Life Uncensored: The Sam Deen Podcast

Sam interviews Dan Curtis, commander of Canton VFW Post 12219, about founding the post, community programs, and the upcoming "Veterans Helping Veterans" resource fair on May 9th. He discusses local services—VA benefits, home loans, home health care, scholarships, and memorial events—and how veterans and families can access them. Dan also shares personal stories from his military service, basic training, and resiliency work, highlighting mental health efforts, community outreach, and contact information for local veteran resources.

In this episode Courtney Roark, founder and president of the new Auxiliary to Canton VFW Post 12219, discusses the group’s mission to support veterans through local outreach, fundraisers, and community programs. She explains their ongoing shoe-drive fundraiser with Funds2Org, Veterans Day and Valentine’s visits to nursing homes, partnerships like Patriot Paws, suicide-prevention training, meeting times, and how listeners can donate time, money, or shoes and contact the auxiliary.

My friend, Patrik Daniel, joins me to tell a funny story about his Ponderosa experience.  We then dive into small business ownership, Superior Glass and Mirror, and the life of a dirt track racer.  I thoroughly enjoyed this episode.  Call for a glass estimate at 903-567-0922.  Follow Patrik Daniel on Facebook to learn about racing.  #75

Rachel Snow joins me to ask about my recent Red Stag hunting trip to La Pampa, Argentina with the Big Fish Foundation.  Check out this wonderful organization at www.bigfishfoundation.org and donate if you can.  

VZ County Judge Andy Reese joins me to share his plan for restoring our county court house.  We talk a little about the court house history, its restoration needs, and the needs of our county.  

Paul joins me today to share his history in business, lessons learned, and the history of the First Monday Grounds.   He shares valuable information to anyone wanting to participate in Free Enterprise.   This show is sponsored by www.VanZandtCoffee.com  and the new Eagles Nest Golf Lounge in Canton, TX.  

Lance is my first cousin and is currently running for Wills Point ISD School Board Position 6.  He is a 5th Generation Tiger and Wills Point resident, husband, and father of two kids.  Reach out to Lance anytime on social media or email at [email protected] 

Chief Beverly joins me on the show today to speak about Fire Safety and the challenges our Volunteer Fire Departments face.  He also speaks on what we need to teach ourselves and our kids about fire safety.  To donate or to join the South VZ Volunteer Fire Dept, please visit SVZVFD.org or reach out to Gregg on social media.     This show is sponsored by www.vanzandtcoffee.com and the new EaglesNets Golf Lounge in Canton, TX.  https://www.eaglesnestctx.com

I joined Randall on his YouTube show, the Alexander Hour for a fun episode about me and the current political heat of Van Zandt County.   This show is sponsored by www.vanzandtcoffee.com  Also sponsored by the new Eagles Nest Golf Lounge in Canton, TX.  Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.  

Don Good is a retired Garland Firefighter who is currently running for Van Zandt County Judge.  He has a heart for serving the community and it was a pleasure having him on my show!  Follow him on Facebook at "Vote Don Good For Van Zandt County Judge". or listen to the show for his email and phone number.     Sponsored by www.VanZandtcoffee.com  Sponsored by Deen Property Group, find my listings at www.SamDeen.com If interested in supporting the show, please reach out to me at [email protected] 

Tonda joins me today to discuss the role of the DA, how she got here, and challenges her office faces.  She also responds to criticism and social media attacks against her campaign.   Support her campaign at https://www.tondaistexastough.com.  Reach out to her for more information about certain cases and/or if you'd like one of her signs in your yard.   This podcast is sponsored by www.vanzandtcoffee.com and the real estate brokerage, Deen Property Group.  Find my listings at www.samdeen.com.  Also, call me anytime to buy or sell property.  Thanks!!

Today, I get the absolute pleasure of sitting down with one of my early mentors, Earl Brown.  Earl was my Scoutmaster growing up and taught me so many things.  He is the reason I'm an Eagle Scout and I cannot thank him enough for volunteering his time to so many young Boy Scouts in Canton, TX.  We talk about scouts, tennis, music, and memories.  

Kevin stops in to ask me about Entrepreneurship for a project he is doing for TrepCamp.  

Garrett joins me to talk about brewing beer, how he made a very tasty pilsner from Van Zandt Coffee (Morning Buzz), the ins and outs of operating a brewery in Canton, TX.  Please, stop by Q&Brew in Canton, TX for some excellent food and locally brewed beer!     This pod is sponsored by www.vanzandtcoffee.com  

Andy joins me this afternoon to discuss owning his new gym (TX Fitness in Forney, TX), his background, and a bunch of other fun insights on investing, college, and travel.  Follow Andy's gym on instagram @tx_fitness_forney.  

Chris joins me today to talk about what is going on in his life, Texas Music, how to stay healthy, guitars, and songwriting.   This show is sponsored by www.vanzandtcoffee.com.

Roy joins me on the show to talk music and playing local shows in East Texas.  We play a couple of Charlie Robison tunes and he plays one of his originals.  I thoroughly enjoyed having Roy on and you can catch him this Friday night at Q and Brew in Canton!   Sponsored by www.vanzandtcoffee.com

Wesley joins me for the second time on the show, but this time, plays music!  Tune in to hear Chelle, Cocaine & Whiskey, and more.  This show is sponsored by www.VanZandtCoffee.com and www.WesleyPruittBand.com

Jeff and I discuss baseball, studying in college, Jerry's Pizza, Polaris Rangers, and Music.  Order pizza at 903-567-4821.   Buy coffee at www.vanzandtcoffee.com

Buddy joins me to talk about the recent SB2 and HB3 Bills and why this is bad for public schools.  Buddy is from Canton and has devoted his life to public education.  He helps me understand vouchers and what our state government is attempting to do.   This show is sponsored by www.vanzandtcoffee.com. Want to help?  Buy some coffee or consider sponsoring my show.  $500 for 10 episodes, $250 for 5, or $100 for 1.   

Mila (not Meeluh) joins me today to talk about songwriting and to perform her latest two singles "Heart of Stone" and my favorite, "I Miss the Distance."  Find her music on Spotify or any streaming service.  Her next tour dates are April 12 at Stanley's BBQ in Tyler, April 24 at The Bluelight Live, and April 26 at the Golden Light in Amarillo.  Check out her website at www.itsmilanotmeeluh.com.      This show is sponsored by www.vanzandtcoffee.com   

George joins me again to discuss his life after Vietnam.  His first interview was episode #6 (amazing).  We talk about his two books: Grunt 0311 and Improving Construction Productivity.  

I share some of my experiences in real estate investing and give you reasons why you should or shouldn't do it.  I also recommend a couple of books to read if you'd like to learn more.  As always you can send me an email with questions to [email protected] or just call me at 254-449-6721.  I am a licensed real estate broker in Texas and own Deen Property Group located in downtown Canton.  I make buying or selling real estate easy.  

Dale and I discuss music, packrats, our favorite albums, and who killed JFK.  Go visit his store for the best local selection of music and vintage items in downtown Canton, TX, located on Hwy 64 next to Native Son.  He is open Fri - Sunday.  10am - 6pm.   

Tyler joins me to discuss coffee, guitar playing, and most importantly, marketing for small business.  He is the founder of www.theclicksmith.com "High quality video content + 1 local ad is all you need to grow your local business."    Find him at [email protected] Instagram: @im_tyler_smith This show is sponsored by www.vanzandtcoffee.com   

Catherine joins me to discuss her run for school board, what it's like being a teacher, and a little about First Monday.  She also says to focus on "today and not yesterday or tomorrow."   This episode is sponsored by:  www.vanzandtcoffee.com www.Turfprotx.com  - Custom Landscape Solutions. 

Chris joins me to discuss growing up in Canton, Army basic training, and his time in Iraq with the 4th Infantry Division as an Air Defense Artillery Soldier.   Chris is a local small business owner with Patriot Auto.  Thanks 🙏 This episode is sponsored by Patriot Auto and www.vanzandtcoffee.com  .  Sorry about my custom songs at the beginning of each episode, but I love doing them.  -Sam 

John David and I discuss cars, trucks, and his ability to work with his kids and father selling cars.  We talk about life lessons, his favorite teacher, and the best way to buy or sell a car.  John also goes into detail on the new Corvette Z06.  Visit Wills Point Ford or Chevy for your next vehicle or service and see why their customer service is unlike any other.   This episode is sponsored by Van Zandt Coffee.  Order our specialty single origin coffee at www.vanzandtcoffee.com.   #ford #chevy #corvette #superduty #bisbee #MichaelJordan #willspointtx #cantontx  

Ryan and I discuss what inspired him to open a restaurant in Canton.  We talk about menu items and what makes quality offerings.   He lets us know the most difficult aspect of running a restaurant and what is next for Native Son.  Book a table for Friday or Saturday night at 5pm-12am at www.nativesontx.com Support local businesses!  #cantontx #vanzandtcounty  www.vanzandtcoffee.com 

Pat Hooper sits down and discusses his past and current activities as a Black Cowboy and business owner.  Pat owns Silver Star Construction and Pat Hooper Leatherworks in Athens, TX.   

Don't knock it until you've driven one.  Contact me to save $2000 with my Tesla referral code.  

Barber and mechanic originally from Mineola, TX joins us to tell his story of beating addiction and lung cancer.  Michael is an inspiration to all who know him and is an asset to our church and community.  Find Michael Cade at the Bearded BarberShop in Canton, TX.  

Most people don't vote.  Can you believe it?  Here is how you find out if you are registered: go to (Texas Secretary of State, My voter portal).  Look for the place that says "Am I registered?."   Click selection criteria for your name, date of birth, county, and zip code.  Then when your info pulls up, click on the general election link.  The next page will display voting locations and most importantly, at the bottom, EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS.  Today is the first day of early voting so get out there and vote!  Send me an email at [email protected] for help.  

Jill joins me to discuss her campaign and issues for our district.  She is a resident of Van Zandt County and has served on the school board at Van ISD.  Early voting is Jan 22-26 and the VZ County Library.  Learn more about Jill and donate at www.DuttonForTexas.com

Tam Tran is my West Point classmate and first roommate.  We talk about school, the army, business, and his parents' courageous escape from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon.  He is an executive coach and COO of The Huuman Group and currently lives in Irvine, California.  Connect with him on LinkedIn and find him at www.thehuumangroup.com.

April joins me to discuss my favorite dish, Chicken Fried Steak.  We discuss cooking techniques and other dishes to include mashed potatoes, cream gravy, okra, Mac and cheese, candied yams, and more.  Find her cooking at the Kicking Mule in downtown Canton, TX on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sunday.  

Jeff is one of my oldest friends.  He recently started his own mobile detailing company, Come and Detail It.  I have never known anyone who takes more pride in their work as Jeff.  Get on the schedule to get your ride detailed at 903-288-2003.  Jeff Knotts.  

Description of the first leg of our 4th Grade Family Road Trip.  Follow along on Van Zandt Coffee's YouTube channel for videos.  

Solo show where I explain the basics of home buying.  Call me anytime at 254-449-6721 for more information or if you would like to buy or sell a house in Texas.  I hope you guys enjoy this one.  

Max Callahan talks about teaching, what makes a great educator, his quest to visit all 63 National Parks in the US, and how to make the most of a NP visit.  

Chris and I talk about the military, PTSD, and the VA.  If you need help, call 988 for suicide prevention.  Reach out to me or Chris for assistance.  

Justin and Sam talk about Justin's early life, the restaurant business, and the beloved Railway Cafe in Athens, TX.   

Taner is the new chief of Van Zandt Coffee and today after work, checking cows, and a few cold ones, we sit down for a podcast about concerts, coffee, brews, and college football.  

We discuss thoughtfulness, being intentional, grey wolves, Latin, parenting, dealing with loss and setbacks, Parkinson's Disease, and of course, CrossFit.  I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I did.  Sponsored by www.vanzandtcoffee.com

One of my favorite clients at CrossFit Van Zandt, Lisa Kirk has lost over 100lbs and can squat 315 at 58 years old.  She works out everyday at 6am at CFVZ in Canton.  She gives helpful tips on "just doing it."  Thank you Lisa!  Follow her on instagram @ellesnaps and hire her to take awesome photos of your family.  

Bandera Trail run prep and overall long distance running discussion.  

Wesley Pruitt Jr is an incredible local musician in Van Zandt County.  He is a regular on stage at every live music venue in East Texas.  Wesley and I talk music, the music business, guitar, Racism, his favorite song, Rob Toups, and much more.  Thanks to www.vanzandtcoffee.com .  If interested in sponsoring our show, please reach out at [email protected].  To listen to Wesley's music visit https://www.reverbnation.com/wesleypruittband  

Alisha Munden is the founder of Dash Health & Wellness specializing in weight loss.  If you need to lose some weight, listen to this episode.  Also sponsored by Vanzandtcoffee.com and Crossfitvanzandt.com.  If you are interested in sponsoring our show, please reach out!     

We talk about education, giving kids licks, Max Callahan, Jimmy Nixon, dairy farming, baseball, raising kids, reading books, intelligence, empathy, racism, biographies, fitness, and much more.  Sponsored by Dash Health and Wellness and vanzandtcoffee.com. 

Bill talks with Sam about cows, CrossFit, growing up in West Texas, spraying pastures, hauling hay, GTOs, which is the best truck, 4-H, when to ween, when to vaccinate cattle, and just all things ranching.  Our show is sponsored by Dash Health and Wellness - Alisha and Justin Munden and www.vanzandtcoffee.com.