Vet Talk began in 2013 with a single iPhone and a simple idea. Over time, it has grown into a multi-platform media presence reaching audiences across New York City and beyond.

At the time, Gonzalo Duran, Chief Executive Officer of Devil Dog USA, a veteran and community nonprofit, saw a gap. Veterans had stories to tell, but few platforms were dedicated to amplifying their voices or connecting them with the resources they needed. Rather than wait for that space to be created, he built it himself.

With minimal equipment and a makeshift setup inside his office, Duran began interviewing veterans and organizations, capturing conversations that were often overlooked but deeply needed.

At its core, the mission has remained consistent. Vet Talk exists to amplify veteran voices, highlight issues affecting the veteran community, and connect both veterans and the public with organizations providing critical support.

“What started as a simple effort to give veterans a voice has grown into something much bigger, a platform that has helped pass laws, connect organizations with new clients, and most importantly, show veterans how much their community cares,” Duran said.

The response followed quickly.

Within months, the Albanian American Network picked up the show, giving it its first broader platform. Production later moved to BronxNet Studios, where Vet Talk expanded into field reporting and deeper community coverage.

The pandemic marked a turning point. Like many productions, Vet Talk was forced to adapt. Filming shifted to the American Patriot Network, with a stronger focus on digital distribution. While in-person production paused, the show continued, maintaining its presence during a period of uncertainty.

As the city reopened, the platform continued to grow.

Duran partnered with producer Jason Murillo and Vero G. Productions, bringing Vet Talk to Manhattan Neighborhood Network, where it was filmed from 2023 through 2025. The move marked a more structured phase, with improved production and broader reach.

Today, that evolution continues under a new framework.

Production is now handled by the Big Apple Gazette, a sister nonprofit to Devil Dog USA, where Duran serves as Editor-in-Chief. With Gary Lutz as Executive Producer, the show has taken on a more formal structure while maintaining its original purpose.

Over the years, Vet Talk has featured political candidates, elected officials, activists, and community members, all connected by a shared focus on service and advocacy. From that foundation, a second platform emerged.

In 2024, Political Chit Chat was launched, building on the momentum of Vet Talk. While Vet Talk remains centered on veterans and community issues, Political Chit Chat focuses more directly on political dialogue and public affairs, with Duran continuing as host.

Today, both shows are filmed at BronxNet and Manhattan Neighborhood Network and are broadcast across multiple public access channels, including Queens Public Television, Brooklyn Free Speech TV, and Community Media of Staten Island. Episodes are also distributed across digital platforms, with plans for continued expansion.

Behind the scenes, the work extends beyond broadcasting.

Both productions are supported by paid teen interns through Devil Dog USA’s mentorship programs and partner organizations. These interns gain hands-on media experience, receive production credit, and contribute to the creative process. For many, it serves as an entry point into media, responsibility, and public engagement.

Broadcast Schedule:

Vet Talk airs Sundays at 11:30 AM on BronxNet and Wednesdays at 7:00 PM on MNN.

Political Chit Chat airs Sundays at 11:30 AM on BronxNet and Tuesdays at 7:00 PM on MNN.