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

CIA Whistleblower 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.

Shelley Rood on the Wildflower Assessment, Women Veterans, and Serving Without Losing Yourself

Summary: What happens when service becomes more than what you do and starts shaping who you are? In this heartfelt episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Shelley Rood, a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, speaker, and creator of the Wildflower Assessment. Shelley shares how 16 years of service, a painful discharge, faith, motherhood, and her love for women veterans led her to build a new way of helping others feel seen. Through her Others Over Self philosophy and the Wildflower Assessment, Shelley helps women veterans better understand their leadership style, communication needs, relationships, and personal growth. This conversation is full of honesty, friendship, purpose, and a powerful reminder that serving others should not mean losing your own spark. In this episode, we cover: * Shelley Rood’s childhood and early drive for personal achievement * How 9/11 led Shelley toward military service * Her 16 years as a U.S. Army Intelligence Officer * The painful end of her military career * Shelley’s desire to become a chaplain * Faith, divorce, motherhood, and personal growth * Building stronger friendships with women veterans * The origin of the Wildflower Assessment * How the flower types help women understand themselves * Why women veterans need more than red, white, and blue support * Shelley’s role as keynote speaker for Women Veterans Engage Notable Quotes & Moments: * “Do you need to be a soldier to serve the soldiers?” Shelley on the question that changed her path [00:13:02] * “Please move me in the way that I’m supposed to move today.” Shelley on her daily grounding practice [00:15:10] * “When you can learn the flowers of the other women, you can love the women more.” Shelley on the heart behind the Wildflower Assessment [00:31:06] * “Femininity does not have to equal cutesy.” Shelley on helping women veterans define womanhood for themselves [00:40:05] Episode highlights: * 00:02:03 - Shelley’s work in leadership, mental wellness, and purpose-driven living * 00:05:29 - How 9/11 shifted Shelley’s path into military service * 00:07:36 - Studying journalism, communications, and military science * 00:09:34 - Faith, divorce, and the desire to become a chaplain * 00:11:42 - Being honorably discharged by email * 00:12:43 - The moment Shelley realized she could still serve soldiers * 00:15:03 - Asking, “What am I supposed to do next?” * 00:18:26 - Learning to build better friendships with women veterans * 00:24:18 - The origin story of the Wildflower Assessment * 00:27:08 - How the eight flower types work * 00:30:00 - Tension pairings and understanding relationships * 00:37:37 - Shelley becoming the keynote speaker for Women Veterans Engage * 00:39:53 - Redefining femininity for women veterans About Shelly Rood: Shelley Rood is a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer who served for 16 years and rose to the rank of captain. She is the founder of Mission: Ambition LLC, the creator of the Others Over Self philosophy, and the creator of the Wildflower Assessment, a self-awareness and leadership tool built for women veterans. Shelley’s work focuses on purpose, mental wellness, leadership, connection, and helping women veterans better understand themselves and each other. She is also the keynote speaker for the National Women Veterans Engage Conference, where she will guide attendees through the Wildflower Assessment and help create deeper connection among women who have served. The conversation also explores the Wildflower Assessment, created by Shelly Rood as a tool to help individuals better understand their personality patterns, communication styles, leadership tendencies, strengths, and areas for growth. Shelly shares how the assessment was developed and why self-awareness is such an important part of both leadership and mental wellness. Shelly will also serve as the keynote speaker for the National Women Veterans ENGAGE Conference, where she will present the Wildflower Assessment experience for women veterans across the country. Others Over Self Official Website https://othersoverself.com [https://othersoverself.com/] Learn more: • The Wildflower Personality Assessment for Women Veterans https://othersoverself.com/business/the-wildflower-personality-assessment-for-women-veterans/ [https://othersoverself.com/business/the-wildflower-personality-assessment-for-women-veterans/] • Mission Wildflower by Shelly Rood (Substack) https://shellyrood.substack.com [https://shellyrood.substack.com/] • Shelly Rood YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNb2c-diiJJBnkGfEa3Eybg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNb2c-diiJJBnkGfEa3Eybg] • Hardcore and At Ease Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5pWcy4IAd94Zj6jHv4rdoM [https://open.spotify.com/show/5pWcy4IAd94Zj6jHv4rdoM] • Women Veterans ENGAGE Conference Keynote Announcement https://www.womenveteransalliance.com/announcing-our-keynote-speaker-for-women-veterans-engage/ [https://www.womenveteransalliance.com/announcing-our-keynote-speaker-for-women-veterans-engage/] • Women Veterans Alliance Facebook Announcement https://www.facebook.com/womenveteransalliance/posts/we-are-thrilled-to-welcome-shelly-rood-as-our-featured-guest-speaker-for-2026-wo/1284384977234619/ [https://www.facebook.com/womenveteransalliance/posts/we-are-thrilled-to-welcome-shelly-rood-as-our-featured-guest-speaker-for-2026-wo/1284384977234619/] • Others Over Self Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/othersoverself/ [https://www.facebook.com/othersoverself/] • Shelly Rood Vimeo Channel https://vimeo.com/othersoverself [https://vimeo.com/othersoverself] 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.

How Art Helps Veterans Heal: Navy Veteran Phyllis Thomas on PTS, Creativity, and Veteran Community

Summary: What if art is not optional, but one of the tools veterans need most to heal? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Navy veteran, artist, and Veteran Art Venue founder Phyllis Thomas to talk about creativity, service, healing, and purpose. Phyllis shares how her love for art began as a child in Watts, how her parents helped grow that gift, and how she carried it into her Navy career in illustration drafting. She explains why art can help veterans express what words cannot, lower stress, and build trust again. Through her Paint and Snack sessions, Phyllis has spent more than a decade helping veterans reconnect with themselves, each other, and their communities. In this episode, we cover: * Phyllis Thomas’s childhood in Watts and discovering art early * How her parents supported her creative gift * Growing up during Vietnam, the Watts riots, and social change * Why Phyllis chose to join the United States Navy * Working in Navy illustration drafting and technical art * Serving as a Black woman in uniform in the 1970s * Using art to ease stress among active duty service members * Why Phyllis believes everyone has an artist inside them * Creating Veteran Art Venue and Paint and Snack sessions * How art helps veterans express pain without needing words * Paint on the Fence as a creative stress release * Using art to connect veterans and civilians * Phyllis’s Johnny Depp People’s Art Contest opportunity and her goal to support more veteran artists Notable Quotes & Moments: * “There is an artist within everyone.” Phyllis Thomas on helping veterans believe in their own creativity [00:16:44] * “Leave your self-critic and your self-doubt at the door.” Phyllis Thomas on the first step in her art sessions [00:27:00] * “Words can trigger points.” Phyllis Thomas on why visual expression can feel safer for veterans [00:31:45] * “Visual beyond words.” Phyllis Thomas on her motto and the power of art [00:33:01] * “It’s not a luxury. It’s an essence of life building.” Phyllis Thomas on why art matters [00:42:21] Timestamps: * 00:01:42 - Meet Navy veteran and artist Phyllis Thomas * 00:03:54 - Phyllis’s childhood in Watts and the moment her parents saw her gift * 00:07:37 - Growing up during Vietnam, funerals, and the Watts riots * 00:09:53 - How Phyllis found her way into the military * 00:14:04 - Navy illustration drafting and working with ship blueprints * 00:18:21 - Being a Black woman in uniform in the early 1970s * 00:20:01 - Defending herself and helping other women feel safer * 00:24:10 - Leaving the Navy and continuing her education * 00:26:30 - Creating Veteran Art Venue * 00:28:00 - How Paint and Snack sessions work * 00:31:32 - Why art is essential for veterans * 00:33:14 - How “visual beyond words” came to life * 00:34:26 - Paint on the Fence and creative stress release * 00:37:46 - Johnny Depp’s People’s Art Contest and Phyllis’s mission * 00:42:01 - Using art to bridge veterans and civilians * 00:44:12 - Reveille and Retreat Project closing message About Phyllis Thomas: Phyllis Thomas is a United States Navy veteran, artist, founder of Veteran Art Venue, and longtime advocate for veteran healing through creative expression. Her work began in childhood in Watts and later became part of her military service through Navy illustration drafting. Today, Phyllis leads art-based programs like Paint and Snack, where veterans can relax, create, connect, and express what may be hard to say out loud. Her mission is to show that art is not extra. It is a powerful tool for emotional health, community, and hope. Connect and learn more: Website: https://meroegallery.com/ [https://meroegallery.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHYL4art/ [https://www.facebook.com/PHYL4art/] Artist Profile: https://peoplesartist.org/phyllis-thomas--6HDi [https://peoplesartist.org/phyllis-thomas--6HDi] Magazine Feature: https://simplebooklet.com/avowmagazinewinter20222023 [https://simplebooklet.com/avowmagazinewinter20222023] (pages 16–21) 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.

Navy Veteran Yuri Acuna on MST, Sisterhood, and Healing Through Rescue Dogs

Summary: What does it mean to rebuild your life after service leaves you with both pride and pain? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Navy veteran Yuri Acuna, whose story moves through family, military service, survival, healing, and purpose. Yuri shares what it was like growing up in a Mexican-American home shaped by love, culture, and the lasting impact of her father’s Vietnam service. She talks about joining the Navy, finding structure and respect, and then surviving military sexual trauma that changed the course of her life. This conversation is honest, emotional, and full of heart. Yuri reflects on therapy, peer support, women veteran sisterhood, and the power of being believed. She also shares how Dune Dog Adventures and The Tide and Heart Project are helping rescue dogs become support animals for women veterans and veteran families. In this episode, we cover: * Growing up in a Mexican-American military family * Why Yuri Acuna chose to join the Navy * Finding structure, purpose, and respect through service * Surviving military sexual trauma * The emotional toll of reporting and being questioned * Leaving the Navy after trauma and during the events of 9/11 * How therapy and MST support groups helped Yuri heal * The role of peer support and women veteran sisterhood * Creating Dune Dog Adventures on the Oregon coast * Building The Tide and Heart Project to support women veterans, families, and rescue dogs Notable Quotes & Moments: * “No means no means no means no. It’s a full sentence.” Yuri Acuna on consent and standing her ground [00:20:00] * “Did you say no? Then that’s it. Enough said.” Yuri Acuna remembering the words that helped her hold onto the truth [00:20:36] * “I knew there had to be a way to show people that the process works.” Yuri Acuna on saying yes to peer support and healing work [00:27:46] * “You’re going to make a woman feel so strong. You’re going to make her feel so safe.” Yuri Acuna speaking to Nikita, a rescue dog in training [00:36:11] Timestamps: * 00:00:00 - Introduction to love, trauma, service, and the stories women carry * 00:03:01 - Yuri Acuna’s childhood in a Mexican-American military family * 00:05:29 - Growing up with a Vietnam veteran father and the impact of PTSD * 00:09:04 - Why Yuri chose to join the Navy * 00:11:00 - Finding respect, purpose, and pride in service * 00:12:19 - Yuri shares why her Navy service ended after two years * 00:13:51 - Reporting military sexual trauma and the investigation that followed * 00:22:30 - Becoming a peer support specialist by accident * 00:30:31 - Creating Dune Dog Adventures on the Oregon coast * 00:34:22 - The mission behind The Tide and Heart Project About Yuri Acuna: Yuri Acuna is a Navy veteran, peer support advocate, dog lover, and founder of Dune Dog Adventures and The Tide and Heart Project. After surviving military sexual trauma, she found support through therapy, women veteran groups, and peer connection. Today, she uses her experience to help other women veterans and veteran families feel seen, safe, and supported. Her work on the Oregon coast brings together rescue dogs, trauma-informed care, outdoor healing, and community support. Connect and learn more: * Facebook: Dune Dog Adventures * Instagram: @DuneDogAdventures * Website: www.dunedogadventures.com [http://www.dunedogadventures.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.

Breaking Barriers and Building Legacy: Colonel Mary Fuller on Leadership, Opportunity, and 28 Years of Service

Summary: What does it mean to step into roles that were never designed with you in mind? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, we sit down with Colonel Mary Fuller, U.S. Army Retired, whose 28-year career reflects a pivotal era of change for women in the military. Entering service during the “last of the WACs,” Mary moved into positions that had only recently opened to women and helped shape the standard for those who followed. From Airborne School to commanding a weather station in Alaska, serving in Germany, and working inside the Pentagon, Mary shares what it looked like to build a career across constantly evolving roles. This conversation goes deeper than milestones. It explores uncertainty, leadership under pressure, identity, and the long-term impact of being one of the first. In this episode, we cover: * Growing up curious, athletic, and driven * Choosing the Army for opportunity, education, and adventure * What it meant to be part of the “last of the WACs” * Becoming one of the first women in Airborne School and combat divisions * Leading across communications, intelligence, and acquisition roles * Lessons from assignments in Alaska, Germany, and the Pentagon * Facing moments of doubt and stepping into the unknown * Leading in spaces where women were still proving their place * The power of mentorship and lifelong relationships * Preparing for transition out of the military * Why saying yes to opportunity changes everything Notable Quotes & Moments: * “It’s not about the positions that you hold. It’s about the people that you meet.” Colonel Fuller on the lasting value of military relationships [00:12:13] * “One of the best lessons I ever learned when I first joined the Army was trust your sergeants.” Colonel Fuller on early leadership [00:14:05] * “You may hate the job you have. You may hate where they sent you, but it’s not about that. It’s about the people.” Colonel Fuller on finding meaning in service [00:43:39] Timestamps: * 00:00:00 - Introduction to Colonel Mary Fuller’s groundbreaking Army career * 00:02:08 - Childhood, sports, family history, and growing up with military parents * 00:06:22 - Studying radio, TV, and film before joining the Army * 00:08:00 - How civilian jobs led Colonel Fuller to military service * 00:11:17 - Joining the last direct commission class of the Women’s Army Corps * 00:13:19 - First assignment as a Signal Corps officer in Germany * 00:14:05 - Trusting her platoon sergeant and learning how to lead * 00:18:14 - Airborne School and being assigned to a combat division * 00:24:31 - The final jump, a lost helmet, and soldiers taking care of each other * 00:29:53 - Rising through the ranks from second lieutenant to colonel * 00:35:20 - Women, family decisions, and the hard choices of military life * 00:39:07 - Preparing for retirement and life after the Army * 00:43:09 - Colonel Fuller’s advice for women in military service About Mary Fuller: Colonel Mary Fuller is a retired U.S. Army officer who served for 28 years during a time of major change for women in the military. She entered during the final chapter of the Women’s Army Corps and became one of the first women in Airborne School and one of the first assigned to a combat division in Germany. Her career included leadership roles in communications, intelligence, acquisitions, and senior Army-level positions at the Pentagon. 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.