Dog Tag Diaries

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 authentici...

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 Sher...

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 h...

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...

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...

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,...

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 he...

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 exp...

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 turn...

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 uniq...

Join us in this captivating episode of Dog Tag Diaries as Elizabeth Estabrooks opens up about her gripping memoir and national book tour. This episode continues the powerful conversation from Episode 36 so if you haven’t listened to that yet, we recommend starting there for full context. Elizabeth shares the meaning of resilience and resourcefulness through her own experiences and the collective s...

This week on Dog Tag Diaries Captain Kim engages with the remarkable Elizabeth Estabrooks, who opens up about her transformative work as a women veterans' advocate and the personal experiences that fueled her passion. Elizabeth's discussion about her upcoming book, Broken in the Stronger Places: From Resilience to Resourcefulness , offers an enlightening perspective on resilience, resourcefulness,...

Discover the incredible journey of Kim Henry on this episode of Dog Tag Diaries. As a Navy veteran and licensed social worker, Kim shares her experiences navigating life with non-visible disabilities, raising her adopted daughters, and the pivotal moments that shaped her advocacy work. Hear about her challenges in the military, including the harsh realities of sexual harassment and the fight for s...

Join us on Dog Tag Diaries as we explore the remarkable journey of Charlie Hudson, a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Army and renowned author. From her early roots in a small Southern town to becoming a pioneering force for women in the military, Charlie’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and tenacity. Discover how she navigated through uncharted territories, faced with skep...

Step into the captivating world of Annie Morgan, a trailblazing former Air Force JAG officer whose journey from rural Pennsylvania to representing high-value detainees at Guantanamo Bay will leave you inspired. In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Annie shares her unique perspective on balancing her passion for justice and her roles as a twin mom and adjunct professor. Join Captain Kim as she explo...

Join us on Dog Tag Diaries as Kim sits down with Alejandra Hernandez, a Marine Corps veteran whose story is a powerful testament to resilience and authenticity. In this episode, Alejandra reflects on her challenging childhood, serving during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era, and the pivotal role that cooking played in her military life. Discover how Ale navigated the complexities of her sexuality a...

In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Host Kim welcome Darci Escandon, a woman of extraordinary resilience and transformation. Darci's story spans a tumultuous childhood as a military daughter, dealing with trauma, abuse, bullying, and even homelessness. Learn how Darci channels her experiences into training service dogs for veterans and advocating for mental health and PTSD awareness. Hear...

This episode of Dog Tag Diaries features the amazing Amanda Huffman, who made waves by creating the first podcast focused on women veterans. Amanda recounts her compelling journey from an Air Force civil engineer to a storyteller, sharing tales of military life that are both inspiring and educational. Get a sneak peek into her deployment in Afghanistan, where Amanda's interactions with the local p...

In this captivating episode, Dog Tag Diaries host Captain Kim is joined by the remarkable Sharon Caples McDougle. From the pressures of military life to the forefront of NASA’s Space Shuttle program, Sharon’s career is a testament to perseverance and excellence. Listeners will get a glimpse of her early days in the Air Force, working with cutting-edge aircraft and mastering aerospace physiology. T...

In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Major Mom, a remarkable guest whose journey from a tumultuous childhood to a flourishing professional career is nothing short of inspiring. Host Captain Kim explores how Major Mom's frequent relocations, financial hardships, and the disruptive environment of her youth built her into the resilient and adaptable leader she is today. From her early days grappling w...

To close out 2024 we are re-releasing episodes that you found especially memorable. We hope you value revisiting this conversation. Get ready for an unforgettable narrative on "Dog Tag Diaries" featuring Sarah Blum, who served as a nurse during the Vietnam War. This episode explores Sarah’s gripping journey, from her initial assignments and shocking first encounters with wartime realities to the a...

To close out 2024 we are re-releasing episodes that you found especially memorable. We hope you value revisiting this conversation. This podcast episode is dedicated to Cultural Support Team members 1LT Ashley White (KIA 2011) and CPT Jenny Moreno (KIA 2013) In this compelling episode of Dog Tag Diaries , hosts Captain Dakota and Captain Kim sit down with Major Jess Yahn, to discuss a trailblazing...

This week's episode of Dog Tag Diaries brings you the extraordinary story of Shatayia Baker, a former U.S. Air Force member whose life took a drastic turn after a severe anxiety attack. Shatayia opens up about her unexpected journey from a military personnel specialist to a mental health advocate and CEO of Peaceful Therapy Services. You’ll be intrigued by her candid discussion about facing high e...

In this Episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Dr. Qwynn Salazar joins Captains Dakota and Kim to explore the essence of resilience and cultural humility in the military. From the significance of having a flexible plan for young adults entering service to the crucial steps for a seamless transition out, Salazar shares indispensable advice. Learn how she uses her dog tags as a daily motivator and why emotiona...

In this episode, we sit down with retired Major Liz Valade, a Mustang Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. Liz shares her journey from upstate New York to serving in Special Operations with 13 combat deployments. She reflects on how 9/11 inspired her to enlist, shaping her military path and her life after service. Liz opens up about navigating PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and finding resilience through ve...