Shows
Herostock Nation Podcast Ep 33 US Army Veteran James C. Hastings, Alaska's Healing Hearts Interview 021920266 views Feb 23, 2026 Herostock Nation PodcastIn this powerful episode, we sit down with James C. Hastings, founder of Alaska’s Healing Hearts, for a raw and inspiring conversation about service, sacrifice, and the road to healing. James shares his military journey, the transition challenges so many veterans face, and how purpose-driven work in Alaska is helping restore hope and connection for those who have served. Hastings talks with show hosts Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones about resilience, community, faith, brotherhood, and the responsibility we carry to lift each other up long after the uniform comes off. This co...
2026-02-241h 57
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 31 Building a Songwriter Festival | D.J. Bridwell | Trails of Tales | Where Heroes Talk PodcastWelcome to The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk! In Episode 31, we sit down with singer-songwriter and festival organizer D.J. Bridwell to talk about the Trails of Tails Songwriter Festival in Deadwood, South Dakota. Hear how the festival supports independent artists and brings powerful storytelling through music to life. Subscribe for more inspiring interviews with musicians, veterans, and community leaders.
2026-02-081h 58
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 30 Caleb Kenner Interview & Live Performance | Nebraska Country Singer-SongwriterNebraska country singer-songwriter Caleb Kenner joins The Roundtable Where Heroes Talk for an in-depth interview and live acoustic performances. In this episode, Caleb talks about his songwriting journey, small-town Nebraska roots, family influences, and the stories behind songs like “Back Then” and “Trouble Kids.” He shares how real life, fatherhood, and growing up rural shape his country music sound. Featuring honest conversation and original live music, this podcast episode is perfect for fans of independent country artists, singer-songwriters, and authentic Americana storytelling. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones for Herostock Nation Podcast. www.herostock.org
2026-01-3159 min
Herostock Nation Podcast Ep 29 01112026 Malachias Gaskin, Author of A Warrior's GardenUS Army veteran, author, and singer-songwriter Malachias Gaskin joins host Tom Lamog to share deeply personal stories from his book A Warrior’s Garden. Malachias reflects on growing up in Indiana and helping run his family’s business, the challenges he faced during enlistment, and the health struggles that reshaped his life. Through honest conversation, he explores how he found a path forward and developed healthy ways to cope and heal. Alongside his story, Malachias also shares three original songs, offering a powerful blend of conversation and music in this moving and inspiring episode.
2026-01-1557 min
Herostock Nation Podcast Ep 28 01072026 Anthony Segovia, USMC Veteran and NE Country Music SongwriterSongwriter and Country Singer Anthony Segovia is our guest and talks openly about his upbringing by his Navy Corpsmen parents, his experiences in the US Marine Corps and his musical journey. Live performances include some of his original music. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones. www.anthonysegovia.com
2026-01-0859 min
Herostock Nation Podcast Ep 27 12172025 HEROSTOCKing Stuffers Edition: Greg Atkin, Chris Parks and Anthony LujanGreg M. Atkin is the inventor of the Strum-n-Comfort Crossover thumb pick system created for guitarists. Comes in Three models: Shark Tooth Traditional, Super Hybrid and Kodiak and promotes increased speed, accuracy and confidence when playing while producing less muscle fatigue. Followed by US Army Veteran Chris Parks, owner of Smokin' Red White and Blue featuring a variety of products that puts the taste of smoked food at your fingertips in a matter of seconds! Seasonings include Smoked Salt, and SSPG Smoked Salt Pepper Garlic. New products include Ghast Up Ghost, Jumpin' Jalapeno, and a mix of both in...
2026-01-0855 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 26 12102025 Tim Meegan Jr - Singer/Songwriter, Memphis Recording Artist, US Army Iraq War VeteranIntroducing Tim Meegan Jr., who talks candidly about his service in Ramadi Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and how the memories of that time went on to become the foundation for thought, feelings and emotion in creating his first album, "Cook County Country". The words and music helped him better communicate his wartime experiences to family and friends who were unaware of what Tim had seen and done there. Tim talks about the dream of continuing to write music, forming a band, recording in a major studio in Memphis, and touring all of which became reality. Tonight's episode includes...
2025-12-1259 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 25 12062025 The Roundtable Where Heroes Talk - Kevin Gouran of Doc GoodbeardOn this episode of The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk, it's our first show dedicated to gift buying, aka Herostocking Stuffers! Kevin Gouran of Doc Goodbeard gives us an introduction to his Beard Care products, including balms, shampoos, oils and accessories. Co-host Matthew Jones gives a lively demonstration on using each of the products, then shares his overall experience as Kevin describes product ingredients, application, customer favorites, and how to purchase. Whether you're new to beard care, or someone who is a seasoned groomer, Doc Goodbeard has something for everyone!
2025-12-1241 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 24 The Roundtable Where Heroes Talk 12032025 Jack Blaise, TX Singer SongwriterTexas Singer/Songwriter Jack Blaise is a veteran of the US Army and Marine Corps who went on to become a firefighter and paramedic with the Houston Fire Department for 10 years before a painful and debilitating physical condition that laid him flat on his back for 7 years. Jack goes on to share how he finally sought relief quite by coincidence, along with his personal stories about his service to our country, his thoughts about a variety of experiences, both high and low in the work he performed as an EMT and the changes in his perspective about it. Includes...
2025-12-0858 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 23 The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk 11132025 Thomas TA Walk, Veteran Poet - Part 1/2Featuring Thomas Walk, a US Army Veteran whose accomplishments include a Telly Award, six national awards for poetry and spoken word, seven published poetry collections and an Emmy nomination. Tommy's art seeks to open the conversation about the reality of mental health. Blending emotion and experience into creativity, the overall goal is an empathic connection to help others see they are not alone. Host Matthew Jones sits down for a conversation with Tommy, who shares his deeply personal stories along with a number of his powerful writings.
2025-12-0858 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 22 Nov 6 2025 The Roundtable Where Heroes Talk 11062025 Master Guitar Luthier Robert RaskHosts Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones sit down for a conversation with Robert Rask, a Utah-based master guitar luthier. Along with his personal stories of woodworking, music and his own life's journey, Robert talks about the intimate process of building instruments by hand using rare and exotic tone woods, and artifacts which bring deep meaning to the guitar owner he creates these for. Includes a behind the scenes look at his workshop, and some of the handcrafted instruments he's currently working on. www.raskguitars.com
2025-11-1559 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 21 Oct 30 2025 The Roundtable Where Heroes Talk USMC Veteran Derek Thompson, Leap of Faith and Oregon Singer/Songwriter US Army Veteran David WelchFriend of Herostock Nation and US Marine Corps Veteran, Derek Thompson shares his experience with the world's tallest Rope Swing just outside of Moab Utah and performs one of his new originals. Then, US Army Veteran, VFW District Commander and songwriter David Welch talks about his style of songwriting, musical influences, ascending the ranks to leadership and performs some of his original songs acoustic and unplugged. Episode 21 brings some smiles, laughs and maybe even some tears. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones. Check out more of our interviews at www.herostock.org/podcast and YouTube @HEROSTOCKNATION.
2025-11-011h 00
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 21SST Song Sung True: A Veteran's View featuring US Army Combat Veteran and AK Songwriter Devon StewartHosted by Tom Lamog featuring award winning songwriter and US Army Combat Veteran, Devon Stewart who speaks candidly about his life on the streets of Phoenix AZ, motivation to enlisting, military career, guitar and songwriting, flying drones for aerial photography, and his commitment to helping other veterans through music and the arts. Devon joined the U.S. Army Infantry in 2003, was deployed to Iraq 3 times, once to Afghanistan, and received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained from an IED. After leaving the service in 2015, Stewart started playing guitar while a patient at Walter Reed Medical Center. Since...
2025-10-251h 52
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 20 Oct 16 2025 - The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk 10162025 Devon Stewart, Karen Dunn, Thomas Walk - Creative Arts Competition '25Matthew Jones hosts Ep 20 of The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk. Joining Matt are Karen Dunn - MSN, RN with Butler PA Health Care, and Creative Arts 2025 winners Thomas Walk - Poet, and Devon Stewart - Songwriter, both US Army Veterans for a casual conversation highlighting the VA Creative Arts Competition, a nationwide program that honors the artistic talents of veterans by featuring their original work in categories such as visual arts, creative writing, music, and more. Live poetry readings, musical performances and personal experiences that will move and inspire! Watch the video interview: https://youtu.be/RLv2...
2025-10-171h 00
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 19 Oct 6 2025 - The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk featuring USMC Veterans TX Singer/Songwriter Scotti Fraser, and Mitch Jewell of NE Small Town HeroesHosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones. Featuring Mitch Jewell of Nebraska Small Town Heroes, a non-profit organization in Ashland NE that hosts sporting events like mud volleyball and the golf scramble which benefit the local First Responders including the Ashland Police and Ashland Fire departments. Our musical guest is Scotti Fraser, a US Marine Corps Veteran and a Texas guitarist, singer/songwriter who shares his lifelong journey in music, military experience, and his work with veterans that includes music and songwriting. Check out the video interview: www.herostock.org/podcast, and at my YouTube page: https...
2025-10-1059 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 18 Sept 22 2025 - The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk featuring US Marine Corps Veteran, Kevin Gouran of Doc Goodbeard and AZ Singer/Songwriter, Jim BachmannHosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones. Featuring USMC Veteran, Kevin Gouran of Doc Goodbeard mens care products where it's "all about the beard, man!". Kevin talks about the business partnership with his long time friend from high school, and the struggles in his decision to carry on after the passing of his good friend. Products include balms, oils, washes and he even gives a how-to demonstration on applying these products. www.docgoodbeard.comThis week's musical guest is independent artist, singer/songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jim Bachmann who is originally from Arizona, and now resides in Tulsa...
2025-09-261h 00
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 7 July 13 2025 Herostock Nation Podcast - Tom Lamog, Guitars for Vets Cyber Chapter Hosted by Jason Steiner, and introducing interim host Tom Lamog. Jason and Tom talk about the upcoming changes to the podcast, some of the programs being planned, musical guests that will appear on the show, stories about the Herostock experience, and how to contact Jason to get involved with the Ashland concert event. To be a guest, please reach out to Jason: jason.herostock@gmail.com. Runtime 41 minutesWatch the companion video at https://youtu.be/ADn8vw-rJdU?si=cxImqGtibXa1B3Mx and also at our website: www.herostock.org/podcast.
2025-09-2241 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 9 July 23 2025 Herostock Nation Podcast featuring USMC Veteran and Singer/Songwriter Derek ThompsonConversation with Derek Thompson about the recent cancellation of the Stars and Stripes Music Fest, his career in music with songwriting and guitar, his experience with mixed martial arts both as a spectator and as a fighter, and later closes the show with an acoustic performance. Let's Go! Runtime: 30 minutes.Watch the companion video at https://youtu.be/UEdZChoA3fo?si=VpHmr17WIQnm5hNu and also at our website: www.herostock.org/podcast.
2025-09-2229 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 8 July 15 2025 Herostock Nation Podcast featuring Paul Kavulak, Nebraska Brewing CompanyHosted by Tom Lamog, and introducing interim co-host, Matthew Jones. Conversation with Paul Kavulak, Nebraska Brewing Company about his service in the US Marine Corps, starting up the business with wife Kim, making connections in the community, becoming involved with brewing, music tastes and much more. Runtime 57 minutesWatch the companion video at https://youtu.be/5qXpy-bcJec?si=xYOKYSEt0IqbHlfQ and also at our website: www.herostock.org/podcast.
2025-09-2257 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 10 July 23 2025 - Herostock Nation Podcast featuring Joe Ortiz of Lockjaw, and Tony Traynor of The Traynr BandConversation with Joe Ortiz, the lead singer with the band, Lockjaw who introduces the band members, talks about shooting the video for their song "I Can't Escape", songwriting, going on the road, and performing at Herostock Ashland's Rock Night. Followed by conversation with songwriter and bandleader Tony Traynor of The Traynr Band who talks about the musicians in the band, being the band's songwriter, managing the band, gigs they've played with big name musicians. Runtime: 60 minutes.Watch the companion video at https://youtu.be/bGNFD1a12Xc?si=9f01w0roEWMSPbaF and also at our website: www...
2025-09-221h 00
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 11 August 5 2025 - Herostock Nation Podcast featuring Nashville Recording Artist Elvie Shane, and Chris Holt of South of CenterInterview with Country Singer/Songwriter, Elvie Shane whose song "My Boy" launched his music career after the song went platinum in sales. Shane talks about his first album Backslider which contained "My Boy", then his follow up Damascus which had its own set of unique challenges throughout the album's lifecycle. Followed by our interview with Chris Holt, lead singer and guitarist for South of Center who talks about how his band, mostly from the same neighborhood, came together to build their sound and go on to play many of the popular venues in the Omaha/Lincoln NE area. He...
2025-09-2257 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 12 August 12 2025 - Herostock Nation Podcast with Kimberly Meyer, and Die TiredIn this episode, we're joined by Kimberly Meyer, singer/songwriter, Army veteran, United Republic Recording artist who is also making a return to the Herostock stage after last year’s appearance in a duet, and at the Writers round at Ashland 2024. Kimberly is joined by her bandmate, violinist/fiddle player Howard. Our next guest is no stranger to Herostock Nation. Followed by the band, Die Tired who went on to put the ROCK in Herostock Ashland’s ROCK NIGHT along with a few others. The conversation includes the creative process in making music videos, writing songs, rehearsing and gigging alon...
2025-09-2259 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 13 August 18 2025 - Herostock Nation Podcast featuring Sam Hayes, Joe Donnelly and Dakota Neilson of GallivantMeet the band, Gallivant from Omaha NE. Sam, Joe and Dax talk about coming together in college, a musical journey that began at a young age, their latest release and video, " Life As It Goes", talk about their current tour, the experiences of being in a classic-rock driven power trio as singers, songwriters, and multi-instrumentalists. We also ask them about their musical influences, and songs they never get tired of playing. Tom and Matt reminisce about previous episodes and interviews as this is their final episode of the Herostock Nation Podcast series. And it's been an enlightening and entertaining...
2025-09-2257 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 14 August 28 2025 - Herostock Nation Podcast featuring Joe Chabino and Susan Parnell of Operation Freedom Exchange, and Former USN Corpsman and Singer/Songwriter Shannon BookFeaturing one of our non-profit organizations that attended Herostock Ashland, Operation Freedom Exchange. Co-founders, William "Joe" Chabino, a US Navy Veteran and President and VP, Susan Parnell, one of the owners of Custom Auto in Sedalia MO share the stories behind the passion of their work, along with Joe's intriguing stories about his military service. Later in the hour, Shannon Book Music shares some of his Herostock Ashland experiences in leadership, music, and the military as our very first guest of Herostock's newly rebranded show: The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk. RUNTIME: 60 minutes.Watch the companion video at...
2025-09-2259 min
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 15 Sep 4 2025 - The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk featuring Team Herostock's Jason Steiner and Natasha Mondero, and US Army Veterans and GA Singer/Songwriter, John HensleyHerostock's founder and president, Jason Steiner and VP Natasha Mondero join in a roundtable discussion about Herostock '25 highlights, favorite moments and plans for Herostock '26. Musical guest is US Army Veteran, Newnan GA Singer/Songwriter John Hensley who shares his personal stories from serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom, music and songwriting, and his newest album release, "Long Hard Road". Runtime: 60 minutes. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones.Watch the companion video at https://youtu.be/KbzuCPuDHBg?si=u1ojlUXQfj4Sek69 and also at our website: www.herostock.org/podcast.
2025-09-221h 00
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 16 Sept 11 2025 - The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk featuring Herostock's Anthony Lujan, Chris Parks of Smokin Red White and Blue, and Former USN Corpsman and Nashville Singer/Songwriter, Michael PonderIntroducing US Army Veteran Chris Parks, a good friend of Herostock Secretary and all around great guy, Anthony Lujan. Their stories of serving together, lasting friendships, camaraderie, personal challenges, and mutual support may get eyes just a little salty, especially when they talk about Chris's business venture called SmokinRWB. Then it's a conversation with former US Navy Corpsman, Country songwriter/musician and philanthropist, Mike Ponder of Michael Ponder Music sharing his experiences in the military, healing through music and guitars, the Nashville music scene and the celebs he's worked with, and songwriting with friends whose names you'll be familiar wi...
2025-09-221h 00
Herostock Nation PodcastEp 17 Sept 18 2025 - The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk featuring Rick Yee, and Omaha VA Creative Arts Competition Winner Matt JonesIntroducing Rick Yee, Owner/Founder of A Warrior's Way Mindset. Rick is an influential speaker, thought leader, and advocate for personal empowerment and authentic living and discusses his experiences at Herostock. He also shares his thoughts on work he does as a mental health coach and trainer, and the free resources he makes available online. Later, co-host Matthew Jones shares one of his original songs that earned him a 1st Place medal in the Omaha VA Creative Arts Competition. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones. Runtime 56 minutes.Watch the companion video at https://youtu.be/09VHgtynTso?si...
2025-09-2255 min