Veteran Made

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Monday Apr 14, 2025

Leadership w/ Cole DeRosa | Ultrarunner for Team RWB's Old Glory Ultra Relay

Monday Apr 14, 2025

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.

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.
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Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9.

SOCIALS:

https://www.instagram.com/cjdrosa/

Monday Apr 07, 2025

In the Suck Together w/ Lindsay Kasow | Ultrarunner for Team RWB's Old Glory Ultra Relay

Monday Apr 07, 2025

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.

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/l_jo_k/

Monday Mar 31, 2025

Supportive Competitors w/ Bill Savage | Ultrarunner for Team RWB's Old Glory Ultra Relay

Monday Mar 31, 2025

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.

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/thebillsavage/

Monday Mar 24, 2025

Stacking Moments w/ Johnny Glenn | Ultrarunner for Team RWB's Old Glory Ultra Relay

Monday Mar 24, 2025

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:

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/johnnymfglenn/

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/