Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Navy Commander Theresa Carpenter—30-year public affairs veteran, Stories of Service podcast host, and advocate for military justice reform. Ten days post-retirement, she shares her journey from aviation electrician to PAO, disillusionment with leadership’s “say-do gap,” the Brett Crozier case, Bowe Bergdahl narrative control, and why she spoke out despite backlash. They explore ethical tensions in military communication, DEI’s impact on cohesion, and advice for active-duty PAOs afraid to speak.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:38 - Theresa’s Navy Career

00:04:57 - Brett Crozier Case

00:07:44 - Bowe Bergdahl Narrative

00:11:23 - Pentagon Press Pool

00:13:22 - Becoming a PAO

00:17:18 - Rumsfeld Armor Moment

00:19:59 - Bergdahl Viral Piece

00:23:15 - Betrayal & Trust

00:29:54 - Meeting on Social Media

00:36:46 - Life on Ships

00:44:49 - Retirement Reflections

00:56:54 - Advice to PAOs

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