Summary:

What makes a 16-year-old decide, within 24 hours of 9/11, to dedicate her life to serving her country? In this powerful Season 7 episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Cait Conley shares her journey from a working-class childhood in New York’s Hudson Valley to West Point, six combat deployments, and senior national security roles at the White House and Department of Homeland Security. Cait opens up about leading counterterrorism missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen, supporting soldiers through the mental toll of war, and protecting U.S. elections and critical infrastructure. Now running for Congress in New York’s 17th District, she explains why this is her second call to serve. This conversation is about grit, leadership, love of country, and choosing service again and again.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Cait’s childhood in the Hudson Valley and early lessons in leadership
2. The impact of 9/11 and her decision to attend West Point
3. Serving 16 years in uniform with six deployments
4. Leading counterterrorism and protecting civilians in combat zones
5. Her role at the White House and in national security
6. Why is she running for Congress in 2026
7. The launch of the “Hellcats,” four women veterans running for office
8. Advice for women considering military service today

Notable Quotes & Moments:

1. “This was my second call to serve.” – On deciding to run for Congress [00:24:43]
2. “You don’t serve a person or a party. You serve the Constitution.” [00:34:08]
3. “Less excuses, more results.” – On leadership in Washington [00:29:59]
4. "Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong or that you aren’t tough enough. You are. Where there’s a will, there’s a way." – Her advice for women thinking about joining the military [00:33:21]

Timestamps:

1. 00:01:06 – 9/11 and her decision to serve
2. 00:08:12 – Life as a military police officer and first responder
3. 00:14:38 – Combat deployments and counterterrorism missions
4. 00:21:03 – White House and national security leadership
5. 00:23:21 – Why she’s running for Congress
6. 00:25:02 – The Hellcats and women veterans running in 2026
7. 00:33:36 – Advice for the next generation of women in uniform

Connect with...

Summary:

Melissa Washington returns to Dog Tag Diaries for a powerful refresher conversation that blends reflection with real-world strategy. Since her first appearance in Episode 9, her organizations have grown into nationally recognized platforms supporting women veteran entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers.

In this episode, Melissa shares how Women Veterans Alliance has evolved, why Women Veterans Giving was created, and what she has learned about building sustainable nonprofit and business ecosystems. We also reflect on the Melissa Washington Small Business Award, our shared experience at the Veterans in Business Network National Conference, and the importance of intentional collaboration.

This conversation is for women veterans who are thinking long term but building in real time.

In this episode, we cover:

1. The evolution of Women Veterans Alliance since Season 1
2. Why women veteran entrepreneurs need both community and infrastructure
3. The purpose and impact of the Melissa Washington Small Business Award
4. Key takeaways from the Veterans in Business Network National Conference
5. New collaborations and ventures Melissa is developing
6. Practical lessons for women veterans building businesses and nonprofits now

Notable Quotes & Moments:

1. “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” – Melissa on taking risks and starting before you feel ready [00:13:42]
2. “I was flying the plane and building it at the same time.” – On launching without a business plan [00:11:02]
3. “If I can kick in the door for others, that’s what I’m going to keep doing.” – Melissa on legacy and leadership [00:28:52]
4. “Do it, sister. Do it.” – Her advice to women sitting on an idea [00:43:51]

Timestamps:

1. 00:03:28 – How Women Veterans Alliance started
2. 00:06:18 – When growth required structure
3. 00:14:42 – Inside the Women Veterans Alliance website and resources
4. 00:21:33 – Women Veterans Engaged Conference explained
5. 00:30:25 – The Melissa Washington Small Business Award
6. 00:36:30 – The power of funding and community support
7. 00:42:14 – Advice for women building something new

Connect with Melissa:

Women Veterans Alliance: https://www.womenveteransalliance.com

Women Veterans Giving:...

Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly Mitchell, a resilient veteran and transformational leader whose journey spans military service, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and personal healing. Kimberly opens up about growing up in a single-parent household with four siblings, navigating loss at a young age, and discovering her strength and curiosity early in life.

She shares how joining the Air Force expanded her worldview, took her around the globe, and shaped her leadership philosophy—especially as the only woman in her Vehicle Maintenance training class. Her military experience laid the foundation for a successful career in training and development, eventually leading her to create the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation System after facing her own mental health challenges.

This conversation explores resilience, identity, mental health, and the power of joy as a transformative force.

Key Topics:

1. Kimberly’s childhood, curiosity, and resilience after the loss of her father
2. What motivated her to enlist in the Air Force and later serve in the NY Army Guard
3. Her experience as the only woman in her Vehicle Maintenance training class
4. Deployments to Norway, Germany, and Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield/Desert Storm
5. How military structure and leadership principles shaped her career
6. Transition to civilian life and her path into training, leadership development, and entrepreneurship
7. Her mental health journey and the spark that led to developing the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation System
8. The importance of joy, self-sufficiency, and community in personal transformation
9. Advice for women joining or currently serving in the military

Notable Quotes & Moments:

1. “Join! You can do more than you think. Being the only woman in my unit at times was challenging, but it taught me so much about my own strength.” - Kimberly Mitchell on highlighting her strength and determination in a male-dominated space [00:20:00]
2. “You’re on this airport walkway and it feels like you can’t get off… but you can.” – Kimberly on the feeling many women face between ages 40–60 [00:37:00]
3. “Your beliefs are just thoughts you’ve been thinking over and over again. If you don’t like your life, start by changing those thoughts.” – Kimberly on building the Journey to Joy system [00:38:15]
4. “We are our own greatest resource. Once you look within, you will find all the answers you need.” – Kimberly’s message to women entering or leaving the military [00:45:12]

Timestamps:

1. 00:01:08 – Kimberly Mitchell’s early life in Rochester, NY
2. 00:01:20 – Losing her father at age 16 and how it shaped her

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:

1. How Dog Tag Diaries and the nonprofit began (00:01:06)
2. Building community for military women (00:02:57)
3. Facing fear and imposter syndrome (00:05:05)
4. Honoring limits and preventing burnout (00:10:16)
5. Big dreams: networks, studios, and growth (00:17:04)
6. The first retreat and bonding experience (00:19:02)
7. Upcoming 2026 retreats and new programs (00:26:25)
8. Firearm safety and suicide prevention efforts (00:28:31)
9. Creating lifelong community after retreats (00:32:24)

Notable Quotes & Moments:

1. “We struggled in the beginning to get the courage to pursue this passion.” – Dakota on starting the mission (00:05:26)
2. “The fear of being judged for my story was paralyzing.” – Kimberly on sharing her truth (00:07:50)
3. “What we are doing is necessary. Our stories need to be told.” – Kimberly on purpose (00:09:38)
4. “Come as you are. You are accepted.” – Dakota on retreat culture (00:31:55)
5. “Healing begins when we finally say it out loud.” – Kimberly (00:38:50)

Timestamps:

1. 00:01:06 – Pain, hope, and the founding story
2. 00:02:57 – Creating a safe space for women
3. 00:05:05 – Fear and imposter syndrome
4. 00:07:41 – Sharing personal stories
5. 00:10:16 – Stepping back and honoring limits
6. 00:14:15 – Self-care and emotional release
7. 00:17:04 – Future goals for the podcast
8. 00:19:02 – First retreat in Bend, Oregon
9. 00:21:12 – Bungee...

Summary:

This is another inspiring episode of Dog Tag Diaries Season Seven, where host Captain Kim welcomes Marine officer, mother, and advocate Dr. Jessica Bradley, LtCol, USMC (Retired). Jessica shares her remarkable journey from a small-town Oregon girl inspired by a Vietnam War documentary to becoming one of the first women in her unit to serve in combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). She opens up candidly about the challenges of navigating military life as a woman and a mother of a special needs child, breaking gender barriers in the Marines, and leading transformational initiatives like the Secretary of Defense's Women in Service Review Task Force. This episode highlights the intersection of courage, faith, and leadership, encouraging military women to bring their full authentic selves into service and to stay rooted in their calling.

Key Topics:

• Jessica’s early life and inspiration to serve (00:05:29)
• Women’s experience in Marine Corps Boot Camp and leadership lessons (00:09:04)
• Transitioning between enlisted Marine and commissioned officer roles (00:14:02)
• Facing gender discrimination early and later in her career (00:17:20, 00:18:39)
• The importance of faith as a source of strength and guidance (00:20:42)
• Deploying as a single mom and leading in combat during OEF/OIF (00:23:09)
• Family challenges, supporting a child with juvenile diabetes, and military family resources (00:27:42)
• Serving in the Wounded Warrior Regiment and helping wounded Marines transition home (00:30:49)
• Role in repealing the combat exclusion policy and impacting women’s military roles (00:36:23)
• Advice for the next generation of women in uniform (00:42:19)

Notable Quotes & Moments:

• “I can be feminine. I can be my authentic self and be hardcore at the same time.” – Jessica Bradley on leadership and identity [00:11:12]
• “You are a Marine just like them. I was able to compete, lead, and serve.” – Jessica on overcoming gender barriers [00:18:08]
• “Stay the course. Bring all of you into your leadership role… Don’t lose sight of who you are in the midst of serving.” – Jessica’s message to future women in uniform [00:42:19]

Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction to Dog Tag Diaries & Season Seven theme
• 00:01:16 – Introduction of guest Jessica Bradley
• 00:05:29 – Jessica’s childhood & early inspiration to join the military
• 00:09:04 – Experience at Marine Corps Boot Camp and college ROTC
• 00:14:02 – Transition from enlisted Marine to officer role
• 00:18:39 – Facing gender discrimination as a junior officer and later as a mother
• 00:23:09 – Deployment during OEF/OIF and leadership in combat
• 00:27:42 – Balancing military career with family challenges and special needs parenting
• 00:30:49 – Work in Wounded Warrior Regiment and veteran reintegration support
• 00:36:23 – Involvement in Women in Service Review Task Force and repealing combat exclusion
• 00:42:19 – Closing advice to the next generation of women in uniform
• 00:44:08 – Closing remarks

Dr. Jessica Bradley served in the U.S. Marine Corps as both an enlisted Marine and an officer, ultimately retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than two decades that spanned three MEFs, deployments to OEF/OIF, and leadership roles including Operations Officer at Wounded Warrior Regiment and policy work on the SecDef’s Women in Service Restrictions Review. Her service shaped a leadership style grounded in faith, fitness, and calm strength, and she later completed a doctorate using the Post‑9/11 GI Bill; today, she continues serving veterans as the ODVA Women Veterans Statewide Coordinator.

Kim...

Get ready for a second tour of Dog Tag Diaries episode featuring Dani Shine, a Desert Storm Army veteran, retired RN, and author of “The Weight of Hidden Wounds.” In this moving conversation, you’ll hear teasers about her remarkable journey through military service, overcoming the weight—physically and emotionally—of trauma, and the challenges women face in the armed forces. From surviving combat and sexual assault to tackling PTSD and life after the uniform, Dani Shine shares flashes of her story with wit and raw honesty.

If you’re searching for true stories about military sexual trauma, female combat veterans, resilience, healing, and PTSD recovery, this episode is made for you. Don’t miss the moments where hope is found in the unlikeliest places, and healing begins—sometimes with chickens, Jazzercise, and a little dirt under your fingernails.

Dani Shine is a proud mom of three and grandmother of two. Her story has been featured in the Bend Bulletin, KTVZ, and Central Oregon Daily. She’s passionate about mental health advocacy and often speaks to schools and veterans' groups to break stigma around trauma and promote healing. Off stage, you might find her camping, doing Jazzercise, or celebrating her anniversary with the man she adores (on Flag Day, no less).

💬 Quote from Dani:

“We don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. Healing is messy, but it’s ours.”

Connect with Dani:

📱 TikTok: @dani.shine4

📘 Facebook: ddshine2868

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.