In this episode of The Women in the Arena Podcast, Sarah sits down with Haley Marie McClain Hill, Air Force Veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, 2x NFL Cheerleader, and founder of Torch Warrior Wear, the first-ever bodysuit built for women warriors. Haley shares the story behind creating her groundbreaking brand, how she secured major wins like a Shark Tank Season 15 deal, the 2022 Veteran Shark Tank $50K grant, and what it truly takes to build a business from the ground up. Together, we explore the realities of entrepreneurship and scaling, along with the ever-evolving landscape of retail, e-commerce, and the veteran support network. Her passion for helping others build brands, win pitch competitions, and step confidently into big dreams makes this conversation both inspiring and deeply practical for anyone ready to pursue their next big leap.

In this special episode of The Women in the Arena Podcast, we welcome our first-ever male guest, Jody Fletcher, a Special Operations Navy veteran and executive coach with over three decades of leadership and coaching experience spanning both the military and corporate worlds. From advising general officers to coaching C-suite executives and small business owners, Jody brings deep insight into leadership, culture, and human behavior. An ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Authentic Leadership Coach (CALC), and CALC Faculty Instructor, he has helped countless individuals and organizations strengthen communication, resilience, and emotional intelligence. During our conversation, we dive into common challenges Jody encounters in his coaching practice- like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and communication dysfunction, unpacking not only how to identify these patterns but also practical ways to overcome them in both organizational and personal contexts. This episode offers an honest and actionable look at what true leadership requires, and how self-awareness and trust form the foundation for any strong team or culture.

In this special collaboration, The Women in the Arena Podcast presents Sam & Sarah: Laced Up and Ready, a new series where Sarah Scully and Samantha Sliney dive deep into the issues shaping today’s veteran and military family community.

Sarah, an Army veteran and founder of The Women in the Arena Podcast, brings a grounded, community-focused perspective on leadership, service, and life after the military.

Sam, an attorney, Air Force veteran, current Air National Guard officer, and military spouse, works at the intersection of law, policy, and advocacy in the Department of Defense–State Liaison Office. Her mission is to advance policies that strengthen military families and promote gender equality.

Together, Sarah and Sam explore critical topics affecting service members, veterans, and their families, breaking down what’s happening, why it matters, and what can be done about it.

These episodes bring facts, the hosts’ informed opinions, and compelling calls to action, sparking conversations that move the community forward.

In this episode, Sam and Sarah unpack recent actions by the Secretary of Defense, including the elimination of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) - a decision that has raised serious questions about representation, accountability, and the future of gender equity within the Department of Defense.

They explore what DACOWITS accomplished throughout its decades-long history, why its dissolution matters, and how it may affect ongoing efforts to ensure equal opportunity for those in uniform.

The conversation also takes a closer look at the language currently shaping discussions around gender, standards, and service, and why certain narratives can become dangerous when they shift from dialogue to division. Sam and Sarah discuss the broader implications of these shifts, not as a critique of any one leader or administration, but as an open, informed conversation about impact, perspective, and the need for balance in shaping future defense policy.

Ultimately, this episode brings together facts, the hosts’ perspectives, and compelling calls to action, encouraging listeners to stay engaged, informed, and ready to advocate for a stronger, more inclusive military community.