S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Climbing the Army ranks from enlisted to Lieutenant Colonel with a tapestry of rich life experiences; I am honored to have Francesca Graham on the S.O.S. podcast. Join me as I discuss Francesca’s diverse Army career and how she overcame multiple obstacles to be the person you see today. Furthermore, we’ll discuss her formal complain...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Think you can’t fix the system? My next guest embodies the warfighter spirit.  Meet Chris McGhee. A man who took on the defense industry inspired by his own survival story enduring a toxic work environment. Chris McGhee enlisted in the Air Force, fixing fighter jets in the Air Force rising to the top of the enlisted ranks. After lea...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Military influencers are the new truth tellers, often acting as citizen journalists covering stories the mainstream media won’t. Join me we dig deep into the issues our most junior troops and veterans care the most about. Nicky MGTV breaks the stories around the Internet and beyond with humor, analysis and a healthy sense of humor f...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Ever think you can’t succeed? I know I struggle with feelings of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or when it seems I’m fighting a losing battle. I value our motivational speakers, coaches, and others in the healing professions. Often, just listening to them is so inspirational! Join me as I talk to Cheri Mason, who built her distingui...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! At the age of 11, Jose was sent on a 2,000-mile, month-long journey through three countries to come to America. He left behind the only family he ever knew to escape conscription in the Nicaraguan military and have a chance at a better life.  This is one of those stories that illustrates why I started this podcast. It’s about overco...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Think you can’t fix your life? It's not easy. However, Mike shows how it’s possible even when you have been struggling with the most difficult experiences.  His life is an inspiration. I was so struck by his ability to capture such hardships with vulnerable rawness but in a resilient and powerful manner. I knew he’d have a big...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! I recorded this last time we were in Portugal as I reflected on the holidays and how so many of us are not with our families around this time, especially those in the military.  It’s a bit long at eight minutes, but if you are struggling this season, I hope the words can inspire you and bring peace and comfort.  Happy holidays, ever...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Several years back, I discovered I had two sisters and a brother on my birth Mother’s side. I discovered this years back after researching and meeting up with my birth Mother while in my 20s and 30s.  See, I was adopted at a couple of months old, coming from what Peggy, my birth Mother, led me to think were her many children all giv...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Imagine your daughter as a rising star for years in the Army is suddenly demoted from E6 to E1 after reporting a toxic work environment and sexual assault?  Now imagine that same daughter passing away just six weeks later after being denied a medical board and receiving an other-than-honorable discharge, out of money, facing failing...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Josh’s story is one of survival against the odds. He’s battled an unhealthy relationship to drinking, depression, and even a near-death experience. Through all of these challenges, he has triumphed showing what’s truly possible when one believes in oneself and when they find the right support system. Join us this Thursday to find ou...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! I get asked constantly how I’m able to continue to promote throughout my 27-year military career from an E1 to a Navy commander while speaking up for change.  In this video, I share how I do it, and why I feel we all can do this. There are just a few considerations to keep in mind that I address here.  Being an advocate and change a...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Can we change the military justice system? My next thinks so and has done it. Coalitions are powerful, and we are never alone. Join us as I talk to one of the best in the legal profession about how we restore justice to our military community.  Col Don Christensen, USAF (ret.) served as President of Protect Our Defenders (POD) for 8...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Can we apply ancient philosophical principles to transitioning? My next guest thinks so, and he has even written a book about it.  Throughout humanity history, people yearn to know how to handle adversity, what techniques help us live well through it, and learn what these periods teach us about ourselves.  Join us as we dive deeper...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Want to be the change you wish to see? Then look no further than my next S.O.S. Guest Marc Abraham. Marc has literally written the book on effective campaigns and was an instrumental part of the law in the UK that banned the sale of pets in storefronts. He uses his experiences as a veterinarian, in marketing/persuasion and community...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Military service members are often the best people to serve in office or work political reform. It’s hardwired into us not to sit idly by when we see injustice, making us a powerful coalition when we take on institutional reform. My next guest dedicates his time to this as his chosen calling. He is on a mission to fix what he calls...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Sometimes we have the best of intentions when creating a new process, idea, or initiative, but do leaders consider everything else on the plate when we add just one more thing?  In this next installment of "Theresa's Talks" I explore what happens when we fill our people's plates up too much, or when we realistica...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Today, I’m addressing the elephant in the communications business.  Should we be speechwriters? Should a leader rely on others to draft their remarks? I say no way! And in this video, I’m going to tell you why. Disagree? Tell me about it.  I propose here public relations teams should research topics and give leaders detailed notes;...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Traveling will always be a massive part of my life. So, I couldn’t be happier to learn that a fellow prior service member and communicator started a travel company devoted to our military community. Jessica shows how to travel ethically on a budget, bringing people together in the most welcoming, beautiful, and diverse climates. Jes...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! My guest this Saturday has created the newest and most exciting micronation where slow jams rule and please leave those nasty Croc shoes at the door!  Ladies and gentleman, I bring you His Excellency, Randy “R Dub!” Williams, Sultan of Slowjamastan.  When he’s not ruling over the world’s newest nation, our Dear Leader hosts an inter...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Service dogs are such a vital and beautiful relationship between humans and animals. I could not think of anybody better to take us on this journey explaining how service dogs integrate within law enforcement, the military and even as therapy dogs than my dear friend Danique.  She was instrumental in helping me properly train Jayda...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! I always feel to make a difference, there is no better place than to start with your neighborhood. A big part of my show is how we can be the spark at any level in any community.  That’s why my guest on this episode has so much to offer. She’s a master communicator, storyteller, and professor who dedicated her life to helping local...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! What if you saw a co-worker be ruthlessly bullied by numerous people in positions of power?  Would you be a silent bystander, or risk losing your job and a decades-long pension to intervene?  Well, that’s exactly what my next guest decided to do when one of his colleagues reported the bullying of numerous influential subordinates wh...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! I have been putting off this recording, but I dare say this. It's a letter I wish I could go back in time and tell a 12-year-old me. I hope this gives you the courage to do the same. Support the show Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/ Listen to...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 100th episode of S.O.S. than to honor an incredible Marine who represents grit and dedication. I first met Riley at the 2021 Sea Services Leadership Association, where she approached me as a fellow military social media influencer. I was blown away when she told me about her passion for...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Many suffer in silence when their brain fails them due to embarrassment, shame, and stigma. I know this all too well, having experienced delusions and paranoia for over 30 days at my first duty station while fixing airplanes assigned in a remote overseas location. I still find it painful to talk about the specifics of this period an...