The Silenced Voices of MST

Chuck Derry, founder of The Gender Violence Institute in Clearwater, Minnesota shares his expertise and personal anecdotes of the stark differences in how men and women experience everyday situations. Change happens with accountability among men, he ex...

The holistic approach to recovery at Miracles Asia, with a focus on specialized care for veterans has a high rate of success, and co-founder Mark Heather explains why in this episode of The Silenced Voices of MST. We cover the location and setting in P...

In this episode, Rachelle Smith speaks with Mark Heather and Michael O'Connor from Miracles Asia, a rehabilitation and recovery center in Thailand that supports U.S. veterans struggling with addiction and mental health issues. They discuss the founding...

Ron Carter talks about his book, The Monster Inside of Me, and what influenced him to write and how writing it was a cathartic process, offering insights into his personal struggles and the path to healing. He also shares how surprised he was to find o...

Army veteran Ron Carter shares his journey from deciding to join the Army to his experiences in basic training, getting stationed in Germany, and the premeditated attack that resulted in military sexual trauma. He discusses the impact of these experien...

In Part 2, Ron Carter shares his harrowing experiences with military sexual trauma and the long journey of healing that followed. He discusses the systemic issues within the military regarding sexual assault, the importance of sharing stories, and the ...

Rachelle Smith speaks with U.S. Air Force veteran Lakeydra Houston about her experience of Military Sexual Trauma while stationed in Korea. She explains how the culture of heavy drinking and peer pressure made service members vulnerable, how traffickin...

Host Rachelle Smith sits down with U.S. Air Force veteran Lakeydra Houston to discuss her experience of Military Sexual Trauma at her first duty station. Lakeydra shares how harassment escalated into assault, how alcohol became a coping mechanism, and ...

It's not just silence — it’s all we have left of those who were never heard. Of those who wore the uniform and continued nursing invisible injuries. Of those who were told to move on before they were ever allowed to speak. Of those we’ve lost to invisi...

Rachelle Smith speaks with U.S. Air Force veteran MSTy about the long-term impact of surviving Military Sexual Trauma. She explains how unresolved trauma shaped her daily life, from panic attacks and dissociation to chronic physical pain. She also desc...

In this conversation, MSTy explains the complexities of Military Sexual Trauma (MST), exploring her personal experiences with coping, education, and healing, the creation of a mapping initiative to document and share survivor stories, and the importanc...

MST y shares her journey from a military upbringing to her experiences in the Marine Corps, illustrating the challenges she faced as a young woman in a male-dominated environment. She discusses the impact of harassment, the struggle for identity, and t...

In Part 3, Brian discusses his experiences with meditation as a healing tool, the lessons he learned from his struggles, and the need for systemic change within the military culture. He emphasizes the importance of speaking out and finding support, enc...

In Part 2, Brian shares what life was like after being dishonorably discharged from the Marine Corps and failing to receive any help because of his discharge. He discusses what it was like trying to cope with alcohol and promiscuity during college and ...

In this episode, Brian shares his journey from Marine Corps infantryman to survivor of sexual trauma and PTSD. He opens up about the life-changing incident that led to his struggles with mental health, the isolation he faced after speaking up, and the ...

Emily Bernath, an author and advocate, shares her journey of faith, healing, and finding purpose after experiencing SA and finding herself at her lowest point. She discusses the challenges of writing about her trauma and the importance of including the...

Kimberly Henry shares her past transformation from Navy veteran to social worker as shares her story of joining the Navy and the challenges she faced during her service. She discusses her experiences in basic training, her deployments, and the traumati...

1620 Pablo is well-versed in alternate methods of medication. Pablo shares his experience using plant medicine, specifically cannabis and CBD, to deal with mental health obstacles and physical injuries. 1620 Pablo also emphasizes the need for better ca...

The Airman charged with kidnapping and sexually a 15-year-old girl pleads not guilty as tensions rise in Okinawa between the local population and US military presence, Active duty military member charges with sexual assault, missing West Virginia teen ...

Michael Hineline, owner of Float Brothers Float Spa in Destin, Florida, discusses the benefits and experience of float therapy. He shares the origins of float therapy, the anti-gravity environment created by the high concentration of Epsom salt, and th...

In this episode of "The Big Voice," Rachelle Smith discusses five critical news stories related to military sexual trauma (MST) and the broader implications within the military culture. She emphasizes the importance of accountability and systemic chang...

Cheryl Mullick, a member of Pave USA, discusses the process of placing service dogs with handlers who have severe PTSD from military sexual trauma (MST). The organization trains dogs to work with handlers who have various disabilities, including epilep...

We share four news stories we need to keep an eye on related to military sexual trauma (MST). She highlights the toxic nature of the military and how MST is a symptom of a larger problem. The first story focuses on the Campaign for PCS Safety, which ai...

Dr. Brandy Preston-Rivers, a victim advocate and researcher on MST discusses the impact of MST on survivors and the military as a whole and her research on MST and its impact on society. She highlights the biases and challenges faced by survivors when ...

In this conversation, we meet Jeff, an Army veteran who shares his experience of trauma in the military and the challenges he faced upon returning home. Jeff discusses his childhood trauma, his decision to join the military as a means of escape, and th...

Welcome to this week's episode of BIG VOICE, where we delve into the most pressing news stories affecting our military and veteran communities. This week, we uncover a series of alarming events that demand our attention and action: 1. Resignation and A...

Join Rachelle Smith as she relaunches The Silenced Voices of MST podcast with an explosive new direction. In this episode, she unveils exciting changes, including a new name, new logo, and the launch of a supportive Facebook group. Rachelle shares her ...

Vianca Vazquez shares her experience in the Marine Corps and the challenges she faced, including injuries and inadequate medical care. She also discusses her experience of MST and highlights the impact of these experiences on the loss of her dream to s...

Tanya Jones, the Founder and CEO of Interactive Advocacy shares her experiences in the military, including joining as an escape from trauma and becoming a victim of sexual assault and stalking. She discusses the missed red flags and vulnerability that ...

Meet Eileen Dong, a survivor of polyvictimization and advocate against human trafficking. They discuss the misconceptions of human trafficking, Eileen's journey, the intersection with MST, and recognizing signs of trafficking. Eileen shares insights fr...

As we reach the end of the first season, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your support, engagement, and enthusiasm have made this journey unforgettable, and I couldn't be more thankful. Summary In th...

In this penultimate episode Maggie, an Army veteran, shares how her hospitalization took an unexpected turn during the holiday season of 2022. Key Points: Unsettling Encounter: Maggie woke to our host, Rachelle, urgently shouting at a male patient from...

Shay shares her powerful story, from surprising her Air Force family by joining the Army to overcoming the challenges of military sexual assault. In this episode, she reveals valuable information from Secretary of the VA Denis R. McDonough that can aid...

Our guest Nicky is an author, and former Air Force First Sergeant. She shares her story of surviving domestic violence and also lets us in on what it was like at Lackland Air Force Base during the investigation of the largest MST scandal that rocked th...

In this impacrful episode, we sit down with Jaye, a brave survivor who enlisted in the Army in 1978. Throughout her 17-year military career, Jaye faced unimaginable challenges, including rape and constant sexual harassment. Tune in as she candidly shar...

Today, we sit down with Navy Commander Erin Elliot, a courageous woman who shares her harrowing experience of sexual assault by a former boyfriend, shedding light on the complexities of reporting assault and the varying support systems she encountered....

In this episode, we hear meet Chaplain Tammy Briggs, a member of the US Army that is dedicated to protecting her fellow soldiers after experiencing varying forms of MST throughout her career. She shares the impact of MST on her mental health and the ou...

In this special holiday episode of "Silenced Voices | Stories of MST," host Rachelle Smith brings you heartwarming holiday cheer intertwined with groundbreaking news in the realm of military justice. President Biden has signed an Executive Order, marki...

In this episode, we hear the astonishing story of a resilient warrior who, despite experiencing MST in the military, found strength in small victories and healing activities after struggling with his mental health, trust issues with others, and sense o...

Taylor’s story reveals an often-ignored side of military sexual trauma, the impact on dependents. In this episode, she shares her experience of being assaulted by two airmen, navigating fear, shame, and a system that leaves dependents with no clear pat...

Julie’s account captures the emotional and institutional aftermath that many survivors face after reporting MST. She describes how peers and leadership turned against her, how she was accused of lying, and how retaliation became the military’s unspoken...

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is the central focus of this opening episode of The Silenced Voices of MST. Rachelle Smith explains why she created the podcast and how the military’s culture of silence continues to harm survivors. She introduces the serie...

The Silenced Voices of MST is a survivor-led podcast sharing firsthand accounts of Military Sexual Trauma from service members, dependents, civilians, and even those targeted by recruiters who never made it into the ranks. Hosted by Air Force veteran a...