Dog Tag Diaries

Captain Kim
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Personal Journals
  • Weekly

Dog Tag Diaries provides a platform for military women to tell their stories and speak their truths. We are not only raising awareness about military trauma, and mental health but fostering a supportive community where women can find strength and inspiration in each other's stories. It's an informative way to reduce stigma and promote healing through open dialogue and exploration of therapeutic modalities. Our goal is to increase connections among women to offer empowerment, encouragement, and a sense of belonging as we each navigate the unique challenges and experiences faced by women in the military. Each week we’ll invite a woman who has served in the military to share her experience and how it has impacted her, or we will bring in a guest who can speak about the healing abilities of specific therapeutic methods. This is a podcast you don’t want to miss.

  1. 1d ago

    From the Flight Deck to From the Ashes: Navy Veteran Jordan McCaffrie's Story of Identity and Reinvention

    What happens when life pushes you to question everything you thought you knew about yourself? In this inspiring episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Navy veteran and debut fantasy author Jordan McCaffrie. From losing a close friend to serving aboard the USS John C. Stennis, Jordan shares how grief, military service, and personal struggles shaped her journey. She opens up about the challenges of being a woman in the Navy, finding support during deployment, and protecting her mental health. After exploring culinary arts and other career paths, Jordan rediscovered her love for storytelling. Her debut fantasy novel, From the Ashes, brings together Greek mythology, personal experiences, and powerful lessons about identity and healing. Join us for an honest conversation about resilience, self-worth, and finding the courage to write your next chapter. Key Topics: Jordan McCaffrie's journey from a challenging childhood to joining the United States NavyHow losing a close friend inspired her decision to enlistServing aboard the USS John C. Stennis and completing two deployments to the Persian GulfThe challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated military environmentCoping with isolation, mental health struggles, and the emotional demands of deploymentFinding strength through friendships, personal goals, and supportive relationshipsTransitioning from military service to civilian life and exploring different career pathsLearning to prioritize mental health, personal happiness, and familyTurning personal struggles and life experiences into her debut fantasy novel, From the AshesOvercoming publishing challenges, embracing self-acceptance, and finding the courage to follow her dreams Notable Quotes & Moments: “You just have to find a goal and just neurotically go after that goal.” – Jordan McCaffrie on staying focused and finding motivation while serving in a demanding, male-dominated military environment (19:39).“I need to disappoint myself the least.” – Jordan McCaffrie on letting go of the pressure to meet everyone else's expectations and learning to prioritize her own happiness and well-being (42:35).“The people that actually love you are going to show up regardless of anything else.” – Jordan McCaffrie on unconditional love, self-acceptance, and the powerful message behind her debut fantasy novel, From the Ashes (43:01). Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Jordan McCaffrie: Navy veteran, storyteller, and debut fantasy author(03:42) Growing up, moving frequently, and finding comfort in books(07:18) How personal struggles and the loss of a close friend inspired her to join the Navy(09:43) Honoring Jason and the lasting impact of his friendship(12:53) Facing the challenges of Navy boot camp and learning to persevere(15:22) Training as an aviation boatswain's mate and beginning her Navy career(16:16) Serving aboard the USS John C. Stennis and completing two Persian Gulf deployments(17:32) The challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated military environment(18:21) Coping with isolation, mental health struggles, and the demands of deployment(19:04) Finding strength through friendships, personal goals, and small moments of joy(23:04) Meeting her future husband and building a supportive relationship(24:55) Transitioning to civilian life and discovering a passion for culinary arts(28:43) Exploring different careers and learning what truly brings happiness(29:37) Choosing mental health, family, and personal fulfillment over career expectations(33:22) Rediscovering her love of storytelling and writing From the Ashes(34:48) The meaning behind From the Ashes and its themes of identity and self-discovery(36:28) Combining Greek mythology, supernatural elements, and personal experiences in her fantasy novel(37:19) Finding emotional release and healing through writing(38:31) Overcoming publishing rejection and finding the courage to share her story(40:26) Preparing to celebrate the release of her debut novel(41:26) Letting go of others' expectations and learning to put yourself first(42:35) Self-acceptance, unconditional love, and the importance of supportive relationships(43:27) Where to find Jordan's debut fantasy novel, From the Ashes(44:32) Supporting military women's stories through Dog Tag Diaries and Reveille and Retreat Project About the Guest: Jordan McCaffrie is a U.S. Navy veteran, author, and culinary arts graduate based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She served four years aboard the USS John C. Stennis, completing two deployments as an aircraft director. Following military service, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management and an Associate of Arts in Baking and Pastry from the Art Institute of Seattle in 2017. A lifelong reader and storyteller, Jordan began developing her writing skills during a high school newspaper internship. Her debut fantasy novel, From the Ashes, published by Library Tales Publishing, explores identity, trauma recovery, found family, and self-discovery through a contemporary reimagining of Greek mythology. When she isn't writing, Jordan enjoys reading, photography, traveling, developing recipes, and spending time with her husband and their golden retriever, Oakley. CONNECT WITH Jordan McCaffrie https://jordanmccaffrie.com/ IG: @jordan_mccaffrie TikTok: @jordan.mccaffrie FIND FROM THE ASHES Publisher: https://librarytalespublishing.com/books/from-the-ashes Book retailers: https://linktr.ee/jordan.mccaffrie Release Date: November 17, 2026 Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

    From the Flight Deck to From the Ashes: Navy Veteran Jordan McCaffrie's Story of Identity and Reinvention

  2. Oct 28

    Women in Uniform & Military Mental Health With Bronze Star Recipient Dr. Stacey Krauss

    What happens when putting the mission first means putting yourself last? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Dr. Stacey Krauss, Army veteran, psychologist, and CEO of Transition Counseling and Consulting, for a heartfelt conversation about military women's mental health and life after service. Dr. Stacey Krauss shares how an unexpected path through ROTC led her to become an Army psychologist, what serving in Afghanistan taught her about trauma and trust, and why asking for help is a sign of strength. She opens up about the pressure military women face to hide their emotions, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of self-care and community. Her journey reminds us that true strength isn't about carrying everything alone. Sometimes, it's about giving ourselves permission to heal. Key Topics: Stacey's journey from ROTC to becoming an Army psychologist Her military accomplishments and leadership experiences The psychological demands of military service The invisible armor military women carry Why mission-first thinking can lead to putting ourselves last Mental health stigma and barriers to seeking care The pressure women feel to prove themselves in military environments Identity and purpose after leaving the uniform Recognizing the difference between resilience and survival Learning which military strengths to keep and which behaviors to release Why asking for help is a form of strength Notable Quotes & Moments: “There are certain emotions women are not allowed to have outwardly when you're in uniform.” – Dr. Stacey Krauss on the pressure military women face to hide their emotions and appear strong, even when they need support (00:27:58).“This will always be my mission. Even if I don't wear the uniform anymore, this is what I do at work really.” – Dr. Stacey Krauss on finding purpose after military service and continuing her commitment to veterans and mental health care (00:44:14). Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Dr. Stacey Krauss: Army veteran, psychologist, and mental health leader(03:34) An unexpected journey into military service through ROTC(08:17) Discovering her calling as an Army psychologist(12:50) Serving in Afghanistan and witnessing the emotional toll of combat(17:18) Bringing mental health care directly to soldiers on the front lines(20:17) Breaking the stigma around asking for mental health support(23:09) Caring for yourself while caring for others(27:33) Why military women often feel pressure to hide their emotions(33:01) Making the difficult decision to leave the Army(36:50) Leaving behind military habits that no longer serve you(40:05) Finding purpose through leadership, teaching, and service(42:57) Continuing the mission through Transition Counseling and Consulting(45:19) A message of hope and encouragement for veterans seeking support About the Guest: Dr. Stacey Krauss is a decorated U.S. Army veteran, psychologist, and CEO of Transitions Counseling and Consulting, serving Arizona and Texas. She spent 10 years on active duty, including a deployment to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division, and earned honors including the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge. A double board-certified psychologist with an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she has held senior military behavioral health leadership roles and trained future psychologists. Today, she continues her mission of providing quality mental health care and helping individuals, veterans, and military families through life's challenges and transitions. CONNECT WITH Dr. Stacey Website: https://transitionscounselingandconsult.com/ Instagram: @transitionscounselingaz LinkedIn: Transitions Counseling and Consulting Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

    Women in Uniform & Military Mental Health With Bronze Star Recipient Dr. Stacey Krauss

  3. Oct 7

    From Navy Corpsman to Public Health Advocate: Trish Escalante on Trust, Resilience, and Finding Her Voice

    What happens when the military gives you purpose, opportunity, and a future, but also leaves you questioning leadership, trust, and your own sense of safety? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kimberly sits down with Navy veteran and former hospital corpsman Trish Escalante. Trish shares how a difficult childhood led her to seek stability and education through military service, and how an unexpected path into medicine changed her future. She reflects on deploying aboard the USNS Comfort after Hurricane Maria, working in urgent care and the ICU, losing her best friend to gun violence, and carrying grief while still being expected to complete the mission. Trish also opens up about therapy, harmful coping behaviors, reconnecting with women veterans, and finding pride in her service again. Today, she is pursuing nursing while advocating for health equity, community resilience, and women veterans. Key Topics: Joining the Navy to create stability, earn an education, and build a better futureBecoming a hospital corpsman and discovering a lasting connection to medicine and caregivingBeing a woman in the military and feeling pressure to prove herselfSpeaking up against poor leadership and the cost of feeling unable to be herselfLosing a close friend and learning what it meant to carry grief while still servingUsing therapy to face childhood pain, unhealthy coping habits, and unresolved traumaFinding healing and purpose through relationships with other women veteransReturning to nursing and building a future around service, public health, and disaster reliefLearning to trust her own character, boundaries, and instincts again Notable Quotes & Moments: “I felt like my personality was stripped from me.” – Trish on how military culture and leadership affected her sense of self (00:16:17)“There’s different kinds of war zones that happen in your head.” – Trish on the lasting impact of military experiences beyond combat (00:43:11) Timestamps: 00:05:11 – Trish’s childhood, family struggles, and the personality she carried into adulthood00:08:37 – How she became a hospital corpsman after initially wanting a different career00:10:51 – Why boot camp felt manageable after growing up around chaos00:13:22 – Recognizing the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated military environment00:17:27 – Deploying with 24 hours’ notice aboard the USNS Comfort00:19:19 – Witnessing the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico00:22:16 – Losing her best friend Megan and carrying grief through military service00:25:55 – Beginning therapy and uncovering deeper issues from childhood and adulthood00:31:22 – Moving to Central Oregon, earning her MPH, and deciding to return to nursing00:33:03 – Connecting with Reveille and Retreat Project and women veterans00:40:36 – Reaching a place of calm, confidence, and feeling like she is finally on the right path00:42:39 – Choosing to share her story and realizing that noncombat experiences still matter About the Guest: Trish Escalante is a United States Navy veteran and former hospital corpsman, third class, whose work has centered on military medicine, public health, humanitarian service, and supporting women veterans. She joined the Navy in 2015 while searching for stability, structure, an education, and a better future. During her six and a half years of service, Trish worked in urgent care in Norfolk, Virginia, deployed aboard the USNS Comfort during the humanitarian response to Hurricane Maria, attended Field Medical Training Battalion at Camp Pendleton, and later worked in an ICU at Great Lakes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her military experience included meaningful opportunities as well as injury, grief, difficult leadership, and experiences that changed the way she viewed trust and safety. After leaving the military, therapy and honest self-reflection became major parts of her healing. Trish later earned a Master of Public Health and continues to advocate for health equity, community resilience, humanitarian work, and women veterans. She is currently completing prerequisites for nursing school and hopes to combine her medical experience with future humanitarian and disaster relief work. She is also involved with Reveille and Retreat Project, where she has participated in retreats for military women and grown into a facilitation role, helping create spaces where women veterans can connect, share their experiences, and feel heard. CONNECT WITH TRISH LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trish-escalante/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trish.colangelo.5 Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

    From Navy Corpsman to Public Health Advocate: Trish Escalante on Trust, Resilience, and Finding Her Voice

  4. Sep 30

    From Military Trauma to Hope: Lynn Geiser on Finding Her Voice and Helping Women Veterans Heal

    Summary: What happens when the military experience that once gave you purpose leaves you fighting to feel safe, heard, and whole again? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kimberly sits down with Army veteran and Hope4Veterans founder Lynn Geiser, also known as Specialist Tank. Lynn shares how her grandfather’s World War II service influenced her path into the Army, what it was like serving as one of very few women in an infantry unit, and the trauma that changed the course of her military career. She opens up about military sexual assault, losing trust in her leadership, fighting for her discharge status and benefits, homelessness, mental health struggles, and slowly rebuilding her life. Lynn also shares how finding her voice led her to create Hope4Veterans, where women veterans can build connection, confidence, purpose, and the courage to tell their own stories. Key Topics: How Lynn’s childhood and grandfather’s military service shaped her desire to serve (00:03:45)Joining the Army, National Guard service, and becoming a transportation specialist (00:10:02)Motherhood, going active duty, and serving in an infantry unit (00:12:05)Experiencing September 11 while stationed at Fort Benning (00:14:41)Serving as one of very few women in a male-dominated unit (00:15:23)Military sexual assault and losing trust in someone she believed would protect her (00:17:47)Fighting to survive her final months in the Army while caring for her son (00:22:41)Leaving the military, homelessness, and fighting for her benefits and discharge status (00:28:08)Returning to school, becoming a counselor, and realizing trauma still needed healing (00:29:48)Finding her voice and beginning the journey toward nonprofit leadership (00:35:56)Creating Hope4Veterans and using creative programs to build connection (00:40:03)Helping women veterans become advocates, leaders, and peer support specialists (00:43:23)Why finding purpose and learning to advocate for yourself matter after military service (00:46:34) Notable Quotes & Moments: “I had eight months to survive.” – Lynn on enduring the final months of her military service while facing trauma, disciplinary actions, and fear (00:22:41)“I started getting my voice.” – Lynn on the turning point that eventually led her toward advocacy and nonprofit work (00:36:04)“Now you can’t keep me quiet.” – Lynn on finding her voice after losing it during both childhood and military service (00:41:45)“I can provide you the tools. I can give you the resources. I can stand by your side, but I can’t tell you what to do.” – Lynn on helping women discover their own path forward (00:47:03) Timestamps: 00:02:10 – Introducing Army veteran and Hope4Veterans founder Lynn Geiser00:03:45 – Childhood, isolation, and wanting to make a difference00:04:53 – Lynn’s grandfather, World War II, and the influence of his service00:10:02 – Recruiters, joining the Army, and dreams of becoming a pilot00:12:05 – Six years in the National Guard, motherhood, and going active duty00:13:49 – Joining an infantry unit at Fort Benning00:14:41 – Experiencing the events of September 11 while on base00:15:23 – Being one of very few women in a male-dominated unit00:17:47 – Military sexual assault and the breakdown of trust00:24:22 – Feeling unsafe, blocked from transferring, and facing disciplinary action00:28:08 – Leaving the Army and beginning life after military service00:32:16 – Reading her military records and confronting painful memories00:35:56 – The turning point that helped Lynn begin finding her voice00:38:22 – Becoming a volunteer VSO and learning from women veterans’ cases00:40:03 – Building Hope4Veterans00:45:16 – Creating safe spaces and connecting women with resources00:46:34 – Helping women veterans find their purpose00:47:03 – Giving women tools without choosing their path for them About the Guest: Lynn Geiser, also known as Specialist Tank, is a United States Army veteran and the founder and CEO of Hope4Veterans, a nonprofit focused on helping women veterans, military spouses, and active-duty women build connection, confidence, purpose, and a stronger voice. Lynn served six years in the National Guard before moving to active duty, where she served as a transportation specialist attached to an infantry unit. After leaving the military, Lynn faced major challenges including trauma, homelessness, mental health struggles, and a long fight to restore military benefits and correct her discharge status. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies and a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, worked as a counselor and employment specialist, and served as a volunteer Veterans Service Officer. Her own experience of feeling unheard became the foundation for Hope4Veterans. Through storytelling, photography, therapeutic arts, peer support, mentorship, leadership development, and community programs, Lynn helps women recognize their strengths, advocate for themselves, and discover a renewed sense of purpose. Learn more about Hope4Veterans and its programs by searching for Hope4Veterans in Kissimmee, Florida. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-geiser-b24b8a26/?isSelfProfile=false Website: Hope4Veterans Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

    From Military Trauma to Hope: Lynn Geiser on Finding Her Voice and Helping Women Veterans Heal

  5. Sep 9

    From Survival to Self-Trust: Marine Corps Veteran Raelynn Beintker on Breaking Cycles, Finding Her Voice, and Choosing Herself

    Summary: What happens when the place you thought would save you ends up teaching you difficult lessons about power, belonging, and who you want to become? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kimberly sits down with Marine Corps veteran, mother, storyteller, and podcast host Raelynn Beintker. Raelynn shares how growing up with poverty, addiction, abuse, and early responsibility shaped her strength and eventually led her to the Marines. She opens up about finding structure and belonging in boot camp, then facing sexism, double standards, body image pressure, harassment, and disappointment in the fleet. Raelynn also reflects on breaking family patterns, learning to put herself first, changing the way she speaks about her life, and finding the courage to tell her story. Her journey is a powerful reminder that we can honor where we came from while choosing what comes next. Key Topics: Creating space for self-care and practicing “divine selfishness” (00:06:20)Growing up with poverty, addiction, abuse, and early responsibility (00:10:49)Searching for a way out of destructive patterns after high school (00:17:31)Choosing the Marine Corps as a path toward independence (00:21:45)How a chaotic childhood prepared Raelynn for boot camp (00:24:15)Facing sexism, body image pressure, and double standards in the fleet (00:25:59)Harassment, military consequences, and learning to make herself small (00:31:17)What Raelynn wishes she knew before joining the military (00:34:10)Breaking generational cycles and changing the stories we tell ourselves (00:38:19)Creating My Heart of the Story and finding the courage to share her voice (00:41:47) Notable Quotes & Moments: “You can’t scare me. You think you’re going to break me, and I’m sure you’re going to teach me, but you can’t break me.” – Raelynn on how her childhood prepared her for boot camp (00:25:26)“The Marine Corps was the best and worst decision I ever made.” – Raelynn on the impact military service had on her life (00:38:19)“I’m the only one that can choose what comes next.” – Raelynn on breaking old patterns and taking ownership of her story (00:39:27) Timestamps: 00:02:23 – Introducing Marine Corps veteran Raelynn Beintker00:06:20 – Morning rituals, self-care, and “divine selfishness”00:10:49 – Childhood, poverty, addiction, abuse, and caregiving00:17:31 – High school struggles and searching for a different future00:21:45 – The decision to join the Marine Corps00:24:15 – Culture shock and adapting to boot camp00:25:59 – Sexism, body image, and double standards in the fleet00:31:17 – Harassment and the impact on Raelynn’s military career00:38:19 – Breaking generational patterns and changing her life story00:41:47 – Starting My Heart of the Story and finding her voice About the Guest: Raelynn Beintker is a United States Marine Corps veteran, mother, wife, storyteller, podcast host, and self-described creative rebel. She joined the Marines as a young woman looking for a way beyond the poverty, instability, and family patterns she experienced growing up. Her military service gave her independence, structure, new experiences, and a wider view of the world, while also exposing her to sexism, double standards, and challenges that shaped how she saw herself. Today, Raelynn is the host of My Heart of the Story, a podcast centered on identity, connection, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to share our stories. Through her work, she encourages people to stop making themselves smaller, question the stories that hold them back, and choose what they want the next chapter of their lives to become. Learn more about Raelynn and her work through My Heart of the Story: Website: myheartofthestory.com Podcast: Search My Heart of the Story on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

    From Survival to Self-Trust: Marine Corps Veteran Raelynn Beintker on Breaking Cycles, Finding Her Voice, and Choosing Herself

  6. Aug 12

    The Weight of Hidden Wounds: Dani Shine on Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, and Healing

    Summary: What happens when the wounds no one can see become the hardest ones to carry? In this powerful Season Nine episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kimberly welcomes back Army veteran, retired RN, author, and advocate Dani Shine to discuss her memoir, The Weight of Hidden Wounds. Dani shares the painful experiences she once believed she would never speak about, including military sexual trauma, PTSD, betrayal, and years of unhealthy coping. She reflects on how writing became part of her healing process and how a severe PTSD flashback finally pushed her to seek support. Dani also shares the importance of women veteran support groups, counseling, and finding people who understand military life. Her story is a reminder that trauma may leave lasting marks, but it does not have to be the final chapter. Healing, connection, purpose, and growth are still possible. Key Topics: Serving as a woman in male-dominated Army units (00:04:05)Writing The Weight of Hidden Wounds as part of healing (00:06:29)Experiencing sexual assault during basic training (00:09:48)Learning leadership through vulnerability and trust (00:13:22)The physical demands of infantry training (00:16:53)Deployment to Saudi Arabia and military life overseas (00:21:03)Military sexual trauma before leaving the Army (00:22:45)Alcohol, food, and unhealthy coping after trauma (00:25:00)The PTSD flashback that forced Dani to face her past (00:28:44)How trauma continues to affect the body and mind (00:31:12)Why women veterans need women-centered support (00:34:31)Turning trauma into purpose, growth, and service (00:41:24) Notable Quotes & Moments: “I had to outrun, out-shoot, out-do everybody.” – Dani on proving she belonged as a woman in the Army (00:04:23)“Vulnerability is not a weakness, it’s a strength.” – Dani on leadership and connection (00:16:15)“Without those women, I would definitely not be where I am today.” – Dani on her women veterans support group (00:36:41)“It doesn’t have to be the end of your story. It can be just the beginning.” – Dani on healing after trauma (00:42:37) Timestamps: 00:02:41 – Dani Shine returns to Dog Tag Diaries00:04:05 – Proving herself as a woman in the Army00:06:29 – Why Dani began writing her story00:09:48 – Sexual assault during basic training00:13:22 – Leadership, vulnerability, and building trust00:16:53 – The demands of infantry training00:21:03 – Deployment to Saudi Arabia00:22:45 – Military sexual trauma before leaving the Army00:25:00 – Alcohol, food, and coping with trauma00:28:44 – A PTSD flashback during a medical procedure00:34:31 – Women-specific veteran support and connection00:41:24 – Turning trauma into growth and purpose About the Guest: Dani Shine is a United States Army veteran, retired registered nurse, author, and advocate. She entered the Army in 1987 and was among the early women to complete infantry training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Her memoir, The Weight of Hidden Wounds, shares her experiences with military sexual trauma, PTSD, unhealthy coping, healing, and finding purpose after trauma. Today, Dani uses her story to help other veterans understand that they matter and that seeking support is a sign of strength. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

    The Weight of Hidden Wounds: Dani Shine on Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, and Healing

  7. Jul 1

    How Two Military Women Built a Podcast Movement and Healing Retreats

    Summary: What happens when two women veterans turn pain, fear, and hope into a movement for healing? In this heartfelt Season Seven episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kimberly reunites with her co-founder and sister in service, Captain Dakota, to share how their podcast and nonprofit were born. Together, they reflect on overcoming imposter syndrome, burnout, and self-doubt while building a safe space where military women can speak their truth. From launching their first retreat without ever meeting in person to dreaming of a traveling studio, this episode celebrates resilience, partnership, and the power of community. Their story reminds listeners that healing is possible when women support each other and choose courage over fear. Key Topics: How Dog Tag Diaries and the nonprofit began (00:01:06)Building community for military women (00:02:57)Facing fear and imposter syndrome (00:05:05)Honoring limits and preventing burnout (00:10:16)Big dreams: networks, studios, and growth (00:17:04)The first retreat and bonding experience (00:19:02)Upcoming 2026 retreats and new programs (00:26:25)Firearm safety and suicide prevention efforts (00:28:31)Creating lifelong community after retreats (00:32:24) Notable Quotes & Moments: “We struggled in the beginning to get the courage to pursue this passion.” – Dakota on starting the mission (00:05:26)“The fear of being judged for my story was paralyzing.” – Kimberly on sharing her truth (00:07:50)“What we are doing is necessary. Our stories need to be told.” – Kimberly on purpose (00:09:38)“Come as you are. You are accepted.” – Dakota on retreat culture (00:31:55)“Healing begins when we finally say it out loud.” – Kimberly (00:38:50) Timestamps: 00:01:06 – Pain, hope, and the founding story00:02:57 – Creating a safe space for women00:05:05 – Fear and imposter syndrome00:07:41 – Sharing personal stories00:10:16 – Stepping back and honoring limits00:14:15 – Self-care and emotional release00:17:04 – Future goals for the podcast00:19:02 – First retreat in Bend, Oregon00:21:12 – Bungee jump bonding experience00:26:25 – 2026 retreat lineup00:28:31 – Firearm safety and mental health00:32:24 – Long-term community impact00:36:08 – Holiday wishes and self-care00:39:53 – Closing message About the Hosts: Captain Kimberly is the founder and host of Dog Tag Diaries and co-founder of Reveille and Retreat Project. A veteran and advocate for women’s mental health, she has dedicated her life to creating spaces where military women can heal, grow, and share their stories without fear. Captain Dakota is a co-founder of Dog Tag Diaries and Reveille and Retreat Project. A National Guard member and counselor, she supports veterans through mental health services and holistic care. Her work centers on helping women honor their limits while staying connected to their purpose. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

    How Two Military Women Built a Podcast Movement and Healing Retreats

  8. Jun 24

    Air Force Veteran Behati Hart on Survival, Neurodivergence, Unmasking, and Learning to Just Be

    Summary: What happens when the life you built to survive no longer fits the woman you are becoming? In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Air Force veteran, author, intuitive guide, artist, and life architect Behati Hart. Behati shares her journey from growing up on the South Side of Chicago in a strict and chaotic home, to joining the Air Force for freedom and stability. She opens up about being a creative, multicultural, neurodivergent woman in systems that often felt too small for her spirit. Through her memoir, Just Be: Unmasking and Becoming Human Again, Behati talks about anxiety, ADHD, body wisdom, spiritual awakening, identity loss, and the brave choice to stop performing. Her story reminds women veterans that survival is not the end. Coming home to yourself matters too. In this episode, we cover: Behati Hart’s childhood on the South Side of ChicagoUsing dance and laughter as early forms of healingJoining the Air Force out of necessityAdjusting to military structure after a restrictive childhoodServing as a creative woman in uniformSpeaking up about integrity and unfair treatmentAnxiety, ADHD, neurodivergence, and body signalsThe story behind Just BeIdentity loss, ego death, and spiritual awakeningBehati's free five-week identity reclamation experience Notable Quotes & Moments: “The math wasn’t mathing.” Behati Hart on realizing the military was not the freedom she expected [00:07:16]“I know who I am now.” Behati on choosing not to work under people who try to define her [00:14:48]“I will never lose myself again, never.” Behati on reclaiming her identity [00:43:50] Episode highlights: 00:01:25 - Meet Behati Hart, Air Force veteran and author of Just Be00:03:07 - Behati's childhood, culture, dance, and laughter00:05:43 - Joining the Air Force for survival, freedom, and stability00:06:43 - Moving from a strict home into a strict military system00:09:23 - Serving as a woman and speaking up about integrity00:15:14 - Anxiety, ADHD, body signals, and nervous system healing00:24:20 - How Just Be came to life00:25:57 - Behati's spiritual awakening and call to tell her story00:36:39 - Behati's free five-week identity reclamation experience00:44:25 - Why women veterans need spaces like Dog Tag Diaries About Behati: Behati Hart is an Air Force veteran, Life Architect, author, and multimedia artist who believes the most revolutionary act a person can commit is giving themselves permission to just be. She served in the U.S. Air Force from 1993 to 2003, joining out of survival and necessity, and learning early how to navigate systems not designed for women, people of color, or neurodivergent thinkers. Following three decades of public service across military, federal, state, and local government, Behati stepped away from institutional systems to reclaim her creativity, intuition, and humanity. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Behavior and is certified through the Association for Coaching, with training in neuroscience, AI, and design thinking. Behati is the creator of The BETi Method™, a framework that helps people unmask, reprogram limiting beliefs, and redesign life from the inside out. She is the author of Just BE: Unmasking and Becoming Human Againand lives in Chicago with her husband, two daughters, and a house full of plants. Connect with Behati Hart: Website: https://behatihart.com Book: Just BE: Unmasking and Becoming Human Again https://a.co/d/gnIZSMA Social Media: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Facebook @BehatiHart There is still room at the table for Just BE: Unmasking Experience Hosted by Veteran, Author and Life Architect, Behati Hart Sundays at 6PM CST - May 31 - June 28 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.

    Air Force Veteran Behati Hart on Survival, Neurodivergence, Unmasking, and Learning to Just Be
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Trailer

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Dog Tag Diaries provides a platform for military women to tell their stories and speak their truths. We are not only raising awareness about military trauma, and mental health but fostering a supportive community where women can find strength and inspiration in each other's stories. It's an informative way to reduce stigma and promote healing through open dialogue and exploration of therapeutic modalities. Our goal is to increase connections among women to offer empowerment, encouragement, and a sense of belonging as we each navigate the unique challenges and experiences faced by women in the military. Each week we’ll invite a woman who has served in the military to share her experience and how it has impacted her, or we will bring in a guest who can speak about the healing abilities of specific therapeutic methods. This is a podcast you don’t want to miss.

Information

  • Creator
    Captain Kim
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    106
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Captain Kim
  • Show Website
    Dog Tag Diaries

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