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Vetted Conversations

Vetted Conversations

Welcome to Vetted Conversations, where we explore the foundations, workings, and challenges of American self-governance with events, quality dialogue, and through our podcast. Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to become informed and engaged citizens, actively participating in safeguarding our liberties and freedoms.

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  • 22 episodes
  • Avg 17 min
  • English

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Episodes 22

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  • S5 · E7
    September 1 · 28 min

    Military Influencing America to Do Better

    Air Force spouse, former special education teacher, and content creator Erin Muhlenbeck sat down with us at Flag Day to discuss what it really means to be part of the military family. From challenging the "dependa" stereotype to revealing the $1 billion in unpaid labor military spouses contribute annually to the Department of Defense, she breaks down the gap between perception and reality in the veteran and military community. But the conversation goes deeper. Erin opens up about the online criticism she faces, particularly from fellow veterans and service members, and the real cost of sharing authentic (sometimes uncomfortable) truths about military life. She discusses building genuine community through intentional acts, navigating the pitfalls of being a military spouse influencer, and what it takes to show up with integrity in a space that's not always welcoming to women's voices. It's a raw, honest look at service, leadership, and why authenticity matters more than the narrative you think people want to hear. Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S5 · E6
    August 19 · 26 min

    Service Doesn't Stop - Veterans Uniting Americans Through Service

    Recorded at the 2026 Flag Day Convening in Washington, D.C., this episode brings together three veteran and military-connected leaders working across different organizations to discuss how they're building bridges and fostering civic engagement in a polarized time. The conversation centers on what makes their organizations successful at transcending partisan divides and uniting Americans around shared values of service and country. Brian Von Herbulis (The Brickyard) explains that intentional culture-setting is foundational—starting every program and individual relationship with a simple community agreement: be respectful, open-minded, and willing to listen. Heather Kelly (Travis Manion Foundation), a Gold Star Spouse, emphasizes that their work remains apolitical by keeping service and character at the center, grounding everything in the principle "if not me, then who?" and focusing on people-centered rather than politics-centered programming. Gabby Kubinyi (VFW), also a Gold Star spouse, highlights how membership organizations maintain independence by virtue of their collective structure, and shares concrete examples of how organizations can support surviving families through thoughtful acts like coordinated cemetery visits and personalized memorial remembrance. The panel discusses the importance of stepping up to serve in whatever way makes sense for your life, whether that's picking up trash or leading a major initiative, and emphasizes that organizations don't need to take all the credit; promoting and amplifying good work in your community is equally valuable. Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S5 · E5
    August 17 · 32 min

    ”What can VMF do for America?” - The 2025 VCHI and Corporate ERGs

    What does it take for veterans and military families to keep serving after leaving the uniform? Guy Kiyokawa, VP at Leidos and former Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and Leo Marin, co-founder of Beneath the Service, join us to break down what corporate America, nonprofits, and government are actually doing—and what they're getting wrong—to unlock veteran talent and civic leadership. Guy shares why purpose and belonging matter more than a paycheck, and Leo doesn't hold back on outdated hiring practices, rigid organizational structures, and the billion-dollar opportunity companies are sitting on. Together, they challenge the systems that hold veterans back and offer a direct call to action: change your structures or get left behind. Whether you're a veteran looking to transition, a spouse navigating the civilian workforce, or a leader asking what real veteran engagement looks like—this is the conversation that cuts through the talk and gets to what actually works. #vettedconversations #guykiyokawa #leidos #leomarin #beneaththeservice #military #veterans #militaryspouses Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S5 · E4
    August 10 · 34 min

    Everyone Can Be a Patriot - Between Two Flags

    Meet James L McCormick II and his son James McCormick III—two Army veterans showing that service doesn't end when the uniform comes off. A retired Captain and current Executive Director of Government Affairs at Vietnam Veterans of America, James Sr. leads at the national level. His son volunteers locally in West Virginia, building community from the ground up. What does it look like when two generations serve their country in completely different ways? This conversation gets personal fast. James Sr. shares how watching his own sons deploy transformed his commitment to supporting veterans when they come home. He and Jimmy also dig into something America needs to hear right now: how families and veterans can disagree politically without tearing each other apart. In a moment when political differences are destroying relationships, these two offer a quiet, powerful reminder that you can vote differently and still love your family. Still respect your fellow Americans. Still serve civilly. This one's about the shape of continued service. About choosing to show up locally when nobody's watching. And about the veterans and military families willing to model the kind of disagreement that doesn't require hate. Listen to hear how James and Jimmy are building civic life one conversation at a time. #vettedconversations #flagday #veterans #military #westvirginia Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S5 · E3
    August 3 · 41 min

    Public Service Leaders | Veterans in Different Levels of Government

    Recorded live at the 2026 Flag Day Convening, this panel brings together three leaders who've carried the values of service from the military into the halls of government. Colorado State Senate President Leroy Garcia, military spouse and Capitol Hill veteran Heba Abdelaal, and Loudoun County Supervisor (and retired Air Force colonel) Michael Turner sit down to talk about what happens when a sense of duty doesn't end at discharge, it just changes uniforms. They open up about the moments that shaped them, the lines they've had to walk, and the lessons that don't always make it into a resume. They get candid about identity, bipartisanship, and what it really means to serve your community when no one's handing out medals for it. This is a conversation about leadership without rank, and why showing up for your neighbors, your county, your country is a responsibility that belongs to all of us. #vettedconversations #flagday #military #veteran #militaryspouse Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S5 · E2
    July 21 · 36 min

    "Come Hell or High Water" - Administering the 2020 Election during the COVID-19 Epidemic

    The people running your elections aren't strangers in some distant office. They're your neighbors, little league coaches, and crossing guards - and a lot of them are veterans and military family members. Recorded live at our 2026 Flag Day Convening in Washington, D.C., this episode brings three election officials to the stage: Pinal County Recorder Dana Lewis (Air Force veteran), Miller County Clerk Clinton Jenkins (Air Force veteran), and Tim Benyo (Army veteran and 20-year election administrator from Lehigh County, Pennsylvania). Together they pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood jobs in American civic life. They share what it actually takes to pull off an election: recruiting bipartisan poll workers, standing up outdoor polling sites during COVID, and rerouting around washed-out roads and even the occasional wild horse. They also get real about what's changed since 2020, the misinformation, the threats, and the hours spent inviting skeptics in to see the process for themselves. Their answer to distrust isn't defensiveness. It's radical transparency, and the same mission-first mindset they carried in uniform. If you've ever wondered who actually runs your elections, this conversation is for you. #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #ComeHellOrHighWater #VetTheVote #ElectionOfficials #ContinuedService Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S5 · E1
    July 13 · 24 min

    “Civics Not Politics” Veterans Leading in the Nonpartisan Election Space

    When veterans show up to protect our elections, they're not picking a side, they're keeping a promise. In this episode, we sit down with two leaders who are channeling the credibility and commitment of the veteran and military family community into one of the most contested arenas in American public life: election administration. Alberto Ramos, CEO of Veterans for All Voters, and Chris Purdy, Founder and CEO of The Chamberlain Network, join host Ingrid Sundlee for a conversation about why veterans may be exactly who this moment calls for. Veterans swear an oath to the Constitution, not to a party, not to a candidate. That oath, both guests argue, is precisely what makes them uniquely positioned to serve as nonpartisan messengers in a polarized political landscape. From training veterans and military family members as poll workers and civic educators to advocating for election reforms that expand participation, their organizations are proving that defending free and fair elections is itself a form of continued service. We dig into the real work: how these organizations keep their veterans on message when political conversations heat up, how they engage not just veterans but military spouses, Gold Star families, and the broader military community, and how they're addressing one issue that rarely gets enough attention — the critical importance of mail-in voting for active duty service members and veterans living overseas. If you believe that protecting the integrity of our elections shouldn't be a partisan issue, this conversation is for you. #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #CivicsNotPolitics #VeteransForAllVoters #TheChamberlainNetwork Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E17
    May 4 · 7 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 17 | Still in the Game with Jon Brace

    Losing a leg in 2020 could have been the end of John Brace's athletic story. Instead, it was the beginning of a new one. In this episode, Anil sits down with Marine Corps veteran and wheelchair football quarterback John Brace, who joined the Move United Wheelchair Football League as a rookie linebacker and ended up calling plays under center when his team needed him most. They talk about the road from military service to adaptive athletics, what it means to show up for newly amputated veterans as a living example of what's possible, and why disability is never the period at the end of the sentence. As America turns 250, John's message about pride, purpose, and the many ways to keep serving hits differently. Learn more about Move United Wheelchair Football League at moveunitedsport.org Vetted Conversations is available on YouTube & wherever you listen to podcasts! • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #JonBrace #MoveUnitedSport #MoveUnitedWheelChairFootballLeague #AnilNathan #AdaptiveAthletics #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E16
    April 29 · 11 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 16 | Protecting the Mind After the Game with BetterBrain

    Eleven years of professional football leaves a mark and former defensive end Patrick Kerney has spent a lot of time thinking about what that mark might look like decades from now. In this episode, Anil sits down with Patrick and Tom Latkovic, co-founder of Better Brain, to talk about what the latest science says about Alzheimer's and dementia prevention, the risk factors we can actually control, and why veterans dealing with TBI are just as much a part of this conversation as former players. If your brain has taken hits, on the field or in the field, this episode is a good listen. Learn more about BetterBrain at www.betterbrain.com Vetted Conversations is available on YouTube & wherever you listen to podcasts! • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #PatrickKerney #TomLatkovic #BetterBrain #Alzheimers #AnilNathan #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E15
    April 27 · 7 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 15 | Growing Up Military with KevOnStage

    Kevin Fredericks, known to the internet as KevOnStage, is a comedian and content creator who has built a massive following on laughs. But in this episode, he brings something else too. Sitting down with guest host and Army veteran Jermaine Clark, Kevin opens up about growing up as a military brat with a father who served 28 years in the Army and now with a wife who lived the same life. From El Paso to Fort Bragg to Fort Lewis, moving every three years didn't just shape his childhood — it shaped his entire personality. They dig into why adaptability is a superpower, the deep respect Kevin carries for the veteran and military family community, and yes, a little Yacht Rock. The laughs are there, but so is the heart. Watch Kevin’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/@KevOnStageStudios Vetted Conversations is available on YouTube & wherever you listen to podcasts! • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #KevinFredericks #KevOnStage #ArmyBrat #JermaineClark #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E14
    April 22 · 11 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 14 | The Fight After the Fight with Mark Kerr

    Former world-ranked UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr knows what it's like to compete in front of 60,000 fans and he knows what it's like when the roar goes quiet. In this conversation, Anil sits down with the subject of The Smashing Machine to explore what fighters and veterans have in common when the spotlight fades: identity loss, mental health struggles, and financial instability. Mark also shares his work with Datavault AI, a blockchain platform taking on stolen valor and helping veterans and athletes own their name, image, and likeness. Listen to this raw, honest conversation about what recovery really looks like and why human connection is at the center of it. Learn more about Datavault AI at https://dvlt.ai/, watch The Smashing Machine on streaming platforms and follow Mark on Instagram at @markkerrtsm Vetted Conversations is available on YouTube & wherever you listen to podcasts! • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #MarkKerr #UFC #TheSmashingMachine #DatavaultAI #AnilNathan #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E13
    April 20 · 8 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 13 | Everyone Deserves a Team with Khalid Cannon

    Anil sits down with Khalid Cannon, Executive Director of Put Me In, an organization on a mission to make sure kids with incarcerated parents don't have to sit on the sidelines. Khalid's story is as compelling as the work he's doing. Growing up in Alabama with a father in prison, youth sports gave him something invaluable—a place to just be a kid. That experience became the foundation for Put Me In, which is now changing the lives of over 150 families across the country. Khalid also draws a powerful parallel between finding your team on the field and finding your community in the military, and why that sense of belonging isn't a luxury, it's a lifeline. Tune in for a conversation about resilience, purpose, and why everyone deserves a team. Learn more about Put Me In at putmein.org Vetted Conversations is available on YouTube & wherever you listen to podcasts! • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #KhalidCannon #PutMeIn #AnilNathan #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E12
    April 15 · 10 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 12 | Brotherhood on Both Sides with NFL Defensive End Jake Martin

    Former Washington Commanders defensive end Jake Martin joins Anil from Radio Row at Super Bowl LX for a conversation that goes well beyond the football field. Jake opens up about what it took to push through a tough season, the culture Coach Dan Quinn has built in Washington, and why the makings of a great team aren't all that different from the makings of a great unit. With his sister currently serving in the Navy, Jake knows firsthand what service looks like and how that shapes the way he shows up for his teammates. Tune in for a conversation about grit, gratitude, and why America's 250th birthday is worth stopping to celebrate. Vetted Conversations is available on YouTube & wherever you listen to podcasts! • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #JakeMartin #WashingtonCommanders #NateBoyer #AnilNathan #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E11
    April 13 · 23 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 11 | Family, Football & the Power of a Story: A Double Feature with Erin Coscarelli & Bron Heussenstamm

    We're celebrating the Season 4 halfway mark with a double feature — two conversations, two incredible guests, two hosts, and one common thread: service. First, Nate Boyer sits down with sports journalist and NFL Network host Erin Coscarelli. Beyond the bright lights of a Super Bowl week, Erin opens up about her family's military roots, what it really takes to build the next generation of athletes, and why bringing the big game back to L.A. hits differently for her. Then, Anil Nathan connects with Bron Heussenstamm — founder of Bleav Network and former USA surfing team competitor — for a conversation about storytelling, sacrifice, and why he painted an American flag on his surfboard. Bron shares why he believes podcasting is one of the most powerful tools we have for tackling the conversations that matter most, including the ones that save lives. Two guests. Two stories. All heart. Vetted Conversations is available on YouTube & wherever you listen to podcasts! • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #ErinCoscarelli #BronHeussenstamm #BleavNetwork #BleavInRams #NateBoyer #AnilNathan #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E10
    April 6 · 5 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 10 | First Down on Literacy with Hendon Hooker

    New York Jets quarterback Hendon Hooker joins us live from Media Row at Super Bowl LX for a conversation about leadership, literacy, and investing in the next generation. Hendon shares how his father instilled a love of reading from an early age — and how that habit has made him a sharper, more effective quarterback on the field. Keep up with Hendon Hooker on IG at @hendonhooker or find him on Twitter/X. Learn more about Stand Up Together at standuptogether.org Vetted Conversations is available on YouTube & wherever you listen to podcasts! • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #HendonHooker #AnilNathan #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies #NewYorkJets #StandUpTogether Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E9
    April 1 · 10 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 9 | Rachel Hale, A Voice for the Nation

    In this episode, we chat with singer/songwriter Rachel Hale for a conversation about family, patriotism, and what it means to carry a legacy of service. A finalist on American Idol, Rachel has spent her career using her voice to honor this country by singing the national anthem at NFL games and most recently at the DAV Bowl. She also traces her roots all the way back to Nathan Hale of the American Revolution, and shares how service has always been a part of her family's story. Tune in for a warm, inspiring conversation about purpose, patriotism, and the power of showing up for the people who serve. Keep up with Rachel Hale on her website www.rachelhalemusic.com, follow her on IG at @rachelhalemusic. Vetted Conversations is available on YouTube & wherever you listen to podcasts! • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #RachelHale #AnilNathan #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies #AmericanIdol Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E8
    March 30 · 17 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 8 | The Ministry of Proximity with Clint Bruce

    In this episode, we're joined by former Navy SEAL, NFL player, and social entrepreneur Clint Bruce for a conversation about what it really means to perform, lead, and serve. From the football field to the battlefield to the boardroom, Clint unpacks how competition forged his character, why most of winning is really just about lasting, and the difference between being busy, productive, and fruitful. Tune in for a conversation about pressure, purpose, and what it looks like to keep showing up long after the game is over. Keep up with Clint Bruce on his website www.clintbruce.com follow him on IG at @realclintbruce, or LinkedIn Vetted Conversations is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube & wherever you listen to podcasts! • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #ClintBruce #AnilNathan #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E7
    March 25 · 12 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 7 | Service, Sports, and Supporting Our Troops

    In this episode, we’re joined by retired Army Lieutenant General and CEO of the USO, Mike Linnington, along with NFL stars and USO Global Ambassadors Vince Wilfork and Aaron Jones, for a conversation about what it really means to show up for our troops. As the USO celebrates its 85th birthday, the group reflects on connecting with service members across 11 countries in just three years and why those moments matter for troops serving far from home. Tune in for a conversation about service, connection, and the people who continue to stand behind those who serve. Learn more about the USO at https://www.uso.org/ Vetted Conversations is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube. • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #USO #VinceWilfork #AaronJones #AnilNathan #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies #SaluteToService Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E4
    March 19 · 14 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 4 | It all starts with an idea: Finding your new mission with BJ Ganem

    In this episode, we sit down with Marine Corps veteran BJ Ganem, founder of Sierra Delta, to talk about the experiences that shaped both his service and his mission after the military. BJ shares the story behind starting Sierra Delta and why supporting the bond between veterans and their dogs became his life’s work. He also talks about events like the DAV Bowl, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, and his appreciation for the connection between the National Football League and the veteran community, noting how both groups share similar experiences around teamwork, sacrifice, and purpose. Throughout the conversation, BJ reflects on what his military service means to him, how his perspective evolved after his combat-related injuries, and why building connection and community for fellow veterans continues to drive his work today. Don’t miss this conversation. Learn more about the important work of Sierra Delta or make a donation at https://www.sierradelta.com/ To learn more about Waterboys visit https://waterboys.org/bjganem Vetted Conversations is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube. • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #SierraDelta #DAV #Waterboys #AnilNathan #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies #SuperBowlLX Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

  • S4 · E5
    March 19 · 5 min

    SEASON 4 EPISODE 5 | An Overall Legend: Rob Riggle

    This episode is a short, but sweet one as we have actor, comedian, Marine Corps veteran, die-hard Chiefs fan and overall legend Rob Riggle. We chat about his prediction for Super Bowl LX (spoiler alert: he was right), Pat’s Run with our friends at the Pat Tillman Foundation, and how he’s celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Side effects may include: laughing out loud, rewinding twice, and instant Rob Riggle fandom🎙️ Learn more about the Pat Tillman Foundation and sign-up for Pat’s Run at https://pattillmanfoundation.org/ Vetted Conversations is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube. • • #VettedConversations #NewPodcastEpisode #PatTillmanFoundation #PatsRun #RobRiggle #AnilNathan #Veterans Support the show For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

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