Tactical Treasures Podcast

In this inspiring episode of the Tactical Treasures Podcast, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with Najee Gassel, the newly named 2026 AFI Coast Guard Spouse of the Year, whose life mission is to ensure that no military spouse ever feels isolated. Serving as the Baltimore area Ombudsman, Najee acts as a vital lifeline for Coast Guard families, expertly guiding them through the chaos of PCS moves and building essential, informal support networks from the ground up. Join us as Najee shares her incredible journey of advocacy, the realities of community-building in the military ecosystem, and the personal "tactical treasures" that keep her grounded while she lifts up everyone around her. Tune in for a powerhouse conversation packed with heart, wisdom, and actionable insights on finding your village in the military community.

In this explosive new episode, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” Flanagan welcomes Jaime Billert, a Coast Guard Spouse and the 2025 AFI Military Spouse of the Year! As a former educator turned Coast Guard Ombudsman, Jaime is an expert in her field and serves as a vital advocate bridging the gap between command leadership and military families. Tune in to find out how her profound experiences shaped her "tactical treasure" and inspired her amazing work supporting the community!

In our next Tactical Treasures episode, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with a literal force of nature. Meet Karly Gadell—Army spouse, passionate advocate, and the powerhouse Founder of Plus One Heroes. When military families face times of crisis, they need more than just good vibes—they need a lifeline. That’s where Karly steps in. She is doing absolutely amazing, boots-on-the-ground work to support military spouses and their families when they need it most. Trust us when we say she is a force to be reckoned with (in the absolute best way possible)!

On this episode of the Tactical Treasures Podcast, host Tracy "Mrs. JDog" Flanagan sits down with Joseph Diacheysn, an Army Veteran, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and the Founder of Stone and Sun Counseling. Drawing from a diverse background that includes roles as a Military Police Officer and a VA TBI case manager, Joe blends robust clinical expertise with genuine lived experience. This unique perspective allows him to lead profound conversations surrounding trauma, burnout, identity, hypervigilance, moral injury, and the true realities of life after service. Together, they explore how these powerful experiences shaped Joe's own "tactical treasure" and fueled his passion for running a trauma-focused private practice dedicated to serving veterans, first responders, and their families.

We are incredibly honored to bring you a moving and insightful conversation with the phenomenal Dr. Robert Worthington—USAF Veteran, esteemed author, and Founder of the Worthington Group Aviation. Dr. Worthington takes us on a journey through his fascinating career, spanning decades as an Air Traffic Controller in both the military and civilian sectors, and shares how that wealth of experience paved the way for the launch of his aviation consulting firm. Going far beyond the control tower, he opens up about the tragedy his family endured and how journaling as a therapeutic tool ultimately transformed into his powerful debut memoir, In My Brother’s Shadow. He also dives into his second book, Flight Path, which shines a critical light on his decades in air traffic control and examines the unique, systemic hurdles faced by Black controllers in the aviation industry.

In this episode, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with active-duty U.S. Marine, Liam Robb, to explore how the principles of elite military leadership translate into elite wealth management. Defined by a relentless commitment to excellence and high performance, Liam shares how he channels military-grade discipline into strategic financial planning to help clients build battle-tested portfolios. Tune in to discover how the precision, accountability, and strategic foresight forged on active duty can be weaponized to optimize your personal financial strategy and secure your long-term legacy.

Tactical Treasures sits down with Eddie Molina, a decorated Army Iraq War veteran and author of A Beginner’s Guide to Leadership, who has dedicated his post-service career to uplifting those on the front lines. As a journalist for Law Enforcement Today and a prominent contributor to numerous publications, Eddie bridges the gap between tactical leadership and emotional resilience, offering a raw and expert perspective on mental health advocacy within the uniform. Join us as we explore his mission to support the military, law enforcement, and first responder communities, delving into how his experiences in combat and journalism fuel his passion for building stronger, more mindful leaders.

In this episode, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with Nathan Baynes, a PA Air National Guard Veteran and the visionary force behind 2 Street Sammies, to explore how he seamlessly transitioned his military leadership skills into a thriving culinary career. Known for his bold and creative reinventions of the classic Philly sandwich, Nathan has expanded his brand from a popular food truck to a permanent destination at Ridge Hall Food Hall in Ambler, PA. We dive into his journey of building a versatile business that handles everything from daily service to full-scale catering via pickup, delivery, or bringing the food truck directly to the client for the ultimate convenience. Dive in to hear how discipline and flavor collide to create one of the region's most exciting food ventures 

In this high-octane episode, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with a powerhouse Navy Aircrewman veteran, Audree Bobinger, who is bringing military precision to the world of personal finance. As the firecracker founder of Audree B Financial, she shares her transition from the cockpit to the world of financial coaching, fueled by a relentless passion for financial literacy and empowerment. We dive into the grit required to master your money, the unique challenges women face with windfall wealth, veterans face when navigating civilian wealth-building, and her mission to simplify complex financial strategies for everyone. It’s a candid, high-energy conversation that proves financial freedom is the ultimate mission—and she’s here to give you the flight plan to achieve it.

This week on Tactical Treasures, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with Jordan Ames, retired Marine Raider and Founder of Red Letter Leadership which explores the powerful intersection of faith and service as they discuss how elite military experience uniquely shapes a servant-leader’s heart. By leading through the Life Lessons from the Life of Christ Jordan demonstrates why the teachings of Christ serve as the ultimate tactical manual for navigating both professional and personal challenges. It is a profound look at resilience and re-invention, offering a roadmap for transitioning from the front lines of combat to a life dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders.

In this raw and powerful episode, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with Jimmy Burgess, an Air Force/Army Veteran and Executive Director of Heartland Canines for Veterans, for a conversation that goes far beyond dog training. Jimmy opens up about his personal transition from the 160th SOAR to civilian life, diving deep into the "invisible wounds" of service and the life-saving role service dogs play in a Veteran’s journey back from the edge. He also shares about the heartbreaking recent loss of his service dog, Riley, who remains the face of Heartland Canines. We explore how these four-legged partners provide more than just assistance—they offer a reason to keep fighting. Fair warning: have the tissues ready for this profound look at trauma, healing, and the bond that makes the impossible possible.

Join Tactical Treasures Podcast for a raw, unfiltered conversation with Army MilSpouse and advocate Allison Burton as she launches her new book, “Silent Ranks, Loud Burdens”. Allison pulls back the curtain on the military lifestyle, sharing a collection of "shared truths" that reflect the collective reality of those behind the uniform. Driven by the belief that someone has to say the hard things, she moves beyond simple storytelling to focus on validation, forward movement, and the urgent need for real reform. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to turn invisible burdens into a powerful call for change.

What does it take to tell a story that honors a community? For the team behind Sheepdog, it took over a decade of research, listening, and earned trust. In the latest Tactical Treasures Podcast episode, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” is joined by writer/actor/producer, Steven Grayhm and actor Matt Dallas. They discuss the meticulous 10-year process of bringing Sheepdog to life—from interviewing VA clinicians to working directly with Gold Star wives and veterans to ensure the film reflects their lived experiences. If you’re interested in the intersection of film, advocacy, and the veteran experience, you won't want to miss this episode!

In this episode of Tactical Treasures Podcast, President/Founder and former MilSpouse, Deb Casello and Board Member Kathryn Casello Robertson, LCSW, Active Marine MilSpouse, dive into the life-saving mission of KEYS 365. The duo shares how their deep expertise in the suicide prevention realm fueled the launch of their organization, which focuses on equipping communities with the tools to identify warning signs of suicidal ideation before a crisis occurs. Their "tactical treasure" serves as a powerful symbol deeply intertwined with their mission, anchoring a conversation about proactive education and mental health resilience. Listeners will gain invaluable insights from their unique blend of clinical knowledge and passionate advocacy, highlighting how their evidence-based classes are changing the narrative around prevention and intervention.

What do you carry with you after "the knock"?  Amy Dozier, recently sat down with Tracy “Mrs. JDog” to share the personal items and memories that define her journey as a surviving spouse. But this episode is about more than just the past—it’s about the future. Amy discusses how her husband’s legacy inspired her to turn grief into action, leading to her incredible work at the Woody Williams Foundation and the launch of her brand-new podcast, "After the Knock," in partnership with Wreaths Across America Radio. 🎙️✨

In this moving episode of Tactical Treasures, filmmaker and actress Lisa Regina discusses her mission to transform trauma into triumph. From surviving domestic violence to founding the non-profit A Write to Heal, Lisa shares how her journey led to the creation of Heroic Episodes, a dramatic series adapting the true stories of our veterans. Discover how she is providing our nation’s heroes with more than just a voice, offering them a unique platform for emotional healing, technical training, and new career paths in the industry.

Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with the legendary Amy Shick! Amy is a 30-year military spouse and a former powerhouse at the Military Family Advisory Network. She’s spent her life advocating for military families, and now she’s using that "boots on the ground" wisdom to help the military community navigate the VA loan process with Nova Home Loans.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the home-buying process or just want to hear from someone who truly "gets" the military life, this episode is for you!

I am honored to sit down with Army Veteran and Survivor Advocate, Aaron Hudgins. After losing his wife, SSG Jari J. Hudgins, Aaron turned his grief into a mission. From 26 years in uniform to advocating at the Pentagon, his journey from “survival mode” to thriving is a masterclass in resilience. Aaron’s vulnerability and his impact in the Veteran community through advocacy on PTSD and healing is truly palpable in this episode!

Join Tracy, “Mrs. JDog” as she sits down with Brodi Pursley, Army Veteran and the powerhouse Executive Director of A Dog’s Dream. Brodi opens up about the "tactical treasure" that helped shape his life after service—offering raw, inspiring words of wisdom for any Veteran currently navigating the struggle of transition. 🇺🇸 We will dive into Brodi’s personal roadmap for finding purpose after the military. How Brodi’s passion for service turned into the incredible mission of giving retired breeding dogs a second chance at life in loving, adoptive homes. 🐕❤️

We are LIVE with Suzette Heller, Army Veteran, a leading voice in Veteran advocacy and Director of Development at Save A Warrior (SAW).  While her stellar education prepared her for leadership, it was her personal journey through the SAW program that truly defined her path. In this episode, Suzette shares her personal "why" and discusses the profound, positive impact SAW had on her life. Tune in to hear how her expertise and firsthand experience with SAW’s life-changing transformation are driving systemic change for those who serve.

How do we process the unthinkable? For Branden Zeitler, Army Veteran and Delaware Coordinator for Irreverent Warrior, the loss of his best friend to suicide became the catalyst for a life dedicated to veteran suicide prevention. In this episode, Branden discusses why "irreverent" connection is the key to breaking down walls for veterans, the wisdom gained from navigating personal trauma, and the "8 Minutes" Rule: A powerful perspective on the window of time that can save a life. Branden’s perspective is a vital reminder that while we can't change the past, we can absolutely shape the future of veteran mental health.

Join Tracy “Mrs. JDog” Flanagan on the Tactical Treasures Podcast and tune in for an inspiring look at the woman leading the charge for our heroes’ mental health, Dr. Pam Arnell, Executive Director of 22Zero. Dr. Pam is a military spouse and first responder who wears many hats—including professor of Psychology. She’s sharing how she’s bringing academic rigor to 22Zero by establishing institutional research partnerships to validate their trauma-healing protocols. Hear about the intersection of education and service, how personal sacrifice drives organizational vision and the science behind the 22Zero mission. 

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy has the honor of sitting down with Hugh Tychsen, Marine Corps Veteran and Program Manager for Irreverent Warriors, for a conversation that is as raw as it is inspiring. Hugh shares the incredible story of how a friendship formed during deployment didn’t just provide comfort—it literally saved him and his unit. We dive deep into How brotherhood sustains us in the darkest places, the mission of IW to bring Veterans together through humor and camaraderie and Hugh’s powerful advice for any Veteran currently struggling, "You do you whatever that looks like” keeping you from making a decision that can never be taken back.

Host Tracy “Mrs. JDog” Flanagan sits down with the amazing Ashton Kroner, Marine Corps Veteran, Director of Veteran Affairs for PINK Concussions and Co-Founder of Pedal for Impact! Tune in to hear about the essential tactical treasure that shaped her journey with her husband, Casey, the groundbreaking mission and impact of Pedal for Impact as they embark on an advocacy bicycle ride from Florida to Washington, DC and the powerful impact PINK concussions is having on brain injury research in the female sector! 

Listen to this inspiring episode of Tactical Treasures where Tracy Flanagan sits down with Blake Richardson, Marine Corps Veteran and Founder of Help Our Heroes! Blake shares intimate details of his journey with PTSD and TBI that went undiagnosed for several years. Hear how the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy helped him and the miraculous results he has experienced and seen in other Veterans and the push to get legislation passed for this "non-traditional" therapy to be offered to Veterans and First responders suffering with TBI and PTSD through the VA system and other medical avenues.

 Check out this incredibly inspiring podcast episode! Tracy sits down with Cassidy Nolan, Marine Corps Veteran and Co-Founder of Mach 1 Hot Sauce! Hear about his journey—from the surprising initial goal of a "port-a-potty business" to building an amazing brand of hot sauce free of "junk"—perfectly illustrating the entrepreneurial spirit of showing up, having a positive attitude and learning from mistakes and his "tactical treasure" mantra, that is a powerful takeaway for putting ideas into action!

Tune into this powerful and deeply emotional Tactical Treasures Podcast as Tracy sits down with military family member and Communications Director for Wreaths Across America, Amber Caron! Amber shares a heartfelt and moving account of her very first Wreaths Across America Day at Arlington National Cemetery alongside Co-Founder, Karen Worcester. Hear her inspiring story of what it means to be part of the WAA mission for over 17 years, and how it has helped her discover and connect with her own family's profound legacy of military service. Don't miss this opportunity to hear an intimate perspective on Wreaths Across America’s mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach and learn how you can get involved in Wreaths Across America Day in your own community to ensure no veteran is ever forgotten.

Tune in to this powerful episode of the Tactical Treasures Podcast as Tracy sits down with Amy Burton Eaves, Navy Veteran and Veteran Advocate/Business Manager of Red River Valley Veterans Memorial! Hear how her military service shaped her life, fueled her passion for caring for fellow Veterans, and inspired her ongoing work with multiple Veteran organizations — joking that she “has a joining problem!” Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about service, purpose, and giving back.

On this inspiring episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy will be speaking with Eric Stetson, Lt. Col. Army (Ret), Veteran Advocate/Founder of Stetson Leader & Team Consulting, LLC! Hear how Eric is using his God-given gifts of connection, communication, and leadership to uplift businesses within the Veteran community, and his heartfelt advice for Veterans who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Tune in to hear how Retired Navy SEAL Ty Smith faced and overcame his battle with PTSD — and how that journey inspired him to help others through We Are Hiro, a leadership business coaching company. Ty shares powerful insights on resilience, purpose, and what it truly means to lead after service. His words of wisdom offer hope and guidance for Veterans navigating life beyond the uniform.

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Logan Spiewak, Marine Corps Veteran and Executive Director of the Boots to Health Foundation! Tune in to hear how a simple pair of shoes inspired the founding of Boots to Health, how Logan’s personal journey to mental wellness shaped the program, and how both civilians and veterans can get involved in this impactful mission!

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Karen Diefendorf, US Army Ret.! Tune in to hear Chaplain Karen share her very special Tactical Treasure, the journey that led her to become the Host of the Encounters with God podcast, and some heartwarming — and fun — stories from her incredible military career! Don’t miss this inspiring conversation full of faith, service, and purpose!

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Marshall Morris, Army Veteran and Co-Founder/President of The Hero Company! His service in the Army has shaped his passion for helping fellow Veterans! Through his work with The Hero Company, he's making a real impact — helping provide service dogs for Veterans dealing with the hidden wounds of war. We left this episode inspired, and we know you will too. Don’t miss it!

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Amy Palmer, Air Force Veteran and President/CEO of Soldiers’ Angels! Tune in to this episode to hear how Amy’s legacy of service didn’t stop in uniform—it transformed into powerful advocacy through the incredible work she does today. At Soldiers’ Angels, she’s helping provide vital support to Veterans, deployed troops, and their families through programs that deliver comfort, care, and community.

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Jeff Pierce, Director of Media and Military Partnerships for Wreaths Across America and Justin Latini, Navy Veteran and the National Region 1 Director of Vietnam Veterans of America! Tune in to this episode as we explore Jeff and Justin’s Tactical Treasure and the incredible partnership between WAA and VVA—how it began, what it stands for, and how it aims to uplift and empower both organizations!

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Jennifer Barnhill, Journalist/Author and the 2025 AFI Navy Spouse of the Year! Tune in to this episode to hear about Jennifer’s Tactical Treasure, how her research and advocacy for military families led to her debut nonfiction book “The Military Stories You’ve Been Told: And the Ones You Need to Hear” which invites readers to reconsider what they think they know about the military, told by the all-volunteer force, military families!

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Jaymes Poling, Army Veteran and Co-creator of Modern Warrior LIVE! Tune in to this episode as Jaymes shares his Tactical Treasure and words of wisdom, how he began to find through narrative arts and dynamic public speaking that the potential for growth can indeed follow adversity and the importance of sharing his journey from isolation to healing, whether one-on-one, in a cohort of five veterans or in a concert hall seating 4,000. 

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Fred Conner, Marine Corps Veteran and the Director of Operations at Founding Forward! Tune in to this episode to hear about Fred’s very special Tactical Treasure, how he is embracing his new role at Founding Forward’s Valley Forge Campus by stewarding planning and operations on historic ground – restoring it to its highest purpose: forging leaders, teaching citizenship and summoning a new generation to advance America’s 250 year experiment in self-government.

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Anthony Marquez, USMC Veteran and Manny Marquez, Filmmaker who are the Producer and Director of the documentary film, Make Peace or Die! Tune in to this episode to hear about Anthony and Manny’s very special Tactical Treasure, how the vision for the film came about after the carving of the third battlefield cross and about how the making of the film helped not only Anthony on his path to healing but all 17 Gold Star families that were affected by the loss of their loved ones!

On this special edition episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with return guest, Vince Afaisen, 2025 Army Military Spouse of the Year! Tune in to this episode to hear about Vince’s special Tactical Treasure, how he hopes to launch creative programs that eliminate barriers to participation and build welcoming spaces for diverse voices in the military spouse community, and being a personal example to show how meaningful involvement can build strong support systems where military spouses find purpose and belonging.

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Dr. James Chitwood, Army Veteran, Author of “Leadership is not Enough” and Market President for C-Suite for Christ Chicago! Tune in to this episode to hear about Dr. James’ very inspirational Tactical Treasure, the background behind his organizational performance book, “Leadership is Not Enough”, and about the mission of C-Suite for Christ to positively affect their work environment by proactively creating faith-centric cultures in the workplace.

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Christina Helferich-Polosky, Army Veteran and Founder/Artist of Wounded Not Worthless, LLC! Tune in to this episode to hear about Christina’s very special Tactical Treasure, her family’s 3 generations of service to our country, and about how art became her “voice” and a pathway to healing from her physical and mental injuries suffered during her military service.

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Rob Guillory, Navy Veteran and Outreach Director for Moss Rehab Institute for Brain Health! Tune in to this episode to hear about Rob’s inspiring Tactical Treasure, how his military service as an officer in the Navy Nurse Corps prepared him for his career post service, and about the exciting things that Moss Rehab is doing with Veterans suffering from TBI by their partnership with Avalon Action Alliance!

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Stacey Ballard, Military Family Member and President of Main Line Veterans! Tune in to this episode to hear about Stacey’s very inspiring Tactical Treasure, her father’s service in Vietnam and the great work she is doing at Main Line Veterans with Veteran events and preservation of the four memorials in the Main Line, Pennsylvania area! 

 On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Alex Mauri, Marine Corps Veteran and the Co-Founder/President of Star-Batt! Tune in to this episode to hear about his Tactical Treasure, what his dream job was growing up, and about how the Star-Batt product works and has allowed him to fulfill his passion of being off grid during hunting season trips!

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with George Leone, Military Family Member and the President and Chair of the Board of Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps! Tune in to this episode to hear about George’s very special Tactical Treasure, what inspired him to undertake the mission of the Homecoming 250, honoring the Navy and Marine Corps 250th birthday and to hear about all the spectacular events taking place October 9-16 2025 in the nation’s birthplace, Philadelphia, PA!! 

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Derek Blumke, Air Force/Air National Guard Veteran and the Veteran Impact Fellow for the Grunt Style Foundation! Tune in to this episode to hear about Derek’s very inspirational Tactical Treasure, his journey with mental health, and how his mission supporting the mental health of Veterans and the overprescribing of drugs has led him to Congress and spear heading Grunt Style Foundation’s latest initiative: War Cry for Change: A Revolution to Reclaim Veteran Mental Health!

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Lisa Carrington-Firmin, Col. (Ret) Air Force, Author, Founder & CEO of Lisa Carrington-Firmin, LLC! Tune in to this episode to hear about Lisa’s very empowering Tactical Treasure and find out what she calls her “super power” and how she overcame barriers during her military service of discrimination, sexual assault and combat which inspired her journey to healing by authoring two books!

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Rev. Dr. Paul McCullough, Army Veteran/President and Thomas Long, Army Veteran/Board Member of the Association of the United States Army Penn & Franklin-Greater Philadelphia Chapter heading up and hosting the Army 250th celebration!Tune in to this special edition of Tactical Treasures Podcast to hear about Paul and Tom sharing their very special tactical treasures, the story behind their AUSA Chapter undertaking the hosting of the Army 250th celebration, and about the amazing events taking place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the weekend of June 13-15, 2025 that you can be a part of!!!

On this episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy speaks with Mike Meyers, Army Veteran, Founder/CEO & Commissioner of the Military Basketball Association! Tune in to this episode to hear about Mike’s very cool physical Tactical Treasure, how the Military Basketball Association has been a tool to prevent harmful behaviors, and the documentary now airing on Amazon prime “Life Through Basketball”! Be sure to set your calendar for the Military Basketball Men’s and Women’s Championship game airing on CBS May 25th – Women’s game at 5:30pm ET and the Men’s game at 8:00pm ET!