Vetted Conversations
Welcome to Vetted Conversations, where we explore the foundations, workings, and challenges of American self-governance with events, quality dialogue, and through our podcast. Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to become informed and engaged citizens, actively participating in safeguarding our liberties and freedoms.
Episodes
In this episode, we sit down with Marine Corps veteran BJ Ganem, founder of Sierra Delta, to talk about the experiences that shaped both his service and his mission after the military.
BJ shares the story behind starting Sierra Delta and why supporting the bond between veterans and their dogs became his life’s work. He also talks about events like the DAV Bowl, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, and his appreciation for the connection betwee...
This episode is a short, but sweet one as we have actor, comedian, Marine Corps veteran, die-hard Chiefs fan and overall legend Rob Riggle. We chat about his prediction for Super Bowl LX (spoiler alert: he was right), Pat’s Run with our friends at the Pat Tillman Foundation, and how he’s celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Side effects may include: laughing out loud, rewinding twice, and instant Rob Riggle fandom🎙️
In this episode, we’re joined by Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, to talk about the impact of the NFL’s Salute to Service program and the powerful moment when veteran and military family focused nonprofits came together during Super Bowl LX.
Anne Marie shares how partnerships like these help strengthen the veteran and military family community, why moments like the Super Bowl matter for bringing or...
In today’s episode, we sit down with Wounded Warrior Project’s Joe Allen Lloyd and Loaman “Nelly” Nelson, two Navy veterans who first met more than 20 years ago and recently attended Super Bowl LX courtesy of WWP.
Joe and Nelly share their experiences with Wounded Warrior Project, how the organization has played a therapeutic role in their lives, and reflect on their time serving in the military. They also talk about how grateful th...
In this episode, we sit down with TAPS Sports and Entertainment leaders, Diana Roday Hosford and Jessica Harper, to discuss their mission of supporting families of the fallen. From sports programs and mentorship to education benefits and policy advocacy. The two also highlight how TAPS being an NFL Salute to Service partner helps support surviving families, ensuring every family knows they are not forgotten.
Learn more abo...
In this episode, we talk with Craig Jones and Michael Mabes, two Vietnam veterans who didn't meet during their time in service, but their paths were shaped by it. Craig served as a Green Beret medic during the Tet Offensive. Michael served in the Navy aboard the USS Procyon. Both came home, both put down roots in San Francisco, and both, independently, found their way to the polls.
Hear their story of how they met, ho...
In this episode of Vetted Conversations, former NFL star and Green Bay Packers all-time leading rusher Ahman Green joins us from Radio Row to discuss his latest ventures in gaming, athlete-led media, and community-driven Esports. As a founder of Alumni Media Network and AME Leagues, Ahman shares how he is building inclusive spaces for former athletes and military veterans to connect through content, competition, and service. From h...
In this episode of Vetted Conversations, journalist and entrepreneur Tracy Sandler joins us from Radio Row to share the story behind founding Fangirl Sports Network, a platform created to empower female sports fans and spotlight meaningful causes. Tracy reflects on her experience covering Salute to Service award-winner George Kittle, her background in civic volunteerism, and the importance of community-focused storytelling in sport...
In this episode of Vetted Conversations, football coach and media personality Dr. Anthony Blevins joins us from Radio Row at the Super Bowl to discuss his coaching journey across high school, college, the NFL, and spring leagues. As the son of an Army veteran and part of a multi-generational military family, Blevins reflects on how military values shaped his leadership style, discipline, and career in sports. With a deep appreciati...
In this episode of Vetted Conversations, legendary Fox Sports broadcaster Chris Myers joins us from Radio Row to reflect on his decades-long career covering historic moments in sports and beyond. He shares stories from his new book That Deserves a Wow, discusses his father’s heroic World War II service in the U.S. Navy, and highlights the deep ties between sports, service, and civic responsibility. From NASCAR broadcasts honoring t...
In this episode of Vetted Conversations, legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg joins us to reflect on the deep cultural ties between military service and football. He shares stories of connecting troops overseas with NFL players and the inspiration behind his new foundation focused on concussion awareness and brain health. Together, we explore how honoring service and building community can unite veterans and athletes around share...
In this episode of Vetted Conversations, Army veteran and former professional athlete Michael Smith shares his inspiring journey from injury to international competition and advocacy. Representing the U.S. Army in the World Class Athlete Program and now serving as an ambassador for Sierra Delta, Michael reflects on how service, identity, and purpose continue beyond the military. https://www.sierradelta.com/
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In this episode of Vetted Conversations, Navy Captain Jervy Alota and former NFL player Clint Bruce share a heartfelt conversation about mentorship, military service, and lifelong leadership. They reflect on their time at the Naval Academy, the role of discipline and opportunity in shaping their careers, and the importance of guiding the next generation. Their stories emphasize the power of continued service—both in uniform and as ...
In this episode of Vetted Conversations, the military spouses on our team open up about the camaraderie, challenges, and misconceptions that come with military life. They reflect on the strength, adaptability, and leadership military spouses bring to every space they’re in. Tune in to hear how military spouses can take part in civic life and make an impact through programs like Vet the Vote and Military 250.
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In this episode of Vetted Conversations, country artist and philanthropist Jay Allen www.jayallenofficial.com shares how losing his mother to early-onset Alzheimer’s inspired his mission to raise awareness and support to caregivers. He discusses his care facility concert tour, his connection to the military through friends and film projects, and the healing power of service. Jay also highlights his partnership with Round Pond Estat...
In this episode, Super Bowl champion Dominique Easley discusses his mission to promote mental health awareness and the power of vulnerability. Easley shares how his own journey inspired his work with Same Here https://samehereglobal.org and the Easley Foundation. https://www.easleyfoundation.org He also talks about the parallels between veterans' and athletes' transitions while encouraging community and support.
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SEASON 3 EPISODE 7 | Jackie Chang from the NFL
In this episode of Vetted Conversations, we talk with Jackie Chang, Director of Media Strategy and Business Development at the NFL, about her path from West Point and Army intelligence to a career in media. She shares insights on her transition out of the military and her work with NBCUniversal, Peacock, and the NFL. Jackie also highlights a new veteran initiative and reflects on the la...
In this episode of Vetted Conversations, we talk with Daryl Johnston, Executive VP of Football Operations for the UFL. He shares how spring football is growing and opening doors for athletes to return to the NFL. We also discuss his personal ties to the military, the value of everyday service, and why building a culture of community matters now more than ever.
https://www.theufl.com/
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In this episode, former Green Beret and NFL player Nate Boyer shares his remarkable journey from military service to the football field, and how both paths ultimately led him to co-found Merging Vets & Players (MVP)—a nonprofit that fosters community among veterans and pro athletes. Nate reflects on the parallels between military duty and elite sports, the identity challenges that arise after both careers, and the healing power...
In this episode, Founder Ben Keiser sits down with Marine veteran BJ Ganem, founder of Sierra Delta, to explore how a bond with a dog helped BJ heal after injury and loss—and sparked his mission to provide every veteran with access to canine companionship. BJ shares how Sierra Delta empowers veterans through dog training grants, a strong sense of community, and a “good foot” mentality rooted in purpose, adaptability, and connection...
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