Reagan the Man and the Movie
Live Courageously Podcast Show # 83
Check out this powerful conversation with filmmaker Jake Rademacher
Jake is the Founder and President of Metanoia Films and Perseverance Productions. He raised funds and led the production, marketing, and distribution of multiple films, starting with the award-winning documentary film Brothers at War.
As the director and producer of the film, embedded in four elite units in Iraq and captured the impact of multiple deployments on my brothers' family. Created the "Brothers at War" Resiliency Workshop to help Service Members reintegrate from deployments. These workshops have been conducted for over 34,000 participants since 2011.
In his new film, "Brothers After War,” he reconnects with his brothers and elite soldiers he was embedded with during the Iraq war. Intercutting footage from past and present, he creates a unique “then and now” journey into the toll of war and a never-before-seen look at warfighters and the veterans they become.
Brothers at War Trailer
I Got Stories # 1 President Reagan
A Helen Keller quote that is true for my life is “Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing.”
My life has been a daring adventure. Watching the Reagan Movie last night at the Premiere had me reflecting on Reagan and his impact in America, in the world and in my life. Reagan was California Governor in the 70’s and elected President in 1980. It was turbulent time in America and the world. At that stage in my life I was not a fan of President Reagan in fact I hated him and hated the USA. I was a far left Maoist Communist leader. It wouldn’t be until later when I became disillusioned with communism and until 9/11 happened that I reevaluated all my political views and went through a personal and political transformation that I called becoming a “Born Again American.” that I saw Reagan in a different light.
Since then I have attended 50+ events at the Reagan Library and I wrote a second memoir entitled “Mao to Reagan - A Born Again American.” that I plan on publishing in 2025 that shares my political journey from communist to patriot.
Working on the Reagan film was very special for me in my political journey.
I was 26 years old when I Led this trip to China
Today at the Reagan Library - What a difference a life change makes.
I Got Stories # 2 Reagan Movie
During Covid I was invited to work on the Reagan Movie that at the time was go to be filming in the Goleta area at the Reagan Ranch and the Reagan Library. I was offered a position to be the Cast driver for Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller. I’m not a Transpo guy but I jumped at the opportunity to be part of a cool movie and to work at the Reagan Ranch. I previously line produced a movie in Texas that Dennis Quaid was the star of called “Left Behind.” so it was going to be cool to to this so of course I said yes.
I can’t say I was prepared for a 45 min drive up the mountain in the dark and in the fog every morning. It was the scariest driving I’ve ever done. I thought I would be come famous for being the guy who drove off the mountain and killed Dennis Quaid. But hey I muscled through. I had a great time talking to Dennis and Penelope and hearing their back stories and what President Reagan and this movie meant to them.
I shared my political journey with them from hanging with the Black Panthers and Black Muslims to becoming a Maoist Communist before becoming a patriot and supporter of Reagan. They were amazed by my story and when we arrived on the set at the Reagan Ranch Dennis Quaid got out of the SUV I was driving him in and the director and producers were there and he loudly announced to them did they know that “I was a Black Panther and a Communist.” They all laughed as some of them knew my story.
Later during the week I would meet former Governor Scott Walker from Wisconsin and I share my story with him as well.
Besides driving I would watch and hang out with Dennis Quaid’s dog.
What a great week it was and even though I had such a small part in the film it was great to have that experience and see my name in the credits. I’m always amazed at the journey my lfie has taken and I’ll always say “God clearly had a bigger plan for me than I had growing up in the South Bronx.” I’m blessed and always grateful for the journey and the journey continues…
Reagan Screening and After Party TCL Chinese Theater Hollywood
Last night we had the honor and fun to attend the Premiere Screening of the Reagan Movie opening in theaters Aug 30. What a great night, seeing lots of friends and an excellent movie. Thanks to Producers Mark Joseph and John Sullivan
This is a very timely film and echoes much of what is happening in America and the world today and in our upcoming election. I highly recommend you watch this film when it’s in theaters Aug 30th.
Dennis Quaid said this is his favorite movie he'‘s starred in and replacing “The Right Stuff.”
In the words of Dennis Quaid at the Premiere “ If you were born before 1985 , you’re going to see how great this country used to be and if you were born after 1985 you’ll be able to see how great this country is and still can be.”
“Ronald Reagan was a Democrat for as many years as he was a Republican.” “Ronald Reagan as President of SAG was instrumental in getting actors the best health insurance in the country.”
“He was a great man, a humble man and my favorite President.” - Dennis Quaid
Reagan Movie - Official Trailer
Fandango - Movie Theaters and Times - Starts Aug 30th
https://www.fandango.com/reagan-2024-236425/movie-overview
Website
https://www.reagan.movie/
Reagan Movie on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/reaganmovie
Libertas Magazine - Reagan - Dennis Quaid Issue
Link for Libertas:
https://issuu.com/young.americas.foundation/docs/libertas_summer_2024_final_low-res
Presidential Election
Something is Happening Here and You Don’t Know What it Is, Do You? Mr Jones?
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See You Next Week…
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John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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