How Two Military Women Built a Podcast Movement and Healing Retreats

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 story * 00:02:57 – Creating a safe space for women * 00:05:05 – Fear and imposter syndrome * 00:07:41 – Sharing personal stories * 00:10:16 – Stepping back and honoring limits * 00:14:15 – Self-care and emotional release * 00:17:04 – Future goals for the podcast * 00:19:02 – First retreat in Bend, Oregon * 00:21:12 – Bungee jump bonding experience * 00:26:25 – 2026 retreat lineup * 00:28:31 – Firearm safety and mental health * 00:32:24 – Long-term community impact * 00:36:08 – Holiday wishes and self-care * 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 [https://reveilleandretreatproject.org/] Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject [https://www.instagram.com/reveilleandretreatproject] Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088145736131]

Air Force Veteran Behati Hart on Survival, Neurodivergence, Unmasking, and Learning to Just Be

Summary: What happens when the life you built to survive no longer fits the woman you are becoming? In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Air Force veteran, author, intuitive guide, artist, and life architect Behati Hart. Behati shares her journey from growing up on the South Side of Chicago in a strict and chaotic home, to joining the Air Force for freedom and stability. She opens up about being a creative, multicultural, neurodivergent woman in systems that often felt too small for her spirit. Through her memoir, Just Be: Unmasking and Becoming Human Again, Behati talks about anxiety, ADHD, body wisdom, spiritual awakening, identity loss, and the brave choice to stop performing. Her story reminds women veterans that survival is not the end. Coming home to yourself matters too. In this episode, we cover: * Behati Hart’s childhood on the South Side of Chicago * Using dance and laughter as early forms of healing * Joining the Air Force out of necessity * Adjusting to military structure after a restrictive childhood * Serving as a creative woman in uniform * Speaking up about integrity and unfair treatment * Anxiety, ADHD, neurodivergence, and body signals * The story behind Just Be * Identity loss, ego death, and spiritual awakening * Behati's free five-week identity reclamation experience Notable Quotes & Moments: * “The math wasn’t mathing.” Behati Hart on realizing the military was not the freedom she expected [00:07:16] * “I know who I am now.” Behati on choosing not to work under people who try to define her [00:14:48] * “I will never lose myself again, never.” Behati on reclaiming her identity [00:43:50] Episode highlights: * 00:01:25 - Meet Behati Hart, Air Force veteran and author of Just Be * 00:03:07 - Behati's childhood, culture, dance, and laughter * 00:05:43 - Joining the Air Force for survival, freedom, and stability * 00:06:43 - Moving from a strict home into a strict military system * 00:09:23 - Serving as a woman and speaking up about integrity * 00:15:14 - Anxiety, ADHD, body signals, and nervous system healing * 00:24:20 - How Just Be came to life * 00:25:57 - Behati's spiritual awakening and call to tell her story * 00:36:39 - Behati's free five-week identity reclamation experience * 00:44:25 - Why women veterans need spaces like Dog Tag Diaries About Behati: Behati Hart is an Air Force veteran, Life Architect, author, and multimedia artist who believes the most revolutionary act a person can commit is giving themselves permission to just be. She served in the U.S. Air Force from 1993 to 2003, joining out of survival and necessity, and learning early how to navigate systems not designed for women, people of color, or neurodivergent thinkers. Following three decades of public service across military, federal, state, and local government, Behati stepped away from institutional systems to reclaim her creativity, intuition, and humanity. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Behavior and is certified through the Association for Coaching, with training in neuroscience, AI, and design thinking. Behati is the creator of The BETi Method™, a framework that helps people unmask, reprogram limiting beliefs, and redesign life from the inside out. She is the author of Just BE: Unmasking and Becoming Human Againand lives in Chicago with her husband, two daughters, and a house full of plants. Connect with Behati Hart: Website: https://behatihart.com [https://behatihart.com/] Book: Just BE: Unmasking and Becoming Human Again https://a.co/d/gnIZSMA [https://a.co/d/gnIZSMA] Social Media: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Facebook @BehatiHart There is still room at the table for Just BE: Unmasking Experience Hosted by Veteran, Author and Life Architect, Behati Hart Sundays at 6PM CST - May 31 - June 28 Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org [https://reveilleandretreatproject.org/] Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject [https://www.instagram.com/reveilleandretreatproject] Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088145736131] 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 [https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/], or text 838255.

The Tactical Pause: Army Veteran Felicia Hammond on Survival Mode, Motherhood, and Healing After Service

Summary: What happens when the strength that helped you survive starts keeping you from truly living? In this heartfelt episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Army veteran, author, and women’s healing mentor Felicia Hammond. Felicia shares her powerful journey from growing up in Liberia as a firstborn daughter with adult responsibilities, to homelessness in the U.S., military service, motherhood, divorce, and learning how to slow down after years of living on high alert. Through her memoir, The Tactical Pause, Felicia opens up about emotional suppression, faith, nervous system healing, and the brave work of coming back to herself. Her story reminds military women that healing is not weakness. It is a return to truth, safety, and self-love. In this episode, we cover: * Felicia Hammond’s childhood in Liberia * Growing up as a firstborn daughter with early responsibility * Coming to the U.S. at 17 * Facing homelessness while still in high school * Why she was drawn to the Army uniform * Joining the Army as a financial management specialist * Serving as a woman of color in uniform * Motherhood, single parenting, and military expectations * The pressure to overperform as a woman in the Army * Life after military service and divorce * How impulsive reactions showed up after service * The meaning behind The Tactical Pause * Journaling, meditation, faith, and emotional healing * Turning her private healing work into a memoir * Why women veterans need to know they are not alone Notable Quotes & Moments: * “Every second counts.” Felicia Hammond on the military mindset that shaped her reactions [00:36:32] * “I need you to take five minutes before you respond.” Felicia on the homework that became The Tactical Pause [00:39:43] * “I felt like I was about to die.” Felicia on learning to pause after years of survival mode [00:40:45] Episode highlights: * 00:01:48 - Meet Felicia Hammond and her memoir The Tactical Pause * 00:04:22 - Felicia’s childhood in Liberia * 00:06:17 - Life as a firstborn daughter in West Africa * 00:15:27 - Coming to the U.S. at 17 * 00:16:30 - Facing homelessness while finishing high school * 00:20:36 - Walking into the recruiter’s office * 00:27:18 - Being a woman of color in uniform * 00:29:47 - Motherhood, childcare, and military demands * 00:34:28 - The meaning behind The Tactical Pause * 00:42:51 - Turning journals, meditation, and healing into a memoir About Felicia: Felecia Hammond is a U.S. Army veteran, memoirist, and women’s healing mentor in development. She is the author of The Tactical Pause, a deeply personal memoir exploring trauma, awakening, and reclaiming identity after years of living in survival mode. Through her writing and future coaching practice, she is passionate about helping women regulate their nervous systems, break emotional patterns, and reconnect with themselves through compassion and clarity. Connect with Felicia: * YouTube: Your Wellness Matters YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Yourwellnessmatter?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Facebook: Felecia Hammond Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/share/1K3XBiTize/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Email: hammondf17@gmail.com [hammondf17@gmail.com] Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org [https://reveilleandretreatproject.org/] Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject [https://www.instagram.com/reveilleandretreatproject] Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088145736131] 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 [https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/], or text 838255.

Marine Combat Correspondent, Navy Officer, and the Mission to Tell Stories That Matter with Amy Forsythe

Summary: What does it mean to stand at the edge of history and be trusted to tell the story? In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Amy Forsythe, a Marine veteran and retired Navy Lieutenant Commander with more than 30 years of service. Amy shares how growing up in Northern California, playing sports, and hearing her family’s military stories led her to the Marine Corps. From Guantanamo Bay to Iraq and Afghanistan, Amy used her camera, voice, and heart to document service, crisis, sacrifice, and the people behind the mission. She also shares the story behind her book Heroes Live Here, the launch of MediaBridge.io, and why women veterans must keep using their voices with purpose. In this episode, we cover: * Amy Forsythe’s childhood in Northern California * Her family’s military legacy * Why she chose the Marine Corps * Becoming a Marine combat correspondent * Her first major humanitarian mission in Guantanamo Bay * Deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq * The responsibility of telling military stories accurately * Transitioning from Marine enlisted service to Navy public affairs officer * Writing Heroes Live Here to honor fallen Marines * Launching MediaBridge.io to connect experts with media opportunities * Why women veterans need to share their stories * Amy’s advice to service members, veterans, and military women Notable Quotes & Moments: * “If I could tell stories, bridge the gap between the civilian community and the military, that would be ideal.” Amy Forsythe on choosing combat correspondence [00:12:26] * “A page or two and a story about one Marine can make a big difference.” Amy Forsythe on honoring Gold Star families through Heroes Live Here [00:31:15] * “Don’t take no for an answer. If you want something, go for it.” Amy Forsythe’s advice to women in and out of uniform [00:42:00] * “Your message could be someone else’s lifeline.” Amy Forsythe on the power of sharing your story [00:46:13] Episode highlights: * 00:01:59 - Meet Amy Forsythe and her 30-year military career * 00:03:50 - Growing up in Santa Rosa, California * 00:07:45 - Why Amy chose the Marine Corps * 00:11:47 - Becoming a combat correspondent * 00:13:33 - Guantanamo Bay and Amy’s first humanitarian mission * 00:15:13 - Deploying to Afghanistan after 9/11 * 00:20:11 - Lessons that carried into Iraq and Afghanistan * 00:23:39 - Moving from the Marine Corps to the Navy * 00:24:15 - Becoming a Navy public affairs officer * 00:30:18 - The story behind Heroes Live Here * 00:35:17 - Launching MediaBridge.io * 00:37:33 - Volunteering and supporting the veteran community * 00:39:35 - Encouraging women veterans to speak, write, and share * 00:42:00 - Amy’s advice: be a resource and keep going * 00:46:03 - Why your message can be someone’s lifeline About Amy: Amy Forsythe is a Marine veteran, retired Navy Lieutenant Commander, award-winning journalist, author, and military storyteller. Over more than 30 years of service, she worked as a Marine combat correspondent and Navy public affairs officer, documenting humanitarian missions, combat operations, and global military work. She deployed to places including Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan, Iraq, Romania, Poland, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Amy is the author of Heroes Live Here, a tribute to the memorials and fallen Marines of Camp Pendleton, and the founder of MediaBridge.io, a platform built to connect trusted voices with media opportunities. Connect + Learn More * Website: www.mediabridge.io * Book: Heroes Live Here www.heroeslivehere.net * Instagram: http://instagram.com/amyforsythe760 * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amyforsythe * LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/AmyForsythe Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org [https://reveilleandretreatproject.org/] Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject [https://www.instagram.com/reveilleandretreatproject] Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088145736131] 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 [https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/], or text 838255.

CIA Officer Rachel Cuda on Sexual Assault, Military Service, and Fighting for Accountability

Summary: What happens when your dream job becomes the place where you have to fight to be believed? In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Rachel Cuda, a former undercover CIA officer, military contractor, Navy SEAL daughter, and SEAL spouse. Rachel shares what it was like growing up in the military community, marrying back into the SEAL world, and stepping into her dream role at the CIA. After experiencing sexual assault at CIA headquarters, Rachel faced fear, pushback, and isolation from the system she had trusted. With support from her husband, family, coworkers, and legal team, she took her story to law enforcement and Congress. Her courage helped move major reform forward for survivors inside the intelligence community. In this episode, we cover: * Rachel Cuda’s childhood as the daughter of a Navy SEAL * Meeting and marrying her husband, a Navy SEAL officer * The unseen sacrifices of military spouses * Advocating for her husband’s health during his SEAL career * Rachel’s dream of serving at the CIA * What CIA culture felt like as a woman * The sexual assault Rachel experienced at CIA headquarters * Reporting the assault and being told not to go outside the agency * Going to law enforcement and Congress * Her message to survivors: you did nothing wrong Notable Quotes & Moments: * “There’s no way in which we get to an appropriate reasoning to strangle a woman in her workplace ever.” Rachel Cuda on the assault she experienced at CIA headquarters [00:23:49] * “I do not feel safe.” Rachel Cuda on asking for basic protection after reporting the assault [00:32:44] * “You do not quit that place. You hold every single last one of them accountable.” Rachel’s father encouraging her to keep fighting [00:36:09] * “If not you, then who?” Rachel’s attorney before she briefed Congress [00:39:17] * “I’m never out of the fight.” Rachel on the words she repeated to keep going [00:42:58] * “There is no shame in this. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Rachel’s message to survivors [00:55:38] Episode highlights: * 00:02:04 - Meet Rachel Cuda and her story of service, identity, and accountability * 00:03:21 - Growing up as the daughter of a Navy SEAL * 00:04:30 - Marrying a Navy SEAL and returning to the SEAL community * 00:07:09 - Life as a SEAL spouse while keeping her own identity * 00:11:38 - Advocating for her husband’s health during his SEAL career * 00:15:21 - Rachel’s path to her dream role at the CIA * 00:19:47 - The assault at CIA headquarters * 00:28:01 - Being told not to go to law enforcement * 00:37:47 - Taking the case to Congress and pushing for accountability * 00:48:29 - Retaliation, being fired, and continuing the fight for survivors About Rachel Cuda: Rachel Cuda is a former undercover CIA officer, current military contractor, Navy SEAL daughter, and SEAL spouse. Her life has been shaped by service, family, and a deep belief in doing what is right. After experiencing sexual assault at CIA headquarters, Rachel reported what happened, pushed back against institutional silence, and took her case to law enforcement and Congress. Her testimony helped drive major legislative reform for sexual assault reporting inside the intelligence community. Today, Rachel continues to speak for survivors and reminds them that they are not alone, they are not to blame, and their stories matter. Connect + Learn More * Instagram: @rachel.cuda * LinkedIn: Rachel Cuda * RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline * Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) * Or chat online at rainn.org [http://rainn.org/] (24/7, confidential) * Safe Helpline (for military service members) * Call 877-995-5247 * Or visit safehelpline.org [http://safehelpline.org/] (24/7, confidential) * National Domestic Violence Hotline * Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 * thehotline.org [http://thehotline.org/] (24/7 support) * Veterans Crisis Line * Dial 988, then press 1 * Or text 838255 * veteranscrisisline.net [http://veteranscrisisline.net/] (24/7, confidential) * Emergency: If you are in immediate danger, call 911 Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org [https://reveilleandretreatproject.org/] Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject [https://www.instagram.com/reveilleandretreatproject] Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088145736131] 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 [https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/], or text 838255.