The VinnyRoc Podcast

"I can't walk away from these experiences" | My Survival Story w/ Lisa Regina

On this episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, I sit down with actor, writer, and advocate Lisa Regina—founder of A Write To Heal and creator of the veteran-driven TV project Heroic Episodes (EP: Joe Mantegna). Lisa opens up about surviving domestic violence, healing through writing, and how working with veterans reshaped her mission to employ vets on set, mentor at-risk youth, and tell authentic stories about trauma, resilience, and community. We get into: * Lisa's assault in 2005 and the road back through therapy, faith, and the page * How a blind Army captain and amputee crushed an acting workshop and sparked A Write To Heal * Why Heroic Episodes will hire veterans, bring teens in as apprentices, and spotlight VFWs/Legions and veteran-owned brands * Funding realities, distribution hurdles, and a simple ask: "five bucks" from the community to move the series forward * Practical pathways for veterans: Part 107 drone training, set work, writing rooms, and authentic consulting If you've lived through trauma, support veterans and first responders, or care about rebuilding community with real mentorship, this conversation is for you. Support & Learn More A Write To Heal (nonprofit): https://awritetoheal.com/ Heroic Episodes (series + donate): heroicepisodes.org/donate [http://heroicepisodes.org/donate] About Lisa Regina * NYU-trained actor/screenwriter; former faculty at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts * Founder of A Write to Heal (writing as a pathway to recovery) * Creator of Heroic Episodes, an ensemble drama that employs veterans and mentors at-risk teens About the Host VinnyRoc Podcast—real conversations with veterans, creators, first responders, and leaders building things that matter. Timestamps 00:00 — Opening: Lisa's story and speaking publicly about domestic violence 01:18 — How we likely first met (Range 15 era) and the Hollywood dominoes 04:59 — Lisa's path to film: NYU, coaching, and early breaks 07:02 — The veteran connection begins: Capt. Leslie Nicole Smith enters the class 09:50 — Set life with veterans: camaraderie, competence, and healing 12:31 — The assault: April 2, 2005—what happened and what followed 15:47 — Aftermath, shock, the stranger who stayed, and the long week missing 21:28 — PTSD common ground: civilian survivor meets combat vets 24:42 — A Write to Heal: why writing works when nothing else does 30:05 — "Heroic Episodes": premise, Joe Mantegna, and employing veterans 42:17 — The five-dollar campaign, VFWs/Legions, and sustaining the mission

"Both Sides Use Media to Sway Emotions" | Charlie Kirk, Media Narratives, & Free Speech

In this episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, Vinny sits down with friend and author Zeke Stout to unpack a heavy week in America, the way media narratives get weaponized, and what it takes to keep your head and heart steady when the internet won't let you look away. Zeke also unveils his new fiction novel "Exit to Now", why he self-published, and how he used AI in the writing process. They dig into: * The aftermath and discourse around the Charlie Kirk assassination and why celebrating violence is a societal dead end * How both political sides exploit social media, attention, and emotion—and what "psyops" looks like in civilian life * Raising kids with room to choose their own beliefs, while modeling civil disagreement * Simple ways to protect your mental health when the feed turns toxic * The creative grind, self-publishing on Amazon, and making art under pressure * MGS Trade School's distance-learning approach to gunsmithing and GI Bill support If you value real talk over outrage and want practical ways to decompress, think clearly, and contribute better, this one's for you. Guest: Zeke Stout — author of Exit to Now Sponsor: MGS Trade School (MGS.edu) — distance gunsmithing education, GI Bill approved Subscribe for more conversations on culture, mindset, resilience, faith, and free speech. Drop a comment with your takeaways or questions for a follow-up episode.

CBD, Kratom, and the Opioid Crisis: A Veteran's Perspective

On this episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, Vincent Vargas sits down with John Ramsey, Senior R&D Manager at Diversified Botanics, to dive into a powerful conversation about natural medicine, CBD, kratom, and the dangers of 7-hydroxy mitragynine (7-OH). John, a veteran and former Army medic, shares his journey from the military to the hemp and CBD industry, explaining how natural remedies like CBD and kratom helped him avoid the destructive cycle of pharmaceutical painkillers. Together, Vince and John explore: * The truth about CBD isolate and why it became a breakthrough in non-psychoactive relief. * How the endocannabinoid system works and why our bodies are designed to receive cannabinoids. * What kratom really is, its traditional uses, and how it differs from synthetic and dangerous 7-hydroxy extracts. * The opioid epidemic in the military and how kratom may help support recovery. * Why Diversified Botanics is fighting to eliminate 7-OH and create safe, transparent, third-party tested products. This episode is about cutting through the noise, misinformation, and stigma to give you a clearer picture of CBD, kratom, and the fight to keep natural remedies safe. If you want to support the petition to regulate and restrict 7-hydroxy, check the link here: https://www.change.org/p/protect-our-heroes-stop-the-deception-destroying-lives

"Speaking Out on ICE Cost Me Everything" w/ Angel Cortez on Immigration, Gang life and Community

In this episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, Angel Cortez shares his incredible life story—growing up in gang culture, surviving violence, serving as an Army Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan, and transitioning into veteran advocacy and entrepreneurship. From getting stabbed on his fifteenth birthday to leading a Special Operations career, Angel opens up about resilience, purpose, and the parallels between gangs, the military, and community brotherhood. We also dive into his viral comments on ICE, the controversy that followed, and his perspective on immigration, law enforcement, and bridging communities. Angel's journey highlights the struggles of first-generation Americans, the challenges of growing up in low-income neighborhoods, and the transformation that comes with discipline, service, and finding true purpose. If you want raw honesty about gangs, the military, veteran life, and community activism, this conversation is for you. - Topics covered in this episode: - Growing up in gang culture and surviving early violence - Transitioning from gangs to the U.S. Army Ranger Regiment - Combat experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan - Building community through advocacy and entrepreneurship (OG Pumpkin) - ICE raids, immigration policy, and the viral podcast clip controversy - The importance of brotherhood, purpose, and finding a positive path Follow Angel Cortes: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelgcortes175/

"I Was Given 3 Months to Live..." Beating CANCER w/ Casey West

In this deeply moving episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, Vincent "Rocco" Vargas sits down with Casey (@transmute_that_innergy), a Marine Corps veteran, former Mongols MC member, and glioblastoma survivor. Casey shares his raw and transformative journey from war zones and outlaw brotherhoods to holistic healing and inner peace. Diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given only 3 months to live, Casey defied all odds by rejecting conventional treatment and embracing alternative therapies including fasting, breathwork, plant medicine, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and deep spiritual exploration. Now three years later, Casey is thriving—mentally, physically, and spiritually. This episode explores the toll of war, childhood trauma, ego death through psychedelics, healing masculinity, and what it means to truly be at peace. If you're a veteran, first responder, or anyone walking through fire and looking for light, this is a must-listen. 🔗 Follow Casey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transmute_that_innergy 🌐 Learn more or apply for veteran treatment: https://www.beyondservice.us