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 p...

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 con...

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 seri...

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...

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. W...

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...

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 entitl...

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...

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 af...

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...

Blowtorch

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 Aaro...

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 figh...

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...

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 fut...

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 mor...

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 sh...

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.