Dead Reckoning Collective

“We tell ourselves stories in order to live...We look for the sermon in the suicide, for the social or moral lesson in the murder of five. We interpret what we see, select the most workable of the multiple choices. We live entirely, especially if we are writers, by the imposition of a narrative line upon disparate images, by the "ideas" with which we have learned to freeze the shifting phantasmagoria which is our actual experience.” -Joan Didion Mac Caltrider has been a long time friend and supporter of Dead Reckoning Collective. He humbly submitted his own manuscript after years of writing about other people's books and eventually breaking into a career in journalism.  In his debut book, Caltrider takes us on a tour of Afghanistan's IED-filled Helmand province, where every footstep is an act of bravery. Without a chance to exhale, he moves on to explore the messy world of policing in the wake of George Floyd and the outbreak of COVID-19. Caltrider then takes us up the snow-swept slopes of Mount Rainier and on a whirlwind tour of the United States, alongside Miss America, some of the Pentagon's top brass, and a gaggle of B-list celebrities that more closely resemble a circus than a morale boost. As the stories progress, a narrative through-line emerges, revealing the complicated ways in which war remains with those who wage it. In this episode of the podcast we discuss topics covered in Mac's book and how his thought process evolved before and after composing these essays. What we learn is it's not always so simple and we don't always get the full picture, but also that it doesn't have to make sense immediately for it to be worth it. The immediate experience and the delayed gratification is all part of the journey. 

We have been highlighting Native stories and storytellers this month in recognition of American Indian Heritage Month so it was only appropriate we start the podcast back up with a conversation Keith had with our friend and warrior storyteller, Jeremiah "Blackbeard" Wilber. Jeremiah is a retired Green Beret and founder of War Party Movement, an organization that was intended to start conversations about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and progressed into rescue and rehabilitation efforts for women and children across the country. Jeremiah's family history of fighting for oppressed people everywhere is a huge part of his own story that now extends beyond his time in special operations. The stories Jeremiah and his team have to tell are important and they are more relevant than ever. https://deadreckoningco.com https://warpartymovement.com

In the final episode of this three part series, Amy talks with her editor and Dead Reckoning Collective's Director of Education, Jessica Danger.

In honor of Mother's Day, the focus of this episode is celebrating some of the military mothers who inspired Amy and the poems that make up her poetry collection, "Poppies." This interview is the second episode in a three part series, guest hosted by Amy Sexauer. Amy is the first woman to be added to the Dead Reckoning Collective roster and she came out swinging. In this interview series, she will discuss some of the elements surrounding Poppies inspired by the women she interviews. They are fellow Cultural Support Team (CST) veterans with whom she served in Afghanistan and they even inspired some of the poems from the collection. ----- Join other veteran parents in the upcoming July course offering, "Writing About Parenthood," a three hour introductory workshop that includes generative prompts, short readings, and optional opportunities to share work and receive encouraging feedback.

This interview is the first part of a three part series, guest hosted by Amy Sexauer, author of "Poppies." Amy is the first woman to be added to the Dead Reckoning Collective roster and she came out swinging. In this interview series, she will discuss some of the elements surrounding Poppies inspired by the women she interviews. They are fellow Cultural Support Team (CST) veterans with whom she served in Afghanistan and they even inspired some of the poems from the collection.

Keith Dow sat down with Luke Ryan, the author of The First Marauder. At the Black Rifle Coffee Company storefront in San Antonio, the two talked about an array of topics regarding Luke's debut novel in fiction. Specifically, they talked about ideas that inspired this book, the motivation and organization required to finish the project, and what all entails when creating a post-apocalyptic world. We hope y'all enjoy!

This episode is a little different than our previous podcasts. Tyler reads a short essay that he wrote for his MFA program, titled "Why I Write." He and Keith talk about the MFA program and the inspiration and ideas that surround the writing. After the piece is read, they discuss the benefits of writing an essay laying out why you write. In doing so, you'll find the foundation as to what makes you a writer and why you decide to put yourself through this beautiful and miserable experience. You can find the essay at https://deadreckoningco.com/blogs/read/why-i-write

In Episode 34, the inaugural writing workshop crew sat down without Tyler or Keith and discussed what they got out of the weekend. Marty Skovlund Jr shares his excitement about one-lines that stuck out. Jessica Danger emphasizes the importance of workshopping your pieces of writing. Mac Caltrider feels encouraged to continue writing loosely based fiction. Tom Schueman touches on the idea of entitled writers and veterans and reminds people that they must bring their best work to the table. Michael Plunkett reassures writers to put the work out there. All in all, it was great to have this crew together. We hope you enjoy listening to this fun conversation and feel inspired to share your story.

In Episode 33, Tyler got to speak with Thomas Schueman & Michael Plunkett. Schueman is the founder of PB Abbate, and Plunkett helps run the book club. Schueman goes into detail about how PB Abbate came about and what his intentions are with the organization. Plunkett is an example of Schueman's trust in veterans that want to continue to serve. Plunkett put himself out there and now helps give back to the community. PB Abbate's reach is endless and has only begun. It was a great time talking to these two. Enjoy!

In Episode 32, Tyler got to speak with William Bolyard, the author of Sober Man's Thoughts. The two discussed what lead Bolyard to write the book, everything that went into writing it, and the relationship and progression of a writer with their craft. Bolyard speaks about the struggles he experienced during the process of creating this poetry book, but he also expresses the huge sense of relief after finishing the book. Enjoy!

In episode 31, Tyler sat down with Marty Skovlund & Mac Caltrider while they were in Kittery Maine for DRC's writing workshop. Marty is the executive editor of Black Rifle Coffee Company's magazine, Coffee or Die. Mac is one of their newest staff writers within their Entertainment vertical. Check out this episode to get some perspective on the culture and expectations at Coffee or Die and what all it takes when you're a new writer. This was a great episode to record and we hope you enjoy listening.

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In our 29th episode it was our distinct honor to be joined by Tim O'Brien. Mr O'Brien is an award winning author and a Vietnam War veteran. When people ask us what there is to like about fiction, we reference wise words he has said about why he prefers it as his chosen genre. No one can provide a better rationale. In this episode we are also rejoined by Aaron Matthews from Episode 24. Tim and Aaron talk about the upcoming film, The War & Peace of Tim O'Brien, which is available for pre-order right now. It follows Tim's triumphs and struggles as an author, a veteran, a father, a husband, and a man. We hope you'll join us for this special episode where we discuss parallels of written and visual storytelling techniques as well as how Tim's life was so honestly captured by Aaron as he embedded with the O'Brien family for several years. The film will officially debut on VOD services on March 2nd, 2021.

While we had them in town to sign all of your books, Tyler sat down with the authors of “Lucky Joe,” DRC’s first novella. The boys run through the creation of the 3 way collaborative book while also responding to questions submitted to our social media platforms. PURCHASE SIGNED COPIES https://deadreckoningco.com/products/lucky-joe-signed

As a Marine Infantry Officer hailing from the South Side of Chicago, Thomas Schueman has a resume he is less interested in talking about and pushes the lives of “greater men” regularly in conversation. He is currently an instructor at the Naval Academy teaching literature while also recently founding Patrol Base Abbate, a retreat for all veterans to use as a place to refit and get back in the fight. Find out more about Schueman’s efforts to help veterans and the man the retreat is named after.

If a novel is beer, poetry is whiskey. Cokie is a mysterious presence in the world of veteran creatives. In this episode he talks about his experiences as a failed pastor, marine scout sniper, contractor, and a poet. Be sure to pick up a copy of his new book on https://cokieactual.com or Amazon.

Rok was (and still is) a Baltimore graffiti writer before and joined the ranks of the US Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment. In this episode, we talk about the state of veteran and graffiti culture and correlations between them. https://itslevelseven.com

Aaron Matthews In our second episode ever featuring a non-veteran, we welcome award winning documentary film maker, Aaron Matthews to the show. Among several other documentaries that some of you would take interest in, Aaron is currently awaiting the release of “The War and Peace of Tim O’Brien.” Tim O’Brien is one of the most influential veteran authors of our time and when we were made aware of the film that Aaron had put together we immediately reached out to Aaron and roped him into the podcast episode before you. Check out this episode for some insight on storytelling through film, insight into Tim O’Brien and some other great topics we stumbled upon along the way. Check out Aaron’s work and the film at: http://www.aaronmatthews.com https://www.timobrienfilm.com https://instagram.com/timobrienfilm?igshid=2t6mavehk2bv .

In episode 23 we had the pleasure of sitting down with Marty Skovlund, who is a former 1/75 Ranger and held several titles at various publications before finding his new home at Black Rifle Coffee Company. Marty is the editor of the company’s magazine, Coffee or Die. Check our this episode to get some perspective on his previous projects as well as some exciting things he has coming out in the future. This was a great episode to record and we hope you enjoy listening out there in quarantine land.

In this episode we welcome Jessica Rambo to the show. Jessica is a Marine veteran, an artist and a mother who has recently transitioned into living in a school bus she renovated. In addition to her unique lifestyle, Jessica has started a charitable effort called the Paint Can Project, where she gathers art supplies from donors and distributed them to deserving veterans in 50 cal ammo cans. For more info about Jess and the Paint Can Project, check out her instagram: @paintedbuffalotravelingstudio

In this episode we talk to Luke about his childhood abroad, his time in the 75th Ranger Regiment, and his literary endeavors to date. Luke is now a published author, poet and the new Social Media Manager at Black Rifle Coffee Company’s media outlet, Coffee or Die.

It was great to talk to Navy Corpsman, Alex Carbery and his wife, Serena about her involvement in a current research project at University of California Irvine. The research seeks participants with combat experience with the goal of improving the way we approach care for combat veterans and their families. Check out the article on our website for information about participating in the study and share it with your friends.

We had a great time talking (and just listening) to Michael Ramos, who is a Navy veteran of Iraq. After leaving the Navy, Michael went back to school for Creative Writing and now teaches a new course at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, called “Reading and Writing the War.” In this episode, we discuss the course as well as his background and aspirations in writing.

Take notes from Jariko Denman if you’ve ever been interested in working as a technical advisor for film. He shares lessons learned from 15 years in the 75th Ranger Regiment, 5 years as a ROTC instructor and every second since learning the ins and outs of the film industry. http://www.warofficeproductions.com

Keith talks to Doug about his journey from Texas oilfield worker to National Guard Special Forces Engineer Sergeant. This path presented many entrepreneurial endeavors, including Doug’s current position as Director of Content and #1 Gunbunny at SOFLETE.

We’re back. Ryan is jumping into the mix with us and we are getting the podcast going again after dedicating some time to other DRC projects. On that note, this episode is an explanation of our audio absence and the book we have funneled all that time and effort into. • https://deadreckoningco.com/products/fact-memory-a-collection-of-poems

It was an absolute pleasure speaking with Captain Alex Horton. Alex talks about her time assigned to the Joint Special Operations Command and her experience as a Cultural Support Team member/instructor. Finally we discuss Freed-OM Holistic and how her experience in the CST program helped to shape the way she approaches healing. We are looking forward to her impending transition out of the active duty Army and the things her and her team plan to accomplish.

Rory Patrick Hamill joins us in this episode to discuss his ups and downs before, during and after his time in the Marine Corps. He identifies several stressors and saviors, including how a not-for-profit helped him to gain confidence and camaraderie back that he thought had lost after leaving the military.

In our 13th episode we talk to Johnny about how a troubled past lead him and many others to a career in special operations. He explains how much of his career was spent trying to prove things to others, which inspired the title of his upcoming literary attempt, "Proving Myself To Me." https://www.courses-of-action.com/ https://www.instagram.com/courses_of_action/ https://www.facebook.com/coursesofactionactual1/

In our 12th episode we were able to connect with Justin Eggen and discuss his current books Outside The Wire: A US Marine's Collection of Poems and Short Stories Volume I&II. We talk about Justin's transition, his creative process and how he plans to continue to provide for his family while writing full-time. https://jtecollection.com https://instagram.com/jtecollection https://www.facebook.com/jtecollection

Ben Bunn joins us to discuss how he planned his transition and coordinated it with the launch of his business, Cigar City Crossfit. We also talk about his experiences with the veteran community, nonprofit industry, health and relationships. https://www.instagram.com/coach_bunny/ https://www.instagram.com/cigarcitycrossfit/ http://www.cigarcitycrossfit.com

In this episode our guest and long time friend, Thomas Tartaglia, co-owner of Recon Rings and Tango Charlie Apparel discusses the current climate of entrepreneurship among veterans and why his businesses feel the need to involve the physical community in which they exist. https://www.reconrings.com/ https://www.instagram.com/reconrings https://www.facebook.com/reconrings/ https://www.tangocharlieapparel.com/collections/new-releases https://www.instagram.com/tangocharlieapparel https://www.facebook.com/tangocharlieapparel/ Sponsored by Recon Rings & Arrowhead Coffee Company All music written and recorded by Timothy Mueller

In this episode Rob Cosman & Luther joined us. Luther briefly talks about his time in the U.S. Army and Rob tells his story from a kid cutting lumber to the craftsman he is today. Together they share their story that lead them to starting the Purple Heart Project and all that the program offers. Their passion to help men find the calm woodworking offers is admirable and inspiring.

In this episode we welcome Jordan Laird. Jordan talks about his time as a Marine Scout Sniper and his failure to make arrangements that allowed a smooth transition out of the Marine Corps. Although he has made mistakes that have severely impacted his life and others, he has taken accountability for his actions and adapted to his circumstances.

We hit some heavy issues in this episode as we are joined by Meaghan Mobbs and (returning guest and new collaborator) Johnny Peddicord. We talk about some of the pitfalls in the veteran community and what Kinetic Syndicate, the brainchild of Johnny and Meaghan is doing to challenge that. In addition to this being the first audio coverage of the project, it is our inaugural episode as the "voices of reason" of Kinetic Syndicate. Join us as we discuss who KS is, why it exists and what you can expect. http://www.kineticsyndicate.com https://www.facebook.com/KineticHooligans/ https://www.instagram.com/kineticsyndicate

On our 6th episode, we talk with Mike Steadman about his path to the Naval Academy, his time as a Marine Infantry Officer and the internship at St Benedict’s Prep School in Newark, New Jersey that lead to the birth of the Ironbound Boxing Academy. Mike talks about the road to where Ironbound is now and who helped to get it there. http://ironboundboxing.org https://www.instagram.com/ironmikesteadman https://www.facebook.com/IronboundBoxingAcademy/

On the 5th episode we welcome Daniel Charlton. We first became friends with Daniel when he started the Homeward Bound Podcast to help himself and others through transition out of the military. Since then he has been inspired by his guests to go out on his own and has started his newest venture, Boondocker Supply Company, a motorcycle themed clothing brand. We talk with Daniel about current trends in veteran entrepreneurship, his family’s recent move to Texas and a variety of other topics. http://www.boondockersupplyco.com http://www.instagram.com/boondockersupplyco http://www.facebook.com/homewardboundpodcast http://www.instagram.com/homewardboundpodcast

In our 4th podcast episode we sat down with the CEO of @runenationllc , Ian Strimbeck. We talk about what qualifies someone to teach, responsibilities of firearms owners and the importance of verbal acuity in your “every day carry” inventory.

I had the pleasure of chopping it up with Paul Handelman about how he went from 2/75 Ranger Platoon Leader to full time Musician and part time Rancher. Paul talks about the difficulties he faced in his exit from the military but also how he is happier in his current line of work, making less money and working longer hours. We end this episode with a song called "Six Dollars," from Paul's newest record, "Unbridled." Honorable mentions to Willy T. Taylor, Forest Beutel, Julie Campbell, Joe Pug, Tyler Childers & Veteran musicians: Nick Sterling, Adam Martin (Black Bird Anthem), Anderson Elswick https://www.padrepaulmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/paul_handelman/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFSQPae_yLrFcUt8u5nsfyQ?view_as=subscriber https://www.facebook.com/pg/PADRE-PAUL-his-ONE-MAN-BAND-1642362555849305/about/?ref=page_internal SONG CREDIT: Padre Paul Handelman, "Six Dollars" [ https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unbridled/1353710767 ]

On our latest episode we link up with Leo Jenkins, published author and former 3/75 Ranger Medic to discuss life as a full time writer, husband and father while settling in Baja, Mexico. We get into the nitty gritty of Leo's daily routines with plenty of tangents and just enough direction to steer us back on course and break down the details of the Verses & Curses tour, which will feature 2 other veteran poets and promote their work as well as Leo's first collection of poetry, "With a Pen." https://leodjenkins.com https://www.facebook.com/leojenkinsauthor/ https://www.instagram.com/leo_jenkins/ https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1?ie=UTF8&text=Leo+Jenkins&search-alias=books&field-author=Leo+Jenkins&sort=relevancerank

In our first episode we welcome Johnny “Grifter” Peddicord on the show and discuss transition, growth and the counter productive culture many post 9/11 veterans tend to cling to. Johnny is a former Recon Marine/Private Military Contractor and is a current Pre-Law student at the University of St Louis. Direct all questions, comments and concerns to: hq@deadreckoningco.com [Intro/Outro music written and recorded by Timothy Mueller]