
S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work
From the little league coach to the former addict helping those still struggling, hear from people from all walks of life how they show up as a vessel for service and drive for transformational change. Hosted by Theresa Carpenter, a 28-year active duty U.S. naval officer who found service was the path to unlocking trauma and unleashing your inner potential. All views are mine alone and not on behalf of any other entity.
Episodes
193 episodes
Removing Military JAGs: Was it Justified? | S.O.S. #182
Can we hold starkly different views on hard-hitting issues while staying respectful? I believe so—and my guests do too.This week, we tackle the controversy surrounding the dismissal of the Judge Advocate Generals from the Air Force, Arm...
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1:08:28

Your leadership legacy with Lt. Col. (ret) Oak McCulloch - S.O.S. #181
Oak McCulloch returns to the podcast for another discussion on servant leadership and its lasting impact. His ability to drive change continues to inspire, and his book Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be r...
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1:08:24

I almost died - Richard Parker | S.O.S. #180
In this episode, we chat with Richard Parker, a former college professor who became a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Commissioned at 43 in 2013, he left academia to serve and embraced every chance to support the Navy's global ...
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1:02:28

Terminal CWO: Exposing the truth within the DoD - S.O.S. #179
I’m beyond thrilled to welcome Sam Shoemate to the show—one of the most fearless voices in military whistleblowing today. If you believe in due process for those who’ve sacrificed for our nation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
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1:12:12

Buying or Selling in Central Ohio? Meet Karen Mavis! - S.O.S. #178
Are you buying or selling a home in Central Ohio? If so, you need a trusted expert who understands the market inside and out. Karen Mavis, owner of the Karen Mavis Home Team with RE/MAX Achievers, joins us to talk about what makes a great real ...
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30:28

Command IG: Is There Due Process - S.O.S. #177
This is a show I wish I didn’t have to do. But the truth is, the command investigation system is broken, and if no one else will fix it, we’re going to shine a light on the harm it causes—directly from those who have lived it.It’s our l...
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1:00:55
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Amber Kulesza – From Fighter Jets to Empowering Adventures- S.O.S. #176
In this episode, we sit down with Amber Kulesza, an Air Force Disabled Veteran and the Chief Adventure Officer (CAO) of AmbersAdventures, LLC. Amber’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and an unwavering passion for helping others....
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1:02:26

Rebecca McFadden – Creative Visionary, Advocate for Individuality, and Lifelong Optimist - S.O.S. #175
In this episode, we chat with Rebecca McFadden, a creative force and founder of Fresh Pointe Studio, about her journey from sketching animals as a child to becoming a successful designer. She shares her path through art, fashion design, and int...
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48:24

Leading from the Frontlines: A Conversation with Andrea Goldstein - S.O.S. #174
In this episode, we chat with Andrea Goldstein, a senior executive and national security leader, whose career spans from active-duty U.S. Navy officer to shaping policy at the highest levels of government. Andrea has driven cultural transformat...
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1:06:49
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The Fight for Accountability – Major Mandy Feindt on the Red Hill Water Crisis - S.O.S. #173
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Major Mandy Feindt, an active-duty Army officer, devoted mother, and fearless advocate for military and civilian families affected by the 2021 Red Hill Water Crisis in Hawaii. As one of...
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1:00:46

Brad Miller: From West Point to Resignation – A Journey of Service, Conviction, and Freedom - S.O.S. #172
In this episode, we sit down with Brad Miller, a former lieutenant colonel in the United States Army, to discuss his inspiring journey of service, principles, and standing up for his beliefs. Brad graduated from the United States Military Acade...
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1:15:47
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Ponder On It, Pilgrims: Wisdom, Wit, and Texas Grit with Charles Hamm- S.O.S. #171
You ever get tired of the noise of social media and just yearn for some good ole fashioned common sense? In this episode, we sit down with Texan-to-the-bone Charles Hamm, a former Marine sergeant, retired entrepreneur, and 3x #1 Interna...
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1:02:36
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Chasing Summer: Stories of a Nomadic Life | Christina Gawlik - S.O.S. #170
Ever wonder what it would be like to quit your job, live on your savings, and explore the world? My next guest has been doing just that for a number of years. Thanks to smart financial decisions and a passion for exploring, she travels internat...
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1:02:55

From Navy SEAL to Advocate – The Journey of Bill Brown - S.O.S. #169
From Navy SEAL to Advocate – The Journey of Bill BrownIn this episode, we sit down with Bill Brown, an Iraq Veteran Navy SEAL who served honorably for eight years, completing three deployments. Bill shares his incredible journey from th...
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1:14:31

USS Cole Survivor Now Inspirational Leader with Amaury Ponciano- S.O.S. #168
Can you heal yourself and rise to leadership in the Navy’s highest enlisted ranks?In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Amaury Ponciano—an inspiring example of authenticity, accountability, and transformation. From surviving the tra...
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1:06:35

Breaking Barriers in the Skies with Lt Col (Ret.) Jessica Ruttenber - S.O.S. #167
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jessica Ruttenber, a trailblazing U.S. Air Force pilot who turned her “vertical challenges” into an incredible aviation career. With over 3,000 flight hours, Jessica soared a...
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1:03:02

Building Authority, Crafting Legacies, and Mastering Marketing with Rob Anspach - S.O.S. #166
In this episode, we’re joined by Rob Anspach, a seasoned entrepreneur, marketing consultant, prolific author, and podcast host with over 30 years of experience helping businesses build authority, craft legacies, and achieve long-term success.
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Season 3
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Episode 166
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57:39

Finding Purpose Beyond the Uniform with Col. (Ret) Bill Butler – S.O.S. #165
The transition from military service to civilian life is one of the most profound journeys a veteran can face. Finding a renewed sense of purpose is key to shaping this next chapter.In this powerful episode, I sit down with Col. (Ret) Bi...
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Season 3
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Episode 165
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31:02

Fighting for Veterans: Ted Blickwedel’s Battle for Better Care | S.O.S. #164
This week, I sit down with Ted Blickwedel, a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, combat veteran, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who risked everything to expose critical issues within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Ted’s jo...
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Season 3
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Episode 164
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56:35

Free speech for troops: fact or fiction? | Dr. Chase Spears - S.O.S. #163
Can U.S. military members truly exercise their First Amendment rights? What are the limits on free speech within the armed forces, and why do these boundaries exist? While everyone agrees on the importance of protecting operational security, ho...
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Season 3
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Episode 163
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1:16:15

When good jobs go bad | Kate Goggin - S.O.S. #162
“You take every job assuming it’s a good one. Yet, at any point, your intuition might signal that something has changed—whether it’s the organization, or you. Either way, only you can take charge of fixing your work and your life.” - Kate Goggi...
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Season 3
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Episode 162
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58:26

From the Navy to Tech Leadership | Julie Vida - S.O.S. #161
In this episode, we’ll sit down with Julie Vida, a distinguished technology and business executive with a career that spans military service, high-impact roles in the public sector, and leadership in the tech industry. Currently, Julie leads th...
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Season 3
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Episode 161
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1:06:00

Veterans Healing Farm | Alan Yeck - S.O.S. #160
My next guest runs a property that helps our veterans in many ways and was recently granted new land to continue their mission. Yeck is a former United States Marine, Special Intelligence Communications (MOS 2651—Company L, Marine Suppo...
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Season 3
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Episode 160
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1:02:30

The military left me paralyzed | Staff Sgt. Ryan Carter - S.O.S. #159
On April 6, 2018, Sgt. Ryan Carter went to Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for what is considered a routine back surgery for chronic neck pain. He left the hospital paralyzed, never to walk again. He and his wife ...
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Season 3
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Episode 159
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1:00:42

Building bridges, healing divides | Jake Harriman - S.O.S. #158
What can be do to stop the spread of divisiveness? How can we understand one another and seek to empathize with people who don’t look like us, act like us, or even think like us? I believe this understanding is vital. One amazing v...
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Season 3
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Episode 158
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54:01
