Do vets matter to the media and does the media matter to vets? The answer is of course, yes. But in what ways do vets matter to the media? As props? As confirmation of prior biases? And how do vets engage with the media? Does it give a voice to the voiceless? Does the media generate more heat than light in the veteran community? I discuss all this and more with American Warrior Radio’s Ben Beuhler-Garcia, author, columnist, music video director and Warfighter Rights leader Boone Cutler, and Havok Journal owner Charlie Faint.

Show Alibis

I think it’s safe to say, this was the first episode I didn’t feel needed. Ben is a very experienced host and Boone is a prolific talker. It’s a good thing too. Charlie and I had just recorded the pilot episode of the Savage Wonder podcast (links coming soon!) and my synapses were, frankly, a little fried by the time I hit record on this one. But with pros like Ben and Boone on, it was easy to find grist for the mill and put together a decent episode.

Yeah, this episode was about the media. But it’s funny – and I blame the news coming out of Afghanistan for this – we ended up veering into veteran health and wellbeing for a second week in a row. It’s more of a natural transition than you think – if the media can cause a lot of heartburn and imbalance, it’s good for vets to have a way to detox. If you don’t know about Boone’s Spartan Pledge initiative – check it out in the Show Notes below. Very timely, especially as many of us digest the latest from Afghanistan.

Show Notes

Americanwarriorradio.com

9/11 Tower Challenge Foundation

The Spartan Pledge

Functional Personal Lifestyle by Boone Cutler and Geoff Dardia

Voodoo In Sadr City by Boone Cutler

Second Mission Foundation

Violence of Action by Marty Skovlund Jr., Leo Jenkins, and Charlie Faint

Veterans Repertory Theater