We sat down with veteran and songwriter Mutt Cooper at the Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival to explore his life and career. Listen in as he shares his insights on songwriting, storytelling, and his work with veterans.

About Mutt Cooper:

Mutt Cooper is a Georgia-born and Alabama-raised songwriter whose music is deeply rooted in the southern sounds of bluegrass, country, and deep river blues. After serving in the Navy, he honed his craft under the mentorship of family friend Rock Killough and has since performed everywhere from intimate local settings to international stages.

A dedicated advocate for veterans, Mutt works daily to help former service members process their experiences through songwriting, often participating in programs like Operation Song. He is also a committed community member, serving as a "Miracle Rider" and writing theme music to support local charitable causes. Whether through his personal ballads or his work with others, Mutt’s music remains centered on the power of storytelling and positive expression.

Follow Mutt’s Career at the links below:

Mutt on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mutt.cooper.37/
Mutt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muttcoopermusic/
Mutt on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0q3z93b42fcxatIIL4dThs
Mutt on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@muttcooper9212

#songwriting #livemusic #storytelling

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Sports agency legend, author and entrepreneur David Meltzer joins the podcast to discuss his mission of empowering over a billion people to find true, lasting happiness. In this episode, Meltzer explores the core philosophy of his new book, Don't Do Business with D*cks, emphasizing the vital importance of accountability, goodness, and ditching toxicity in professional relationships.

Our conversation highlights how surrounding yourself with positive influences and being "kind to your future self" creates a legacy of leadership and community. David and Brad share valuable insights into the "power of reciprocity" and the disciplined intentionality required to turn slow progress into sudden, life-changing success.

About David Meltzer:

​​David Meltzer is the Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute and formerly served as CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, which was the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire. He is a globally recognized entrepreneur, investor, and top business coach. Variety Magazine has recognized him as their Sports Humanitarian of the Year and has been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

As Executive Producer of the Apple TV series 2 Minute Drill and Office Hours, as well as Entrepreneur's #1 digital business show, Elevator Pitch, David brings unmatched insights to audiences worldwide. His journey has been featured in books, movies, and TV, including World’s Greatest Motivators, Think and Grow Rich, and Netflix’s Beyond the Secret. His life’s mission is to empower OVER 1 BILLION people to be happy! This simple yet powerful mission has led him on an incredible journey to provide one thing… VALUE.

Follow David Meltzer:

Website - https://bit.ly/2L052wW

Instagram - https://bit.ly/2LfIRly

Twitter - https://bit.ly/2KZWo1b

David’s New Book - https://dontdobusinesswithdcks.com/

#leadership #optimism #personaldevelopment #business

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In this episode of Salty's Live Music, we welcome the rock band Ryder from Queens, New York, featuring members James and Max. Our conversation touches on their decade-long journey in the music industry, discussing the evolution of their band, the lively New York music scene, and their commitment to authenticity in their music.

James shares how he and Max always ran in the same circles and eventually connected over a shared passion for rock and roll, and they reflect on the influence of their upbringing in New York on their sound and style. The band emphasizes their DIY approach to music and music production, highlighting their upcoming live album, 'Live From the Dark,' which captures the live essence of their performances across various cities.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Band Groupeez, a live music service connecting music lovers with independent musicians and local venues.

Access your local music scene now at https://bandgroupeez.com

About Ryder:

Hailing from the concrete jungle of Queens, New York, Ryder is a high-octane hard rock outfit that fuses the swagger of classic arena rock with a gritty, modern edge. Fronted by the powerhouse vocals and rhythm guitar of namesake James Ryder, the band has carved out a reputation in the NYC scene for their electrifying showmanship and no-nonsense sound. With a lineup that features the blistering fretwork of lead guitarist Max Knight, the thunderous low-end of bassist Rod Viquez, and the explosive percussion of drummer Bill Peluso, Ryder delivers an authentic rock experience that pays homage to the genre’s legends while forging a distinct, heavy path of their own.

Ryder is set to unleash their anticipated live album, Live From the Dark, on February 13, 2026. Recorded across several packed shows in 2025, the nine-track collection is a testament to the band’s refusal to hide behind studio magic, featuring zero overdubs, edits, or corrections. Heavily featuring cuts from their recent release Menagerie, the album offers fans a "kick-in-the-teeth" listening experience that transports them directly to the front row.

Check out Ryder’s music, tour stops and show them some love at the links below!

Tour Dates: https://bandgroupeez.com/musicians/ryder
Ryder on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ryder/1506211003
Ryder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2t1TX6oweFBScAJhQMqqRC
Ryder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryder_ny/

#indiemusic #independentmusic #diymusic #bandinterview #livemusic

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In this episode we sit down with Anthony Dyer, retired U.S. Air Force Special Missions Aviator and author of 'Moon Child.' We discuss Anthony's upbringing in Sylva, North Carolina, his military career, the impact of 9/11, and the emotional toll of combat. Anthony shares his journey of writing as a cathartic process to cope with his experiences and the importance of close air support in military operations. He offers advice for young veterans and reflects on the significance of fatherhood and personal growth.

About Anthony Dyer:

Anthony Dyer hails from the small Appalachian town of Sylva, North Carolina and served in our military for over 20 years. Enlisting in July 2000, Dyer’s extensive military career began as a weapons loader on F-15E Strike Eagles before he realized his goal of becoming a Special Missions Aviator on the AC-130H Spectre gunship. Driven by a desire to leave a lasting impact after 9/11, he deployed to combat zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, and East Africa with the 16th Special Operations Squadron, where he provided critical close air support and participated in high-stakes rescue missions.

Dyer’s debut book, Moon Child is a memoir that bridges his Appalachian upbringing with his intense life in special operations. Born from a therapeutic need to process the "silence that followed" his service, the book explores themes of trauma, addiction, and the search for identity beyond the uniform. His work serves as a call to break the stigma around mental health for veterans and others seeking redemption.

Purchase ‘Moon Child’ on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Child-Special-Missions-Aviator/dp/B0DZMXBHJ4

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Anthony Dyer's Journey
01:36 Growing Up in Appalachia and Military Beginnings
03:37 The Impact of 9/11 on Military Service
06:55 Transitioning to the Gunship Squadron
10:16 The Importance of Brotherhood in the Military
11:21 Finding Purpose Beyond Military Identity
13:04 The Cathartic Process of Writing a Book
16:20 The Symbolism of 'Moon Child' and Personal Growth
18:15 The Duality of Combat Search and Rescue
19:53 Words of Wisdom for Young Aspirants
21:39 The Journey of Fatherhood
22:51 The Writing Process and Its Challenges
24:22 Innovative Solutions for Veterans' Stories
26:23 The Importance of Community and Connection
28:43 Taking Risks and Healing Through Vulnerability
30:47 The Value of True Friendship

#military #veterans #mentalhealth #ptsd #veteranmentalhealth

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In this episode we get to know Dave Seymour, a former firefighter turned successful entrepreneur and real estate investor. Dave shares his journey from a blue-collar background to becoming a prominent figure in the real estate industry.

Our conversation highlights the importance of affordable housing, financial literacy, and the need for individuals to take control of their financial futures. Dave also introduces his latest project, Freedom Venture Investments, and emphasizes the significance of aligning with the right partners in the investment landscape.

About Dave Seymour / Freedom Ventures:

Dave Seymour is a retired 16-year veteran of the Fire Service who transitioned into real estate during the market crash, quickly establishing himself as a leading expert in commercial multi-family and ground-up development. Known for his "blue collar attitude in a white collar world," Dave gained national recognition starring in A&E’s Flipping Boston and has since disrupted the private equity landscape as a key leader at Freedom Venture.

Freedom Venture is a boutique private equity real estate firm that brings institutional-quality management to the lower middle market, specifically targeting underperforming multifamily assets in the Florida Gulf Coast region to deliver robust returns for investors.

Connect With Dave Seymour: linkedin.com/in/daveseymour343
Freedom Venture Website: https://freedomventure.com/
Inflation Nation: https://legacyalliance.link/Pod-Inflation-Nation
Free Multi-Family Masterclass: https://legacyalliance.link/Pod-Multi-Family-Class

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dave Seymour

04:04 Dave's Journey from Blue Collar to Real Estate

11:03 The Birth of Freedom Venture Investments

17:11 Navigating the Real Estate Landscape Post-COVID

20:02 Focus on the Southeast: Demographics and Opportunities

21:04 The Need for Affordable Housing

24:03 Economic Factors Affecting Housing Prices

25:32 Financial Literacy and Wealth Building

29:13 The Sandwich Generation and Housing Solutions

32:46 Understanding 401(k) and Retirement Planning

37:08 Legacy and Building Wealth for Future Generations

#entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #realestate #financialliteracy #investing

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We sat down with motivational speaker & life coach Brandon Burns to hear his journey from a challenging childhood in Alabama to becoming a successful speaker and coach. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the power of personal stories, and the lessons learned from overcoming adversity. Brandon emphasizes the importance of embracing life's challenges as preparation for personal growth and enlightenment.

We also discuss the power of genuine connections and the transformative experiences that come from sharing and empathizing with others. We also explore the role of fitness in maintaining mental and physical health, the value of focusing on the process rather than just the results, and the intrinsic motivators that drive personal development.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Band Groupeez, a live music service connecting music lovers with independent musicians and local venues.

Access your local music scene now at https://bandgroupeez.com

About Brandon Burns:

Brandon Burns is a keynote speaker and strategic performance coach, whose career is defined by relentless resilience. Rising from a humble upbringing in Alabama, Brandon chased a dream to compete for the University of Michigan men’s gymnastics team, only to be cut from the roster for five consecutive years. Instead of giving up, he transformed this rejection into a lesson in perseverance, eventually returning to the same program to become a two-time championship-winning coach.

Today, he leverages that mentality to guide elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and organizations. At the heart of Brandon’s work is his "Everyday Means Everyday" (EME) philosophy, a high-performance framework designed to help individuals maximize their potential daily, not just occasionally. Through the EME platform, he provides world-class coaching on fitness, mindset, and habits, challenging his community to show up with their best effort regardless of weekends, holidays, or setbacks.

Brandon Burns’ Website: https://brandonleeburns.com/
Everyday Means Everyday Website: https://everydaymeanseveryday.com/
Brandon Burns on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambburns/

Video Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Brandon Burns

02:00 Brandon's Journey in Gymnastics and College Life

07:03 The Impact of Mentorship and Motivational Speaking

11:07 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories

15:58 Life Lessons and Overcoming Adversity

22:09 Navigating Life's Challenges and Finding Purpose

28:48 Parenting and Guiding the Next Generation

30:17 Embracing Life's Challenges

32:16 The Power of Genuine Connection

34:24 Transformative Experiences and Personal Growth

37:42 The Importance of Self-Discovery

40:03 Finding Internal Motivation

43:11 The Journey of Coaching and Mentorship

46:49 Vision for the Future

49:57 The Role of Fitness in Life

52:07 The Process Over the Result

55:20 Intrinsic Motivation and Personal Growth

#selftransformation #motivation #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #personaldevelopment

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In this episode we host Dave Claassen and Paul Grzybowski, founders of Encapsulate USA, to explore the fascinating world of mushrooms. They discuss the health benefits of functional mushrooms, the challenges of bringing medicinal mushroom products to market, holistic & natural health alternatives, and the upcoming Atlanta Mushroom Festival.

Our conversation also dives into the concept of microdosing and its potential effects on mental health, as well as the cultural perceptions surrounding mushrooms. The episode emphasizes the importance of community engagement and education in promoting the benefits of mushrooms and holistic health.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Band Groupeez, a live music service connecting music lovers with independent musicians and local venues.

Access your local music scene now at https://bandgroupeez.com\

About Encapsulate USA:

Encapsulate USA was born out of a genuine friendship and a mission for better wellness. In 2014, founders Dave Claassen and Paul Grzybowski began sharing information about functional mushrooms as a complementary approach to traditional treatments. When a close friend was diagnosed with stage-4 breast cancer, they created a product designed to the highest standards: Paul formulated the blend (drawing on his chemistry background) and Dave sourced premium ingredients. This led to the development of their flagship 6-mushroom blend, fine-tuned for effectiveness and taste.

Today, Encapsulate USA offers a curated line of mushroom-based supplements committed to quality, transparency, and real results. With an emphasis on full-spectrum extracts rather than basic powders, the brand focuses on supporting immunity, energy, focus, and overall wellness. Based in Atlanta (USA), their story bridges personal care, scientific rigor, and community support—making them a trusted name for anyone seeking a more natural path to health.

Encapsulate USA’s Website: https://encapsulateusa.com/
Encapsulate USA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/encapsulateusa/
Atlanta Mushroom Festival: https://atlantamushroomfestival.com

*Information about functional mushrooms is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

#fungi #mushrooms #functionalmushrooms #lionsmane #reishi #cordyceps #supplements #biohack

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In this episode of the SALTYmf GOAT Podcast we sit down with Mike Byer, US-veteran and Executive Director of Operation Song, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that pairs professional songwriters with military veterans and their families to help them express their stories through music.

We cover the origins of Operation Song, the impact of music on veterans, and the support from independent artists like Cody Jinks and Ward Davis. Mike shares his own personal stories and insights into the therapeutic power of songwriting for veterans and their families.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Band Groupeez, a live music service connecting music lovers with independent musicians and local venues.

Access your local music scene now at https://bandgroupeez.com

About Operation Song:

Founded in Nashville and operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Operation Song empowers veterans, active duty service members, and their families to tell their personal stories through the process of songwriting. Participants don’t need prior writing or musical experience; they are paired with professional songwriters who help them turn lived experiences into original songs that honour their service and voice their journeys. The organization offers in-person retreats and virtual songwriting sessions, across the nation, at no cost to the veteran or family member.

Supporters who want to get involved can donate to Operation Song on their website, knowing all programs and retreats for veterans are funded solely through charitable gifts and offered free to participants. Songwriters, too, can volunteer by joining the roster of professionals who partner with veterans to co-write songs. Veterans and their families can sign up through the organization to be matched with a songwriter and begin the creative process. By giving, volunteering, or engaging in a writing session, supporters and creatives alike help ensure these stories are heard. One song at a time.

Learn more about Operation Song in our recent blog post or at one of the links below:

Operation Song’s Website: https://www.operationsong.org/

Operation Song on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/operationsong/?hl=en

Donate to Operation Song: https://www.operationsong.org/donate

#veterans #vets #veteranmentalhealth #songwriting #military #supportourvets #veteranmusic #supportourtroops

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