Sword and Pen

On this episode of the Sword and Pen, join host Devon Lancia and guest David Kendrick for a conversation on mental health in veterans coverage. Using his experience as a Purple Heart veteran during the troop surge in Iraq, David tells his own story and those of veterans across the country to help bridge the military-civilian divide and give audiences a better understanding of what veterans need in mental healthcare. He also advocates for improvements in the VA system and general treatment of and sentiment around individuals with disabilities.Follow David on YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook to keep in touch with his work or reach out for storytelling advice!Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production. Find out more about us at ⁠www.mvj.network⁠.

On this episode of the Sword and Pen, listen in as host Devon Lancia speaks with former Army officer and veteran empowerment leader Chris Marvin about his story, his advice for fellow storytellers, and his tips for firearm violence coverage. As the veteran engagement lead with Everytown for Gun Safety, Chris and his fellow veterans from all walks of life and backgrounds are helping shape the conversation around firearm safety - including how journalists can help.Everytown and its Veterans Advisory Council have just released their newest project: Train SMART, a first-of-its-kind program designed to provide both current and prospective firearm owners the info needed to learn and understand the same training, safety, and accountability military veterans have learned when owning and operating firearms. Check out Train Smart here to learn more: https://trainsmartgunsafety.org/Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production. Find out more about us at www.mvj.network.

On this episode of the Sword and Pen, listen in as we honor this year's Top Ten Veterans in Journalism awardees. Hear each speak about the stories they were selected for and their career experiences from our Top Ten Veterans in Journalism spotlight panel at #MVJ25 on July 8, 2025.Since 2021, MVJ has acknowledged and celebrated the outstanding contributions of veterans who are excelling in the news media via the Top 10 Veterans in Journalism awards. Find out more about this year's awardees and their pieces on the MVJ Blog: https://www.mvj.network/2025-top-10-veterans-in-journalism-winners-announced/

On this episode of the Sword and Pen, MVJ Partnerships Director Devon Lancia sits down with Drew F. Lawrence, Marine Corps reporter at Military.com, host of the Fire Watch and Army veteran. Listen in as Drew discusses his own career journey, his advice for learning as much as possible early on, and the importance of readiness and taking care of yourself before - and after - becoming a journalist.Sword and Pen is a ⁠Military Veterans in Journalism⁠ production.

On this episode of the Sword and Pen, host Caron LeNoir-Kelly discusses women veterans issues and considerations with Ginger Baine Miller, the CEO of Women Veterans Interactive Foundation. Listen in as the two talk about WVIF's efforts to build community for women veterans.Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.

On this episode of the Sword and Pen, MVJ Partnerships Director Devon Lancia sits down with Sara Samora, MVJ Advisory Board member, Manufacturing Dive journalist and Marine Corps veteran. Tune in to learn about Sara's journey to get to where she is today and her advice for fellow vets looking to get started in business coverage.Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.

On this episode of the Sword and Pen, host Caron LeNoir-Kelly sits down with Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon, journalist, happiness scholar and co-chair of NABJ's Wellness Task Force, to discuss her efforts to support mental health in newsrooms. Listen in as the two discuss the value of journalists and newsrooms seeking ways to maintain stability and seek happiness in the churn of the news cycle.Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.

On this episode of the Sword and Pen, host Caron LeNoir-Kelly honors Black history and Black military history while looking back at the Military Veterans in Journalism community in 2024. Listen in as LeNoir-Kelly and MVJ Board Member Zack Baddorf talk about what MVJ accomplished over the past year, what the future holds, and the importance of including veteran voices in journalism.Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.

Military Veterans in Journalism board members Lucy Bustamante and Zack Baddorf start off the year talking about the value of vets in covering the new administration, plus some tips on how to jumpstart your career in media. Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.

On this episode of the Sword and Pen, host Lori King speaks with navy veteran, MVJ member and NPR radio producer Jason Burrows. Burrows broke into radio onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln by volunteering for the ship's radio station, KRUZ-FM. After ETSing from the navy, he landed his first radio gig as the "Jack of all Trades" at 96.5 Jack-FM, where he served for 15 years. Burrows, a Seattle resident, is part of the production team for KUOW's Soundside. KUOW is an NPR affiliate. Listen as Burrows talks about: how he broke into radio on the USS Abraham Lincoln following his heart when he quit a secure job with a barge company with benefits for a less secure part-time radio job his roller blading podcast that lasted five years valuable tips, tricks and advice for anyone wanting to break into podcasting and radio Find Jason on his webiste and X Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.