Dog Tag Diaries

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 theme
• 00:01:16 – Introduction of guest Jessica Bradley
• 00:05:29 – Jessica’s childhood & early inspiration to join the military
• 00:09:04 – Experience at Marine Corps Boot Camp and college ROTC
• 00:14:02 – Transition from enlisted Marine to officer role
• 00:18:39 – Facing gender discrimination as a junior officer and later as a mother
• 00:23:09 – Deployment during OEF/OIF and leadership in combat
• 00:27:42 – Balancing military career with family challenges and special needs parenting
• 00:30:49 – Work in Wounded Warrior Regiment and veteran reintegration support
• 00:36:23 – Involvement in Women in Service Review Task Force and repealing combat exclusion
• 00:42:19 – Closing advice to the next generation of women in uniform
• 00:44:08 – Closing remarks

Dr. 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: 

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.”

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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:

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be resilient in the face of gender bias and adversity? In this special “second tour” episode, Dog Tag Diaries spotlights Captain Kim’s journey, from the challenges of being a high-performing woman in the Army to the upheaval caused by sexual harassment and discrimination. Without giving away all the details, you’ll hear hints of support systems, the pursuit of justice, and the healing found through community and counseling.

It's an important opportunity to learn about military sexual trauma support, seeking VA counseling resources, or understanding how military women overcome obstacles, this episode is filled with hope, powerful truths, and advice for future female service members. Tune in for glimpses of courage and connection you won’t forget.

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: 

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: