The Silenced Voices of MST

Rachelle Smith

The Silenced Voices of MST podcast empowers MST survivors with resources, community, and better access to healing. Our mission is to break the silence surrounding Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and empower survivors to share their stories. This groundbreaking podcast sheds light on the untold experiences within our Armed Forces community, both among service members, veterans, and their loved ones. MST can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, rank, race, physical strength, or gender. Join us as we amplify the voices of survivors, raise awareness about MST, and spark crucial conversations for change. Our content includes MST survivor interviews, offering resources, and nurturing a community that truly understands trauma. Subscribe to our show, leave a review, and be part of a movement that creates a brighter future for all who have served. You are not alone. Together, we can make a difference. Visit: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com Social media: bio.site/silencedvoicesmst

  1. MAY 6

    How My Darkest Struggles Almost CONSUMED Me

    In Part 2, Lakeydra Houston, a US Air Force veteran, shares her profound journey through trauma, resilience, and advocacy. From her initial reluctance to join the military to facing multiple instances of sexual assault, Lakeydra's story is exemplar of the challenges many veterans face. She discusses the toxic culture within the military, the impact of alcohol, and the cycle of trauma that can ensue. However, through her struggles, Lakeydra found purpose in advocating for others, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and creating supportive communities. Her journey is one of pain, healing, empowerment. For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices Blog Post | Broken Systems, Broken Hearts: Lakeydra’s Fight for Her Life (Part 2). We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma or mental health struggles. The blog gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's contents, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps (also listed below). Takeaways - Military culture and peer pressure has lasting psychological effects. - Alcohol abuse normalization creates and insulates unsafe environments, especially for those unprepared or influenced by previous traumas. - MST survivors face systemic silencing and deep betrayal. - Personal grief and loss amplify the mental health crisis among service members. - Human trafficking within the military requires urgent investigation and accountability. -Advocacy, peer support, and community are critical tools for healing. Institutional reform and trauma-informed care are essential for true change. This episode contains a few references to news articles and books that are listed below: - KeyFit (https://www.keyfitllc.com/) - The Pink Berets (https://thepinkberets.org/) - The Turning Point (https://www.theturningpoint.org/) - Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives (https://www.thepowerofourstory.com/) - Boulder Crest (https://bouldercrest.org/) - 1 in 6 (https://1in6.org/) - Military One Source (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/all-the-ways/) Chapters 00:00 Cultural Shifts and New Deployments 02:13 Alcohol Culture in the Military 03:58 The Cycle of Trauma and Survival 04:29 MST and Betrayal 07:36 Confronting Systemic Issues in Military Culture 09:07 The Harsh Reality of Trafficking in Military Culture 10:48 Struggles with Empathy and Protection 11:06 The Impact of Devastating Personal Loss 16:06 The Journey to Healing and Therapy 17:57 Advocacy and Empowerment in the Military 24:06 Finding Grace and Support in Healing 24:59 Creating Unity and Empowerment through KeyFit 31:40 Introduction to Lakeydra’s Journey 31:52 Heroism and Outreach: Lakeydra’s Impact 32:19 Supporting the Podcast and Amplifying Voices 32:45 Looking Ahead: Future Conversations on MST 32:51 Next Week's Guest: Founder of the Gender Violence Institute Trigger Warning Timestamps 01:18 - 02:29 Alcohol abuse and toxic drinking culture 02:32 - 02:50 MST and military inaction 02:54 - 04:10 Peer pressure, bullying, isolation 04:23 - 05:39 SA, betrayal, victim blaming 05:42 - 06:18 Further assault, deepening trauma 06:25 - 07:23 Depression, reluctance to disclose 07:44 - 08:18 Human trafficking, leadership complicity 08:24 - 10:19 "Juicy Girls," survivor guilt 11:02 - 14:10 Sister’s death, harassment, self-harm, suicidal thoughts 17:34 - 18:39 Supporting another MST victim, starting advocacy 19:31 - 20:34 Survivor silencing, victim blaming 26:08 - 26:43 Transition out of service, overdose mention, ongoing healing More Resources: Need help processing or want to share your story? Join our supportive community on Facebook:

    33 min

  2. APR 30

    How MST Made Us Punchlines Instead of Protected

    Meet  Lakeydra Houston, an Air Force veteran who shares her powerful journey from trauma to resilience. Lakeydra discusses her decision to join the military as a means of starting over, her experiences in basic training, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. She opens up about the harassment and assault she encountered, her struggles with mental health, and the coping mechanisms she adopted, including alcohol. Throughout the conversation, Lakeydra emphasizes the importance of support and resilience in overcoming adversity, ultimately inspiring listeners to seek help and connect with others. For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices of MST blog | How to Destroy An Airman in 60 Days We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma and mental health struggles. The post gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's content, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps (also listed below). Takeaways Lakeydra joined the Air Force to start over after trauma that occurred in childhood.. Basic training was a significant challenge for her, but ultimately led to a newfound sense of accomplishment and confidence in herself.. She faced harassment and assault during her service immediately. Coping with alcohol, and hiding in partying with everyone else became a way to numb her pain. Mental health was not openly discussed in the military when she served. Deployment brought new gender-based challenges and experiences. Support from leadership made a difference in her journey. Seeking help and connecting with others is instrumental in traumatic situations. Lakeydra's story highlights the need for mental health awareness in the military.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lakeydra's Journey 03:01 Joining the Air Force: A New Beginning 05:46 Basic Training: Overcoming Challenges 12:09 Transitioning to Security Forces 16:19 Facing Sexual Assault in the Military 21:37 Coping Mechanisms: Alcohol and Trauma 27:13 Mental Health Struggles and Deployment 28:24 Navigating Mental Health Challenges in the Military 30:29 Experiences of Deployment and Sexual Assault 32:35 The Impact of Trauma on Relationships 34:21 Returning Home to Uncertainty 36:27 Struggles with Addiction and Domestic Issues 38:17 Support Systems and Command Response 40:30 Cultural...

    32 min
  3. Spotlight: The Next 22 Minutes Will Make You Think

    APR 22

    Spotlight: The Next 22 Minutes Will Make You Think

    It's not just silence — it’s all we have left of those who were never heard. Of those who wore the uniform and continued nursing invisible injuries. Of those who were told to move on before they were ever allowed to speak. Of those we’ve lost to invisible battles. This is for them. 22 minutes. No commentary. No music. Just space — for grief, for memory, for resolve to take better care of our current and future veterans.   Chapters 00:00 Understanding Sexual Assault Awareness Month 00:29 The Impact of Military Sexual Trauma 24:14 Closing Reflections and Community Support Resources:   Need help processing or want to share your story? Join our supportive community on Facebook:The Advocates of MST  ☎️ SA Support for the DoD Community, contact the DoD Safe Helpline:

    25 min
  4. The Best Advice I Can Give You About Surviving MST

    APR 15

    The Best Advice I Can Give You About Surviving MST

    Summary In this conversation, Misty shares her personal journey of coping with Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and the strategies she has developed for healing. She emphasizes the importance of community support, the role of positive coping mechanisms, and the need for emotional wellness. Misty offers advice for those currently facing harassment and encourages individuals to start their healing journey by seeking information and support. The discussion highlights the impact of trauma on mental and physical health and the significance of sharing stories to foster understanding and accountability. For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices Blog Post| The Best Advice I Can Give About Surviving MST (MSTy’s Story | Part 3) We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma or mental health struggles. The blog gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's contents, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps (also listed below). Resources Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Alan Singer   Takeaways Every marker matters in the healing journey. Books and pets can be powerful coping mechanisms. Gratitude and positivity are essential for mental health. Finding supportive communities is crucial for healing. It's important to prioritize emotional wellness. Trauma can have long-lasting physical effects. Starting the healing journey is possible with available resources. Support from loved ones can make a significant difference. Sharing experiences can help others feel seen and heard. Your voice can drive change and accountability.   Trigger Warning Timestamps (00:14 - 00:31) On-screen details of MST markers (01:26 - 01:33) Mentions of mental health conditions like diss...

    19 min
  5. A Playground for Predators: MSTy’s Story (Part 2)

    APR 8

    A Playground for Predators: MSTy’s Story (Part 2)

    In this conversation, MSTy explains the complexities of Military Sexual Trauma (MST), exploring her personal experiences with coping, education, and healing, the creation of a mapping initiative to document and share survivor stories, and the importance of raising awareness and accountability within the military community. MSTy shares her journey of healing, the challenges faced in navigating life after military service, and the significance of creating a platform for survivors to share their stories and experience. For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices Blog Post| If Victims Were Afraid Then, Predators Should Worry Now (MSTy’s Story | Part 2) We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma or mental health struggles. The blog gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's contents, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps.  Want to talk through your experience? Or support someone else in theirs? Join our private Facebook group: The Advocates of MST https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadvocatesofmst Don’t forget. This conversation matters. MSTy showed immense courage by telling her story. Please help us make sure her voice travels further: Leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts helps elevate the visibility of the show for more survivors suffering in isolation and pain. A simple review can change another person’s life forever.  Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Chapters 00:00 Introduction to MSTy's Map Initiative 02:53 MSTy's Personal Reflections on Trauma and Healing 06:09 Navigating Life After Military Service 08:47 The Impact of MST and the Need for Awareness 12:09 Creating the MST Map: A Collective Effort 14:59 The Power of Sharing Stories and Data 17:58 Challenges in Raising Awareness 21:01 The Importance of Accountability and Support Trigger Warning Timestamps 12:54 -  Mention of Vanessa Guillén 13:06 - Mentions of dissociation/mental health struggle 13:22 - Compensation and Pay Exam 13:45 - Mentions of Complex PTSD/mental health struggle 15:10...

    26 min

  6. MAR 26

    A Playground for Predators: MSTy's Story (Part 1)

    MST y shares her journey from a military upbringing to her experiences in the Marine Corps, illustrating the challenges she faced as a young woman in a male-dominated environment. She discusses the impact of harassment, the struggle for identity, and the long-term effects of her experiences on her life after service. Trigger Warning  timestamp 07:19 - 12:48:  SA details, freezing, victim blaming, self-blame, derogatory words towards women, predatory behavior by older men timestamp 20:41 - 26:20: harassment, dehumanization, explicit s*x acts, coercion, bribery, alcohol/drugging, lost memory, waking up alone, victim blaming Takeaways MSTy's military background was influenced by her family's service. She chose the Marine Corps to be different from her family. Boot camp was challenging but manageable at a young age. MSTy faced significant harassment and misogyny during her service. She felt dehumanized and labeled in the military environment. MSTy's experiences shaped her identity and resilience. She struggled with boundaries and advocating for herself in the military. MSTy's individuality often put her at odds with military culture. Her experiences have had lasting effects on her mental health. MSTy's journey reflects the broader challenges faced by women in the military.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Misty's Journey 03:04 Family Background and Military Influence 05:58 Joining the Marine Corps 08:47 Experiences at Boot Camp and Initial Duty Station 12:12 Challenges Faced as a Female Marine 15:03 Coping Mechanisms and Identity 18:01 Reflections on Individuality in the Military 21:32 Navigating Early Experiences in the Military 24:52 Confronting Trauma and Its Aftermath

    27 min
  7. What Happens When MEN Finally Speak Up About Assault? - Part 3

    MAR 13

    What Happens When MEN Finally Speak Up About Assault? - Part 3

    In Part 3, Brian discusses his experiences with meditation as a healing tool, the lessons he learned from his struggles, and the need for systemic change within the military culture. He emphasizes the importance of speaking out and finding support, encouraging others to share their stories and seek help. Click here to read the full episode summary. Click here to read the full episode summary. Please donate to help us continue sharing survivor stories and resources. Click here! Thank you!   Trigger warning: (07:30 - 11:00)   Mentions of Su*cidal ideations (07:30) Private First Class body found after attack (9:17) LT COL. Spy cam in dressing room News Story (10:03) Acronyms:  BCNR: Board for Corrections of Naval Records Resources: Visit Brian’s Website: 8Bmedia.com Read More: GQ Article on Male R_pe in the Military Need help processing or want to share your story? Join our supportive community on Facebook: The Advocates of MST National SA Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/ Michael Sealey’s Guided Meditations: YouTube Channel Cal Melkez’s Sleep Meditations: YouTube Channel If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1

    24 min
  8. What Happens When MEN Finally Speak Up About Assault? (Part 2)

    MAR 4

    What Happens When MEN Finally Speak Up About Assault? (Part 2)

    In Part 2, Brian shares what life was like after being dishonorably discharged from the Marine Corps and failing to receive any help because of his discharge. He discusses what it was like trying to cope with alcohol and promiscuity during college and then having his mental health fall apart while in a corporate role. His life changes when he stumbles across an article from GQ that told the stories of men who had the same experiences. To read an episode summary, visit: www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog/surviving-assault-secrets-the-stunning-repercussions-for-men-that-speak-up-96g2g  Please donate to help us continue sharing survivor stories and resources. Thank you! Trigger warning (3:35 - 25:37) in-depth article of male survivors of MST and their emotional pain and life struggles, trying to navigate the lengthy legal process and changing discharge status, having to explain discharge status to others/re-traumatization, mentions of drug use and misconduct resulting from MST, alcohol abuse, promiscuity, mental health struggles, flashbacks   Acronyms:  NVLSP: National Veterans Legal Service Providers NDRB: Naval Discharge Review Board BCNR: Board for Corrections of Naval Records Resources Brian’s Website – https://www.8Bmedia.com GQ Article: https://www.gq.com/story/male-rape-in-the-military Join The Advocates of MST Facebook Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/theadvocatesofmst If you are in crisis or need immediate support, contact the Veterans Crisis Line, Dial 988, then press 1

    28 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

The Silenced Voices of MST podcast empowers MST survivors with resources, community, and better access to healing. Our mission is to break the silence surrounding Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and empower survivors to share their stories. This groundbreaking podcast sheds light on the untold experiences within our Armed Forces community, both among service members, veterans, and their loved ones. MST can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, rank, race, physical strength, or gender. Join us as we amplify the voices of survivors, raise awareness about MST, and spark crucial conversations for change. Our content includes MST survivor interviews, offering resources, and nurturing a community that truly understands trauma. Subscribe to our show, leave a review, and be part of a movement that creates a brighter future for all who have served. You are not alone. Together, we can make a difference. Visit: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com Social media: bio.site/silencedvoicesmst

Information

  • Creator
    Rachelle Smith
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rachelle Smith 2025
  • Show Website
    The Silenced Voices of MST