September 30, 2025 • 14 mins
The military influencer community faces challenging questions about authenticity and service in light of recent Parade Deck controversy. I explain why I've maintained independence and chosen to align only with organizations like Act Now Education that share my values.
• Parade Deck organization has gathered numerous military podcasters under one umbrella
• Recent allegations have led to dissolved partnerships and questions about transparency
• Morning Formation Podcast has remained independent to maintain alignment with core values
• Military influencer space often divides between community-focused creators and self-promoters
• Awards and recognition systems can sometimes feel more like popularity contests than merit-based acknowledgment
• Many authentic military heroes don't seek the spotlight or maintain social media presences
• Important to carefully consider your affiliations and "know your circle"
• Legitimacy comes from service, integrity and impact—not titles or networking
• Recognition of authentic military content creators who prioritize service over self-promotion
• Remember: "Don't confuse looking important with being important"
Remember to stay tuned, stay focused, and stay motivated. Warriors fallout.
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Episode Transcript
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SPEAKER_00 (00:00):
Warriors fall in.
It's time for formation.
Today we're going to be talkingabout something that's been
steering within the militaryinfluencer community.
Recently, controversy has comeup around a group called Parade
Deck.
Now, I want to be up front andtell you that I don't know much
(00:21):
about Parade Deck.
I haven't even dug into whatthey're about.
What I do know is that they arean organization that has managed
to get a bunch of differentinfluencers and podcasters under
their flag.
And I also want to be clear thatI'm not here to throw names
around or point fingers, butwhat I do want to talk about is
(00:42):
what we do know.
What's been brought publiclyforward to us and what it means
for us as a community ofveterans, service members, and
storytellers.
This isn't about one platform orone organization.
It's about a bigger lesson onwho we choose to align ourselves
with and how we definelegitimacy and how we stay true
(01:03):
to values that really matter.
The substance of all this andthe things that we publicly
understand or know is thatParade Deck is a platform that's
gathered, like I said, dozens ofmilitary podcasters and
influencers.
And lately it's come under heavycriticism.
Allegations have surfaced,partnerships have been
(01:25):
dissolved, and questions abouttransparency and leadership have
been raised.
None of us have the fullpicture, and many of these
points remain allegations.
So I'm not here to judge orconvict, only to acknowledge
that these conversations arehappening.
Now, this is why my podcast, theMorning Formation podcast, the
(01:48):
last three or four years, I'vechosen to stay independent and
not align with any of theseother organizations.
Because you, to me, there has tobe a special chemistry.
There has to be something that Ifeel is right.
The only organization that I'vealigned myself with and I'm
actually a board member for isAct Now Education.
(02:11):
And the reason that is, isbecause I've talked to the
founder, Jay Salters.
I've talked to the board.
I know all the major volunteersreally well.
Some of us have met in person,and our values align really
well.
We've done multiple projectstogether, gotten things done,
(02:32):
and Jay just runs a reallysolid, honest, authentic,
nonprofit organization.
That's the only organizationthat I've ever aligned my
podcast with.
And I at the beginning of all myshows, I make sure that I
advertise Actno Educationbecause I believe in the fight.
(02:52):
I believe in the mission.
Personally, I've avoided joiningplatforms like Parade Deck over
the years, which I was asked afew years ago if I'd be
interested.
Part of that comes down tosensing values that don't quite
align.
I've chosen to not participatein military podcast awards.
Why?
(03:12):
I did one year when I firststarted, and I really felt like
these awards were more like goodold boy clubs.
They weren't true recognition ofmeaningful impact.
And that's just my opinion.
Now, if you've won one of theseawards, congratulations to you.
But I just don't I don't reallyfeel like it's a honest
(03:38):
measurement.
Uh the first year I did it, Idid not get a good impression.
And since then, I just havenever shown any interest, nor do
I have any plans to beinterested in the future or
anything like that.
To me, it often feels like it'sa way to look important rather
(03:58):
than to be important ormeaningful.
The bigger issue within iscommunity versus business.
Now, in person, I've noticedthat some military influencers
and podcasters aren'tnecessarily about the community.
They're about themselves.
And at times it feels likethey're more focused on personal
(04:19):
brand, clout, or businessopportunities over community.
That's not to say ambition isbad, but when the mission shifts
away from serving others, theauthenticity gets lost.
And on this show, I've done mybest to find people that I feel
(04:40):
like are great representativesof our community.
There's been folks that I havesaid no to who have wanted to be
interviewed.
And then there's folks I justhaven't gotten back to because
this is just my side thing thatI do.
And as someone who has alwaystried to put community first,
(05:01):
I'll admit I felt like anoutsider whenever I do go into
those circles.
Those types of platforms thatwant you to join their big
group.
So I just refuse to do it.
And I refuse to join any type ofpodcast award show, period.
I do think that conventions likethe Military Influencer
(05:24):
Conference is awesome, the Mick.
I think it's a great way to getan opportunity to meet some of
the folks that you meetvirtually.
I have I have had a great timegoing to those.
And I think that that's justsomething that I wanted to
mention today about why I standwhere I stand and I haven't
moved to go under anyone else.
(05:48):
Social media, a lot of that isan issue too.
It's a love-hate relationship,really.
And honestly, I think the worldhas grown tired of seeing social
media influencers showing offmaterialism, flexing cars,
houses, or the cool muscle guylifestyle.
From my experience, some of thebiggest badasses, the true
heroes who have done things thatwould humble half of today's
(06:12):
influencers don't even have asocial media account.
Meanwhile, some of the loudestvoices in the room, the type
where I wear my sunglassesinside types, I think that
they've already plateaued in2025.
A lot of folks have kind ofdropped off from what I've
noticed.
The plateau is really symbolic.
(06:33):
It's a reminder that if youprogram your life around being
impressive instead of being ofservice, you eventually stall
out.
And as I always say, a life ofservice is a life worth living.
It's not about me, it's aboutGod and country.
Living a life of service ratherthan a life of impressing others
(06:54):
creates meaning, longevity, andtrue respect.
I think the lesson in all thisis to know your circle.
That's key.
And I think the takeaway is wecan't always know the
difference.
We can't always know theaffiliations of every group,
(07:18):
especially when platforms gatherdozens and dozens of podcasts
under one umbrella.
And many times these podcasts,they're hodgepodge.
They're not really they cover alittle bit of this, a little bit
of that.
I don't know if they even screenthe people that are behind the
mics.
Anybody, the one thing that I'velearned doing podcasting is that
(07:40):
anybody can go to Best Buy andpurchase a mic and run a podcast
for virtually free.
That's easy.
So to know everyone and tounderstand the values of
everyone from the top down inone of those giant circles that
(08:00):
it seems so many otherinfluencer and influencers and
podcasters love to affiliatewith, it's impossible for you to
know your own circle.
So who do you stand with?
Who shares your values?
Who do you know without questionisn't it for the right reasons?
(08:21):
Those are all the things thatyou really need to ask yourself
when you're building a brand,you're building a business,
you're building a community.
Those are the people worthbuilding with.
Those are the voices worthamplifying.
Because at the end of the day,legitimacy doesn't come from an
(08:42):
award, a title, or flashingnetworking.
Legitimacy comes from service,integrity, and impact in your
reputation.
So I just wanted to talk aboutit briefly.
Like I said, I'm not pointingfingers, I'm not saying that I
know anything.
I don't even know half thepeople that were involved in
that.
It just seemed to be a bigfallout that just happened over
(09:04):
last weekend.
And before I close out, I wantto give a shout out to ACTNow
Education, the nonprofit thatI'm a board member for, because
I've probably been a part ofthem for years now.
The ACNow Education team, theycontinue to serve the military
community with selflessdedication.
The guy that runs it, I mean,truly, his heart is in the right
(09:26):
place.
And all the board members aremotivated to really make a
difference.
And I think I want to take thistime too to recognize some of
the social media influencers andpodcasters who, in my eyes, are
truly in this for the rightreasons.
And some of you have been withme for three years now.
And I know I'm gonna miss peopleon my little list here, but I
(09:47):
want to make sure that Iacknowledge some of you out
there, and I know there's more,so don't get offended if you're
not on here.
But I want to start out withAlthea, for she vets it.
I've literally met her multipletimes.
Heart of gold, really caresabout what she's doing down
there and living down there inTexas, right?
(10:09):
She truly understands what helpreally means.
And Jenna from the Milt uh theMillennial Veteran, Michelle
Lang from Rural Salute, Scottfrom Drive On Podcast, JP the
veteran coach, my more recentones like uh Sergeant First Plus
Alexander Stewart, Yasmin, she'sa uh military spouse running
(10:32):
Trend Lab.
And then some of the folks outthere that I've talked to, but I
haven't had an opportunity tocollab with, like Tracer
Burnout.
They seem like a couple of greatguys.
And beyond that, I want to alsoacknowledge folks that I've
connected with and I trust.
Start off with talking withTyrone Hewitt.
He's one of the board membersfor ACNOEducation.
Mario, another one.
(10:53):
Dr.
Nicole Donraj, another valuable,valuable volunteer for
acnoeducation, has been part ofACNOEducation for years.
Um and her son Avi as well.
He is a military dependent.
Dr.
Nicole Donraj has served in theArmy.
Avi has been a great characterfor us to utilize whenever we
(11:13):
have these huge projects withinacnoeducation.
And then some other folks thatI've also interviewed as well,
that I find has their heart inthe right place.
And I'll talk about V Morgan.
She's an Army veteran and leaderwith Home of Record Project.
They seem like a greatorganization as well.
Rob Martinez from All ClearGear, he's just a good old boy
(11:34):
trying to make it down therenear Camp Pendleton with his
business.
And that guy is a true hustler,man.
And his heart is seriously inthe right place, in the right
community.
Samea Gibrell, I've interviewedher twice now.
Started out, uh interviewed herfor talking about the results of
an Act Now Education projectthat she was a part of and she
(11:57):
saw success in.
And uh just recently, CoreyRosidlow from The Last Dram
Standing, and then uh DramalEdwards, he's a firefighter, Air
Force veteran, entrepreneur,totally in the sports.
She's got some great content outthere, great material.
These are the people whorepresent authenticity, service,
(12:17):
and they represent heart.
And you know, I'm actuallyleaving a few others off this
list, but if you know me, youknow I value you as well.
You know who you are.
All right.
I just went down my list realquick and just jotted those
down.
So as we process everythingthat's happened with the parade
(12:42):
deck and the wider militarypodcast space, let's remember
it's not about clout, it's notabout community, it's not about
being seen, it's about being ofservice.
The loudest voices, theflashiest lifestyles, they might
grab your attention, they mighthave great editing, but service
(13:02):
is what creates legacy.
And Formation Nation, always bemindful of your affiliations,
make sure you guard yourcircles, understand that your
circles don't have to begigantic.
Your circles can be small.
It's probably better that way.
Keep things close and tight toyou.
And don't confuse lookingimportant with being important.
(13:23):
That's a big one.
That's my message for today.
Until next time, I want you tostay tuned, stay focused, and
stay motivated.
Warriors fallout.
Warriors fall in.
It's time for formation.
Today we're going to be talkingabout something that's been
steering within the militaryinfluencer community.
Recently, controversy has comeup around a group called Parade
Deck.
Now, I want to be up front andtell you that I don't know much
(00:21):
about Parade Deck.
I haven't even dug into whatthey're about.
What I do know is that they arean organization that has managed
to get a bunch of differentinfluencers and podcasters under
their flag.
And I also want to be clear thatI'm not here to throw names
around or point fingers, butwhat I do want to talk about is
(00:42):
what we do know.
What's been brought publiclyforward to us and what it means
for us as a community ofveterans, service members, and
storytellers.
This isn't about one platform orone organization.
It's about a bigger lesson onwho we choose to align ourselves
with and how we definelegitimacy and how we stay true
(01:03):
to values that really matter.
The substance of all this andthe things that we publicly
understand or know is thatParade Deck is a platform that's
gathered, like I said, dozens ofmilitary podcasters and
influencers.
And lately it's come under heavycriticism.
Allegations have surfaced,partnerships have been
(01:25):
dissolved, and questions abouttransparency and leadership have
been raised.
None of us have the fullpicture, and many of these
points remain allegations.
So I'm not here to judge orconvict, only to acknowledge
that these conversations arehappening.
Now, this is why my podcast, theMorning Formation podcast, the
(01:48):
last three or four years, I'vechosen to stay independent and
not align with any of theseother organizations.
Because you, to me, there has tobe a special chemistry.
There has to be something that Ifeel is right.
The only organization that I'vealigned myself with and I'm
actually a board member for isAct Now Education.
(02:11):
And the reason that is, isbecause I've talked to the
founder, Jay Salters.
I've talked to the board.
I know all the major volunteersreally well.
Some of us have met in person,and our values align really
well.
We've done multiple projectstogether, gotten things done,
(02:32):
and Jay just runs a reallysolid, honest, authentic,
nonprofit organization.
That's the only organizationthat I've ever aligned my
podcast with.
And I at the beginning of all myshows, I make sure that I
advertise Actno Educationbecause I believe in the fight.
(02:52):
I believe in the mission.
Personally, I've avoided joiningplatforms like Parade Deck over
the years, which I was asked afew years ago if I'd be
interested.
Part of that comes down tosensing values that don't quite
align.
I've chosen to not participatein military podcast awards.
Why?
(03:12):
I did one year when I firststarted, and I really felt like
these awards were more like goodold boy clubs.
They weren't true recognition ofmeaningful impact.
And that's just my opinion.
Now, if you've won one of theseawards, congratulations to you.
But I just don't I don't reallyfeel like it's a honest
(03:38):
measurement.
Uh the first year I did it, Idid not get a good impression.
And since then, I just havenever shown any interest, nor do
I have any plans to beinterested in the future or
anything like that.
To me, it often feels like it'sa way to look important rather
(03:58):
than to be important ormeaningful.
The bigger issue within iscommunity versus business.
Now, in person, I've noticedthat some military influencers
and podcasters aren'tnecessarily about the community.
They're about themselves.
And at times it feels likethey're more focused on personal
(04:19):
brand, clout, or businessopportunities over community.
That's not to say ambition isbad, but when the mission shifts
away from serving others, theauthenticity gets lost.
And on this show, I've done mybest to find people that I feel
(04:40):
like are great representativesof our community.
There's been folks that I havesaid no to who have wanted to be
interviewed.
And then there's folks I justhaven't gotten back to because
this is just my side thing thatI do.
And as someone who has alwaystried to put community first,
(05:01):
I'll admit I felt like anoutsider whenever I do go into
those circles.
Those types of platforms thatwant you to join their big
group.
So I just refuse to do it.
And I refuse to join any type ofpodcast award show, period.
I do think that conventions likethe Military Influencer
(05:24):
Conference is awesome, the Mick.
I think it's a great way to getan opportunity to meet some of
the folks that you meetvirtually.
I have I have had a great timegoing to those.
And I think that that's justsomething that I wanted to
mention today about why I standwhere I stand and I haven't
moved to go under anyone else.
(05:48):
Social media, a lot of that isan issue too.
It's a love-hate relationship,really.
And honestly, I think the worldhas grown tired of seeing social
media influencers showing offmaterialism, flexing cars,
houses, or the cool muscle guylifestyle.
From my experience, some of thebiggest badasses, the true
heroes who have done things thatwould humble half of today's
(06:12):
influencers don't even have asocial media account.
Meanwhile, some of the loudestvoices in the room, the type
where I wear my sunglassesinside types, I think that
they've already plateaued in2025.
A lot of folks have kind ofdropped off from what I've
noticed.
The plateau is really symbolic.
(06:33):
It's a reminder that if youprogram your life around being
impressive instead of being ofservice, you eventually stall
out.
And as I always say, a life ofservice is a life worth living.
It's not about me, it's aboutGod and country.
Living a life of service ratherthan a life of impressing others
(06:54):
creates meaning, longevity, andtrue respect.
I think the lesson in all thisis to know your circle.
That's key.
And I think the takeaway is wecan't always know the
difference.
We can't always know theaffiliations of every group,
(07:18):
especially when platforms gatherdozens and dozens of podcasts
under one umbrella.
And many times these podcasts,they're hodgepodge.
They're not really they cover alittle bit of this, a little bit
of that.
I don't know if they even screenthe people that are behind the
mics.
Anybody, the one thing that I'velearned doing podcasting is that
(07:40):
anybody can go to Best Buy andpurchase a mic and run a podcast
for virtually free.
That's easy.
So to know everyone and tounderstand the values of
everyone from the top down inone of those giant circles that
(08:00):
it seems so many otherinfluencer and influencers and
podcasters love to affiliatewith, it's impossible for you to
know your own circle.
So who do you stand with?
Who shares your values?
Who do you know without questionisn't it for the right reasons?
(08:21):
Those are all the things thatyou really need to ask yourself
when you're building a brand,you're building a business,
you're building a community.
Those are the people worthbuilding with.
Those are the voices worthamplifying.
Because at the end of the day,legitimacy doesn't come from an
(08:42):
award, a title, or flashingnetworking.
Legitimacy comes from service,integrity, and impact in your
reputation.
So I just wanted to talk aboutit briefly.
Like I said, I'm not pointingfingers, I'm not saying that I
know anything.
I don't even know half thepeople that were involved in
that.
It just seemed to be a bigfallout that just happened over
(09:04):
last weekend.
And before I close out, I wantto give a shout out to ACTNow
Education, the nonprofit thatI'm a board member for, because
I've probably been a part ofthem for years now.
The ACNow Education team, theycontinue to serve the military
community with selflessdedication.
The guy that runs it, I mean,truly, his heart is in the right
(09:26):
place.
And all the board members aremotivated to really make a
difference.
And I think I want to take thistime too to recognize some of
the social media influencers andpodcasters who, in my eyes, are
truly in this for the rightreasons.
And some of you have been withme for three years now.
And I know I'm gonna miss peopleon my little list here, but I
(09:47):
want to make sure that Iacknowledge some of you out
there, and I know there's more,so don't get offended if you're
not on here.
But I want to start out withAlthea, for she vets it.
I've literally met her multipletimes.
Heart of gold, really caresabout what she's doing down
there and living down there inTexas, right?
(10:09):
She truly understands what helpreally means.
And Jenna from the Milt uh theMillennial Veteran, Michelle
Lang from Rural Salute, Scottfrom Drive On Podcast, JP the
veteran coach, my more recentones like uh Sergeant First Plus
Alexander Stewart, Yasmin, she'sa uh military spouse running
(10:32):
Trend Lab.
And then some of the folks outthere that I've talked to, but I
haven't had an opportunity tocollab with, like Tracer
Burnout.
They seem like a couple of greatguys.
And beyond that, I want to alsoacknowledge folks that I've
connected with and I trust.
Start off with talking withTyrone Hewitt.
He's one of the board membersfor ACNOEducation.
Mario, another one.
(10:53):
Dr.
Nicole Donraj, another valuable,valuable volunteer for
acnoeducation, has been part ofACNOEducation for years.
Um and her son Avi as well.
He is a military dependent.
Dr.
Nicole Donraj has served in theArmy.
Avi has been a great characterfor us to utilize whenever we
(11:13):
have these huge projects withinacnoeducation.
And then some other folks thatI've also interviewed as well,
that I find has their heart inthe right place.
And I'll talk about V Morgan.
She's an Army veteran and leaderwith Home of Record Project.
They seem like a greatorganization as well.
Rob Martinez from All ClearGear, he's just a good old boy
(11:34):
trying to make it down therenear Camp Pendleton with his
business.
And that guy is a true hustler,man.
And his heart is seriously inthe right place, in the right
community.
Samea Gibrell, I've interviewedher twice now.
Started out, uh interviewed herfor talking about the results of
an Act Now Education projectthat she was a part of and she
(11:57):
saw success in.
And uh just recently, CoreyRosidlow from The Last Dram
Standing, and then uh DramalEdwards, he's a firefighter, Air
Force veteran, entrepreneur,totally in the sports.
She's got some great content outthere, great material.
These are the people whorepresent authenticity, service,
(12:17):
and they represent heart.
And you know, I'm actuallyleaving a few others off this
list, but if you know me, youknow I value you as well.
You know who you are.
All right.
I just went down my list realquick and just jotted those
down.
So as we process everythingthat's happened with the parade
(12:42):
deck and the wider militarypodcast space, let's remember
it's not about clout, it's notabout community, it's not about
being seen, it's about being ofservice.
The loudest voices, theflashiest lifestyles, they might
grab your attention, they mighthave great editing, but service
(13:02):
is what creates legacy.
And Formation Nation, always bemindful of your affiliations,
make sure you guard yourcircles, understand that your
circles don't have to begigantic.
Your circles can be small.
It's probably better that way.
Keep things close and tight toyou.
And don't confuse lookingimportant with being important.
(13:23):
That's a big one.
That's my message for today.
Until next time, I want you tostay tuned, stay focused, and
stay motivated.
Warriors fallout.
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