Podcast appearances and mentions of robert ham

My guest today, director Robert Ham, has lived a life of service -- to his country, to art, to his family -- and it moved me deeply to host him for the podcast. We talk about his military service in the Army as a combat cameraman; losing his wife to cancer and making a documentary about her beautiful life, of honoring a 9/11 family with his latest film, ZZASLOW K-427, which is screening in New York City on January 18th, 2026.And if this sounds heavy, that's the duopoly of sometimes difficult service. I can't speak to any other profession like medicine that often walks the line so closely with the fragility of life, but in the military, a positive outlook even in the harshest conditions is the only way you'll make it through, and that spirit is reflected today on the podcast. Welcome to our world. In this episode, Robert and I discuss:the instant rapport of veterans, immaterial of branch and age;how he joined the military as a combat cameraman and the advice he'd giving aspiring filmmakers thinking about joining the military (OCS is officer candidate school; new recruits can attend with a four-year degree);how he became the most decorated combat cameraperson in Army history;graduate school at USC and earning a Tillman Scholarship from the Pat Tillman Foundation;why he started his own production company, HAMMR Productions;the challenge of showing PTSD on screen and what he thinks of veteran-focused films;weighing his own mental health with making realistic films about painful parts of his life;his reflections on MADE WITH MELANIE (2022) and his advice for people embarking on a similar journey;releasing indie films on YouTube;working on different topics than military related films?how INTERPRETERS WANTED (2023) is a great primer for learning more about the U.S. relationship with Afghanistan;why he edits his own projects;the story behind ZZASLOW K-427 (2025), which is screening in NYC on January 18th;the festival strategy for his films;what's next for him.Robert's Indie Film Highlights: WARFARE (2025) dir. by Ray Mendoza; MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE (2024) dir. by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes; HOLLYWOOD GRIT (2025) dir. by Ryan Curtis; SAND CASTLE (2017) dir. by Fernando Coimbra and Chris Roessner; Rebecca Murga; Maximilian Uriarte; Mike DowlingMemorable Quotes:"As going through the unique experience of being in the military and then coming out of the military and now being labeled a veteran, which becomes so much part of our personality...when I meet other veterans, it is that common bond.""I did extra work. I was a Marine in FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS (2006) as an extra.""Same thing with everybody in the military. It's hard. You're asked to do morally complicated things that you have to then live with. And so that's the first thing that I would approach it with is that like, where do you stand?""It feels like the further you get away from the source of anything, the further from the truth you're gonna get, right?""I've always used the camera to almost separate myself from the trauma.""All I could do was film. I don't know, I'm not a doctor, I'm not, I'm like trying to read these crazy things that she's researching and that we're looking together and taking notes when doctors tell us diagnoses and what we're trying to do and what options and medicines and stuff I've never heard of before.""We had the conversation about how we share this with the world and she just basically said, I trust you." "She was a great person. She was a wonderful woman. She deserved a film to be made about her." "It does come back down to my own inability to know how to help a helpless situation.""I have four kids. I'm married, I have a mortgage. So whoever calls up and says, we got a budget, I'm like, okay, let's do this.""I'm very self-critical of my edits and I don't hold onto things very closely. As a director, you shoot something and you're like, oh, this is it. And then the editor has to be like, no, that wasn't it."Links:Follow Robert On InstagramHAMMR ProductionsWatch MADE WITH MELANIE (2022)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Recorded live inside UCLA's Royce Hall, the audio drama at the center of this episode takes place in southern California the immediate aftermath of the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde TX. Tiffany struggles to balance the need to protect her young children with the urgency of finishing her doctoral dissertation, which is itself related to school shootings. After the performance, actors Natalie Camunas and Sola Bamis are joined by guests Marine Corps veteran Tess Banko and Army veteran Robert Ham to discuss the implications, for parents and veterans in particular, of school shootings becoming commonplace. "Tiffany" is based on the oral history of retired Air Force Captain Jessica Huerta. Jessica, who is also a PhD student in Sociology, joins the discussion as well. The conversation unearths provocative questions about cultures of hyper-masculinity, and the need to balance our freedoms and responsibilities regarding guns. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:56 - Audio drama: "Tiffany" 10:43 - Discussion with Tess, Robert, and Jessica 23:16 - Conclusion 25:23 - Thank you's and credits   Guest Bios: Jessica Huerta enlisted in the Air Force shortly after 9/11. Often she was the only woman in airfield-communications teams, among leaders in security forces, as the wing equal opportunity adviser, and as a public affairs officer. As a citizen-airman, a sociology doctoral candidate at UCLA, and a parent, she became aware of the discrimination fathers face when they seek deep emotional connections with their families and greater involvement in childcare. Jessica believes research to demonstrate the strategies fathers use to defy rigid gender rules could greatly improve the lives of men, their partners and their children across our military, veteran and civilian communities.   Tess Barragan Banko, MSW/MPA, a Marine Corps veteran, serves as the U.S.VETS West Los Angeles project director and The Veterans Collective community development director. A survivor of post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma, Banko deeply identifies with fellow veterans and families on their paths to recovery, wellness and empowerment, and is honored to serve the community on behalf of her military and veteran sisters, brothers and their families.    Robert Ham is a 4x Emmy winning director/writer, a decorated Army Combat Veteran and an alumni of the USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA program. During his time in the military he served a combat tour to Afghanistan in '09-10 and then would deploy to over a dozen areas in the Pacific. Robert received the Department of Defense Military Videographer of the Year award three times (the highest decoration for military story-telling), the most in Army history. Resources: Dan Froot & Company Collaborators: Producer, Artistic Director, Lead Writer: Dan Froot Actors: Justin Alston, Sola Bamis, Natalie Camunas, Krysta Gonzales, Donna Simone Johnson, Anthony Rey, Christopher Rivas Dramaturg: Bobby Gordon Composer: Julio Montero Musicians: Julian Gomez, Tom Moose, Isaac Rodriguez Sound Designer: Duncan Woodbury Oral Historians: Tula B. Strong, Rufio Vasquez Administrative Magician: Annie Kahane Social Media Manager: Lily Stockton Publicist: Lynn Tejada of Green Galactic Recorded, mixed, and mastered at ReadyMix Studio in Van Nuys CA. Please like, rate, and review us on Apple Podcasts! DM us on Instagram: @danfrootandcompany This podcast is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, on the web at arts.gov, and is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, the UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance, the UCLA Office for Research & Creative Activities and the Chancellor's Council on the Arts. Arms Around America is a National Performance Network Creation & Development Fund Project co-commissioned by Miami Light Project in partnership with The Myrna Loy (Helena MT), the UCLA Center for the Art of Performance, and NPN. The Creation & Development Fund is supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency). For more information, visit http://www.npnweb.org. Arms Around America was created with funding by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Theater Project, with lead funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and additional support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

In Episode 5 of the Built to Serve podcast, we sit down with Robert "Wes" Ham, an E-5 Sergeant Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a skilled combo welder at Performance Contractors. Wes shares his compelling journey, from the challenges of military service to his success as a civilian. The episode explores Wes's military experiences, highlighting the discipline and resilience that define his character. A key focus is a belief that was passed on to Wes that "everyone who succeeds wakes up early." He unpacks the importance of a disciplined morning routine, drawing parallels between military life and personal success. Tune in for a dose of motivation and a salute to those who continue to serve and succeed.

This week's episode is inspired by a recent panel discussion I was lucky enough to be a part of at Moroccanoil's recent big event: The Collective. The panel focus was on challenges and opportunities facing the industry globally - and although i was honored and loved every bit of it, i left wanting to talk more about this big topic. Thanks to my fellow panelists behindthechair.com founder Mary Rector, PBA's Leslie Perry, Moroccanoil Pro Brand Ambassador Richie Grisello -and to our host Robert Ham, VP of Global Education- for inspiring today's episode.

IN THE NEWS VA and NIH launch study of Gulf War Illness. THIS WEEK'S GUEST Award-winning director and writer, Army combat veteran USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA program alumni and American Legion Post 43 member, Robert Ham joins us to talk about his feature documentary about Afghan Interpreters, "Interpreters Wanted," that will be released this spring on Vet TV. RAPID FIRE Mark Wahlberg is Not a Fan Of Tom Cruise Comparing His Work in Movie to Military Service Air National Guardsman arrested after applying to be a hitman online to make some extra cash Eagle Scout creates "Flags of Gratitude" memorial Special Guest: Robert Ham.

- PASTOR JACK HIBBS: "Why Every Christian in California Should VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 1" - ROBERT HAM: "VETERAN'S DAY: Powerful New Documentary 'Songs of Service' Shows the Value of Music in the Military"

- ANALYSIS, BALANCE and CLARITY: "A New Study Confirms that So-Called 'Risky Play' Actually Helps Kids Learn to Be SAFER" - ELYSE FITZPATRICK AND ERIC SCHUMACHER: "Jesus and Gender: Living as Brothers and Sisters in Christ" - ROBERT HAM: "The New Documentary 'MADE WITH MELANIE' Tells the Powerful and Poignant Tale of a Young Christian Wife and Mother Whose Ministry of Sharing Craft Ideas with Nearly ONE MILLION FOLLOWERS ONLINE After Receiving Her Ultimate Healing from Cancer"

Inspired by a childhood surrounded by salon pro's, Robert Ham's personal journey has taken him from 'small-town boy' to Moroccanoil Global VP of Education.  With digital education taking the industry by storm, Robert shares the story behind the newly launched NYC based Moroccanoil Academy and their pandemic inspired pivot from real-time education to a robust approach to online teaching and learning. 

The Opus is in the thick of the Blizzard now. Tracing the influence of Ozzy Osbourne leads to some strange and wonderful places -- far beyond the confines of hard rock. From sports arenas to new hip-hop anthems, the Prince of Darkness has a reach that knows no limits. Host Andy Bothwell continues his journey through 1980's Blizzard of Ozz, but he's not alone. Today, he's joined by a motley crew that includes guitar god Zakk Wylde, musician Steve Brodsky (formerly of Converge), Portland Mercury writer Robert Ham, and, yes, Minor League Baseball executive Fillup Guiry. Together, they discuss how Blizzard of Ozz was a gateway drug into metal, how all great grunge musicians were 16 when it dropped, and how it wound up on the mixing boards for the likes of Post Malone, Trick Daddy, and Lil Jon. Next year marks the 40th anniversary of Ozzy Osbourne’s groundbreaking debut album, Blizzard of Oz. To celebrate, you can preview or stream music from Ozzy Osbourne here. Bonus: We’re also giving away his new career-spanning vinyl box set, See You on the Other Side.

March 7, 2019D Mark starts off the morning with the weather forecast (brought by the Opelika Observer); Coach Gene Stallings calls into the Hamilton's Hotline, comments/concerns on the tornado here in Lee County, updates on Mrs. Ruth Ann, keeping up with sports, and how/why he went from pros to collegeYesterday's baseball game between Auburn High and Opelika High; article on the difference between Auburn and Alabama basketball by al.com; Robert dials into the Hamilton's Hotline to talk sportsThe link to Lee County GoFundMe page on the website (all proceeds go towards recovery efforts); fake news; Opelika Lions Club Pancake Jamboree; Derek Lee (OPS One) joins the studio, comments on the tornado and those effected here in Lee County, and sharing a story from his childhood with an experience with a tornadoSheriff Jay Jones & Commissioner Robert Ham in the studio, discussing the devestation from the tornado here in Lee County, spreading love out there to those effected and those stepping up to help, recovery efforts, volunteering and what people can do to helpDiscussion on admiration towards Sheriff Jay Jones, Commissioner Robert Ham, all first responders and everyone who have coordinated together to help Lee County through the devastation from the tornado; Derek Lee (OPS One) discusses their part in recoveryD Rock calls into the Hamilton's Hotline, sending out thoughts and prayers to those effected by the tornado in Lee County, discussing Alex Trebek story, and sharing great news about his baseball team (11-12 yo)Councilman Bub calls into the Hamilton's Hotline, commenting on the tragedy here in Lee County due to the tornado, Marbury classification, 2019 Freedom Bowl

The second studio album from Kim Gordon's post-Sonic Youth project is a new creative peak with she and fellow guitarist Bill Nace playing around with variables of feedback, reverb, delay and pure noise to bring about a collective but controlled chaos. An album review by Robert Ham.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The second studio album from Kim Gordon’s post-Sonic Youth project is a new creative peak with she and fellow guitarist Bill Nace playing around with variables of feedback, reverb, delay and pure noise to bring about a collective but controlled chaos. An album review by Robert Ham.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Faced with a crossroads after the deaths of their two famed lead singers (Scott Weiland and Chester Bennington), the DeLeo brothers and drummer Eric Kretz opt to endure, recruiting former X-Factor runner-up Jeff Gutt for a collection of new material that attempts to honor the band's hard-rocking legacy while simultaneously pointing towards a new beginning. An album review by Robert Ham, read by Cap Blackard.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Faced with a crossroads after the deaths of their two famed lead singers (Scott Weiland and Chester Bennington), the DeLeo brothers and drummer Eric Kretz opt to endure, recruiting former X-Factor runner-up Jeff Gutt for a collection of new material that attempts to honor the band's hard-rocking legacy while simultaneously pointing towards a new beginning. An album review by Robert Ham, read by Cap Blackard.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Considering how quickly young bands are expected to ripen to survive in our accelerated age, Sunflower Bean has done a remarkable job evolving from the uneasy steps of their first self-released tracks to this more steady and fleshed-out album.An album review by Robert Ham.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Considering how quickly young bands are expected to ripen to survive in our accelerated age, Sunflower Bean has done a remarkable job evolving from the uneasy steps of their first self-released tracks to this more steady and fleshed-out album.An album review by Robert Ham.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

After spending the last two years transforming his nightmare visions of our modern age and his internal agonies into razor wire post-punk, Moby is back in the business of electronic pop music. And what has poured out of him on his 15th studio album are equally dark visions rendered with music and performances that feel softer. Like the warm cushion of a goose down pillow as it settles on your face to suffocate you.A review by Robert Ham.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After spending the last two years transforming his nightmare visions of our modern age and his internal agonies into razor wire post-punk, Moby is back in the business of electronic pop music. And what has poured out of him on his 15th studio album are equally dark visions rendered with music and performances that feel softer. Like the warm cushion of a goose down pillow as it settles on your face to suffocate you.A review by Robert Ham.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

It's more difficult than ever to call Tribulation simply a metal band. In their new record, "Down Below" their sound is much more subtle and daring, reaching out into the worlds of psychedelia, shoegaze and post-rock. An album review by Robert Ham.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s more difficult than ever to call Tribulation simply a metal band. In their new record, "Down Below" their sound is much more subtle and daring, reaching out into the worlds of psychedelia, shoegaze and post-rock. An album review by Robert Ham.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Robert Ham (Paste Magazine, Portland Mercury, XRay.fm) joins Oktay and Ryan to tackle two whimsical, melancholy comedies about moving on: Zach Braff's "Garden State" and Bill Forsyth's "Comfort and Joy." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theplaylist/message

Eusebie, aka SunFalls is a PDX based electronic musician. Composing, performing, writing and collaborating up and down the west coast since 2001. From noise cello improv for butoh theatre to experimental ableton sets and merging into eurorack synthesis in 2013. He has been a recurring solo and collaborative performer at Volt Divers, the Sonic Lodge performance series, Modular on the Spot(pdx), and most recently Binary Society, with a stacked lineup featuring some of the most talented modular synthesists across the country for opening day of the 10th Annual SubZERO Festival in the SoFA District of Downtown San Jose. “SunFalls will guide you toward an alien realm of metallic sound structures that fracture into a world of kaleidoscopic colors. Let its electric jolts prod the listener’s cerebral cortex. Embrace this paradox, shed the blankets of easy comfort, and find your own warmth in SunFalls icy space-scape.” -Robert Ham of Experimental Portland. Current Album out on tape now. Hard copies available. https://sunfalls.bandcamp.com/album/dreamminus http://sunfalls.org/ http://bit.ly/epdxreview Works at & Sponsored by Control Voltage http://controlvoltage.net/

January 1, 2015 Robert Ham is the top music journalist in the state of Oregon and one of the best in the US of A. Now, I could be saying that to curry favor and get him to write more for us, but I'm not, although that would be a goal. Hell, I'd hand over the keys to the store, if I could afford it and he'd make a better OMN editor than me. One thing I've always liked about our relationship is that even though we've been in competition for the same dollars from various publications (the Oregonian, for instance), I have never felt a shred of competitiveness between us. That's a rare thing in journalism, especially given the shrinking marketplace and minuscule amount of money to be made compared to ten years ago. He's a splendid fella. We talked at World Cup Coffee and Tea at NW 18th and Glisan, where all of our Coffeeshop Conversations take place. Listen:

My guest, Robert Ham, is a two-time Emmy-winning filmmaker and former Army combat documentarian. He spent time in Afghanistan as a soldier and relied heavily on the work of an interpreter. Robert now runs a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for a short film about the story of his Afghan interpreter. Show notes: www.adrechsel.de/langfm/no-one-left-behind

Package of the AFC and NFC teams who practiced for the Pro Bowl at Joint Base Pearl Harbor / Hickam. Soundbites from Charles Tillman, DeMarcus Ware, Andy Dalton. Produced by Staff Sgt. Robert Ham. Also available in high definition.