In episode 168 of Veteran Made, I sit down with actor and indie film producer Matt Dallas to dig into what it really means to commit more than a decade of your life to one movie and one story.  We talk about how Sheepdog grew over a 10-year journey across the country, sitting with veterans, Gold Star families, and mental health professionals in living rooms, dive bars, and VA clinics .  Matt opens up about breaking out of typecasting, transforming himself physically and emotionally for the role of Daryl, and learning to trust his craft as an actor while juggling the chaos of being a hands-on filmmaker responsible for casting, background, and logistics.  If you care about movies, cinema, and honest performances that come from real human connection, this conversation shows what it looks like when an actor and producer refuses to phone it in and instead builds a character from years of direct engagement with the veteran community.

We also get unapologetic about why independent film — especially adult dramas like Sheepdog — has to exist in theaters and why audiences have to show up if they want better movies.  Matt and I talk about getting laughed out of rooms and the pressure to swap out the director or cast a bigger name just to unlock financing.  We break down how hard it is for a small, veteran-centered drama to secure a 500-screen theatrical run, why dumping these films straight to streaming buries them, and how voting with your ticket — by actually going to the theater — directly decides which stories actors, producers, and filmmakers get to tell next.

If you’re a veteran, a movie lover, or someone who believes cinema still matters, this episode is a call to action: fund indie films, buy tickets, bring your friends, and help keep real, grounded stories on the big screen where they belong.

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/

https://www.instagram.com/mattdallas/

https://www.instagram.com/sheepdogthemovie/

https://www.instagram.com/teamhousestudios/

In episode 167, I sit down with actor, writer, director, and producer Steven Grayhm to dig into the 14-year journey behind his new movie Sheepdog and why truthful storytelling about veterans and combat trauma cannot afford to be filtered through a political lens. From his first encounter with a struggling tow truck driver in 2011 to years embedded with veterans, families, and VA clinicians, Steven shares how listening without prejudice became the foundation of this film and why he refused to “bend the knee” to Hollywood to get it made. Sheepdog is not another war movie or PTSD cliché but a deeply human story about post-traumatic growth, fragmented families, and the way ordinary people carry extraordinary burdens.

Throughout our conversation, we challenge the idea that stories about war, veterans, and mental health should serve any party, policy, or culture-war narrative, and argue aggressively that they must exist to serve the people who actually lived them — period.  We unpack how character, craft, and performance can honor veterans and Gold Star families without turning them into propaganda pieces or pity objects, and why audiences deserve movies and podcasts that tell the truth as we see it, even when that truth is messy, uncomfortable, or unflattering to anyone’s politics.  If you care about actors doing the work, about movies that respect the veteran community, and about storytelling that refuses to be weaponized, this episode will give you a clear, uncompromising case for art that chooses honesty over agenda every single time.

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/

https://www.instagram.com/sheepdogthemovie/

https://www.instagram.com/sgrayhm/

https://www.instagram.com/teamhousestudios/

In episode 166, I sit down with Matthew Modine who played Private Joker in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, for a direct and powerful conversation about the intersection of art, memoir, and the real experiences of Veterans. Our discussion went past surface nostalgia and straight into war, trauma, and the lifelong transition veterans face after leaving service. Matthew’s journey as both an actor and memoirist — through his Full Metal Jacket Diary — demonstrates the force of honest storytelling in giving veterans a space to process and share the truth. We focused on the way art and memoir can offer authenticity and connection, which is crucial for those looking to make sense of war’s realities and the transition home.

Storytelling matters to the veteran community because it allows us to recount sensitive subjects like war and combat trauma without agenda or politics. The real power comes from telling our stories exactly as we see and remember them, openly and honestly. In our discussion, Matthew and I made it clear that sharing these narratives is critical—not just for healing, but for ensuring veterans aren’t left isolated with their experiences. By holding up a mirror to our journey, rather than a mask, we help others understand the costs and complexities of service, validating the memoir, the film, and every veteran’s art as necessary acts of truth.

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/

https://www.instagram.com/matthewmodine/

In episode 165, I sit down with my friend Stan Lake — author, poet, naturalist, filmmaker, and veteran — to dig into his new poetry collection, “Toad in a Glass Jar,” published by Dead Reckoning Collective. Stan and I have shared campfires, conversations about art, music, and nature, and countless stories about the weird, wild intersections of service and life after the military. His writing pulls from his deep love of nature and his lived experience as a veteran, exploring the messy integration and disintegration that comes with transition. Our discussion gets to the heart of why art and honest storytelling around combat trauma, war, and the veteran transition matter and not just for those who’ve served, but for anyone who cares about understanding real human experience in all its contradictions and complexity.

Storytelling is more than just catharsis; it’s survival. Veterans need to connect with each other and with broader audiences, to name, shape, and share their stories — including the hard and the sensitive stuff — because it’s how we combat isolation, build meaning, and lower the risk of mental health challenges that can haunt our community. As a veteran, author, and creative, I believe it’s absolutely necessary to claim the power in our own voices, whether through poetry, essays, music, or conversation. If this episode shows anything, it’s that writing and art aren’t luxuries but  essential tools for processing experience, finding connection, and supporting each other through the ongoing work of transition.

If you’ve got something to say, say it. If you need a community, build it. Your story matters. We need to hear it.

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/

https://www.instagram.com/catchingcreation/

In episode 164, I sat down with Jake Tapper, acclaimed journalist, author, and host of The Lead with Jake Tapper and State of the Union on CNN, to dive deep into his forthcoming book “Race Against Terror.” Our conversation covered why history, especially the stories of terrorism and the global war on terror, must be told through the human perspective.

Jake  talked about how he blends journalistic accuracy with the compelling narrative techniques of fiction to keep difficult subjects accessible and — yes — entertaining. It’s not enough to list facts or relay tragedies; the only way to reach people is to show why these stories matter on a personal level, connecting readers to the real emotions and experiences of those swept up in events that shape our world.

Storytelling about terrorism and history isn’t just about recounting the headlines. It’s about making sure the stories don’t lose their humanity or get buried by controversy. Jake and I agreed that the reason podcasts and books about true crime resonate is because they deliver messy realities with genuine empathy and a structure that draws people in. If we treat terrorism, ideology, or even trauma as disconnected cases or dry bullet points, we lose the chance to learn, empathize, and possibly prevent the next tragedy. Entertaining, accessible storytelling brings people together at the deepest level. It demands answers and spurs personal reflection while empowering us to see the past not just as a series of political moves but as an ongoing human drama full of heartbreak, forgiveness, and difficult choices.

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/

https://www.instagram.com/jaketapper/

In episode 163, I sit down with Jack Carr — veteran, bestselling author, and screenwriter — to talk about Cry Havoc, his latest addition to The Terminal List series of novels and the evolving journey from page to screen.

Our conversation dives into how Jack’s relentless world building isn’t just about crafting thrillers; it’s about intentionally seeding story elements that let him explore multiple generations and secret corners of the narratives he creates as both a novelist and as a showrunner. If you’re driven to tell stories at the highest levels, every decision is an opportunity to lay groundwork for future storytelling, and no detail is too small if it sets the stage for new layers of exploration.

Jack and I talk about the differences between writing for the screen and for the page and discuss how living as both a screenwriter and an author challenges and grows his craft. Collaborating with a creative team to build a TV series from a book is a radically different experience than solo writing, but mastering one makes him sharper and more flexible in the other, ultimately enriching character development, authenticity, and the stories themselves.

We talk about the accountability that comes with a passionate fanbase, the reward of honoring veterans by getting the details right, and how creating in both worlds — the page and the screen — lets us explore the deepest truths in the universe we build.

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/

https://www.instagram.com/jackcarrusa/

Episode 162 is a recording from conversation with my friend, Michael Jerome Plunkett, at Storyline Bookshop in Upper Arlington, Ohio.

Michael shares the journey behind his debut novel “Zone Rouge,” (published by Unnamed Press) chronicling his fascination with Verdun, France and the lingering effects of World War I on its people and landscape. We dive deep into Michael’s unique approach to writing in present tense and how our life experiences shape the perspectives we bring to the writing process.

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/

https://www.instagram.com/michaeljeromeplunkett/

https://www.instagram.com/storylinebookshop

https://www.instagram.com/unnamedpress/

In episode 161, I dive deep into the heart of life after service, exploring what it means to transition from the military into the creative world of media and storytelling. I sit down with my friend, Martin Foster, a retiring Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, podcaster, speaker, and actor, to unpack the journey of moving from rigid military identity to embracing a brand new chapter fueled by passion, creativity, and self-discovery. Our candid conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of being vulnerable, especially for those who never quite fit into traditional molds. Together, we break down how forging your own path as a veteran podcaster, media professional, and influencer means trusting your instincts, owning your interests, and standing aggressively in your authenticity.

Martin shares his story of retiring after 23 years in the Air Force, emphasizing how shedding an old identity is only the start of something far more exciting and fulfilling. We get real about the power of connection—how acting, podcasting, and public speaking empower veterans and creatives alike to own every piece of their story. For anyone searching for a blueprint to thrive after service, this episode delivers actionable insights on staying true to yourself, using your unique voice in media, and boldly building new communities. If you’re ready to rewrite what it means to be a veteran, challenge the status quo, and launch your next big adventure, this conversation is for you.

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/

https://www.instagram.com/torchmartin/

In episode 160, I sit down with Marine Corps captain and children’s book author, Riley Tejcek, to dive into what it really takes for a veteran to step into the world of publishing. Riley shares her journey from serving as an officer and competing for Team USA as a bobsled pilot, to becoming a children’s book author with You Can Dream It, Be It!” published by End Game Press.

We dig into how her military experiences — discipline, attention to detail, and resilience — helped her endure the publishing process but also how the military mindset of over-planning almost became an obstacle to finishing the manuscript.

Veterans often believe every plan must be airtight before executing, but as Riley explains, creativity rewards bias toward action. If you wait too long to perfect the idea, the impact never reaches the audience.

What struck me most in this conversation is how Riley’s experience as a Marine officer taught her to lead, focus, and push forward with confidence and how those same traits can easily turn into perfectionism and overthinking when applied to the creative process. We talk about the balance between truth and storytelling, why stepping into the unfamiliar world of children’s literature matters for veterans, and how writing offers not just another career outlet but also a way to bridge the military-civilian divide. If you’re a veteran who’s ever thought about writing, creating, or publishing, this episode is fuel. You’ll leave hearing Riley’s advice loud and clear: stop planning, start writing, and trust the process.

In this episode:

•My daughter meets Riley and shares her favorite part of the book

•Riley’s background as a Marine Corps Captain, Team USA bobsledder, and Division I softball player leading into children’s book authorship

•The motivation to write a children’s book so kids, especially girls, can see female military role models early in life

•How much of the book is autobiographical and rooted in her real family and mentors

•The military mindset of over-planning versus the creative necessity of acting and writing before things are “perfect”

•Lessons from the publishing process: seeking advice, facing rejection, and choosing a publisher over self-publishing

•Challenges of collaboration with editors and learning to truly write for children

•The impact the book has on both children and their parents, showing how parents serve as everyday role models

•Future creative plans, including another children’s book focused on deployment and global service

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/

https://www.instagram.com/riley.tejcek/

In episode 159, I spoke with Ryan Curtis, an Army veteran and the writer, director, and producer of Hollywood Grit. Ryan shares his journey from growing up in a working-class town outside Boston, serving in the Army during the height of the Global War on Terror, and ultimately finding his calling as a storyteller and director. We dive into his path of learning the movie business the hard way — by doing every job on set so that when the time came to direct, he had the tools, taste, and leadership skills needed to succeed. This episode highlights how veteran discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving translate perfectly into the high-pressure world of film production.

We also talk about how Ryan leveraged his military-honed leadership style to build a crew, direct actors, and bring together a creative team capable of producing a full-length Hollywood movie against massive odds, including the pandemic, strikes, funding obstacles, and industry politics. Ryan not only directed and co-wrote Hollywood Grit, a modern neo-noir film set in a jazz club, but he also employed over 50 veterans on set, using his platform to create opportunities for other veterans. We discuss the role of Veterans in Media and Entertainment (VME) in connecting veterans to meaningful work in the movie business and why saying yes to failure is the secret to growth.

In this episode:

•Post-9/11 deployments

•Military to civilian transition and creative career shift

•Importance of learning every role on a film set to build experience

•Veteran skills (leadership, adaptability) powering film production

•Journey to directing and co-writing “Hollywood Grit”

•Overcoming pandemic, strikes, and funding woes in independent film production

•Hiring other veterans

•Value of teamwork, collaboration, and the development of artistic taste

•Veterans in Media and Entertainment (VME) as industry gateway

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/

https://www.instagram.com/ryan32

https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodgritfilm/