Justin Melnick: SEAL Team TV Show Star, K-9 Handler, Police Officer

Dec 13, 2023

Justin Melnick, star of SEAL Team TV show and K-9 handler, discusses strikes in the Hollywood industry, collaboration with Ironclad, and reflections on Afghanistan. He also talks about meeting first responders at a book signing, questionable decisions by the military, acquiring authentic gear for filming, working with military dogs, and the impact of service dogs in various industries.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Road Trip Conversations and Strikes in Hollywood

02:06 • 19min

Collaboration, Kabul Airport, and Reflections on Afghanistan

21:31 • 4min

Pictures with the National Guard

25:51 • 7min

Meeting First Responders at Book Signing

32:32 • 17min

Sponsors: Navy Federal Credit Union and first form

49:31 • 3min

Questionable Decisions and Military Ventures

52:48 • 6min

Boot Campaign, Commercial Memories, and Black Rifle Coffee

59:06 • 2min

Filming the Pilot Episode and Acquiring Authentic Gear

01:00:44 • 18min

Ensuring Authenticity on Set and Collaboration with Hooten Young

01:19:06 • 4min

TV show discussions and the power of television

01:22:39 • 10min

Premiere Success and Working with Military Dogs

01:32:28 • 4min

Service Dogs and Impact Crates

01:36:28 • 2min

Exploring the Beef Cattle Industry and their Love for Hollywood

01:38:01 • 10min

Today’s guest is Justin Melnick.

Justin is a police officer, K-9 handler, stuntman, actor, and photographer.

He stars as Brock Reynolds on the hit Paramount+ series SEAL Team. Before his recurring role on the show, Justin served as the show’s dog handler, responsible for his Belgian Malinois, Dita, who plays the role of Cerberus.

Additionally, Justin is known for his roles in The Matter With Clark, Cupcakes, and Justified: City Primeval. He released a coloring book, The Adventures of DITA The Hair Missile, in 2020.

Justin is a police officer and K-9 officer for the Daleville police department in Indiana. Prior to joining the police force, he spent six years traveling the world as a photographer. His experience culminated with a three-month stint with U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

He is active with non-profits such as Joey’s P.A.W. and the Military Working Dog Team Support Association (MWDTSA) to ensure that military and law enforcement K-9s and their handlers have the support they need.

To learn more about Justin, make sure to follow him on Instagram @justinmelnick.

SPONSORS:

Navy Federal Credit Union: Today’s episode is presented by Navy Federal Credit Union. Learn more about them at navyfederal.org

American Giant: Go to https://www.american-giant.com/jack and get 20% off with a discount code JACK at checkout.

1st Phorm: Go to https://www.1stphorm.com/JACKCARR to receive free shipping on any orders over $75.

Hooten Young Whiskey: Shop Hooten Young x Jack Carr Warrior Whiskey HERE.

Black Rifle Coffee Company: Today’s episode is also brought to you by Black Rifle. Purchase at http://www.blackriflecoffee.com/dangerclose and use code: dangerclose20 at checkout for 20% off your purchase and your first coffee club order!

Danger Close Apparel: Check out the new Danger Close apparel.

Featured Gear

SIG: Today’s featured gear segment is sponsored by SIG Sauer. You can learn more about SIG here.

Badass Workbench

Fort Knox Safes

SIG Sauer Custom Works

Anthem Bourbon Beef Jerky

Bravo Team Gear

London Bridge Trading Company

Stroup Knives