Welcome to The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk! In Episode 31, we sit down with singer-songwriter and festival organizer D.J. Bridwell to talk about the Trails of Tails Songwriter Festival in Deadwood, South Dakota. Hear how the festival supports independent artists and brings powerful storytelling through music to life. Subscribe for more inspiring interviews with musicians, veterans, and community leaders.

Nebraska country singer-songwriter Caleb Kenner joins The Roundtable Where Heroes Talk for an in-depth interview and live acoustic performances. In this episode, Caleb talks about his songwriting journey, small-town Nebraska roots, family influences, and the stories behind songs like “Back Then” and “Trouble Kids.” He shares how real life, fatherhood, and growing up rural shape his country music sound. Featuring honest conversation and original live music, this podcast episode is perfect for fans of independent country artists, singer-songwriters, and authentic Americana storytelling. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones for Herostock Nation Podcast. www.herostock.org

US Army veteran, author, and singer-songwriter Malachias Gaskin joins host Tom Lamog to share deeply personal stories from his book A Warrior’s Garden. Malachias reflects on growing up in Indiana and helping run his family’s business, the challenges he faced during enlistment, and the health struggles that reshaped his life. Through honest conversation, he explores how he found a path forward and developed healthy ways to cope and heal. Alongside his story, Malachias also shares three original songs, offering a powerful blend of conversation and music in this moving and inspiring episode.

Songwriter and Country Singer Anthony Segovia is our guest and talks openly about his upbringing by his Navy Corpsmen parents, his experiences in the US Marine Corps and his musical journey. Live performances include some of his original music. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones. www.anthonysegovia.com

Greg M. Atkin is the inventor of the Strum-n-Comfort Crossover thumb pick system created for guitarists. Comes in Three models: Shark Tooth Traditional, Super Hybrid and Kodiak and promotes increased speed, accuracy and confidence when playing while producing less muscle fatigue. Followed by US Army Veteran Chris Parks, owner of Smokin' Red White and Blue featuring a variety of products that puts the taste of smoked food at your fingertips in a matter of seconds! Seasonings include Smoked Salt, and SSPG Smoked Salt Pepper Garlic. New products include Ghast Up Ghost, Jumpin' Jalapeno, and a mix of both in the same bottle. With special guest appearance by Anthony Lujan, Herostock Secretary. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones.

Introducing Tim Meegan Jr., who talks candidly about his service in Ramadi Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and how the memories of that time went on to become the foundation for thought, feelings and emotion in creating his first album, "Cook County Country". The words and music helped him better communicate his wartime experiences to family and friends who were unaware of what Tim had seen and done there. Tim talks about the dream of continuing to write music, forming a band, recording in a major studio in Memphis, and touring all of which became reality. Tonight's episode includes heartfelt live performances of Tim's originals, including a new song, "Completely" which opens the show. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones. Runtime 60 minutes.

On this episode of The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk, it's our first show dedicated to gift buying, aka Herostocking Stuffers! Kevin Gouran of Doc Goodbeard gives us an introduction to his Beard Care products, including balms, shampoos, oils and accessories. Co-host Matthew Jones gives a lively demonstration on using each of the products, then shares his overall experience as Kevin describes product ingredients, application, customer favorites, and how to purchase. Whether you're new to beard care, or someone who is a seasoned groomer, Doc Goodbeard has something for everyone!

Texas Singer/Songwriter Jack Blaise is a veteran of the US Army and Marine Corps who went on to become a firefighter and paramedic with the Houston Fire Department for 10 years before a painful and debilitating physical condition that laid him flat on his back for 7 years. Jack goes on to share how he finally sought relief quite by coincidence, along with his personal stories about his service to our country, his thoughts about a variety of experiences, both high and low in the work he performed as an EMT and the changes in his perspective about it. Includes live acoustic performances of his original songs, and one of his favorite covers. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones.

Featuring Thomas Walk, a US Army Veteran whose accomplishments include a Telly Award, six national awards for poetry and spoken word, seven published poetry collections and an Emmy nomination. Tommy's art seeks to open the conversation about the reality of mental health. Blending emotion and experience into creativity, the overall goal is an empathic connection to help others see they are not alone. Host Matthew Jones sits down for a conversation with Tommy, who shares his deeply personal stories along with a number of his powerful writings.

Hosts Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones sit down for a conversation with Robert Rask, a Utah-based master guitar luthier. Along with his personal stories of woodworking, music and his own life's journey, Robert talks about the intimate process of building instruments by hand using rare and exotic tone woods, and artifacts which bring deep meaning to the guitar owner he creates these for. Includes a behind the scenes look at his workshop, and some of the handcrafted instruments he's currently working on. www.raskguitars.com