Podcast Summary: Revisionist History – The Alabama Murders
Special Episode: From Medal of Honor – Showing Up On Veterans Day
Date: November 11, 2025
Host: J.R. Martinez (with producer Ryan Sweikart)
Podcast Series: Medal of Honor (distributed through Pushkin Industries in the context of Revisionist History: The Alabama Murders)
Overview of the Episode’s Main Theme
This special Veterans Day episode is an intimate conversation between host J.R. Martinez (Iraq War veteran, burn survivor, and advocate) and producer Ryan Sweikart. The discussion centers on the meaning of Veterans Day, the importance of genuine connection with veterans, the transformative power of storytelling, and the simple but profound act of “showing up” — both in military service and in everyday life. J.R. reflects on his personal journey (both as a soldier and a public figure), the difficulties and rewards of sharing military and trauma stories, and what listeners can expect from the upcoming season of "Medal of Honor."
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Valuing Veterans Beyond “Thank You for Your Service”
[03:30 – 05:43]
- J.R. Martinez encourages listeners to go beyond perfunctory thanks, urging meaningful engagement:
“Don’t make the decision for that individual. Let that individual tell you if they're ready to talk.” — J.R. Martinez [05:43]
- He draws a contrast between adults’ tentativeness and children’s raw curiosity, suggesting adults should keep some of that “fearlessness” when reaching out.
- The importance of allowing veterans to dictate what they want to share; don’t project discomfort or fears onto them.
2. J.R. Martinez’s Story: Identity, Trauma, and Recovery
[05:57 – 13:33]
- J.R. recounts his decision to enlist after 9/11, feeling both uncertainty and patriotism:
“The military now became that opportunity for me. It was an opportunity for me to go serve, get discipline… a one stop shop.” [06:20]
- He describes the Humvee explosion in Iraq that nearly killed him, the experience of being trapped in a burning vehicle, and the lessons learned from survival:
“When things start to feel a little overwhelming… I like to close my eyes. I like to connect with my breath and I like to connect with my thoughts.” [09:48]
- The trauma of being medically discharged, confronting a shattered identity, and adjusting to a new physical and psychological reality.
- The turning point: being coerced by hospital staff (“like a mother/son dynamic,” [12:15]) to visit another patient, realizing the healing power of simply “showing up” for others.
3. The Double Message of Veterans Day
[13:33 – 14:33]
- Martinez highlights that his message is for both civilians (to reach out) and veterans (to stay engaged, resist isolation):
“It probably feels in the short term better to isolate yourself. But the long term, in order for you to be what you are destined to be, we have to be willing to, like, just keep showing up.” [13:35]
4. “Showing Up” — The Secret of Heroism
[14:33 – 17:36]
- A central motif of both his military/recovery experience and the Medal of Honor podcast; “showing up” is more decisive than perfect preparation:
“They didn’t have extensive training… when a moment asks somebody to show up, they just showed up and they figured it out… That’s why I think many of them are like, why am I being awarded this incredible honor?” — J.R. Martinez [14:49]
- Reminds listeners that alleged “superheroes” are ordinary people who responded at the right moment; heroism starts with presence, not perfection.
5. Public Storytelling & Dancing With the Stars
[18:50 – 21:48]
- Martinez shares how his time on "Dancing With the Stars" became a platform for veteran storytelling and public healing.
- His week-3 dance was particularly meaningful:
“We danced to the song … ‘If You’re Reading This’ … telling the story of so many men and women. … In the ballroom … every single person was standing up. … Thank you for telling that story.” [20:57–21:48]
- Parallel drawn between the power of narrative in reality television and in podcasting.
6. The Hard but Necessary Work of Veterans Sharing Their Stories
[21:59 – 23:34]
- Martinez advocates for more veterans to “share and talk as much as they feel comfortable with,” for their own healing and public empathy:
“You fought for yourself, man. Like, not just everybody else, but for you, too.” [22:20]
- Reframing of “service” to include self-care and the right to heal.
7. Reflections on Veteran Identity
[23:34 – 25:32]
- On developing and reconciling multiple identities (soldier, survivor, veteran) over two decades:
“It gave me a space … to identify the greatness that lied in me. … I have no regrets, man.” [24:02]
- Continued sense of purpose through teamwork and storytelling, likened to serving in the military.
8. Looking Ahead: Season 3 of Medal of Honor
[25:32 – 26:22]
- Teasers for the upcoming season (May 2026): listeners can expect further inspiring stories underscoring human potential and perseverance.
- Martinez invites the audience to participate via a listener survey, reinforcing the podcast’s commitment to community and shared purpose.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)
- On Reaching Out to Veterans:
“Just go shoot from the hip, man. … Don’t make the decision for that individual. Let … them tell you if they’re ready to talk.” — J.R. Martinez [04:57–05:43]
- On Survival and Hope:
“I had this false sense of hope that someone was going to come pull me out — and they did.” — J.R. Martinez [09:52]
- On Healing through Service:
“All I needed to do was just show up. … That gave me part of my identity back — the ability to serve.” — J.R. Martinez [12:18-13:00]
- On “Superheroes” and Humanity:
“It’s easy to look at the things that these guys do as just sort of like these amazing heroics. But really, it’s just the confluence of, like, this training, this ability, and the right moment. … They’re not superheroes. … We all have this.” — J.R. Martinez [16:15–17:14]
- Teaching Civilians and Veterans Alike:
“For as much as I’m talking to the listener that’s potentially a civilian, I’m also talking to that vet.” — J.R. Martinez [13:35]
- On Dancing with the Stars:
“I finished the routine, man, and I’m crying… In the ballroom…every single person was standing up. The response was: Thank you. Thank you for telling that story.” — J.R. Martinez [21:48]
- On Self-Compassion:
“You fought for yourself, man. Like, not just everybody else, but for you, too.” — J.R. Martinez [22:20]
Important Timestamps
- [01:08] – J.R. Martinez’s Veterans Day message
- [03:54] – Advice for civilians reaching out to veterans
- [06:20] – J.R.’s military enlistment and early feelings
- [08:47] – Humvee explosion and lessons from survival
- [12:18] – Healing through helping others
- [14:49] – The theme of “showing up” in the podcast
- [18:50] – “Dancing with the Stars” experience
- [22:20] – Message to veterans about self-worth and healing
- [25:36] – Anticipation for next season of the podcast
Tone and Language
The tone is warm, honest, and encouraging. J.R. Martinez’s candor about both pain and hope makes the episode deeply human and accessible — never preachy, but gently challenging listeners to show up for veterans (“and for each other”) in more courageous ways.
Conclusion
This episode is a moving call to action — not just to honor veterans, but to engage bravely in real connection and storytelling. It is both a personal testimonial and a preview of the transforming power of service and narrative that listeners can expect in the upcoming season of "Medal of Honor." Through his vulnerability, humor, and authenticity, Martinez renews the meaning of Veterans Day for civilians and veterans alike, reminding us: everyone has a story, and sometimes all you have to do is show up.