The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices

Andrew Cox

Mission The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and archiving first-person oral histories from U.S. military veterans across generations. These long-form interviews capture leadership, combat experiences, and personal reflections that rarely appear in official records. New episodes Daily - Monday thru Friday Live recordings on Sundays & Thursdays @ 7 PM Central Time (Facebook, X, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn) About the Project The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is an independent oral-history initiative dedicated to preserving first-person accounts of U.S. military service, leadership, and veteran life. Through long-form conversations, the project captures unfiltered testimony from service members and veterans across ranks, roles, and generations. Unlike traditional history podcasts that interpret past events, this project creates primary historical sources by recording lived experience in real time — before memory fades and before stories are lost. With more than 580 recorded episodes, the collection represents one of the most extensive independently produced oral-history archives focused on modern American military and veteran culture. Episodes are publicly available and preserved to ensure long-term access by families, researchers, educators, and historians. All recordings from The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, including FireSide Chats, Veteran Stories, and Jarhead Jabber, are being archived with the Marine Corps History Division, ensuring permanent historical preservation. This work serves not only as a record of individual service, but as documentation of evolving leadership philosophy, unit culture, transition experiences, and the broader social impact of military service in the 21st century. The project exists to ensure these voices are not summarized, edited out, or forgotten — but preserved as they were lived and spoken. Nonprofit Status The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This designation confirms that the project operates exclusively for educational and historical preservation purposes. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law, and all funding directly supports the recording, production, and long-term archiving of veteran oral histories. Becoming a nonprofit strengthens the project’s sustainability, transparency, and ability to preserve veteran stories at scale. Two Segments. One Mission.🔥 Segment One: FireSide Chat The FireSide Chat is a relaxed, conversation-style segment focused on current veteran topics and community impact. These episodes often explore: • Issues affecting veterans today • Leadership, resilience, and mindset • Life after military service • The importance of community and accountability A key component of the FireSide Chat is highlighting veteran-owned businesses and organizations. This segment provides exposure to entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and initiatives making a difference within the veteran community and beyond. 🎖 Segment Two: Veteran Stories Veteran Stories is a one-on-one interview format dedicated entirely to the individual. These episodes walk through the veteran’s life journey, including: • Background and upbringing • Decision to serve • Military experiences and defining moments • Challenges faced during and after service • Lessons learned and advice for others Each story is unique, personal, and preserved in the veteran’s own words. The goal is simple: capture the story before it’s lost. Mission The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and archiving first-person oral histories from U.S. military veterans across generations. These long-form interviews capture leadership, combat experiences, and personal reflections that rarely appear in official records. What We Do • Record long-form oral history i

  1. 1d ago ·  Video

    #753 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew - Respect is Earned Not Given....Or is it?; 29 Oct 2026

    🔥 #753 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew - Respect Is Earned, Not Given… Or Is It? | 29 Oct 2026 Is respect something we should automatically give others, or is it something that must be earned? And once respect is lost, can it ever truly be restored? In this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices, AJ Cox sits down with Mike McNany and Jess Kindelspire for another entertaining, unscripted FireSide Chat that explores respect, leadership, accountability, and the way we treat one another. What begins as a discussion about common courtesy quickly develops into a deeper conversation about how respect influences our everyday interactions. From holding doors and greeting strangers to dealing with difficult people and navigating social media, the crew examines whether society has forgotten the importance of simply treating others with kindness. Drawing on their military experiences, AJ, Mike, and Jess explore the differences between respecting someone's authority and genuinely respecting them as a person. They share personal examples of leadership, discipline, getting chewed out, and learning when raising your voice helps—or makes matters worse. The conversation also examines the importance of knowing the people you lead, recognizing when someone needs encouragement instead of criticism, and understanding that fear and intimidation aren't substitutes for effective leadership. 🔥 Topics Discussed: 🇺🇸 Is respect earned, given, or both? 🇺🇸 Common courtesy and the decline of everyday kindness 🇺🇸 How social media affects the way people treat one another 🇺🇸 Military leadership, discipline, and accountability 🇺🇸 The difference between respect, fear, and obedience 🇺🇸 Why yelling doesn't always make someone listen 🇺🇸 Can broken trust and lost respect be rebuilt? 🇺🇸 Applying military lessons to civilian life And, as always, the crew manages to wander into some hilarious territory along the way! From AJ's custom hat and family hat collections to military memories, driving habits, and the now-unforgettable phrase “danger donkeys,” there's no shortage of laughter mixed into the serious conversation. 🎙️ FireSide Chat Crew Andrew “AJ” Cox — Host, MGySgt, USMC (Ret.) Mike McNany Jess Kindelspire A special thanks to everyone who joined the live chat, including Jim Russell and the viewers who contributed their thoughts and humor throughout the evening. 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Do you believe respect should be earned, or should everyone receive a basic level of respect until they give you a reason otherwise? And what does someone have to do to earn back your respect once they've lost it? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🇺🇸 ABOUT THE LOST ART PROJECT The Lost Art Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving veterans' firsthand experiences through long-form oral histories, FireSide Chats, and historical archiving. Our mission is to ensure the stories, experiences, lessons, and legacies of those who served are preserved for future generations. Know a veteran who should share their story? https://www.thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org/recording Interested in becoming a Historical Archivist? https://www.thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org/become-a-historical-archivist 🌐 https://www.thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

  2. 5d ago ·  Video

    #752 FireSide Chat w/ The Crew — War Stories, Sea Stories & the History Hidden in Them; 26 Oct 2026

    🔥 #752 FireSide Chat w/ The Crew — War Stories, Sea Stories & the History Hidden in Them 25 October 2026 | The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices How much history is hidden in the stories veterans tell? And what happens when the people who remember the lessons behind those stories are no longer around to explain them? In this episode of FireSide Chat, host Andrew “AJ” Cox joins Aaron Davis, Mike McNany, Jess Kindelspire, and Vick Ney for an evening of military memories, overseas adventures, good-natured trash talking, and serious reflections on leadership and lessons learned. Aaron shares a story from Rota, Spain, while deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. An attempt to help junior Marines return to the ship becomes a confusing liberty deadline, a confrontation with senior leadership, and a private explanation that puts the whole encounter in a different light. Jess brings memories from amphibious deployments, foreign ports, and shipboard life. From Australia and the Middle East to Japan, his stories capture the unpredictable combination of close quarters, colorful personalities, and questionable decisions that make military experiences unforgettable. AJ and Vick revisit their trip to France, where an unavailable interpreter leaves them navigating conversations with limited French. An early-morning cigar purchase and a memorable restaurant encounter become reminders that military travel produces stories far beyond the official itinerary. The crew also explores the Lance Corporal Underground and how stories change as they travel. Jess recalls a damaged weapon barrel turning into a rumor that a crew member had died—an example of how quickly a real event can become something entirely different. But beneath the laughter are difficult memories. The conversation turns to training accidents, equipment failures, fatigue, and the consequences of overlooked warning signs. The crew reflects on incidents involving armored vehicles, aircraft, and live-fire ranges, discussing how quickly an ordinary training day can become life-changing. A central theme emerges: remembering why the rules exist. As experienced service members move on, the stories behind safety requirements can disappear. Training that once followed a painful lesson may begin to seem unnecessary when nobody remembers what prompted it. Leadership becomes another major part of the discussion. Aaron and Jess recall leaders who chose to teach after mistakes rather than immediately end careers. Vick describes raising concerns after a range incident, leading to a conversation about accountability, speaking up, and whether leaders are willing to hear uncomfortable information. Drawing on his experience supporting military training as a contractor, Jess discusses resistance to adapting training for emerging threats, including improvised explosive devices. The crew considers the cost of refusing constructive criticism and treating important information as something to hold onto rather than share. Throughout the episode, humor and hard-earned experience come together around a shared understanding: military stories preserve more than entertainment. They carry lessons about responsibility, judgment, leadership, and taking care of one another. Words of Wisdom from the episode: Jess recommends The White Donkey, discussing its portrayal of military experience and PTSD and his connection to its original crowdfunding effort. Vick shares: “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king,” prompting a few variations from the crew. AJ encourages veterans to ask for help when they need it and check on the people they served with. The crew adds one final piece of familiar advice: “Change your socks.” 🎙️ On This Episode Host: Andrew “AJ” Cox — United States Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) | Founder & Executive Director, The Lost Art Project FireSide Chat Crew: Aaron Davis Mike McNany Jess Kindelspire Vick Ney 🇺🇸 A Reminder to Our Veteran Community If you’re struggling, please reach out. Crisis support is available by calling 988. And if you’re doing well, take a moment to check on someone you served with. Sometimes a simple conversation can make all the difference. The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. Collect • Preserve • Educate • Inspire 🌐 www.thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org ▶️ YouTube: @TheLostArtProject

  3. Oct 16 ·  Video

    #748 FireSide Chat w/ Jeff Newton & the Crew; 15 Oct 2026

    🎙️ EPISODE #748 — FireSide Chat w/ Jeff Newton & the Crew | 15 October 2026 🇺🇸 VA HOME LOANS: UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS YOU'VE EARNED! 🏡 Did you know that VA home loan benefits may offer veterans more opportunities than simply purchasing an existing home? What about building a new house, purchasing land, renovating a property, or refinancing your current mortgage? In this episode of The Lost Art Project, host Andrew "AJ" Cox and the Crew welcome Jeff Newton, founder of National VA Loans, for an informative, entertaining, and eye-opening conversation about VA home loan benefits and the opportunities many veterans may not realize are available to them. Jeff has worked in the mortgage industry since 2002. Inspired by conversations with his brother Josh, a 21-year U.S. Air Force veteran, Jeff recognized that many veterans were not receiving the information they needed to fully understand their earned home loan benefits. That realization helped shape his mission of educating and assisting veterans through National VA Loans. Throughout the conversation, Jeff breaks down several important aspects of VA home financing, including: 🏠 VA Home Purchases — Understanding the VA home loan benefit and how veterans can use it to purchase a home. 🔨 VA Construction Loans — Exploring the possibility of purchasing land and building a new home through a one-time-close construction loan. 🛠️ VA Renovation Loans — How certain financing options may allow eligible borrowers to purchase and improve an existing property. 💰 Refinancing and Financial Decisions — Understanding available options and making informed decisions about homeownership. 📋 The VA Loan Process — Qualifications, appraisals, contractors, and why working with knowledgeable professionals matters. 🇺🇸 Veteran Education — Why understanding earned benefits is just as important as having access to them. Of course, it wouldn't be FireSide Chat without plenty of laughs, friendly banter, and a few conversations that take unexpected turns! From the frustrations of homeownership and changing weather to the housing market, financial history, and movie recommendations, the Crew keeps the conversation entertaining while Jeff delivers valuable information. 📚 WORDS OF WISDOM The episode concludes with our traditional Words of Wisdom segment, including a book recommendation for The Big Short, a reminder about protecting your personal peace, and Jeff's message encouraging veterans to understand and make informed use of the benefits they've earned through service. 🎙️ ON THIS EPISODE: Andrew "AJ" Cox — Host, Founder & Executive Director of The Lost Art Project; USMC Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) Jeff Newton — Special Guest, Founder of National VA Loans Mike — FireSide Chat Crew Jess — FireSide Chat Crew 🔗 CONNECT WITH OUR SPECIAL GUEST National VA Loans 🌐 Website: https://www.nationalvaloans.com 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nationalvaloans 📞 Phone: 855-956-4040 🇺🇸 ABOUT THE LOST ART PROJECT The Lost Art Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the firsthand experiences of our nation's veterans. Through Veteran Stories, FireSide Chats, and historical archiving, we work to ensure these voices and experiences remain accessible to future generations. 🌐 https://www.thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLostArtProject ❤️ SUPPORT THE MISSION Your support helps us continue recording, preserving, and archiving the stories of those who served. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. Collect • Preserve • Educate • Inspire #TheLostArtProject #VeteransVoices #FireSideChat #JeffNewton #NationalVALoans #VALoans #VeteransBenefits #VeteranHomeownership #MilitaryVeterans #MarineCorps #VeteranStories #PreservingHistory

  4. Oct 12 ·  Video

    #747 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew; 12 May 2026

    🔥 #747 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew — Leadership: Military Lessons That Still Work Today Recorded October 11, 2026 The uniform comes off, but the leadership lessons—and the friendships—stay with us. Join Andrew “AJ” Cox, Vick Ney, and Jess Kindelspire for an honest, often hilarious conversation about carrying military experience into civilian life. From workplace disagreements to accepting uncomfortable feedback, the Crew explores what happens when direct military communication meets a world with different expectations. Vick shares a real challenge from his work as a music educator, opening a discussion about boundaries, tone, and the difference between what we intend and what someone else hears. Can you stand your ground while recognizing that your approach needs a “rudder adjustment”? And does being an effective leader require being liked? The conversation also examines the friendships veterans build through service, why those connections can feel harder to find afterward, and the value of people who care enough to tell you when you’re getting something wrong. Of course, it wouldn’t be a FireSide Chat without a few detours! Football banter leads into military rugby memories and honoring fallen teammates. Old computer games spark a conversation about teaching history honestly, while military movies, questionable uniforms, and exaggerated service claims bring plenty of laughs. AJ and Vick also share their experiences with tinnitus and hearing loss, reflecting on habits they wish they had changed earlier. The evening closes with Words of Wisdom about taking action, embracing uncertainty, and getting out of your own head—and a reminder to check on the people you served beside. 🎙️ ON THIS EPISODE Andrew “AJ” Cox — Founder / Executive Director / Host Retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant. Vick Ney — FireSide Chat Crew / President, The Lost Art Project Retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant and music educator. Jess Kindelspire — FireSide Chat Crew Recurring Crew member sharing veteran perspectives, personal stories, and candid humor. 🤝 Thank you to our sponsors and supporters: Saddleback Leather Company • Tinker Federal Credit Union • Honor Dog Designs • AllCoin / BRAV 🇺🇸 Every Veteran Has a Story. Every Story Is a Piece of History. The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices preserves veterans’ lived experiences through recorded conversations, oral histories, and historical archiving. 🌐 Learn more: https://thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org ❤️ Become a monthly supporter: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/preserving-veterans-voices-protecting-their-legacy 📺 Join our live FireSide Chats Sundays and Thursdays at 7 PM Central / 8 PM Eastern on YouTube @TheLostArtProject. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. Collect · Preserve · Educate · Inspire

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Mission The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and archiving first-person oral histories from U.S. military veterans across generations. These long-form interviews capture leadership, combat experiences, and personal reflections that rarely appear in official records. New episodes Daily - Monday thru Friday Live recordings on Sundays & Thursdays @ 7 PM Central Time (Facebook, X, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn) About the Project The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is an independent oral-history initiative dedicated to preserving first-person accounts of U.S. military service, leadership, and veteran life. Through long-form conversations, the project captures unfiltered testimony from service members and veterans across ranks, roles, and generations. Unlike traditional history podcasts that interpret past events, this project creates primary historical sources by recording lived experience in real time — before memory fades and before stories are lost. With more than 580 recorded episodes, the collection represents one of the most extensive independently produced oral-history archives focused on modern American military and veteran culture. Episodes are publicly available and preserved to ensure long-term access by families, researchers, educators, and historians. All recordings from The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, including FireSide Chats, Veteran Stories, and Jarhead Jabber, are being archived with the Marine Corps History Division, ensuring permanent historical preservation. This work serves not only as a record of individual service, but as documentation of evolving leadership philosophy, unit culture, transition experiences, and the broader social impact of military service in the 21st century. The project exists to ensure these voices are not summarized, edited out, or forgotten — but preserved as they were lived and spoken. Nonprofit Status The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This designation confirms that the project operates exclusively for educational and historical preservation purposes. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law, and all funding directly supports the recording, production, and long-term archiving of veteran oral histories. Becoming a nonprofit strengthens the project’s sustainability, transparency, and ability to preserve veteran stories at scale. Two Segments. One Mission.🔥 Segment One: FireSide Chat The FireSide Chat is a relaxed, conversation-style segment focused on current veteran topics and community impact. These episodes often explore: • Issues affecting veterans today • Leadership, resilience, and mindset • Life after military service • The importance of community and accountability A key component of the FireSide Chat is highlighting veteran-owned businesses and organizations. This segment provides exposure to entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and initiatives making a difference within the veteran community and beyond. 🎖 Segment Two: Veteran Stories Veteran Stories is a one-on-one interview format dedicated entirely to the individual. These episodes walk through the veteran’s life journey, including: • Background and upbringing • Decision to serve • Military experiences and defining moments • Challenges faced during and after service • Lessons learned and advice for others Each story is unique, personal, and preserved in the veteran’s own words. The goal is simple: capture the story before it’s lost. Mission The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and archiving first-person oral histories from U.S. military veterans across generations. These long-form interviews capture leadership, combat experiences, and personal reflections that rarely appear in official records. What We Do • Record long-form oral history i