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Monday Mar 17, 2025

Captain America w/ Zach Polega | Ultrarunner for Team RWB's Old Glory Ultra Relay

Monday Mar 17, 2025

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:

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/polega_z/

Monday Mar 10, 2025

A Different Purpose w/ Roel Gonzalez | Crew Chief for Team RWB

Monday Mar 10, 2025

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:

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/not_your_average_ro/

Monday Mar 03, 2025

Fit for Life w/ Jason Wood | Ultrarunner for Team RWB Old Glory Ultra Relay

Monday Mar 03, 2025

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:

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/jfloydwood/

Monday Feb 24, 2025

Enriching Veterans' Lives w/ John "JJ" Pinter & Michael "Sully" Sullivan | Executives at Team RWB (Red, White, & Blue)

Monday Feb 24, 2025

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:

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/jjpint/

https://www.instagram.com/sully_rwb/

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025

Veterans are not Victims w/ Margaret Britten & Bryana Allen | Marketing Leaders at Team RWB (Red, White, & Blue)

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025

This powerful podcast episode tackles a critical issue within the veteran community: the pervasive and damaging victim mentality. Margaret Britten, Senior Director of Advancement and Bryana Allen, Director of Marketing at Team RWB, who are both deeply connected to the military, offer a refreshing and much-needed perspective on how veterans can break free from this self-defeating mindset. They argue forcefully that the veteran community must shed the notion of being perpetual victims and instead embrace their strength, resilience, and potential for continued growth and contribution to society.

Britten, Allen, and Kight challenge veterans to reject the narrative that their service has left them broken or in need of constant pity. Instead, they advocate for a paradigm shift where veterans view themselves as empowered individuals with valuable skills and experiences to offer. This episode doesn’t pull any punches in addressing how the victim mentality can hold veterans back from fully reintegrating into civilian life and achieving their full potential. Listeners will be confronted with the uncomfortable truth that clinging to victimhood can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, limiting personal growth and opportunities.

By highlighting Team RWB’s approach and the upcoming Old Glory Ultra Relay, the episode showcases how veterans can channel their energy into positive, community-building activities that emphasize strength and camaraderie rather than dwelling on past traumas. This episode is a wake-up call for veterans who may have become too comfortable in the role of the wounded warrior, challenging them to redefine their identity and find new purpose. Anyone invested in veteran issues will find this episode both provocative and inspiring, as it presents a bold vision for a veteran community that leads by example rather than seeking constant sympathy.

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/mmbritten/

https://x.com/mmbritten18

https://www.instagram.com/brysboots/

Monday Feb 10, 2025

Old Glory Ultra Relay w/ Mike Erwin | Founder & Executive Director of Team RWB (Red, White, & Blue)

Monday Feb 10, 2025

In an exhilarating episode of Veteran Made, host Carey Kight sits down with Mike Erwin, the founder and executive director of Team Red, White and Blue (Team RWB), to discuss the upcoming Old Glory Ultra Relay. This ambitious event, set to take place in May 2025, will see a team of 12 veteran runners attempt to set a world record by relaying an American flag across the country in just 15 days, covering 3,000 miles from San Diego to Washington D.C.

The Old Glory Ultra Relay represents a bold evolution of Team RWB’s signature event, transforming from a member-based relay into an epic challenge that showcases the strength, determination, and unity of the veteran community. Starting at the USS Midway in San Diego with a flag that has flown over a combat zone, the team will push themselves to cover an astounding 200 miles per day. This grueling journey will test not only their physical limits but also their mental resilience and teamwork as they navigate the challenges of living and recovering together in close quarters for two intense weeks.

Listeners will be captivated by the high stakes and numerous obstacles the team must overcome to achieve their monumental goal. From potential injuries and extreme weather conditions to the mental and physical fatigue that sets in during the later stages of the relay, every aspect of this challenge embodies the spirit of perseverance that defines the veteran community. The episode offers a tantalizing preview of the upcoming series, which will follow the runners’ preparation and culminate with live updates during the event itself, allowing audiences to experience the excitement and inspiration of this unprecedented feat in real-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/erwinrwb/

https://x.com/ErwinRWB

Monday Feb 03, 2025

GOD TALKS w/ Ed Rush | USMC Fighter Pilot, Author, & Speaker

Monday Feb 03, 2025

In this high-octane episode of Veteran Made, Carey speaks with Ed Rush, a former Marine Corps fighter pilot turned entrepreneur and author, who shares his insights on pursuing one’s true calling and achieving personal and professional fulfillment. Rush emphasizes the importance of following one’s desires and wants in life, arguing that these often align with God’s plan for an individual. He challenges the conventional wisdom of pursuing careers solely based on qualifications or societal expectations, instead encouraging listeners to explore their genuine passions and interests.

The conversation takes an intriguing turn as Rush and host Carey Kight discuss the concept of work-life integration rather than balance. Rush advocates for operating at “100% efficiency” in all aspects of life, rejecting the notion of compartmentalizing work and personal time. He illustrates this idea through examples from his military experience and entrepreneurial journey, demonstrating how one can achieve a state of flow and ease even in high-pressure situations by aligning with one’s true purpose.

Throughout the episode, Rush and Kight explore the idea of resisting the cultural pendulum swing between extreme hustle culture and passive acceptance of circumstances. Instead, they propose a middle ground of intentional, efficient action guided by a clear understanding of one’s mission in life. Rush shares personal anecdotes, including his experience with adrenal fatigue, to underscore the importance of finding this balance and operating from a place of rest and receptivity rather than constant striving. This thought-provoking discussion offers listeners a fresh perspective on achieving success and fulfillment in both their personal and professional 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/edrushpilot/

https://x.com/edrushpilot

Monday Jan 27, 2025

Experience Your Life w/ Drew Billings | General Manager of Anthem Snacks

Monday Jan 27, 2025

In this sobering episode of Veteran Made, Drew Billings, a former EOD technician and current GM of Anthem Snacks, lays bare the harsh realities of military service and the crushing disappointment of unfulfilled expectations. Drew’s candid account of his time in the Air Force and Army is a stark reminder that not every service member gets to fulfill their combat aspirations. His heartbreaking admission that the deployments he chased “never materialized” serves as a sobering wake-up call to those who romanticize military service.

The episode challenges listeners to confront the uncomfortable truth that sometimes, despite our best efforts and intentions, life doesn’t unfold as planned. Drew’s journey from a motivated EOD tech to veteran forces us to reckon with the idea that our military experience might not define us in the ways we initially hoped. His transition into the corporate world and entrepreneurship demonstrates that there’s life beyond the unfulfilled military dreams, but it doesn’t sugarcoat the emotional toll of unrealized ambitions.

This powerful conversation is a call to arms for veterans and civilians alike to embrace the long, often frustrating journey of personal growth and professional development. Drew’s story demands that listeners question their own expectations, confront their disappointments head-on, and find the courage to forge new paths when old ones are blocked. It’s a challenge to let our veteran status inform us, but not define us, and to find meaning and purpose in the face of shattered dreams and unexpected turns. This episode isn’t for the faint of heart – it’s for those ready to grapple with the harsh realities of service and the complex journey of self-discovery that follows.

Episode Sponsors:

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.
Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order.

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

https://www.instagram.com/anthemsnacks/

https://www.instagram.com/eodstuff/

Monday Jan 20, 2025

An American Experience w/ Mark Holtzman | President of West Coast Aerial Photography

Monday Jan 20, 2025

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.

Episode Sponsors:

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.
Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order.

Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS: