From a Cult to the Army to Hollywood: How an Army Veteran Landed a Netflix Show in Film School

In episode 157, I sit down with Daril Fannin — Army veteran, award-winning screenwriter, producer, and the founder of KINO — for a raw, energetic conversation about his path from military life to Hollywood and the power of authentic human interaction. We dive deep into Daril’s upbringing in a fundamentalist Pentecostal cult, his eye-opening introduction to the world of movies, and how storytelling literally changed the course of his life. Daril’s journey from combat medic to making deals with A-list celebrities in the entertainment industry demonstrates exactly what’s possible when we choose to connect with others on a human level to build genuine relationships. We don’t sugarcoat the grind or the realities of transitioning from the military to an industry as ruthless as entertainment. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a real way of being and a real strategy for building a fulfilling, sustainable career. Cinema is more than escape; it’s communal, foundational, and instructive. It shapes the very way we see the world. Through Daril’s story, we break down the myth that success in Hollywood is about who you know or luck — it’s about being deliberate with your relationships, relentless in your pursuit, and refusing to settle for transactional exchanges when you can build meaningful human connection instead. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ http://x.com/veteranmade.ck https://www.instagram.com/darilfannin/ https://www.instagram.com/kinomakesmovies/ https://x.com/kinomakesmovies