From Fear to Fire: How Two Military Women Built a Podcast Movement and Healing Retreats

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 jump bonding experience
10. 00:26:25 – 2026 retreat lineup
11. 00:28:31 – Firearm safety and mental health
12. 00:32:24 – Long-term community impact
13. 00:36:08 – Holiday wishes and self-care
14. 00:39:53 – Closing message

About the Hosts:

Captain Kimberly is the founder and host of Dog Tag Diaries and co-founder of Reveille and Retreat Project. A veteran and advocate for women’s mental health, she has dedicated her life to creating spaces where military women can heal, grow, and share their stories without fear.

Captain Dakota is a co-founder of Dog Tag Diaries and Reveille and Retreat Project. A National Guard member and counselor, she supports veterans through mental health services and holistic care. Her work centers on helping women honor their limits while staying connected to their purpose.

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