Veteran Made with Carey Kight

Patriotism in America is not a monolith — it’s a battleground of identity, sacrifice, and service — and this episode of Veteran Made rips off the veneer of easy answers.

Host Carey Kight and guest Jordan Buck, a former Army Cav Scout, refuse to let listeners coast on tired clichés. They confront the reality that waving a flag or wearing a uniform is not the sum total of service. For Buck, who never deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, the military was transformative, making him a better man. Yet, he’s blunt: not every veteran’s journey is the same, and not every act of service is recognized or understood. This episode demands that you stop measuring patriotism by a single yardstick. Service is not about the loudest display, but the quiet, relentless drive to give back in your own way, whether that’s running an ultramarathon relay across the country or supporting your community at home.

Listeners are challenged to interrogate their own assumptions about what it means to serve and what it means to be patriotic. Team RWB’s Old Glory Ultra Relay, where Buck and his team will run the American flag from coast-to-coast, isn’t just a spectacle; it’s a living, grueling testament to American service. The episode lays bare the divisions and judgments that simmer beneath the surface — who “counts” as a real veteran, whose sacrifice is “enough” — and then torches them. If you think patriotism is simple, this episode will force you to reckon with its complexity. It’s a call to action: understand that service is different for everyone, and true patriotism means honoring every path, every sacrifice, and every story, not just the ones that fit neatly into your idea of what America should be.

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In this episode of Veteran Made, Zack Lever shares his compelling journey leading up to his participation in the Old Glory Ultra Relay. Initially selected as a team chief rather than a runner, Zack candidly discusses the internal conflict he faced when asked to contribute in a supporting role rather than running—a passion that defines him. Despite his initial hesitation, Zack leaned into the challenge, embracing the leadership role and preparing to guide his team through the grueling relay. However, when unforeseen circumstances opened a spot for him to run, Zack seamlessly transitioned back to his original aspiration, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. His story is a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and finding meaning in contributing to a greater cause, even if it’s not in the way initially envisioned.

This episode challenges listeners to reflect on their own willingness to engage in hard, meaningful activities — especially when they don’t align perfectly with personal desires. Zack’s experience underscores the importance of embracing opportunities to serve and lead, even when they require sacrifice or compromise. As he prepares for the physically and emotionally demanding task of running multiple days with his team, Zack exemplifies how persistence, teamwork, and a commitment to something larger than oneself can lead to unexpected growth and fulfillment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about grit, adaptability, and finding purpose in every role you play.

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The Old Glory Ultra Relay is not just a test of physical endurance — it is a crucible for leadership at every level, demanding relentless initiative, adaptability, and cohesion from all involved. Episode 141 with Cole DeRosa makes clear that pulling off an event of this magnitude requires far more than just elite runners; it calls for a military-grade approach to logistics, communication, and mutual accountability. From the top-level organizers at Team RWB, who orchestrate the complex web of support, planning, and logistics, to the sub-teams and individual runners, leadership is the engine that keeps the operation moving. The event’s success hinges on leaders who can both direct and listen, who know when to step up and when to support, and who are unafraid to make hard decisions in the face of adversity — a reminder that the real challenge is not just the miles, but the orchestration of people, resources, and time under pressure.

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In this gripping episode of Veteran Made, Lindsay Kasow dives deep into the transformative power of shared suffering and how it forges unbreakable bonds. Through her journey as an ultrarunner and participant in Team RWB's Old Glory Ultra Relay, Lindsay shares how pushing physical and mental limits alongside others creates a profound sense of community. Whether it’s enduring grueling night runs or facing the unpredictable challenges of a cross-country relay, she explains that suffering together builds trust, camaraderie, and an unmatched depth of connection. Her insights challenge listeners to seek out these difficult experiences intentionally—not to avoid pain, but to embrace it as a pathway to meaningful relationships and personal growth.

This episode is a rallying cry for those who crave authentic connection in a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions. Lindsay’s stories of perseverance, teamwork, and gratitude reveal the beauty of enduring hardship with others. She inspires listeners to step out of their comfort zones and create spaces where adversity becomes the glue that binds communities together. If you’ve ever wondered how to build deeper relationships or find purpose through struggle, this episode will push you to take action. Lace up your shoes, gather your team, and prepare to face the challenge head-on—because true belonging is forged in the fire of shared trials.

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In this episode of Veteran Made, host Carey Kight sits down with Bill Savage, a former Army infantry officer and endurance athlete, to explore the relentless pursuit of growth during the transition from military service to civilian life. Savage shares his journey from serving in elite units like the 82nd Airborne and the 75th Ranger Regiment to finding purpose post-service through challenges like ultra-marathons and Team RWB's Old Glory Ultra Relay. This conversation underscores the critical importance of continuous learning and adapting, as Savage reflects on how his military mindset of grit, teamwork, and pushing limits has shaped his approach to life as a civilian. He emphasizes the value of embracing discomfort, whether through physical endurance events or navigating personal transitions, as a way to discover one’s true potential.

Listeners are challenged to adopt the mindset of a “supportive competitor,” a concept Savage highlights from his experiences in endurance sports. This philosophy combines personal ambition with a commitment to uplifting others, fostering both individual growth and community strength. The episode also delves into the role of fitness as a tool for emotional and mental resilience, encouraging veterans and civilians alike to seek purpose beyond their professional lives. Savage’s reflections on integrating military values into civilian contexts serve as a powerful call to action: redefine what it means to be a veteran by embodying strength, resilience, and humility while continuously striving for self-improvement. Whether you’re a veteran navigating your own transition or someone seeking inspiration, this episode will compel you to step up, lean into challenges, and support those around you in their pursuits.

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Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

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In this gripping episode of Veteran Made, host Carey Kight interviews Johnny “MF” Glenn, a former Special Forces operator and current ultra-runner participating in Team RWB’s Old Glory Ultra Relay. Glenn’s unconventional approach to training and life philosophy challenges listeners to rethink their own methods of personal growth and achievement.

Glenn introduces the powerful concept of “stacking moments” as a way to build a quality life across all dimensions. He emphasizes the importance of being present in each moment, drawing strength from past experiences, and continuously moving forward. This mindset allows Glenn to tackle grueling physical challenges and life obstacles with equal determination, viewing each as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback.

Listeners will be inspired by Glenn’s no-excuses attitude and his call to action for veterans and civilians alike to keep pushing themselves beyond perceived limits. His mantra “a body in motion needs no lotion” encapsulates a lifestyle of constant improvement and resilience. This episode serves as a wake-up call to those stuck in complacency, urging them to reframe their approach to challenges and embrace discomfort as a catalyst for personal evolution. Glenn’s raw honesty and unfiltered perspective offer a refreshing and motivating take on how to live life to its fullest potential.

Episode Sponsors:

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In episode 137 of Veteran Made, Zach Polega, a West Point grad and former Army Ranger, challenges veterans to take aggressive ownership of their post-service purpose. Polega, preparing for the grueling Old Glory Ultra Relay, emphasizes that the military equips service members with invaluable skills, but it’s on individuals to leverage these abilities in civilian life. He argues against the entitlement mentality some veterans adopt, insisting that the onus is on each person to chart their own course and find new missions to pursue. Polega’s approach to the relay exemplifies this mindset, as he combines his military experience with a willingness to learn from teammates with diverse backgrounds.

Carey and Zach tackle the controversial topic of veteran identity head-on, asserting that clinging to military roles can hinder growth. They advocate for a radical reframing: instead of defining oneself solely by past service, veterans should view their military experience as informative but not definitive. This perspective allows for personal evolution and the pursuit of new challenges. Polega’s participation in the Old Glory Ultra Relay serves as a prime example, showcasing how veterans can channel their skills into fresh endeavors while building new communities. The episode delivers a clear message: the responsibility for finding purpose and redefining identity post-service lies squarely with the individual, and embracing this challenge is key to thriving in civilian life.

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

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This episode of Veteran Made dives deep into the transformative power of purpose and the dangers of misdirected effort, featuring Roel Gonzalez, an Army veteran and crew chief for Team RWB’s Old Glory Ultra Relay. Gonzalez shares his journey from military service to ultra running, revealing how even good things—like physical endurance or community service—can become harmful when pursued for the wrong reasons. He recounts his early experiences running marathons during deployment and how they shifted from a means of distraction to a source of purpose. The episode challenges listeners to reflect on their own actions and motivations, emphasizing that how we do things matters more than what we do. This is not just about physical feats but about aligning mindset and heartset to create meaningful impact.

The conversation explores the unique dynamics of the Old Glory Ultra Relay, where runners carry the American flag across the country in a mission that transcends athleticism. Gonzalez highlights the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and shared purpose over individual achievement. He describes how his role as a crew chief involves balancing the physical and emotional needs of the runners while preparing for unforeseen challenges. The episode underscores that enduring hardship for a greater cause—what Gonzalez calls “elective suffering”—is a powerful way to grow and contribute meaningfully. It also critiques superficial approaches to failure, urging listeners to embrace setbacks as opportunities for deeper learning and growth.

Listeners are left with a powerful takeaway: good intentions alone are not enough; actions must be rooted in genuine purpose and community connection. Gonzalez’s raw honesty about his struggles with transitioning out of the military and rediscovering his sense of belonging through Team RWB is both inspiring and convicting. This episode pushes you to reevaluate your own motivations, challenging you to turn good deeds into great ones by aligning them with the right purpose. Whether you’re a runner, a veteran, or someone seeking clarity in your life’s mission, this episode will leave you motivated to rethink how you approach challenges and opportunities alike.

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

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In this powerful episode of Veteran Made, Jason Wood shares his transformative journey from struggling veteran to elite ultrarunner, emphasizing the critical importance of taking full responsibility for one’s health and wellness. Wood’s story is a testament to the profound impact of personal accountability, particularly in the context of fatherhood. He describes how the realization that he needed to be a better example for his daughter became the catalyst for his remarkable transformation, pushing him from being out of shape and mentally struggling to competing at an elite level in ultra-endurance events.

Wood’s approach to change is both challenging and inspiring. He advocates for setting ambitious goals, breaking them down into manageable pieces, and consistently pushing through mental and physical barriers. His experience in ultra-running serves as a metaphor for life’s challenges, demonstrating how the mental frameworks developed during extreme physical exertion can be applied to overcome obstacles in all areas of life. Wood’s emphasis on community, particularly within the veteran population, highlights the importance of mutual support and accountability in achieving lasting change.

Listeners will be challenged by Wood’s no-excuses attitude and his call to action for veterans to lead the nation out of its current health crisis. His participation in the Old Glory Ultra Relay exemplifies how individual effort, when combined with a larger purpose, can create a powerful movement for change. This episode serves as a wake-up call for anyone struggling with their health or sense of purpose, offering a roadmap for transformation that starts with taking responsibility and embracing discomfort as a pathway to growth. Wood’s journey from rock bottom to elite athlete is a compelling argument for the life-changing potential of committing to one’s health and wellness, with the added motivation of being a positive role model for the next generation.

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

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This episode features a discussion with JJ Pinner and Mike “Sully” Sullivan from Team RWB about their upcoming Old Glory Ultra Relay event. The conversation delves into the organization’s mission to build America’s foremost health and wellness community for veterans and how this ambitious relay across the country embodies their commitment to challenging the prevailing narrative of veterans as victims.

The episode aggressively confronts the harmful “broken veteran” mentality that has taken root in recent years. JJ and Sully emphasize that this victimization narrative is not only inaccurate but actively damaging to the veteran community. They argue that veterans themselves have played a role in perpetuating this stereotype, sometimes using it for fundraising or attention. This self-fulfilling prophecy has led to a distorted public perception of veterans as helpless victims rather than capable individuals with valuable skills and experiences.

Veterans are directly challenged to take responsibility for combating this destructive narrative. The Old Glory Ultra Relay serves as a powerful example of veterans leading by action, demonstrating their strength, resilience, and ability to accomplish extraordinary feats. The episode calls on veterans to reject the victim mentality, step up as leaders in their communities, and show America that they are not broken, but rather uniquely positioned to tackle significant challenges and inspire others to prioritize health and wellness.

Episode Sponsors:

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

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