Veteran Made with Carey Kight

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/

Episode 162 is a recording from conversation with my friend, Michael Jerome Plunkett, at Storyline Bookshop in Upper Arlington, Ohio.

Michael shares the journey behind his debut novel “Zone Rouge,” (published by Unnamed Press) chronicling his fascination with Verdun, France and the lingering effects of World War I on its people and landscape. We dive deep into Michael’s unique approach to writing in present tense and how our life experiences shape the perspectives we bring to the writing process.

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/michaeljeromeplunkett/

https://www.instagram.com/storylinebookshop

https://www.instagram.com/unnamedpress/

In episode 161, I dive deep into the heart of life after service, exploring what it means to transition from the military into the creative world of media and storytelling. I sit down with my friend, Martin Foster, a retiring Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, podcaster, speaker, and actor, to unpack the journey of moving from rigid military identity to embracing a brand new chapter fueled by passion, creativity, and self-discovery. Our candid conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of being vulnerable, especially for those who never quite fit into traditional molds. Together, we break down how forging your own path as a veteran podcaster, media professional, and influencer means trusting your instincts, owning your interests, and standing aggressively in your authenticity.

Martin shares his story of retiring after 23 years in the Air Force, emphasizing how shedding an old identity is only the start of something far more exciting and fulfilling. We get real about the power of connection—how acting, podcasting, and public speaking empower veterans and creatives alike to own every piece of their story. For anyone searching for a blueprint to thrive after service, this episode delivers actionable insights on staying true to yourself, using your unique voice in media, and boldly building new communities. If you’re ready to rewrite what it means to be a veteran, challenge the status quo, and launch your next big adventure, this conversation is for you.

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/torchmartin/

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 159, I spoke with Ryan Curtis, an Army veteran and the writer, director, and producer of Hollywood Grit. Ryan shares his journey from growing up in a working-class town outside Boston, serving in the Army during the height of the Global War on Terror, and ultimately finding his calling as a storyteller and director. We dive into his path of learning the movie business the hard way — by doing every job on set so that when the time came to direct, he had the tools, taste, and leadership skills needed to succeed. This episode highlights how veteran discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving translate perfectly into the high-pressure world of film production.

We also talk about how Ryan leveraged his military-honed leadership style to build a crew, direct actors, and bring together a creative team capable of producing a full-length Hollywood movie against massive odds, including the pandemic, strikes, funding obstacles, and industry politics. Ryan not only directed and co-wrote Hollywood Grit, a modern neo-noir film set in a jazz club, but he also employed over 50 veterans on set, using his platform to create opportunities for other veterans. We discuss the role of Veterans in Media and Entertainment (VME) in connecting veterans to meaningful work in the movie business and why saying yes to failure is the secret to growth.

In this episode:

•Post-9/11 deployments

•Military to civilian transition and creative career shift

•Importance of learning every role on a film set to build experience

•Veteran skills (leadership, adaptability) powering film production

•Journey to directing and co-writing “Hollywood Grit”

•Overcoming pandemic, strikes, and funding woes in independent film production

•Hiring other veterans

•Value of teamwork, collaboration, and the development of artistic taste

•Veterans in Media and Entertainment (VME) as industry gateway

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/ryan32

https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodgritfilm/

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 157, I sit down with Daril Fannin — Army veteran, award-winning screenwriter, producer, and the founder of KINO — for a raw, energetic conversation about his path from military life to Hollywood and the power of authentic human interaction.

We dive deep into Daril’s upbringing in a fundamentalist Pentecostal cult, his eye-opening introduction to the world of movies, and how storytelling literally changed the course of his life. Daril’s journey from combat medic to making deals with A-list celebrities in the entertainment industry demonstrates exactly what’s possible when we choose to connect with others on a human level to build genuine relationships.

We don’t sugarcoat the grind or the realities of transitioning from the military to an industry as ruthless as entertainment. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a real way of being and a real strategy for building a fulfilling, sustainable career. Cinema is more than escape; it’s communal, foundational, and instructive. It shapes the very way we see the world. Through Daril’s story, we break down the myth that success in Hollywood is about who you know or luck — it’s about being deliberate with your relationships, relentless in your pursuit, and refusing to settle for transactional exchanges when you can build meaningful human connection instead.

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 155, I sit down with Rich Comitz, Chief Operating Officer at American Corporate Partners, to have a candid discussion about the realities of the transition from work in the military to work as a civilian.

We explore how making the leap from military service to corporate business environments demands more than just a polished resume — it requires leadership, self-advocacy, and an unrelenting drive to seek mentorship. Rich breaks down how ACP’s year-long mentoring program arms veterans and military spouses with the tools, insights, and authentic relationships needed to translate unique military experiences directly for corporate hiring managers. We dive deep into why veterans must take full ownership of their transition by learning how to market themselves based on their real interests, strengths, and lived experience and not simply rely on a generic “military” brand or expecting someone else to decode their value.

If you’re a veteran hungry for a meaningful business career, this episode is a no-nonsense call to action: it’s on you to get aggressively curious, seek mentorship outside your comfort zone, and do the heavy lifting to articulate what makes you a compelling asset in corporate America. I urge every transitioning service member to remember: the corporate world owes you nothing. It’s your responsibility to bridge the gap. By embracing honest, ongoing mentorship and relentlessly translating your leadership abilities, adaptability, and mission-driven mindset into clear, relevant stories for hiring managers, you will open doors and accelerate your journey beyond underemployment. Don’t wait for opportunity... engineer it through proactive relationship-building and authentic self-advocacy.

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/acpvets/

https://x.com/acpvets

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