In the season finale of Make the Donuts, Eric Sabiston sits down with legendary Marine Corps Captain Dale Dye — the man who changed how Hollywood portrays war. From Platoon to Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers, Captain Dye brought gritty realism and authentic military leadership to the big screen.

In this powerful conversation, Captain Dye opens up about:

• His two tours in Vietnam and the experiences that shaped his mission in life
• How he convinced Oliver Stone to let him train the Platoon cast in the jungles of the Philippines
• Why real leadership comes from love, trust, and shared hardship
• His thoughts on modern veterans, America’s political divide, and the need to bring back national service
• Lessons from decades of mentoring actors and Marines alike

If you’ve ever admired the realism of war films or wondered how military authenticity makes its way to Hollywood, this episode is a masterclass in leadership, storytelling, and service.

Let me know what you think! Drop me a comment on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!

For video versions of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MaketheDonuts

More on Chris Hill aka “Chowda”

LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/chowdah_hill/

Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makethedonutz/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makethedonutz

Check out our website: https://makethedonuts.com/

For one-on-one career help and/or business inquiries: www.sabistonconsulting.com

SPONSOR:

Phantom Lights: https://phantomlights.com/

Chris “Chowdah” Hill didn’t just command a ship—he commanded floating cities of steel, power, and people. As a naval aviator who rose to the rare distinction of leading not one but two U.S. aircraft carriers, Captain Hill knows exactly what it takes to inspire thousands under the most extreme conditions. From flying the E-2 Hawkeye to mastering nuclear power school, his career traces the long, brutal, and rewarding path to the top of naval aviation.

In this episode of Make the Donuts, Chowdah breaks down the real steps it takes to reach carrier command: the grind of squadron leadership, the pressure of nuclear training, and the constant test of maturity and tactical skill. He shares how he kept morale alive on grueling deployments, what Top Gun doesn’t show you about naval aviation, and why love, mission, and purpose are the hidden weapons of leadership. Whether you dream of flying jets, leading sailors, or just want an inside look at one of the most unique jobs in the world, this conversation is a masterclass in grit, teamwork, and service.

Let me know what you think! Drop me a comment on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!

For video versions of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MaketheDonuts

More on Chris Hill aka “Chowda”

LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/chowdah_hill/

Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makethedonutz/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makethedonutz

Check out our website: https://makethedonuts.com/

For one-on-one career help and/or business inquiries: www.sabistonconsulting.com

SPONSOR:

Phantom Lights: https://phantomlights.com/

Rob Gregory built his career at the center of modern publishing, leading some of the most iconic brands in media. He helped launch Travel + Leisure Golf during the Tiger Woods boom, served as publisher of Rolling Stone during the seismic shift brought by Napster and the iPod, and later became president of The Daily Beast and Newsweek under Tina Brown. His journey spans print, digital, and the creator economy, giving him a rare perspective on how storytelling and publishing have transformed over the last four decades.

In this episode of Make the Donuts, Rob reflects on his path through publishing and the lessons he learned navigating disruption at every turn. From being inside the ropes with Tiger Woods to holding the first iPod before its release, Rob shares vivid stories from his career while offering candid advice on persistence, authenticity, and adapting to change. Aspiring media professionals will hear what it takes to build a lasting career in publishing today and how to spot the next wave of opportunity.

Let me know what you think! Drop me a comment on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!

For video versions of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MaketheDonuts

Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-gregory-38b48510/

Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makethedonutz/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makethedonutz

Check out our website: https://makethedonuts.com/

For one-on-one career help and/or business inquiries: www.sabistonconsulting.com

SPONSOR:

Phantom Lights: https://phantomlights.com/