Why Steven Grayhm’s New Movie Sheepdog Is Worth The Wait | #459 | The Way I Heard It
Steven Graham's 14-Year Journey Making "Sheepdog" About Veteran PTSD and Growth
Discover how one Canadian actor dedicated 14 years to creating a brutally honest film, "Sheepdog," demanding national attention for the plight of American veterans.
Short Summary
- Authenticity drove the 14-year production, demanding sourcing real locations like a closed paper mill and consulting professionals at the Detroit VA.
- The protagonist, Calvin Cole, is presented as undergoing "post-traumatic growth," not just suffering from PTSD.
- Direct feedback from Vietnam veterans ("You effing nailed it") validated the film's unflinching portrayal of service members' internal struggles.
- The film aims to bridge the gap between civilian society and the military community, encouraging genuine connection.
The discussion centers on Steven Graham's intense commitment to portraying Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) with uncompromising realism in his feature film, "Sheepdog." Mike Rowe explores the necessity of detail, the personal burden Steven took on after promising veterans he would tell their truth, and the film's ultimate goal of fostering connection and growth rather than simply depicting trauma.
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Top Comments (10)
Just stopping in to say thank you both. Steven your appreciation and intestinal fortitude to stand for something that means so much is admirable. Please continue to make meanfull films. Mr Rowe please don't take this as me blowing smoke where no one wants it but thank you! For all your doing. As a firefighter paramedic, veteran of our beloved Corps we NEED men like you in this crazy world. We need to tell our younger generations it's OK to get dirty, sweat and bleed for an honest dollar and more importantly stand for what you believe in. You don't need to have 100 hills your ready to die on but you should have some you will fight for. One honest genuine thank you from just a one dude to another .
I have been a Mike Rowe fan forever. Listened to them all and dirty jobs etc. As a USMC vet from Desert Storm, that has dealt with a bit of PTSD and depression, this episode has hit harder than any others for me. I love the way Steven Garyme has adopted this role and paid tribute and the way he spoke about it was honorable and also serving in his unique method. He should be commended heavily after this effort, and I hope this movie is as good as it sounds. It will have a massive impact on millions of others out there like me that are just lost at times. Thank you both for this episode. It hit!!!!
I saved a fellow veteran from suicide, and a few days later, he gave me the challenge coin that he earned in Afganistan. He was with the 82nd Airborne. I carry it with me everyday with honor.
Thank you for an amazing interview. As a Vietnam combat veteran I'm so looking forward to see the movie. God bless you.
Thk u for the journey, I Thk veterans for wearing a military hat because it allows me a chance to recognize their service with a “I see you and thank you”
My father served in WW2 and Korea, a total of over 4 years but behind lines both times because of his poor eyesight. He was also in the reserves for several years. My son retired from the Air Force, having been deployed to "hot and sandy" several times. When I thank a person in uniform for serving it is a heart felt thank you. I have a glimpse of their sacrifice and that of their family too. Some of my contemporaries returned from Vietnam to undeserved ridicule, some came home on Angle flights.
As a nearly 70 year old Aussie female obviously I have never served and I honestly believe a lot of what our veterans have been asked to do is absolutely criminal but they served with honour and valour and I am forever grateful for their service, thank you.
With many veterans in my family, my thanks is heartfelt. Always a thank you back and sometimes they say they would do it again. I am so grateful ❤
Im a retired VA nurse who worked in telehealth most of my VA time. Vets share thingscwith those outside their circle, those who are safe. I had so many tell me stories they never told their families or anyone else. Those veterans, their stories, and their voices live in my memory forever.
Just watched Sheepdog. Thank you for having Steven and showcasing this movie.
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Top Comments (10)
Just stopping in to say thank you both. Steven your appreciation and intestinal fortitude to stand for something that means so much is admirable. Please continue to make meanfull films. Mr Rowe please don't take this as me blowing smoke where no one wants it but thank you! For all your doing. As a firefighter paramedic, veteran of our beloved Corps we NEED men like you in this crazy world. We need to tell our younger generations it's OK to get dirty, sweat and bleed for an honest dollar and more importantly stand for what you believe in. You don't need to have 100 hills your ready to die on but you should have some you will fight for. One honest genuine thank you from just a one dude to another .
I have been a Mike Rowe fan forever. Listened to them all and dirty jobs etc. As a USMC vet from Desert Storm, that has dealt with a bit of PTSD and depression, this episode has hit harder than any others for me. I love the way Steven Garyme has adopted this role and paid tribute and the way he spoke about it was honorable and also serving in his unique method. He should be commended heavily after this effort, and I hope this movie is as good as it sounds. It will have a massive impact on millions of others out there like me that are just lost at times. Thank you both for this episode. It hit!!!!
I saved a fellow veteran from suicide, and a few days later, he gave me the challenge coin that he earned in Afganistan. He was with the 82nd Airborne. I carry it with me everyday with honor.
Thank you for an amazing interview. As a Vietnam combat veteran I'm so looking forward to see the movie. God bless you.
Thk u for the journey, I Thk veterans for wearing a military hat because it allows me a chance to recognize their service with a “I see you and thank you”
My father served in WW2 and Korea, a total of over 4 years but behind lines both times because of his poor eyesight. He was also in the reserves for several years. My son retired from the Air Force, having been deployed to "hot and sandy" several times. When I thank a person in uniform for serving it is a heart felt thank you. I have a glimpse of their sacrifice and that of their family too. Some of my contemporaries returned from Vietnam to undeserved ridicule, some came home on Angle flights.
As a nearly 70 year old Aussie female obviously I have never served and I honestly believe a lot of what our veterans have been asked to do is absolutely criminal but they served with honour and valour and I am forever grateful for their service, thank you.
With many veterans in my family, my thanks is heartfelt. Always a thank you back and sometimes they say they would do it again. I am so grateful ❤
Im a retired VA nurse who worked in telehealth most of my VA time. Vets share thingscwith those outside their circle, those who are safe. I had so many tell me stories they never told their families or anyone else. Those veterans, their stories, and their voices live in my memory forever.
Just watched Sheepdog. Thank you for having Steven and showcasing this movie.