Authenticity Isn't Optional: How Rudy Reyes Brings All of Himself to his Roles in Film, Television, and Advertising

We must be the ones telling these stories. Not just consulting. Not just advising. Leading. Creating. Producing. Representing ourselves with precision and truth across every level and in every facet of the industry. If we don’t step up, culture will continue to get it wrong. In episode 173, I sit down with the wild man himself, Rudy Reyes — Marine Corps veteran, actor, stunt coordinator, producer, the driving force behind FOX’s Special Forces. Our conversation cuts straight to the core of what authentic storytelling  demands. Rudy doesn’t just play roles — he lives them, bringing hard-earned truths from the battlefield to film, television, and commercial advertising. We dive into his latest work as the lead in the VA’s Face Your Dragon campaign, a powerful PSA focused on securing firearms in the home to prevent veteran suicide. This is more than representation, it’s responsibility. Rudy breaks down how his experience as a warfighter directly informs his work as an actor, stunt coordinator, and producer, and why that level of authenticity cannot be faked or outsourced. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/realrudyreyes/ https://www.instagram.com/newwarproductions/