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 lif...
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!
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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.
