In this powerful episode of Veteran Led, we sit down with Donald Dunn, Army combat Veteran and author of 'Echoes Of War.' Donald shares his incredible journey from serving in the Special Forces to battling PTSD and finding healing through podcasting and creative expression.​

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Discover how Donald transitioned from military service to civilian life, founding Heroes Voice Media Foundation to empower Veterans through media. Learn about his journey launching multiple Veteran-focused radio stations and podcast streams, and how he used writing and podcasting as tools for personal healing and community building.​

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Donald offers invaluable insights on the unique challenges Veterans face in the 'politically correct' civilian world and the importance of Veteran-specific media categories. He shares how creative outlets can aid in managing PTSD and anger issues and explores the power of Veteran communities in the podcasting world.​

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Whether you're a Veteran seeking inspiration, a podcaster looking to make an impact, or simply interested in stories of resilience and transformation, this episode offers profound lessons and moving stories.​
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For all the resources Donald mentioned in the show follow this link.​

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Click here for Donald’s book Echoes Of War.​

From documenting combat zones to navigating the Hollywood jungle, Mark Harper's journey is a testament to Veteran resilience and leadership. In this episode of Veteran Led, we sit down with Mark, a former Air Force Combat Camera operator who transitioned into a successful career in the entertainment industry.​

Mark shares his incredible journey from serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom to working at Paramount Pictures, where he developed digital marketing campaigns for blockbusters like Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Star Trek. He then co-founded We Are The Mighty, the first-ever digital storytelling platform for and by the military community.​

Discover how Mark's military experience shaped his approach to digital marketing, content creation, and leadership in Hollywood. Learn about the launch of We Are The Mighty and how it filled a gap in military-focused media. Mark also discusses his role in developing the Military Influencer Conference, the first mass-scale conference focusing on military transition, career placement, and resources.​

Currently leading the Military and Defense Audience Group at Recurrent Ventures, Mark oversees six major digital brands including Task & Purpose. He offers valuable insights on career transitions and the skills Veterans bring to the business world.​

Whether you're a Veteran looking to break into entertainment, an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, or interested in military-focused media, this episode offers invaluable insights and inspiring stories.​

Learn more about We Are The Mighty and Task & Purpose at Recurrent Military.
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Connect with Mark on LinkedIn.

Turning conflict and chaos into opportunities for growth and prosperity is no easy feat. Joining us in this episode is former Army Ranger, co-founder, and CEO of Combat Flip-Flops, Matthew “Griff” Griffin. Discover how Griff's experiences in conflict zones shaped a business model that promotes peace through trade, bringing prosperity to areas of conflict. From a boot factory in Kabul to overcoming challenges with a guerrilla flip flop factory in his garage, Griff's story is one of resilience and innovation. ​

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This episode is packed with insights on leadership, perseverance, and the transformative power of honesty in business. Griff also shares his experiences creating award winning documentaries and the impact of educating families affected by conflict zones. ​

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Check out Combat Flip-Flops on X - TikTok - Instagram - YouTube - Facebook. Or visit them online at combatflipflops.com.​
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Connect with Griff on LinkedIn. ​

What does it take to create a truly “Made in America” brand? In this episode, we sit down with Dean Wegner, the founder and CEO of Authentically American, an American-made apparel brand. In a world where outsourcing and cheap labor are prevalent, Dean explains the challenges and rewards of building a sole American supply chain that supports our economy and creates jobs. With his strong leadership skills and military background, Dean has not only built a successful business but also a community-driven brand. ​
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As a Veteran entrepreneur, Dean emphasizes the importance of having a niche and focusing on customer experience in building a successful brand. He also highlights the camaraderie and collaboration among Veteran entrepreneurs and the impact of supporting each other's businesses.

Check out Authentically American on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Visit them online at authenticallyamerican.us and connect with Dean on LinkedIn.

Joining us is Eric Isham, Army Veteran turned fintech trailblazer, who shares powerful leadership lessons forged in the military and honed in the boardroom. From his days as a combat medic to becoming the CEO of OMNICOMMANDER, Eric reveals how military discipline transforms into business acumen.

Through candid reflection, Eric discusses the challenges of transitioning from soldier to entrepreneur and the unexpected ways his Army experience prepared him for the cutthroat world of startups. He offers invaluable insights on scaling a business, the importance of hiring Veterans, and how to apply military strategies to overcome corporate obstacles.

With a unique perspective shaped by his journey from the Army to credit unions, Eric illuminates the often-overlooked strengths Veterans bring to the business world. He also shares practical advice on maintaining work-life balance and fostering innovation in high-pressure environments.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone seeking to harness the power of military leadership in their professional life. Prepare to be inspired and equipped with battle-tested strategies for success!

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn and explore OMNICOMMANDER at omnicommander.com. Discover how Eric's company is revolutionizing digital services for credit unions while championing Veteran employment.

Joining us is SSG Shilo Harris, who reveals the raw and inspiring story of navigating life after combat. From earning his spurs in the Cavalry to surviving a coma and facing the challenges of leadership, Shilo opens up about the realities of returning home from war to heal. Through personal reflection, he discusses the impact of PTSD on Veterans and their families and emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness. ​

​With insights from his own experience growing up with a Vietnam Veteran father, Shilo sheds light on the unique struggles faced by Veterans. He also shares valuable tips on self-care and balancing personal life while serving in the military.​

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Connect with Shilo on Facebook - Instagram - YouTube - LinkedIn and check out his website shiloharris.com along with the nonprofits he supports: Helping a Hero and X-22 Adventures.​

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Follow this link to get a copy of Shilo’s book Steel Will.

Danny Maher, founder of Irreverent Warriors, VET Tv, and author of “Embarrassing Confessions of a Marine Lieutenant: Operation Branding Iron 2.1A,” joins us in this episode to discuss his journey and the importance of connecting with and supporting fellow veterans. He shares how he started the Silkies Hike events to prevent veteran suicide and create a sense of camaraderie among veterans. Emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and healthy culture within the veteran community, Danny shares the raw truth of what some of our combat veterans experience. ​

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Danny also talks about his creation of VET Tv, a network that provides humor and relatable content for combat veterans. Danny addresses the criticism of his work and defends the importance of understanding the psyche of combat veterans. He also provides a sneak peek into his next book titled, "The Psyche of Some American Veterans," which explores warrior identity, warrior ego, and how military experiences can impact mental health and relationships.​

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Check out Irreverent Warriors and see how you can get involved in the fight against veteran suicide. ​

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If you’re into dark, authentic, non-pc humor made by veterans for veterans then follow this link to VET Tv.​

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Click this link for Danny's book, Embarrassing Confessions of a Marine Lieutenant: Operation Branding Iron 2.1A

How did an active duty soldier become the Ultimate Fighter? Joining us is Colton Smith, the United States Army’s first and only UFC fighter. Colton shares his remarkable journey of serving in the military, earning accolades such as Ranger Tab, Sapper Tab, CIB, EIB, Airborne, and Air Assault badges, while pursuing his UFC career. Smith reveals how the Army allowed him to stay on active duty while training and competing in The Ultimate Fighter television show and talks about the challenges he faced while juggling both professions and the support he received from his superiors. ​

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But it's not just about Colton's impressive achievements, he also emphasizes the importance of combatives training in the military, highlighting how it prepares soldiers for hand-to-hand combat situations and builds physical, mental, and emotional strength. Colton also stresses the role of leadership to create camaraderie and respect among soldiers. As someone who leads by example, he believes that leaders should be willing to engage in combat training and combatives alongside their troops. ​

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Colton's achievements include: ​

• UFC Ultimate Fighter Winner (Season 16) ​
• 4x UFC Veteran ​
• 2024 IBJJF Pans Championship Silver Medalist (M2 Black Belt) ​
• National Wrestling Hall of Fame “Outstanding American” Inductee ​
• Arnold Schwarzenegger “Out of the Ring” Award Winner ​
• Brazilian JiuJitsu Black Belt (Second Degree)​
• Combatives Black Belt​
• Current Head Coach of numerous State, National and International Wrestling, JiuJitsu & MMA Champions Medalists. ​
• CoFounder/ Owner of Enlisted Nine Fight Company ​

Learn more about Colton and Nine Line Apparel by following this link. ​

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Check out Colton on Instagram - Facebook. ​

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Enlisted 9 Fight Company can be found in Virginia - Maryland. ​

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