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

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:

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https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_ro/

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