Veteran Made with Carey Kight

Do it right, or don’t do it at all. In episode 179, Nick Koumalatsos returns to Veteran Made to talk about his work as a consulting producer on The Punisher: One Last Kill and his collaboration with Jon Bernthal to bring Frank Castle back to the screen with honesty, weight, and realism. Nick shares how his own background as a Force Recon Marine and special operations veteran helped shape the character, from the tactical details to the deeper emotional truth of a man who has lost his identity, his purpose, and the people who mattered most to him. We talk about how Nick’s book, Excommunicated Warrior, influenced parts of Frank’s arc, why the story needed to show rock bottom instead of explain it, and what it means to portray veterans and special operations service members as human beings rather than untouchable icons. We also get into the craft behind the film itself — working with Jon Bernthal and the stunt team to build realistic action sequences, refining weapons manipulation and close quarter combat, and understanding the difference between what is real in life and what reads as real on camera. This is a conversation about transition, accountability, purpose, brotherhood, pain, and the responsibility of telling these stories the right way in the most grounded depiction of a modern veteran in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/nickkoumalatsos/

Forgotten history, political complexity, storytelling, and the strange ways oil, empire, and ideology have shaped the modern world. In episode 177, I sit down with bestselling author Douglas Brunt to discuss The Lost Empire of Emanuel Nobel, a sweeping narrative history about oil, revolution, and the forgotten Nobel heir who helped power the war machine. Doug shares how Emanuel Nobel’s story emerged from his previous book on Rudolf Diesel, why the Russian Nobel family was effectively erased from history, and how Emanuel’s oil empire collided with the rise of Stalin, Lenin, the Bolsheviks, and the violent upheaval of the Russian Revolution. Our conversation explores how narrative nonfiction can make history feel alive, why history is often more complicated than textbooks suggest, and how massive global shifts are experienced by real people on the ground. We also dig into the craft of writing: research rabbit holes, index cards, archival discoveries, footnotes, building narrative momentum, and the challenge of turning dense historical material into a story with real forward thrust. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/douglas_brunt/

On episode 175, I’m joined by writer, educator, and friend Jessica Danger to talk about her memoir, No Heroic Measures. This conversation is about grief, addiction, caregiving, estrangement, sobriety, and the responsibility that comes with telling the truth on the page. Jessica and I talk about how she shaped an incredibly personal story into a memoir, what it means to tell the truth, and why specificity really is generosity. We also get into the writing process itself — the messy drafts, the revisions, the details you keep, the details you cut, and how sometimes the story you think you’re writing is not the story at all. This one is personal, thoughtful, and deeply human. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/mamadanger/

We must be the ones telling these stories. Not just consulting. Not just advising. Leading. Creating. Producing. Representing ourselves with precision and truth across every level and in every facet of the industry. If we don’t step up, culture will continue to get it wrong. In episode 173, I sit down with the wild man himself, Rudy Reyes — Marine Corps veteran, actor, stunt coordinator, producer, the driving force behind FOX’s Special Forces. Our conversation cuts straight to the core of what authentic storytelling demands. Rudy doesn’t just play roles — he lives them, bringing hard-earned truths from the battlefield to film, television, and commercial advertising. We dive into his latest work as the lead in the VA’s Face Your Dragon campaign, a powerful PSA focused on securing firearms in the home to prevent veteran suicide. This is more than representation, it’s responsibility. Rudy breaks down how his experience as a warfighter directly informs his work as an actor, stunt coordinator, and producer, and why that level of authenticity cannot be faked or outsourced. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/realrudyreyes/ https://www.instagram.com/newwarproductions/

Does it matter who’s telling the story? In episode 171, I sit down with my friend, Ryan Curtis — an accomplished director, filmmaker, and producer — to unpack the creative and emotional mission behind the powerful new PSA campaign for the VA and DoW, “Face Your Dragon.” This campaign tackles one of the hardest conversations in the veteran and military community: suicide prevention. Ryan walks me through how he approached concepting a message that had to be both responsible and deeply human, and we talk about the role of storytelling in public service campaigns that carry real-life consequences. From concept to execution, Ryan shares what it means to direct a national message for the veteran community while balancing authenticity, trust, and impact. We also dig into the bigger picture of representation and storytelling in media targeted to the veteran community. Ryan breaks down the creative choices behind Face Your Dragon, the challenges of producing meaningful PSA content, and what filmmakers and producers can learn from working on campaigns that aim to save lives. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/ryan32curtis/

What really makes great storytelling work in the modern thriller genre? In episode 169, I sit down with two powerhouse thriller authors — Brad Thor and Ward Larsen in a conversation about COLD ZERO, their latest thriller. Centered on shared experience, military service, discipline, and a relentless respect for the craft, our conversation explores why authenticity matters in thrillers and how deep genre knowledge — from tradecraft to aviation — creates books that feel cinematic without losing emotional weight. What really stood out to me is how aggressively Brad and Ward lean into collaboration as a competitive advantage. These are two seasoned writers who didn’t just co-author a novel, they merged similar work ethics, complementary skills, and a shared belief that the best stories come from trust, humility, and putting in the work. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/realbradthor/ https://www.instagram.com/wardlarsenbooks/

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: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. 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 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: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/catchingcreation/

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: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/jackcarrusa/

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: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/riley.tejcek/

In episode 158, we pick up where we left off with Daril Fannin, founder of KINO — the highs and lows of Hollywood, lessons learned from working with icons like Jimmy Kimmel and Matt Damon, and navigating the collapse of promising projects. Daril opens up about personal rock bottom moments, the resilience built in military service, and how those skills power success in the entertainment industry. This episode breaks down the realities of creative constraints versus total freedom, as Daril shares insights on moving from indie projects to studio environments like Netflix and ABC with practical advice on collaborative writing, pitching ideas, reworking comedy for network TV, and tackling studio notes with humility. We also spotlight Daril’s latest venture — tech innovations to combat piracy and empower filmmakers with his secure, interactive platform for feedback, review, and global film festival experiences. Discover how the transition from military to creative entrepreneur shapes leadership and how veterans’ unique skills drive scalable businesses in creative fields. In this episode: •Navigating Hollywood after the military •Creative constraints in TV and advertising •Collaborating with legends like Jimmy Kimmel and Bruce Campbell •Authentic character development and universal storytelling •Tackling film industry challenges—piracy, indie finance, and distribution windows •Building, scaling, and leading organizations with military principles •Tech solutions for modern filmmakers, featuring Streamkey Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ http://x.com/veteranmade.ck https://www.instagram.com/darilfannin/ https://www.instagram.com/kinomakesmovies/ https://x.com/kinomakesmovies

In episode 156, I dive deep with Patrick Mate, founder of Patriot Jean Co., exploring what it truly means to be a veteran entrepreneur committed to leadership and building a small business rooted in American values. Patrick shares his journey from military service to civilian life, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of the military to civilian transition and how those skillsets translate to entrepreneurship. Our conversation tackles the realities of sustainability and conservation in the apparel industry, with Patrick outlining his unwavering commitment to a 100% clean American supply chain. We get into the nitty gritty of how U.S.-based manufacturing isn’t just a buzzword — it’s an ethical obligation that strengthens local communities and sets a new environmental standard for what it means to buy American. We don’t pull punches here: every American consumer and every producer has a direct stake in revitalizing our own supply chain. Supporting veteran-owned businesses like Patriot Jean Co. isn’t just patriotic — it’s a smart economic move that multiplies jobs and brings resilience to our communities. The environmental impact is real, and so are the ripple effects. American jobs mean stronger schools, first responders, and real estate sectors right here at home. Every purchase is a vote for American values. When we build a coalition between conscious consumers and passionate producers, we create a force for good that goes far beyond denim. Our choices matter — not just for our closets but for the future of American industry and the environment. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ http://x.com/veteranmade.ck https://www.instagram.com/patriotjeanco/ https://x.com/PatriotJeanCo

In episode 154, I sit down with Carl Churchill, co-founder of Alpha Coffee and an inspiring veteran entrepreneur, to unpack the realities of leadership, small business ownership, and the transition from the military to civilian life. We dive deep into Carl’s dynamic journey from serving as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army to building Alpha Coffee from scratch with his wife, leaning on their firsthand experiences and authentic passions. We don’t sugarcoat the pressures — this is a direct conversation on why it’s so important to build the kind of business that truly fits your vision, lifestyle, and values as a veteran transitioning into entrepreneurship. Carl’s story is proof that rejecting the urge to chase someone else’s definition of success is the ultimate power move for any small business owner or aspiring leader. We get specific about the craft of coffee as more than just a product. It’s about community, connection, and making a deeper impact. Carl breaks down how Alpha Coffee’s entire philosophy revolves around quality beans, intentional roasting, giving back, and fostering meaningful relationships — within the business, among employees, and out in the local community. We dig into how coffee, at its best, becomes a conduit for bringing people together, sparking conversations, and reminding us what real camaraderie looks like after the military. If you’re a veteran considering entrepreneurship, or someone determined to make your leadership count in small business, this episode is your unapologetic blueprint for building authentically and serving boldly. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ http://x.com/veteranmade.ck https://www.instagram.com/alpha.coffee/ https://x.com/thealphacoffee