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What real options do service members have when seeking redress through their chain of command—and do those systems actually work the way they’re supposed to?

My next guests say no. But they’re not giving up.

This week, I’m joined by Major Katie Pappa, a highly decorated Marine Corps Supply Officer, and her attorney, former Navy SEAL William Brown, Jr. Together, they’re taking their case all the way to the Secretary of the Navy, challenging a review process they say is broken—and still failing those who speak up.

Major Pappa’s career was derailed after for what she says was holding a subordinate accountable. Now, she and Brown are fighting back through a legal appeal that could have implications for service members across the military.

Tune in to hear their powerful story, what’s at stake, and why this fight is about more than just one Marine—it’s about safeguarding due process, accountability, and the integrity of the system itself.

Don’t miss it—new episode drops this Wednesday live at 7pm CST.

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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This week, we're joined by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robin "Phoenix" Johnson—combat veteran, international comedian, and leadership expert. With 20+ years in the U.S. Army and five combat deployments, Robin now uses humor to inspire and lead across the globe. From Armed Forces Entertainment to Stanford classrooms, she shares how laughter can reduce burnout, boost empathy, and reshape workplace culture. Don’t miss her powerful insights, leadership lessons, and hilarious takes on soccer sidelines and the mystery of the offsides rule!

In This Episode:

• Robin’s path from the battlefield to the comedy stage
• The role of humor in leadership, medicine, and resilience
• Behind-the-scenes laughs and lessons on using comedy for change

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Stanford School of Medicine.
• Armed Forces Entertainment,.
• Thayer Leadership.
• Institute for Defense & Business.
• Hoover Institution, and more.

Connect with Robin “Phoenix” Johnson:
Website: https://robinphoenixjohnson.com/meet-...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinphoeni...
LinkedIn: http

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

Send us a text

In this powerful episode, we sit down with T.Shane Johnson—U.S. Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and best-selling author. T.Shane opens up about his extraordinary journey from surviving a brutal gang attack and homelessness to building a successful business empire and making a national impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How T.Shane overcame life-threatening adversity and found his purpose
• The lessons he learned during his two years of homelessness after the 2008 crash
• How he built multiple successful ventures, including Big Guns Coffee with his daughter Charli
• The story behind his Hike Across America initiative and his advocacy for homeless veterans and suicide prevention
• His world record pushup feat and appearances on national platforms like ESPN, Fox and Friends, and USA Today
• Why resilience, grit, and a mindset of service are the foundations of his success

Resources & Mentions:
• T. Shane Johnson Official Website https://tshaneinspires.com/
• Big Guns Coffee: Big Guns Coffee Farm and Roastery: https://www.biggunscoffee.com/

Connect with Us:
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a boost of inspiration!

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76