#36 - A Vietnam Veteran's Redemption Through Acting & Writing | Brian Delate

Brian Delate is a Vietnam Veteran, actor, writer, and director whose life and work bridge trauma, creativity, and transformation. After serving in Vietnam ('69–'70), Brian rebuilt himself through education, acting, and writing, eventually training at The Actor's Studio under icons like Ellen Burstyn, Harvey Keitel, and Al Pacino. His film and television career includes roles in The Shawshank Redemption, The Truman Show, Lisa Kudrow's The Comeback, and more. Brian is the creator of the acclaimed play Memorial Day, inspired by his own experiences with PTSD, healing, and redemption. Today, he continues to write, perform, and mentor veterans in the power of story. 🎙️In this episode, we explore:  ✅  The looming fear of the draft and the illusion that Vietnam "wouldn't last" ✅ The push-pull of boredom and terror during war ✅ The Snoopy monologue that changed his life and launched a career ✅ Studying at The Actor's Studio: Advice from Ellen Burstyn and Norman Mailer ✅ And what it was like returning to Vietnam decades later with his hit play 📌 Learn more about Brian: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0216507 📬 Have you signed up for the newsletter yet? Each week I share reflections, favorite moments, and what stuck with me from the latest episode: https://www.storyseriespodcast.com 🎥 Prefer to watch this episode? Catch it on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bviolette?feature=shared 🔔 Like what you hear? Subscribe to The Story Series Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.