In Part 2, Lakeydra Houston, a US Air Force veteran, shares her profound journey through trauma, resilience, and advocacy. From her initial reluctance to join the military to facing multiple instances of sexual assault, Lakeydra's story is exemplar of the challenges many veterans face. She discusses the toxic culture within the military, the impact of alcohol, and the cycle of trauma that can ensue. However, through her struggles, Lakeydra found purpose in advocating for others, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and creating supportive communities. Her journey is one of pain, healing, empowerment.

For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices Blog Post | Broken Systems, Broken Hearts: Lakeydra’s Fight for Her Life (Part 2). We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma or mental health struggles. The blog gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's contents, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps (also listed below).

Takeaways

- Military culture and peer pressure has lasting psychological effects.
- Alcohol abuse normalization creates and insulates unsafe environments, especially for those unprepared or influenced by previous traumas.
- MST survivors face systemic silencing and deep betrayal.
- Personal grief and loss amplify the mental health crisis among service members.
- Human trafficking within the military requires urgent investigation and accountability.
-Advocacy, peer support, and community are critical tools for healing. Institutional reform and trauma-informed care are essential for true change.

This episode contains a few references to news articles and books that are listed below:
- KeyFit (https://www.keyfitllc.com/)
- The Pink Berets (https://thepinkberets.org/)
- The Turning Point (https://www.theturningpoint.org/)
- Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives (https://www.thepowerofourstory.com/)
- Boulder Crest (https://bouldercrest.org/)
- 1 in 6 (https://1in6.org/)
- Military One Source (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/all-the-ways/)

Chapters
00:00 Cultural Shifts and New Deployments
02:13 Alcohol Culture in the Military
03:58 The Cycle of Trauma and Survival
04:29 MST and Betrayal
07:36 Confronting Systemic Issues in Military Culture
09:07 The Harsh Reality of Trafficking in Military Culture
10:48 Struggles with Empathy and Protection
11:06 The Impact of Devastating Personal Loss
16:06 The Journey to Healing and Therapy
17:57 Advocacy and Empowerment in the Military
24:06 Finding Grace and Support in Healing
24:59 Creating Unity and Empowerment through KeyFit
31:40 Introduction to Lakeydra’s Journey
31:52 Heroism and Outreach: Lakeydra’s Impact
32:19 Supporting the Podcast and Amplifying Voices
32:45 Looking Ahead: Future Conversations on MST
32:51 Next Week's Guest: Founder of the Gender Violence Institute

Trigger Warning Timestamps
01:18 - 02:29 Alcohol abuse and toxic drinking culture
02:32 - 02:50 MST and military inaction
02:54 - 04:10 Peer pressure, bullying, isolation
04:23 - 05:39 SA, betrayal, victim blaming
05:42 - 06:18 Further assault, deepening trauma
06:25 - 07:23 Depression, reluctance to disclose
07:44 - 08:18 Human trafficking, leadership complicity
08:24 - 10:19 "Juicy Girls," survivor guilt
11:02 - 14:10 Sister’s death, harassment, self-harm, suicidal thoughts
17:34 - 18:39 Supporting another MST victim, starting advocacy
19:31 - 20:34 Survivor silencing, victim blaming
26:08 - 26:43 Transition out of service, overdose mention, ongoing healing

More Resources: Need help processing or want to share your story? Join our supportive community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadvocatesofmst
☎️ SA Support for the DoD Community, contact the DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline ☎️ If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1

Meet  Lakeydra Houston, an Air Force veteran who shares her powerful journey from trauma to resilience. Lakeydra discusses her decision to join the military as a means of starting over, her experiences in basic training, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. She opens up about the harassment and assault she encountered, her struggles with mental health, and the coping mechanisms she adopted, including alcohol. Throughout the conversation, Lakeydra emphasizes the importance of support and resilience in overcoming adversity, ultimately inspiring listeners to seek help and connect with others.

For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices of MST blog | How to Destroy An Airman in 60 Days We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma and mental health struggles. The post gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's content, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps (also listed below).

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lakeydra's Journey

03:01 Joining the Air Force: A New Beginning

05:46 Basic Training: Overcoming Challenges

12:09 Transitioning to Security Forces

16:19 Facing Sexual Assault in the Military

21:37 Coping Mechanisms: Alcohol and Trauma

27:13 Mental Health Struggles and Deployment

28:24 Navigating Mental Health Challenges in the Military

30:29 Experiences of Deployment and Sexual Assault

32:35 The Impact of Trauma on Relationships

34:21 Returning Home to Uncertainty

36:27 Struggles with Addiction and Domestic Issues

38:17 Support Systems and Command Response

40:30 Cultural Shifts and New Deployments

40:32 Introduction to Laquidra's Story

40:32 The Impact of Trauma on Life

41:06 Resources for VA Disability Claims

Trigger Warning Timestamps

Resources

If you’re currently working through the VA Disability claims process, download our free toolkit that helps you get the rating you deserve: Get access now

It's not just silence — it’s all we have left of those who were never heard.

This is for them. 22 minutes. No commentary. No music. Just space — for grief, for memory, for resolve to take better care of our current and future veterans.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Sexual Assault Awareness Month

00:29 The Impact of Military Sexual Trauma

24:14 Closing Reflections and Community Support Resources:

Need help processing or want to share your story? Join our supportive community on Facebook:The Advocates of MST 

☎️ SA Support for the DoD Community, contact the DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline

☎️ If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1 \ 

Summary

In this conversation, Misty shares her personal journey of coping with Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and the strategies she has developed for healing. She emphasizes the importance of community support, the role of positive coping mechanisms, and the need for emotional wellness. Misty offers advice for those currently facing harassment and encourages individuals to start their healing journey by seeking information and support. The discussion highlights the impact of trauma on mental and physical health and the significance of sharing stories to foster understanding and accountability.

For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices Blog Post| The Best Advice I Can Give About Surviving MST (MSTy’s Story | Part 3) We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma or mental health struggles. The blog gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's contents, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps (also listed below).

Resources

Takeaways

  Trigger Warning Timestamps

Resources

Need help processing or want to share your story? Join our supportive community on Facebook: The Advocates of MST

☎️ SA Support for the DoD Community, contact the DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline

☎️ If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1 

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 importance of raising awareness and accountability within the military community. MSTy shares her journey of healing, the challenges faced in navigating life after military service, and the significance of creating a platform for survivors to share their stories and experience.

For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices Blog Post| If Victims Were Afraid Then, Predators Should Worry Now (MSTy’s Story | Part 2) We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma or mental health struggles. The blog gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's contents, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps. 

Don’t forget. This conversation matters. MSTy showed immense courage by telling her story. Please help us make sure her voice travels further: Leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts helps elevate the visibility of the show for more survivors suffering in isolation and pain. A simple review can change another person’s life forever.  Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MSTy's Map Initiative
02:53 MSTy's Personal Reflections on Trauma and Healing
06:09 Navigating Life After Military Service
08:47 The Impact of MST and the Need for Awareness
12:09 Creating the MST Map: A Collective Effort
14:59 The Power of Sharing Stories and Data
17:58 Challenges in Raising Awareness
21:01 The Importance of Accountability and Support

Trigger Warning Timestamps

12:54 -  Mention of Vanessa Guillén
13:06 - Mentions of dissociation/mental health struggle
13:22 - Compensation and Pay Exam
13:45 - Mentions of Complex PTSD/mental health struggle
15:10 - Explanation of MST Map Website
15:31 - All types of SA named
15:50 - Mention of MST victims of recruiters
16:22 - Marine Corps recruiter predator news article 
16:41 - Army ROTC LT COL predator news article discussed
17:16 - 17: 45 - Unreported cases of MST
17:49 - 18:29 - Markers displayed on the map of incidents
20:02 - 22:08 Trolls invalidating of MST on social media
22:24 - 22:36 - Feelings of shame, isolation, and paranoia
23:11 - 24:47 - Describes how MST occurs around the world and in different situations illustrated by map markers can identify perpetrators and patterns over time

Although this podcast is a great resource, it does not replace care from a medical professional. If you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to: Call the Veterans Crisis Line — 988, then press 1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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 the long-term effects of her experiences on her life after service.

Trigger Warning 

timestamp 07:19 - 12:48:  SA details, freezing, victim blaming, self-blame, derogatory words towards women, predatory behavior by older men

timestamp 20:41 - 26:20: harassment, dehumanization, explicit s*x acts, coercion, bribery, alcohol/drugging, lost memory, waking up alone, victim blaming

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Misty's Journey
03:04 Family Background and Military Influence
05:58 Joining the Marine Corps
08:47 Experiences at Boot Camp and Initial Duty Station
12:12 Challenges Faced as a Female Marine
15:03 Coping Mechanisms and Identity
18:01 Reflections on Individuality in the Military
21:32 Navigating Early Experiences in the Military
24:52 Confronting Trauma and Its Aftermath

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, encouraging others to share their stories and seek help. Click here to read the full episode summary. Click here to read the full episode summary.

Trigger warning: (07:30 - 11:00)  

Acronyms: 
BCNR: Board for Corrections of Naval Records

Resources:

Visit Brian’s Website: 8Bmedia.com

Read More: GQ Article on Male R_pe in the Military

Need help processing or want to share your story? Join our supportive community on Facebook: The Advocates of MST

National SA Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Michael Sealey’s Guided Meditations: YouTube Channel

Cal Melkez’s Sleep Meditations: YouTube Channel

If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1

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 then having his mental health fall apart while in a corporate role. His life changes when he stumbles across an article from GQ that told the stories of men who had the same experiences.

To read an episode summary, visit: www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog/surviving-assault-secrets-the-stunning-repercussions-for-men-that-speak-up-96g2g

Trigger warning (3:35 - 25:37) in-depth article of male survivors of MST and their emotional pain and life struggles, trying to navigate the lengthy legal process and changing discharge status, having to explain discharge status to others/re-traumatization, mentions of drug use and misconduct resulting from MST, alcohol abuse, promiscuity, mental health struggles, flashbacks

Acronyms: 

NVLSP: National Veterans Legal Service Providers

NDRB: Naval Discharge Review Board

BCNR: Board for Corrections of Naval Records

Resources

Brian’s Website – https://www.8Bmedia.com

GQ Article: https://www.gq.com/story/male-rape-in-the-military

Join The Advocates of MST Facebook Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/theadvocatesofmst

If you are in crisis or need immediate support, contact the Veterans Crisis Line, Dial 988, then press 1

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 hurdles in finding help. Brian’s courage to share his story brings to light the often overlooked experiences of male survivors.

Trigger warning (12:11 - 24:39): SA, drug use, alcohol use, reporting process, STD testing, domestic violence, CSA, dealing with law enforcement, weapons, MEB process, isolation, harassment, bullying

Resources:

Brian’s Website: 8Bmedia.com

Read the full Show Notes blog post here: Surviving Assault Secrets: The Stunning Repercussions For Men That Speak Up

Need help processing this episode or want to talk? Join us at The Advocates of MST Facebook group for support.

Chapters:

00:00 From Musician to Marine

08:01 Surviving Assault in the Military

13:24 Harassment and Bullying Begins At Duty Station

15:15 Busted by the San Diego Police

16:59 The Medical Evaluation Board Process

19:21 Challenges in Finding Help And Discharge

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 personal element in her books. Emily also talks about her faith and how it played a role in her healing process.

She emphasizes the need for society to break the stigma around sexual assault and believe survivors. The conversation touches on the experiences of military spouses and the systemic issues they face when reporting domestic violence. Overall, Emily's story highlights the power of finding truth, healing, and purpose after trauma. In this conversation, Emily discusses her journey as a survivor of sexual assault and her advocacy work. She emphasizes the importance of finding peace and forgiveness in order to heal and regain control over one's life. Emily also talks about her involvement with the Reveal to Heal International nonprofit, which aims to create safe spaces for survivors to share their stories. She shares her experiences with speaking engagements and the challenges of navigating the military culture as a survivor.

Emily hopes to continue making an impact through her advocacy work and plans to write a fourth book focused on advocacy.

Resources:

Emily’s Website: https://www.emilybernathauthor.com/books/

Reveal to Heal International: https://revealtohealinternational.com/

Takeaways 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
04:09 Loss of Relationships and Isolation
08:27 Faith and Relationship with God
12:30 Writing and Publishing Journey
15:47 Finding Truth and Purpose
19:41 Challenges in Responding to Sexual Assault Reports
23:39 The Importance of Taking Action and Supporting Survivors
27:22 The Role of Spirituality in Healing
30:39 Creating Safe Spaces for Survivors
31:35 Navigating Trust and Relationships
33:04 Emily's Involvement in Advocacy
35:25 The Impact of Sexual Assault in the Military
36:54 Challenges of the Military Culture
38:02 Toxic Influences and the Future
41:03 Emily's Future Plans and Writing
43:33 Overcoming Shame and Fear 4
5:06 Navigating the Military Culture as a Survivor
48:00 The Healing Power of Advocacy
49:30 Seeking Help and Support
53:21 Empowerment Through Sharing