Captains Kim Liszka & Dakota Olson-Harris, Army
It’s June 11th, 2001, and millions of Americans are tuning in for NBC’s newest reality television show. Coupled with overly dramatic music and a montage of contestants attempting seemingly death-defying stunts, the narration begins, “Imagine a world where your greatest fears become reality…this is Fear Factor!” After the show’s host, Joe Rogan, rattled off a disclaimer, the show began with contestant introductions, the last of whom was a woman named Sonia, who explained she never expected to be on the show before saying, “Now, I’m gonna see what I can do!” About five minutes later, in the inaugural episode, Sonia was gone. She was the first to be eliminated after failing to jump from one moving tractor-trailer to another. Joe Rogan gave Sonia a pat on the back and sent her home. But that was television, not reality.
In reality, women don’t have to “imagine a world where your greatest fears become reality,” because they’re living it on a daily basis. Female service members, specifically, encounter abuse, discrimination, and ridicule every day from their male counterparts when all they want to do is serve their country, bravely and honorably. Captains Kim Liszka and Dakota Olson-Harris are examples of such American heroes. Both have stood watch and stood tall in the face of adversity, extending their service beyond the uniform through their creation of the Reveille & Retreat Project. Additionally, they founded the Dog Tag Diaries podcast, a space in which military women can “tell their stories and speak their truths” while also “raising awareness about military trauma…and fostering a supportive community where women can find strength and inspiration in each other’s stories.”
In the first episode of our fifth season, hosts Jason and Ethan are incredibly honored to be joined by Kim and Dakota, two patriots who speak candidly and vulnerably about service and struggles. Their stories matter; female veterans’ stories matter; and we are proud to highlight the important work being done by the Reveille & Retreat Project team, who expertly craft healing journeys for women in need. Happy New Year to our audience, and please enjoy this episode!
