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. Military Sexual Trauma in Korea’s Drinking Culture and Trafficking: Lakeydra Houston (Part 2) | The Silenced Voices of MST with Rachelle Smith

    5月6日

    Military Sexual Trauma in Korea’s Drinking Culture and Trafficking: Lakeydra Houston (Part 2) | The Silenced Voices of MST with Rachelle Smith

    Rachelle Smith speaks with U.S. Air Force veteran Lakeydra Houston about her experience of Military Sexual Trauma while stationed in Korea. She explains how the culture of heavy drinking and peer pressure made service members vulnerable, how trafficking operated inside the ranks, and how systemic betrayal deepened her trauma. Despite these challenges, Lakeydra has become an advocate for survivors and reform. This episode points out the intersection of Military Sexual Trauma, alcohol culture in Korea, trafficking within the Air Force, and the enduring fight for survivor justice. Lakeydra’s experience is a rallying call to action. Her story exposes institutional betrayal, the hidden crisis of trafficking, and the devastating effects of unaddressed complex traumas. But take this to heart. Her story is an example of the almost miraculous healing power of support and community. Lakeydra’s journey reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is still a dawn.   Resources from this episode: KeyFit The Pink Berets The Turning Point Full Episode Notes & Full Resource List Here: Read the trauma-informed summary, chapter breakdowns, and complete resource list on our blog: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog/military-sexual-trauma-lakeydra-houston-part2  Support and Community: Veterans Crisis line: Dial 988, the press 1 DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadvocatesofmst

    33 分钟
  2. The Best Advice I Can Give for Surviving Military Sexual Trauma (Misty’s Story | Part 3)

    4月15日

    The Best Advice I Can Give for Surviving Military Sexual Trauma (Misty’s Story | Part 3)

    Summary In this episode, Misty shares her personal journey of surviving Military Sexual Trauma. She describes how reading, pets, and uplifting resources became lifelines during years when she had no support . Misty reflects on the value of gratitude, positivity, and small daily practices that helped her endure panic attacks, dissociation, and isolation. She also offers direct advice for service members currently facing harassment and for veterans beginning their healing later in life. Her story makes clear that there is a long-term physical and emotional toll of unresolved trauma and the importance of prioritizing emotional wellness and community support as soon as possible. Misty’s advice is a real-life example of how connection is central to healing from Military Sexual Trauma. Small, simple acts can build a sense of belonging. Finding people who understand MST is not only possible but essential for recovery. The pain of isolation can turn into discovering a community, giving strength and bonds that help survivors move toward lasting healing.   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   Trigger Warning Timestamps (00:14 - 00:31) On-screen details of MST markers (01:26 - 01:33) Mentions of mental health conditions like dissociation and panic attacks (11:25 - 14:22) Discussion of long-term physical toll, regrets about not being emotionally present Resources Join our supportive community on Facebook: The Advocates of MST DoD Safe Helpline:

    19 分钟
  3. Military Accountability and Predator Tracking: Misty’s Story of Military Sexual Trauma (Part 2)

    4月8日

    Military Accountability and Predator Tracking: Misty’s Story of Military Sexual Trauma (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 分钟
  4. 3月26日

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

    3月4日

    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 分钟
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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