Step behind the mask with Annette Whittenberger, Army veteran, mental health advocate, and author of The Wall Between Two Lives. In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Annette opens up about her 17-year military career—rising to the rank of major while secretly wrestling with anxiety, depression, and unresolved childhood trauma. Host Captain Kim guides a raw, honest conversation about the realities of military service, the pressures women face to “have it all together,” and the challenge of transitioning to civilian life. Annette shares how she found purpose, lost herself, and ultimately reclaimed her identity by breaking her silence and speaking her truth.

If you’re searching for military transition tips, insights on healing after trauma, or real stories from women veterans, this is a can’t-miss listen. Tune in and discover why survival isn’t just about service—it’s about finding the courage to live unmasked.

Annette Whittenberger

International Speaker | Author | Songwriter & Producer | Founder of A Wild Ride Called Life | Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Veteran Lifestyle Magazine | Mental Health Advocate | Mentor

Annette Whittenberger is an international speaker, mental health advocate, and mentor whose journey spans military service, creative expression, and impactful storytelling. She is the Founder of A Wild Ride Called Life, a media platform dedicated to sharing authentic stories of resilience, mental health awareness, and navigating life’s transitions—particularly through a veteran’s perspective.

Her powerful memoir, The Wall Between Two Lives, is an international best-seller that candidly chronicles her experiences as a veteran, mother, and advocate for mental wellness. Annette’s commitment to storytelling extends into music, where she serves as a songwriter and producer, crafting songs that inspire healing and connection.

Connect with Annette:


🌐 Website: www.awildridecalledlife.com


📰 Veteran Lifestyle Magazine: www.veteranlifestylemagazine.com


📖 The Wall Between Two Lives: Amazon Link


📸 Instagram: @awildridecalledlife


📘 Facebook: facebook.com/awildridecalledlife

Kim Liska 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...

Staff Sergeant Kristen Domke brings a powerful, firsthand perspective to mental health and resilience in the military on this episode of Dog Tag Diaries. Listen as Kristen reveals what it’s like to navigate military service while grappling with trauma, addiction, and the journey to sobriety. Hear how a “community that works together” can also sometimes leave you feeling isolated—and what you do when you need help, but don’t know how to ask for it. Kristen’s story includes her combatting stigma, learning self-advocacy, and the crucial role that faith—and a trusty canine companion—played in her recovery.

If you’re looking for honest military stories, insights into overcoming personal struggles, and tips on finding your own strength, this conversation is for you. Tune in and discover how hope, grit, and purpose can transform even the darkest moments into new beginnings.

About Kristen:

Kristen Domke is a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force, serving since 2012. A proud Dayton, Ohio native, Kristen has lived and served in Germany, Turkey, Washington D.C., and New Mexico. She began her military career in Security Forces and now works in Physical Medicine. Kristen holds a B.S. in Psychology from Liberty University and is pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Life Coaching. A Certified Personal Trainer and musician who once performed at Carnegie Hall, Kristen is also a proud member of the DAF Women’s Rugby club and Team RWB Eagle Leader & Ambassador

Kristen has plans to launch her own business focused on healing and empowerment. She is a woman of faith, a voice for mental health, and a beacon for others on their sobriety journey.

Connect with Kristen:

📸 Instagram: @kristendomke

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Kim Liska 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:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram:

Tune into Dog Tag Diaries for a riveting conversation with Army veteran Dani Shine, whose journey through Desert Storm, military sexual trauma, and a decades-long battle with PTSD and weight gain redefines resilience. In this episode, Dani reveals what it was like being among the first women in infantry training and the unique challenges she faced as a woman in the military. She also opens up about reclaiming her mental and physical health, how trauma manifests in unexpected ways, and the messy, powerful work of healing. Dani has written a memoir "The Weight of Hidden Wounds," that she hopes to get published.

Dani shares insights for veterans, trauma survivors, and anyone searching for hope after hardship. If you’re ready for inspiration, hard truths, and a masterclass in overcoming adversity, press play for a story of strength, healing, and speaking out.

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 17th anniversary with the man she adores (on Flag Day, no less). Jazzercise-the iconic dance fitness program that combines high-energy dance cardio with strength training, Pilates, hip-hop, yoga, and kickboxing,

💬 Quote from Dani:

“We don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. Healing is messy, but it’s ours.”

Connect with Dani:

📱 TikTok: @dani.shine4

📘 Facebook: ddshine2868

Kim Liska 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:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.