The Media Cynic: Recent Episodes
The Media Cynic
The Media Cynic is a platform designed to be an open and respectful forum where The American Legion Family Members can engage in a variety of topics that centers around the use of Media and Communications.
New episodes air every Saturday with host, Dave Wallace, Department of Virginia's Media and Communications Chair.
The Media Cynic returns for Season 2, episode 1. The host delivers a discussion about COVID-19 to include misinformation on social media platforms; highlighted questions and answers from CDC and WHO and teleconferencing platform suggestions to help stay connected with your membership.
In this episode of The Media Cynic, the host interviews Junior SAL member Matteo and his Father Brandon about Matteo’s goal of running 100 miles and raising $50,000 towards helping kids in treatment stay connected to their classroom through technology.
In this episode, “The Media Cynic” sits down with Bob Wallace, The American Legion Rider Director for the Department of New York. Bob provides some insight about what it means to be a Legion Rider, shares their purpose and why he’s inspired to be part of this Legion Family entity.
This interview was inspired by the September 2019 Legion Magazine article written about Iraq War Veteran Sarah Lee and her cross-country discovery ride that literally saved her life. Her four thousand plus mile journey not only well helped her create a new purpose for herself, it also helped her discover The American Legion and that light from within that was concealed by PTSD.
In this episode of “The Media Cynic” the host speaks about the G.I. Bill on the day of its 75th Anniversary. Listen in to some interesting facts and statistics of what this legislation has done for the economy as well as a brief history lesson of how it came to be.
This week’s podcast was inspired by a meeting of the Mission 33 Utah Honor Flight, Utah’s first all-female Honor Flight, who arrived in Washington, DC, on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. Listen to Bobbye Moore’s emotional story of her service as a Nurse in the Air Force and what going to the Vietnam Wall meant to her- as if an emotional burden was released through this experience. In addition, you will hear from two Vietnam-era Air Force Sergeants and now life partners Sara Garcia Beck and Barbara Garcia Beck who were fortunate enough to take this once in a lifetime trip together. In addition, you will hear from their respective Guardians and the bond they formed with their Honor Flight veterans.
In this latest installment of “The Media Cynic” the host interviews Past Department Commander of Colorado Terri Clinton. They begin with a brief introduction, speaks about a special event for this Memorial Day weekend and about her involvement in forming a second all-female veteran post within her Department. Listen as she explains the positive purpose behind this need that provides female veterans a place to call their own and begin their journey as members of The American Legion. Some of the reasoning may surprise you.
In this episode of “The Media Cynic” the host discusses The American Legion’s top priority: Suicide Prevention. He provides information regarding their Suicide Prevention Program and a recent survey to aide in reducing veteran suicides. The host also talks about additional transition support as a service member leaves service.
In this episode the host delivers a conversation that centers around the inclusion of Girls into the organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America. Listen to the comments, both positive and negative, about its impact from their perspective. Please note: The opinions shared in this podcast episode does not reflect that of The American Legion organization and does not get involved in the policies of Scouts USA.
In this episode of “The Media Cynic” the host talks about Membership Engagement and why he feels that is the key to membership retention and membership growth.
In this episode, the host of “The Media Cynic” sits down with the Department of Virginia’s Historian Jon Hatfield. Jon begins their discussion with his “why” he joined The American Legion. He continues speaking about his time as the Executive Director at the Virginia War Memorial and his new initiative of creating a History Museum for the Department of Virginia. He speaks of the “Answer the Call” campaign and the vision he has with the museum when it is completed.
Have you heard about the National American Legion Press Association (NALPA)? If not, then this is the episode for you! Listen in as Past NALPA President Mark Sutton speaks about his tenure in the association, his experience when he served as NALPA President and the “why” one should be a member today!
Not every post in The American Legion are the same and there’s a new trend of posts across the country that are being formed on local college campuses. In this latest installment of “The Media Cynic,” our host sits down with Past Commander Ashley Gorbulja-Maldonado from the University of Akron Post 808. Listen to how this Student Veteran-led post was formed and why it is a great way to reach out to the next generation of Legionnaires.
In the latest episode of “The Media Cynic,” the Department of South Dakota’s Service Officer Courtney VanZanten sits down with host Dave Wallace to discuss the roles and responsibilities of a Service Officer.
This is the second part of the Media Cynic's Interview with National Commander Brett P. Reistad. Listen as our National Commander speaks about membership and the engagement he feels is needed to stop the slide. In addition, discusses Centennial incentives with membership attainment, the Buddy Check and importance of personal contact, the Centennial Banner Award for membership performance (the 4 prong approach).
There is also a special announcement regarding an event in August with an all VSO Summit to help each other. In the final portion of his interview, National Commander Reistad responds to seeing newer faces at the recent Mid-Winter Conference and his advice regarding the use of Facebook to tell the Legion’s story and along with the "how and why" he uses social media so he can bring his journey and experiences to each of us.
In this first episode of a two part taping of “The Media Cynic,” host Dave Wallace interviews National Commander Brett P. Reistad. Listen as they discuss topics that include what his year has been like so far; the centennial coins and the “Buddy Check” initiative.
In this fourth episode of “The Media Cynic,” host Dave Wallace sits down with the Department of Virginia’s Law and Order Chair, Bill Feasenmyer. This conversation provides his insight into the Law Enforcement and First Responder of the Year awards, along with best tips and practices to have a successful program within your post, district and what he’s experienced at The Department level. In addition, Bill talks about The Department of Virginia’s highly successful “Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program.”
In episode 3, The Media Cynic discusses a topic that he read on Facebook from Mick Sobczak, American Legion Rider President for the Department of California and Marine veteran. Mick has a blog, “How Do You Legion?” and this particular posting opened up the discussion of “Pin and Cap Chasers.” Listen in as The Media Cynic provides his additional thoughts regarding this topic, along with providing comments from questions he asked to fellow Legion Family members from across the country in the organization for their opinion.
Episode 2 features an interview with special guest: Jason Feimster, Social Media Community Manager, Media and Communications Committee for the Department of Virginia. Listen in as the host of “The Media Cynic,” Dave Wallace, and Jason discuss the topic of “Learning To Succeed With Social Media.”
This first episode of “The Media Cynic” introduces the podcast world to Dave Wallace, Department of Virginia’s Media and Communications Chair for The American Legion. He explains “Why a Podcast?” His purpose is to provide meaningful and impactful content to engage the core audience into “all things Legion” with the majority of the subject matter revolving around Media and Communications. In this episode, he also discusses proposed topics of future episodes with the intent of inviting guests to join in and a question and answer segment as well.