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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:
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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

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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

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This week’s guest is Randall Surles—a retired Sergeant Major with over 40 years of experience bridging elite military service and the literary world. From leading missions as an infantryman in the 75th Ranger Regiment and a Green Beret, to crafting bestselling books as a Story Grid Certified Editor, Randy’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

🎙️ In this episode, we explore:
• Randy’s shift from combat zones to creative writing.
• How military precision influences his storytelling process.
• The behind-the-scenes world of ghostwriting high-stakes nonfiction.
• The art and discipline behind editing bestselling military fiction.
• Why storytelling is his new mission.

📚 Books Randy has worked on include:
• Operation Pineapple Express by Scott Mann (NYT Bestseller)
• The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke (Amazon Bestseller)
• It Was What It Was by Daniel Pace (Amazon Bestseller)
• Life in the Fast Lane (Amazon Bestseller)

Connect with Randy:
• Website: www.thestoryninja.com
• Military Book Editing: www.militaryeditor.com
• YouTube: Randall Surles Military Editor - https://youtube.com/@militarywritersa...
• Facebook Group: Ask a Military Book Editor: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1bsi...
• LinkedIn: Randall Surles - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-s...
• Instagram: @the_story_ninja
• TikTok: @randysurle

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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In this episode, we sit down with Captain Gervy Alota, a decorated Surface Warfare Officer, Naval Academy graduate, and proud son of a Navy Chief. He shares his journey from playing Navy football to commanding multiple amphibious warships and pioneering the Navy’s first LCS Mine Countermeasures Mission Package Detachment. With over two decades of service, Captain Alota reflects on the leadership lessons he’s learned, the role of mentorship and family in his career, and how he stays mission-driven. Now serving as Director of Community Outreach at Navy Recruiting Command, he’s focused on shaping the future force and inspiring the next generation of Navy leaders.

Key Topics:
• Growing up in San Diego as the son of a Navy Chief
• Leadership lessons from the Naval Academy and Navy football
• Life and command at sea: USS Comstock, USS Harpers Ferry, USS John P. Murtha
• Standing up the first LCS MCM Mission Package Detachment
• Influencing the future force from Cheyenne Mountain to Navy Recruiting Command
• Building resilient teams and winning multiple command excellence awards
• Balancing legacy, service, and mentorship

Awards and Recognition:
Captain Alota’s teams have earned the Battle “E” for excellence, Golden Anchor Retention Excellence, and the CNO Safety Award. His personal decorations include:
• Defense Superior Service Medal
• Legion of Merit
• Meritorious Service Medals (multiple)
• Navy and Army Commendation & Achievement Medals

Connect & Learn More:
Stay tuned for more stories of leadership, service, and the people shaping the future of the Navy.

Connect with Gervy - https://www.instagram.com/captaingerv...
His previous S.O.S. episode - https://www.youtube.com/live/p9wBbr4w...

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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Why is military transition so difficult?

Kerron Andrews captures it perfectly: “It’s the loss of our entire identity.”

For so many of us, the military isn’t just a job—it’s our foundation, our purpose, and at times, the only constant we’ve had. Even when we felt alone, even when we doubted ourselves, service gave us a sense of belonging. So when that chapter ends, it’s not just a career we leave behind—it’s a version of ourselves.

That’s my story. And it’s the story of so many others who dedicate years, even decades, to service.

I’m honored to welcome Kerron Andrews to the Stories of Service podcast. He’s a Navy veteran, TEDx speaker, and now an award-winning filmmaker whose work is helping others navigate the complex path of military transition.

We’ll dive into what inspired his powerful TED Talk, why he chose filmmaking as a second calling, and how he’s using his creative voice to help others reclaim their identity and purpose beyond the uniform.

You won’t want to miss this one.

Find 🔍 more on Kerron’s work - https://trinimanfilms.com/

His powerful Tedx Talk - • Navigating the hidden identity crisis...

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/54498689...

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:
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There’s nothing better than connecting with fellow active duty content creators—especially when they’re active duty senior naval officers! When Andrew first reached out months ago asking how to “do both”—serve our country and show up authentically on social media—I knew he was onto something powerful.

Since then, it’s been amazing to watch his YouTube channel take off, tackling topics like screen addiction, mental health, and so much more with insight and heart. His voice is one the world needs right now.

I’m beyond excited for his episode to drop—join us LIVE this Thursday at 7PM CST for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Doan—renowned physician, scientist, and thought leader at the crossroads of medicine, neuroscience, and technology. With dual degrees (M.D./Ph.D.) from Johns Hopkins University and specialized training in ophthalmology, aerospace medicine, and public health, Dr. Doan brings a truly unique perspective to our modern challenges.

Dr. Doan opens up about his groundbreaking work in the field of media and gaming addiction, where he spent three years in full-time research alongside psychiatrists and psychologists. He shares eye-opening insights into how our digital habits impact mental health, brain development, and even our relationships. With over 2,000 healthcare professionals trained worldwide under his guidance, Dr. Doan is on a mission to help people reclaim their time, focus, and well-being.

We also dive into his current work as a full-time ophthalmologist, his popular YouTube channel, and his passion for educating the public on eye health and the psychological effects of screen use.

Tune in to learn:
• What happens to the brain during gaming and media overuse
• Signs and symptoms of tech addiction—and how to address them
• Eye health tips for heavy screen users
• The future of mental wellness in a tech-driven world

Learn more about Dr. Doan:
Website: https://articles.andrew-doan.com
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/@DrAndrewDoan

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone navigating technology’s impact on health!

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

🎙️ New Episode Drop!
Restoring Military Justice: Inside Nevada Senate Bill 95 ⚖️🇺🇸

Should National Guard members have the right to demand a court martial instead of facing non-judicial punishment? Nevada lawmakers think so — and we’re diving into why.

💥 Highlights:
✔️ Allison Bailey’s case & the push for due process
✔️ Zero fiscal impact confirmed
✔️ Due process gaps in the current system
✔️ Lessons from California’s Guard
✔️ Should lack of resources justify denying rights?

This isn’t just policy—it’s about fairness, rights, and real people in uniform. 🎧 Don’t miss it.

🔗 Full hearing and additional information- https://www.nevadanationalguard.com/
#MilitaryJustice #NevadaLegislation #SenateBill95 #DueProcess #VeteransRights #CourtMartial #NationalGuard #PolicyMatters

Guests:

Chris Tinsman is a former Army JAG officer who served in the Nevada Army National Guard from 2013 to 2022, rising to Senior Defense Counsel. A graduate of Washington College and Roger Williams University School of Law, he’s licensed in Connecticut and Nevada. Chris deployed to Fort Bragg in 2016, gaining extensive court-martial experience supporting over 60,000 soldiers. He resigned in 2022 citing concerns about leadership and military justice, receiving an Honorable Discharge. In civilian life, he specializes in military law, drone operations, and government contracting, and volunteers legal support to nonprofits, veteran-owned startups, and Kappa Sigma at his alma mater.

Enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps Infantry (0341) on January 5, 2009, Andy Lindstrom deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom II in Helmand Province, serving in the Nawa and Garmser districts. During his time in the Marine Corps, he held multiple roles including SAW Gunner, Radio Operator, and IED Dog Handler alongside his partner, Emmie. He later served in the Army National Guard from 2013 to 2021, ultimately leaving due to harassment from leadership within the 150th Maintenance Company.

***Views and opinions expressed on the podcast are those of the guest and host alone and not on behalf of any other entity***

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