Dog Tag Diaries

Captain Kim
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated 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. How Two Military Women Built a Podcast Movement and Healing Retreats

    5h ago

    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

    41 min
  2. Air Force Veteran Behati Hart on Survival, Neurodivergence, Unmasking, and Learning to Just Be

    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.

    47 min
  3. The Tactical Pause: Army Veteran Felicia Hammond on Survival Mode, Motherhood, and Healing After Service

    Jun 18

    The Tactical Pause: Army Veteran Felicia Hammond on Survival Mode, Motherhood, and Healing After Service

    Summary: What happens when the strength that helped you survive starts keeping you from truly living? In this heartfelt episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Army veteran, author, and women’s healing mentor Felicia Hammond. Felicia shares her powerful journey from growing up in Liberia as a firstborn daughter with adult responsibilities, to homelessness in the U.S., military service, motherhood, divorce, and learning how to slow down after years of living on high alert. Through her memoir, The Tactical Pause, Felicia opens up about emotional suppression, faith, nervous system healing, and the brave work of coming back to herself. Her story reminds military women that healing is not weakness. It is a return to truth, safety, and self-love. In this episode, we cover: Felicia Hammond’s childhood in LiberiaGrowing up as a firstborn daughter with early responsibilityComing to the U.S. at 17Facing homelessness while still in high schoolWhy she was drawn to the Army uniformJoining the Army as a financial management specialistServing as a woman of color in uniformMotherhood, single parenting, and military expectationsThe pressure to overperform as a woman in the ArmyLife after military service and divorceHow impulsive reactions showed up after serviceThe meaning behind The Tactical PauseJournaling, meditation, faith, and emotional healingTurning her private healing work into a memoirWhy women veterans need to know they are not alone Notable Quotes & Moments: “Every second counts.” Felicia Hammond on the military mindset that shaped her reactions [00:36:32]“I need you to take five minutes before you respond.” Felicia on the homework that became The Tactical Pause [00:39:43]“I felt like I was about to die.” Felicia on learning to pause after years of survival mode [00:40:45] Episode highlights: 00:01:48 - Meet Felicia Hammond and her memoir The Tactical Pause00:04:22 - Felicia’s childhood in Liberia00:06:17 - Life as a firstborn daughter in West Africa00:15:27 - Coming to the U.S. at 1700:16:30 - Facing homelessness while finishing high school00:20:36 - Walking into the recruiter’s office00:27:18 - Being a woman of color in uniform00:29:47 - Motherhood, childcare, and military demands00:34:28 - The meaning behind The Tactical Pause00:42:51 - Turning journals, meditation, and healing into a memoir About Felicia: Felecia Hammond is a U.S. Army veteran, memoirist, and women’s healing mentor in development. She is the author of The Tactical Pause, a deeply personal memoir exploring trauma, awakening, and reclaiming identity after years of living in survival mode. Through her writing and future coaching practice, she is passionate about helping women regulate their nervous systems, break emotional patterns, and reconnect with themselves through compassion and clarity. Connect with Felicia: YouTube: Your Wellness Matters YouTube ChannelFacebook: Felecia Hammond Facebook PageEmail: hammondf17@gmail.com 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.

    49 min
  4. Marine Combat Correspondent, Navy Officer, and the Mission to Tell Stories That Matter with Amy Forsythe

    Jun 10

    Marine Combat Correspondent, Navy Officer, and the Mission to Tell Stories That Matter with Amy Forsythe

    Summary: What does it mean to stand at the edge of history and be trusted to tell the story? In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Amy Forsythe, a Marine veteran and retired Navy Lieutenant Commander with more than 30 years of service. Amy shares how growing up in Northern California, playing sports, and hearing her family’s military stories led her to the Marine Corps. From Guantanamo Bay to Iraq and Afghanistan, Amy used her camera, voice, and heart to document service, crisis, sacrifice, and the people behind the mission. She also shares the story behind her book Heroes Live Here, the launch of MediaBridge.io, and why women veterans must keep using their voices with purpose. In this episode, we cover: Amy Forsythe’s childhood in Northern CaliforniaHer family’s military legacyWhy she chose the Marine CorpsBecoming a Marine combat correspondentHer first major humanitarian mission in Guantanamo BayDeployments to Afghanistan and IraqThe responsibility of telling military stories accuratelyTransitioning from Marine enlisted service to Navy public affairs officerWriting Heroes Live Here to honor fallen MarinesLaunching MediaBridge.io to connect experts with media opportunitiesWhy women veterans need to share their storiesAmy’s advice to service members, veterans, and military women Notable Quotes & Moments: “If I could tell stories, bridge the gap between the civilian community and the military, that would be ideal.” Amy Forsythe on choosing combat correspondence [00:12:26]“A page or two and a story about one Marine can make a big difference.” Amy Forsythe on honoring Gold Star families through Heroes Live Here [00:31:15]“Don’t take no for an answer. If you want something, go for it.” Amy Forsythe’s advice to women in and out of uniform [00:42:00]“Your message could be someone else’s lifeline.” Amy Forsythe on the power of sharing your story [00:46:13] Episode highlights: 00:01:59 - Meet Amy Forsythe and her 30-year military career00:03:50 - Growing up in Santa Rosa, California00:07:45 - Why Amy chose the Marine Corps00:11:47 - Becoming a combat correspondent00:13:33 - Guantanamo Bay and Amy’s first humanitarian mission00:15:13 - Deploying to Afghanistan after 9/1100:20:11 - Lessons that carried into Iraq and Afghanistan00:23:39 - Moving from the Marine Corps to the Navy00:24:15 - Becoming a Navy public affairs officer00:30:18 - The story behind Heroes Live Here00:35:17 - Launching MediaBridge.io00:37:33 - Volunteering and supporting the veteran community00:39:35 - Encouraging women veterans to speak, write, and share00:42:00 - Amy’s advice: be a resource and keep going00:46:03 - Why your message can be someone’s lifeline About Amy: Amy Forsythe is a Marine veteran, retired Navy Lieutenant Commander, award-winning journalist, author, and military storyteller. Over more than 30 years of service, she worked as a Marine combat correspondent and Navy public affairs officer, documenting humanitarian missions, combat operations, and global military work. She deployed to places including Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan, Iraq, Romania, Poland, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Amy is the author of Heroes Live Here, a tribute to the memorials and fallen Marines of Camp Pendleton, and the founder of MediaBridge.io, a platform built to connect trusted voices with media opportunities. Connect + Learn More Website: www.mediabridge.ioBook: Heroes Live Here www.heroeslivehere.netInstagram: http://instagram.com/amyforsythe760LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amyforsytheLinkTree: https://linktr.ee/AmyForsythe 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.

    48 min
  5. CIA Officer Rachel Cuda on Sexual Assault, Military Service, and Fighting for Accountability

    Jun 3

    CIA Officer Rachel Cuda on Sexual Assault, Military Service, and Fighting for Accountability

    Summary: What happens when your dream job becomes the place where you have to fight to be believed? In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Rachel Cuda, a former undercover CIA officer, military contractor, Navy SEAL daughter, and SEAL spouse. Rachel shares what it was like growing up in the military community, marrying back into the SEAL world, and stepping into her dream role at the CIA. After experiencing sexual assault at CIA headquarters, Rachel faced fear, pushback, and isolation from the system she had trusted. With support from her husband, family, coworkers, and legal team, she took her story to law enforcement and Congress. Her courage helped move major reform forward for survivors inside the intelligence community. In this episode, we cover: Rachel Cuda’s childhood as the daughter of a Navy SEALMeeting and marrying her husband, a Navy SEAL officerThe unseen sacrifices of military spousesAdvocating for her husband’s health during his SEAL careerRachel’s dream of serving at the CIAWhat CIA culture felt like as a womanThe sexual assault Rachel experienced at CIA headquartersReporting the assault and being told not to go outside the agencyGoing to law enforcement and CongressHer message to survivors: you did nothing wrong Notable Quotes & Moments: “There’s no way in which we get to an appropriate reasoning to strangle a woman in her workplace ever.” Rachel Cuda on the assault she experienced at CIA headquarters [00:23:49]“I do not feel safe.” Rachel Cuda on asking for basic protection after reporting the assault [00:32:44]“You do not quit that place. You hold every single last one of them accountable.” Rachel’s father encouraging her to keep fighting [00:36:09]“If not you, then who?” Rachel’s attorney before she briefed Congress [00:39:17]“I’m never out of the fight.” Rachel on the words she repeated to keep going [00:42:58]“There is no shame in this. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Rachel’s message to survivors [00:55:38] Episode highlights: 00:02:04 - Meet Rachel Cuda and her story of service, identity, and accountability00:03:21 - Growing up as the daughter of a Navy SEAL00:04:30 - Marrying a Navy SEAL and returning to the SEAL community00:07:09 - Life as a SEAL spouse while keeping her own identity00:11:38 - Advocating for her husband’s health during his SEAL career00:15:21 - Rachel’s path to her dream role at the CIA00:19:47 - The assault at CIA headquarters00:28:01 - Being told not to go to law enforcement00:37:47 - Taking the case to Congress and pushing for accountability00:48:29 - Retaliation, being fired, and continuing the fight for survivors About Rachel Cuda: Rachel Cuda is a former undercover CIA officer, current military contractor, Navy SEAL daughter, and SEAL spouse. Her life has been shaped by service, family, and a deep belief in doing what is right. After experiencing sexual assault at CIA headquarters, Rachel reported what happened, pushed back against institutional silence, and took her case to law enforcement and Congress. Her testimony helped drive major legislative reform for sexual assault reporting inside the intelligence community. Today, Rachel continues to speak for survivors and reminds them that they are not alone, they are not to blame, and their stories matter. Connect + Learn More Instagram: @rachel.cudaLinkedIn: Rachel CudaRAINN National Sexual Assault HotlineCall 800-656-HOPE (4673)Or chat online at rainn.org (24/7, confidential)Safe Helpline (for military service members)Call 877-995-5247Or visit safehelpline.org (24/7, confidential)National Domestic Violence HotlineCall 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788thehotline.org (24/7 support)Veterans Crisis LineDial 988, then press 1Or text 838255veteranscrisisline.net (24/7, confidential)Emergency: If you are in immediate danger, call 911 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.

    59 min
  6. Shelley Rood on the Wildflower Assessment, Women Veterans, and Serving Without Losing Yourself

    May 28

    Shelley Rood on the Wildflower Assessment, Women Veterans, and Serving Without Losing Yourself

    Summary: What happens when service becomes more than what you do and starts shaping who you are? In this heartfelt episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Shelley Rood, a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, speaker, and creator of the Wildflower Assessment. Shelley shares how 16 years of service, a painful discharge, faith, motherhood, and her love for women veterans led her to build a new way of helping others feel seen. Through her Others Over Self philosophy and the Wildflower Assessment, Shelley helps women veterans better understand their leadership style, communication needs, relationships, and personal growth. This conversation is full of honesty, friendship, purpose, and a powerful reminder that serving others should not mean losing your own spark. In this episode, we cover: Shelley Rood’s childhood and early drive for personal achievementHow 9/11 led Shelley toward military serviceHer 16 years as a U.S. Army Intelligence OfficerThe painful end of her military careerShelley’s desire to become a chaplainFaith, divorce, motherhood, and personal growthBuilding stronger friendships with women veteransThe origin of the Wildflower AssessmentHow the flower types help women understand themselvesWhy women veterans need more than red, white, and blue supportShelley’s role as keynote speaker for Women Veterans Engage Notable Quotes & Moments: “Do you need to be a soldier to serve the soldiers?” Shelley on the question that changed her path [00:13:02]“Please move me in the way that I’m supposed to move today.” Shelley on her daily grounding practice [00:15:10]“When you can learn the flowers of the other women, you can love the women more.” Shelley on the heart behind the Wildflower Assessment [00:31:06]“Femininity does not have to equal cutesy.” Shelley on helping women veterans define womanhood for themselves [00:40:05] Episode highlights: 00:02:03 - Shelley’s work in leadership, mental wellness, and purpose-driven living00:05:29 - How 9/11 shifted Shelley’s path into military service00:07:36 - Studying journalism, communications, and military science00:09:34 - Faith, divorce, and the desire to become a chaplain00:11:42 - Being honorably discharged by email00:12:43 - The moment Shelley realized she could still serve soldiers00:15:03 - Asking, “What am I supposed to do next?”00:18:26 - Learning to build better friendships with women veterans00:24:18 - The origin story of the Wildflower Assessment00:27:08 - How the eight flower types work00:30:00 - Tension pairings and understanding relationships00:37:37 - Shelley becoming the keynote speaker for Women Veterans Engage00:39:53 - Redefining femininity for women veterans About Shelly Rood: Shelley Rood is a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer who served for 16 years and rose to the rank of captain. She is the founder of Mission: Ambition LLC, the creator of the Others Over Self philosophy, and the creator of the Wildflower Assessment, a self-awareness and leadership tool built for women veterans. Shelley’s work focuses on purpose, mental wellness, leadership, connection, and helping women veterans better understand themselves and each other. She is also the keynote speaker for the National Women Veterans Engage Conference, where she will guide attendees through the Wildflower Assessment and help create deeper connection among women who have served. The conversation also explores the Wildflower Assessment, created by Shelly Rood as a tool to help individuals better understand their personality patterns, communication styles, leadership tendencies, strengths, and areas for growth. Shelly shares how the assessment was developed and why self-awareness is such an important part of both leadership and mental wellness. Shelly will also serve as the keynote speaker for the National Women Veterans ENGAGE Conference, where she will present the Wildflower Assessment experience for women veterans across the country. Others Over Self Official Website https://othersoverself.com Learn more: • The Wildflower Personality Assessment for Women Veterans https://othersoverself.com/business/the-wildflower-personality-assessment-for-women-veterans/ • Mission Wildflower by Shelly Rood (Substack) https://shellyrood.substack.com • Shelly Rood YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNb2c-diiJJBnkGfEa3Eybg • Hardcore and At Ease Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5pWcy4IAd94Zj6jHv4rdoM • Women Veterans ENGAGE Conference Keynote Announcement https://www.womenveteransalliance.com/announcing-our-keynote-speaker-for-women-veterans-engage/ • Women Veterans Alliance Facebook Announcement https://www.facebook.com/womenveteransalliance/posts/we-are-thrilled-to-welcome-shelly-rood-as-our-featured-guest-speaker-for-2026-wo/1284384977234619/ • Others Over Self Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/othersoverself/ • Shelly Rood Vimeo Channel https://vimeo.com/othersoverself 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.

    43 min
  7. How Art Helps Veterans Heal: Navy Veteran Phyllis Thomas on PTS, Creativity, and Veteran Community

    May 20

    How Art Helps Veterans Heal: Navy Veteran Phyllis Thomas on PTS, Creativity, and Veteran Community

    Summary: What if art is not optional, but one of the tools veterans need most to heal? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Navy veteran, artist, and Veteran Art Venue founder Phyllis Thomas to talk about creativity, service, healing, and purpose. Phyllis shares how her love for art began as a child in Watts, how her parents helped grow that gift, and how she carried it into her Navy career in illustration drafting. She explains why art can help veterans express what words cannot, lower stress, and build trust again. Through her Paint and Snack sessions, Phyllis has spent more than a decade helping veterans reconnect with themselves, each other, and their communities. In this episode, we cover: Phyllis Thomas’s childhood in Watts and discovering art early How her parents supported her creative gift Growing up during Vietnam, the Watts riots, and social change Why Phyllis chose to join the United States Navy Working in Navy illustration drafting and technical art Serving as a Black woman in uniform in the 1970s Using art to ease stress among active duty service members Why Phyllis believes everyone has an artist inside them Creating Veteran Art Venue and Paint and Snack sessions How art helps veterans express pain without needing words Paint on the Fence as a creative stress release Using art to connect veterans and civilians Phyllis’s Johnny Depp People’s Art Contest opportunity and her goal to support more veteran artists Notable Quotes & Moments: “There is an artist within everyone.” Phyllis Thomas on helping veterans believe in their own creativity [00:16:44] “Leave your self-critic and your self-doubt at the door.” Phyllis Thomas on the first step in her art sessions [00:27:00] “Words can trigger points.” Phyllis Thomas on why visual expression can feel safer for veterans [00:31:45] “Visual beyond words.” Phyllis Thomas on her motto and the power of art [00:33:01] “It’s not a luxury. It’s an essence of life building.” Phyllis Thomas on why art matters [00:42:21] Timestamps: 00:01:42 - Meet Navy veteran and artist Phyllis Thomas 00:03:54 - Phyllis’s childhood in Watts and the moment her parents saw her gift 00:07:37 - Growing up during Vietnam, funerals, and the Watts riots 00:09:53 - How Phyllis found her way into the military 00:14:04 - Navy illustration drafting and working with ship blueprints 00:18:21 - Being a Black woman in uniform in the early 1970s 00:20:01 - Defending herself and helping other women feel safer 00:24:10 - Leaving the Navy and continuing her education 00:26:30 - Creating Veteran Art Venue 00:28:00 - How Paint and Snack sessions work 00:31:32 - Why art is essential for veterans 00:33:14 - How “visual beyond words” came to life 00:34:26 - Paint on the Fence and creative stress release 00:37:46 - Johnny Depp’s People’s Art Contest and Phyllis’s mission 00:42:01 - Using art to bridge veterans and civilians 00:44:12 - Reveille and Retreat Project closing message About Phyllis Thomas: Phyllis Thomas is a United States Navy veteran, artist, founder of Veteran Art Venue, and longtime advocate for veteran healing through creative expression. Her work began in childhood in Watts and later became part of her military service through Navy illustration drafting. Today, Phyllis leads art-based programs like Paint and Snack, where veterans can relax, create, connect, and express what may be hard to say out loud. Her mission is to show that art is not extra. It is a powerful tool for emotional health, community, and hope. Connect and learn more: Website: https://meroegallery.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHYL4art/ Artist Profile: https://peoplesartist.org/phyllis-thomas--6HDi Magazine Feature: https://simplebooklet.com/avowmagazinewinter20222023 (pages 16–21) 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.

    45 min
  8. Navy Veteran Yuri Acuna on MST, Sisterhood, and Healing Through Rescue Dogs

    May 13

    Navy Veteran Yuri Acuna on MST, Sisterhood, and Healing Through Rescue Dogs

    Summary: What does it mean to rebuild your life after service leaves you with both pride and pain? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Navy veteran Yuri Acuna, whose story moves through family, military service, survival, healing, and purpose. Yuri shares what it was like growing up in a Mexican-American home shaped by love, culture, and the lasting impact of her father’s Vietnam service. She talks about joining the Navy, finding structure and respect, and then surviving military sexual trauma that changed the course of her life. This conversation is honest, emotional, and full of heart. Yuri reflects on therapy, peer support, women veteran sisterhood, and the power of being believed. She also shares how Dune Dog Adventures and The Tide and Heart Project are helping rescue dogs become support animals for women veterans and veteran families. In this episode, we cover: Growing up in a Mexican-American military family Why Yuri Acuna chose to join the Navy Finding structure, purpose, and respect through service Surviving military sexual trauma The emotional toll of reporting and being questioned Leaving the Navy after trauma and during the events of 9/11 How therapy and MST support groups helped Yuri heal The role of peer support and women veteran sisterhood Creating Dune Dog Adventures on the Oregon coast Building The Tide and Heart Project to support women veterans, families, and rescue dogs Notable Quotes & Moments: “No means no means no means no. It’s a full sentence.” Yuri Acuna on consent and standing her ground [00:20:00] “Did you say no? Then that’s it. Enough said.” Yuri Acuna remembering the words that helped her hold onto the truth [00:20:36] “I knew there had to be a way to show people that the process works.” Yuri Acuna on saying yes to peer support and healing work [00:27:46] “You’re going to make a woman feel so strong. You’re going to make her feel so safe.” Yuri Acuna speaking to Nikita, a rescue dog in training [00:36:11] Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to love, trauma, service, and the stories women carry 00:03:01 - Yuri Acuna’s childhood in a Mexican-American military family 00:05:29 - Growing up with a Vietnam veteran father and the impact of PTSD 00:09:04 - Why Yuri chose to join the Navy 00:11:00 - Finding respect, purpose, and pride in service 00:12:19 - Yuri shares why her Navy service ended after two years 00:13:51 - Reporting military sexual trauma and the investigation that followed 00:22:30 - Becoming a peer support specialist by accident 00:30:31 - Creating Dune Dog Adventures on the Oregon coast 00:34:22 - The mission behind The Tide and Heart Project About Yuri Acuna: Yuri Acuna is a Navy veteran, peer support advocate, dog lover, and founder of Dune Dog Adventures and The Tide and Heart Project. After surviving military sexual trauma, she found support through therapy, women veteran groups, and peer connection. Today, she uses her experience to help other women veterans and veteran families feel seen, safe, and supported. Her work on the Oregon coast brings together rescue dogs, trauma-informed care, outdoor healing, and community support. Connect and learn more: Facebook: Dune Dog AdventuresInstagram: @DuneDogAdventuresWebsite: www.dunedogadventures.com 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.

    46 min
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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
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Captain Kim
  • Show Website
    Dog Tag Diaries

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