Cover art for podcast The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier

The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier

100 EpisodesProduced by GARY METIVIERWebsite

In The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we focus on positive, inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff. What drives people to go after their dreams? What can the rest of us get out of hearing their stories? We take you deeper into the story as we get to the heart of why this is so … read more

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Levi the eleven year old artist that turns pet paintings into treasures

August 29th, 2023

10:37

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

Ford Fronty: Classic Car Made by Hand in Bob and Donna's Garage

June 17th, 2023

15:30

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 …

Retired Track Coach Takes On Boston!

April 6th, 2023

16:25

Fred Whiteside has spent his life finding ways to give back --from volunteering and organizing races to coaching the next generation of athletes. Now …

Born To Run: Pre-teen National Champ Shares Her Strategy

March 4th, 2023

17:35

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 …

Left Behind, But not Forgotten: The Final Chapter

December 22nd, 2022

25:47

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 …

Randall's Thankful Journey

November 22nd, 2022

20:43

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 …

Disabled Veteran Gets Surprise

November 11th, 2022

10:04

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 …

THE WILD BUNCH FILM FESTIVAL

November 3rd, 2022

19:57

We take you inside a unique film festival dedicated to the western genre. From short films, to features to screenplays and books--- this charming …

Special Kneads Bakery

August 24th, 2022

13:43

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 …

Horseshow Honors Lost Rider

August 23rd, 2022

7:11

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.

Toby Keith Fan Shows Her Support

August 9th, 2022

11:08

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 …

The American: Fan Gets Memorable Moment

August 2nd, 2022

7:03

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 …

Grandpa Grinds in Demo Derby

June 21st, 2022

9:28

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 …

Angela's Gift: Honor Flight Tribute

May 26th, 2022

8:53

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 …

Travis Mills: A Man on a Mission

April 22nd, 2022

23:58

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 …

Diego Raya Plumber Performs on International Stage

April 7th, 2022

14:56

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 …

Seal Family Legacy: The Mission Continues

March 16th, 2022

21:54

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 …

Cards Of Hope For Ukraine

March 6th, 2022

10:34

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.

Diver Goes In To Get Others Out

January 8th, 2022

10:32

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 …

Diego Raya Raps For Mom

November 30th, 2021

12:13

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 …

Combat vets Journey up and Down range

November 10th, 2021

33:35

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

Train Therapy : Man Builds Model Railroad Track Around Home

October 15th, 2021

7:22

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 …

ep 97 Behind the Blue: From TikTok to Tunes

September 10th, 2021

16:50

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

ep 98 MY GOLD STAR: Jesse Jr.'s Story

September 2nd, 2021

11:39

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 …

ep 99 MY GOLD STAR: Kyra's Story

September 2nd, 2021

11:48

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 …

ep. 100 MY GOLD STAR: Lane's Story

September 2nd, 2021

11:47

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 …

ep.92 Is Our Word Enough? Interpreters Left Behind

September 1st, 2021

40:06

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.

Evans United Carnival: A Family Tradition

August 10th, 2021

9:00

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. 

Teen and Steer Compete for Charity

August 4th, 2021

5:55

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

Ep 86 Candy Cain. Behind the Scenes: Making Movies

July 16th, 2021

22:34

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.

EP.85 Long Way Down 2

July 7th, 2021

23:21

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 …

Ep. 84 Patriot Hunts: healing in the great outdoors

June 22nd, 2021

13:53

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 …

ep 83 Holly Hauls: Inside Truck Pulling

June 17th, 2021

10:48

Raised on a family farm, Holly never imagined herself drawn into the world of truck and tractor pulls. Never imagined she would be working …

ep. 82 Adrianna Takes The Wheel

June 3rd, 2021

12:28

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 …

ep. 81 From Uganda With Love

May 12th, 2021

31:45

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, …

ep. 73 Let's Go Bass Fishing

April 27th, 2021

12:28

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 …

ep. 80 Tegan Takes On The Big Boys

April 14th, 2021

18:09

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 …

ep. 71 Ice Harvest With The Amish

April 7th, 2021

25:10

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 …

Ep.77 Nick Stoop Speaks: The Legend on the Dirt at Bristol

April 1st, 2021

27:32

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 …

ep.76 Behind "The Legend" Nick Stoop at Bristol

March 30th, 2021

17:27

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 …

Ep. 75 Bristol Boy Wonder/Trey Mills "The Future"

March 28th, 2021

16:39

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 …

Ep. 70 My Hero: Rehab Program Saves Mom

March 23rd, 2021

14:16

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 …

Ep. 55 Riding the Rapids: Pilot's House

March 16th, 2021

18:15

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 …

Ep.70 Empowering the Growth. Girls Wrestling

March 5th, 2021

17:58

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 …

Ep. 64 A Pastor's Promise: Organ Donation

February 23rd, 2021

22:20

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 …

ep. 63 Paul's Postcards: You've Got Mail

February 16th, 2021

26:02

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 …

Classic Car Club Ep. 60

February 5th, 2021

18:04

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 …

ep. 58: One Room Schoolhouse: Teachers Give History Lesson

January 26th, 2021

14:51

One room schoolhouses or "country schools" were the norm in rural America for about 100 years. So it is fitting that three teachers, each celebrating …

Episode 54: On Track: Race Announcer Makes History

January 12th, 2021

18:36

He is the voice that brings local race tracks to life. Most communities across this great country have people like him behind the mic--at sporting events or other activities. They get us excited, they calm our fears, …

Episode 52: Wundram’s Words: A Newspaperman’s Delivery

December 29th, 2020

25:26

He painted pictures with the written word. While many newspaper columnist become mainstays in their communities, none has made more history than Bill …

Episode 53: Weinermobile/Hot Dog History

December 17th, 2020

12:01

In this Americana Series we take a bite out of the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile!

To help spread smiles (and market their products:) Oscar Mayer developed a hot dog shaped vehicle and hit the highway.

We caught up with the …

Episode 51: Order Up! American Diners

December 9th, 2020

14:30

In this special Americana Series we take you inside Joni's Diner in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

This is the American spirit alive and well! A couple with …

Episode 48 Whiskey Business: A Taste of the American Spirit

December 1st, 2020

23:46

He gave up a career forecasting the weather to pursue his dream of owning his own business. It turned out to be the perfect storm for his family and a new niche that has since exploded. We give you a taste of what it …

Episode 47: Santa For Seniors

November 25th, 2020

18:46

A nationwide effort is underway to make sure some of our seniors have something special this year. From a pair of socks to a gift card for food and necessities, Home Instead is leading the way with the "Be A Santa to a …

Episode 46 Dance. What Moves You?

November 24th, 2020

16:12

I am posting this the week of Christmas when many would have been performing for family and friends. Some still are-- virtually. But on stage or just …

Episode 44: Lola's Love. Outreach Center Fills Gap for Veterans

November 19th, 2020

13:20

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we meet Lola at the QC Veterans Outreach Center. There is likely a special person similar to her in …

Episode 43: Korean War Vet Still Fighting

November 15th, 2020

16:33

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you inside a makeshift garage in a small town. It is home to Korean War veteran Bob Fitts. But now his 90's Bob is still fighting this time to keep the word …

Episode 41: What's Within You? No Barriers USA.

October 21st, 2020

49:26

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier, Tom Lillig lifts us up with heartwarming tales of people overcome barriers in their lives. In this podcast, he takes us through some critical steps to making our lives …

Episode 42: Veteran Finds Hope To Save Foot

October 7th, 2020

9:17

Veteran finds hope in doctor after decades in pain. In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we meet a veteran who got a diagnosis he just …

Episode 40: The Long Way Down To Lift Others Up

October 2nd, 2020

33:33

Dan Plys is on a unique mission. The Minnesota man is attempting to ride a longboard skateboard the entire length of the mighty Mississippi river.

We catch up with him to talk about what drives him to spend weeks on …

Episode 39: Going for the Gold: Teen Dirt Racer Takes on the World

September 24th, 2020

12:01

Tanner Whipple has been a dirt track racer for as long as he remembers. When he got the change to compete for a spot on Team USA he went into overdrive to get ready. What happens next will inspire you!

Edited By Ryan …

Episode 38: World's Largest Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet

September 14th, 2020

11:49

The Chief Black Hawk Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet is the largest in the world. Every labor day for nearly 50 years people people travel and tow themselves, their bikes their spare parts to Davenport, Iowa. The event is …

Episode 37 Motocross Dreams: Full Throttle

August 27th, 2020

10:29

In this American Drive we take you inside the high-flying world of motocross, to meet rising stars in this growing sport!

See the action on youtube https://youtu.be/KmM5CTGWJlg

Edited By Ryan Beintema @rbp7

Executive …

Episode 36 Bobby Pierce: Making His Mark

August 7th, 2020

14:55

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we go back to the dirt track to meet Bobby Pierce. His dad is a hall of fame racer himself. So what's it like for this young man trying to make his mark?

Edited By Ryan …

Episode 35 Ken Schrader: An Inside Track On Racing

August 6th, 2020

18:46

In this special "American Drive" episode of The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you to the racetrack with a racing legend. Ken Schrader traded the asphalt for the dirt track and is having a blast. He talks …

Episode 33 Broncs and Bulls. Jimy's Wild Ride

August 4th, 2020

13:12

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you to the rodeo. In part of our "American Drive Series" we find out why someone would want …

Episode 34 Crash Course: Demo Derby 101

July 31st, 2020

13:15

In this special summer fun series "American Drive" --the Heart of the Story takes us to a demolition derby. We want to know why so many people put so …

Episode 32: Truck and Tractor Pulls At Heartstrings

July 19th, 2020

11:42

Holly is gearing up for another big event. She has been around tractor pulls for some time, but now she is in one--driving for the Bad Company team. …

Episode 31: Back From The Brink. Kelly Meyers 2

July 6th, 2020

11:10

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier "American Drive" Special-- we take you back to the dirt track to meet up with Kelly Meyer. He was severely burned in a house fire saving his wife from the flames. The …

Episode 30: Dirt Track Fire Rescue Team. How it works.

June 24th, 2020

8:14

In the special The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier "American Drive" we take you inside the world of fire rescue. These men and women volunteer …

Episode 28 Rosie The Riveter Special

June 11th, 2020

24:59

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we meet an amazing group of women who made history by making bombers, tanks and so much more. With so many men off fighting in World War II --women entered the workforce …

Episode 29: Playing in the Dirt: Racetrack promoters work

June 4th, 2020

20:09

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you behind the scenes at small dirt tracks. It is up to promoters to keep these races going. We meet a husband and wife who loves the sport so much, when they …

Episode 27: The Music Man. Small Town Leads Growing Trend

May 29th, 2020

13:43

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take to a small town making lots of noise on the music scene. What started as a simple series of porch concerts has lead to national attention and grants to build a …

Episode 26 Thank the Seals: Kickstands up for gold star families

May 25th, 2020

15:18

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you on a wild ride! They guys (men and women) may be wearing leather, riding chromed out …

Episode 25: Bugler Plays Record Number of Taps

May 24th, 2020

10:44

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we introduce you to Tracy  Hepner, a volunteer bugler. Inspired to perform for others, she found …

Episode 24: Race Car Driver Rescues Wife

May 14th, 2020

11:13

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we introduce you to a couple with a love for dirt track racing. Kelly Meyer nearly lost his life just a few months ago when their home exploded. He fought his way …

Episode 23 Mother of Twelve. From frozen diapers to feeding 14.

May 7th, 2020

13:10

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we meet an amazing woman who raised twelve children! She shares some stories she has never told …

Episode 22: Big Goals. Tiny Home.

May 6th, 2020

9:25

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take inside the growing popularity of tiny homes to solve big problems. In this unique approach, …

Episode 21: Teen Racer Shifts Into High Gear

May 1st, 2020

25:14

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you back to the race track. Teenage driver Tegan Evans spends summers with her dad touring the Midwest racing. She's the driver, he is the mechanic.  In this …

Episode #20 Victory Lap 2: Dirt Track Racer Back on Track

April 25th, 2020

8:11

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier -it is raceday at the local dirt track. Doug is back in the driver's seat after nearly two decades on the sidelines. He nearly died back then, but now facing a new …

Special Report 8 Chalk Talk Messages of Hope Faith and Love

April 23rd, 2020

10:59

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier podcast we hit the streets to see what appears to be the talk of the town lately. It's literally written in chalk and covering driveways and sidewalks. Hear how are kids …

Episode 19: Farmers' Market/ A Growing Business

April 21st, 2020

11:02

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you inside the world of a farmers market. Thousands of markets are opening up as more of us want to have food for our families produced locally. It is also a …

Covid caring 7: Adopt a grandma or grandpa

April 16th, 2020

7:10

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we talk about caring for our seniors who may have no one to turn to right now. As our country is in …

Covid Caring 6: Parent Teaching 101/Six Steps To Survive Homeschool 2020 Podcast

April 8th, 2020

19:53

In this special edition of The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you to school--at home! We are stuck at home with our kids and have gone …

Covid Caring 5: Let Us Play/ Virtual Concerts and Tip Jars

April 2nd, 2020

29:43

In this special The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we crank up the creativity with musicians and music teachers. After finding their gigs instantly dry up, they are finding ways to share their talents and earn …

Covid Caring 4: Food For Thought/Doing a 180 To Feed Families

March 30th, 2020

18:23

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you inside a converted church where volunteers are busier than ever. A nonprofit with a …

Covid Caring 3: Million Mask "March"/Sewing Angels Fight Coronavirus

March 26th, 2020

16:59

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we join the Million Mask "March." Two fashion designers put out a call for scraps of fabric and elastic to make homemade mask covers for healthcare providers at their …

Covid Caring 2: Isolation: You are not alone!

March 23rd, 2020

24:42

In this special The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we explore isolation and its effects on all of us during this health care crisis.

A mental …

Covid Caring 1: When in Crisis: Call Your Mom

March 18th, 2020

8:25

In this special The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier podcast we talk about the importance of taking care of our seniors, scared and isolated …

Episode 18: John's Journey: A Community Call To Action

March 10th, 2020

11:43

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we meet a man who has dedicated his life to helping others. From giving workshops on grant writing, to bringing people together to enjoy free concerts on his porch and …

Episode 17: Left Behind: Veterans Fight for Interpreters

March 3rd, 2020

14:43

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take to a small town where we meet an inspiring community-centered veteran who gives back in so many ways. The veteran of the war in Iraq is still fighting to help …

Episode 16: Busy As Bees/Making Money with Honey and so much more

February 26th, 2020

25:55

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you inside the world of beekeeping. A husband and wife are living a dream they never …

Episode 15: Preglam Party/Night to Shine

February 18th, 2020

11:31

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you to a pre-glam party for A Night to Shine event. Community volunteers coming together to …

Episode 14: Casey on the Sidelines/Friday Night Football

February 13th, 2020

13:00

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you to the sidelines of a high school football game. We meet Casey, a young man with a …

Episode 13: Taya Takes Aim: Teen Trapshooter Reloads

February 4th, 2020

16:18

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you inside the word of trapshooting --a sport exploding in popularity in high schools …

Episode 12: Night to Shine

January 28th, 2020

20:41

For one night a year, all across this country, and in other parts of the world, hundreds of thousands come together to shine. Tim Tebow's Night to Shine event is about giving those who happen to have special needs, a …

Episode 11: Beads of Courage /Woodturners Work For Kids

January 21st, 2020

19:21

In This Heart of the Story w/ Gary Metivier we meet a retired police officer who has found another way to serve his community. Bill worked mostly in …

Episode 10: Bellson Beats/The World's Best Drummers

December 31st, 2019

14:55

In this The Heart of The Story with Gary Metivier we take you inside the world of a legendary composer and drummer. Louie Bellson made history with his music. Now, a young man with incredible talents of his own, is …

Episode 9: Cody's Christmas Tradition

December 19th, 2019

14:28

In this The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we share a Christmas story. My children's book Cody and Grandpa's Christmas tradition was inspired …

Episode 8: Esports/Sports with an E

December 18th, 2019

26:32

In this Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier we take you inside the world of esports. Gaming has become a billion dollar industry. Some colleges are …

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