The Backstory Room with Tyler Graham

In this episode of the Backstory Room, I sit down with Brian Wortman to talk about his incredible journey from the United States Marine Corps to law enforcement, SWAT sniper, inventor, and successful entrepreneur.Brian served eight years in the Marines, including deployments to Okinawa, Japan, and worked as a range coach helping train fellow Marines. After leaving the military, he transitioned into law enforcement, where he quickly earned a spot on the SWAT team. Thanks to his extensive firearms and military background, Brian became the first officer in his department's history to move directly from SWAT selection to becoming a SWAT sniper.After years of serving his community in law enforcement, Brian identified a problem in the hunting industry and developed a solution. He designed and patented an innovative binocular pack holster system, which led to the creation of his own company, Venandi Holsters. What started as a single product grew into a thriving business manufacturing holsters and outdoor gear, eventually becoming successful enough for Brian to leave law enforcement and pursue entrepreneurship full-time.We discuss military service, police training, SWAT operations, sniper school, leadership, risk-taking, building a business from the ground up, obtaining patents, and what it takes to make the leap from a stable career into entrepreneurship.Whether you're interested in the military, law enforcement, hunting, business, or personal growth, Brian's story is packed with valuable lessons and hard-earned experience.If you enjoy the episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would appreciate Brian's incredible journey.Brian Wortman's Links:IG:https://www.instagram.com/venandiholsters/TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@venandiholstersWebsite:https://www.venandiholsters.com/The Backstory Room Discount Links:Veteran owned. MADE IN THE USA. Premium holsters and hunting gear. Use code BACKSTORY10 for 10% off.https://www.venandiholsters.com/

In this episode of Backstory Room, I sit down with Hunting Guide, Justin Anderson. He shares how he fell in love with hunting as a kid growing up in Northern Utah, served a two-year mission, and came home determined to make guiding his career.After one outfitter told him no and said he’d need to buy all his own gear first, he found another guide willing to give him a shot. Showing up on a Monday morning changed everything.We dive into:• How he became a hunting guide with no experience• Why he dropped out of school to chase this path• Lessons learned guiding hunters in the mountains• Crazy hunt stories and close encounters• What it’s really like building a career in the outdoor industryIf you love hunting, deer/elk stories, western outdoors, or hearing people chase unconventional paths, this episode is for you.Justin Anderson Links:IG:https://www.instagram.com/_justin_anderson__/His outfitter he works for - R&K hunting Co:https://randkhuntingcompany.com/The Backstory Room Discount Links:Veteran owned. MADE IN THE USA. Premium holsters and hunting gear. Use code BACKSTORY10 for 10% off.https://www.venandiholsters.com/

In this episode of Backstory Room, I sit down with self-published author Martha Keyes, whose journey from Salt Lake City reader to full-time bestselling romance writer is nothing short of incredible.What started with reading a single book and thinking “I can do better than this” turned into a full-blown writing career. Martha wrote her first novel—and never looked back.Since then, she’s gone on to publish 35+ romance and Regency rom-com novels, building a loyal audience and turning writing into a full-time career.But her story doesn’t stop at success.After getting married and having twin boys, Martha stepped into a new chapter of life—balancing motherhood, creativity, and a growing career that now allows her to travel the world with her family and experience financial freedom she never imagined.In this conversation, we also dive into: • The reality of self-publishing and building a writing career from scratch• Finding balance between family life and creative work• How success changes your mindset around money and freedom• The impact AI is starting to have on the publishing and book industry• What it really takes to stay consistent for years as a creativeThis is a story about ambition, creativity, discipline, and building a life that didn’t exist until she created it herself.If you love stories about entrepreneurship, writing, romance novels, or self-made success—this episode is for you. Martha Keyes Links:IG: https://www.instagram.com/authormarthakeyes/Website: https://www.marthakeyes.com/The Backstory Room Discount Links:Veteran owned. MADE IN THE USA. Premium holsters and hunting gear. Use code BACKSTORY10 for 10% off.https://www.venandiholsters.com/

In the very first episode of Backstory Room, we sit down with Lehi for a powerful, unexpected story that goes way beyond what you’d think from a small-town start.From growing up in Idaho and nearly going all-in on college football… to walking away from that path and serving a church mission instead—Lehi’s life took a completely different direction.After returning, he attended BYU–Hawaii, where everything changed. He met his wife, got introduced to acting, and what started as curiosity quickly turned into real Hollywood opportunities.Out of nowhere, he landed roles in major productions like Hawaii Five-0, Next Goal Wins, and even appeared in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series along with multiple commercials and film projects.But this episode isn’t just about Hollywood.Lehi also opens up about: • Losing his father and how it shaped him• His personal struggles with weight and self-image• Building confidence through life’s hardest seasons• Balancing acting with real-life work in Utah todayThis is a story about unexpected turns, timing, faith, setbacks, and success that didn’t happen the way anyone planned—but somehow worked out anyway.If you’re into real conversations, behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories, and people who figured life out the hard way—this one’s for you.The Backstory Room Discount LinksVeteran owned. MADE IN THE USA. Premium holsters and hunting gear. Use code BACKSTORY10 for 10% off.https://www.venandiholsters.com/ Lehi Falepapalangi LinksIG - https://www.instagram.com/lehi.falepapalangi/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@misterotai

Every person has a backstory.This is The Backstory Room — a podcast where we sit down with people from all walks of life and hear the stories you normally never get to hear. The wins, the failures, the struggles, the turning points, and the moments that changed everything.In Episode 0, I introduce the vision for the podcast and what this room is all about.Real people. Real stories. Long-form conversations.Welcome to The Backstory Room.—🎙️ Hosted by Tyler GrahamNew episodes every week.Business / Guest Inquiries: [email protected]: @backstoryroomTikTok: @backstoryroom