The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk

Ep 49: Die Tired is back around The Roundtable—and after three years of HEROSTOCK, there are plenty of stories to tell. Tom and Matt catch up with the guys about their journey from their first HEROSTOCK in 2024 to returning for the HEROSTOCK ’26 PreParty, the friendships they’ve built along the way, and why this has become much more than another show on the calendar. The conversation also gets personal as the band talks about the meaning behind “Better Off Alive,” the connection between their music and HEROSTOCK’s mission, how Die Tired has grown as a band, and what’s ahead—including new music and plans to return to the studio. Featuring Die Tired: Matthew DeAngelis • Matt Orlando • Jamieson “Jim” Lee • Brandon Ballantyne. Keep the conversation going—and keep honoring our heroes.

What does it take to build a historically accurate Viking longship—and then sail it across the Atlantic? On this episode of The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk, Tom Lamog sits down with Vinlandferth President Keith Alexander, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran; Vice President Doug Cline, a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran; and Communications Director Amber Wisby, a military veteran, to talk about the people, purpose and challenges behind this extraordinary mission. We explore how their military service, teamwork and resilience carry into the Vinlandferth mission—and what it will take to bring Viking maritime history to life on an epic transatlantic voyage.

Learn more at Vinlandferth.com.

🎙️ The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk 📺 Herostock Nation Podcast Network - Watch on YouTube 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Audacy and TuneIn 📻 Select episodes air nationally on Wreaths Across America Radio.

Keep the Conversation Going, and Keep Honoring Our Heroes.

In Episode 47 of The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk, hosts Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones sit down with HEROSTOCK President Jason Steiner and Media & Promotions Consultant/photographer Carrie Parkhurst to look back on one unforgettable weekend. They share some laughs and stories about the Preparty, the incredible local and regional bands, our first Roundtable Live, a beard competition that may have taken on a life of its own, BlackHawk, the growing crowd, and some of the things happening behind the scenes that most people never saw. It’s not an after-action report. It’s a chance to hear HEROSTOCK ’26 from four people who experienced it from very different perspectives—and had a lot of fun along the way.

In this episode of The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk, host Tom Lamog sits down with two outstanding artists who represent different stages of their musical careers—but share the same passion for songwriting and connecting with audiences.

Tony Traynor, frontman of The Traynr Band, returns to The Roundtable to talk about nearly a decade of performing, opening for nationally recognized artists, building a successful band, and the importance of surrounding yourself with great musicians.

Shelby K shares her inspiring journey from setting music aside to rediscovering her passion years later. She opens up about finding her voice, songwriting, recording in Nashville, and why authentic storytelling is at the heart of everything she creates.

Together, Tony and Shelby discuss their very different musical journeys, how songs are written and evolve over time, collaborating with other songwriters, the Nebraska music community, preparing for the HEROSTOCK Main Stage, why supporting fellow musicians makes everyone better. This episode is filled with honest conversation, laughter, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that brings great songs to life.

If you're headed to HEROSTOCK 2026, you'll get to see both artists perform live on the Main Stage!

Before they take the stage at The Roundtable Live at HEROSTOCK '26, get to know the four talented songwriters who will bring their stories and songs to Ashland, Nebraska.

In this special edition of The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk, host Tom Lamog sits down with:

• Matthew Jones – Award-winning songwriter, combat veteran, and co-host of The Roundtable
• Anthony Segovia – U.S. Marine Corps veteran and emerging Nebraska country artist
• Derek Thompson – U.S. Marine Corps veteran, firefighter, paramedic, EMT, and singer-songwriter
• D.J. Bridwell – Nebraska Country Music Hall of Fame member and founder of the Trails of Tales Songwriter Festival

Throughout the program, you'll hear the personal stories behind their music, what inspires their songwriting, live acoustic performances of original songs, fun lightning-round questions, and a preview of The Roundtable Live at HEROSTOCK '26.

The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk is presented by HEROSTOCK and celebrates the voices of veterans, first responders, musicians, and community leaders through meaningful conversations and live music.

Keep the conversation going, and keep honoring our heroes.

Get ready for one of HEROSTOCK's newest attractions—the Big Beautiful Bad A$$ Beard Battle! Join hosts Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones as they welcome Kevin Gouran, founder of Doc Goodbeard, and renowned beard competition host Ron Wolek. Learn how beard competitions work, what judges look for, how Doc Goodbeard's partnership with HEROSTOCK came together, and why this fun, family-friendly event is about much more than great facial hair—it's about community.

Whether you're thinking about competing or just want to see what all the excitement is about, this episode gives you everything you need to know before the inaugural Beard Battle at HEROSTOCK 2026.

In Part 1, we got to know Army veteran, retired firefighter, paramedic, and artist Robert "Shrek" Harrell as he shared the experiences that shaped his life—from growing up in Oklahoma to a lifetime of service, and the unseen burdens carried by so many veterans and first responders. In this second half, we'll discover how painting became an important part of Shrek's healing journey. He'll share the stories behind several of his original paintings, and later, he'll create a painting live while giving us a glimpse into his creative process. www.herostock.org

#Herostock #WhereHeroesTalk #veteranstories

What shapes a lifetime of service—and what happens when the weight of that service becomes too much to carry?

In Part 1 of this two-part episode of The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk, Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones welcome Army veteran, retired firefighter, paramedic, Choctaw artist, and storyteller Robert "Shrek" Harrell.

Shrek shares his journey from growing up in rural Oklahoma and caring for his disabled mother to serving as a firefighter, paramedic, and Army firefighter. Along the way, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his life, the unseen burdens carried by veterans and first responders, and the artistic gift that has remained a constant throughout his journey. Throughout the conversation, Shrek also shares several of his original paintings and the stories and emotions behind them.

In Part 2, Shrek demonstrates his creative process by painting live in the studio while discussing how art became a powerful part of his healing journey.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, and Share.

www.herostock.org

Get to know the voices behind The Roundtable Live before they take the stage at HEROSTOCK '26. This special preview introduces four outstanding singer-songwriters—Derek Thompson, Matthew Jones, D.J. Bridwell, and Anthony Segovia—through highlights from their conversations on The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk, along with acoustic performances from their podcast appearances. Each artist brings a unique journey, a different perspective, and a passion for sharing stories through music. From military service and first responder experiences to award-winning songwriting and building communities through music, these conversations remind us that every song has a story—and every story has the power to connect us. Join us on August 15 at the Country Drive Golf Course in Ashland, Nebraska, as these four artists come together for the inaugural HEROSTOCK '26 Writers Round: The Roundtable Live. 🎟️ Tickets & Information: www.herostock.org Keep the conversation going, and keep honoring our heroes.

YouTube Description (7 Lines)

Join us on The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk as we sit down with Cook McKoy, USMC veteran, songwriter, guitarist, and frontman of Dinnerbell Road. Cook shares stories from his youth in a coal-mining community and the path that led him to enlist in the Marine Corps. We discuss boot camp, brotherhood, military service, and the life lessons he still carries today. He reflects on how music entered his life, learning guitar, and finding his voice as a songwriter. Cook also shares the inspiration behind his Marine Corps-inspired song, “Yellow Footprints.” From service to storytelling, this is an honest conversation about purpose, authenticity, and the power of music. Listen in and discover why real stories still matter. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones. www.herostock.org