Have you ever wondered what it takes to be resilient in the face of gender bias and adversity? In this special “second tour” episode, Dog Tag Diaries spotlights Captain Kim’s journey, from the challenges of being a high-performing woman in the Army to the upheaval caused by sexual harassment and discrimination. Without giving away all the details, you’ll hear hints of support systems, the pursuit of justice, and the healing found through community and counseling.

It's an important opportunity to learn about military sexual trauma support, seeking VA counseling resources, or understanding how military women overcome obstacles, this episode is filled with hope, powerful truths, and advice for future female service members. Tune in for glimpses of courage and connection you won’t forget.

Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

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

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.

What does it take to transform trauma into purpose? This episode of Dog Tag Diaries features Marine veteran and musician Barbara Sim, who bravely shares glimpses of her journey from surviving war and assault, to finding self-forgiveness and healing. Hear about the “dark ages” she endured, the power of music, faith, and nature, and her inspiring mission to help fellow veterans through creativity and connection. Curious about the Lioness Program, or how hiking the Appalachian Trail and songwriting became lifelines? You’ll get a taste of Barbara’s resilience, her upcoming album "Sacred and Wild," and her advocacy for healing through neuroscience-informed practices.

Whether you’re a fan of inspirational military stories, women’s empowerment, or creative recovery, this episode offers powerful perspectives. Listen and see why every warrior’s voice matters—season six is building momentum, and you won’t want to miss Barbara’s courageous story.

Barbara Sim served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2005 to 2009 as a Landing Support Specialist, deploying to Iraq with the Lioness Program. After service, she began a long journey of healing through faith, music, and nature — from hiking the Appalachian Trail to touring the U.S. in her self-built van. Today, Barbara is a singer-songwriter, aspiring author, and advocate for veteran healing through creativity, neuroscience, and connection. She continues to share her story on stage and off, inspiring others to transform pain into purpose. After service, she began a journey of healing through faith, music, and nature—from hiking the Appalachian Trail to touring the U.S. in her self-built van. Today, Barbara is a Country, Americana, and Folk singer-songwriter, with Celtic undertones aspiring author, and advocate for veteran healing through creativity, neuroscience, and connection. Her songs carry joy with a little dirt, truth with a little sparkle—hooks you can sing along to and stories that make your heart breathe easier. She writes from a place of peace, love, and play, reminding listeners they were never broken in the first place. Barbara continues to share her story on stage and off, inspiring others to transform pain into purpose.

Connect with Barbara:

Instagram: @barbarasimmusic

Website: www.thebarbarasim.com

Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

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:

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a woman serving in a war zone—and what battles rage on back home? This episode of Dog Tag Diaries brings you Melissa Kilgore’s powerful journey through military life, combat in Iraq, and the hidden challenges of military sexual trauma and family separation. Melissa reveals the costs of resilience, sharing how she rebuilt herself through creativity and art after surviving deep loss and disappointment. From strict military roots to grappling with transition and mental health, Melissa’s story sheds light on the realities female veterans face.

If you’re searching for authentic stories of survival, healing, and hope—or if you want to learn more about veterans’ mental health, creative therapy, and military family dynamics—tune in for a look at the human side of service that rarely makes headlines.

Melissa Kilgore was born in Spokane, Washington, and spent much of her childhood in Europe as an Air Force brat. A single mother of three by age 24, she worked multiple jobs—including with American Airlines—while pursuing her education. At 31, she joined the U.S. Army, later earning a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with honors and a second degree in Art Practices.

Now based in Portland, Melissa continues to seek meaningful and challenging work while pursuing her passion to become a full-time artist.

Connect with Melissa:

Instagram - @mlk_studio_us

Website - www.mlkstudio.us

Read her writing - A Woman Turning 55

Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

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

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.