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Why Steven Grayhm’s New Movie Sheepdog Is Worth The Wait | #459 | The Way I Heard It

2025-11-20 Entertainment
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Mike Rowe
Mike Rowe
1.3m subscribers

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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Description

Why would a 44-year-old Canadian actor who never served in the military spend 14 years writing, producing, directing, and starring in a movie about an American soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress? And how does it feel to devote so much time and energy to a project that’s winning lots of major awards at lots of independent film festivals prior to its national release? Those were the questions I asked myself as the credits rolled on a remarkable movie called “Sheepdog,” which takes an unflinching look at a subject a lot of people would prefer to ignore. I’m not in a position to answer either of those questions, but happily, I did have a way to connect with Steven and invite him onto the podcast to answer these and other queries about a film that demands our national attention. If more studio executives in Hollywood cared this much about the plight of our veterans, that plight might be a lot less lethal than it is today. Of course, if more Americans cared about this topic as much as this particular Canadian, all those executives would be greenlighting more movies like “Sheepdog.” Either way, I’m glad this movie got made. It’s going to make a difference. And I’m grateful to have had the conversation you’re about to watch. Get your tickets to see Sheepdog: https://bit.ly/SheepdogMovie A special Thanks To: Knobel Tennessee Whiskey, try it now — https://bit.ly/KnobelSpiritsxTWIHI #podcast #veteran #movie If you like me, and even if you don't, subscribe to my channels and follow me. Much obliged. https://www.youtube.com/@therealmikerowe https://www.youtube.com/@therealmikeroweshorts https://www.youtube.com/@PYSKshow http://instagram.com/mikerowe http://facebook.com/TheRealMikeRowe https://twitter.com/mikeroweworks 00:00 My reaction to Steven’s new film 05:00 Why details are so important to Steven 10:39 Veterans make the best employees 14:20 Why Steven changed his name 17:40 It took 14 years to make his movie 21:32 Why this Canadian loves America 24:35 How to thank a veteran 31:06 Who is the Sheepdog? 34:35 Taking home all the awards 42:16 Dealing with impostor syndrome 45:46 Steven’s goal with Sheepdog 49:05 Making veteran experiences palatable in media 54:06 Partnering with Vet Tix

Top Comments (10)

@MattMeyers-v6w 2025-11-21

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 .

31
@jordanballard8059 2025-11-21

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!!!!

58 2 replies
@JosephMullin 2025-11-28

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.

10
@ronscarpa8195 2026-02-16

Thank you for an amazing interview. As a Vietnam combat veteran I'm so looking forward to see the movie. God bless you.

2
@David-oe1xj 2025-11-21

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”

10
@OkTxSheepLady 2025-11-21

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.

15
@rhondaavasalu7249 2025-12-29

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.

3
@MelanyLizakowski 2025-11-21

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 ❤

8
@sharibuckler8529 2025-11-21

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.

21 1 replies
@bubbles83217 2026-02-26

Just watched Sheepdog. Thank you for having Steven and showcasing this movie.

2 1 replies

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