Merrimack Valley Studio Productions

Merrimack Valley Studio Productions
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Podcast & Video Production Studio. We host regular segments on Veteran issues and share our passion for motorcycle, riding, and adventure. Please subscribe to our channel and take part in the conversation.

  1. 2026 VAH American Legion Riders Post 03 Nashua NH joins the podcast

    5D AGO

    2026 VAH American Legion Riders Post 03 Nashua NH joins the podcast

    American Legion Riders Post 03 Joins the Veterans Assembly Hall Podcast The American Legion Riders Post 03 from Nashua, New Hampshire, joins us on the Veterans Assembly Hall podcast. Representing the Riders are Chief and Jeremy. Jeremy introduces himself as a relatively new Legion Rider, currently serving in the Massachusetts National Guard, where he has dedicated the last 28 years of his life. Chief, a familiar face on the podcast, shares insights from his previous appearances. We begin by asking Chief about the significant community donations the Riders have made recently. He explains that these funds were raised during their Annual "Cabin Fever" Party held in January of this year. He likens the event to "drinking from a fire hose," emphasizing the challenge of keeping everything organized. Once the event concludes, the group gathers to decide how to allocate the funds to benefit the community. Our conversation turns to the importance of connecting with and supporting local organizations. This year, the Riders chose to support two organizations: the Worker Bee Fund and the Nashua Center. Chief discusses the reasons behind their selection. Jeremy elaborates on this topic, expressing how vital it is for the Riders to remain connected to the community. "I've known American Legion and VFWs; they're always involved in some way, but I didn't fully understand how it all works," he shares. "Now, by observing, I'm learning a lot. It's super important." He notes that the Legion Riders serve as an extension of the post. "The post isn't going anywhere, but those of us in vests are the eyes and ears in the community. We are the recruiters and the brand, keeping the message of community support and veterans alive." Chief emphasizes the need to attend each other's events, stating that even brief conversations can have a lasting impact throughout the year. When asked about the significance of building personal connections, he replies, "It's very powerful. I've always believed that it's not what you know, but who you know." He consistently makes an extra effort to attend events for this reason. Jeremy highlights the upcoming Tough Ruck on April 19th. As a committee member, he discusses the enthusiastic response from participants and how the Legion and Riders can support veterans and first responders along the route. We take a deep dive into the route, the rucks, and the event's evolution. Chief reminds us that the Nashua Legion Riders and those from Manchester By the Sea will be present at the Motorcycle Expo in Wilmington, MA, on March 7th and 8th. In closing, Jeremy shares how he manages the Riders' social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of these tools for communicating with the broader community.

    31 min
  2. Knights On Topic: Conversations at the Roundtable

    FEB 23

    Knights On Topic: Conversations at the Roundtable

    The Knights return to the table to continue the conversation. Current Topics in News & Media The Guthrie Investigation Hammer's Wilderness Videos aka Teddy Talks Hard Pass Sig provides a great topic for the group.  "If you could purchase an second motorcycle, not a Harley, what would it be?" Technically Speaking Facebook Event Pages NK Portal's Event Page Community Engagement Crew talks about ways to engage with the community Our participation in the town's Wreaths Across America  Shout out to the Dracut Funeral Home Events Recapping the past month Looking ahead to this and next month Reviewing the calendars

    55 min

  3. FEB 16

    2026 02 Boondocks Chapter Call In

    Call-in episode from the NK Boondocks Chapter (FL): two hosts from the Merrimack Valley Studios (Maker, Sig) join Iron Mike to discuss winter weather and motorcycle chapter fundraising/event practices, the Ribeye Roundup, sponsorship strategy, community partnerships, and Iron Mike's walking-stick hobby. Main points Weather contrasts: Northeast hit by one of the worst winters in 10 years; Sig had only ~4" of snow and warm yard-work temps; Florida saw morning frost but quick warming and an ongoing severe drought affecting wells and farming. Iguana bounty/food note: Florida pays ~$20 per iguana; cold snaps produced mass kills that bounty hunters collected; Keys restaurants are using iguana meat (e.g., tacos) as a tourist novelty. Ribeye Roundup changes: Annual chapter fundraiser renamed/adjusted after 15% ribeye price rise — switched to beef filets (cheaper, better received). Event format: sit-down steak meals, first Saturday in Feb, usual turnout 100+ but down ~40 this year due to scheduling conflicts; still profitable. Elks Lodge partnership: Lodge buys/cooks/serves/cleans; chapter pays hall rental + insurance only — avoids upfront food risk and uses leftovers effectively. Sponsorship strategy: Systematic local-business rotation to avoid "gift fatigue"; prompt thank-you letters within 3 days and framed certificates for display to increase sponsor visibility and goodwill; public social-media thanks used. Inter-group relations: Build reciprocity by attending others' events first; give recognition awards to visiting groups to encourage repeat attendance; donated flagpoles to support partner events. Personal craft hobby: Iron Mike makes custom walking sticks for Vietnam vets in his chapter (personalized details like miniature hammers); hobby is non-commercial and craft-focused. Key takeaways / Actions Effective fundraisers: control costs (menu flexibility), partner with venues that assume food risk, and schedule to minimize conflicts with other chapters. Sponsorship best practices: rotate targets yearly, send rapid written thanks, provide visible recognition (framed certificates), and publicize sponsors. Community-building: reciprocity and tangible recognition grow attendance and cross-club support. Small personalized gestures (custom awards/handcrafted items) have outsized impact on loyalty.

    29 min
  4. The Roundtable: Kicking Off Season 8

    JAN 23

    The Roundtable: Kicking Off Season 8

    We're pulling up a chair at the Roundtable with these legends! Sig returns to join Indy, Scrubs, and Maker for the 1st podcast drop of the year.   We started by recognizing the 35th Anniversary of Desert Shield & Desert Storm. Its a great conversation as we talk about some of the significant milestones associated with the campaign and share some personal experiences and impressions.    We then add some comic value with a round of "Hard Pass or Must Have". From cupholders to fuzzy seat covers, no one is safe, nothing is off limits.    Talking about events from the past year and those that are quickly approaching in the next few weeks or months. Shout out to many of our favorite adventures.   Its a great start to a new year on the podcast at the Merrimack Valley Studio Productions.

    53 min
  5. MVC January Fundraiser

    JAN 18

    MVC January Fundraiser

    The Nam Knights Merrimack Valley's Annual Fundraiser and Bash is coming up on Saturday, January 24th at the Dracut American Legion. We got together to talk briefly about what you can expect.

    5 min
  6. 2025 Season Seven (7) is a wrap

    12/15/2025

    2025 Season Seven (7) is a wrap

    Brother Sig from the Appalachian Chapter returns to the Podcast table with a promise to make regular appearances in the upcoming 8th Season!   We start with the intent of looking back over the previous season. Not surprisingly, CY2025 was one of the busiest years in the chapter's history, with an event a month. He remembers the K9 event in September as his personal highlight, but notes quickly that they also jumped in quickly on a fundraiser for a local police officer shot in the line of duty and another for the family of a police officer killed in the line of duty.     The conversation then quickly turned to using social media to support the chapter's endeavors and events. Sig was quick to credit the Chapter President Rodeo, whom he characterized as a social media guru. Sig has a love-hate relationship with technology but somehow succeeds in using it.   We start to explore how the chapter has embraced social media and other non-traditional means of "getting the word out". Without a doubt, Sig remarked, they got a real return on the effort the chapter put into those campaigns. All of the people attending the event would comment on how they saw it online.Social media increased awareness of the upcoming events.   The geography around the chapter spreads out the target demographic, and their online accounts help them reach a broader audience. Sharing events to community "at large" pages extends the chapter's presence beyond our network of "friends".   The chapter hasn't abandoned print media entirely and has used large-scale advertisements like electronic billboards, but those all cost money.   Word of Mouth remains a timeless and credible means of getting information out. Once the club is known and established, people ask about and talk up the upcoming events. Getting to know the patches personally and building bridges are still important. You have a network in person.   Stickers and courtesy cards are still king. The chapter pastes their QR code on all of those documents to reel people in and provide information about what they have been doing and what's coming up.   One of my personal favorites for continuing to engage an audience about a specific upcoming event is the Facebook Event pages. Once someone indicates they are interested or attending, you can immediately provide updates to those folks. Event Pages are particularly effective.   The Appalachian Chapter has some especially strong sponsorship, and they are committed to crediting those sponsors and recognizing their generosity. They also invite their sponsors to come to the event and set up an informational table or put up a banner.   "The magic is getting the community behind what you do and then spreading the good word", says Sig. Being out there every month and getting those vests in the sunshine so people see you is really important. Being at the favorite locations or events and telling people about the club and what you do is.   What works in one region may not translate well to another. You need to figure out what works best.   Sig explains how the chapter participates in the Angel Tree, a holiday gift program. There's a local business that hosts the Angel Tree and administers a short application process. Each child gets a "want" and a "need". Anyone can take a card off the tree and shop for the gifts, and then return them to the tree, where they are wrapped and put under the tree for those children. The chapter has already sponsored 45 Angel Tree cards, and they in on going back for more.   Looking forward to the next year, Sig talks about what the chapter has coming up. They start back up in February with their annual Chilli Cook-Off.   In April the chapter will host its spring party to mark the 28th Anniversary of the chapter. April 9th through the 12th at local campground that offers cabins, glam-camping, tent sites. Its a massive facility and they will have the whole campground reserved for the Nam Knights. Paved roads in the campground and shuttles to & from the local attractions. Friday night will a club only party at the campground and Saturday's event is intended to be an open event at a local brewery.   More event information will be coming out soon. Watch for more.   In September they will be hosting their annual K9 Event and will have a special raffle item! Johnny Middleton, bass player for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, has arranged for signed electric guitar, signed by the whole band. Tickets should be available starting in January.

    34 min

  7. 09/22/2025

    Project NK OK Returns to the channel

    NK OK - Brother Rodeo revisits the studio to update us on the program    September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month   Rodeo comes back on the podcast, and we pick up the conversation where we left off.    As promised, we are making NK OK a regular segment on the channel.    We start by talking about the power of checking in on brothers, friends, and family. We challenge everyone to go through their phone contacts and connect with someone they haven't talked to in a while.   Brother Rodeo amplifies the point by pointing out that "most of the time it's just someone willing to listen to you and to know that on the other end of the line someone cares about you."   Rodeo reports that they are working on developing an in-person program. He believes there is no better way of healing than being outside amongst your peers and people who understand your position.   He's quick to point out that the new endeavor does not take away from the phone calls and conversations. NK OK has been hugely successful in connecting people inside and outside the club. Additionally, there are alot of professional resources available that already deliver those services, so there's no need to duplicate those efforts.   Instead, he's putting his energy into an idea that's gaining speed, something he's called Operation Resilience, healing in the mountains. As he gets the pieces together, he's got a location in mind that provides options for camping and uses that as a base for the program. He wants to integrate activities like fishing, rafting, and hiking to encourage the participants to be active and get outdoors. At the end of the day, the group returns to the camp to network and connect versus returning to the hotel, where everyone is plugged back into their devices and isolated.   He says that as people get a chance to decompress, they have a greater appreciation of those around them.   The chapter just had an amazing day white rafting with a local company that is already on board for the idea. Rodeo talks about the Team Building that occurs while rafting on the river.   The area offers so much potential. He's thinking about a Thursday through Sunday program.   He wants to tie in some professional staff to be available if needed.   Expense is a big challenge to overcome. Whether its sponsorship or something else, he hopes that other organizations can help offset those obstacles.  He emphasizes that this is not a program exclusively for Nam Knights, but expects a wider audience.    We wrapped up by talking about how idle minds are not conducive to being in a healthy place. "That's what I get out of the club."    He recommends that everyone find their own voice and run with it. "Ain't no body going to tell you no, so long as it's positive" and in line with what we're supposed to be doing.

    29 min
  8. Veterans Assembly Hall, Introducing the 1st Annual VetFest in Merrimack NH

    09/08/2025

    Veterans Assembly Hall, Introducing the 1st Annual VetFest in Merrimack NH

    Veterans Assembly Hall  September 2025   Studio Call In from Rae O'Donnell, President & Co-Founder of the Veterans Resource Alliance of New Hampshire.   Jeff Riley – Vice President & Co-Founder Donn Mann – Director & Co-Founder Scott Chausee – Treasurer & Co-Founder   Introducing the 1st Annual VETFEST to be held in Merrimack NH on November 7th (Friday evening) at the  Anheuser-Busch Biergarten, November 8th (Saturday) on the Anheuser-Busch event grounds, and the formal Gala on Sunday, November 9th, at the American Legion Post 59, Hillsborough, NH.   Rae comes from a "family deeply rooted in military service, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, father, and brother". She introduced herself as US Army Veteran serving in the Military Police and married to a Combat Experienced Veteran. Being a veteran is in the "foundation of everything that is me, it is how I was taught," she says.    Veterans Resource Alliance of New Hampshire was initially co-founded by four individuals: herself, Jeff Riley, President of Salute the Troops Foundation, Donn Mann, Commander of the American Legion Post 59 in Hillsborough NH, and Scott Chausee, Nam Knights MC of America's Granite State NH Chapter. She laughs when she remembers the four of them sitting in a Mexican Restaurant, thinking about the concept of an NH VETFEST and wondering if anyone would even be interested.   Given the social media buzz and frequency at which it appears on our feeds, emails, and calendars, I would be surprised if this event becomes anything other than a tremendous success. Rae points up that more than 60 non-profits and veteran-focused organizations have already signed up to participate in Saturday's Resource Partner Day.   Rae talks about how she was impacted by a veteran's suicide and identified the need to make the Veterans Community in NH more aware of the resources that are available and how to access them. Rae recognizes the role that larger "Institutional Organizations" play also knows that sometimes it's difficult for them to be as responsive. The demand is sometimes overwhelming, and the resulting message being sent is that there's no help available. The group set out to change that messaging and connect both the individuals with resources, but also help the organizations themselves network together.   In doing research in the State of New Hampshire alone, they identified over 290 Veteran-centric non-profit organizations operating in NH. "That astounded me," she remarked. We were also taken back to learn there were so many organizations servicing our Veterans in the state.    Rae says their challenge was to figure out a way to bring all of these non-profit veteran organizations together. "If we didn't know there were this many organizations out there, how are the veterans struggling day to day going to know? They're Not!"   An event like VETFEST pulls the organizations out of their silo's. The goal is to connect these smaller organizations and establish "resource partners" amongst the community. She wants to change the perception from seeing the neighboring non-profit as competition to one of collaboration and networking.   VETFEST has a two-fold goal, to resource the individuals and network the organizations.   I asked her if the idea of hosting VETFEST NH was something they were bringing in from elsewhere, and she replied, "No, not at all, we didn't do any research, we didn't look, it really did come from all of us." We asked ourselves, "What can we do to put this into action?" Because the Veterans Resource Alliance of New Hampshire was so new, they never anticipated going down this road. VETFEST NH initially was just "let's get people together and open up those days."   What they discovered was that it was overwhelmingly well-received and became "a lightbulb moment" for so many. They soon realized that they really needed to make this official and ensure that what they were saying was going to happen actually happens.   I asked if they found themselves facing a Put Up or Shut Up Moment. "Yes, absolutely", she laughed. She recalled that if Jeff Riley, one of the board members, were on the call he often says that "it's time for non-profits to put their money where their mouths are". Essentially the same message.   She explained that smaller non-profits are often overlooked or overshadowed by those bringing in big money budgets. For the Veterans Resource Alliance of New Hampshire, it's not about being "on the map", they're about making Veterans aware of what is out there. "It has nothing to do with where we (the non-profits) land and everything to do with what we are producing for our veterans, are we servicing our veterans, and do they know the resources are out there." She points out, quite correctly, that there are plenty of small non-profit, veteran centric organizations that are "boots on the ground" and having a big impact.   VETFEST is about changing that message we discussed earlier, where we appeared to be saying there isn't help to there is help, "because that's where the hope comes in".   We asked her if the organizers were vetting the participating organizations, was there a criteria they needed to meet to participate? If the entity is a veteran-centric organization    Rae explained that at the outset, they were only permitting non-profits to participate in the resource partner day, but they found in doing so that there are organizations out there that were not non-profits, but the service a large number of veterans, in some cases, upward to 90% of their clientele. They approached VETFEST not seeking money or to profit, but to partner with the organizers and deliver their message that they are there to help the veterans as well.    Rae says, "If you help veterans and that is what your focus is, you are welcome at VETFEST. There are presently more than 60 resource partners enrolled for VETFEST, and that number is continuing to grow. We are accepting resource partners right up until that Saturday.   Reach out to Info@VRANH.org if you're interested in participating.   Veterans Resource Alliance of New Hampshire is entirely volunteer, and no one draws a salary or benefits from their participation.    The NH VETFEST is a three (3) day festival that kicks off on Friday evening at the Anheuser-Busch Biergarten. Rae points out that Anheuser-Busch has been an amazing partner in organizing this event over the first two days.    Friday evening, they're inviting the public and participants to join them for music, beverages, and to meet everyone informally. It's an Open Event. The 39th Army Band will be playing live.   Anheuser-Busch will donate $1 for every beer purchased back to VETFEST. All proceeds from the festival will be donated back to the participating non-profits.   Saturday starts at 9 am with a completely FREE venue for a family-friendly event. In addition to the resources we've discussed, they have a Kids zone, food trucks, a Cornhole Tournament, the National Guard Rock Wall, a Motorcycle Poker Run starting and ending there, Military Vehicles on display, and the list goes on.    On Sunday, the weekend wraps up with a formal Gala at the American Legion in Hillsborough NH. She pointed out that the Gala hits a different audience and features guest speakers, media, and fundraising. It's also a way to formally recognize everyone.   Veterans Resource Alliance of New Hampshire is not just VETFEST. It is and will become their staple or flagship event, but they want people to know that they are continuing to work throughout the year and bring organizations together. They are already looking at how they can change and improve going forward.   "It is a movement for change, it's a movement for hope, and actually changing that narrative where asking for help is a badge of honor, it's not a weakness." 1st Annual VETFEST Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack, NH https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fzc5kP2cd   FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 – OPENING NIGHT: "Buy a Vet a Beer" & OFFICIAL KICK-OFF Location: Anheuser-Busch Biergarten, 221 DW Highway, Merrimack, NH Event Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Live Music | Community Connection | First Cheers for Change   SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 – RESOURCE PARTNER DAY Event Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Anheuser-Busch Grounds, Merrimack, NH   SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 – VETFEST GALA American Legion Post 59, Hillsborough, NH A Formal Ticketed Event Our closing event is a formal evening to honor our partners, recognize our sponsors, and reflect on the impact we've made together. The Gala features: Special guest speakers, hero recognition, sponsor recognition, dinner music, and remembrance.   The 39th Army Band https://www.39tharmyband.com   Veterans Resource Alliance of New Hampshire https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574823903671

    38 min
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About

Podcast & Video Production Studio. We host regular segments on Veteran issues and share our passion for motorcycle, riding, and adventure. Please subscribe to our channel and take part in the conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Merrimack Valley Studio Productions
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Merrimack Valley Studios