Navigating Transitions: Lori Noga's Journey Through the Bardo of Life and Business

In this episode, Lori Noga shares her deeply personal journey through career change, loss, identity reconstruction, and the power of community. Her insights on vulnerability, resilience, and finding purpose in life's in-between moments offer a compelling guide for anyone facing their own transitions.

Key Topics:

• Lori's military background and how leadership lessons from the Navy shaped her entrepreneurial journey
• The concept of the "Bardo" and how it captures liminal spaces in life between who we were and who we are becoming
• Building Tranquility Dental Wellness: creating a practice centered on human connection and convenience for busy families
• Navigating life changes, including selling her business and dealing with the death of her father
• The importance of self-awareness, therapy, journaling, and meditation in healing and growth
• Challenges of scaling a business while managing family and personal transitions
• The desire to build communities and mentorship programs for women, adolescents, and entrepreneurs
• Embracing uncertainty, surrender, and taking one day at a time

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and long-standing friendship

02:00 - Reflections on 20 years since Officer Candidate School

02:43 - Lori’s early life and professional background before Navy service

03:35 - The influence of perfectionism and upbringing on Lori’s development

04:35 - How therapy and self-awareness shed light on her perfectionist tendencies

05:31 - The struggles with her mother’s ongoing depression

06:11 - What prompted Lori to switch from actuarial work to dentistry

07:06 - The significance of Navy scholarship programs in her career transition

08:11 - Building Tranquility Dental Wellness: filling gaps in patient care and convenience

09:11 - Lessons from military leadership applicable to entrepreneurial growth

10:04 - Navigating starting a practice from scratch and the challenges faced

12:41 - Key experiences in military dental service and patient volume in the Marines

13:38 - How military service instilled lessons on leadership at every level

14:05 - Challenges of conforming in a hierarchical system and questioning in the military

15:28 - Building deep connections through military service versus civilian life

16:35 - The impact of the military on her leadership style and community building

18:35 - Transitioning out of the Navy and relocating for family and career

19:16 - Insights on opening her first practice amidst family growth and economic challenges

20:46 - Developing her dream practice as a wellness center focused on women and busy families

23:03 - Evolving ideas around accessible, luxurious dental care

24:49 - The rapid growth of her practice and balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship

28:48 - Challenges and sacrifices in scaling the business and personal life

34:26 - Deciding to sell her practices and the emotional journey of letting go

37:52 - Reflections on identity after selling her business and the loss of purpose

39:36 - Facing the death of her father and lessons on acceptance and impermanence

41:20 - The ongoing process of untangling personal worth from professional achievement

43:23 - Daily practices of meditation, journaling, yoga, and discipline for mental clarity

46:08 - Exploring "Beyond the Bardo" — life as a series of liminal transitions

47:34 - Envisioning support for others navigating their own bardos and life chapters

50:28 - The importance of community for women and adolescents in transition

52:07 - Mentorship, leadership, and the need for authentic connection and guidance

55:07 - Sharing vulnerably through writing and the impact of storytelling

65:03 - The empowering story women need to tell themselves: "You are enough"

66:24 - Moving forward with discipline, hope, and acceptance of life's uncertainties

67:00 - Closing remarks: embracing life's transitions with courage and community

Resources & Links:

• Beyond the Bardo – Lori's website exploring life's liminal spaces
• Substack Profile – Lori’s writings on transition and healing

Connect with Lori:

• LinkedIn

Note: This episode offers valuable reflections on vulnerability, growth, and resilience for those in transition, emphasizing that life's most profound change often takes place in between the chapters—the liminal spaces that shape us.

@herostories2025

Content Warning:

This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including sexual assault and rape, which may be triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening.

"Hero Stories" Episode Featuring Karen Hennigan

In this powerful episode of Hero Stories, Karen Hennigan, a 23-year Air Force veteran, attorney, and leader, shares her extraordinary journey of service, resilience, and healing. From pioneering an all-female combat mission to navigating personal grief amid a global pandemic, her story is a testament to the strength and grace of women warriors.

Main Topics Covered:

• Karen's military career, including her experience as an Air Force prosecutor and her role on the first all-female combat mission on a C-17 aircraft
• Her international experiences working in Laos, Estonia, Sri Lanka, and Korea, supporting global anti-corruption and law enforcement efforts
• Personal journey of grief after losing her parents to COVID-19 and how she found healing through music, meditation, and community
• The creation of the Athena Grace Foundation to support women veterans and service members in recovery and connection
• The importance of mental health normalization in the military and the unique challenges women face after service

Timestamps:

00:04 - Welcome to Hero Stories with Karen Hennigan, a veteran, attorney, and healer

01:52 - Reflecting on the impact of service and beginnings in officer training school

02:34 - Karen's motivation to join the military inspired by family of public servants

03:23 - From law school in DC to the military prosecutor role

04:15 - An amusing courtroom story involving her brother, a police officer in NYC

05:11 - Experience as a military prosecutor and training others in court

06:22 - Over 23 years in the AF Reserve, with international law missions abroad

07:23 - Working in Laos on anti-corruption initiatives and repatriation missions

08:56 - Recalling emotional moments with U.S. human remains and personal connection to Vietnam veterans

10:33 - Discussing the challenges Vietnam veterans faced with VA benefits

14:39 - Personal story of her father's struggle with PTSD and VA support

19:20 - Navigating her own grief during the COVID pandemic and her parents’ passing

25:57 - The mental health challenges of military service and normalization of seeking help

30:07 - Key moments as a prosecutor helping victims and mental health resilience

36:44 - Experiences in Saudi Arabia, navigating cultural differences and service abroad

39:54 - Supporting international legal efforts in Estonia, Sri Lanka, and Bosnia

44:03 - Transitioning to work with DOJ on financial crimes and international investigations

50:18 - Her move to Meta/Facebook and ongoing reserve service

54:45 - Personal reflection on her parents’ loss and coping with COVID’s toll

64:51 - Building community and healing through travel, music, and meditation

75:25 - Launching the Athena Grace Foundation for women veterans and service members

83:18 - Supporting women’s networks and the importance of shared experience

86:54 - Her experience on the first all-female combat mission on a C-17 aircraft

90:23 - Closing thoughts on resilience, community, and honoring service

Resources & Links:

• Athena Grace Foundation — Supporting women warriors in healing and community (Coming Soon) 
• Meta / Facebook — Karen’s employer and platform for service
• The Geneva Conventions — International humanitarian law training
• Hooks for Heroes — Supporting veterans through outdoor activities
• Veterans Yoga Project — Mindfulness and yoga for veterans
• Veteran Affairs Benefits — Explore mental health resources for veterans
• VFW Support — Veterans of Foreign Wars support and resources

Connect with Karen Hennigan:

• LinkedIn

Follow us on Instagram @herostories2025 for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more inspiring stories!

Closing note:

Karen’s story underscores that resilience is about continuing to show up, heal, and find peace even in the face of profound life changes. Sharing stories like hers inspires us all to honor service, support mental health, and build communities of healing.

Your support helps amplify the voices of women veterans and service members. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

@herostories2025

Hero Stories: Leadership, Resilience, and Service - Featuring Kay Een. Dive into the inspiring journey of Kay Een, a Navy veteran whose career spans air traffic control, NCIS special agent work, and impactful coaching. Discover how resilience, leadership, and adaptability shaped her life and service, offering valuable lessons for anyone navigating change and growth.

Main Topics Covered:

• Kay's diverse military career, from air traffic control to criminal investigations
• The challenges and rewards of military service, deployments, and family life
• Transitioning from active duty to coaching, emphasizing found purpose and identity
• The importance of advocacy, resilience, and intentionality in career and life shifts
• The role of coaching as a tool for self-reflection and transition support

In this episode:

• Kay shares her early decision to join the Navy after high school influenced by her family's military background
• The rigorous training and high responsibility given to young service members
• Her work as an air traffic controller and loadmaster, highlighting the stress and skills involved
• The impact of 9/11 on her military service and the deployment to Qatar and Iraq
• Transitioning from military to federal law enforcement with NCIS, specializing in cyber investigations and crimes against children
• Leadership lessons learned from managing in Okinawa and supporting her family through multiple moves
• Her shift into coaching and the importance of meaningfully navigating the “in-between” phases of life
• The significance of advocacy, self-awareness, and intentional living post-retirement
• Kay's current focus on helping others find purpose through coaching, grounded in her military discipline and compassion

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Welcome and introduction to Kay's inspiring story
• (01:25) - Kay discusses her motivation to join the Navy after high school
• (03:09) - What it's like to train as an air traffic controller in the military
• (04:18) - Kay was just 18 during her initial training
• (06:01) - Serving in Pearl Harbor and her transition from reservist to active duty
• (06:39) - Her decision to leave air traffic control and pursue forensic science
• (07:25) - Early challenges and confidence building in air traffic control
• (09:11) - Transition from Navy service to law enforcement with NCIS
• (10:33) - Serving as a loadmaster on C-20 aircraft and aviation skills
• (11:48) - The intense training and safety protocols for aircrew
• (13:37) - Deployments during 9/11, including Iraq missions
• (17:07) - Her internships and entry into NCIS training
• (20:00) - Overview of NCIS special agent training and duties
• (22:12) - Day-to-day life as an NCIS agent and investigation types
• (30:42) - Specialization in crimes against children and cyber investigations
• (32:48) - Leadership roles, family management, and career progression
• (35:19) - Most memorable assignments, including Okinawa and Iraq
• (37:17) - Navigating military family life and career sacrifices
• (40:46) - Advocacy for military spouses and diversity initiatives
• (43:39) - Transitioning from active duty and redefining purpose
• (50:12) - Post-retirement activities, including hiking and coaching
• (52:42) - Kay’s coaching approach and certification journey
• (54:41) - Supporting others with Kaizen Island Coaching
• (55:23) - Importance of reflection and intentional transition
• (58:44) - Differences between coaching and therapy
• (59:33) - Embracing structured life and finding personal identity
• (60:36) - Supporting others through transition and uncertainty
• (62:45) - Personal passions like water sports and reflecting on purpose
• (63:39) - Final words of encouragement and thanking Kay
• (64:11) - Reflection on service, leadership, and impact

Resources:

• Kaizen Island Coaching — Kay's coaching practice
• Coaching for Leadership & Organizational Well-being - George Mason University — Certification program
• NCIS Official Website — Learn more about NCIS

Connect with Kay Een:

• LinkedIn

Note: Kay's story demonstrates that service, leadership, and impact take many forms—whether coordinating aircraft, solving crimes, or guiding others through life transitions. Her journey highlights resilience, purpose, and the power of finding your voice at every stage.Thank you for listening to Hero Stories. For your own hero story or to share someone else's, visit herostories.org. Keep supporting others and evolving your unique path.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are Kay's own and reflect her personal experiences. They do not represent the official positions, policies, or endorsements of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of the Navy, the Department of Defense, or any other agency or department of the United States Government.

@herostories2025

In this inspiring episode, Carol Whitmore, the first woman to lead the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), shares her journey from Army service to national leadership. She discusses veteran advocacy, support for military families, the role of the VFW, POW/MIA recovery efforts, and her participation in a historic all-women parachute jump commemorating D-Day and the often-overlooked contributions of women during WWII.

 keywords

Veterans, Women in Military, VFW, Military Leadership, Veteran Support, D-Day, Parachute Jump, Military History, Veteran Advocacy, Women Veterans

 key  topics

Carol Whitmore's military career and leadership journey
Challenges faced by women in the military
The role of the VFW in veteran advocacy and support
The significance of the all-women parachute jump for D-Day
Issues facing young service members, including transportation and mental health

 guest  name

Carol Whitmore

Titles

First Woman Commander of VFW Shares Her Journey and Mission
Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Veterans of Foreign Wars

 sound bites

"Advocating for all veterans, not just women"
"Came in during the era of Women's Army Corps"
"Honoring women who parachuted prior to D-Day"


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Carol Whitmore and Her Journey
02:33 Challenges Faced by Veterans Today
05:15 Carol's Military Career and Transition to Nursing
07:45 The Importance of Transportation for Enlisted Personnel
10:09 Advocacy for Veterans and the Role of VFW
13:01 Understanding VFW Eligibility and Benefits
15:35 Current Legislative Efforts for Veterans
18:00 The Impact of Medical Retirements on Veterans
20:26 Conclusion and Future Aspirations
23:37 Navigating Disability Claims and Support for Veterans
26:29 The Journey to VFW Leadership
29:13 The Role of Compassion in Service
31:54 Community Engagement and Youth Programs
38:15 Women in Leadership and Military Service
42:53 Addressing Isolation and Support for Young Servicemembers
45:47 Addressing the Challenges of Driving Safety for Veterans
46:30 Transitioning Leadership in the VFW
47:21 The Ongoing Mission for POW/MIA Recovery
50:33 Personal Experiences in Recovery Missions
52:25 Community Involvement and Support for Veterans
53:47 Commemorating Women in Military History
56:18 The Importance of Recognizing Unsung Heroes
58:54 Future Plans and Continuing Advocacy for Veterans

Resources

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
https://www.vfw.org/

Find a VFW Post or Service Officer
https://www.vfw.org/find-a-post

VFW Youth Scholarships
https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

Student Veterans Support
https://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-support

Fox Force
https://www.foxforce55.org/

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)
https://www.dpaa.mil/

@herostories2025

U.S. Navy Nurse Corps veteran Liz Riffle traded scrubs for boots to launch Riffle Farms, West Virginia’s first commercial bison operation. In this episode, Liz shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship, her passion for meat transparency and regenerative agriculture, and how resilience fuels her work on and off the farm.

@rifflefarmbison

@herostories2025

In this episode of Hero Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with Cally Ingebritson from the Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) about the resources available for veterans and military spouses looking to start their own businesses. They discuss the various workshops offered, common challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs, and the importance of business planning and funding. Cally shares insights on unique business ideas, the significance of community support, and encourages listeners to take advantage of the resources available to them.

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers-vboc

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance

https://www.bootstobusiness.msstate.edu/

@herostories2025

In this episode of Heroes Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with Christy Kisner, a seasoned Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer. Christy shares her journey from joining the Air Force to her experiences in combat zones, where she navigated complex legal challenges. She discusses her advocacy for Afghan allies and the emotional toll of military service. Christy's story highlights the importance of cultural understanding and the ongoing commitment to justice for those who served alongside U.S. forces. Her reflections on service and the need for compassion resonate deeply, making this conversation both inspiring and enlightening.

https://afgfree.org

@herostories2025

In this episode of Hero Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Claire, who shares her inspiring journey from aspiring lawyer to a distinguished military career. Claire discusses her motivations for joining the Marine Corps, the challenges of balancing military service with family life, and her experiences as a judge advocate in operational environments. She reflects on her deployment in Afghanistan, the complexities of international law, and the unique challenges faced by dual military couples. Claire also emphasizes the importance of resilience, support systems, and the lessons learned from her military service as she transitions into new passions post-retirement.

@herostories2025

In this heartfelt episode, Amy Kramer speaks with Jessica Caulfield, a military spouse and certified grief educator, about the profound journey of infant loss and its impact on identity, family, and community. They explore the challenges of grieving while parenting, the importance of talking about loss, and the need for support in a grief-illiterate society. Jessica shares her personal story of losing her son Jack and how it has shaped her life and work, including the creation of the Lambie project to support families experiencing similar losses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to grieve, the value of community support, and the ongoing journey of healing.

This conversation is a tribute to angel babies, to the strength of families, and to the healing power of telling your story.

If you or someone you love has experienced any form of loss, this episode is for you. You are not alone.

@yokosuka_pail

https://lpfch.org/impact-stories/tiny-but-mighty-baby-jacks-memory-lives-on/

@herostories2025

In the inaugural episode of Hero Stories, host Amy Kramer, along with her friends Hoce Kalkas and Sharon Dewar-Yates, share their unique journeys as women in the military. They reflect on their friendships formed during service, the challenges they faced, and the impact of their experiences on their lives. The conversation highlights the importance of sisterhood, personal growth, and the stories of women veterans, emphasizing the need for more representation in military narratives. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their personal journeys as military spouses, discussing the challenges and triumphs they face in their careers and personal lives. They explore themes of resilience, the importance of community and friendships, and the lessons learned from their experiences. The discussion highlights the unique challenges of military life, including frequent relocations and the need for adaptability, while also celebrating the opportunities for growth and reinvention that come with these experiences. The speakers emphasize the importance of teaching resilience to the next generation and the value of maintaining strong relationships throughout life's transitions.

@shazfamilytravels

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/sharon-dewar/50-hikes-with-kids-illinois-indiana-and-ohio/9781643261645/?lens=timber-press

@herostories2025