Dog Tag Diaries

From Service to Self-Discovery: The Journey to Joy with Kimberly Mitchell

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:Kimberly’s childhood, curiosity, and resilience after the loss of her fatherWhat motivated her to enlist in the Air Force and later serve in the NY Army GuardHer experience as the only woman in her Vehicle Maintenance training classDeployments to Norway, Germany, and Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield/Desert StormHow military structure and leadership principles shaped her careerTransition to civilian life and her path into training, leadership development, and entrepreneurshipHer mental health journey and the spark that led to developing the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation SystemThe importance of joy, self-sufficiency, and community in personal transformationAdvice for women joining or currently serving in the militaryNotable Quotes & Moments:“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]“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]“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]“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:00:01:08 – Kimberly Mitchell’s early life in Rochester, NY00:01:20 – Losing her father at age 16 and how it shaped her00:03:00 – Being the only woman in her vehicle maintenance tech school00:04:00 – Overcoming doubts and outscoring her male classmates00:06:00 – Early military life, being stationed with no other women00:07:55 – Deployment during Desert Shield & Desert Storm00:10:54 – Returning home and the challenges of reintegration00:13:00 – Struggles with identity, depression, and personal discipline00:15:40 – How her military training influenced her corporate career00:17:00 – The turning point: realizing no program could “fix” her00:18:30 – Creating the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation System00:21:00 – The power of belief, daily action, and personal accountability00:23:35 – Using neuroplasticity and breaking mental habits00:26:00 – Building the program for women 40–60 ready to reset00:28:45 – Kimberly’s advice to military women in transition00:29:18 – Closing reflections and where to find Journey to JoyConnect with Kim:Website: https://kimm.co/Journey to Joy: http://www.youjourneytojoy.com/Kimberly Mitchell is a veteran, mental health advocate, speaker, and transformational leader committed to empowering individuals and small businesses. She grew up in a tight-knit neighborhood where independence was essential and excelled academically, earning awards including the Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship Medal. After losing her father at 16, she turned hardship into motivation and enlisted in the Air Force. As the only woman in her Vehicle Maintenance training class, she earned the highest test scores and later served during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, achieving the rank of E-4 Sergeant.After transitioning to civilian life, Kimberly built a successful career in training and leadership development, supporting major projects such as the 2010 Census digital transition and the Rochester Schools Modernization Program. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to several business ventures and the creation of a thriving six-figure training business.Her own mental health journey inspired her to develop the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation System, helping others break free from limiting beliefs and step into their power. Kimberly is a founding member of the Greater Rochester Black Business Alliance and serves on the board of ROCEDC. Her mission is to inspire transformation through joy, empowerment, and self-sufficiency.Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou 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.

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:How Dog Tag Diaries and the nonprofit began (00:01:06)Building community for military women (00:02:57)Facing fear and imposter syndrome (00:05:05)Honoring limits and preventing burnout (00:10:16)Big dreams: networks, studios, and growth (00:17:04)The first retreat and bonding experience (00:19:02)Upcoming 2026 retreats and new programs (00:26:25)Firearm safety and suicide prevention efforts (00:28:31)Creating lifelong community after retreats (00:32:24)Notable Quotes & Moments:“We struggled in the beginning to get the courage to pursue this passion.” – Dakota on starting the mission (00:05:26)“The fear of being judged for my story was paralyzing.” – Kimberly on sharing her truth (00:07:50)“What we are doing is necessary. Our stories need to be told.” – Kimberly on purpose (00:09:38)“Come as you are. You are accepted.” – Dakota on retreat culture (00:31:55)“Healing begins when we finally say it out loud.” – Kimberly (00:38:50)Timestamps:00:01:06 – Pain, hope, and the founding story00:02:57 – Creating a safe space for women00:05:05 – Fear and imposter syndrome00:07:41 – Sharing personal stories00:10:16 – Stepping back and honoring limits00:14:15 – Self-care and emotional release00:17:04 – Future goals for the podcast00:19:02 – First retreat in Bend, Oregon00:21:12 – Bungee jump bonding experience00:26:25 – 2026 retreat lineup00:28:31 – Firearm safety and mental health00:32:24 – Long-term community impact00:36:08 – Holiday wishes and self-care00:39:53 – Closing messageAbout 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.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

Breaking Barriers & Leading with Faith: The Story of Marine Officer Jessica Bradley

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 theme00:01:16 – Introduction of guest Jessica Bradley00:05:29 – Jessica’s childhood & early inspiration to join the military00:09:04 – Experience at Marine Corps Boot Camp and college ROTC00:14:02 – Transition from enlisted Marine to officer role00:18:39 – Facing gender discrimination as a junior officer and later as a mother00:23:09 – Deployment during OEF/OIF and leadership in combat00:27:42 – Balancing military career with family challenges and special needs parenting00:30:49 – Work in Wounded Warrior Regiment and veteran reintegration support00:36:23 – Involvement in Women in Service Review Task Force and repealing combat exclusion00:42:19 – Closing advice to the next generation of women in uniform00:44:08 – Closing remarksDr. 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 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.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou aren’t alone.If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact theVeteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

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: ddshine2868Kim 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.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou 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.

First Military Erasure, Now Empowerment: A Long Path to Healing and Advocacy

Ever wonder what happens when trauma meets resilience—on both the battlefield and back home? Dog Tag Diaries brings you a special second tour episode with Didi Meindok, Navy veteran, attorney, and medical scientist. Hear about the struggles women face during military service, from being “erased by paperwork” to facing unimaginable challenges like military sexual trauma and moral injury. This episode is packed with stories of identity, recovery, and the power of community care. If you’re seeking inspiration, support, or validation in your own journey, this raw and unapologetic conversation will remind you: you are not alone.Didi Meindok is a U.S. Navy veteran of Operation Desert Storm, an attorney, and a trained medical scientist. Known as the FilaEstonian, she comes from a long line of seafarers and believes in the importance of truth, justice, and integrity in service. Her first PTSD treatment took place at the same hospital where One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was filmed—a symbolic start to a lifelong healing journey.📲 Connect with Didi:LinkedIn - Dorothy Dagmar Meindok, JDFacebook - Dorothy MeindokTo contact Didi, email: dorothy@meindoklaw.onmicrosoft.comKim 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.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou 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.