On this episode of Sword and Pen, guest Ben Kesling talks about his quick transition from being a marine corps combat veteran to a reporter at the Wall Street Journal and a published author.

Listen in as Ben also reads a passage from his new book, Bravo Company: An Afghanistan Deployment and its Aftermath, a story of the war in Afghanistan through the eyes of the men of one unit, part of a combat-hardened parachute infantry regiment in the 82nd Airborne Division.

Ben, an MJV member and one of our Top 10 Military Veterans in Journalism in 2022, talks about how he funded journalism school at Medill at Northwestern; shares his love of his four young children with storytelling that makes a difference; and gives us his backstory to being a two-time winner on Jeopardy.

Ben on Twitter | To buy his book, go to Bravo Company | Link to RSVP to Ben and Russell Midori's longform journalism webinar on Jan. 12!

This episode is hosted by Lori King

Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production, and is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence

Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence

Got an idea for a podcast guest? Shoot us an email at [email protected] and/or [email protected]