Ep. 249: Gut Health, Veterans, and Creating Clean Protein that Doesn't Give You Gas

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

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:

• 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/mmbritten/

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https://x.com/TeamRWB

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If You Can Dream It, Be It: How a Girl Became a Marine, an Olympic Athlete, and a Pageant Queen

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/

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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:

https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/

http://x.com/veteranmade.ck

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

https://www.instagram.com/teamrwb/

https://x.com/TeamRWB

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Ep. 248: Creating a Safety Product from Scratch to a $30 Million Exit with Zach Greene

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Grow Your Business with SBA Guaranteed Contract - Event Detail · VetBiz Portal

VetBiz logo. An official website of the United States Government ... VETBIZ@VA.GOV; 866-584-2344; Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm (Eastern) ...
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NC VetBiz 2025 Annual Procurement Summit - NCMBC

NC VetBiz 2025 Annual Procurement Summit ... The NCVETBIZ 2025 Annual Procurement Summit isn't just an event—it's the builder's blueprint for success.
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Ep. 248: Military to Law Enforcement to Owning a Home Inspection Franchise with Shawn Degan

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From the Battlefield to the Archery Range: How a TAC-P Veteran Builds Community Through Business

In episode 153, I sat down (again) with my friend, Dan Horgan, USAF TAC-P veteran and founder of Arrow and Honor Co., to talk about what it really takes to build a community-driven business from scratch with our own resources. We talked about how the only thing that keeps us moving forward is the network we build through genuine honesty and real relationships with other human beings.

Arrow and Honor Co. isn’t just about selling t-shirts or archery gear; it’s about forging a tribe where every handshake, every story, every honest conversation matters more than any marketing funnel or digital ad spend. We dove into the reality that creative services and marketing only work when we’re brutally transparent about our challenges, ourr wins, and our failures because that’s what attracts real partners and lifelong friends, not just customers.

I pushed Dan — and myself — to get specific about how community isn’t some abstract buzzword. It is the product. It’s built by showing up, being vulnerable, and leveraging every authentic connection we’ve made, whether it’s a vendor, a client, or a fellow veteran. We talked about the necessity of owning our story, sharing it honestly, and refusing to hide behind corporate polish.

The truth is, business is personal, and the only way to scale anything meaningful is by being aggressively open, direct, and unafraid to ask for help or admit what we don’t know.

Use code: veteranmade10 for 10% a purchase at Arrow and Honor Co.

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/dan_horgan_/

https://www.instagram.com/arrowandhonor.co/

READ MORE 👁️ https://bit.ly/44zXjM2

From the Battlefield to the Archery Range: How a TAC-P Veteran Builds Community Through Business [Dan Horgan]

In episode 153, I sat down (again) with my friend, Dan Horgan, USAF TAC-P veteran and founder of Arrow and Honor Co., to talk about what it really takes to build a community-driven business from scratch with our own resources. We talked about how the only thing that keeps us moving forward is the network we build through genuine honesty and real relationships with other human beings.

Arrow and Honor Co. isn’t just about selling t-shirts or archery gear; it’s about forging a tribe where every handshake, every story, every honest conversation matters more than any marketing funnel or digital ad spend. We dove into the reality that creative services and marketing only work when we’re brutally transparent about our challenges, ourr wins, and our failures because that’s what attracts real partners and lifelong friends, not just customers.

I pushed Dan — and myself — to get specific about how community isn’t some abstract buzzword. It is the product. It’s built by showing up, being vulnerable, and leveraging every authentic connection we’ve made, whether it’s a vendor, a client, or a fellow veteran. We talked about the necessity of owning our story, sharing it honestly, and refusing to hide behind corporate polish.

The truth is, business is personal, and the only way to scale anything meaningful is by being aggressively open, direct, and unafraid to ask for help or admit what we don’t know.

Use code: veteranmade10 for 10% a purchase at Arrow and Honor Co.

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/dan_horgan_/

https://www.instagram.com/arrowandhonor.co/

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Boots to Business - X

From idea to innovation—grow your #VetBiz with @SBAgov! SBIR funding, VBOC guidance, and the Boots to Business Reboot program helped @GulfSpore ...
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Ep. 247: How Finds Can Find their Next Career with Bryan Dyer

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2024 New Mexico VetBiz Summit - Facebook

Welcome to the 2024 New Mexico VetBiz Summit! This is a two-day event for Active-Duty Military, Veterans, National Guard, Reserves, ...
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Ep. 231: Using Military Experience and Veteran Status to Buy Logistics Companies with Donte McGaughy

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Donte McGaughy is a seasoned entrepreneur, former government employee, and a United States Air Force service-disabled veteran. As the Founder and CEO of Selenius Holdings, an Atlanta-based freight forwarding and truck hauling company, Donte is dedicated to driving growth through strategic acquisitions. His vision is to establish the largest minority-certified logistics firm in the United States.

With a proven track record, Donte co-founded and served as the President of TDC Premier Trucking, where he played a pivotal role in building a robust infrastructure, managing 50 staff members, and expanding the fleet of box trucks to 35 for the Amazon box truck program. Under his leadership, the company expanded its 18-wheeler fleet to 27 trucks, operating nationwide and servicing major accounts such as Amazon, UPS, and Family Dollar.

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Work That Works w/ Maggie Malek | CEO of Crispin

In this compelling episode of Veteran Made, Maggie Malek, CEO of Crispin, shares her journey from the military to the top of the advertising industry. Joining the Army Reserves after 9/11, Maggie credits the military with saving her life and providing the structure she needed during a challenging time. Her experience in the Army Reserves, combined with her pursuit of education and various jobs, laid the foundation for her successful career in advertising.

Maggie’s military background has profoundly shaped her leadership style at Crispin. She emphasizes three key pillars: being worthy of your post, seeing your people, and embodying the mission. These principles, deeply rooted in her military experience, translate seamlessly into the advertising world. Maggie’s approach to leadership focuses on taking care of her team, understanding diverse perspectives, and driving results - skills honed during her time in the Army Reserves. Her ability to work with diverse teams, think on her feet, and solve complex problems under pressure are direct results of her military training.

For hiring managers in the advertising industry, Maggie’s story illustrates the unique value veterans can bring to roles at every level within ad agencies. Her emphasis on teamwork, mission-focused strategies, and adaptability showcases how military skills can be leveraged in a creative, fast-paced environment.

For veterans considering a career in advertising, Maggie’s journey demonstrates that the industry values the leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills developed in the military. Her success at Crispin proves that veterans can not only thrive in advertising but also rise to top leadership positions, bringing a unique perspective that can drive innovation and success.

This episode is sponsored by Go Pills. Use "VM15" 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/magsmacandcheese/

https://www.instagram.com/cpbgroup/

https://x.com/MagsMac

https://x.com/crispinagency

 

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From Netflix to Disney: How an Army Veteran Became an Industry Veteran

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

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Confirmed Buyers - VetBiz Portal

This is a read only version of the page. close. Skip to Content. VetBiz logo. An official website of the United States Government | Here's how you ...
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#veteranfarmers - Search / X

It's National Farmers Market Week! @SBAgov. proudly supports #VetBiz with capital, counseling, & more. ... #veteranfarmers #veterans #farmers # ...
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From a Cult to the Army to Hollywood: How an Army Veteran Landed a Netflix Show in Film School

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

READ MORE 👁️ https://bit.ly/4oq2CXy