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/

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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/

Mark Greaney is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Gray Man series and co-author of seven Tom Clancy novels, including three written after Clancy’s passing. His acclaimed work has reached global audiences, with The Gray Man adapted into a major Netflix film starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans.

In this episode of Make the Donuts, Erik Sabiston sits down with Mark to discuss his journey from aspiring writer to one of the most recognized names in modern thrillers. They dive into his meticulous research process, how he crafts high-stakes action scenes, and what it was like continuing Tom Clancy’s legacy. Mark also shares insights into the Netflix adaptation, his approach to building memorable characters, and the discipline required to keep readers hooked. Whether you’re a writer, reader, or film fan, this episode delivers an inside look into a master storyteller’s world.

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:

Mark’s Books: https://markgreaneybooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markgreaneybooks/?hl=en

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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/

Cary Rickoff is a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot and a proud member of the Blue Angels, the elite flight demonstration team known for their precision, skill, and patriotism. With a background flying the F/A-18 and a passion for leadership and mentorship, Cary represents the highest echelon of aviation excellence.

In this episode of Make the Donuts, host Erik Sabiston dives into what it really takes to wear the iconic blue suit and join the Navy’s most elite aviation team. Cary opens up about dealing with imposter syndrome, the intense pressure of performing at air shows, and the surreal feeling of being seen as a modern-day superhero. He also shares behind-the-scenes insights on training, the camaraderie among pilots, and how his journey shaped him both in and out of the cockpit. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about military aviation, mindset, and mastery under pressure.

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:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chewy1105/?hl=en

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/

What does it take to fly critical patients across cities, highways, and helipads — and make life-or-death decisions midair? In this episode, Erik Sabiston sits down with veteran HEMS pilot and former naval aviator Scott Moak to uncover what life is really like inside the rotorcraft cockpit of a medical emergency.

From weather calls to teamwork with med crews, and from simulator hours to FAA medicals, Scott shares a no-fluff, honest look at the daily challenges, certifications, and mindset required to thrive in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services. If you're an aspiring HEMS pilot, a military aviator looking to transition, or just curious about this high-stakes career, this episode will give you a tactical edge.

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:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottmoak/?hl=en

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/

Kit Darby shares how he went from an Army fixed-wing pilot to a United Airlines captain and top industry mentor. He talks about choosing seniority over loyalty, surviving furloughs, and helping thousands of pilots land airline jobs — all while staying ahead of every industry curve.

In this episode, Kit breaks down what really drives pilot hiring: retirements, fleet growth, and timing. He gets into how pilots can play the seniority game, avoid career-killing moves, and get ready for the next hiring wave. If you're serious about flying for the airlines, this is the strategy talk you need.

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:

Website: https://kitdarby.com/wp/

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/

In this episode, we’re joined by Susan Malerstein-Watkins, a longtime friend and one of Hollywood’s top Script Supervisors!

We dive deep into the vital (and often overlooked) role of the script supervisor… The unsung hero who keeps continuity, tracks every detail, and ensures the director's vision stays intact. Whether you’re an aspiring script supervisor or an actor trying to understand set dynamics, this episode gives you everything you need to break in and succeed.

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:

Pat B. Miller’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Script-Supervising-Film-Continuity-Third/dp/0240802942

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/