In Episode 19 of Distilling Greatness, Jeff Arnett sits down with former Green Beret and NFL player Nate Boyer. They discuss Nate’s journey from military service to professional sports, the mission behind Merging Vets & Players (MVP), and his new venture, 8Primal. Tune in for inspiring insights on resilience, finding purpose, and the power of community. 

Highlights: 

  • Introduction to Nate Boyer’s Background (0:39): Jeff introduces Nate, who grew up in Northern California, served as a Green Beret, and later attended the University of Texas, where he played football and had a brief NFL career. Nate shares stories from his unique path and his early experiences with work, school, and volunteering. 
  • The Importance of Football and Military Culture (2:06): Nate reflects on his time in the military and on the football field, noting the camaraderie and brotherhood that defined these experiences. They discuss lessons from military coaches like Pete Carroll and the positive impact of resilience and mentorship. 
  • A Heart for Service (4:25): Nate’s desire to give back led him to Sudan for volunteer work before joining the military. This experience helped solidify his sense of patriotism and gratitude for the opportunities in America, contrasting life in the U.S. with the severe poverty he witnessed abroad.
  • Transitioning to Civilian Life and Finding Purpose (7:52): Nate opens up about the challenges of leaving the structured life of the military and football, which he likens to a “loss of identity.” He reveals how MVP (Merging Vets & Players) was born out of this need to help veterans and athletes navigate the void left after service or sports. 
  • Merging Vets & Players (MVP) (23:36): Nate explains MVP’s mission to connect veterans with athletes to help them find purpose after their careers end. He shares that MVP is about providing a “hand up, not a handout,” emphasizing the strength in vulnerability and the power of community support. 
  • Nate’s New Venture, 8Primal (31:23): Nate talks about his latest business, 8Primal, a Texas-based meat company delivering high-quality, American-sourced beef and pork. Launched just two weeks before the recording, 8Primal aims to support veterans with each sale and build a more transparent food supply chain. 
  • Advice on Living Without Regret (35:18): Nate encourages listeners to pursue what they’re passionate about, regardless of age. He believes in showing up and putting in the work, even amid challenges. Jeff relates to this, sharing his experience of leaving Jack Daniel’s to pursue his own dreams with Company Distilling. 
  • The Significance of Company (41:03): Jeff shares why they chose the name “Company Distilling”—to celebrate the value of gathering with others. He reflects on the importance of community and companionship, especially for those transitioning out of the military or competitive sports. 

Final Thoughts and Takeaways: Nate closes by inviting listeners to support MVP, check out the MVP movie, and explore 8Primal. He and Jeff encourage everyone to take risks, pursue their passions, and be kind to others. This conversation, rich with stories of resilience, purpose, and community, serves as an inspiring prelude to Veterans Day, celebrating those who have served. 

Tune In: Follow Nate on social media @NateBoyer37 and learn more about MVP at vetsandplayers.org. Check out 8Primal for quality meat that supports veteran causes at 8primal.com.