The Fox News Rundown Extra: 'It’s Okay Not to Be Okay' ... A 14-Year Mission to Get Veteran Stories Right
Jan 25, 2026
Matt Dallas, actor and producer who helped research Sheepdog and advocates for post-traumatic growth. Steven Grayhm, writer-director who spent 14 years researching veteran experiences after a life-changing 2011 encounter. They discuss the long road of building trust with veterans, portraying therapies and VA partnerships, the five million veterans not accessing VA care, and the film’s authentic casting and reception.
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Chance Breakdown Sparked A 14-Year Mission
- Steven Grayhm's 2011 car breakdown led to a tow-driver opening up about deployments, TBI, and silence.
- That encounter triggered a nationwide road trip and 14-year mission that became Sheepdog.
Film Shows Real Therapies And VA Gap
- Sheepdog portrays specific therapies like EMDR and prolonged exposure to show real treatment options.
- Grayhm emphasizes partnering with the VA because five million veterans haven't accessed VA care.
Unsung VA Workers Keep The System Afloat
- Grayhm was struck by dedicated, underpaid VA staff working to save lives.
- He highlights unsung frontline workers as crucial to veteran care despite limited resources.