Inside Military Appreciation Weekend: Purpose, Community, and Saving Veteran Lives

Learn More about the event! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/5th-annual-military-appreciation-weekend In this powerful conversation, Sidney sits down with Colton to talk about Military Appreciation Weekend, veterans’ mental health, mentorship, transitioning out of the military, and Colton’s unexpected journey into Hollywood. Colton shares how community, purpose, and hormone health are saving lives, why relationships are everything, and how Military Appreciation Weekend has become one of the most meaningful veteran-focused events in the country. He also opens up about being a military advisor and on-screen actor in major productions alongside John Bernthal and Tom Holland, and the surreal experience of landing those opportunities. They also discuss: identity after service veteran suicide and hormone deficiency the power of tribe and mentorship balancing family life with service and film work saying yes to opportunity and being ready when it shows up This episode is a must-listen for veterans, first responders, families, and anyone navigating major life transitions. 00:00 – Introduction 00:59 – Hope, growth, and purpose found at the event 03:41 – What newcomers can expect this year 04:42 – VIP day details, access, and sponsoring veterans 05:44 – Why community and relationships matter most 06:40 – Hormones, mental health, marriage, and saving lives 07:35 – Transitioning out of service and mentorship from veterans 09:12 – How the event inspires life change and new direction 11:09 – “I found my tribe again” — the feedback veterans give 12:12 – UFC fighter Michael Johnson’s story and commitment 13:52 – Colton’s unexpected, life-changing year 15:35 – Becoming military advisor and actor on set 18:15 – Preparation, pressure, and working in film 21:54 – How movie sets compare to military deployments 22:48 – Jon Bernthal flying Colton’s wife out for her birthday 24:13 – Jiu jitsu with Tom Holland 25:14 – Stories from set and influencing realism on screen 29:26 – Bringing real veteran issues into film and TV 33:43 – How a chance meeting years ago came full circle 36:39 – Family, legacy, and kids seeing dad on screen 39:10 – Upcoming events and what’s next