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
209 episodes
From Warzones to Wagging Tails: The Journey of Christopher Lamy | S.O.S. #199
In this in-person episode of Stories of Service, Theresa Carpenter speaks with Christopher Lamy—veteran, dog trainer, and her SkillBridge provider—about his journey from Air Force K-9 handler to community advocate. Growing up as the ol...
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1:01:41
Rewiring the mind | Rob Sweetman - S.O.S. #198
Can a Navy SEAL serve in our toughest military roles, launch multiple companies, speak hard truths, and still have the heart to lead a movement in wellness? Rob Sweetman is living proof.In this episode, I sit down with Rob — a former Na...
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55:23
Guarding the Guardsmen: Andy Lindstrom’s Pro Se Fight for Justice - S.O.S. #197
In this powerful episode, we follow Sgt. Andrew “Andy” Lindstrom — a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Nevada National Guardsman — as he takes on the military establishment in a courageous solo legal battle.After reporting military se...
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1:26:35
Combat to Comedy: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robin “Phoenix” Johnson | S.O.S. #195
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...
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54:52
Resilience in Action: The Inspiring Journey of T.Shane Johnson | S.O.S. #194
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 homeless...
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1:08:23
From Special Forces to Storytelling with Randall Surles - S.O.S. #193
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 craf...
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1:01:20
Charting a course with Navy Recruiting | Capt. Gervy Alota - S.O.S. #192
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 p...
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55:42
Navy Vet turned Filmmaker | Kerron Andrews - S.O.S. #191
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 const...
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1:04:56
Healing Eyes and Minds - Dr. Andrew Doan | S.O.S. #190
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 authentica...
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56:49
Restoring Military Justice: Inside Nevada Senate Bill 95 ⚖️| S.O.S. #189
🎙️ 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...
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57:14
From Service to Policy: How Veterans Are Shaping the Future | Jason Loughran - S.O.S. #188
What better people to shape policy than those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve their nation? In this episode, we discuss the critical nature veterans can play within the political arena- think politics is not for you? ...
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1:07:28
Turning Pain into Purpose - The Story of Resilience | S.O.S. #187
The wounds of war must never be forgotten—but for many, that pain becomes a driving force for something greater.This Tuesday, I welcome back returning guest Michael Meyers, II, who joins us to discuss an ambitious new filmmaking project...
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1:10:41
Military Sexual Trauma Survivor - Jean Payne | S.O.S. #186
In this episode, Jean Payne, a Navy vet and MST survivor, shares her journey of empowerment. As CEO of TI Verbatim Consulting, she advocates for systemic change, including VA House Bill 2520. Jean is also the author of Reclaim Your Worth
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49:38
Mark C. Fava – Naval Wisdom, Aviation Law, and Leadership | S.O.S. #185
In this episode, we sit down with Mark C. Fava, an author, speaker, and career aviation lawyer who currently serves as a Vice President at The Boeing Company.Mark’s career spans decades in both the military and corporate worlds. He served a...
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59:20
From the Depths to a New Mission – DGUTS’ Journey | S.O.S #184
When two fellow military podcasters get together, ones who are both deeply passionate in fighting the mental health stigma by taking better care of Sailors, well you know it’s going to be a great conversation! Ladies and gentleman, is my honor ...
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1:31:19
Brain Injury, Suicide, and Military Mental Health with Dr. Kenneth Davis- S.O.S. #183
Is there a link between brain injury and suicide or other mental health challenges? Could mandatory MRI scans help identify those at risk?In this episode of the S.O.S. Podcast, Dr. Kenneth Davis discusses his research on large-scale brai...
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1:03:10
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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