How You Trade Combat Boots for Chicken Coops: Life After Military Trauma

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.

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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.