Tell us a bit about your organization and what your specialty is in the film and video space.
The Weight Behind the Spear Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities by inspiring resilience, leadership, and service, especially among youth. Through storytelling, we create films and video content that highlight real stories of perseverance, teamwork, and hope. Our specialty lies in producing impactful, values-driven media that blends professional cinematic quality with authentic narratives, whether it’s short documentaries, event coverage, or social campaigns. We use the power of film and video not only to raise awareness about challenges like the youth mental health crisis, but also to showcase solutions, celebrate unsung heroes, and motivate audiences to take action.
What is your organization’s ethos and how does it set you apart from industry competitors?
The Weight Behind the Spear Foundation’s ethos is rooted in service, resilience, and lifting others to succeed. We believe that true leadership is not about being at the front, but about being the strength and support behind those who step forward. This guiding principle shapes the way we approach film and video — every project we create aims to inspire confidence, highlight authentic human stories, and give voice to those who might otherwise go unheard.
What sets us apart is that we are not simply producing content for entertainment or promotion; we are crafting visual stories with a purpose. Our work is grounded in real-world experience — from combat medicine to community resilience — and this depth gives our storytelling a level of authenticity and impact that resonates across generations. By blending cinematic quality with a mission-driven ethos, we create media that not only informs but also mobilizes, leaving audiences inspired to act.
How can people join or learn more about what you do?
Website: www.weightbehindthespear.com
Foundation: www.weightbehindthespear.com/Foundation
Tell us about your Telly Award winning piece. What’s the story behind it?
My Telly Award–winning appearance on Kim Sorrelle’s show highlighted the mission of my Pulitzer Prize-nominated book, Be the Weight Behind the Spear, and the work of the Weight Behind the Spear Foundation. In the interview, I shared lessons on resilience, leadership, and service drawn from both combat medicine and community outreach, inspiring audiences to see how authentic leadership can change lives. The recognition from the Telly Awards affirms the impact of using storytelling to bring hope and actionable solutions to today’s challenges.
What are you most proud of about this piece? What was your biggest challenge during production and how did you solve it?
What I am most proud of about this piece is how authentically it conveyed the heart of our mission: showing that leadership and resilience are born from service and love for others. The conversation on Kim Sorrelle’s show reached people in a deeply personal way, blending professional storytelling with the warmth of a genuine dialogue.
The biggest challenge during production was making sure that such meaningful and weighty topics — leadership, faith, and youth mental health — came across in a way that was accessible, hopeful, and inspiring rather than heavy. We solved this by grounding the discussion in real stories, humor, and relatable analogies, which allowed the message to resonate across audiences of all ages without losing its depth.
Do you have any advice to other filmmakers based on your career or your team’s approach to work?
My advice to other filmmakers is simple: don’t be afraid to fail. Every misstep is an opportunity to refine your vision, strengthen your message, and discover new ways to connect with your audience. In our work, some of the most powerful storytelling moments have come from leaning into uncertainty, trying something bold, and learning along the way. Failure isn’t the end — it’s often the beginning of your best work.
Can you share a behind the scenes story or fun fact about the making of your piece?
A fun behind-the-scenes moment from my appearance on Kim Sorrelle’s show came just before filming. We were talking off-camera about leadership, and the conversation unexpectedly shifted to soccer — something I use in my children’s book to teach teamwork and resilience. That sparked laughter, personal stories, and set a relaxed, genuine tone for the entire interview. By the time the cameras rolled, it felt less like a formal production and more like two friends having a heartfelt conversation, which is exactly the kind of authenticity we strive to bring into all of our storytelling.
Tell us about the most memorable response you got from this work.
A father shared that the interview gave him the courage to open up to his teenage son for the first time about his struggles — a moment that transformed their relationship.
Complete this sentence: ‘Great video storytelling is…’
… telling a story as if you’re sitting around a campfire — authentic, engaging, and filled with moments that connect people to something bigger than themselves.
