second win on a high-profile stage. We take you to Bristol, Tennessee where once every 20 years they cover the Nascar track in dirt. And this year it's a preteen who makes his own history here. listen also to Ken Schrader https://theheartofthestory.libsyn.com/episode-35-ken-schrader-an-inside-track-on-racing and Bobby Pierce https://theheartofthestory.libsyn.com/episode-34-bobby-pierce-hots-podcast and watch youtube racing stories https://youtu.be/Lofd0dhLO-4

Nicole had given up on herself and pushed even those closest to her, far away. But it was hitting rock bottom and ending up in jail after losing her daughter that created a spark--a glimmer of hope. It was in jail that she discovered a way to battle back against her own demons. Alongside her 10 year old daughter they talk about their journey to be reunited and how they both are dedicating their lives to helping others. 

An old pilot's house has new life as a family-owned and operated restaurant. Overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, where the man who new the rapids best built his house so many years ago, Mandy is building her own business. We take you inside this unique restaurant where the menu gives a taste of the past here while looking toward the future. 

Girls of all ages are wrestling for change. In this podcast we take you inside the world of girls wrestling. Wrestling is the fastest growing sport in the country, but some states are having a harder time taking women's wresting mainstream. So parents, concerned about their daughters wrestling boys, are opting out while other girls are doing what they can to help break through the barriers. We hear from wrestlers and a coach leading the way nationwide ---wrestling for change.

She has dedicated her life to giving of herself to others. First through her ministry as a pastor, now through organ donation. In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we dig down into what inspired her to pursue her career touching lives with her words, and how that moved her to literally give of herself. https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.horvath1 our podcast fb page https://www.facebook.com/The-Heart-of-the-Story-with-Gary-Metivier-101230791929498 Americana Series Sponsors Blackhawk Bank and Trust https://www.choosethechief.com/ Morrison Community Hospital https://morrisonhospital.com/ Weber Auto Group https://www.weberautogroup.com/ Edited By Ryan Beintema @rbp7 Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/metiviermedia/ Original Score by Roger Metivier Please subscribe to Youtube and Podcast! https://bit.ly/2Or1tC2

Remember going to the mailbox, hoping for a card or letter? The excitement that comes from discovering a photo of someone's vacation or reading of life's ups and downs in a letter from a friend or relative? Paul Laird, aka the postcard guy, is keeping a bit of Americana alive. For the past couple of decades, he, along with his wife Debbie, have teamed up to send thousands of postcards to strangers and friends. He calls his ability to remember dates as God's gift. And despite considerable pain in his hands from a career working in a factory, he keeps going, writing postcards and making sure people know someone is thinking of them.   Americana Series Sponsors Blackhawk Bank and Trust https://www.choosethechief.com/ Morrison Community Hospital https://morrisonhospital.com/  Weber Auto Group https://www.weberautogroup.com/ Edited By Ryan Beintema @rbp7 Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/metiviermedia/ Original Score by Roger Metivier Please subscribe to Youtube and Podcast! https://bit.ly/2Or1tC2  

Classic car clubs continue to grow as Americans are looking for that connection to the past. In this episode of the Heart of the Story w/ Gary Metivier we stop in for the last event of the season for one classic car club. They park at a farmer's market to share their classic cars with whomever wants to see them, or drive by a retirement community to give others that same thrill. They meet with old friends and make new ones. Spending the afternoon talking about life  and of course, cars.  Americana Series Sponsors Blackhawk Bank and Trust https://www.choosethechief.com/ Weber Auto Group https://www.weberautogroup.com/ Edited By Ryan Beintema @rbp7 Executive Producer/Host Gary Metivier http://metiviermedia.com/ Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/metiviermedia/ Original Score by Roger Metivier Please subscribe to Youtube and Podcast! https://bit.ly/2Or1tC2