In this compelling episode of Dog Tag Diaries , host Captain Kim sits down with Jess Gonzalez, a retired United States Air Force First Sergeant and advocate, as she shares her inspiring journey from surviving childhood trauma to leading with compassion in the military. Hear teasers about her early life marked by adversity, her unexpected path into the Air Force, and the surprising twist during her basic training experience. Jess opens up about family struggles, deep loss—including her twins and ...
Oct 08, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 65
What does it take to journey from a small Mississippi farm to serving as a military officer, traveling to 46 countries, and ultimately building a wellness community for women veterans? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries , Dr. Natesha Smith-Isabell unpacks her unexpected path—a life shaped by resilience, faith, and profound transformation. Hear snippets about her near-death medical crisis, facing sexual trauma and moral injury in the Army, and how it all inspired her to co-found Arabella Wellness...
Oct 01, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 64
Join the Dog Tag Diaries squad for an unforgettable second tour of one of our most resonant episodes! In this powerful conversation, Captain Dakota bravely shares her story, from enlisting right after high school to intense combat experiences as a 240 Bravo gunner in Iraq, to re-entering civilian life and finding purpose as an Army National Guard officer. Hear about the realities of deployment, the challenges of reintegration, and the lasting impact of trauma—and how telling your story can lead ...
Sep 24, 2025•30 min
What happens when a rebellious pastor’s daughter refuses to follow the script? In this latest episode of Dog Tag Diaries, we introduce you to Tanya Lakins, who left a strict religious upbringing behind at just 17 to join the Marine Corps—without her father’s blessing. In this gripping conversation, Tanya shares what it meant to carve her own path, confront trauma, and ultimately find purpose as a veteran advocate. Topics include her experience as a female Marine, confronting gender stereotypes, ...
Sep 17, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 63
Ready to meet an unstoppable force in the world of military women? This episode of Dog Tag Diaries introduces you to Leanne Babcock—call sign Bobcat—a pioneer who went from a functionally homeless childhood to becoming the first woman vehicle mechanic in her Guard unit, an officer, and now a champion for veterans. Hear how she navigated blatant discrimination in the maintenance sector, balanced civilian life with military service, and carved out her place as a citizen airwoman. Leanne also share...
Sep 10, 2025•42 min•Season 6Ep. 62
Get ready for one of Dog Tag Diaries’ most raw and inspiring episodes yet. In this episode, retired Navy Senior Chief Leah Stiles opens up about her turbulent childhood, her quest for belonging, and the hidden eating disorder that shaped—and nearly ended—her military career. Raised in foster care and group homes, Leah sought the structure and “family” of the U.S. Navy, eventually founding Sea Waves, the only nonprofit dedicated to eating disorders among service members and veterans. Tune in as C...
Sep 03, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 61
What happens when a military identity is suddenly stripped away, and all that’s left is a blank slate? In this compelling episode of Dog Tag Diaries , Britni Ryan, a retired Navy Corpsman and White House Medical Unit alum, shares how she rebuilt her sense of purpose after her service ended. Find out why Team Rubicon—a veteran-led disaster relief organization—became more than just a volunteer gig for Britni; it became a lifeline. From wielding chainsaws for wildfire mitigation to empowering women...
Aug 27, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 60
What does it mean to truly transform trauma into purpose? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries , meet Star Gibson—a powerhouse single mom, veteran advocate, and certified auctioneer—whose journey weaves through childhood adversity, military service, and fierce community-building. Uncover how surviving military sexual trauma in the Oregon Army National Guard became the catalyst for Star's nonprofit, Vet2Vet Center, dedicated to veteran support, PTSD healing, and inclusive outdoor adventures. She sh...
Aug 20, 2025•43 min•Season 6Ep. 59
This episode of Dog Tag Diaries spotlights Amanda Mae, a 20-year Air Force veteran, marathon runner, and founder of The Woman Veteran Calendar. Host Captain Kim gets Amanda to open up about her unlikely journey from a Massachusetts chicken farm to becoming an indomitable leader in and out of uniform. Topics touch on military service, female veterans’ mental health, sexual assault in the military, and what it truly means to find “grit” as a woman in uniform. Amanda shares unexpected stories, from...
Aug 13, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 58
What happens when two women who survived one of the darkest days in military history finally talk—together—for the first time? In this emotionally charged episode, Dog Tag Diaries host Kim welcomes Keara and Dayna to share memories of the Fort Hood shooting, the chaos and uncertainty that followed, and how they’re supporting each other years later. Find out how shared trauma can lead to guiding-light friendships, why “community is super important in healing,” and how these veterans navigated lim...
Aug 06, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 57
Step into one of the most unforgettable Dog Tag Diaries episodes yet, where resilience takes center stage. Army veteran Dayna Lopez reveals how a childhood scar—the result of a rare congenital birth defect—became the unlikeliest reason her life was spared during the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. military history. Explore Dayna’s journey through trauma, survival, and recovery as she navigates the aftermath, the struggle for quality mental health care, and fi...
Jul 30, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 56
What happens when a Naval Academy graduate trades obstacle courses for combat zones, survives an abusive marriage, and rises to become a high-ranking Marine Corps officer while raising six children? You get one of the most gripping stories in military leadership—and exactly why this episode became one of Dog Tag Diaries' most beloved. While the Dog Tag Diaries team takes a well-deserved summer break, we're bringing back Episode 19—a fan favorite that perfectly captures the resilience, grit, and ...
Jul 23, 2025•37 min
Step behind the mask with Annette Whittenberger, Army veteran, mental health advocate, and author of The Wall Between Two Lives . In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Annette opens up about her 17-year military career—rising to the rank of major while secretly wrestling with anxiety, depression, and unresolved childhood trauma. Host Captain Kim guides a raw, honest conversation about the realities of military service, the pressures women face to “have it all together,” and the challenge ...
Jul 16, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 55
Staff Sergeant Kristen Domke brings a powerful, firsthand perspective to mental health and resilience in the military on this episode of Dog Tag Diaries . Listen as Kristen reveals what it’s like to navigate military service while grappling with trauma, addiction, and the journey to sobriety. Hear how a “community that works together” can also sometimes leave you feeling isolated—and what you do when you need help, but don’t know how to ask for it. Kristen’s story includes her combatting stigma,...
Jul 09, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 54
Tune into Dog Tag Diaries for a riveting conversation with Army veteran Dani Shine, whose journey through Desert Storm, military sexual trauma, and a decades-long battle with PTSD and weight gain redefines resilience. In this episode, Dani reveals what it was like being among the first women in infantry training and the unique challenges she faced as a woman in the military. She also opens up about reclaiming her mental and physical health, how trauma manifests in unexpected ways, and the messy,...
Jul 02, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 53
Step behind the scenes of a one-of-a-kind Trauma Transformation Retreat for military women in this heartfelt episode of Dog Tag Diaries . Experience the magic that happens when equine therapy, soulful music, nourishing food, and community partners unite for healing and transformation. Listen as Captain Kim welcomes the compassionate team from Healing Reins and special guests, including a gifted pianist whose intuitive connection with horses creates unforgettable, healing moments. Throughout the ...
Jun 25, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 52
In this eye-opening episode of Dog Tag Diaries, meet Didi Meindok—a Navy veteran, lawyer, and medical scientist—who opens up about her powerful journey from spunky New Orleans tomboy to Operation Desert Storm veteran and beyond. Discover what happens when your military service is “erased by paperwork” and trauma is dismissed by bureaucracy. Didi reflects on battling PTSD, finding unexpected allies, and the strength of women's camaraderie in traditionally male military spaces. Hear how she confro...
Jun 18, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 51
Curious how women break barriers in the military? In this special episode of Dog Tag Diaries, host Captain Kim welcomes Phyllis J. Wilson, retired Chief Warrant Officer 5, Army intelligence leader, and president of the Military Women’s Memorial. Phyllis reveals how determination, resilience, and a bit of rebellious spirit led her from a childhood of tree climbing to leading 200,000 personnel and serving in over 35 countries. Hear insights on work-life balance with a blended family of eight child...
Jun 11, 2025•45 min•Season 5Ep. 50
Get ready for one of the most moving episodes of Dog Tag Diaries yet. In this honest conversation, Caroline Flores pulls back the curtain on her journey from a chaotic childhood in a traditional Mexican-American home, through the trials of military service, and into her evolution as a spiritual healer. Expect raw truths about mental health in the military—topics like surviving suicide attempts, battling shame and isolation after deployment, struggling with belonging, and the hard realities facin...
Jun 04, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 49
Ready for a truly raw and real episode of Dog Tag Diaries? Meet Dr. Jaimie Lusk—Marine Corps officer turned trauma psychologist—as she unpacks her journey from mud-loving kid in rural Oregon to national expert in moral injury and trauma recovery. Host Captain Kim uncovers Jaimie’s candid stories: leadership clashes in Iraq, the complexities of trust after service, and the hilarious tale of "Disneyland Jail." If you’ve ever questioned your fit or fought with imposter syndrome, you’ll want to hear...
May 28, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 48
Ever wondered what it takes for a "quiet, bookish" girl to command thousands across combat zones? In this inspiring episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Dr. Jenn Donahue—retired Navy captain, civil engineer, and self-described Texas wild thing—breaks the mold. Jenn shares powerful stories about being "the only woman in the room," her unexpected journey into military leadership, and how embracing authenticity reshaped her idea of true leadership. From building bridges in Iraq to tackling impostor syndrome...
May 21, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 47
Step into the world of Lieutenant Colonel Jessica Dunn, a trailblazing leader whose military journey spans two branches, two wars, and countless barriers broken. In Episode 46 of Dog Tag Diaries, Jessica pulls back the curtain on the realities of being a woman in uniform during a time when the system was built for someone else. From her days as the Coast Guard’s first female swimmer on Cutter Sherman to commanding convoys in Iraq, she dishes on everything from ill-fitting body armor to taboo con...
May 14, 2025•47 min•Season 4Ep. 46
What happens when a life-threatening event turns your path upside down—yet leads to newfound strength and service? In this episode, Keara Torkelson shares her firsthand account of the tragic Fort Hood shooting, revealing raw moments of fear, survival, and the aftermath. You’ll get a peek into her journey through PTSD, the struggles of returning home, and how connection with other veterans became her lifeline. From detailing how military life shaped her to the unexpected role of essential oils in...
May 07, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 45
Join host Captain Kim on Dog Tag Diaries as she engages with Dr. Allison Brager, a woman whose life story embodies courage and perseverance. This episode touches on Dr. Brager’s impressive athletic achievements, including her time as a CrossFit competitor and a record-breaking pole vaulter, while also exploring her contributions to neuroscience and military service. Listeners will be intrigued by Dr. Brager’s insights into the importance of sleep for athletic recovery and mental resilience. Her ...
Apr 30, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 44
What does it mean to be a “resilient warrior”? In this gripping episode of Dog Tag Diaries, guest Mindy Dougherty takes listeners on a journey from a childhood marked by chaos and trauma to her years as an Army field medic—and far beyond. Facing relentless physical and emotional battles, including rare medical conditions and a life-changing battle with the VA system, Mindy lays bare the realities military women confront, on and off duty. She shares how running became both a literal and metaphori...
Apr 23, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 43
Discover the compelling story of Sarah Moore in this episode of Dog Tag Diaries. From the cockpit of Blackhawk helicopters to the awe-inspiring peaks of the Himalayas, Sarah shares her transformative journey. How did a challenging military career, complete with its emotional and physical challenges, guide her towards founding Blue Side Adventures? Get a glimpse into her personal battles with PTSD, the breaking point that forced her to reevaluate her life, and her quest for mental and physical we...
Apr 16, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 42
In this inspiring episode of Dog Tag Diaries, we welcome Susan Davis, a remarkable army veteran and behavioral health clinician who has charted an extraordinary path from a small lumber town to becoming a passionate advocate for mental health in the military community. Discover how Susan navigated the challenges of basic training, overcame personal obstacles, and forged a new path in behavioral health. Her story offers a powerful message for women in the military and those transitioning to civil...
Apr 09, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 41
Get ready for an inspiring conversation as Dr. Maria Luque, an Air Force veteran, fitness expert, and menopause coach, joins host Kim on "Dog Tag Diaries." In this episode, listeners embark on Dr. Luque's journey from growing up in Germany to serving in the United States Air Force. She shares her unique perspective on the intricacies of military life, detailing both the challenges and joys she experienced during her seven-year service. Dr. Luque highlights the evolution of her career path from f...
Apr 02, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 40
In this compelling episode of Dog Tag Diaries, meet Lorrena Black, a retired U.S. Army Major whose life story is a testament to resilience and transformation. From a challenging childhood facing abusive dynamics to a 25-year military career, Lorrena has continually defied expectations. As she shares her journey from private to major, we uncover her battles with personal adversity, and how she turned these experiences into a mission to empower veterans. If you're interested in understanding the p...
Mar 26, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 39
Join us in an inspiring episode featuring Felicia Flake, aka Coach Fab, a woman whose life journey describes resilience and transformation. From a childhood marked by constant change to making life-altering decisions, she shares her incredible experiences as an army veteran and American Ninja Warrior contestant. Discover the complexities of becoming a Purple Heart recipient and hear about the unique challenges and triumphs she faced as a woman in the military. Coach Fab's personal growth from fa...
Mar 19, 2025•47 min•Season 4Ep. 38
