Sept. 30, 2025
Guard Your Circle: Lessons from the Parade Deck Controversy
Shoot me a message! The military influencer community faces challenging questions about authenticity and service in light of recent Parade Deck controversy. I explain why I've maintained independence and chosen to align only with organizations like Act Now Education that share my values. • Parade Deck organization has gathered numerous military podcasters under one umbrella • Recent allegations have led to dissolved partnerships and questions about transparency • Morning Formation Podcast ha...
The military influencer community faces challenging questions about authenticity and service in light of recent Parade Deck controversy. I explain why I've maintained independence and chosen to align only with organizations like Act Now Education that share my values.
• Parade Deck organization has gathered numerous military podcasters under one umbrella
• Recent allegations have led to dissolved partnerships and questions about transparency
• Morning Formation Podcast has remained independent to maintain alignment with core values
• Military influencer space often divides between community-focused creators and self-promoters
• Awards and recognition systems can sometimes feel more like popularity contests than merit-based acknowledgment
• Many authentic military heroes don't seek the spotlight or maintain social media presences
• Important to carefully consider your affiliations and "know your circle"
• Legitimacy comes from service, integrity and impact—not titles or networking
• Recognition of authentic military content creators who prioritize service over self-promotion
• Remember: "Don't confuse looking important with being important"
Remember to stay tuned, stay focused, and stay motivated. Warriors fallout.
Check out our website
Please Support & Donate to the Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themorningform
USA Made socks with a Purpose. 20% off with code: TMF
https://www.solediersocks.com/tmf
Episode Powered By Act Now Education
01:53 - Introducing the Parade Deck controversy
03:38 - Why I remain independent
05:26 - Community versus business perspectives
07:46 - Social media influencers and true service
10:03 - Know your circle and values
11:47 - Recognizing authentic military content creators
15:17 - Final thoughts on service over clout
WEBVTT
00:00:00.959 --> 00:00:02.560
Warriors fall in.
00:00:02.720 --> 00:00:04.400
It's time for formation.
00:00:04.959 --> 00:00:12.640
Today we're going to be talking about something that's been steering within the military influencer community.
00:00:12.880 --> 00:00:18.000
Recently, controversy has come up around a group called Parade Deck.
00:00:18.399 --> 00:00:22.559
Now, I want to be up front and tell you that I don't know much about Parade Deck.
00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:25.600
I haven't even dug into what they're about.
00:00:26.559 --> 00:00:35.920
What I do know is that they are an organization that has managed to get a bunch of different influencers and podcasters under their flag.
00:00:36.079 --> 00:00:43.359
And I also want to be clear that I'm not here to throw names around or point fingers, but what I do want to talk about is what we do know.
00:00:43.759 --> 00:00:52.240
What's been brought publicly forward to us and what it means for us as a community of veterans, service members, and storytellers.
00:00:52.719 --> 00:00:55.600
This isn't about one platform or one organization.
00:00:55.759 --> 00:01:06.000
It's about a bigger lesson on who we choose to align ourselves with and how we define legitimacy and how we stay true to values that really matter.
00:01:06.879 --> 00:01:18.799
The substance of all this and the things that we publicly understand or know is that Parade Deck is a platform that's gathered, like I said, dozens of military podcasters and influencers.
00:01:19.040 --> 00:01:22.239
And lately it's come under heavy criticism.
00:01:22.640 --> 00:01:29.760
Allegations have surfaced, partnerships have been dissolved, and questions about transparency and leadership have been raised.
00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:33.840
None of us have the full picture, and many of these points remain allegations.
00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:40.079
So I'm not here to judge or convict, only to acknowledge that these conversations are happening.
00:01:41.519 --> 00:01:55.519
Now, this is why my podcast, the Morning Formation podcast, the last three or four years, I've chosen to stay independent and not align with any of these other organizations.
00:01:55.680 --> 00:02:00.560
Because you, to me, there has to be a special chemistry.
00:02:00.719 --> 00:02:04.159
There has to be something that I feel is right.
00:02:04.400 --> 00:02:11.039
The only organization that I've aligned myself with and I'm actually a board member for is Act Now Education.
00:02:11.199 --> 00:02:17.439
And the reason that is, is because I've talked to the founder, Jay Salters.
00:02:17.520 --> 00:02:18.560
I've talked to the board.
00:02:18.639 --> 00:02:20.479
I know all the major volunteers really well.
00:02:20.800 --> 00:02:27.599
Some of us have met in person, and our values align really well.
00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:40.639
We've done multiple projects together, gotten things done, and Jay just runs a really solid, honest, authentic, nonprofit organization.
00:02:40.800 --> 00:02:45.280
That's the only organization that I've ever aligned my podcast with.
00:02:45.360 --> 00:02:52.719
And I at the beginning of all my shows, I make sure that I advertise Actno Education because I believe in the fight.
00:02:52.800 --> 00:02:54.240
I believe in the mission.
00:02:55.599 --> 00:03:02.479
Personally, I've avoided joining platforms like Parade Deck over the years, which I was asked a few years ago if I'd be interested.
00:03:02.879 --> 00:03:08.479
Part of that comes down to sensing values that don't quite align.
00:03:08.719 --> 00:03:12.000
I've chosen to not participate in military podcast awards.
00:03:12.159 --> 00:03:12.719
Why?
00:03:12.960 --> 00:03:21.840
I did one year when I first started, and I really felt like these awards were more like good old boy clubs.
00:03:22.000 --> 00:03:25.520
They weren't true recognition of meaningful impact.
00:03:25.599 --> 00:03:26.800
And that's just my opinion.
00:03:27.039 --> 00:03:30.319
Now, if you've won one of these awards, congratulations to you.
00:03:30.800 --> 00:03:39.280
But I just don't I don't really feel like it's a honest measurement.
00:03:39.680 --> 00:03:43.919
Uh the first year I did it, I did not get a good impression.
00:03:44.560 --> 00:03:53.360
And since then, I just have never shown any interest, nor do I have any plans to be interested in the future or anything like that.
00:03:54.159 --> 00:04:01.039
To me, it often feels like it's a way to look important rather than to be important or meaningful.
00:04:01.360 --> 00:04:06.560
The bigger issue within is community versus business.
00:04:06.719 --> 00:04:13.120
Now, in person, I've noticed that some military influencers and podcasters aren't necessarily about the community.
00:04:13.280 --> 00:04:15.360
They're about themselves.
00:04:15.919 --> 00:04:23.439
And at times it feels like they're more focused on personal brand, clout, or business opportunities over community.
00:04:24.879 --> 00:04:33.199
That's not to say ambition is bad, but when the mission shifts away from serving others, the authenticity gets lost.
00:04:34.720 --> 00:04:45.759
And on this show, I've done my best to find people that I feel like are great representatives of our community.
00:04:46.079 --> 00:04:52.160
There's been folks that I have said no to who have wanted to be interviewed.
00:04:52.399 --> 00:04:58.639
And then there's folks I just haven't gotten back to because this is just my side thing that I do.
00:04:59.279 --> 00:05:07.439
And as someone who has always tried to put community first, I'll admit I felt like an outsider whenever I do go into those circles.
00:05:07.759 --> 00:05:13.439
Those types of platforms that want you to join their big group.
00:05:13.920 --> 00:05:15.279
So I just refuse to do it.
00:05:15.360 --> 00:05:20.560
And I refuse to join any type of podcast award show, period.
00:05:20.879 --> 00:05:26.560
I do think that conventions like the Military Influencer Conference is awesome, the Mick.
00:05:27.040 --> 00:05:32.959
I think it's a great way to get an opportunity to meet some of the folks that you meet virtually.
00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:35.920
I have I have had a great time going to those.
00:05:36.079 --> 00:05:46.879
And I think that that's just something that I wanted to mention today about why I stand where I stand and I haven't moved to go under anyone else.
00:05:48.879 --> 00:05:53.040
Social media, a lot of that is an issue too.
00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:55.120
It's a love-hate relationship, really.
00:05:55.279 --> 00:06:05.439
And honestly, I think the world has grown tired of seeing social media influencers showing off materialism, flexing cars, houses, or the cool muscle guy lifestyle.
00:06:05.680 --> 00:06:15.199
From my experience, some of the biggest badasses, the true heroes who have done things that would humble half of today's influencers don't even have a social media account.
00:06:16.560 --> 00:06:26.639
Meanwhile, some of the loudest voices in the room, the type where I wear my sunglasses inside types, I think that they've already plateaued in 2025.
00:06:27.040 --> 00:06:31.279
A lot of folks have kind of dropped off from what I've noticed.
00:06:31.519 --> 00:06:33.279
The plateau is really symbolic.
00:06:33.360 --> 00:06:40.639
It's a reminder that if you program your life around being impressive instead of being of service, you eventually stall out.
00:06:41.040 --> 00:06:44.639
And as I always say, a life of service is a life worth living.
00:06:45.040 --> 00:06:48.959
It's not about me, it's about God and country.
00:06:50.399 --> 00:06:56.879
Living a life of service rather than a life of impressing others creates meaning, longevity, and true respect.
00:06:58.079 --> 00:07:01.439
I think the lesson in all this is to know your circle.
00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:04.319
That's key.
00:07:07.040 --> 00:07:10.639
And I think the takeaway is we can't always know the difference.
00:07:13.040 --> 00:07:23.199
We can't always know the affiliations of every group, especially when platforms gather dozens and dozens of podcasts under one umbrella.
00:07:23.360 --> 00:07:27.360
And many times these podcasts, they're hodgepodge.
00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:31.199
They're not really they cover a little bit of this, a little bit of that.
00:07:31.600 --> 00:07:34.720
I don't know if they even screen the people that are behind the mics.
00:07:35.279 --> 00:07:46.319
Anybody, the one thing that I've learned doing podcasting is that anybody can go to Best Buy and purchase a mic and run a podcast for virtually free.
00:07:46.639 --> 00:07:48.000
That's easy.
00:07:50.399 --> 00:08:10.800
So to know everyone and to understand the values of everyone from the top down in one of those giant circles that it seems so many other influencer and influencers and podcasters love to affiliate with, it's impossible for you to know your own circle.
00:08:12.160 --> 00:08:13.600
So who do you stand with?
00:08:13.920 --> 00:08:15.439
Who shares your values?
00:08:16.160 --> 00:08:20.639
Who do you know without question isn't it for the right reasons?
00:08:21.360 --> 00:08:28.800
Those are all the things that you really need to ask yourself when you're building a brand, you're building a business, you're building a community.
00:08:30.639 --> 00:08:33.279
Those are the people worth building with.
00:08:34.320 --> 00:08:36.720
Those are the voices worth amplifying.
00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:45.759
Because at the end of the day, legitimacy doesn't come from an award, a title, or flashing networking.
00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:50.080
Legitimacy comes from service, integrity, and impact in your reputation.
00:08:52.000 --> 00:08:55.759
So I just wanted to talk about it briefly.
00:08:55.919 --> 00:08:59.039
Like I said, I'm not pointing fingers, I'm not saying that I know anything.
00:08:59.120 --> 00:09:01.279
I don't even know half the people that were involved in that.
00:09:01.440 --> 00:09:06.080
It just seemed to be a big fallout that just happened over last weekend.
00:09:07.360 --> 00:09:18.159
And before I close out, I want to give a shout out to ACTNow Education, the nonprofit that I'm a board member for, because I've probably been a part of them for years now.
00:09:18.320 --> 00:09:22.799
The ACNow Education team, they continue to serve the military community with selfless dedication.
00:09:23.039 --> 00:09:26.559
The guy that runs it, I mean, truly, his heart is in the right place.
00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:31.039
And all the board members are motivated to really make a difference.
00:09:32.159 --> 00:09:40.080
And I think I want to take this time too to recognize some of the social media influencers and podcasters who, in my eyes, are truly in this for the right reasons.
00:09:40.399 --> 00:09:43.759
And some of you have been with me for three years now.
00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:54.320
And I know I'm gonna miss people on my little list here, but I want to make sure that I acknowledge some of you out there, and I know there's more, so don't get offended if you're not on here.
00:09:54.639 --> 00:09:57.360
But I want to start out with Althea, for she vets it.
00:09:57.440 --> 00:10:00.480
I've literally met her multiple times.
00:10:00.799 --> 00:10:08.960
Heart of gold, really cares about what she's doing down there and living down there in Texas, right?
00:10:09.200 --> 00:10:13.840
She truly understands what help really means.
00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:33.120
And Jenna from the Milt uh the Millennial Veteran, Michelle Lang from Rural Salute, Scott from Drive On Podcast, JP the veteran coach, my more recent ones like uh Sergeant First Plus Alexander Stewart, Yasmin, she's a uh military spouse running Trend Lab.
00:10:33.840 --> 00:10:39.440
And then some of the folks out there that I've talked to, but I haven't had an opportunity to collab with, like Tracer Burnout.
00:10:39.519 --> 00:10:41.440
They seem like a couple of great guys.
00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:45.759
And beyond that, I want to also acknowledge folks that I've connected with and I trust.
00:10:46.080 --> 00:10:48.399
Start off with talking with Tyrone Hewitt.
00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:50.639
He's one of the board members for ACNOEducation.
00:10:50.960 --> 00:10:52.960
Mario, another one.
00:10:53.200 --> 00:10:53.519
Dr.
00:10:53.600 --> 00:11:01.360
Nicole Donraj, another valuable, valuable volunteer for acnoeducation, has been part of ACNOEducation for years.
00:11:01.519 --> 00:11:04.559
Um and her son Avi as well.
00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:06.799
He is a military dependent.
00:11:06.960 --> 00:11:07.200
Dr.
00:11:07.279 --> 00:11:09.120
Nicole Donraj has served in the Army.
00:11:09.279 --> 00:11:16.639
Avi has been a great character for us to utilize whenever we have these huge projects within acnoeducation.
00:11:17.039 --> 00:11:22.799
And then some other folks that I've also interviewed as well, that I find has their heart in the right place.
00:11:22.879 --> 00:11:24.480
And I'll talk about V Morgan.
00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:27.759
She's an Army veteran and leader with Home of Record Project.
00:11:27.840 --> 00:11:29.840
They seem like a great organization as well.
00:11:30.080 --> 00:11:37.919
Rob Martinez from All Clear Gear, he's just a good old boy trying to make it down there near Camp Pendleton with his business.
00:11:38.080 --> 00:11:39.840
And that guy is a true hustler, man.
00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:45.759
And his heart is seriously in the right place, in the right community.
00:11:46.720 --> 00:11:50.240
Samea Gibrell, I've interviewed her twice now.
00:11:50.480 --> 00:11:58.639
Started out, uh interviewed her for talking about the results of an Act Now Education project that she was a part of and she saw success in.
00:11:58.799 --> 00:12:10.000
And uh just recently, Corey Rosidlow from The Last Dram Standing, and then uh Dramal Edwards, he's a firefighter, Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, totally in the sports.
00:12:10.080 --> 00:12:12.720
She's got some great content out there, great material.
00:12:13.919 --> 00:12:19.039
These are the people who represent authenticity, service, and they represent heart.
00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:27.600
And you know, I'm actually leaving a few others off this list, but if you know me, you know I value you as well.
00:12:27.759 --> 00:12:28.559
You know who you are.
00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:29.039
All right.
00:12:29.120 --> 00:12:32.960
I just went down my list real quick and just jotted those down.
00:12:34.480 --> 00:12:53.200
So as we process everything that's happened with the parade deck and the wider military podcast space, let's remember it's not about clout, it's not about community, it's not about being seen, it's about being of service.
00:12:54.000 --> 00:13:04.320
The loudest voices, the flashiest lifestyles, they might grab your attention, they might have great editing, but service is what creates legacy.
00:13:05.039 --> 00:13:14.639
And Formation Nation, always be mindful of your affiliations, make sure you guard your circles, understand that your circles don't have to be gigantic.
00:13:14.720 --> 00:13:15.840
Your circles can be small.
00:13:15.919 --> 00:13:17.039
It's probably better that way.
00:13:17.840 --> 00:13:19.440
Keep things close and tight to you.
00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:22.639
And don't confuse looking important with being important.
00:13:23.360 --> 00:13:24.240
That's a big one.
00:13:25.600 --> 00:13:27.039
That's my message for today.
00:13:27.600 --> 00:13:33.519
Until next time, I want you to stay tuned, stay focused, and stay motivated.
00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:36.159
Warriors fallout.
00:00:00.959 --> 00:00:02.560
00:00:02.720 --> 00:00:04.400
00:00:04.959 --> 00:00:12.640
00:00:12.880 --> 00:00:18.000
00:00:18.399 --> 00:00:22.559
00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:25.600
00:00:26.559 --> 00:00:35.920
00:00:36.079 --> 00:00:43.359
00:00:43.759 --> 00:00:52.240
00:00:52.719 --> 00:00:55.600
00:00:55.759 --> 00:01:06.000
00:01:06.879 --> 00:01:18.799
00:01:19.040 --> 00:01:22.239
00:01:22.640 --> 00:01:29.760
00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:33.840
00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:40.079
00:01:41.519 --> 00:01:55.519
00:01:55.680 --> 00:02:00.560
00:02:00.719 --> 00:02:04.159
00:02:04.400 --> 00:02:11.039
00:02:11.199 --> 00:02:17.439
00:02:17.520 --> 00:02:18.560
00:02:18.639 --> 00:02:20.479
00:02:20.800 --> 00:02:27.599
00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:40.639
00:02:40.800 --> 00:02:45.280
00:02:45.360 --> 00:02:52.719
00:02:52.800 --> 00:02:54.240
00:02:55.599 --> 00:03:02.479
00:03:02.879 --> 00:03:08.479
00:03:08.719 --> 00:03:12.000
00:03:12.159 --> 00:03:12.719
00:03:12.960 --> 00:03:21.840
00:03:22.000 --> 00:03:25.520
00:03:25.599 --> 00:03:26.800
00:03:27.039 --> 00:03:30.319
00:03:30.800 --> 00:03:39.280
00:03:39.680 --> 00:03:43.919
00:03:44.560 --> 00:03:53.360
00:03:54.159 --> 00:04:01.039
00:04:01.360 --> 00:04:06.560
00:04:06.719 --> 00:04:13.120
00:04:13.280 --> 00:04:15.360
00:04:15.919 --> 00:04:23.439
00:04:24.879 --> 00:04:33.199
00:04:34.720 --> 00:04:45.759
00:04:46.079 --> 00:04:52.160
00:04:52.399 --> 00:04:58.639
00:04:59.279 --> 00:05:07.439
00:05:07.759 --> 00:05:13.439
00:05:13.920 --> 00:05:15.279
00:05:15.360 --> 00:05:20.560
00:05:20.879 --> 00:05:26.560
00:05:27.040 --> 00:05:32.959
00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:35.920
00:05:36.079 --> 00:05:46.879
00:05:48.879 --> 00:05:53.040
00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:55.120
00:05:55.279 --> 00:06:05.439
00:06:05.680 --> 00:06:15.199
00:06:16.560 --> 00:06:26.639
00:06:27.040 --> 00:06:31.279
00:06:31.519 --> 00:06:33.279
00:06:33.360 --> 00:06:40.639
00:06:41.040 --> 00:06:44.639
00:06:45.040 --> 00:06:48.959
00:06:50.399 --> 00:06:56.879
00:06:58.079 --> 00:07:01.439
00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:04.319
00:07:07.040 --> 00:07:10.639
00:07:13.040 --> 00:07:23.199
00:07:23.360 --> 00:07:27.360
00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:31.199
00:07:31.600 --> 00:07:34.720
00:07:35.279 --> 00:07:46.319
00:07:46.639 --> 00:07:48.000
00:07:50.399 --> 00:08:10.800
00:08:12.160 --> 00:08:13.600
00:08:13.920 --> 00:08:15.439
00:08:16.160 --> 00:08:20.639
00:08:21.360 --> 00:08:28.800
00:08:30.639 --> 00:08:33.279
00:08:34.320 --> 00:08:36.720
00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:45.759
00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:50.080
00:08:52.000 --> 00:08:55.759
00:08:55.919 --> 00:08:59.039
00:08:59.120 --> 00:09:01.279
00:09:01.440 --> 00:09:06.080
00:09:07.360 --> 00:09:18.159
00:09:18.320 --> 00:09:22.799
00:09:23.039 --> 00:09:26.559
00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:31.039
00:09:32.159 --> 00:09:40.080
00:09:40.399 --> 00:09:43.759
00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:54.320
00:09:54.639 --> 00:09:57.360
00:09:57.440 --> 00:10:00.480
00:10:00.799 --> 00:10:08.960
00:10:09.200 --> 00:10:13.840
00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:33.120
00:10:33.840 --> 00:10:39.440
00:10:39.519 --> 00:10:41.440
00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:45.759
00:10:46.080 --> 00:10:48.399
00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:50.639
00:10:50.960 --> 00:10:52.960
00:10:53.200 --> 00:10:53.519
00:10:53.600 --> 00:11:01.360
00:11:01.519 --> 00:11:04.559
00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:06.799
00:11:06.960 --> 00:11:07.200
00:11:07.279 --> 00:11:09.120
00:11:09.279 --> 00:11:16.639
00:11:17.039 --> 00:11:22.799
00:11:22.879 --> 00:11:24.480
00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:27.759
00:11:27.840 --> 00:11:29.840
00:11:30.080 --> 00:11:37.919
00:11:38.080 --> 00:11:39.840
00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:45.759
00:11:46.720 --> 00:11:50.240
00:11:50.480 --> 00:11:58.639
00:11:58.799 --> 00:12:10.000
00:12:10.080 --> 00:12:12.720
00:12:13.919 --> 00:12:19.039
00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:27.600
00:12:27.759 --> 00:12:28.559
00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:29.039
00:12:29.120 --> 00:12:32.960
00:12:34.480 --> 00:12:53.200
00:12:54.000 --> 00:13:04.320
00:13:05.039 --> 00:13:14.639
00:13:14.720 --> 00:13:15.840
00:13:15.919 --> 00:13:17.039
00:13:17.840 --> 00:13:19.440
00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:22.639
00:13:23.360 --> 00:13:24.240
00:13:25.600 --> 00:13:27.039
00:13:27.600 --> 00:13:33.519
00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:36.159
