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 series as a space for truth-telling and reform, anchored in community and shared accountability. Listeners learn that MST is not an isolated problem but a systemic failure that persists through denial and institutional self-protection.

Rachelle outlines the goals of the podcast: to educate, to connect survivors with resources, and to expose how power structures allow abuse to continue. Each episode will feature firsthand accounts from survivors, conversations with advocates and experts, and clear steps for listeners who want to push for policy change. The tone is direct, honest, and trauma-informed. Rachelle also discusses the importance of breaking the stigma that isolates survivors. She encourages listeners to join the movement through The Advocates of MST Facebook community and by using available toolkits to contact lawmakers and apply for VA disability support.

Full Resources, trigger warnings, and detailed timestamps are available at: www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog/rachelle-smith-military-sexual-trauma-podcast

Resources from This Episode:

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Silence Voices, Stories of MST
• (00:04:02) - Purpose of the Podcast
• (00:05:24) - Discovery of the Pervasiveness of MST
• (00:07:37) - Creating Awareness and Driving Change
• (00:09:27) - Definition and Facts about MST
• (00:13:20) - Expectations for Upcoming Episodes
• (00:14:43) - Acknowledgments and Support
• (00:15:40) - IndieGoGo Campaign and Call for Donations
• (00:17:33) - Closing Remarks and Call to Action