Episodes

  • Shelley Rood on the Wildflower Assessment, Women Veterans, and Serving Without Losing Yourself

    Shelley Rood on the Wildflower Assessment, Women Veterans, and Serving Without Losing Yourself
    May 28 2026
    Summary:What happens when service becomes more than what you do and starts shaping who you are?In this heartfelt episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Shelley Rood, a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, speaker, and creator of the Wildflower Assessment. Shelley shares how 16 years of service, a painful discharge, faith, motherhood, and her love for women veterans led her to build a new way of helping others feel seen. Through her Others Over Self philosophy and the Wildflower Assessment, Shelley helps women veterans better understand their leadership style, communication needs, relationships, and personal growth. This conversation is full of honesty, friendship, purpose, and a powerful reminder that serving others should not mean losing your own spark.In this episode, we cover:Shelley Rood’s childhood and early drive for personal achievementHow 9/11 led Shelley toward military serviceHer 16 years as a U.S. Army Intelligence OfficerThe painful end of her military careerShelley’s desire to become a chaplainFaith, divorce, motherhood, and personal growthBuilding stronger friendships with women veteransThe origin of the Wildflower AssessmentHow the flower types help women understand themselvesWhy women veterans need more than red, white, and blue supportShelley’s role as keynote speaker for Women Veterans EngageNotable Quotes & Moments:“Do you need to be a soldier to serve the soldiers?” Shelley on the question that changed her path [00:13:02]“Please move me in the way that I’m supposed to move today.” Shelley on her daily grounding practice [00:15:10]“When you can learn the flowers of the other women, you can love the women more.” Shelley on the heart behind the Wildflower Assessment [00:31:06]“Femininity does not have to equal cutesy.” Shelley on helping women veterans define womanhood for themselves [00:40:05]Episode highlights:00:02:03 - Shelley’s work in leadership, mental wellness, and purpose-driven living00:05:29 - How 9/11 shifted Shelley’s path into military service00:07:36 - Studying journalism, communications, and military science00:09:34 - Faith, divorce, and the desire to become a chaplain00:11:42 - Being honorably discharged by email00:12:43 - The moment Shelley realized she could still serve soldiers00:15:03 - Asking, “What am I supposed to do next?”00:18:26 - Learning to build better friendships with women veterans00:24:18 - The origin story of the Wildflower Assessment00:27:08 - How the eight flower types work00:30:00 - Tension pairings and understanding relationships00:37:37 - Shelley becoming the keynote speaker for Women Veterans Engage00:39:53 - Redefining femininity for women veteransAbout Shelly Rood:Shelley Rood is a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer who served for 16 years and rose to the rank of captain. She is the founder of Mission: Ambition LLC, the creator of the Others Over Self philosophy, and the creator of the Wildflower Assessment, a self-awareness and leadership tool built for women veterans. Shelley’s work focuses on purpose, mental wellness, leadership, connection, and helping women veterans better understand themselves and each other. She is also the keynote speaker for the National Women Veterans Engage Conference, where she will guide attendees through the Wildflower Assessment and help create deeper connection among women who have served.The conversation also explores the Wildflower Assessment, created by Shelly Rood as a tool to help individuals better understand their personality patterns, communication styles, leadership tendencies, strengths, and areas for growth. Shelly shares how the assessment was developed and why self-awareness is such an important part of both leadership and mental wellness.Shelly will also serve as the keynote speaker for the National Women Veterans ENGAGE Conference, where she will present the Wildflower Assessment experience for women veterans across the country.Others Over Self Official Website https://othersoverself.comLearn more:• The Wildflower Personality Assessment for Women Veteranshttps://othersoverself.com/business/the-wildflower-personality-assessment-for-women-veterans/• Mission Wildflower by Shelly Rood (Substack)https://shellyrood.substack.com• Shelly Rood YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNb2c-diiJJBnkGfEa3Eybg• Hardcore and At Ease Podcast on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/5pWcy4IAd94Zj6jHv4rdoM• Women Veterans ENGAGE Conference Keynote Announcementhttps://www.womenveteransalliance.com/announcing-our-keynote-speaker-for-women-veterans-engage/• Women Veterans Alliance Facebook Announcementhttps://www.facebook.com/womenveteransalliance/posts/we-are-thrilled-to-welcome-shelly-rood-as-our-featured-guest-speaker-for-2026-wo/1284384977234619/• Others Over Self Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/othersoverself/• Shelly Rood Vimeo Channel https://vimeo.com/othersoverselfBe sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever ...
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    43 mins
  • How Art Helps Veterans Heal: Navy Veteran Phyllis Thomas on PTS, Creativity, and Veteran Community

    How Art Helps Veterans Heal: Navy Veteran Phyllis Thomas on PTS, Creativity, and Veteran Community
    May 20 2026
    Summary:What if art is not optional, but one of the tools veterans need most to heal? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Navy veteran, artist, and Veteran Art Venue founder Phyllis Thomas to talk about creativity, service, healing, and purpose. Phyllis shares how her love for art began as a child in Watts, how her parents helped grow that gift, and how she carried it into her Navy career in illustration drafting. She explains why art can help veterans express what words cannot, lower stress, and build trust again. Through her Paint and Snack sessions, Phyllis has spent more than a decade helping veterans reconnect with themselves, each other, and their communities.In this episode, we cover: Phyllis Thomas’s childhood in Watts and discovering art early How her parents supported her creative gift Growing up during Vietnam, the Watts riots, and social change Why Phyllis chose to join the United States Navy Working in Navy illustration drafting and technical art Serving as a Black woman in uniform in the 1970s Using art to ease stress among active duty service members Why Phyllis believes everyone has an artist inside them Creating Veteran Art Venue and Paint and Snack sessions How art helps veterans express pain without needing words Paint on the Fence as a creative stress release Using art to connect veterans and civilians Phyllis’s Johnny Depp People’s Art Contest opportunity and her goal to support more veteran artistsNotable Quotes & Moments: “There is an artist within everyone.” Phyllis Thomas on helping veterans believe in their own creativity [00:16:44] “Leave your self-critic and your self-doubt at the door.” Phyllis Thomas on the first step in her art sessions [00:27:00] “Words can trigger points.” Phyllis Thomas on why visual expression can feel safer for veterans [00:31:45] “Visual beyond words.” Phyllis Thomas on her motto and the power of art [00:33:01] “It’s not a luxury. It’s an essence of life building.” Phyllis Thomas on why art matters [00:42:21]Timestamps: 00:01:42 - Meet Navy veteran and artist Phyllis Thomas 00:03:54 - Phyllis’s childhood in Watts and the moment her parents saw her gift 00:07:37 - Growing up during Vietnam, funerals, and the Watts riots 00:09:53 - How Phyllis found her way into the military 00:14:04 - Navy illustration drafting and working with ship blueprints 00:18:21 - Being a Black woman in uniform in the early 1970s 00:20:01 - Defending herself and helping other women feel safer 00:24:10 - Leaving the Navy and continuing her education 00:26:30 - Creating Veteran Art Venue 00:28:00 - How Paint and Snack sessions work 00:31:32 - Why art is essential for veterans 00:33:14 - How “visual beyond words” came to life 00:34:26 - Paint on the Fence and creative stress release 00:37:46 - Johnny Depp’s People’s Art Contest and Phyllis’s mission 00:42:01 - Using art to bridge veterans and civilians 00:44:12 - Reveille and Retreat Project closing messageAbout Phyllis Thomas: Phyllis Thomas is a United States Navy veteran, artist, founder of Veteran Art Venue, and longtime advocate for veteran healing through creative expression. Her work began in childhood in Watts and later became part of her military service through Navy illustration drafting. Today, Phyllis leads art-based programs like Paint and Snack, where veterans can relax, create, connect, and express what may be hard to say out loud. Her mission is to show that art is not extra. It is a powerful tool for emotional health, community, and hope.Connect and learn more:Website: https://meroegallery.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHYL4art/Artist Profile: https://peoplesartist.org/phyllis-thomas--6HDiMagazine Feature: https://simplebooklet.com/avowmagazinewinter20222023 (pages 16–21)Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou aren’t alone.If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.
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    45 mins
  • Navy Veteran Yuri Acuna on MST, Sisterhood, and Healing Through Rescue Dogs

    Navy Veteran Yuri Acuna on MST, Sisterhood, and Healing Through Rescue Dogs
    May 13 2026
    Summary:What does it mean to rebuild your life after service leaves you with both pride and pain?In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Navy veteran Yuri Acuna, whose story moves through family, military service, survival, healing, and purpose.Yuri shares what it was like growing up in a Mexican-American home shaped by love, culture, and the lasting impact of her father’s Vietnam service. She talks about joining the Navy, finding structure and respect, and then surviving military sexual trauma that changed the course of her life.This conversation is honest, emotional, and full of heart. Yuri reflects on therapy, peer support, women veteran sisterhood, and the power of being believed. She also shares how Dune Dog Adventures and The Tide and Heart Project are helping rescue dogs become support animals for women veterans and veteran families.In this episode, we cover: Growing up in a Mexican-American military family Why Yuri Acuna chose to join the Navy Finding structure, purpose, and respect through service Surviving military sexual trauma The emotional toll of reporting and being questioned Leaving the Navy after trauma and during the events of 9/11 How therapy and MST support groups helped Yuri heal The role of peer support and women veteran sisterhood Creating Dune Dog Adventures on the Oregon coast Building The Tide and Heart Project to support women veterans, families, and rescue dogsNotable Quotes & Moments: “No means no means no means no. It’s a full sentence.” Yuri Acuna on consent and standing her ground [00:20:00] “Did you say no? Then that’s it. Enough said.” Yuri Acuna remembering the words that helped her hold onto the truth [00:20:36] “I knew there had to be a way to show people that the process works.” Yuri Acuna on saying yes to peer support and healing work [00:27:46] “You’re going to make a woman feel so strong. You’re going to make her feel so safe.” Yuri Acuna speaking to Nikita, a rescue dog in training [00:36:11]Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to love, trauma, service, and the stories women carry 00:03:01 - Yuri Acuna’s childhood in a Mexican-American military family 00:05:29 - Growing up with a Vietnam veteran father and the impact of PTSD 00:09:04 - Why Yuri chose to join the Navy 00:11:00 - Finding respect, purpose, and pride in service 00:12:19 - Yuri shares why her Navy service ended after two years 00:13:51 - Reporting military sexual trauma and the investigation that followed 00:22:30 - Becoming a peer support specialist by accident 00:30:31 - Creating Dune Dog Adventures on the Oregon coast 00:34:22 - The mission behind The Tide and Heart ProjectAbout Yuri Acuna:Yuri Acuna is a Navy veteran, peer support advocate, dog lover, and founder of Dune Dog Adventures and The Tide and Heart Project. After surviving military sexual trauma, she found support through therapy, women veteran groups, and peer connection. Today, she uses her experience to help other women veterans and veteran families feel seen, safe, and supported. Her work on the Oregon coast brings together rescue dogs, trauma-informed care, outdoor healing, and community support.Connect and learn more:Facebook: Dune Dog AdventuresInstagram: @DuneDogAdventuresWebsite: www.dunedogadventures.comBe sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou aren’t alone.If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.
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    46 mins
  • Breaking Barriers and Building Legacy: Colonel Mary Fuller on Leadership, Opportunity, and 28 Years of Service

    Breaking Barriers and Building Legacy: Colonel Mary Fuller on Leadership, Opportunity, and 28 Years of Service
    May 6 2026

    Summary:

    What does it mean to step into roles that were never designed with you in mind?

    In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, we sit down with Colonel Mary Fuller, U.S. Army Retired, whose 28-year career reflects a pivotal era of change for women in the military.

    Entering service during the “last of the WACs,” Mary moved into positions that had only recently opened to women and helped shape the standard for those who followed.

    From Airborne School to commanding a weather station in Alaska, serving in Germany, and working inside the Pentagon, Mary shares what it looked like to build a career across constantly evolving roles.

    This conversation goes deeper than milestones. It explores uncertainty, leadership under pressure, identity, and the long-term impact of being one of the first.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • Growing up curious, athletic, and driven
    • Choosing the Army for opportunity, education, and adventure
    • What it meant to be part of the “last of the WACs”
    • Becoming one of the first women in Airborne School and combat divisions
    • Leading across communications, intelligence, and acquisition roles
    • Lessons from assignments in Alaska, Germany, and the Pentagon
    • Facing moments of doubt and stepping into the unknown
    • Leading in spaces where women were still proving their place
    • The power of mentorship and lifelong relationships
    • Preparing for transition out of the military
    • Why saying yes to opportunity changes everything

    Notable Quotes & Moments:

    • “It’s not about the positions that you hold. It’s about the people that you meet.” Colonel Fuller on the lasting value of military relationships [00:12:13]
    • “One of the best lessons I ever learned when I first joined the Army was trust your sergeants.” Colonel Fuller on early leadership [00:14:05]
    • “You may hate the job you have. You may hate where they sent you, but it’s not about that. It’s about the people.” Colonel Fuller on finding meaning in service [00:43:39]

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00:00 - Introduction to Colonel Mary Fuller’s groundbreaking Army career
    • 00:02:08 - Childhood, sports, family history, and growing up with military parents
    • 00:06:22 - Studying radio, TV, and film before joining the Army
    • 00:08:00 - How civilian jobs led Colonel Fuller to military service
    • 00:11:17 - Joining the last direct commission class of the Women’s Army Corps
    • 00:13:19 - First assignment as a Signal Corps officer in Germany
    • 00:14:05 - Trusting her platoon sergeant and learning how to lead
    • 00:18:14 - Airborne School and being assigned to a combat division
    • 00:24:31 - The final jump, a lost helmet, and soldiers taking care of each other
    • 00:29:53 - Rising through the ranks from second lieutenant to colonel
    • 00:35:20 - Women, family decisions, and the hard choices of military life
    • 00:39:07 - Preparing for retirement and life after the Army
    • 00:43:09 - Colonel Fuller’s advice for women in military service

    About Mary Fuller:

    Colonel Mary Fuller is a retired U.S. Army officer who served for 28 years during a time of major change for women in the military. She entered during the final chapter of the Women’s Army Corps and became one of the first women in Airborne School and one of the first assigned to a combat division in Germany. Her career included leadership roles in communications, intelligence, acquisitions, and senior Army-level positions at the Pentagon.

    Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project:

    reveilleandretreatproject.org

    Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

    Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

    You aren’t alone.

    If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.
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    46 mins
  • Veteran Healing After MST: Didi Meindok on Service, Forgiveness, and Finding Hope Again

    Veteran Healing After MST: Didi Meindok on Service, Forgiveness, and Finding Hope Again
    Apr 29 2026
    Summary:What happens when a veteran’s service is questioned, her trauma is dismissed, and healing feels out of reach? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, host Captain Kim welcomes back Navy veteran Didi Meindok for a powerful conversation about truth, survival, and recovery. Didi shares her experience serving during Operation Desert Storm, the pain of military sexual trauma, and the long fight to have her service and story properly recognized. She also opens up about the support that helped her keep going, including the VA, the National Center for PTSD, Home Base, and the Operation Red Wings Foundation. This episode is a moving reminder that healing is hard work, but it is possible, and no veteran should have to fight alone.In this episode, we cover: Didi’s Navy service during Operation Desert Storm What it felt like to have her service questioned and records dismissed How institutional erasure can impact veterans’ mental health The role of the VA, Vet Centers, and the National Center for PTSD in her care How Operation Red Wings Foundation helped Didi return to service and support others Didi’s experience at Home Base in Boston and why it changed her healing path The power of somatic yoga, self-reflection, and choice in trauma recovery Why forgiveness became a way for Didi to reclaim control Her advice to women veterans who are still fighting to be seen and heard Why veteran-led and community-based support mattersNotable Quotes & Moments:“I was very, very lost and very, very disenfranchised and really suicidal.” Didi on feeling isolated post-military [00:15:36]“I can’t save anybody. They have to save themselves.” Didi on supporting veterans through healing [00:19:32]“Finding your way home is possible.” Didi on hope after trauma [00:42:01] Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Didi Meindok’s return to Dog Tag Diaries 00:03:07 - Didi recaps joining the Navy and serving during Desert Storm 00:04:52 - Returning home and facing erased records, doubt, and official narratives 00:07:47 - Finding support through the VA, National Center for PTSD, Home Base, and Operation Red Wings Foundation 00:15:25 - Didi opens up about feeling lost, angry, and suicidal after service 00:17:39 - Losing a veteran client and stepping back into healing work 00:22:14 - What the Home Base program was like day to day 00:29:39 - Somatic yoga, trauma, and the body’s response to stress 00:35:12 - Forgiveness, faith, and reclaiming control 00:40:11 - Didi’s advice to women veterans: never stopAbout Didi Meindok:Didi is a U.S. Navy veteran of Operation Desert Storm, an attorney, and a trained medical scientist. Known as the FilaEstonian, she comes from a long line of seafarers and is a fierce advocate for truth, justice, and integrity in military service and beyond.Connect with Didi: Email: dorothy@meindoklaw.onmicrosoft.comResources mentioned:Home Base https://homebase.orgNational Center for PTSD https://www.ptsd.va.govVet Center Program https://www.vetcenter.va.govOperation Red Wings Foundation https://orwfoundation.orgBe sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou aren’t alone.If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.
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    48 mins
  • From Trauma to Triumph: Army Veteran Makissa Lewis on Healing, Iraq, and Building a Seesterhood for Women Veterans

    From Trauma to Triumph: Army Veteran Makissa Lewis on Healing, Iraq, and Building a Seesterhood for Women Veterans
    Apr 22 2026
    Summary: In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, host Captain Kim sits down with Army veteran Makissa Lewis for a deeply honest conversation about service, survival, and sisterhood. Makissa shares her path from Jamaica to New York, then into the Army right out of high school, where she hoped to prove she was stronger than people expected. She opens up about surviving military sexual trauma before there was even common language for it, deploying to Iraq after 9/11, and living with the lasting effects of PTSD. Most of all, she talks about turning pain into purpose by founding My Seester, Inc., a nonprofit that supports women veterans in South Florida. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing often starts when someone decides to create the support they needed most.In this episode, we cover:Why Makissa joined the Army straight out of high schoolHow books, writing, and faith helped her cope through hard transitionsHer experience with military sexual trauma in GermanyWhat Iraq was like and how combat stress stayed with her after coming homeWhy women veterans are too often unseen in military and civilian systemsHow My Seester, Inc. was born out of a need for real, in-person supportThe healing power of art, community, and women showing up for each otherMakissa’s advice for women currently serving in the militaryNotable Quotes & Moments:“She survived military sexual trauma before it even had a name.” [00:00:05]“I felt it was a, I’ll be able to grow up and show them that I’m not a nerd.” [00:04:30]“There was no one protecting me.” [00:15:36]“If you don’t deal with your mental, it takes all over your whole world.” [00:27:15]“We are so not seen, cause they think we’re invisible.” [00:28:26]“The military cannot be the end and be all of everything you are.” [00:40:28]Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Makissa Lewis and her service story 00:01:11 - Makissa’s background, Army service, and nonprofit mission 00:04:06 - Why she joined the military after high school 00:05:01 - Moving from Jamaica to New York and then Florida 00:09:31 - Entering the Army in 1996 and adjusting to military life 00:14:30 - First duty station in Germany and the trauma she experienced there 00:19:42 - Deployment to Iraq after 9/11 00:22:40 - PTSD symptoms and the hard return to civilian life 00:25:45 - Finding support online and starting My Seester, Inc. 00:31:05 - The Retina Project and healing through art and conversation 00:35:13 - Supporting deployed women and honoring fallen service members 00:37:10 - How Makissa takes care of herself today 00:39:18 - Her advice for women still serving 00:41:16 - Women Who Serve Magazine nomination and closing reflectionsAbout Makissa Lewis:Makissa Lewis is an Army veteran who served from 1996 to 2010 and is a combat-disabled survivor of military sexual trauma. Born in Jamaica and raised in New York and South Florida, Makissa joined the military straight out of high school.After experiencing MST, combat deployment to Iraq, and ongoing challenges accessing equitable care, she began asking critical questions about housing, resources, and support for women veterans. Those questions led her to found My Seester, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to serving female veterans in South Florida.Makissa is also working on an anthology documenting her experiences during and after her military career.Connect with Makissa:Instagram: @my_seesterWebsite: www.myseester.comEmail: founder@myseester.comEpisode note:This episode includes discussion of military sexual trauma and may be activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know needs support, confidential help is available.VA Military Sexual Trauma Support: Contact your local VA Medical Center and ask to speak with the Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator. Care is available regardless of discharge status.Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255 for confidential support 24/7.RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) or online chat at rainn.org.Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou aren’t alone.If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.
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    45 mins
  • Becoming a Warrior: Jenn Donahue on Turning Military Lessons into a Path Forward for Life

    Becoming a Warrior: Jenn Donahue on Turning Military Lessons into a Path Forward for Life
    Apr 15 2026
    Summary:In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, host Captain Kim welcomes back Navy veteran, leader, speaker, and now author Jenn Donahue. Jenn first appeared on the podcast sharing her military journey and leadership story. Since then, she has turned some of her hardest lessons into a new book, Becoming a Warrior: Harnessing the Power of Self-Doubt.In this conversation, Jenn opens up about the real reason she wrote the book. It was not to talk about her career, but to help people move forward when fear, pain, and self-doubt try to hold them back. She reflects on the emotional process of writing, the dark season that followed her deployment to Afghanistan, and the system she built to pull herself back.This episode is about more than a book launch. It is about being seen, owning your story, and learning that taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is necessary.In this episode, we cover:Why this book is about helping people move forward, not just telling a military storyHow lessons from military service translate into everyday life and personal growthThe reality of self-doubt at every level of leadershipThe emotional process of writing and releasing something deeply personalWhat it means to be seen beyond your title or rankThe importance of celebrating yourself and your milestonesThe power of community and being surrounded by people who show up for youNotable Quotes & Moments:“She didn’t write this book to talk about her career. She wrote it to help people move forward.” [00:00:00]“Writing a book is really about being vulnerable.” [00:09:01]“We all seem to have this mean little voice that’s in the back of our head.” [00:14:44]“What we need to do is we need to switch our brain over to a positive bias.” [00:19:21]“The warrior framework helped me to find myself again.” [00:25:55]“It’s not selfish to try to take care of yourself first.” [00:39:49]Timestamps: 00:00:30 - Welcome to Season 8 of Dog Tag Diaries and Jenn Donahue’s return 00:01:36 - Jenn’s new book, Becoming a Warrior, and why this conversation matters 00:03:37 - How Jenn and Captain Kim first connected and built a friendship 00:04:21 - Jenn’s book launch celebration and what it meant to be celebrated 00:06:59 - How the book idea grew out of Jenn’s keynote speaking 00:08:40 - Writing the book to help others and facing hard personal truths 00:11:25 - Jenn shares the dark season that inspired the Warrior Framework 00:17:47 - Moving from fear of failure to trusting your own ability 00:19:21 - Retraining the brain and building a positive bias 00:21:16 - Using “Perceive, Assess, Ready, Act” in everyday life 00:24:43 - Jenn reads a powerful excerpt from the book 00:27:26 - How long it took her to write the book 00:28:29 - Early reader feedback and why the book is not just about Jenn 00:30:05 - How support from readers is changing how Jenn sees herself 00:33:44 - Fear, vulnerability, and what release week felt like 00:35:55 - The USA Today bestseller list goal and what success really means 00:38:37 - Jenn’s leadership philosophy: take care of yourself first 00:41:00 - Closing message and support for military women through Reveille and Retreat ProjectAbout Jenn Donahue:Jenn Donahue is a Navy veteran, former leader, speaker, and author of Becoming a Warrior: Harnessing the Power of Self-Doubt. Drawing from military service, leadership, and personal recovery, she created the Warrior Framework to help people challenge negative thoughts, move through fear, and take action with confidence.Through her book and speaking work, Jenn encourages others to stop letting self-doubt make their decisions for them. Her story is a strong reminder that even after seasons of pain, burnout, and questioning, it is still possible to rebuild, move forward, and help others do the same.Connect with Jenn: Support the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Warrior-Harnessing-Strength-Self-Doubt/dp/B0FW5S12TYEvery order matters right now as Jenn’s book is in the running for the USA Today Best Seller list.https://www.instagram.com/iamjenndonahue/https://www.facebook.com/iamjenndonahue/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenndonahue-phd-pe/Website: www.jenndonahue.comhttp://www.thewarriorframework.comhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FW5S12TYBe sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou aren’t alone.If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.
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    42 mins
  • Battle Scars and Body Wars: Navy Veteran Leah Stiles on Healing, Eating Disorders, and Life After Service

    Battle Scars and Body Wars: Navy Veteran Leah Stiles on Healing, Eating Disorders, and Life After Service
    Apr 8 2026
    Summary:In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, host Captain Kim welcomes back Navy veteran, advocate, and author Leah Stiles. Leah first appeared on the podcast sharing her journey through military service and life beyond the uniform. Since that conversation, she has transformed many of those experiences into a powerful memoir, Battle Scars & Body Wars. In this conversation, Leah reflects on the emotional process of writing the book and what it meant to revisit some of the most defining moments of her life. She also shares the deeply moving experience of launching the book surrounded by family, shipmates, mentors, and friends from every chapter of her story. Her Albany book launch quickly sold out, with readers purchasing multiple copies to share the message and celebrate the courage it takes to speak openly about life after service. This episode explores the invisible battles many veterans carry and the healing that can begin when those stories are finally told. At the heart of Leah’s message is a simple but powerful idea. If you need a light, be a light.In this episode, we cover: Leah’s early childhood experiences with homelessness, foster care, and instability Why she joined the Navy in search of structure, family, and purpose How eating disorders can be hidden and made worse in military culture What led her to write Battle Scars and Body Wars, finally How memory loss after retirement pushed her to begin recording her story Why she turned the book into both a personal story and a resource guide Writing for service members, leaders, clinicians, families, and parents The fear, doubt, and imposter syndrome she faced while publishing the book How community support helped strengthen the medical and research side of her work Her emotional return to Albany and visit with youth at a treatment facility The sold-out book launch and what it meant to feel truly seen Her message, “Need a light, be a light,” and how purpose can grow from pain Practical advice for people struggling with food, body image, and shame Why no one should have to heal aloneNotable Quotes & Moments: “There comes a moment when silence becomes heavier than the truth.” [00:12:08] “I wrote this book because I survived and because too many others did not.” [00:12:46] “I’ve always wondered what my purpose was.” [00:21:10] “When you are in the dark, it means your story doesn’t end there.” [00:22:26] “You deserve support.” [00:34:22]Timestamps: 00:01:09 - Leah Stiles returns to Dog Tag Diaries and shares what she has been working on 00:04:07 - Her childhood, search for structure, and why she joined the Navy 00:04:53 - Hiding an eating disorder during recruitment and service 00:06:58 - The first real push to write her story into a book 00:07:32 - Memory loss after retirement and how it led her to document her life 00:09:02 - Building each chapter with research, stories, and support resources 00:10:20 - Writing the book for leaders, providers, families, and those struggling 00:11:44 - Leah reads a powerful excerpt from Battle Scars and Body Wars 00:15:20 - Fear, self-doubt, delays, and launching the book anyway 00:17:49 - Becoming an Amazon bestseller and hearing from readers who felt seen 00:21:02 - Leah reflects on purpose, pain, and becoming a light for others 00:25:34 - Why she chose Albany for the launch and her visit with youth at Northern Rivers 00:29:31 - A sold-out event, emotional response, and community support 00:33:56 - Leah’s advice for anyone struggling with eating disorders 00:36:50 - Why healing begins with one trusted person and one small stepLeah Stiles is a Navy veteran, advocate, nonprofit founder, and now author of Battle Scars and Body Wars: A Personal and Professional Journey Shining a Light on Eating Disorders in the Military. She is the founder of SeaWaves, a nonprofit that supports veterans and others affected by eating disorders, and she has become a strong voice for honest conversations around service, trauma, identity, and healing.Through her writing, public speaking, and advocacy, Leah is helping others understand that eating disorders do not always look the way people expect, and that support should never be out of reach. Her story is a moving reminder that survival can lead to purpose, and that sharing the truth can help someone else stay here.Connect with Leah:https://linktr.ee/SEAWAVESORGGrab a copy of her book: https://a.co/d/0aqYkYfhBe sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou aren’t alone.If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.
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    41 mins