In this special episode of Veteran Made, Carey Kight interviews Mark Holtzman, an aerial photographer who has captured iconic images of military flyovers at the Rose Bowl for over 15 years. Holtzman’s journey began in 2009 when he serendipitously photographed a B-2 bomber flying over the stadium during the national anthem. This image, which went viral and earned international recognition, sparked a tradition that has become a hallmark of American sports culture.

The conversation delves into the intricate process of capturing these breathtaking moments, blending the precision of military aviation with the pageantry of college football. Holtzman describes the challenges of coordinating with Air Force pilots, navigating complex airspace, and timing his shots to perfection. His photographs encapsulate the essence of Americana, showcasing the convergence of military might, collegiate tradition, and national pride in a single frame.

Throughout the episode, the veteran and civilian find common ground in their appreciation for these uniquely American experiences. They discuss the significance of the Rose Bowl as “The Granddaddy of Them All,” the pride of university marching bands performing intricate formations, and the awe-inspiring sight of a stealth bomber soaring over a sea of cheering fans. Holtzman’s work not only commemorates these moments for the pilots and spectators but also serves as a powerful symbol of the shared values and experiences that unite Americans across different walks of life.

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In this captivating episode of Veteran Made, two old friends, Carey Kight and Ryan Kutscher, dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship and creative pursuits. Their conversation is a masterclass in learning by doing, challenging the conventional wisdom that success comes from accepting the advice of professors and executives at face value. Ryan’s journey from advertising to launching his own beer brand, Dad Strength Brewing, serves as a powerful testament to the value of hands-on experience and the courage to pursue one’s vision.

The episode is a rallying cry for aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives to break free from the shackles of traditional career paths and educational models. Ryan’s experiences, from dropping out of ad school to take an unpaid internship, to launching multiple businesses, highlight the importance of seizing opportunities and learning through real-world challenges. The conversation emphasizes that true growth and innovation come from taking risks, making mistakes, and constantly adapting to new situations – not from sitting in classrooms or boardrooms.

Listeners will be challenged to question their own career trajectories and comfort zones. This episode isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s a wake-up call for those who’ve been playing it safe or waiting for the “right time” to pursue their dreams. Ryan and Carey’s frank discussion about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the value of failure, and the importance of solving real problems for niche markets will inspire listeners to take action now. If you’re tired of theoretical knowledge and ready to embrace the messy, exhilarating world of doing, this episode is your starting gun. Don’t just listen – let it ignite the fire to start your own journey today.

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In this intimate and candid conversation, Aaron Love, a recently retired Air Force Pararescueman, shares his challenging journey transitioning from a 22-year military career to civilian life with his friend Carey Kight. Aaron opens up about the profound mental and emotional shifts required to adapt to a world without the structure, purpose, and camaraderie that defined his military experience. He emphasizes the humbling process of going from being a highly skilled operator and leader to feeling like a novice in his new civilian role, highlighting the importance of managing expectations and being brutally honest with oneself during this transition.

Aaron details his experience with the Special Operations Transition Foundation (SOTF), crediting the organization with saving his life by helping him navigate the complexities of civilian job searches and workplace dynamics. He describes the lengthy interview process for his current position, revealing the stark differences between military and civilian hiring practices. Aaron stresses the need for veterans to recognize that their military accomplishments, while valuable, do not automatically translate to civilian success, and that humility and a willingness to learn are crucial in this new chapter of life.

Throughout the conversation, Aaron and Carey explore the broader implications of veteran transitions, touching on the importance of maintaining connections with the military community while adapting to civilian life. They discuss the responsibility veterans have in accurately portraying both the challenges and rewards of military service to the next generation. Aaron’s parting advice to fellow veterans is poignant: resist cynicism, maintain hope, and actively engage with your local community. His journey serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and adaptability required of those who transition from the highly specialized world of special operations to civilian life.

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This episode of Veteran Made features a conversation with Trevor Spiers, a Marine Corps veteran and co-founder of oo-Lah, an RTD (ready-to-drink) beverage company. The discussion delves into the importance of building genuine relationships in business as opposed to superficial networking. Trevor emphasizes how leveraging real connections and shared experiences, particularly those from military service, can open doors and create opportunities for entrepreneurs.

The episode underscores the importance of humility and continuous learning for veterans transitioning into business. Trevor advises veterans to leverage their military background when building relationships, but also to be open to new ideas and perspectives. By combining their inherent strengths with a willingness to adapt and learn, veterans can successfully navigate the business world and create thriving enterprises. The key is to focus on building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships rather than simply collecting contacts.

Veterans excel at falling back on their training when faced with challenges, a skill that translates well into the business world. Trevor highlights how military experience instills resilience, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in teams – all valuable traits for entrepreneurs. However, veterans can improve by learning to put aside their ego, be open to killing their “darlings” (favorite ideas that may not work), and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit of taking calculated risks.

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In this thought-provoking episode of Veteran Made, host Carey Kight welcomes back Pat Montgomery, founder of KC Cattle Company and Valor Provisions, in a discussion that serves as a call to action for citizens to become more engaged in their communities, support local agriculture, and make informed decisions that align with their values, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more resilient American food system. Montgomery passionately argues for a return to more ethical and sustainable farming practices, emphasizing the importance of connecting consumers directly with local producers. He introduces Valor Provisions, a co-op model designed to support small purveyors while offering customers high-quality, ethically sourced products at competitive prices.

The conversation delves deep into the current issues plaguing the American food system, including the consolidation of power among a few large corporations, the decline of family farms, and the increasing reliance on imported meat products.

Throughout the episode, Kight and Montgomery stress the critical role that individual Americans play in shaping the future of the country’s food landscape. They challenge listeners to take greater responsibility for their food choices, encouraging them to seek out local producers, understand the origins of their food, and prioritize quality over convenience.

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In this thought-provoking episode of Veteran Made, host Carey Kight interviews author David Rose about his latest novel published by Dead Reckoning Collective, Screaming Eagles Wings, and delves into the deeper cultural implications of storytelling rooted in personal experience. Rose, a former Marine who served in Iraq, discusses how his book aims to counter the prevailing narrative about the Iraq War by highlighting the heroic aspects and the sense of brotherhood that many veterans fondly remember.

The conversation takes a critical turn as Rose and Kight explore the concept of cultural decline in America. They argue that the current societal shift towards a “victim culture” has negatively impacted veterans, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of struggle and victimhood. Rose emphasizes the importance of recognizing the extraordinary achievements of their generation and rejecting the notion that veterans are inherently victims of their experiences.

Both Kight and Rose advocate for a return to personal responsibility and reconnection with the broader civilian community. They stress the value of specific, experience-based storytelling as an antidote to the superficial, high-level perspectives that dominate modern discourse. By sharing authentic, deeply personal narratives, they believe veterans can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of their experiences and help combat the cultural decline they perceive.

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In this compelling episode of Veteran Made, Maggie Malek, CEO of Crispin, shares her journey from the military to the top of the advertising industry. Joining the Army Reserves after 9/11, Maggie credits the military with saving her life and providing the structure she needed during a challenging time. Her experience in the Army Reserves, combined with her pursuit of education and various jobs, laid the foundation for her successful career in advertising.

Maggie’s military background has profoundly shaped her leadership style at Crispin. She emphasizes three key pillars: being worthy of your post, seeing your people, and embodying the mission. These principles, deeply rooted in her military experience, translate seamlessly into the advertising world. Maggie’s approach to leadership focuses on taking care of her team, understanding diverse perspectives, and driving results - skills honed during her time in the Army Reserves. Her ability to work with diverse teams, think on her feet, and solve complex problems under pressure are direct results of her military training.

For hiring managers in the advertising industry, Maggie’s story illustrates the unique value veterans can bring to roles at every level within ad agencies. Her emphasis on teamwork, mission-focused strategies, and adaptability showcases how military skills can be leveraged in a creative, fast-paced environment.

For veterans considering a career in advertising, Maggie’s journey demonstrates that the industry values the leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills developed in the military. Her success at Crispin proves that veterans can not only thrive in advertising but also rise to top leadership positions, bringing a unique perspective that can drive innovation and success.

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In this gripping episode of Veteran Made, host Carey Kight sits down with Dan Hollaway, a provocative voice in the realm of American politics and culture. Together, they dive headfirst into the murky waters of modern discourse, challenging listeners to reconsider their approach to political engagement and personal responsibility.

Dan Hollaway pulls no punches as he dissects the current state of American dialogue, asserting that the nation stands at a critical juncture where citizens must choose between nihilism and active participation. He argues that the time for complacency is over, urging listeners to “jump in with both feet and tell circumstance and evil, f*ck you.” This raw, unfiltered perspective sets the tone for a conversation that refuses to shy away from controversial topics.

At the heart of their discussion lies a powerful message: true citizenship requires more than just passive observation. Hollaway contends that individual liberty and personal entrepreneurship are the ultimate safeguards against tyranny, echoing the words of America’s founding fathers. He challenges listeners to take an active role in their communities, to engage in difficult conversations, and to lead by example. This episode serves as a wake-up call for those who have grown complacent, reminding us that the preservation of American ideals demands constant vigilance and personal investment.

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In this episode of Veteran Made, Carey Kight engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Cokie about the intersections of art and the military experience. The conversation challenges the often subjective interpretations associated with postmodernism.

Carey and Cokie argue that while self-expression is a significant component of art, there exists an objective standard of goodness, truth, and beauty that artists should strive to capture, pushing back against the notion that art’s meaning is solely determined by the observer’s interpretation. Instead, they suggest that artists bear the responsibility of crafting their work to convey clear, universal messages that resonate across different audiences.

Together, they challenge listeners to reconsider the role of the artist in communicating meaning, urging creators to take ownership of their narratives rather than leaving interpretation entirely in the hands of their audience. This discussion not only questions prevailing artistic norms but also encourages veterans and civilians alike to engage with art as a means of shared understanding and connection.

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In this captivating episode of Veteran Made, host Carey Kight interviews Nick Orton aka Tales from the Grid Square, author of The Transcript, a collection of military horror short stories published by Dead Reckoning Collective. The conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into Orton’s journey from curating real-life paranormal experiences on his Instagram page to crafting his own fictional tales.

Orton’s transition to fiction writing was inspired by fellow author William “Buck” Bolyard, who encouraged him to submit a short story to a horror anthology. Although his initial submission wasn’t accepted, this setback motivated Orton to create his own collection. He shares the intriguing origin of his first story, Just a Rock, which was inspired by Hawaiian legends and superstitions surrounding lava rocks from the Big Island.

The episode delves into Orton’s writing process, revealing how he developed from an unstructured approach to a more refined method of backwards planning from the desired ending. Listeners will appreciate Orton’s honesty about the challenges he faced as an untrained writer and how he overcame them.

One of the most compelling aspects of the conversation is Orton’s discussion of how he incorporated his military experiences and knowledge into the stories. He aimed to represent various branches of the military and drew inspiration from locations he had personally visited. He explains how he borrowed themes from various legends without directly appropriating specific stories, creating a respectful blend of inspiration and originality.

Fans of military fiction and horror will be intrigued by Orton’s mention of a story based on a disputed historical event from over a hundred years ago, leaving listeners eager to uncover this hidden gem within the collection.

This episode offers valuable insights into the creative process behind military horror fiction and showcases the supportive nature of the veteran writing community. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or an aspiring writer, this conversation between Carey and Nick is sure to entertain and inspire.

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