Veteran Empire with Timothy Lawson, USMC

Settle in by the fire with a cigar as you listen to this week’s episode with Dave Pickerell, Army veteran and Master Distiller at WhistlePig. Dave explains what makes WhistlePig the “best rye whiskey in the world” and the “combination of art and science” that goes into making it.

Tom is a West Point graduate and an “instigator” who helps people “start, finish and ship their creative projects.” Listen to hear about what it’s like to jump out of helicopters for a living, why he says podcasting is the “best thing [he’s] ever done,” and what he can do for you and your ideas, at a price of your own choosing. Featured track is Oyster Perpetual by Rec Raw.

Army veteran and illustrator Aaron wants to help clients tell their story and “create something interesting and new and can hold their own against everything that’s out there…” You can learn more about him and check out his work on www.aaronprovost.com. The featured track is West Side Wakeup by Chadd Downing.

Jeff is an Army National Guard vet, certified financial planner and helps people make “cents” of their financial life on his website,goodfinancialcents.com. Jeff and Lawdawg talk money, financial street cred and Roth IRA appreciation. “People spend more time planning their annual family vacation than they do their retirement,” Jeff quotes. Listen and learn how to not be one of those people!

This former Marine officer is the president of ATailoredSuit.com, founder of RealMenRealStyle.com and contributor for ArtofManiliness.com. Anotnio teaches men the importance of “understanding the power of clothing both visually and functionally.”In this week’s podcast he reveals some fatal fashion mistakes men make and debunks several myths, making style more accessible and affordable for men who make the excuse that they don’t have the time or money to dress sharp. Sound familiar? Take a listen!

Non-vet Nate Ravitz is Senior Director for Premium and Fantasy Content for ESPN andco-host the Fantasy Focus baseball and football podcasts with Matthew Berry. Nate talks to  Lawdawg about his path to ESPN, a little about what the military means to him, FIP vs ERA, the "flag football" NFL, and a few things to consider for next year's fantasy season. Take a listen – it’s better than reading about it on Wikipedia!

The first show of the new year kicks off with Lock-N-Load Java as an official sponsor and Marine veteran RSonic returns to the podcast to discuss his new album, “Boot”. He and Lawdawg have a track-by-track discussion about the eleven songs, the inspiration and creative process behind each, and big things to come.  Check out http://themarinerapper.com for more and to vote for which song will make the cut for RSonic’s next music video.

First on this week's show is Sean Riordan, creator of The VET Project. Created in 2013 by Marine Corps Veteran Sean Riordan, VET is interested in "taking back" this weighted word and utilizing the experiences and perspectives of fellow Veterans to accurately rebrand its perception. This is right inline with VE's mission.  Second, we have Janine Spendlove who returns to the podcast to discuss her newest project, Athena's Daughters: Women in Science Fiction and Fantasy. Closing track is "Coney Island" by Army veteran, WOLF.

This week's show spotlights Army veteran and fellow podcast host, John Dumas.  John created and hosts the hot business podcast, Entrepreneur On Fire. John talks to Lawdawg about his time in the Army, his "aha" moment for his podcast, listening to your audience, and the success of his show.  Featured track is Good 4 by RSonic.  

This week's podcast brings USMC Vet, double amputee, and model, Chris Van Etten.  Chris talks to Lawdawg about his time in the Marine Corps, losing his legs, his recovery, modeling, and so much more.  Listen to this powerful and inspiring story.  Featured track is Come Up by Chadd Downing.

Army veteran Jeremy Manning joins Lawdawg on this week's show.  Jeremy tells us about joining the military, briefly talks about addiction, gets into overcoming adversity, his work with individuals with HIV, coming out of Flint, meeting Alex & Mylee, and so much more.  This interview is a must listen for anyone looking for motivation and inspiration.  The mission of Manning Up will get you going.  Also, new Black Ops gear in the Veteran Empire store!  Featured track is Fool's Paradise by Tucci (tucci.bandcamp.com).

From 2011 to 2012, Regan was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan as a U.S. Marine where he had the honor and the privilege of knowing several young Afghan girls: Parwana, Khorshid, and of course, Marza. These three sisters genuinely touched his heart and to this day, he will never forget them. He am making this film (and would truly love to FINISH this film) to honor and remember them. Regan talks to Lawdawg about his military experience, making Marza, what he enjoys about directing, and more.  Featured track is Impulsive Invite by Smitt Romney.

We love hip hop here at Veteran Empire.  The culture and creativity are akin to that of VE.  Lawdawg especially likes talking about hip hop as a genre and a community.  Crazie Kid Anonymous, from Philly, joins the podcast this week.  Crazie Kid talks to us about his music, inspiration, the role of the DJ, and promoters charging artists to perform.  If you enjoy hip hop, you have to listen to this show.  Featured track is Lyrical Weaponry by DA ILL.

Rob Beckley is the lead singer of award winning Christian rock band, Pillar.  He is also an Army veteran.  He spent a number of years in the Army reserves while Pillar was gaining steam.  He then took on music full time.  Rob joins Lawdawg on this week's show to talk about his time in the military, why he joined, what he enjoyed about the reserves, the growth of Pillar, who he is as a singer, and the criticism Pillar received as a Christian rock band.  Rob is a very cool guy and there is some great insight into his life.  Featured track is Fireproof by Pillar.

The Veteran Empire podcast has been nominated for a podcast award! Thanks to everyone who took the time to submit us for a nomination. We have received the official nomination and are in the slate of ten under Cultural/Arts category.So, we now ask that you vote for us. Voting is open from November 1st to November 15th. Each voter can vote EVERY DAY. So, go www.podcastawards.com, click on Veteran Empire Podcast under Cultural/Arts, and submit the vote. Then, do it again tomorrow. Thank you!