Herostock Nation Podcast

Ep 41 From Marine to Musician: Cook McKoy’s Journey from the USMC to Dinnerbell Road

YouTube Description (7 Lines) Join us on The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk as we sit down with Cook McKoy, USMC veteran, songwriter, guitarist, and frontman of Dinnerbell Road. Cook shares stories from his youth in a coal-mining community and the path that led him to enlist in the Marine Corps. We discuss boot camp, brotherhood, military service, and the life lessons he still carries today. He reflects on how music entered his life, learning guitar, and finding his voice as a songwriter. Cook also shares the inspiration behind his Marine Corps-inspired song, “Yellow Footprints.” From service to storytelling, this is an honest conversation about purpose, authenticity, and the power of music. Listen in and discover why real stories still matter. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones. www.herostock.org

Ep 40 The Broken Mirror | William “Stevo” Stephens | Live Readings & Real Stories

On this episode of The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk, we sit down with six-time award-winning author William “Stevo” Stephens for a deeply personal conversation about storytelling, pain, resilience, reflection, and the experiences that shaped The Reflection Series, including The Broken Mirror. Throughout the episode, Stevo shares LIVE readings from his books while discussing the real-life moments behind the writing — from relationships and personal loss to mental health struggles, creativity, healing, and finding purpose through storytelling. The conversation explores: • the origins of The Broken Mirror • dark therapeutic poetry and emotional writing • writing as reflection and coping • the impact his books have had on readers • the power of honest storytelling • resilience, growth, and human connection Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones. www.herostock.org

Ep 39 Chad Madsen Talks Songwriting, Veterans & Live Music | Full Interview

Singer-songwriter Chad Madsen joins us on The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk for a powerful conversation about music, faith, storytelling, family, and the winding road that led him from praise bands to becoming the frontman of Lost Keys. Raised in South Dakota and inspired by his mother’s songwriting, Chad opens up about discovering his voice later in life, writing songs rooted in real experiences, and the emotional connection between music and storytelling. We also talk about his family’s deep military ties, his support for veterans and HEROSTOCK, and the meaning behind his belief: “Love our warriors, even if you hate the war.” Plus, Chad performs three live acoustic songs during the episode. If you love Americana, folk music, honest songwriting, and meaningful conversations, this is an interview you won’t want to miss. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones. Chad's Social Media Sites: * www.facebook.com/lostkeysSD * www.tiktok.com/@chad.madsen8

Ep 38 War, Survival and Redemption: A Conversation with US Marine Corps Veteran and Songwriter Buddy Lee Dobberteen

In this powerful episode of The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk, we sit down with Buddy Lee Dobberteen to explore a life shaped by service, struggle, and resilience. A U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, Buddy Lee opens up about his experiences in Iraq and the challenges of life after returning home, sharing how music became a lifeline—helping him process, heal, and rediscover purpose. This episode features three live performances, including the moving opening song “Light,” alongside a deep conversation about recovery, creativity, and finding new direction beyond the battlefield. From songwriting to storytelling, Buddy Lee’s journey is one of perseverance and transformation you won’t want to miss. Hosted by Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones. Keep the conversation going—and keep honoring our heroes. #TheRoundtable #Herostock #VeteranStories #USMC #CombatVeteran #MusicHeals #Songwriting #PTSDRecovery #VeteranVoices #Podcast #LiveMusic #Resilience #MilitaryStories #HealingThroughMusic

Ep 35 “I Hear You… But Can’t Understand” | How Music and the Arts Help Veterans with PTSD & TBI

What if you can hear everything… but still can’t understand what’s being said? In this episode of The Roundtable: Where Heroes Talk, we explore how PTSD and TBI affect how veterans process sound, focus, and communication. Our guests are therapists Danielle Vetro-Kalseth and Logan Walton who share how music and the arts are being used to support healing. We break down the difference between hearing and understanding — and why it impacts everyday life. From rhythm and repetition to creative expression, these tools help retrain the brain. We also look at how these programs are reaching more veterans and making a real-world impact. As songwriting musicians working with veterans, this conversation offers powerful insight into how music can make a difference. Keep the conversation going… and keep honoring our heroes. Hosts: Tom Lamog and Matthew Jones