Brave Blocks

Society & Culture

About

Brave Blocks is hosted by Greg Bernard, an award-winning podcaster and U.S. Army combat veteran, and features conversations with veterans, U.S. service members, military spouses, military community allies, and everyone in between. The show also reports on the latest in entertainment, pop culture, and cultural trends. Join us as we build a better society one conversation at a time.

Episodes

  • Pnuff Crunch, BTYB, and Business Tips

    This episode of Brave Blocks features coverage of The New York City Small Business Expo 2026 (Spring). It includes interviews with business owners and industry experts, such as Zachary Lesberg, CEO of Small Business Expo, Dr. Juan Salinas,…

  • My Al Pacino experience, favorite military branch & founders’ journey

    Steven Grayhm shares his experience working with Al Pacino, his preferred military branch, the co-founding of the #22pushupchallenge, and the launch of Team House Studios. The episode also touches on his new movie, Sheepdog.

  • From Hamlet to White Chicks to Sheepdog

    Steven Grayhm, president of Team House Studios, shares his acting journey from roles like Hamlet and White Chicks to his involvement with U.S. veterans and offers acting advice.

  • Developing Partnerships 101: From Rocker to General

    On Brave Blocks, Maj. Gen. (ret) David W. May shares insights from his military career, including his time at The Pentagon, stakeholder management strategies, and the value of networking. He also highlights resources offered by VetJobs.

  • An Aviator’s Tale: Trials, Triumphs, & Love

    In this Brave Blocks episode, Anthony Dyer, a USAF combat veteran and author, shares insights on USAF unit cultures, his memoir, the two wolves theory, and pressing veteran issues.

  • Tell It Like It Is: The raw tale of a military spouse

    This episode of Brave Blocks features Allison Burton, a military spouse and writer. She discusses her experiences, offers tips on utilizing military family readiness groups, C-suite relationship development, and emphasizes the importance o…

  • Codename Shadow One, From a Mechanic to a Special Agent

    This episode of Brave Blocks features Derrick M. Jackson, author of 'Shadow One' and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He shares insights from his military experience, discusses shifts in military culture after 9/11, and talks about his book.

  • Proving That You’re More Than Good Enough, A Founder’s Tale

    Andrew Arbogast, Founder of Arbo’s Cheese Dip and a U.S. Army combat veteran, discusses his college ROTC experience, military history, and the pivotal moment that inspired him to start his business.

  • The Rise, Fall, and Rise of A Muse

    This episode of Brave Blocks features Amuse, detailing her experiences as a U.S. Army veteran, her transition from military influencer to entrepreneur, and career advice.

  • The Ambitious Military Spouse

    Reyna Worthy, founder of The Desk of a Navy Wife, discusses her entrepreneurial journey as a military spouse, offering advice for navigating that space and highlighting current challenges. She also shares which Wale song reflects her exper…

  • Becoming a Founder in The Cross-Partisan Political Arena

    Eric Bronner, Founder of Veterans For All Voters and a U.S. Navy veteran, joins Brave Blocks to discuss his military experience, the importance of cross-partisan political action, the challenges of America's "Primary Problem," and his effo…

  • Shaping Society by Preserving History

    On Brave Blocks, historian Daniel Tobias Flint shares insights from his U.S. Marine Corps career, offers advice for effective education, explores AI as a learning tool, and emphasizes the significance of cultural responsibility.

  • The Pity Party, The Stage, and The App

    This episode of Brave Blocks features Jon Laster, discussing his journey from comedy to founding Blapp, a nationwide used app. He shares insights into the entertainment and technology sectors, social responsibility, and a celebrity story.

  • An Information Buffet for Travelers

    This episode of Brave Blocks covers the 5th Annual New York Travel and Adventure Show. Guests include Carl Siegmund, Karin Aaron, John Cortese, and Pauline Frommer, discussing various aspects of travel.

  • Coaching Future Authors in Today's World

    Brunella Costagliola shares her experiences as an editor, journalist, military spouse, and CEO on Brave Blocks. She discusses finding purpose in assisting authors and her methods for coaching and ghostwriting.

  • Simplicity In the Chaos of Entrepreneurship

    Charlynda Scales shares her experiences as an entrepreneur, author, and U.S. Air Force veteran, covering her military career, founding a business, and the release of her book "Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline." She also offers insights into na…

  • Securing and Shaping the Veteran Narrative

    Joe Ramirez, a Marine Corps veteran and CEO of The MV Awards, shares his military experiences and entrepreneurial journey, focusing on his efforts to shape the narrative surrounding veterans.

  • Transforming Military Service into Millions

    J. Alexander Martin, a U.S. Navy veteran, Co-Founder of FUBU, and CEO of For Us By Us Network, shares his military history, including his call-up for Desert Storm, and discusses the beginnings of his fashion career and offers advice for en…

  • Leading The Charge for Military Athletes

    Michael Meyers II, a U.S. Army combat veteran and commissioner of the Military Basketball Association, discusses his transition from military service to leading the charge for military athletes. He shares insights into his military history…

  • Fulfillment of Service Through Technology

    Tommy Davidson, former U.S. Air Force Reserve member and CEO of Davidson Technology Solutions, shares his military experiences, the technological advancements in the 90s military, an encounter with President Clinton, and strategies for dea…

  • Adopting A Strategic Mindset During Service

    In this episode of Brave Blocks, Steve Weintraub, Chief Strategy Officer for Veteran Tickets Foundation and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, shares insights from his military career, discusses the foundations of leadership, and explains how to…

  • R&B Singer Llyod, NBA Veteran Joe Smith, Film Director Jay Olivia & More

    This vault episode of Brave Blocks includes guests American R&B singer Lloyd, former NBA player Joe Smith, and film director Jay Olivia. Additional guests are actor Raffi Barsoumian and CEO Hilton George.

  • Authenticity In Veteran Advocacy

    This episode of Brave Blocks features Betty Diaz, CEO of B25 Management. Diaz shares insights on her military family background, veteran advocacy, the significance of authenticity, and transforming trauma into purpose.

  • From Boxing to Amplifying Positive Behaviors

    Brave Blocks features Boyd Melson, a U.S. Army veteran and former professional boxer, who shares insights on his experiences and how to shift one's mindset for positive self-development.

  • From Homeless Veteran to Soap Opera Star

    This episode features U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran Maurice P. Kerry, who shares his experiences transitioning from military service in Iraq to an acting career, including his role on CBS's Beyond The Gates.

  • NYC Veterans Day Parade 2025 with Stephen Peck & CreatiVets

    This episode features sounds from the NYC Veterans Day Parade 2025 and interviews with U.S. Marine Corps veteran Stephen Peck and CreatiVets songwriter Christopher Roberts.

  • The Most Patriotic DJ EVER

    This episode of Brave Blocks features Christian P, also known as DJ Perkaset, a U.S. Army veteran. He shares his experiences in the military and how they led him to pursue his passion for using music to positively impact people's well-bein…

  • NYCC Recap with cast members of "Passenger" and "Lumina"

    This episode of Brave Blocks features a recap of New York Comic Con, including interviews with cast members from BritBox's "Passenger" and the sci-fi film "Lumina".

  • From Iraq to Fashion Week

    This episode of Brave Blocks features Cyrene Renee, a U.S. Air Force combat veteran who transitioned into modeling and writing. Renee discusses her experiences, from her time stationed in Iraq to mentoring models during New York Fashion We…