Navy Public Affairs Officer Speaks Out

Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Navy Commander Theresa Carpenter—30-year public affairs veteran, Stories of Service podcast host, and advocate for military justice reform. Ten days post-retirement, she shares her journey from aviation electrician to PAO, disillusionment with leadership’s “say-do gap,” the Brett Crozier case, Bowe Bergdahl narrative control, and why she spoke out despite backlash. They explore ethical tensions in military communication, DEI’s impact on cohesion, and advice for active-duty PAOs afraid to speak.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:38 - Theresa’s Navy Career

00:04:57 - Brett Crozier Case

00:07:44 - Bowe Bergdahl Narrative

00:11:23 - Pentagon Press Pool

00:13:22 - Becoming a PAO

00:17:18 - Rumsfeld Armor Moment

00:19:59 - Bergdahl Viral Piece

00:23:15 - Betrayal & Trust

00:29:54 - Meeting on Social Media

00:36:46 - Life on Ships

00:44:49 - Retirement Reflections

00:56:54 - Advice to PAOs

You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going.

To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

#Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen