In this special collaboration, The Women in the Arena Podcast presents Sam & Sarah: Laced Up and Ready,  a new series where Sarah Scully and Samantha Sliney dive deep into the issues shaping today’s veteran and military family community.

Sarah, an Army veteran and founder of The Women in the Arena Podcast, brings a grounded, community-focused perspective on leadership, service, and life after the military.

Sam, an attorney, Air Force veteran, current Air National Guard officer, and military spouse, works at the intersection of law, policy, and advocacy in the Department of Defense–State Liaison Office. Her mission is to advance policies that strengthen military families and promote gender equality.

Together, Sarah and Sam explore critical topics affecting service members, veterans, and their families, breaking down what’s happening, why it matters, and what can be done about it.

These episodes bring facts, the hosts’ informed opinions, and compelling calls to action, sparking conversations that move the community forward.

In this episode, Sam and Sarah unpack recent actions by the Secretary of Defense, including the elimination of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) - a decision that has raised serious questions about representation, accountability, and the future of gender equity within the Department of Defense.

They explore what DACOWITS accomplished throughout its decades-long history, why its dissolution matters, and how it may affect ongoing efforts to ensure equal opportunity for those in uniform.

The conversation also takes a closer look at the language currently shaping discussions around gender, standards, and service, and why certain narratives can become dangerous when they shift from dialogue to division. Sam and Sarah discuss the broader implications of these shifts, not as a critique of any one leader or administration, but as an open, informed conversation about impact, perspective, and the need for balance in shaping future defense policy.

Ultimately, this episode brings together facts, the hosts’ perspectives, and compelling calls to action, encouraging listeners to stay engaged, informed, and ready to advocate for a stronger, more inclusive military community.

Welcome back to The Women in the Arena Podcast! Today’s episode is special for so many reasons — it marks our very first book club edition, featuring a conversation with Lena Andrews, author of Valiant Women. In this powerful book, Lena brings to life the incredible and often overlooked stories of American women who served during World War II, highlighting their courage, resilience, and critical roles in the war effort.

Over the past month, a group of our listeners read along, and thanks to Lena’s generosity, many of you received donated copies of Valiant Women and submitted thoughtful questions that helped shape today’s conversation.

Lena came to our community through a former guest — a perfect example of the authentic connections being built here at Iron Butterfly Media. With her background as an intelligence analyst, paired with her research and storytelling of women veterans, Lena’s work reflects everything we stand for. She’s a passionate writer doing the essential work of preserving these stories — work that feels more important now than ever.

A huge thank you to everyone who followed along as this episode came together. I had so much fun collaborating with Lena — I could have easily spent hours more talking with her about her research process and the inspiration behind this book. She is truly a remarkable woman. We hope this is just the first of many book club episodes, creating even more ways to connect, engage, and grow this incredible community.

As always, be sure to like, follow, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platforms and social media so you don’t miss what’s coming next!

Major Samantha Arrington Sliney is an accomplished legal professional and Air National Guard JAG officer with over a decade of experience spanning criminal law, administrative law, and national security. Her career has been defined by a passion for advocacy and impactful policy reform, with a focus on removing systemic barriers affecting servicewomen, military families, and Department of Defense readiness. She has led high-level legal research, barrier analysis, and policy campaigns, engaging directly with Congress, nonprofits, and DoD leadership to drive lasting legislative and cultural change. In this episode of The Women in the Arena podcast, we dive into the history and purpose of the Women, Peace, and Security initiative, including recent claims by Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth that he would dismantle the program within the DoD. We explore the legality of such claims, the missed opportunities tied to the initiative’s intent, and end with a call to action- discussing how to remain tactful and composed during politically charged times, and recognizing that we are often more united than we realize.

In this episode of The Women in the Arena Podcast, we’re joined by Captain Riley Tejcek, a United States Marine Corps officer, Team USA bobsled pilot, author, and all-around force of nature. Riley shares her incredible journey from growing up in Carmel, Indiana, to playing Division I college softball at George Washington University, serving in the Marine Corps, and now competing on the world stage as an Olympic hopeful in the sport of bobsled. Riley is proving that women belong in every arena- whether it’s the military, elite athletics, or beyond.

We dive into the realities of balancing active-duty military service with training and competing as a high-performance athlete, the challenges of being part of an unfunded Olympic sport, and the purpose that drives her every day. Riley opens up about her passion for representation, her faith, and her desire to inspire others by living boldly and pursuing what may seem impossible. She’s also a published children’s book author, former Ms. Military titleholder, and keynote speaker- using every platform she’s earned to advocate for women in service and sport.

This conversation is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when resilience, discipline, and passion collide. Tune in to hear Riley’s story, and learn how you can support her journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy by joining #TeamTejcek.

Follow Riley on Instagram @riley.tejcek and learn more about how to support her bobsled career through sponsorship or donation.

Rebecca Tubman is a seasoned cybersecurity executive and veteran with over 25 years of combined experience across national defense, intelligence, and emerging technology sectors. As a Federal Account Executive at Varonis, she leads the company’s intelligence community initiatives, building the practice from the ground up and delivering automated, data-centric security solutions to U.S. Government and international clients. Her work ensures agencies are equipped to safeguard their most sensitive data from both internal and external threats.

Before transitioning to the private sector, Rebecca served for over two decades in the United States Air Force, where she held diverse leadership roles across missile warning, space operations, intelligence, special operations, partner nation engagements, and cyberspace operations. Her distinguished career included multiple overseas deployments and combat tours, with assignments spanning strategic, tactical, and operational levels.

A mission-driven leader with deep operational insight, Rebecca continues to bridge the gap between advanced technology and national security priorities.

 In this inspiring episode of The Women in the Arena Podcast, we sit down with Janet B. Nalls, Director and Chief of Staff at NetCentrics Corporation. A U.S. Air Force veteran and national security expert with over 25 years of experience, Janet shares her remarkable journey from serving as an intelligence analyst to advising top intelligence and DoD organizations.

Janet opens up about her passion for mentorship, leadership, and empowering the next generation of national security professionals. She offers valuable insights into the critical areas of insider threat, counterintelligence, and strategic operations, all while reflecting on the importance of integrity, collaboration, and resilience in a demanding field.

Beyond her professional achievements, Janet talks about balancing her role as a devoted mom and lifelong learner. 

Tune in for an authentic and motivating conversation that highlights what it truly means to lead with vision, heart, and strength.

Today’s guest is Bridget Walton, a Marine Corps veteran and Women's Hormone Coach who helps women balance their hormone health. This episode is particularly special to me because Bridget and I went to the University of South Carolina together and were in ROTC at the same time—connecting with people from old chapters of your life is always so much fun. There is nothing more exciting than seeing veteran friends thrive in a new venture after the military, and this is certainly a special one. Lately, it feels like both myself and so many other women I know are craving more information about our hormonal health and how to truly understand our bodies, but we’re often met with confusing information or dead ends. Bridget is here to help, and I can’t wait to share her expertise with you.

In this episode of The Women in the Arena, Kafi Joseph shares her inspiring journey from Army officer to global strategist and purpose-driven innovator. A West Point graduate with advanced degrees in systems engineering and business, Kafi led teams across Korea, Iraq, and the U.S. before transitioning into high-impact roles in the National Guard and private sector. Her career spans global consulting, logistics, and leadership at firms like Booz Allen Hamilton, Fairbanks Morse Engine, and Accenture. Now, Kafi is focused on redefining productivity through her new venture, InRG—a personal energy app that helps individuals and teams align their work with their natural energy cycles using Human Design principles. She talks about challenging the stereotypes of productivity and empowering people to embrace how they’re uniquely wired to thrive. As a neurodivergent leader, Kafi brings authenticity, insight, and a refreshing perspective on how we can all work smarter, live better, and lead with intention.

On this episode of The Women in the Arena Podcast, we chat with Alea Nadeem. Alea is a dedicated leader in national security, congressional affairs, and veteran advocacy, with a distinguished career spanning military service, policymaking, and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as the Director of DoorKeepers for the United States Senate Sergeant at Arms, ensuring the seamless operation of Senate proceedings and security functions.

An Air Force officer with a diverse background, Alea has served in Security Forces, congressional policymaking, and advocacy, including her work with the Air Force Women’s Initiative Team, where she led efforts to advance policies supporting women in service. Her commitment to mentorship and leadership has helped shape the future for countless service members and veterans.

But Alea’s journey to service is unlike any other. Shaped by overcoming extraordinary challenges in her childhood, she forged a path of resilience, bravery, and unwavering patriotism. Her life is a testament to grit and the power of perseverance, and she continues to dedicate herself to serving the nation—both through leadership and the power of storytelling.

Today, Alea uses her platform to inspire and mentor others, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is equipped, empowered, and ready to shape a better tomorrow.

In this episode ofThe Women in the Arena, we sit down with Meg Tucker, an Army veteran and the Founder of The Valkyrie Project, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and supporting American servicewomen.

With 15 years in uniform, Meg began her military journey as a Kiowa Warrior pilot before transitioning into special operations as a Psychological Operations officer. Now, in her post-military career, she is committed to ensuring women in service receive the training, support, and advocacy they need to thrive.

We explore everything from hormonal health to sleep optimization, the unique challenges women face in military and tactical professions, and how they can optimize their training and nutrition for peak performance. Meg also shares howThe Valkyrie Project is pioneering a future where servicewomen are equipped to excel both physically and professionally.

Meg’s passion, leadership, and dedication to mentorship are truly inspiring—don’t miss this powerful conversation!