Dog Tag Diaries

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be resilient in the face of gender bias and adversity? In this special “second tour” episode, Dog Tag Diaries spotlights Captain Kim’s journey, from the challenges of being a high-performing woman in the Army to the upheaval caused by sexual harassment and discrimination. Without giving away all the details, you’ll hear hints of support systems, the pursuit...

What does it take to transform trauma into purpose? This episode of Dog Tag Diaries features Marine veteran and musician Barbara Sim, who bravely shares glimpses of her journey from surviving war and assault, to finding self-forgiveness and healing. Hear about the “dark ages” she endured, the power of music, faith, and nature, and her inspiring mission to help fellow veterans through creativity an...

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a woman serving in a war zone—and what battles rage on back home? This episode of Dog Tag Diaries brings you Melissa Kilgore’s powerful journey through military life, combat in Iraq, and the hidden challenges of military sexual trauma and family separation. Melissa reveals the costs of resilience, sharing how she rebuilt herself through creativity and art...

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through military history and personal resilience! In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries , Captain Kim sits down with Pat Murphy, a veteran who’s served in both the U.S. Army and Navy across decades. From being the oldest of five and learning to live off the land, to facing gender discrimination and blazing trails as a woman in military police, Pat shares stories...

Join Dog Tag Diaries as Captain Kim continues her compelling conversation with retired Air Force First Sergeant Jess Gonzalez in part two of her journey. This episode offers an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of being a female leader in the military. Jess shares raw accounts of leading with empathy, including a harrowing moment assisting a military spouse in crisis—showcasing what true...

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...

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 s...

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, th...

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...

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 ci...

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 Wave...

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 f...

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,...

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,...

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-li...

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, surviv...

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 summ...

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 r...

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 w...

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 abou...

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 pi...

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...

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 s...

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, ba...

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 "Disney...