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Can a Navy SEAL serve in our toughest military roles, launch multiple companies, speak hard truths, and still have the heart to lead a movement in wellness? Rob Sweetman is living proof.

In this episode, I sit down with Rob — a former Navy SEAL turned sleep scientist and founder of 62Romeo and Sleep Genius — who’s on a mission to radically improve how veterans, first responders, and high-performers sleep, recover, and live.

After serving with SEAL Team Seven and navigating injuries including PTSD and TBI, Rob took a pivotal turn into sleep science following the tragic loss of a fellow SEAL. What he’s built since then is not just science-backed — it’s soul-driven. Rob now speaks globally, leads retreats at Happy Canyon Ranch, and team lead for the NYC Navy SEAL Swim as a voice for warrior advocacy and transformation.

This is more than a conversation about performance — it’s about resilience, purpose, and staying the course when others give up.

We talk about:
• Rob’s SEAL background and personal story of transition
• The silent epidemic of sleep dysfunction in military and high-stress careers
• How sleep and mental health are deeply connected
• Leading from the front in wellness advocacy
• The mission behind Sleep Genius and 62Romeo
• Why Rob believes healing is the new warfare

Rob Sweetman is a former Navy SEAL, sleep scientist, and the founder of 62Romeo and Sleep Genius. He combines elite training with scientific insight to help others optimize sleep, recovery, and performance. After losing a fellow SEAL to suicide, Rob dedicated his life to solving the hidden struggles that plague our warriors and leaders.

🌐 Learn more: https://www.sleepgeni.us/

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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In this powerful episode, we follow Sgt. Andrew “Andy” Lindstrom — a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Nevada National Guardsman — as he takes on the military establishment in a courageous solo legal battle.

After reporting military sexual trauma (MST) and financial misconduct within the Nevada National Guard, Lindstrom faced harsh retaliation and was removed from both his military and civilian roles. Refusing to back down, he chose to represent himself pro se, navigating a complex legal fight without an attorney.

Key Topics:
US Veteran turned whistleblower
⚠️ Reporting MST & financial abuses
🛑 Facing retaliation
⚖️ Representing himself
📑 Systemic roadblocks
🫂 Courage, sacrifice, and persistence

Resources & Support:
📺 KTNV Report (https://www.ktnv.com/13-investigates/...)

⚖️ Lindstrom v. Nevada (https://dockets.justia.com/docket/nev...)

🤝 veteransisters.org (https://veteransisters.org/m/create-a...)

🎙️ More: goodpods.com/podcasts/sos-stories-of-service
👥 FB Group: Military Whistleblower Support

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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What real options do service members have when seeking redress through their chain of command—and do those systems actually work the way they’re supposed to?

My next guests say no. But they’re not giving up.

This week, I’m joined by Major Katie Pappa, a highly decorated Marine Corps Supply Officer, and her attorney, former Navy SEAL William Brown, Jr. Together, they’re taking their case all the way to the Secretary of the Navy, challenging a review process they say is broken—and still failing those who speak up.

Major Pappa’s career was derailed after for what she says was holding a subordinate accountable. Now, she and Brown are fighting back through a legal appeal that could have implications for service members across the military.

Tune in to hear their powerful story, what’s at stake, and why this fight is about more than just one Marine—it’s about safeguarding due process, accountability, and the integrity of the system itself.

Don’t miss it—new episode drops this Wednesday live at 7pm CST.

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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This week, we're joined by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robin "Phoenix" Johnson—combat veteran, international comedian, and leadership expert. With 20+ years in the U.S. Army and five combat deployments, Robin now uses humor to inspire and lead across the globe. From Armed Forces Entertainment to Stanford classrooms, she shares how laughter can reduce burnout, boost empathy, and reshape workplace culture. Don’t miss her powerful insights, leadership lessons, and hilarious takes on soccer sidelines and the mystery of the offsides rule!

In This Episode:

• Robin’s path from the battlefield to the comedy stage
• The role of humor in leadership, medicine, and resilience
• Behind-the-scenes laughs and lessons on using comedy for change

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Stanford School of Medicine.
• Armed Forces Entertainment,.
• Thayer Leadership.
• Institute for Defense & Business.
• Hoover Institution, and more.

Connect with Robin “Phoenix” Johnson:
Website: https://robinphoenixjohnson.com/meet-...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinphoeni...
LinkedIn: http

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with T.Shane Johnson—U.S. Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and best-selling author. T.Shane opens up about his extraordinary journey from surviving a brutal gang attack and homelessness to building a successful business empire and making a national impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How T.Shane overcame life-threatening adversity and found his purpose
• The lessons he learned during his two years of homelessness after the 2008 crash
• How he built multiple successful ventures, including Big Guns Coffee with his daughter Charli
• The story behind his Hike Across America initiative and his advocacy for homeless veterans and suicide prevention
• His world record pushup feat and appearances on national platforms like ESPN, Fox and Friends, and USA Today
• Why resilience, grit, and a mindset of service are the foundations of his success

Resources & Mentions:
• T. Shane Johnson Official Website https://tshaneinspires.com/
• Big Guns Coffee: Big Guns Coffee Farm and Roastery: https://www.biggunscoffee.com/

Connect with Us:
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a boost of inspiration!

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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This week’s guest is Randall Surles—a retired Sergeant Major with over 40 years of experience bridging elite military service and the literary world. From leading missions as an infantryman in the 75th Ranger Regiment and a Green Beret, to crafting bestselling books as a Story Grid Certified Editor, Randy’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

🎙️ In this episode, we explore:
• Randy’s shift from combat zones to creative writing.
• How military precision influences his storytelling process.
• The behind-the-scenes world of ghostwriting high-stakes nonfiction.
• The art and discipline behind editing bestselling military fiction.
• Why storytelling is his new mission.

📚 Books Randy has worked on include:
• Operation Pineapple Express by Scott Mann (NYT Bestseller)
• The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke (Amazon Bestseller)
• It Was What It Was by Daniel Pace (Amazon Bestseller)
• Life in the Fast Lane (Amazon Bestseller)

Connect with Randy:
• Website: www.thestoryninja.com
• Military Book Editing: www.militaryeditor.com
• YouTube: Randall Surles Military Editor - https://youtube.com/@militarywritersa...
• Facebook Group: Ask a Military Book Editor: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1bsi...
• LinkedIn: Randall Surles - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-s...
• Instagram: @the_story_ninja
• TikTok: @randysurle

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

Send us a text

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Gervy Alota, a decorated Surface Warfare Officer, Naval Academy graduate, and proud son of a Navy Chief. He shares his journey from playing Navy football to commanding multiple amphibious warships and pioneering the Navy’s first LCS Mine Countermeasures Mission Package Detachment. With over two decades of service, Captain Alota reflects on the leadership lessons he’s learned, the role of mentorship and family in his career, and how he stays mission-driven. Now serving as Director of Community Outreach at Navy Recruiting Command, he’s focused on shaping the future force and inspiring the next generation of Navy leaders.

Key Topics:
• Growing up in San Diego as the son of a Navy Chief
• Leadership lessons from the Naval Academy and Navy football
• Life and command at sea: USS Comstock, USS Harpers Ferry, USS John P. Murtha
• Standing up the first LCS MCM Mission Package Detachment
• Influencing the future force from Cheyenne Mountain to Navy Recruiting Command
• Building resilient teams and winning multiple command excellence awards
• Balancing legacy, service, and mentorship

Awards and Recognition:
Captain Alota’s teams have earned the Battle “E” for excellence, Golden Anchor Retention Excellence, and the CNO Safety Award. His personal decorations include:
• Defense Superior Service Medal
• Legion of Merit
• Meritorious Service Medals (multiple)
• Navy and Army Commendation & Achievement Medals

Connect & Learn More:
Stay tuned for more stories of leadership, service, and the people shaping the future of the Navy.

Connect with Gervy - https://www.instagram.com/captaingerv...
His previous S.O.S. episode - https://www.youtube.com/live/p9wBbr4w...

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

Send us a text

Why is military transition so difficult?

Kerron Andrews captures it perfectly: “It’s the loss of our entire identity.”

For so many of us, the military isn’t just a job—it’s our foundation, our purpose, and at times, the only constant we’ve had. Even when we felt alone, even when we doubted ourselves, service gave us a sense of belonging. So when that chapter ends, it’s not just a career we leave behind—it’s a version of ourselves.

That’s my story. And it’s the story of so many others who dedicate years, even decades, to service.

I’m honored to welcome Kerron Andrews to the Stories of Service podcast. He’s a Navy veteran, TEDx speaker, and now an award-winning filmmaker whose work is helping others navigate the complex path of military transition.

We’ll dive into what inspired his powerful TED Talk, why he chose filmmaking as a second calling, and how he’s using his creative voice to help others reclaim their identity and purpose beyond the uniform.

You won’t want to miss this one.

Find 🔍 more on Kerron’s work - https://trinimanfilms.com/

His powerful Tedx Talk - • Navigating the hidden identity crisis...

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/54498689...

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76