Wes Lewison empowers veterans through media, innovation, and community-building, creating opportunities for success and connection in the media industry and beyond.
Empowering veterans through media, innovation, and community-building initiatives
Wes Lewison is a dynamic force at the intersection of veteran advocacy, digital innovation, and engaging media. With a profound dedication to empowering veterans and enhancing their representation across multiple platforms, Lewison has made significant strides in creating new opportunities and pathways for veterans to thrive in the media industry. Through his various ventures, including Open Eye Media, the One Man One Mic Foundation, and his podcast All My Friends Are Cooler Than Me, Lewison continues to build communities and provide veterans with the tools to succeed in both personal and professional domains.
Lewison’s career is marked by a series of innovative efforts that seek to elevate veterans, making him a standout leader in this critical space. His work in media aims to dismantle barriers and create lasting change by tapping into the unique talents of service members. Lewison’s passion for helping veterans shine through is reflected in his own words: “It has always kind of struck me that for the shadows of negativity to be present in the world, there must be some light of good to cast them. My mission in life is to find those lights in veterans and do everything I can to help them shine brighter.”
As the Director of Development for the One Man One Mic Foundation, Lewison plays an instrumental role in bridging the gap between marketing and recruitment to provide meaningful support for veterans. The foundation, led by CEO Scott McLean, focuses on helping veterans learn podcasting through innovative programs and creating opportunities that bring attention to their skills and experiences. “Scott McLean taught me podcasting, and anyone who has the patience to teach me something is someone who has earned my undying respect. He is selfless and knowledgeable. That is an incredibly rare intersection from what I have found in my life,” Lewison remarked, emphasizing his admiration for McLean’s mentorship.
In addition to his work with the foundation, Lewison’s involvement in the launch of American Legion Post 1337 marks a groundbreaking achievement. The first-ever digital American Legion post, founded by filmmaker Andre Andrews, demonstrates Lewison’s ability to leverage technology for veteran advocacy. The project exemplifies Lewison’s vision of connecting and supporting veterans in an increasingly digital world, creating spaces where veterans can stay engaged, feel connected, and continue their legacy of service.
Lewison’s leadership continues to thrive through his new venture, Open Eye Media, a company he founded to elevate veteran talent in the media industry. Open Eye Media is dedicated to creating more inclusive opportunities for veterans both in front of and behind the camera, allowing them to use their unique experiences and skills in film, television, and digital content creation. “Let’s be real for a second, with obvious exceptions like doctors or lawyers, the vast majority of veterans already have the baseline knowledge to succeed in a lot of avenues. I am finding ways to give them that last little bit that allows them to translate those skills into the civilian sector while building communities not beholden to the tyranny of distance for them to keep that sense of belonging and community from their life of service,” Lewison explained, underscoring his belief in the untapped potential of veterans.
Wes Lewison’s work in the media and veteran advocacy sectors has earned him recognition in both the military and private sectors, where he has received national innovation awards for his contributions. His commitment to bringing together veterans and organizations that align with their mission of empowerment and support is central to his approach, as he continues to find ways to connect efforts greater than the sum of their parts. “There are so many organizations and individuals who go into the world seeking to do good and make it better. My dream is to bring those people within the veteran space and put together efforts greater than the sum of their parts,” he shared.
Beyond his professional work, Lewison is also known for hosting the popular podcast All My Friends Are Cooler Than Me, with his fiance Dr. Laura Drislane. This platform allows him to share meaningful conversations and engage with a wide variety of guests, amplifying his vision of building supportive networks and communities for veterans and those who champion their causes. Through his podcast, Lewison continues to raise awareness and foster connections among individuals and organizations who share his commitment to veteran empowerment.
The uniqueness of Lewison’s approach lies in his ability to combine his personal passion with innovative initiatives that foster connections, build skills, and provide opportunities for veterans across multiple industries. His efforts are characterized by a deep understanding of the challenges veterans face as they transition into civilian life and a commitment to making those transitions as seamless as possible through thoughtful and forward-thinking strategies.
Lewison’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership. As he continues to pave the way for veteran talent to thrive in media and beyond, his work is a reflection of his deep respect for service members and his unwavering belief in their potential. His ability to leverage technology, create innovative solutions, and foster a sense of belonging among veterans is reshaping how veterans are seen and how they can contribute to society in meaningful ways.
For more information about Wes Lewison and his initiatives, visit their social media links:
One Man One Mic Foundation
All My Friends Are Cooler Than Me on YouTube
Instagram @amfactm
Instagram @that_one_dude_wes
All My Friends Are Cooler Than Me on Buzzsprout
