Podcasts about Fort Hood

   COL(R) Steven Braverman, MD takes you through his extraordinary journey from military medicine to becoming the COO of the Veterans Health Administration. Driven by a desire to fund his education through the Army's HPSP scholarship independently, Dr. Braverman chose the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), inspired by his family's medical background and his passion for sports medicine. He shares his experiences at Walter Reed, his leadership roles, and the impact PM&R has on maintaining soldier readiness and addressing musculoskeletal issues. Learn how his deployments and crisis management experiences, including the Ebola vaccine trials and the Fort Hood shooting, have shaped his career.    Explore Dr. Braverman's insightful reflections on leadership, particularly in crisis situations. The episode delves into the complexities of leadership during the first human Ebola vaccine trial and a mass casualty event at a non-trauma center in Central Texas. He discusses the critical importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and the emotional readiness of staff in navigating such crises. Dr. Braverman's experiences underscore the necessity of effective resource allocation, decision-making, and the evolution of vaccine development within the military context, while highlighting broader behavioral health challenges and advancements in medical fields like prosthetics.      Discover the dynamic collaboration between the VA, DOD, and the private sector, particularly during national emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Braverman discusses initiatives to improve the transition process for soldiers moving from active duty to veteran care and emphasizes the importance of research efforts that focus on veterans' needs. The episode paints a vivid picture of career opportunities in military medicine, showcasing the diverse roles available for young providers and the financial benefits of medical school scholarships. Dr. Braverman reflects on his legacy, expressing pride in serving a noble mission and sharing his vision for a future prioritizing nimble, high-quality care for veterans. Chapters: (00:03) Military Medicine and PM&R Exploration (09:54) Leadership Challenges in Crisis Situations (23:11) Leadership Challenges in Crisis Response (34:43) Collaboration Between VA, DOD, and Community (42:52) National Defense and Veteran Care Collaboration (49:37) Research and Operations in Veterans Healthcare (01:00:27) Career Opportunities in Military Medicine   Chapter Summaries: (00:03) Military Medicine and PM&R Exploration  COL(R) Steven Braverman, MD, shares his journey into military medicine, specializing in PM&R and discussing his leadership roles and deployments.   (09:54) Leadership Challenges in Crisis Situations Military medical professional's career journey, crisis management, Ebola vaccine trial, repurposing resources, and advancements in military medicine.   (23:11) Leadership Challenges in Crisis Response Leadership challenges during a mass casualty event at a non-trauma center, including trust, resource allocation, and mental health needs.   (34:43) Collaboration Between VA, DOD, and Community Transition from military to civilian leadership in VA, collaboration with military and private sector, and VA's four missions.   (42:52) National Defense and Veteran Care Collaboration VA plays vital role in national emergencies, partners with DOD, improves transition process, and provides quality care.   (49:37) Research and Operations in Veterans Healthcare Collaboration between VA and DOD can improve healthcare for veterans by prioritizing research based on their needs.   (01:00:27) Career Opportunities in Military Medicine Dr. Braverman shares his experiences in Army medicine, highlighting leadership opportunities and financial benefits.   Take Home Messages: The Impact of Military Medicine: The episode highlights the critical role of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) in military medicine, particularly in maintaining soldier readiness and addressing musculoskeletal issues. This specialty supports the broader mission of military healthcare by ensuring soldiers are physically prepared for their duties. Leadership in Crisis Management: The podcast underscores the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and emotional readiness in crisis management. The discussion includes insights into managing high-stakes situations, such as the Ebola vaccine trials and mass casualty events, emphasizing the need for effective resource allocation and decision-making. Collaboration Across Sectors: A key theme is the dynamic collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DOD), and the private sector, especially during national emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. This partnership is vital for improving healthcare accessibility and quality for veterans. Advancements in Veteran Care: The episode explores initiatives aimed at improving the transition process for soldiers moving from active duty to veteran care. It stresses the importance of research focused on veterans' needs and highlights the benefits of seamless care transitions to enhance veterans' healthcare experiences. Opportunities in Military Medicine: The podcast provides an insightful look into career opportunities in military and federal medicine. It encourages young medical professionals to consider these paths, highlighting diverse roles and the financial benefits of scholarships that allow for a debt-free medical education.   Episode Keywords: Military medicine, leadership in crisis, Dr. Steven Braverman, Veterans Health Administration, physical medicine and rehabilitation, PM&R, Walter Reed, soldier readiness, musculoskeletal issues, Ebola vaccine trial, Fort Hood shooting, crisis management, adaptability, strategic thinking, VA and DOD collaboration, veteran care, COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare innovation, prosthetics, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military to civilian transition, career opportunities in military medicine   Hashtags: #MilitaryMedicine #LeadershipInCrisis #VeteranCare #DrBraverman #CrisisManagement #VAandDODCollaboration #EbolaVaccineTrial #HealthcareInnovation #VeteransHealth #MilitaryToVA   Dr. Braverman Biography: https://docs.house.gov/meetings/VR/VR03/20250212/117866/HHRG-119-VR03-Bio-BravermanS-20250212.pdf   Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.   Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm   WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.     Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast

In this shocking episode, we expose the terrifying case of Sgt. Greville Clarke—a soldier stationed at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos)—who preyed on his fellow service members in a brutal 18-month crime spree. From 2021 to 2022, Clarke broke into Army barracks, raped and tortured female soldiers, and even attempted to murder one. Despite multiple reports and escalating violence, the predator evaded capture for over a year. This is the chilling true story of how one of the Army's own turned into a serial predator—inside a place that should've been safe. Discussion Includes: -Fort Hood's Dark History -The First Barracks Assault (2021) -The Second Barracks Assault (2022) -The Third Barracks Assault (Attempted Murder) in July (2022) -The Final Attack & The Take-Down -Court-Martial & Sentencing (2025) -How This Was Allowed to Happen -Fort Hood Reforms & Survivor Impact ⸻

Welcome back to Tinfol Tales! On this episode I am joined by Matt, the host of Drunken Cryptids, and he's here to share an experience he had while stationed at Fort Hood of what he believes could have been a cryptid.Tinfoil Tales Podcast - Show Notes 

In this episode of #StillServing: The VFW Podcast, host Rob Couture catches up with his fellow directors of the VFW Washington Office after an almost two-month-long hiatus.  Featured Guests: • Ryan Gallucci – Assistant Adjutant General & Executive Director, VFW Washington Office • Mike Figlioli – Director, VFW National Veterans Service • Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Episode Highlights: Ryan shares his recent health issues and his travels overseas while accompanying VFW senior leadership visiting troops and international partners. Kristina discusses the success of the Washington Conference, her recent promotion as the new VFW legislative director, and the current legislation she and her team are advocating for. Mike talks about the $14.6 billion that VFW service officers have recouped for veterans they have assisted in the VA claims process. He also discusses some of the latest online tools available to veterans in claiming their earned benefits. Rob tells of his travels to Southeast Asia, visiting Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) sites in Thailand and Vietnam. He also recounts a heartfelt story of a recent journey with his siblings on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his father's plane crash at Fort Hood, Texas. Lastly, Rob gives a status update about his co-host, Brittany Dymond Murray.    Join us for powerful discussions, firsthand insights, and a commitment to ensuring veterans receive the care and support they deserve. The VFW is always #StillServing. For more information or to continue the conversation, please visit: Veterans of Foreign Wars Website VFW Podcast Page @VFWHQ on Twitter VFW on Facebook @VFWSTILLSERVING on YouTube @RobCoutureVFW on Facebook Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW Text “NEEDS” to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program. Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story Sports Clips Help A Hero — Text HERO to 71777 to donate online  

Retired FBI Special Agent Colton Seale reveals his behind-the-scenes experiences from some of America's most high-profile investigations, including the Fort Hood shooting and the Boston Marathon bombing. Colton shares his journey transitioning to the elite High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG), where he mastered advanced interrogation techniques to extract critical intelligence. Discover how Colton's passion for truth led him to found Pyxis Academy, where he now trains professionals in investigative interviewing — skills that are vital not just for law enforcement, but also for corporate success.

Doctor Tom Stein recently published his first book, Gratitude Is Not Enough, The True Story of a Belgian Family Forever Changed by a Band of American WWII Soldiers. The book focuses on the Remember Museum ‘39-‘45 in Clermont, Belgium that was opened by Marcel and Mathilde Schmetz, better known as the M&Ms by soldiers in a U.S. Army Company of the First Infantry Division who were briefly quartered on Marcel's family farm in December 1944 before the Battle of the Bulge.  Marcel saved many of the items the soldiers left behind, what he calls “treasure,” and which became the core of this special collection dedicated to the Americans who helped liberate Belgium from four years of Nazi occupation. The Museum, which is adjacent to the M&M's home, contains the requisite "stuff" of a museum, but importantly, tells the soldiers' stories, many of whom became lifelong friends with Marcel and Mathilde.  I've read Gratitude is Not Enough and can tell you it's a powerfully written account of what the people of Clermont endured during World War II and the M&Ms efforts to preserve its history in their museum. I highly recommend this book to you. Dr. Tom Stein is a retired Emergency Physician, as well as a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at Darnall Army Community Hospital, Fort Hood, Texas and served thirty-eight years in the Army and Army Reserves. Emergency Medical Services and Disaster Medicine are his sub-specialties.  

In this week's Power Surge, we share the incredible story of Andre “Tre” Howard III, a 10-year-old boy who showed unbelievable bravery in the face of tragedy. After a devastating plane crash, Tre instinctively shielded his younger sister, suffering a severe head injury but ultimately saving her life. When Tre woke up after surgery, his first concern? Whether he had missed the Super Bowl. That's the kind of die-hard Eagles fan spirit that caught the attention of A.J. Brown, who promised to visit Tre after the big game—and he kept his word. Brown's surprise hospital visit, complete with the Eagles' Vince Lombardi Trophy, turned into an unforgettable moment of kindness and connection. This is a story of resilience, community, and the impact of small but powerful acts of kindness. Tune in as we honor Tre's bravery and A.J. Brown's generosity in this inspiring episode. Honoring a Veteran: Christopher Sawyer Each week, we take a moment to remember a veteran from 22 Too Many, honoring those who served and whose stories must never be forgotten. Christopher Wayne Sawyer Born: December 13, 1990 – San Francisco, CA Passed: March 5, 2020 – Fort Hood, TX Served: U.S. Army, Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Laid to rest in Longview, WA Christopher was funny, selfless, and deeply devoted to his family. He had a contagious laugh, a heart of gold, and a deep love for God. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, and family BBQs, but most of all, he loved spending time with his daughter, sharing hugs and running together. His mother, Denise, shared: “Christopher was a lively jokester. He loved to make people laugh and had a heart of gold. His loss shatters my heart – he is missed and loved very much.” We honor Christopher's life, service, and the impact he made on those who knew him. Rest in peace.

In today's episode, we examine a disturbing massacre that erupted on the Fort Hood military base outside of Killeen, Texas, during which 13 people were killed and more than 30 people were injured. The story of this mass shooting is dark, and highlights a number of key failures from within the American Intelligence community, and the United States Army itself. You're listening, to MURDER IN AMERICA. - Listen to our new show, "THE CONSPIRACY FILES"!: -Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5IY9nWD2MYDzlSYP48nRPl -Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conspiracy-files/id1752719844 -Amazon/Audible - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ab1ade99-740c-46ae-8028-b2cf41eabf58/the-conspiracy-files -Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-conspiracy-files/PC:1001089101 -iHeart - https://iheart.com/podcast/186907423/ -PocketCast - https://pca.st/dpdyrcca -CastBox - https://castbox.fm/channel/id6193084?country=us - Stay Connected: Join the Murder in America fam in our free Facebook Community for a behind-the-scenes look, more insights and current events in the true crime world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4365229996855701 If you want even more Murder in America bonus content, including ad-free episodes, come join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderinamerica Instagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Murder-in-America-Podcast/100086268848682/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderInAmerica TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparanormalfiles and https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneybrowen Feeling spooky? Follow Colin as he travels state to state (and even country to country!) investigating claims of extreme paranormal activity and visiting famous haunted locations on The Paranormal Files Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheParanormalFilesOfficialChannel - (c) BLOOD IN THE SINK PRODUCTIONS 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monologue:Gulf Of America?Take In A Disaster?AI Gone Too Far? Tik Tok RefugeesGuest:Retired Colonel Jay Miseli, from San Francisco, began his Army career in 1995 after graduating from West Point. He's served in key leadership roles, including tank platoon leader, company commander, and operations officer, with deployments to Iraq during major operations like the 2003 invasion. He later earned a master's in operations research at Georgia Tech and taught math at West Point, where he also served as an aide to the superintendent. Afterward, he held leadership and strategy roles at Fort Hood, the Pentagon, and in personnel management. His many awards include the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge.Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis  invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and connection, making this podcast one you won't want to miss! New episodes weekly! Send us a textSupport the showSPONSORS: The top Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Call-512-627-7018 SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. www.southstarbank.com Nomic Power Solutions your trusted partner in Austin for turnkey backup generator installation, service, and maintenance for your home. Cody/Dillon-512-387-4232 Jovie Belterra-Nestled within the Belterra master-planned community, discover your path to joy and wellness at the exquisite 55+ apartment community. Thanks for listening! Follow us, leave a review, TELL A FRIEND!AppleSpotifyInstagramWebsitemallettandmichelle@gmail.com for inquiries on advertising or gue...

"Snevejr" falder over Fort Hood, og Dwight prøver at finde alternative måder at skaffe penge på... Forbered jer på vilde 48 timer i Texas!Hvis du kan lide podcasten, så må du meget gerne give et Like på vores Facebook side https://www.facebook.com/paastribe/ og en 5-⭐️ anmeldelse i din podcast app. Følg på den app du normalt lytter til os på og på Instagram @paa_stribe. Det hjælper med at sprede ordet. Lyt også til eReolen, Podimo, Mofibo med flere for vores fortællinger om de mest berygtede seriemordere. Black Shadow by Hans Atom (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/hansatom/42282 Ft: Robert Warringtondfx

>Episode Title: "Life Is 10% What Happens to You and 90% How You Respond to It"Season 3, Episode 39In this powerful episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with Tristian W. Smith, MSEM, a retired Army officer, published author, and advocate for foster youth. Tristian shares his extraordinary journey of resilience, from overcoming the challenges of a tumultuous childhood in the foster care system to achieving success as a military professional, emergency management specialist, and author of the memoir Against All Odds.Tristian opens up about his childhood in Columbus, Georgia, where he faced the devastating loss of his mother, abuse from family members, and the instability of multiple foster homes. Despite these hardships, Tristian's determination to succeed never wavered. His story reflects the importance of resilience, education, and mentorship in navigating life's challenges.Listeners will gain insight into Tristian's remarkable military career as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense Officer, where he served with distinction in South Korea, Germany, and Fort Hood. Tristian also discusses the transition to civilian life after a medical retirement and how he turned his focus toward advocacy and writing. His book, Against All Odds, chronicles his inspiring journey and offers hope to those facing adversity.Throughout the episode, Michael and Tristian explore the importance of creating support systems for foster youth, the mental health toll of overcoming trauma, and the power of sharing lived experiences. Tristian shares his strategies for building resilience, the significance of surrounding oneself with the right people, and his commitment to improving the foster care system through advocacy.This episode serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact of resilience in shaping one's future. Whether you are a foster youth, advocate, or someone seeking inspiration, Tristian's story will empower you to take ownership of your life and face challenges with courage and determination.Ways to Connect with Tristian W. Smith:LinkedIn Instagram > undeterred_anomaly

Didn't we spend 20 years on a war to eliminate terrorism in the world? A homegrown ISIS supporter, an American Johnny Jihad, murdered 14 and injured 34 on New Year's Day in New Orleans. Are you prepared to deal with the reality of terrorism in the USA? During our Tech Talk from EOTech Inc. we have reason to celebrate. Our friends at EOTech are celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year. We have an SOTG Homeroom for you from SOTGU.com, Professor Paul will address a Mindset issue. Is there more to being an armed citizen than carrying a gun? During a recent article, Paul considered the importance of using a shopping cart when you are out at the store. TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: EOTech | Hi-Point Firearms | Spike's Tactical "The Sights are Fine" Patch [PRE-ORDER] ShopSOTG.com [0:11:11] EOTech Talk - EOTechInc.com TOPIC: Congratulations to EOTech! - 30th Anniversary www.eotechinc.com [0:36:04] SOTG Homeroom - SOTG University TOPIC: Living Armed is more that just “having a gun” www.shootingnewsweekly.com [0:59:02] Terrorism in New Orleans 14 victims dead, 35 hurt as FBI continues to investigate New Orleans terror attack www.wdsu.com US Army and Jihadis en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_Fort_Hood_shooting Magdeburg Christmas market attack deaths rise to six www.bbc.com Preparing to Deal with Terrorism shoot-on.com FEATURING: Shooting News Weekly, BBC.com, Shoot-On.com, WDSU.com, Madison Rising, Jarrad Markel, Paul Markel, SOTG University PARTNERS: EOTech, FrogLube, Hi-Point Firearms, Spikes Tactical FIND US ON: iTunes, Stitcher, AppleTV, Roku, Amazon, GooglePlay, YouTube, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, X SOURCES From www.eotechinc.com: Throughout these 30 years EOTECH has designed, developed and manufactured some of the world's finest optics that have been trusted to defend home, country, and community. Follow us throughout the year for new products, promotions and contests. What makes an HWS EOTECH® Different Brilliant Accuracy The aiming dot does not expand when viewed with typical magnification. In tandem with a 3X or 5X magnifier, the dot size does not increase noticeably, while the target is magnified, offering much greater precision. (Click Here for Full Article)   From www.wdsu.com: A total of 14 people are dead and 35 people were injured after a man drove a truck into a crowd at Bourbon and Canal streets in New Orleans on New Year's Day in a terrorist attack, according to the FBI. It happened around 3:15 a.m. toward the end of New Year's celebrations in New Orleans and hours before the expected kickoff of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, a college football quarterfinal held in the city's Caesars Superdome. The FBI confirmed the identity of the suspected driver of the truck as [REDACTED], 42, of Texas. A new photo of [REDACTED] was released early Thursday morning. The FBI confirmed that, despite previous reports, investigators believe [REDACTED] acted alone in the attack. (Click Here for Full Article)

Lame-os: Biden, FBI, even Chip Roy! Don't do numerology or Ouija! "Bible thumper" on Jesus, God, and blasphemy! Renaming for good vs evil!The Hake Report, Tuesday, January 7, 2025 ADTIMESTAMPS* (0:00:00) Start* (0:00:57) Topics: News, Chip Roy* (0:05:16) Hey, guys* (0:07:32) Hake News… one bill, mama Biden/banks,* (0:11:37) Joe called New Orleans "strong"* (0:15:31) Blurred photo of woman German foreign minister, Syria, Al Qaeda* (0:20:31) She's old. It's in the Bible!* (0:22:23) Liberal FBI: Omar Mateen, pipe bombs, Fort Hood jihadist* (0:33:10) Chip Roy on Liz Cheney, George Floyd, Kyle,* (0:37:49) Chip Roy clip on Trump/J6, impeachment* (0:44:51) Beach streams over Christmas* (0:47:47) Coffee: Thinking what others thinking* (0:49:40) Coffee: Numerology?* (0:55:51) Story of a Ouija board: Whom will "Sally" marry?* (0:57:42) ANTHONY, CA: Jesus is God? … Early Church Fathers? …* (1:17:35) ANTHONY: Who could atone for our sins?* (1:18:48) RONNIE and ANTHONY… blaspheming the Spirit vs Jesus* (1:29:34) ANTHONY and RONNIE: That's your explanation, huh?* (1:31:24) From Fort Bragg to "Fort Liberty," RME* (1:39:06) Trump name change: Gulf of America, not Gulf of Mexico* (1:43:26) JASON, Gulf Coast: Stuff changes in the Bible* (1:51:07) Coke Song - The Cootees - 1997, Let's Play HouseLINKSBLOG https://www.thehakereport.com/blog/2025/1/7/the-hake-report-tue-1-7-25PODCAST / Substack HAKE NEWS from JLP https://www.thehakereport.com/jlp-news/2025/1/7/hake-news-tue-1-7-25Hake is live M-F 9-11a PT (11-1CT/12-2ET) Call-in 1-888-775-3773 https://www.thehakereport.com/showVIDEO YouTube - Rumble* - Facebook - X - BitChute - Odysee*PODCAST Substack - Apple - Spotify - Castbox - Podcast Addict*SUPER CHAT on platforms* above or BuyMeACoffee, etc.SHOP - Printify (new!) - Spring (old!) - Cameo | All My LinksJLP Network: JLP - Church - TFS - Nick - Joel - Punchie Get full access to HAKE at thehakereport.substack.com/subscribe

Send us a textMichael Vesalero, an army veteran, artist, and poet, shares a moving and deeply personal story that opens the door to understanding the often-hidden struggles of military life and its aftermath. Growing up in upstate New York after being born in West Palm Beach, Michael's journey from a youth spent in challenging circumstances to his enlistment in the army at 18 sets a powerful narrative of resilience. His vivid recollections of basic training at Fort Benning and subsequent deployment with the "Ghost Battalion" and "Shocker Platoon" reveal the harsh realities of military service, painted with honesty and raw emotion.Listeners gain an intimate glimpse into the duality of combat experiences, with stories that range from night missions in perilous terrains to the emotional rollercoaster of camaraderie and loss. Michael doesn't shy away from addressing the profound mental health challenges he faced, including surviving the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and the struggles of reintegration into civilian life. His candid discussion highlights the critical need for support systems for veterans, drawing attention to the importance of addressing PTSD and mental health stigma within military culture.As the conversation unfolds, Michael underscores the healing power of creative expression, sharing how poetry and art have been lifelines in his journey towards recovery. He advocates passionately for greater recognition of art therapy as a therapeutic tool for veterans, while also presenting his heartfelt Christmas poem that reflects on positivity, family, and tradition. This episode promises an enlightening exploration of the transformative impact of storytelling and creativity, wrapped in a message of hope and healing for those who have served.

One of our team members, Paige, joins us today to share our first maternal assisted Cesarean story on the podcast! Our favorite Julie joins too sharing her perspective as Paige's birth photographer. Paige tried three times to have the vaginal birth of her dreams. Each time ended in emergency Cesareans due to nonreassuring fetal heart tones. Each time, she missed the golden hour that she so desperately craved. Each time, she learned more and more about birth.With her fourth baby, she exchanged her VBAC dream for a new one. After hearing about maternal assisted Cesareans, she decided to do all she could to pursue one fully knowing it may not happen. But when it did, it was everything she hoped it would be and more. Paige's Full Birth VideoHoum ClinicDayana Harrison Birth ServicesJulie Francom Birth PhotographyYouTube Video: Maternal Assisted Caesarean Section - The Birth of Betty MaeThe VBAC Link Podcast Episode 220: Dr. Natalie Elphinstone & MACsThe Birth Hour Episode 875: Nicole's Maternal Assisted Cesarean in MichiganBaby Baking & Kid Raising Podcast Episode 6: MACs with Lauren BrentonAustralian Birth Stories Podcast: All Maternal Assisted Cesarean EpisodesYouTube Video: Nottingham University Hospitals Maternity Gentle C-sectionCBAC Support Facebook Community How to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Meagan: Oh my gosh, you guys. Today is a very special day. It's a very, very special day. We have our own team member, Paige. If you guys haven't already seen the video floating around, go to Instagram today and watch what we've got posted. We have Paige, and we have Julie, and they are actually in Korea. Now, Paige lives in Korea. Julie flew to Korea to be the photographer for Paige. I was over here in Utah having FOMO as they were Marco Poloing me when she was in labor. You guys, I am so excited. I can't explain to you the love that I have for Paige. She has been on our team for so many years. I'm getting emotional. I have seen this woman transform into the most amazing, strong individual. She has created something so special for her family, and I think, for Korea. This is our first official Maternal Assisted Cesarean story on the podcast. Seriously, my eyes are all watery. I just cannot wait to hear this story. Julie was just saying how she's been dying wanting to call me this week while she has been in Korea, but she didn't want to share her story because it is Paige's story, but I love that I get to have both of them on the show. So hello, you guys. I'm sorry. I just am rambling. Paige: Hi. Meagan: Oh my gosh. Okay. We have Paige. We have Julie. You guys know who they are. Julie, obviously, has been with The VBAC Link for a long time, and so has Paige.Julie: Been with The VBAC Link for a long time? Yeah.Meagan: Yeah, sorry. You created it. Julie: We created it. Meagan: Yeah, sorry. I'm thinking of Paige. Paige has been with The VBAC Link for a long time. If you didn't know, she actually heads the CBAC group, the CBAC Link Community on Facebook, and she transcribes all of these incredible episodes. So thank you, Paige, and welcome everybody.Paige: Thank you. So yeah, I'm just sitting here in my little corner of The VBAC Link team doing my transcribing which I feel like maybe is just a little drop in the birth world bucket until something more happens for me. I've been with The VBAC Link for the last 4 years, and I feel like it's my way of preserving these stories. Spending time with the women on the podcast is such an honor, and it's just one of my favorite things to do. I've learned so much, and truly, we'll get into it, but I wouldn't have had this birth experience in the same way if it were not for The VBAC Link and for being on the team. So truly, thank you to both of you. You've changed my life. All right, what's that?Meagan: I was going to say that you've made our life better. Paige: Aw, thank you.Julie: Yes, absolutely. It is so cool to see this. Me and Paige were just talking last night about this and how it's kind of a full-circle moment. We were going over her other births and how we got here and how she got here. It's just so cool. I am so thrilled about how everything played out. There were so many little miracles. I think miracles is not the right word. There were so many special blessings and things that led her to this point. I cannot wait to hear all of it from her perspective. It's so fun to be here and share on the podcast and really, this story is going to change lives. It's going to change lives. It's going to change birth. It is going to be something that people talk about and use as inspiration and hope as they prepare for their own births, no matter how they birth because there's a lot of advocacy involved. I think that's the biggest thing. There's a lot of advocacy. Paige did a lot of advocating for herself and what she wanted. It doesn't have to be literally the same way that she birthed for anybody to take inspiration from it, so I would just encourage everybody to listen because she is such a good example of fighting for what she wants, and shifting and rolling with the punches. I am just so inspired by Paige. You mentioned it too, Meagan. I am just so inspired by how she has approached all of this. Yeah, there are lots of life lessons. Lots of life lessons in this birth. Meagan: Yes.Julie: Stay tuned, everybody. It's a good one.Meagan: All right, Ms. Paige. We're turning the time over to you. Let's hear it because I cannot wait. Paige: Okay, so I'm going to start with a brief overview of my first three births. I'm a mom to four boys. I never thought that would be my story, with four C-sections. I never thought that would be my story, but it is, and it's beautiful. For my first birth, I got pregnant in September 2015. We were living in Hawaii at the time, but moved to Lawton, Oklahoma. I received prenatal care there at the Army hospital. It was pretty straightforward, just the What to Expect When You're Expecting type prep. They have this program called the New Parent Support Program which is really great for new families.  A nurse comes to your home, educates you, and gives you resources. I did that. That was really nice. I had a friend who was a doula. We took a hospital childbirth class and watched things like The Business of Being Born, but other than that, I was mostly just really afraid of childbirth in general. I was afraid of dying. I just wanted to survive. I didn't really have any specific birth preferences. I have struggled with anxiety and panic attacks throughout my life, so I thought that if I could just survive, that would be a big win. My OB was a family friend, and I felt very safe with him. He had a great bedside manner. I didn't really push any questions. I just trusted him fully and completely. At 34 and 6, I noticed that I started leaking fluids. My New Parent Support Program nurse had advised me that if I had noticed any kind of new discharge or anything like that– colorless, odorless fluid to go and get it checked out immediately. So I did. My husband drove me. I remember I had not eaten lunch, but it was lunchtime. I was like, “Oh, just drop me off. This will be fast, then we will go get lunch.” The midwife there tested the fluids and confirmed it was amniotic fluid. I remember my OB walked in. He said, “You are leaking amniotic fluid. We need to have this baby today. The baby will be fine at 35 weeks, and it's better for the baby to come than for you to stay pregnant basically and risk an infection.” So I was like, “Oh, okay. Yeah. I trust you.” I got a steroid shot for lung development at 35 weeks. Then they started me on an IV with antibiotics because I didn't have my GBS test back yet. Then he also told me that the Army hospital there did not have a NICU to support a 35-weeker and that I would need to be transferred to the civilian hospital in town. So I would have to be transferred. Since I was already on an IV, they were just going to do it via ambulance. It was my first time ever riding in an ambulance. He also said that he legally wouldn't be able to deliver me, but he would go with me and help me make decisions. That was really nice of him to go, but still just the sheer fact that I was going to be riding in an amublance for the first time, I was going to be having the baby that day, and then I was going to have a completely new doctor, was just sheer overload going into a birth that I was already afraid of. Yeah, it was not the best circumstances for a successful induction. I arrived at the hospital. I met the doctor very briefly. I called my doula friend. She came and helped me. We did what we could, but ultimately, my body was just not showing any signs of being ready. I had no contractions at all. I was completely closed and not even soft. No dilation. My cervix was just not showing any signs of progress. After about 14 hours on Pit, they came in. I remember I had the dull cramping from the Pit, but nothing really intense. I also just remember being so painfully hungry, and they wouldn't let me each. But since I hadn't had lunch, I was just so hungry where you get the body chills and stuff. Anyway, the doctor came in, said he was having decels. He recommended having a C-section because my water had been broken for over 12 hours. I consented. I was so afraid. I remember when they were putting in the spinal, I was just heaving sobs into this poor nurse. You go in and prep. The C-section itself was fine. My arms were strapped down. I didn't feel pain, but I remember it was like an elephant was sitting on my chest. It was like, “Oh, it just feels like somebody's sitting on my chest.” It wasn't horrible, and I was pleasantly surprised by that. But then, he was whisked away to the NICU. I briefly saw him swaddled with a hat on, then he was whisked away. No skin-to-skin for my husband or me, obviously. He was 4 pounds, 14 ounces at birth. They wouldn't let me go see him until I felt ready to go. I was just so swollen from all of the fluids. I was so nauseous anytime I would sit up. I just was not ready in any state to try to go walk or be wheeled to the NICU. Finally, 36 hours after delivery, I was able to meet him. We named him before that over FaceTime, but he was in the NICU for 7 days. I wasn't traumatized because I survived and that was my goal. I met my goal, and I was really proud of myself for facing the fear, but hoped for something different the next time. With the second birth, I got pregnant in July of 2017. I had a subchorionic hemorrhage early on that resolved. We were in Texas at the time. It was Fort Hood back then, but I met with many different OB providers at the Army hospital on base there. I felt okay with it because I had a neighbor who was going for a VBAC after two C-sections. She was really supported, and then she had a successful experience there. Because of my 35-week PPROM, they suggested that I go on the Makena progesterone shots once a week from 16 to 36 weeks. I did that. They worked very, very well. I switched to the midwife track because everything was going fine. The midwives were really great. They were really holistic. They supported inducing a VBAC if needed, but they also supported me going into spontaneous labor past 41 weeks. I made it to 41 and 5. The VBAC Link was not a thing back then yet, so I did not have that resource, but I did read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and the Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way. I read The Birth Partner. I kind of started dipping my toes into real birth education. I was learning about the physiological process of birth, learning how to do it without being afraid, and learning to trust my body. It was really empowering. It was the prep that I needed at that time. I didn't know about bodywork. I ended up having prodromal labor for about a week. It was pretty intense, but I didn't know anything about positioning, posterior, or Spinning Babies. I did find that out right at the end as I was going through it, but I didn't do chiro or any of that. I finally went in for an induction at 41+5 in April 2018. I ended up having to go with an OB on call because the midwife didn't feel comfortable with the NSTs that she saw, so she didn't want to take me on. I was like, “Oh, dangit.” The OB who was there was one who I wasn't really super comfortable with. But he was like, “Oh, well I know you really want a VBAC. We'll try to get that for you.” I was like, “Okay.”I got a Foley. I was barely a 1, but they got a Foley in and I progressed very quickly. I got to a 5 within a couple of hours. Things were going really great. They were very normal labor patterns. I felt like I was managing the contractions really well. I did consent to artificial rupture of membranes, then labored a little while longer. I got an epidural at 7 centimeters. I was told, “Oh, we just had a mom who got an epidural. She relaxed, and the baby came right away.” You hear that and you're like, “Oh, I want that. Yes.” So I did that. I got the epidural at about 6:30ish, and then between that half hour, his heart just wasn't doing well. They were flipping me. I got an amnioinfusion. I got a fetal scalp electrode. I got an IUPC, all the things. Then they gave me oxygen. It was probably about 7:00. He had a prolonged decel. I was lying flat and there were people all around me. The nurse was just like, “We need him now. Do you consent to a C-section?” I was like, “Yes.” Then I surrendered and let it go. I was like, “There goes the VBAC. This is just what needs to happen.” He was born at 7:09, and I was born under general anesthesia for that one. His APGARS were 8/9. My husband was left alone during that surgery. We do have pictures of him holding my son and doing skin-to-skin at 7:27, so about 20 minutes after he was born. I woke up and got to hold him at about 8:45, so about an hour and a half after he was born. I remember it was just really hard to talk after being intubated, but they let me breastfeed right away. I was disappointed, but I don't feel like I had a lot of trauma from that just because I was so empowered. I ended up ultimately making it to an 8. It was so fun for me to see what my body could do. I was like, “Oh, this just means that I was meant for a VBAC after two C-sections. That's what it meant.” Right then in the OR, or I guess it was the recovery room. I committed that that was going to be my story. I was like, “Oh yeah. That's just what it's meant to be. That's why it didn't work out.” I was so empowered. Then when I got pregnant for the third time in September 2019, we were in Germany. We had just moved there. I hit the ground running. I hired a doula right away and a backup doula. The prenatal care was at this small, tiny clinic in a town called Parsberg. I chose not to get progesterone shots. I was like, “I was 41+5. I think I'll be okay without them.” Yep, that's when I discovered The VBAC Link and all of the birth podcasts. I just became obsessed listening all the time, taking notes. I did the bodywork. I watched tons of birth videos. I did cranioscral therapy, chiropractic, and Spinning Babies. I took The VBAC Link Parents Course. I read lots of books. I switched my insurance. I took vitamins. I consumed it all, and I loved it. Every time I did something, I felt like my intuition was confirming that I was on the right path. I specifically would manifest, visualize, and pray, and I just was on this high every time. I feel like that's your intuition confirming to you that you're on the right path. If you feel those things, that's a good sign. You do want to follow that. Meagan: 100%. Paige: I did. Then, COVID. It was September 2019 when I got pregnant. Things were fine, fine, fine, and then COVID started happening. In March, I flew home to Denver to stay with my in-laws. We were supposed to move to Colorado in the spring anyway. My husband was not allowed to come with me. There was a travel ban for 90 days. I just did not want to get stuck in that, so I flew out very quickly with my boys– my two boys. I was 27 weeks pregnant and was living in my in-laws basement. That's a whole thing. COVID was a whole thing for everybody. But it was a scary time and stressful. I didn't know if my husband would be able to make it to the birth, but he was granted an exception to policy leave where he was able to come home. He would have to go back. That was the contingency. But I had rebuilt my team. I had found new bodyworkers. I found a new doula and a new backup doula. I found a team of midwives who were really VBA2C supportive. They were saying things like, “When you get your VBAC,” not if. They really supported all the things, so I felt really comfortable with them. I lost my mucus plug and had bloody show on June 8th. I was 40 weeks. That was my due date. My water broke that night at 11:00 PM. I had a small pop, so it was just a litte bit. I was laboring at home. Nothing really was picking up, but on June 9th, at 40+1, I went into the hospital around 3:00 PM. Labor started picking up pretty quickly after that. About an hour and a half later, my waters gushed everywhere which was really thrilling for me to experience the big gush. I was not very far along, though. My progress is just very slow, but they were not rushing me at all. They were like, “We'll stay patient. We will stay very patient. There is no rush. As long as baby is doing well, we'll just let you do your thing.” My doula was there. After my waters broke, my contractions started coupling on top of each other and getting very intense. They were quite long. I started feeling really lightheaded and dizzy. I tried to sit on the toilet and just felt like I was going to pass out. I threw up a few times. I knew it was time to get some pain relief. They offered the walking epidural option which I took at about 8:00 PM. Baby was doing great. I was really worried about getting the epidural again because I felt like that's what had caused the craziness before, but he was doing great. At 2:00 AM, he started not doing great. He wasn't tolerating the contractions well. I was like, “Oh, not again. What?” I was only 4 centimeters. I just knew that we needed to go in again. I didn't know why, but I was so sad. I didn't want another crash, so I did want to prevent another crash. I knew that if it was going to be a heart thing, I didn't want to mess with that. Especially knowing the signs of pain and coupling contractions and things like that, it just seemed like he was telling me that he needed to come. I consented to the OR and to the C-section. I was wheeled to the OR. I remember as I was being wheeled in, I was just thinking, “This is not what I want. This is not what I want. This is not what I want.” I was so sad. He was born about an hour later. I was so drowsy. I was so tired. I was not present at all. I did not feel strong enough to hold him. My husband held him. I briefly brushed his face. He was wearing his little hat and was swaddled, then they took him to the recovery room. The doula was not allowed in the OR. It was actually a miracle she was allowed at all because they had just lifted the doula ban the week before for COVID. I was like, “Okay, the baby will be in there with her.” I'm not sure why they wouldn't let the baby just stay with Sam, but it's okay. I needed his support. I was really happy that he was there. Closure took longer than usual. They said I had pretty thick adhesions, so I was just laying there trying everything to stay awake. I was fighting so hard. I remember reading words on the light and looking at the letters and just going over the letters in my mind and trying to stay awake. I was fighting so hard to stay awake. I finally got to hold him at 4:00 AM in the recovery room. It was still about an hour after he was born. I missed the golden hour again. I was so sad. I was so sad for a third time to miss it. That recovery was really hard. In the hospital, I was so heartbroken. The trauma this time really hit me emotionally and spiritually. It was physically a lot more traumatic on my body for whatever reason. I mean, just the sheer labor was so intense. My incision was black and blue and puffy. I couldn't walk normally and I didn't feel normal for 5 or 6 weeks, but I also feel like it's because I was so sad. I think how sad you are really does affect how you feel physically. Meagan: Yeah. Yeah, for sure. Paige: I do remember specifically too, my first shower there. My husband had to really help me walk over. I was so sticky from all of the sensors and monitors. He was so tenderly trying to help me wash them off. I was just sobbing. I was so sad. I felt so broken and so vulnerable. It was a beautiful time for my husband to be there and carry me because he knew how badly I wanted the VBAC that time and for him to just carry me through that. But going home, I went home to my in-laws' basement. It was dark. I didn't have a support village because it was COVID. COVID moms know what that was like. Anyway, ultimately, I did reach out to Meagan and Julie. That's when the CBAC group was started. I was like, “Is there any way we could start a CBAC support group where CBAC moms can connect?” You guys were so warm and welcoming. Immediately you were like, “Yes! Why hadn't we thought of that?” Julie, you were so gung-ho about that. I was able to connect to other moms through there which was so healing. Anyway, that was the third story. Then the time between three and four was really, really pivotal for me. The healing that I felt I needed before even thinking about trying to get pregnant was where I feel like this all really starts. When you don't get the birth that you hoped for or when you don't get a VBAC, you just feel embarrassed. You feel ashamed. You feel broken. You feel like your intuition doubted you. You feel dumb. I've seen many women comment how family members would be like, “Oh, I knew it wasn't going to happen for you.” It's hard. It's really hard. You feel very, very broken.I knew that I had to show up for myself and still give myself grace. For this birth, it was good for me because I was able to face not failure, but being wrong. I was able to face being wrong and show myself that I could still be there. Anyway, I started physically diving into healing through pelvic PT and doing a lot of scar adhesion work. The dolphin neurostimulation tools if you haven't heard about those are fantastic. I feel like they worked much better for me than scar massage. I wish I had a provider here now who would do it. I think maybe that would have helped this pregnancy and birth, but it helped my recovery so much.I started having really bad panic attacks and postpartum anxiety, so I went to talk therapy. I got on medication. I went to a chiropractor again. The thing that really, really helped my healing was joining a gym and falling in love with exercise again. I got into all of the things, the yoga, running, learning how to lift, and started really pushing my body again and trusting my body again. I didn't expect exercise to heal that relationship with my body, but I feel like it really did. I learned again that I am physically strong which was really, really nice. I started signing up for some races. I ran my first half marathon. I had a lot of emotional releases during yoga. There was one song that came on one time during a yoga practice. It said, “You can't rush your healing. Darkness has its teaching.” I loved that so much. I just started crying. I was just like, “Let it out.”Part of healing is welcoming the grief when it comes, processing it, and taking it a little bit of a time. It's such a process. You get little glimmers of understanding, but as you keep committing yourself to looking for that and looking for the understanding, it does come. I truly believe that. Anyway, life went on. There is a four-year gap in between my third and my fourth which I really needed. We moved to Korea in that time. We moved to Korea last June, and it's just been lovely. We knew that we wanted one more. I knew I was so happy with the prep and how vigorously I did it. I was proud of myself for that and I knew that I wanted to do it the same way.I knew that after everything I learned, even if it was going to be a C-section, I couldn't just show up to the hospital and have them take my baby. I knew too much. I was like, “I know that there are better ways. I know that providers practice differently from place to place. I know it's not all equal. I know every provider does things differently, even with C-sections.” I started watching videos, and I saw that even the way they performed their C-sections was not the same. I wanted to be really actively involved in how they practiced, and how I was going to be a part of it. My goals for this time were not necessarily VBAC or C-section. I never closed the door completely. I was like, “You never know. Maybe VBA3C, maybe that's my story. Who knows?” However, I did find the episode by Dr. Natalie Elphinstone. As I was transcribing that one, my fire for birth that I held felt for VBAC was coming to life again. That intuition was speaking to me, and I had not felt that fire in a long time. That was the first whisperings of, “You should try this. You should go for this.” The goals that I had for this baby were to be very intentional. I wanted the golden hour. I had to have the golden hour. I had to hold my baby first or within an hour. Please, oh my gosh. I carried so much guilt for not having that three times over. I also wanted to be treated like I mattered. I did not want to be part of a rotation. I wanted continuity of care. I did not want to feel like I was just being shuffled through a system. Whether it was a hospital or not, I knew that I wanted to feel special. Lo and behold, did I know how special I would feel at my sweet birth center. Okay, so with the intention thing, just the pieces of this birth story with number four started falling into place so specifically. I can't deny that spirituality was a big part of this because with number three, my prayers had been very, very specific. I knew that God knew what I wanted. I knew it. I knew that because I didn't get it, there was a specific reason why. That's the only thing I could cling to. As things specifically started falling into place, it started to confirm to me that this was my path and these were the reasons why the other things happened the way they did. But anyway, I got pregnant very quickly with this baby. It was the first time that it wasn't a total surprise which was really fun. I had been taking tests since I knew the day that I ovulated, and then I was just taking tests watching, watching, and watching. I was able to see the first faint line which was so fun. I had always wanted that. I had wanted that moment of, “Oh my gosh, I'm pregnant,” where before it was like, “What? I'm not quite ready,” but I was still excited. That was really fun for that. The Korea birth culture here is very intense. The C-section rate is 50-60%. There are constantly stories being shared on these local pregnancy pages of women just having the most traumatic experiences and my heart aches for them. It's very routine for doctors to suggest first-time moms to, “Go have a C-section. Your baby is big,” and not even trying to labor. Most of it is because there is a doctor's strike going on here. There is a limited number of providers. They are stressed. They don't allow husbands typically in the OR, and very routinely, they are under anesthesia. Then after birth, babies are typically taken away to nurseries, and then postpartum recovery is in an open bay type thing. Meagan: Like, combined? Paige: Exactly, yeah. Your C-section stays are typically about 8 days. I wanted to explore options. We have an Army hospital here that is pretty big and does provide labor and delivery services, but they're often maxed out so you're referred off post. I did not feel comfortable going to any of the places that they typically referred to just from stories I had heard. That's all it takes for me now. I just hear one story and I'm like, “Nope, no thank you.” I know my red flags very quickly now. I went to a tour at this birth center called Houm. It's spelled H-O-U-M. At 8 weeks, I went to go tour it. I noticed a lot of green flags, not red ones where I was just like, “Oh, I'm just going to take a note of that.” Some of the green flags from my tour as I walked in were how I felt right when you stepped off the elevator. It's this calm energy. The lighting is so beautiful. It's such a lovely set up right when you walk in. You take off your shoes because you are in Korea. You take off your shoes, then multiple staff members greeted me with a hug. That's when I met Dayana Harrison who I later ended up hiring as my doula, but she also served as my midwife. She is a student midwife working there right now. She took me on the tour. They have queen-sized beds in their labor rooms. The whole floor was dim and so quiet. It did not have a hospital vibe at all, but they do have an OR on site. I was like, “Oh, this is lovely.” They offer epidural. They have huge birthing tubs with the rope attached from the ceiling. They are so beautiful. Yeah, it's in each room. Then the OR on site does not feel like a hospital OR. It's smaller. They keep it warmer. It feels like– I don't know. It just had such a homey feeling. That's the best way I can describe it. Then some of the things I asked about, in their routine gentle Cesareans, moms routinely get skin-to-skin immediately. They have a little cut open in the curtain where baby is slid through right on your chest. They routinely would keep the placenta attached to the baby in the OR which is–Meagan: Almost not heard of. Paige: Since posting that video, I can't believe how many messages of, “How did you do that?” That's revolutionary in itself. That was a huge green flag where I was like, “Oh my gosh, what?” Typically, what is it? Why do they say you can't do that? Is it because the incision is open too long?Meagan: Yeah. They don't even allow delayed cord clamping most of the time. They just milk it because it's a major surgery. The more time the mom is exposed and open, the higher chance they have of things like infection. Once baby is out, they really want to wrap it up and finish it to be complete. Yeah. To actually leave a placenta attached to a baby is unheard of. It really is unheard of in a Cesarean. Paige: Yeah. So that was super awesome. Then they let you keep the baby. He encourages C-sections past 39 weeks. That's not a routine hard and stop final date. He encourages going into labor before saying that it's good for the baby. He encourages breastfeeding in the OR. The head OB, his name is Dr. Chung. He is also an IBCLC which I thought was so awesome. So he supports breastfeeding.Julie: Wait, wait, wait. Time out. The more I learn about this man, the more I love him. Paige: Did you not know that?!Julie: Oh my gosh. Meagan: I want to meet him. Julie: I want to put him in my pocket and take him with me to deliver every birth I ever go to ever. I love him. Paige: I've literally said the exact same thing, Julie. I wish I could just keep him with me forever. That's the thing. Throughout this whole process, I kept taking note of these green flags. I'm thankful for my other experiences because I don't think a lot of people recognize how green these flags really are. I was like, “Okay, the shoe's going to drop. The shoe's going to drop. There's something.” I'll keep going.Meagan: Can I mention too? You had Marco Polo'd me, “I'm on my way,” then you would leave, and you were like, “This is amazing.” You were just like, “This is right,” every single time. The more you went, the more it verified that you were in the right place. Paige: Yep, yeah. You just know. When you know, you know. During that appointment, he came specifically and talked to me three times. Three times. He shook my hand. I'm like, “Are you not busy? What? Three times, you have time to see someone who is just touring?” He only sees 15 patients. He is very VBAMC supportive and experienced with it. He supports vaginal breech birth. They do ECVs on-site. I didn't even bring up VBAC after three. I just mentioned that I had three C-sections, and he said something like, “Oh, do you want a VBAC? Do you want to try again?” I was like, “Oh, I mean, I don't know. I'm thinking about it.” Then, he made me cry. This was at the tour. He made me cry because he said, “I'm a different doctor because I listen to moms. I listen. They tell me how they want to birth. If you want a VBAC after three C-sections, I will support you. You can do it. You choose how you want your birth to go and I will worry about the bad.” He was like, “You don't need to worry.” I was like, “Oh my gosh,” and I started crying. I was like, “Okay, I'm going to go now.” I was not composed, and then he hugged me. I was like, “What? Who is this guy?” I didn't just jump over there. I did give the Army hospital a chance. I went to a couple of appointments there, and that was kind of all I needed to know for what I wanted. I'm so thankful they are a resource there. I'm thankful that they are here. But I did ask about their routine Cesarean practices and their VBAC practices. It was important to me to find a doctor who supported VBAC even if that wasn't what I was planning to go for. I still love VBAC so much. I think it's so beautiful and such an important option for women to have. I'm so passionate about it. I always will be. They didn't even humor the idea at all of VBAC after three. They were like, “Oh, no. You're going to have a C-section. Of course.” The idea was laughable. The C-sections only allowed one support person, no breastfeeding in the OR, no photographers. Arms are strapped down. I just was like, “Okay.” I was very gently asking questions, but then was like, “Uh-uh. Red, red, red flags.” My biggest piece of advice, and we say this over and over again, is to find a provider whose natural practices align with the things that you want. Julie: That is it. That is it so much. Sorry, I don't want to interrupt again, but let's put bold, italics, emphasis, and exclamation points on what you just said. Say it again. Say it again for the people in the back. Paige: Find that provider whose routine practices align as closely as possible with what you want. Julie: Preach, girl. Preach, girl. I love it. Paige: Because we're not meant to fight. You do not want your birth experience to be a place of fighting or stress. Julie is learning that I am a people pleaser. I'm not anything special. I did not stand my ground. I'm going to do this. I did not come blazing in. I found a provider who I felt very, very safe with, who I felt safe asking for this from, and he said yes. I knew that because his practices were so close to the MAC, he would be the most receptive. But there's a chance that he wouldn't have been, and he was. That's why ultimately it worked out because he was receptive. I couldn't have forced him to do it, but because he practices closely to it already, it wasn't as much of a push. If I tried to go to that Army hospital and introduce this idea, they'd just shut it down. Meagan: You know, that's what is so heartbreaking to me. Providers all over the world really just shut that down if it doesn't match their normal routine and their everyday thing. It's like, well, hold on. Let's listen. Why are people requesting this? Just like Dr. Natalie, she saw this and was like, “This is something that means something to people. Why don't we change the norm and create something different?” Providers, if you are listening, please try and make change in your area because it matters, and it doesn't have to be exactly how it's been. Paige is living proof of this. It just doesn't have to be that. But we can't make change if no one puts forth the effort or allows it. Paige: Dr. Natalie said that exactly. She said, “Let's make every birth the best possible version of that birth that it can be.” Meagan: Yes. Yes. Paige: She said, “If there's a way to make it better, why not? Why not?”Meagan: Why not? Because like it or not, birth impacts us. It sticks with us. You're now explaining four different stories. It's not something we just forget. We don't just walk away from these experiences. They stay with us. Now, we might process and are able to move forward in a different direction, but it's not like we forget, so why can't we make this change? It actually baffles me. Julie: Well, and the mode of delivery is the same. I really want to emphasize that. She has had four C-sections, and they were all very different. But the only one where she left walking out of it really feeling empowered is the last one where she chose a provider who aligned with what she desired for her birth, she had a say in her care, and she felt loved and supported the whole way. She felt like the staff cared about her needs.But also, time out. She didn't just feel like the staff cared about her needs. They did. They did actually, genuinely care about her needs and her experience. I feel like that's such a big difference. Meagan: Mhmm. Mhmm. Yeah. Sorry, Paige. You can continue. We got on a little soapbox. Paige: You're good.Julie: I feel like we're starting to tell the story before the story is told. Paige: No, it's great. We're getting close. I switched to them officially at 20 weeks. My first appointment was the anatomy scan. That's when I also proposed the idea of the MAC officially. After every ultrasound, he comes in, talks to you, looks at it, then you go into his office area where you just chat and ask any questions. That's just the routine setup of the appointments. I had this video prepared, and I was really nervous. It's scary. It is scary to ask your provider for something new and different. I had this video. It's on YouTube. It's by Olive Juice Photography. Everybody should go look at it. It's the birth of Betty Mae. It's the video that I watched over and over and over again because it's the only video I could find of the process from the beginning to the end including all of the prep and including how it was done. I was like, “I saw this online. I was wondering if you could watch it and tell me what you think.” That's how I presented it. It's a long video. It was like, 5 minutes. He just sat there patiently and watched. Then after, actually one thing he did say was, “I don't like how he's using forceps.” I was like, “Oh, green flag.” Then, he asked, “Is this what you want?” I said, “Yeah. I think it would be really special if it could happen.” Then, he said, “Then, we can do that.” Then, he thanked me for giving him the opportunity to grow and try something different. He said, “Will you email that video to me and any other resources?” I emailed Dr. Natalie, and she sent over a MAC PowerPoint that she had prepared of the procedures because from the episode, she was like, “Anybody interested doing this, reach out to me.” She is true to her word. She will do that. If you are interested and you want to contact her, she is very responsive. She sent me also her MAC hospital policy which I forwarded to him. I have to share what he said. He's so cute. In the email response, he said, “I watched the video you sent again. If necessary, we will contact Dr. Natalie to prepare for your perfect Cesarean delivery. Thank you so much for this great opportunity to serve you. I am excited to help your birth and confident it will be a great opportunity for further growth for us.” I was like, oh my gosh. Meagan: That literally just gave me the chills. Paige: I could not believe it. Dayana, who is also a student midwife there at home, told me that she had been planting seeds for maternal assist for a while. They had just been waiting for a mom to ask for it. That was also the time that I hired Julie. I was like, “Julie, that would be so fun if you could come out.” Then Julie was like, “Okay, let's do it.” Then I'm like, “Okay.” Then it happened, and Julie was just so brave to have the gumption to come out. Fun fact, she was previously stationed out here with the Army. It does seem like it all kind of worked out that Korea wasn't so out of touch for her, maybe. Julie: Yeah, no. It was really cool. You had mentioned it briefly, then I was like, “Oh, I wish I could make that work.” Then, I remember I was in the CBAC group. I was like, “Oh, I'm so excited for you,” or something, then you said something like, “I really wish you could come and document it. We would cover your travel out here and everything.” Then I was like, “Oh my gosh, really?” So then I talked to my husband about it. I was going to be gone for a while. He would have to hold down the fort and everything. I talked to him and he was like, “Yeah, I think that would be okay.” I was like, “Oh my gosh, Paige. My husband is fine with it. Let's do this.” I remember the day that you booked my flights and officially signed my contract and locked in and everything, then I told my husband and he was like, “Oh, this is really happening then?” I was like, “Nick, I gave you the change. I gave you the chance to eject. It's too late now.” He's been doing really great. He's a really great dad. The on-call life means he has to just take over the house at random moments. We are set up to where we can do that. It was just really funny. I'm so excited that we could make it work. Paige: This is my public thanks to Nick and all of Julie's children for allowing her to be here because it did require sacrifice on their part, truly. I'm just so thankful. I also found out, Dayana told me that she had been asked to prepare a whole presentation for the staff on MAC which she did. She prepared it for nurses, midwives, and anesthesia walking them through. The fact that she had that connection to Houm and that experience, she served as my doula but so much more. She was so much more as my advocate having that inside access to the staff. We scheduled a surgical rehearsal for 35 weeks. At 35 weeks, this was one of my favorite things. He personally was there to walk me through every step of what it would look like for my security, but I don't feel like I really needed it because I was very, very familiar, but for the comfort of the staff and everybody else too. I got to the appointment. My husband was able to be there with me on that one. The way it's set up– we'll post our video then you can visualize more of what the layout looks like. There's the prep room, then literally 10 steps across is the OR right there. In the prep room, they had a gown ready for me. They had the washing bins ready. So the way that it works, you go in. You put the gown on. You have the IV. They showed me where they would place the IV. Then you scrub up your hands. You wash with the sterile solution, and then they put gloves on top. This was the way that they did it. Then they walked me into the OR. They showed me how I would go sit up on the table, how I would receive my spinal through anesthesia, then they practiced laying me back down. They did everything step by step. It wasn't new to me. I've had C-sections before, so I knew, but it was just so sweet that they were so thorough. They showed me how they would insert the catheter. He showed me exactly how he would lay the drapes over my body. He showed me when the curtain would go up. The way they do it, you're not just watching the whole thing the whole time. You could, I guess, opt for that if you wanted to. You have the drape up, they do the initial incision, get the baby out up to his head, and then they drop the curtain. That's when they pull your arms down. The other thing too, the reason why they do strap your arms down is in case you impulsively reach down and touch your incision and breach the sterile field. That's the reason why arms being strapped down is even a thing. But for MAC, your arms are not strapped down obviously. They have somebody holding their hand on your hands which I don't think I even had. Looking back, I don't remember anybody touching my hands or my arms. But that wasn't an issue. It wasn't something that I impulsively wanted to do, to reach down there. Anyway, then the drape goes down. They guide your hands up and over to put your hands under his armpits. Come up. Bring your baby to your chest. The curtain goes back up during closure, and then they talked about how I'd be transferred back to the recovery room– not the recovery room. No recovery room. You go to the postpartum room immediately. I felt on such a high after that. It was just so beautiful how he did that. At 38 weeks, I had an ultrasound. They do ultrasounds at every appointment. I don't know that there is a perfect practice out there that aligns with absolutely everything you want. But they do routine ultrasounds. I wasn't really concerned about that, but they did flag something called kidney hydronephrosis. It's basically the swelling of the kidney. They had been monitoring that. It had presented late in the third trimester, but it was severe enough that they were starting to get really concerned about it. Basically, it can mean that there is an obstruction, and if it's really severe, it can mean that the baby needs to be evaluated within 48 hours of birth by a pediatric urologist which clearly they don't have on site. It was a whole thing. If it really is severe and there is an obstruction, then they need to do surgery really promptly to prevent kidney damage early on. That was the thing. He did suggest that I could deliver somewhere else, and then the baby would be able to be there and we would be together in the same facility. That's when I felt like the shoe dropped. I was like, “Why would he suggest that? He knows that I would not want to deliver anywhere else. Why would he even bring that up?” I was all a mess. I was alone at that appointment. I felt a little bombarded and ambushed. I was like, “This isn't going to happen. I'm not going to get it.” That night, Dayana called me. I was getting ready to reach out to her, but she called me. She was like, “I just wanted to check in.” I had emailed Dr. Chung a clarification email. I think that's really important too. If something doesn't sit well with you in your appointment, it's okay to follow up in an email just to clarify what happened. Can you lay out these options? Can you lay out what we went through? Can I have a record of the ultrasound and what you saw? Because then you're not just swirling these things in your mind. You're actually looking, then you can do your own research. I dove into research. I dove into studies. I compared the numbers that he gave me versus what I saw, and it all did align. She called me and she was like, “No, don't worry. He is comfortable moving forward. He thought that you would be concerned, so he wanted to present you with more options to deliver somewhere else, but he is very happy to deliver you here still and sticking with our plan. He does want to see you at a follow-up ultrasound at 39 weeks,” which I was comfortable with. I was like, “Sam, you've got to come with me. I can't go alone.” She promised that she would be there. That's another thing. When you have a team that you trust, make sure that you are supported, and it's not just you and your doctor. If there's something that doesn't sit well, it really helps to field it with other people not just in labor, even in your prenatal appointments or anything like that. If you feel like you need some extra support, it does really help to bring some people with you who you trust. So at 39 weeks, we all met as a team and asked lots of questions. We felt comfortable with a care plan moving forward. We ultimately decided that we would move forward with the C-section at 39+5 which would be Monday. I'm trying to think what day that was. Meagan: The 7th. Paige: Monday, the 7th. Meagan: That's what I had in my calendar. Paige: Monday, the 7th was the day. We talked about moving it up. All his colleagues were like, “No, you should deliver this baby now. What are you doing? You're crazy keeping her pregnant.” I was like, “I am comfortable waiting, and I have to wait for Julie, so it can't be until Friday. It can't be until Friday.” She gets in on Thursday. That was Wednesday, at 39 weeks. Thursday was 39 and 1.Julie was on the plane, and then that morning on Thursday, I lost my mucus plug at about 8:00 AM. I was like, “Oh, no.” I wasn't really having contractions or anything, so I was like, “Okay. We'll still make it until Monday. It's fine.” Then, Julie got in at about 7:00 PM. I started having some baby contractions. We were sitting around my kitchen table, and Julie was like, “Are you contracting right now?” I was like, “A little.” She was like, “Go take a bath.” Then, we went to bed. I took a bath, and then I went to bed. I was for sure just contracting. I was like, “But what about these logistics? What is going to happen?” Anyway, my childcare plan was going to be turned upside down and all of the things. I was stressed about the logistics. But then, I was woken up at about 10:00 PM by contractions. They were about 6-7 minutes apart, but they were definitely real. I thought they were prodromal, so I was just waiting for them to just go away. They started getting closer. They were close enough to about 4 minutes and sometimes 3. I was having more bloody show, so I was like, “These are kind of doing something.” The intensity increased. It got to the point where I couldn't lie down. I was on my hands and knees. I was standing up, bracing myself against the wall. I was trying to do different positions. Maybe it was just a positional thing. “Let me try to do flying cowgirl. Let me try to do Walcher's”. I was trying to do different positions to try to stop them. I tried to take a bath at 3:00 AM, and they weren't going away. I was like, “Okay, I can't do this. I can't risk it. We've got to go.” I woke up my husband. I was like, “Today's the day. He's just telling me that it's the day. It's time. I don't know why, but it's Friday. It's supposed to be.” At 4:00 AM, he packed his bags. At 5:00 AM, I felt so bad because Julie had just gotten in from this huge international flight. It was a 12-hour flight plus some because you had a connection. I was like, “Julie, we're going to go,” she was like, “Okay!” She was so excited. “Okay, let's go!”Julie: I wake up to a knock on the door, and they're all dressed and ready to go. I'm like, “Why did she not wake me up sooner? I could have supported you.” Paige: I felt so bad. Julie: Yeah. It was wild. It was so wild. I was ready. It was awesome. Paige: So at 5:00 AM, we left for the birth center. At 6:00 AM, we got there. I messaged my team. Dayana said she was on her way. They led me to my room which is just a beautiful suite. It's right next to the OR. They led me to my room. They said that the anesthesiologist would be ready at about 10:00 AM, so between then, I would be laboring. Dr. Chung came in, and he said, “You need to be prepared for a VBAC to happen. You might have this baby just right here.” It was so funny that he was supportive of that idea even. It was so cute. I labored. It was getting intense, but they weren't super close together. Dayana came. She jumped in, and she immediately just respected the space which was so beautiful. She started doing all of her– she's a Body Ready Method practitioner. She's done some training with Lynn Schulte and the Institute for Birth Healing, so she's very familiar with the specific way to give you comfort measures. She was so great. I felt so safe. We labored, and my husband gave me a beautiful blessing. She said the more beautiful prayer that really invited heaven into the space and made it so spiritual and special. We were playing music, then at 9:00 AM, the head midwife, her name is Joy, came in. She started the IV.Dr. Chung came in and walked me to the prep room. In our rehearsal, I was going to be scrubbing myself, but he just picked up my hands, and he started washing my hands and scrubbing my hands for me. It felt like such a selfless act getting ready to go into this procedure. It felt like he was so respectful, and then I even had a contraction during the washing. He stopped what he was doing and was so respectful of the space. It just felt so Christlike having him wash my hands going into it. Then we walked into the OR, and they got me ready for anesthesia. They put in the spinal, and then they laid me down. They did the pinprick test. They gave me a new gown that was sterile. I'm trying to think of what else. They inserted the catheter. I could kind of feel a little bit with the pinprick test, but the catheter insertion was just pressure, so I felt comfortable moving forward. They got started. We played music. They had ice ready for me on my face because I told them when I get nauseous or anxious, I tend to get a little lightheaded. They had ice ready for me. That was something I had requested, and that was so nice. They started the surgery, and it was very, very intense. I do want to be candid that it was probably my most painful surgery. I had to work through it with labor-coping stuff. I was vocal. I did mention that I was feeling pain. It got pretty intense. I don't know if in Korea in general– I know that they are a little bit more stingy about anesthesia, but it was okay. I don't feel like I was traumatized from that. The baby came out at about 10:24. That's when they say he was born. We were listening to music. I was vocalizing, then Dr. Chung says– what did he say? “Let's meet your baby,” or “Come grab your baby”, or something like that. They lowered the drape, and it was so fast. I bring the baby up onto my chest, and everything just melted away, and this instinctual, primal– all of these emotions I didn't know I had just poured out of me. I lost any sense of composure that I had. I was shrieking. In any other situation, I would have been so mortified, but that moment of not having it three times over, it was this release and this justification or this validation of finally having it. I just got to hold my baby. I was a little nervous about seeing a new baby for the first time without being swaddled and how they would be wet and slippery, and if that would freak me out a little bit, but I wasn't worried about that at all. I was just so happy that I had him and so relieved. During closure, that was also intense too. They put the curtain up. They pulled out the placenta. They put it in a bowl, and then they put it in a bag, and they rest it right there next to you. The cord was so lovely and so beautiful. There is something about a fresh, new cord. It is so awesome to see. I thought it was the coolest. I had my husband. I was squeezing his hand. Honestly, I felt like having my baby in my arms and holding my husband's hand was the best pain relief. In that moment, it was keeping me calm, keeping me steady, and getting me through the closure and the rest of the surgery.Then they transferred me to my postpartum room, and they just let us be there. They didn't push cutting the cord. Dayana gave me a placenta tour. I was like, “When do we cut the cord?” She was like, “Whenever you want.” It ended up being about 2 hours of us just enjoying it and talking about how cool it was. Yeah. She gave us a tour. I was able to wear gloves and touch it and go through it, then Sam was able to cut the cord for the first time which was so awesome. That's the gist of it. Meagan: Oh my goodness. I started crying. I've gotten chills. I have so many emotions for you just watching your video. I've literally watched it 10, maybe 15 times, and I can't wait to see Julie's entire thing that she caught. But I am just so– there are no words. I'm so happy for you. I'm so proud of you, and I've talked to you about this. I've Marco Polo'd you crying before where I can't explain it. I am so insanely proud of you and happy for you that you got this experience. Thinking about, “I've never seen a gooey baby. I've never had that opportunity. My husband has never been able to cut the cord,” and you were able to have this beautiful experience where you got to have all of those things. It took four babies to get there, but you got there. You got there because you put forth the work. You learned. You grew, and you were determined. I think as listeners, as you're listening, sometimes that's what it takes. It's really diving in, putting forth that effort, and finding what's true for you. I know it's hard, and I know not every provider out there is like Dr. Chung. He is a diamond in the rough from what it sounds like on so many levels. But they do exist. Again, going back to what you were saying, sometimes it just talks about Paige going in and saying, “Try to have an open mind. Look at this video. I would like for you to view this. Just take a look at it,” and left it in his hands. Sometimes, it just takes something so simple. But, oh my gosh. I can't believe it. We were Marco Poloing about episodes, you guys, before she was in labor. We were also Marco Poloing about social media posts. She was like, “I just don't want to say anything until it happens.” I think sometimes even then, I wonder if that's where that ultrasound had come in and maybe there was doubt. I don't know. It seems like maybe that aligns pretty well with the time that we were messaging and that. Maybe we were Marco Poloing or texting. I don't know. It's like, could this happen? Is it really going to happen? You want it to happen so bad, and then to see it unfold and to have it unfold in such raw beauty, oh my goodness. I cannot believe it.So in the OR, they let Julie in there, right?Paige: Oh, yeah. Dr. Chung is a photographer himself. Julie had asked me to ask him if she could move around or if she had to be stationary. He was so open to her walking anywhere and having free range of movement and having multiple sources of video and photo. Julie: Yeah, it was really cool. I want to speak a little bit to that side of things if that's okay for a minute. Being a birth photographer is kind of complicated and sometimes logistically crazy especially as the baby is being born because everybody has a job to do. Not every provider and nurse is supportive– maybe not supportive. Not every provider and nurse is respectful of the fact that I also have a job to do and that these parents are paying me not a small amount of money to come in and do this job. That is very important to them to have this birth documented in a special way.It can be tricky navigating that especially times ten when it comes to being in the operating room. I have about a 50% success rate of getting in the OR back home. Some hospitals are easier than others. It's always an honor and a privilege, I feel, when providers create a way for me to go in the OR because Cesarean birth is just as important, maybe even more important to have documented because it comes as a healing tool and a way to process the birth especially when most Cesareans are not planned. It was really cool to hear ahead of time about how supportive Dr. Chung was and how amazing he was going to be to let this happen. When we were in there, I don't think I've ever moved around an OR as much as I have in that OR. Providers will tell you, “Oh, you're not allowed in because the operating room is so small. Oh, the sterile field, we want to make sure you don't pass out when you're in there.” I think all of these excuses that people give are just regurgitating things. They don't want another person in the OR. It's just kind of dumb because that was the smallest OR that I have ever been in. I still was able to document it beautifully. I respected the sterile field. I wasn't in anybody's way. People were in my way which is fine because they had a way more important job to do to make sure Paige didn't bleed out and that the baby was born and that Paige's needs were met and things like that. I'm okay. I'm used to navigating around people in the space. I'm perfectly comfortable with that. It was so beautiful. I was down at her feet. Paige, I've actually been going through your images and choosing ones to include in your final gallery while you've been talking. I cannot wait to show you this. I have images of Dr. Chung pulling his head out, still images, of the head being born through the incision. It's like crowning shots. It is this beautiful image of this baby's head being born. Obviously, you've seen the one of his head all the way out. I just think it's so beautiful. I consider it such a privilege and such and honor to have as much freedom in that room. I was literally at her feet, Meagan, documenting while he was cutting her open the adhesions and all of those things. There is video. There were images. I have chills right now. And then as baby was born, I was able to move up by her shoulders and document that and her reaching down for baby. I have all of that. I think that is such one more reason why Dr. Chung is amazing. It is such a rare gem, a diamond in the rough, because Paige now has the documentation for this beautiful story, and it's just one more thing where we have work to do. We have lots of work to do, lots of work to do, and lots of advocacy with people asking for this. I just think it's so important and so cool. It's such a rare thing. I don't even think I would have been able to do all of this back in the States. Meagan: No. Julie: I just think it was so cool. I'm determined to get these images to you before I leave so we can look at them together. I cannot wait for you to see them. I can't. I'm just so excited. Paige: Well, it just makes me think of how often you've said, “If you don't know your options, you don't have any.” The purpose behind this, and why I felt I really did want to go for this option, and what was pulling me to it, is because I want to create options for women and to show them what's possible. That's why I wanted Julie to come. I wanted her. I told her specifically, “Document every step of the process so that women have more resources to see the ways we do it.” I didn't do it exactly like the Olive Juice photography video. There are little variances between it, and that's okay. But it was still so beautiful, so wonderful, and then also, I asked her to document the surgery itself because so much of it is going back and trying to process it in your mind while you're going through it. I'm so glad she did. We walked through it last night, just the moment when I was in the most pain. It was actually really wonderful to see what he was doing which I wasn't in the space to see at that time, but to go back and see, “Okay, that makes sense because he was maneuvering so much,” and to connect it. The connection piece was so valuable. For every Cesarean, I'm so passionate now that you need a doula. You need a midwife in there. You need a birth photographer. You need everybody in there. I knew it, but now, I'm so passionate that we need to advocate for ourselves just as much for planned Cesareans. Meagan: Absolutely. I still can't believe it. I'm so happy. I love this story so much. I believe everyone should hear it because like you said, we need to be educated so we can apply what we need. We don't know what we don't know. This is what we've heard for so many years, but we can know. We can know our options, and it does take us doing it most of the time. The medical world out there is trying sometimes. Sometimes, they are not trying as well. But they are trying. They are also capped in a lot of ways with resources and with time. There's just a lot that goes into it. So, dive in, you guys. Learn. Follow what you need. Follow what your heart is saying. If your heart is saying, “I want a different experience, it's okay to push for that different experience.” Paige: Yeah, definitely. I'll attach a lot of the resources that I used to help me in my prep. But I did just want to cap off by saying that I don't feel like I'm anything special. I am not a birth worker. I am not a nurse. I don't have a history of medical stuff. Dr. Chung was so cute. He was joking that I was a surgeon and getting ready to go do the surgery, but I've always been squeamish at blood and things like that. Don't feel like you don't want to go for it because you're afraid that it will be a scary thing. It is such a natural, beautiful thing. It doesn't feel as medical as it might seem. And even if you are scared, I was scared. It's okay to do it scared if you think that it might be something beautiful and if your heart is, like Meagan said, calling you to it. We're just moms, and moms are powerful, and that's enough. Meagan: I love that. Julie: I love that. I think it's really important. Paige, first of all, you are special, and this is why. Not everybo

This episode continues a theme of bringing on guest's who crossed paths with Alex in the Army and helped shape his perspective on human performance. SGM Jaime Espinoza's career started with troubles involving weight gain, mental health, alcohol abuse, and more. But thanks to help from several people along the way (some human performance professionals, but also just fellow soldiers) he managed to overcome those hurdles and excel professionally. He joined us to talk about how, and how lessons he learned in the process can help improve outcomes for people experiencing the same challenges. Sergeant Major Jaime Espinoza is a native of Azusa, CA. Upon enlisting in the Army in August 2006, he attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, followed by advanced individual training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. After completing advanced individual training, he was awarded the MOS 35F Intelligence Analyst. His assignments, in ascending order, were with HHC 2-6 IN, 2 BDE, 1st AD, Baumholder, GE; Bravo Company, 304th MI, Fort Huachuca, AZ; HHD, 525th MP BN, Guantanamo Bay, CU; HHC, 4 BDE, 1st CAV DIV, Fort Hood; HHT, 1-9 CAV, 1st CAV DIV, Fort Cavazos; HHC, 4th BDE, 1st CAV DIV, Fort Hood; HHC, 3rd BDE, 4th ID Attached to Foundry Fort Carson, CO; Delta MI Company, 299th BEB, 4th ID, Fort Carson, CO; HHD, 1ST IO CMD Land, Fort Belvoir; United States Special Operations Command (USASOC). He has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom(OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). He served in a variety of leadership and technical positions, including Junior Analyst, Targeting Analyst, S2 NCO, ASAS-L Master Analyst, Special Security Representative, Detainee Mail Analyst, S2 NCOIC, Senior Intelligence Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Operations NCO, Observer Controller and Trainer, Foundry Instructor, Operations Sergeant Major. SGM Espinoza's military education includes the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 74). Other schools include the Small UAV Course, Army Basic Instructor Course, Foreign Disclosure Officer Course, Military Police Pre-Service Course, Army Space Cadre Basic Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Critical Thinking Course, Integrated Data Sources and Enhanced Analytics Course, Information Operations Capabilities, Application and Planning Course, Army Operations Security Program Manager / Officer Certification Level II Course, Anti-Terrorism Officer Basic Course Airborne Course and SERE course. He holds an Associate of Arts degree in Applied Sciences in Intelligence Operations from Cochise College, a Bachelor of Arts in History with a concentration in Military History from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from New England College. SGM Espinoza's awards and decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (7th Award), Army Achievement Medal (6th Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1 Campaign Star), Iraqi Campaign Medal (2 Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2nd Award), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (5th Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), NATO Medal, Luxembourg's International March of Diekirch Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (2 nd Award), Meritorious Unit Citation (3rd Award), Army Superior Unit Award. He has earned the Parachutist Badge, Army Basic Space Badge, Canadian Jump wings, Italian Parachutist Badge, German Bronze Parachutist, Polish Parachutist Jump wings and Netherlands Parachutist Jump wings, Norwegian Foot March Badge, Driver's badge with wheel and track clasps. SGM Espinoza is a recipient of the Military Intelligence Corps Association Knowlton Award.

Vanessa er stadig savnet og CID, samt mange andre, har sat en stor eftersøgning i gang - og der er nok grave at tage af...Hvis du kan lide podcasten, så må du meget gerne give et Like på vores Facebook side https://www.facebook.com/paastribe/ og en 5-⭐️ anmeldelse i din podcast app. Følg på den app du normalt lytter til os på og på Instagram @paa_stribe. Det hjælper med at sprede ordet. Lyt også til eReolen, Podimo, Mofibo med flere for vores fortællinger om de mest berygtede seriemordere. Black Shadow by Hans Atom (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/hansatom/42282 Ft: Robert Warringtondfx

Vanessa forsvandt pludselig fra Fort Hood militærbasen i april 2020, hvordan hænger det sammen med Gregory Morales forsvinden fra samme base blot 8 måneder forinden?Hvis du kan lide podcasten, så må du meget gerne give et Like på vores Facebook side https://www.facebook.com/paastribe/ og en 5-⭐️ anmeldelse i din podcast app. Følg på den app du normalt lytter til os på og på Instagram @paa_stribe. Det hjælper med at sprede ordet. Lyt også til eReolen, Podimo, Mofibo med flere for vores fortællinger om de mest berygtede seriemordere. Black Shadow by Hans Atom (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/hansatom/42282 Ft: Robert Warringtondfx

We have a mega-sized episode for you that coincided nicely with Remembrance Day being this week! Hope you have some long drive or big pile of dishes, we guess?? Or maybe you listen at work, like Alanna. So sorry, but this one is NOT Safe For Work. Earbuds in, in presence of kiddos. And as we discuss, you're never safe, not even at work, not even if you work as a trained soldier, not if someone decides they want you dead. Kelsey tells the tale of Tyrone Hassell III, who lived up to his awesome name by joining the military and making his dad proud. Of course it ends in tragedy, and that's all we will say here. Listen for the rest. Alanna takes us to Texas and the Fort Hood shooting of 2009. To the scene of the deadliest mass shooting on an American military base, and the heroes that stopped it from going further. The content is extremely upsetting, so please take care when listening. This one is dedicated to our military family, friends and all service members and their families for all they do. Thank you!!Darkcast Promo of the week: the Bell Witch Podcast!Check out all our friends on the Darkcast network website, and our site and socials! See you next week and Keep it Cryptic!

Great interview with Singer | Song Writer | Label Founder, Blake Tinsley on being an independent artist, creativity, music, movies, mental clarity, work life balance and more! Listen in to hear what Blake shares with us on his journey to success! Blake Tinsley was born at Fort Hood, Texas & grew up the son of a single mother who served in the U.S. Army. He spent part of his childhood & formative years in North Carolina & later the Bay Area California – experiences that influenced his outlook on life & his artistic point of view. Blake has always been immersed in the arts – before he graduated high school, he had already made independent films & records. Having child acting acting experience in feature films, etc did not hurt him either. After high school, he took on an in depth study of the arts in SF all while supporting himself with multiple jobs. At the same time, he founded a non-profit & film festival to support young independent filmmakers. After many years of being held to a dishonest contract he has developed a label for Artist who want to make art and not worry about a label taking advantage of their creativity. www.Bbrindiefilms.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yourbestlifestyles/support

Lisa Benson is the founder of DeBella DeBall Designs, a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping veteran entrepreneurs and small business owners grow and scale their ventures. Her journey began in the Army, where she developed leadership skills and resilience that now shape her approach to business. Leveraging her background in communication, management, and public administration, Lisa transitioned into entrepreneurship, specializing in strategic marketing. With a bachelor's in Management and a Master's in Public Administration, Lisa has deep expertise in marketing automation, social media strategy, and business development. At DeBella DeBall Designs, she crafts personalized marketing solutions that drive sustainable growth and streamline operations. Lisa is passionate about supporting veterans, especially those facing challenges like PTSD, and empowering entrepreneurs to thrive using data-driven strategies.   In this episode, we talked to Lisa about scaling a business and the challenges that come with it, connecting to your audience as an entrepreneur, leadership and empathy, veterans and the mission of her company, and much more.   Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.   Marketing and Scaling Businesses;   02:18 Lisa's background; 10:37 The importance of benefits over features; 12:37 Challenges in scaling a business; 16:34 Tips for entrepreneurs on connecting with their audience; 24:04 An insight for leaders and to lead with empathy; 25:44 Her focus on the veterans; 30:22 Round of Insights   Announcement: Download our Sample Deal package here.   Round of Insights   Apparent Failure: Having issues with paying for her education, eventually allowing her to be where she is today. Digital Resource: Her planner, which she calls “The Best Planner Ever”. Most Recommended Book: 10x Is Easier Than 2x. Daily Habit: Listening to meditation, and having a power hour where she works on her business. #1 Insight for leveraging marketing to scale your business: Consistency is key. Best place to grab a bite in Fort Hood, TX: Kempner Brick Oven.   Contact Lisa: Website   Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you're enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW,  and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Marj Billker Graves joined the Army Nurse Corps during her final year of nursing school in 1967. She served as a head nurse on male orthopedic wards at Darnall Army Hospital, Fort Hood, Texas, and at Ireland Army Hospital, Fort Knox, Kentucky. As a Captain, Marj volunteered for Vietnam where she continued to serve as a head orthopedic nurse with the 24th Evacuation Hospital in Long Binh. During her tour of duty, she was selected as the nurse for a two-person medical team to accompany both the Bob Hope Christmas Tour in 1971 and the Sammy Davis, Jr. USO Show in 1972. After a return assignment in the United States at Madigan General Hospital, Tacoma, Washington, she resigned her commission to marry her husband, Bob, also a Vietnam Veteran. She was selected as Kentucky's Vietnam Veteran for USA Today's 2012 Veterans Day issue, has been featured in numerous articles in The Courier-Journal, was inducted into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame, is a recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Distinguished Citizen Medal, and in 2023 was the first female veteran to serve as Grand Marshal of Louisville's Veterans Day Parade. She is a retired Occupational Health Manager from UPS.

"Mind Over Murder" co-hosts Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley discuss new legal strategies being used in the Hae Min Lee/Adnan Syed murder case, the 1965 Malcom X assassination settlement, and a new lawsuit filed in the murder of Army Private Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood, Texas. Can these methods provide some sort of rough justice? This bonus episode of "Mind Over Murder" originally ran on November 28, 2022.Rolling Stone: Victim's Family Wants to See the Evidence That Released Adnan SyedA lawyer for the family of Hae Min Lee claims in a court filing that prosecutors treated them in a “callous and unconstitutional manner”https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/adnan-syed-conviction-vacated-victim-family-demands-evidence-1234620691/New York Times: New York to Pay $26 Million to Men Wrongly Convicted of Killing Malcolm X Muhammad A. Aziz and Khalil Islam spent more than 20 years in prison after the civil rights leader was assassinated in 1965. He had broken with the Nation of Islam.https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/30/nyregion/malcom-x-muhammad-aziz-khalil-islam-settlement.htmlCBS News: New documentary follows Vanessa Guillén's family quest for justice: "People won't remain silent anymore"https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vanessa-guillen-netflix-documentary-family-justice-reform/]Won't you help the Mind Over Murder podcast increase our visibility and shine the spotlight on the "Colonial Parkway Murders" and other unsolved cases? Contribute any amount you can here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/mind-over-murder-podcast-expenses?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customerWTVR CBS News:  Colonial Parkway murders victims' families keep hope cases will be solved:https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/colonial-parkway-murders-update-april-19-2024WAVY TV 10 News:  New questions raised in Colonial Parkway murders:https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/new-questions-raised-in-colonial-parkway-murders/WTKR News 3: Colonial Parkway Murders podcast records in Yorktown:https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/historic-triangle/colonial-parkway-murders-podcast-records-in-yorktownWVEC 13 News Now:  Live Podcast to Discuss Colonial Parkway Murders Monday in Yorktownhttps://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/crime/true-crime/live-podcast-to-discuss-colonial-parkway-murders-monday-yorktown/291-601dd2b9-d9f2-4b41-a3e1-44bce6f9f6c6Alan Wade Wilmer Sr. has been named as the killer of Robin Edwards and David Knobling in the Colonial Parkway Murders in September 1987, as well as the murderer of Teresa Howell in June 1989. He has also been linked to the April 1988 disappearance and likely murder of Keith Call and Cassandra Hailey, another pair in the Colonial Parkway Murders.13News Now investigates: A serial killer's DNA will not be entered into CODIS database:https://www.13newsnow.com/video/news/local/13news-now-investigates/291-e82a9e0b-38e3-4f95-982a-40e960a71e49WAVY TV 10 on the Colonial Parkway Murders Announcement with photos:https://www.wavy.com/news/crime/deceased-man-identified-as-suspect-in-decades-old-homicides/WTKR News 3https://www.wtkr.com/news/is-man-linked-to-one-of-the-colonial-parkway-murders-connected-to-the-other-casesVirginian Pilot: Who was Alan Wade Wilmer Sr.? Man suspected in two ‘Colonial Parkway' murders died alone in 2017https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/01/14/who-was-alan-wade-wilmer-sr-man-suspected-in-colonial-parkway-murders-died-alone-in-2017/Colonial Parkway Murders Facebook page with more than 18,000 followers: https://www.facebook.com/ColonialParkwayCaseYou can also participate in an in-depth discussion of the Colonial Parkway Murders here:https://earonsgsk.proboards.com/board/50/colonial-parkway-murdersMind Over Murder is proud to be a Spreaker Prime Podcaster:https://www.spreaker.comJoin the discussion on our Mind Over Murder and Colonial Parkway Murders pages on Facebook.Mind Over Murder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindoverpodcastYou can also participate in an in-depth discussion of the Colonial Parkway Murders here:https://earonsgsk.proboards.com/board/50/colonial-parkway-murdersFollow Othram's DNA Solves: You can help solve a case. Help fund a case or contribute your DNA. Your support helps solve crimes, enable the identification of John & Jane Does, and bring closure to families. Joining is fast, secure, and easy.https://dnasolves.com/Daily Beast: "Inside the Maddening Search for Virginia's Colonial Parkway Serial Killer" By Justin Rohrlichhttps://www.thedailybeast.com/what-happened-to-cathleen-thomas-and-rebecca-dowski-inside-the-hunt-for-the-colonial-parkway-killerCitizens! Check out our new line of "Mind Over Murder" t-shirts and other good stuff !https://www.teepublic.com/stores/mind-over-murder-podcast?ref_id=23885Washington Post Op-Ed Piece by Deidre Enright of the Innocence Project:"The FBI should use DNA, not posters, to solve a cold-case murder" https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/06/25/julie-williams-laura-winans-unsolved-murder-test-dna/Oxygen: "Loni Coombs Feels A Kinship To 'Lovers' Lane' Victim Cathy Thomas"Loni Coombs felt an immediate connection to Cathy Thomas, a groundbreaking gay woman who broke through barriers at the U.S. Naval Academy before she was brutally murdered along the Colonial Parkway in Virginia.https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/loni-coombs-feels-a-kinship-to-colonial-parkway-victim-cathy-thomasYou can contribute to help "Mind Over Murder" do our important work:https://mindovermurderpodcast.com/supportFour one-hour episodes on the Colonial Parkway Murders are available on Oxygen as "The Lover's Lane Murders." The series is available on the free Oxygen app, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon, and many other platforms. https://www.oxygen.com/lovers-lane-murders Oxygen" "Who Were The Colonial Parkway Murder Victims? 8 Young People All Killed In Virginia Within 4 Years" https://www.oxygen.com/lovers-lane-murders/crime-news/who-were-the-colonial-parkway-murder-victims Washington Post Magazine: "Victims, Families and America's Thirst for True-Crime Stories." "For Bill Thomas, his sister Cathy's murder is a deeply personal tragedy. For millions of true-crime fans, it's entertainment." https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/magazine/wp/2019/07/30/feature/victims-families-and-americas-thirst-for-true-crime-stories/Daily Press excellent series of articles on the Colonial Parkway Murders: "The Parkway" http://digital.dailypress.com/static/parkway_cottage/main/index.htmlColonial Parkway Murders website: https://colonialparkwaymurders.com Mind Over Murder Podcast website: https://mindovermurderpodcast.comPlease subscribe and rate us at your favorite podcast sites. Ratings and reviews are very important. Please share and tell your friends!We launch a new episode of "Mind Over Murder" every Monday morning, and a bonus episode every Thursday morning.Sponsors: Othram and DNAsolves.comContribute Your DNA to help solve cases: https://dnasolves.com/user/registerFollow "Mind Over Murder" on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderOverFollow Bill Thomas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillThomas56Follow "Colonial Parkway Murders" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColonialParkwayCase/Follow us on InstaGram:: https://www.instagram.com/colonialparkwaymurders/Check out the entire Crawlspace Media network at http://crawlspace-media.com/All rights reserved. Mind Over Murder, Copyright Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley, Another Dog Productions/Absolute Zero Productions

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventy-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the CSM Erik Burris, the Task Force Senior Enlisted Observer-Coach-Trainer for TF Aviation on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today's guest is COL Nicholas Ploetz, Commander of the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division.   The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade (4th CAB) of the 4th Infantry Division (4th ID) has a storied history that reflects its commitment to supporting ground forces and adapting to evolving combat demands. First activated as the 4th Aviation Company, 4th Infantry Division, at Fort Lewis, Washington on 1 April 1957. They were relocated to Fort Hood (now Ft. Cavazos), Texas in 1995, the 4th CAB rapidly established itself as a formidable aviation force within the division, providing critical air support and mobility. They were later relocated to Ft. Carson, Colorado in 2011. Over its deployments to Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the brigade demonstrated resilience and tactical versatility, embodying the 4th ID's legacy of “Steadfast and Loyal.” Their ethos is embedded in the brigade's dedication to mission support, whether through reconnaissance, assault, or medevac capabilities, earning it a respected place within the U.S. Army's aviation and combat support structure. They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Iron Eagle,” the nickname of “Ivy Eagles,” and the brigade's motto of “Vigilantia Aeterna” or “Eternal Vigilance.”   In this episode we discuss best practices for effective planning and employment of a combat aviation brigade during large scale combat operations. In LSCO, two core principles emerge as essential for the CAB: standardization in operations and clarity in staff roles and responsibilities. First, standardizing critical elements such as FARPs (Forward Arming and Refueling Points), logistics, and sustainment processes across the CAB enables rapid, adaptable responses to evolving battle conditions. For example, a standardized FARP setup ensures that refueling and resupply can occur with minimal disruption, allowing aviation assets to remain in the fight without delays. This standardization enhances synchronization between the CAB and other units, like the various brigades within the DIV it supports, ensuring timely, mutually reinforcing actions. By embedding standardized protocols, planners can build in contingencies that maintain mission continuity, even when the order or operational environment shifts unexpectedly.   Equally important is cultivating a proficient and well-coordinated staff structure. Clear roles and responsibilities within the CAB's staff, supported by a rigorous adhered standard operating procedures, are crucial for effective planning and swift decision-making under pressure. Regular military decision-making process repetitions, as observed in training rotations, allow staff members to refine their roles, improving their readiness to tackle complex, high-tempo operations. When staff roles are well-defined and thoroughly rehearsed, the CAB can execute plans more efficiently, maintaining the flexibility needed for fast-paced combat demands. This clarity in structure not only ensures internal cohesion but also strengthens the CAB's ability to synchronize with division-level goals and respond to DIV support needs effectively.   Together, these practices enable the CAB to operate as a cohesive, agile force that can adapt to and shape the battlefield. Through disciplined standardization and clear, well-rehearsed staff coordination, the CAB is better equipped to deliver sustained support, anticipate operational needs, and reinforce the broader mission objectives in large-scale combat scenarios.   Part of S08 “The Aviator's Corner” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, MAJ Scott Hall discusses his paper: Enhancing Mounted Maneuver Operations by Setting Conditions of Advantage through Information Environment Effects Synchronization, which is getting published in Armor magazine in the Fall 2024 edition. Recording Date: 26 Sept 2024 Research Question: Scott Hall suggests interested students examine:  What are the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating Information Operations across all domains and services, and how can joint forces Information forces coordination and application be improved? How can the DIME (Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic) framework be leveraged to achieve a more comprehensive and integrated approach to Information Operations? What role can artificial intelligence and machine learning play in processing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns and trends in Information Advantage Dimensions? Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #166 John Agnello on Information Advantage Large Language Model Course of Action Analysis Dynamic Generative Large Language Model for Continuous Situational Awareness Stratagem: Deception and Surprise in War by Barton Whaley The Deceivers: Allied Military Deception in the Second World War by Thaddeus Holt Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War by P. W. Singer and August Cole Unrestricted Warfare by COL Qiao Liang and COL Wang Xiangsui Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio: MAJ Scott C. Hall is the U.S. Army Cyber (ARCYBER) G-39 Influence Branch and ARCYBER Trans-Regional Information Advantage Detachment (TIAD) Lead Information Advantage Planner, Fort Eisenhower, GA. His previous assignments include: U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command (USAREUR-AF) G-5 Plans Eastern Campaign Branch, Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, Squadron Executive Officer, 1st Squadron, 16th Cavalry Regiment, 316th Cavalry Brigade, Fort Benning, GA. National Training Center (NTC) Live Fire Combined Arms Battalion Lead "Dragon 11," Operations Group, NTC Combined Arms Battalion Company OC/T “Scorpion 11”, Operations Group NTC, Fort Irwin, CA., Troop Commander, Havoc Troop (HHT), 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd IBCT (Airborne), Grafenwöhr, Germany, Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Commanding General – Maneuver, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX and Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan, Platoon Leader, 3rd Platoon, C Company (Tank), 2nd Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX and Baghdad, Iraq.  MAJ Hall's military education includes; US Army Cyber Operations Planner Course (COPC), Joint Cyber Operations Planner Course (JCOPC), Joint Information Operations Planner Course (JIOPC), US Army Space Cadre Basic Course, US Army Special Technical Operations Planner Course, Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) Special Operations Forces (SOF) Information Advantage and Intelligence Integration Course, JSOU SOF Influence and Operations in the Information Environment, Joint Military Deception Training Course (JMTC), US Army Theater Army Staff Course, Information Operations Officer Qualification Course, Command and General Staff College, US Air Force Joint Firepower Course, NTC OC/T Certification Course, US Army Jumpmaster Course, US Army Pathfinder Course, Maneuver Captains Career Course, Combative Level 1, US Army Airborne School, US Army Armor Officer Basic Course, and US Army Air Assault School.  MAJ Hall holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Project Management from Grand Canyon University and a bachelor's degree in Military History from Norwich University, VT. MAJ Hall's awards includes; a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd Award), and NATO Medal – Afghanistan, the Combat Action Badge, Senior Rated Parachutist Badge, Army Space Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and Air Assault Badge. MAJ Hall also holds the German Silver Parachutist Badge and the Romanian Parachutist Badge and holds a Bronze Order of Saint George Medallion and an Order of Saint Maurice Medallion. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

In this chapter of Building the Brand, I cover my time from landing in Fort Benning, Georgia in October 2013, to arriving at Fort Hood, Texas in October 2014. I share how my severe eating disorder led me to fall in love with fitness and start Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN). I recount my Army ROTC experiences, graduating college, and the challenges faced during Ranger School. This chapter reflects on the importance of solitude, resilience, and the life lessons learned, paving the way for BPN's growth and my leadership approach. Chapters 00:00 Overcoming Personal Struggles 00:10 The Spark of Fitness and Nutrition 00:25 Military Journey Begins 00:50 Starting BPN: The Early Challenges 02:05 Reflecting on Chapter One 05:00 Arriving at Fort Benning 07:56 Lessons from Military Training 18:33 The Importance of Solitude 24:56 Preparing for Ranger School 32:55 Mastering Time Management 34:47 The Ranger School Challenge 39:48 Facing Setbacks and Resilience 50:45 Lessons in Leadership and Character 53:50 New Beginnings at Fort Hood 59:46 Going All In on BPN Strength, endurance, and wellness supplements to fuel your performance. SAVE 10% at BPN Supps: https://bit.ly/nickbare10audio FOLLOW: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thenickbarepodcast YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

Send us a textGet ready to explore the skies over Texas as we dive into some of the most intriguing UFO sightings across the Lone Star State. In this episode, we'll uncover the mysterious lights in the skies of Lubbock, the baffling encounters over Fort Hood, and the unexplained phenomena in Aurora. From the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, Texas has a long history of UFO sightings that have left both skeptics and believers scratching their heads. Join us as we investigate these unexplained aerial events, unraveling the truth behind the sightings that have kept Texans looking to the skies for decades. Whether you're a seasoned UFO enthusiast or just curious, this episode will keep you on the edge of your seat.Watch the video version here: https://youtube.com/live/kb5J9qvDFDwDon't forget, you can watch us live on Tuesday nights at 8PM CST - U.S. on YouTube and Facebook! Support the Show: Patreon (Bonus Content)Follow us on Social Media: YouTube ChannelFacebook Fan PageInstagram Fan Page X (formerly Twitter)TikTok Fan Page"After Dark with EVP" (Use code "AFTERDARK25" for 25% off an annual subscription)https://bit.ly/46GOmAzSubmit Your Story, Comments, or Questions: theevppod@gmail.com

Our guest for this episode has been on Active Duty for over 34 years, with much of that spent in Special Operations, and he's still scoring 600s on his ACFTs. Our wide ranging conversation covers everything from how he's maintained a high level of physical performance across his long career to the role that physicality plays in developing young leaders. We even dig into ideas for improving the health and fitness culture across our country. Lieutenant General Steve Gilland commissioned into the United States Army upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1990. As an Infantry Officer, he served in a variety of tactical assignments in Air Assault, Armor, Mechanized Infantry, Ranger, and Special Operations units. He has served in the 24th Infantry Division, the 2nd Infantry Division, the 75th Ranger Regiment, the United States Army Special Operations Command, the 1st Cavalry Division, the 101st Airborne Division, the 2nd Infantry Division, the III Armored Corps, and the United States Military Academy. Lieutenant General Gilland has commanded at every level up to Division and participated in numerous operational deployments to the Middle East, Africa, and Afghanistan. Prior to assuming duties as USMA's 61st Superintendent, he served as the Deputy Commanding General (Maneuver) of III Armored Corps, Fort Hood (known as Fort Cavazos since 2023), Texas. Lieutenant General Gilland holds a Master's Degree in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Force Command and Staff College. He has the long list of awards you would expect, plus he has earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and - notably less common than the rest - the Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge. Lieutenant General Gilland has been happily married to his West Point classmate Betsy, for more than 33 years. Team Gilland are the proud parents of three children.

When soldier Vanessa Guillen vanishes from Fort Hood, her family works to bring attention to her disappearance. Andrea Canning reports on the case on the case that inspired a movement across the country. 

Unlock the secrets to financial independence through real estate with Nasir Young, an Army veteran, real estate investor, and the new director of operations for the Ekabo Home Realty Team. Discover how Nasir's journey took him from growing up in Chester, Pennsylvania, to studying history at Howard University, ultimately igniting his passion for real estate. Learn how Nasir's military service shaped his approach to real estate, emphasizing the importance of hustle, problem-solving, and friendly competition in both his personal and professional life.Nasir shares the delicate balance of providing for his children without spoiling them, inspired by a personal story about owning a bad first car and ensuring a better experience for the next generation. He recounts his transition from military to civilian life, focusing on the pivotal purchase of a duplex that set a trend in Fort Hood. Nasir highlights the financial advantages of renting out properties and generating passive income, underscoring the importance of market analysis and innovative design in real estate investment.Join us as we explore Nasir's pursuit of an MBA at Emory University, his strategies for remote property investment, and personal anecdotes of overcoming financial challenges and seizing real estate opportunities. Nasir's insights into leveraging military skills in a civilian career, the value of teamwork in real estate, and the power of taking action to build a robust portfolio are truly inspiring. Don't miss out on this episode, packed with actionable advice and motivational stories.Tune in to the Ekabo Home Financial Freedom Mastermind for the latest in real estate and investing. NEW EPISODE EVERY WEDNESDAY Our Links -Financial Freedom Mastermind Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/53083... - Peer Space Host Referral Link https://www.peerspace.com/referrals/g... - AirBNB Host Referral Link https://www.airbnb.com/r/niyia41 - Ekabo Home Network (IG, Youtube, Email) https://linktr.ee/ekabohome Niyi Adewole is a licensed realtor in Georgia, brokered by EXP Realty. Feel free to reach out at Niyi.Adewole@exprealty.com if you would like to work with an investor friendly real estate agent.

Originally 7/6/2020More SCOTUS decisions are due out,  how Trump could lose the election and stay in power, human remains found during a search for missing Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen, and the chairman of the joint chiefs confirms bayonets were issued for DC protests.  Live Show Ticket Links:https://allisongill.com (for all tickets and show dates)Thursday July 25th Milwaukee, WI https://tinyurl.com/Beans-MKESunday July 28th Nashville, TN - with Phil Williams https://tinyurl.com/Beans-TennWednesday July 31st St. Louis, MO https://tinyurl.com/Beans-STLFriday August 16th Washington, DC - with Andy McCabe, Pete Strzok, Glenn Kirschner https://tinyurl.com/Beans-in-DCSaturday August 24 San Francisco, CA https://tinyurl.com/Beans-SF Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/OrPatreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

Mini-podcast about an event on this day in working class history.Learn more about the GI resistance to the Vietnam war in episodes 10-11 of the Working Class History podcast: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e10-the-gi-resistance-in-vietnam-part-1/See all of our anniversaries each day, alongside sources and maps on the On This Day section of our Stories app: stories.workingclasshistory.com/date/todayBrowse all Stories by Date here on the Date index: https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/dateCheck out our Map of historical Stories: Browse all Stories by Date here on the Date index: https://map.workingclasshistory.comCheck out books, posters, clothing and more in our online store, here: https://shop.workingclasshistory.comIf you enjoy this podcast, make sure to check out our flagship longform podcast, Working Class History.  Our work is only possible because of support from you, our listeners on patreon. If you appreciate our work, please join us and access exclusive content and benefits at patreon.com/workingclasshistory.AcknowledgementsWritten and edited by Working Class History.Theme music by Ricardo Araya. Check out his YouTube channel at youtube.com/@peptoattack

Dr. Jeremy Prichard, the command historian at 20th Air Force, discusses the history of 20th Air Force, its origins, transition to the ICBM force, and the challenges faced in fielding the ICBMs. He also shares insights on the Minuteman 3 deployment, the Peacekeeper, and the challenges of modernizing the infrastructure for the Sentinel program.Dr. Jeremy P. Prichard is the Historian for Headquarters Twentieth Air Force, F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. His duties include preserving and documenting the HQ's historical record. He conducts historical research for the 20 AF commander and staff and advises on diverse historical matters.Prior to his current position, Dr. Prichard was Historian for the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, performing similar responsibilities as his current role. During that time, he received assignment as Historian for the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing, Kabul, Afghanistan, producing monthly unit histories and offering guidance on standardized unit emblems. Before entering civilian public service, Dr. Prichard served four years in the US Army at Fort Hood, Texas. Following his Army enlistment, he earned his Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate of Philosophy degrees in History from the University of Kansas. His dissertation, “In Lincoln's Shadow: The Civil War in Springfield, Illinois,” examined the political, economic, and social attitudes of the 16th US President's community during the Sectional Crisis. Dr. Prichard's publications focus on 19th Century American and US Air Force history. He has lectured in both military and academic settings on varied historicalChapters:00:00 Exploring the History of 20th Air Force and Its Transition to the ICBM Force19:52 Challenges and Complexities of Fielding the ICBMs35:29 The Future of 20th Air Force: Insights and WishesSocials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Send us a Text Message.Episode 188: Patrick Zeigler, author of “Both ends of the barrel.”  Surviving a terrorist attack at Fort Hood on November 5, 2009, changed Patrick Ziegler's life, but it didn't break him. Join us as we explore his incredible story of resilience and survival. Hear firsthand about the harrowing day that left lasting scars and the journey that followed. Patrick opens up about the powerful bonds of camaraderie he experienced on a recent healing trip to South Florida, touching on the evolving nature of mental health support for veterans.  What happens when the act of writing becomes a lifeline? Discover the transformative journey of an author who spent five years battling physical and mental hardships to pen a deeply personal book. Learn how storytelling served as a coping mechanism for trauma, leading to unexpected financial support and a profound experience of peace and forgiveness during a visit to Israel. This chapter sheds light on the spiritual healing found through human connections and the significant impact of such encounters on the path toward forgiveness and understanding.  Mental health recovery is a winding path, often marked by profound lessons and unexpected friendships. Hear about the narrator's multiple stays in psych wards, the invaluable lessons learned through group therapy, and the poignant tattoos memorializing 26 lives. The episode underscores the healing power of humor and camaraderie, especially at Bethesda Walter Reed Medical Center, where veterans use humor to cope with their injuries. From generational differences in handling adversity to the potential of new treatments like psilocybin and neural implants, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, purpose, and the enduring bonds formed among those who serve. Patreon: securityhaltpodcastInstagram: @securityhaltX : @SecurityHaltTik Tok: @security.halt.pod We greatly appreciate you and your support, so please remember to LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE! Make sure that you get Patrick's book! Click the link below to get it on AMAZON! Both Ends of the Barrel: From the Troop Surge to Fort Hood A Dozen Years in the Global WarSupport the Show.Produced by Security Halt Media

This week the docs tackle case studies and psychological motivations for the development of extremism within US military and law enforcement. The growing threat of extremism presents a substantial threat to the security of the US as a nation and on the community level with law enforcement.  Some of the most notorious extremists in the U.S. military are responsible for the bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building, brutal racially oriented murders by soldiers at Fort Bragg and the Fort Hood shootings by a jihadist military psychiatrist. Extremism within law enforcement presents a dual threat that impacts both the integrity of the profession and the trust crucial for building effective relationships with the community.CrimeCon UK September 2024: TicketsBerkshire Podcast Festival October 2024: TicketsJoin our Patreon family!You can find all of our resources on our website: https://www.la-not-so-confidential.com/ L.A. Not So Confidential is proud to be part of the Crawlspace Media Network

Aisha's first baby was a scheduled Cesarean for a breech presentation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though she was symptom-free, Aisha tested positive for COVID and was not able to be with her husband or her baby right after birth. Her surgery was routine and uneventful, but the isolation left her devastated. Aisha moved and was living in Oregon during her second pregnancy. She deeply desired a home birth and found a midwife to support her who also happened to be trained in vaginal breech delivery. Aisha went into labor sooner than expected but handled it beautifully. When it was time to push, surprisingly, feet started coming out first! Her team stayed calm and ultimately brought her baby earthside safely. Aisha is so proud of what she accomplished! Evidence-Based Birth ArticleThe VBAC Link Blog: ECV ExplainedThe VBAC Link Blog: How to Turn a Breech BabyThe VBAC Link Podcast: Chelsey's 2VBA2C Breech BabiesNeeded WebsiteHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details 03:31 Review of the Week06:10 Aisha's first birth11:16 A COVID-positive Cesarean14:38 Third pregnancy20:02 Planning for a home birth22:51 Breech workshop with Dr. Stu24:57 Labor begins31:25 Pushing out an unexpectedly breech baby35:29 Reviving baby40:53 Vaginal breech birth is possible49:39 Adding to the supportive provider listMeagan: Hey, hey everybody. Guess what? We have a breech VBAC, actually, it's a breech HBAC coming your way today. We have our friend, Aisha, with us and she is going to be sharing her amazing journeys. We know that when it comes to breech, it is difficult to find support. It is difficult to find the evidence in that and this is one of the number one reasons for Cesareans in the first place. If you have gone through our podcast, we have over 300 episodes at this point, you will probably hear quite a bit that, “Oh, my baby was breech. We tried an ECV and it didn't work so I had a C-section,” or “My provider didn't even offer that and I had a C-section.” This is one of the number-one leading reasons for a C-section and it doesn't always have to be that way. Aisha is living proof of that. Welcome to the show, love. How are you today? I'm so excited for you to be here. Aisha: Yeah, thanks. I'm so excited to be here. It's like a dream come true. It's wild. Meagan: It was so fun. Before we started recording, she said that not long after she had her baby, she was like, I've got to get my submission into The VBAC Link. Aisha: It was bathtime earlier this week when I saw the email and I was freaking out like, Oh my gosh. It was cool because my daughter is going to be a year old soon, so it was fun to think about her birth and I almost felt guilt because I was like, Oh my gosh, I haven't listened to The VBAC Link in a minute, but how much this podcast blessed me and strengthened me to go on to have a VBAC, specifically a breech VBAC which was not planned for. It was wild and I'm just really grateful for my provider. Meagan: Yeah, absolutely. I cannot wait to dive into this story. 03:31 Review of the WeekMeagan: We do have a Review of the Week and then we will turn the time over to our friend, Aisha. This is from larrr23 and it was left in March of 2023 so just over a year ago on Apple Podcasts. It says, “Hi, Meagan. I love your podcast so much. I always end up crying at the end of them. So happy for these moms who get this VBAC. Thank you for creating this podcast. It is so inspiring to hear these stories. I'm 38 weeks pregnant and hope and dream I get my VBAC here soon as well. Keep doing what you are doing here. You are helping so many women achieve their dream birth and knowing that they are not alone. Thank you for that.” Well, larrr23, if you are still listening with us, let us know how your birth went. I hope that you had an amazing birth no matter how it ended. Thank you so much for that sweet review. This is what I really am here for. I love this podcast so much myself. I listen and I record it and I hear these stories, but then I go back and I listen. I'm still hearing and still learning even knowing a lot about VBAC. I am still learning and growing myself and it's just so fun to hear these incredible stories. I'm so grateful for all of you who are submitting your stories and sharing these stories both on Facebook, Instagram, and here on the podcast. So thank you for your review and as always, if you wouldn't mind leaving us a review, they truly are what help other Women of Strength just like you find the podcast. You can leave that anywhere you are listening to the podcast or you can even email us at info@thevbaclink.com. 06:10 Aisha's first birthMeagan: Okay, are you ready to share your stories? Aisha: Yes. Yes. Meagan: I am so excited, so ready. I'd love to turn the time over to you. Aisha: Yeah, okay. So for my VBAC journey, I feel like it's really important to understand how I got there. I got pregnant with my first in 2020. My husband was in the military so we were stationed in South Korea. It was right before we left Korea. We moved back to the States. We had already been going through COVID in Korea so it wasn't as big of a deal because we had it first if that makes sense. We moved back and we are from Washington state so we went, spent time with family, and then we ended up in Texas. Here I am with my first baby, and I don't feel like I'm a naive or ignorant person but I never really thought about the process of having a baby. I'm the oldest. My youngest brother is 13 years younger than me, but I just never really thought about what went into having a baby. Meagan: I agree. That's how I was. I was like, Oh, cool. I'm so excited to have a baby. I'm pregnant. This is cool. All right, cool. What's next? Aisha: Yeah. I got books. I read things. I joined groups. I watched YouTube videos. I listened to the podcast Birth Queens a lot just to understand more. I had a pretty normal pregnancy. There wasn't anything too wild and because it was COVID, there was a lot of things over the phone. A lot of people thought it was weird, my friends and family, but my provider at the military hospital didn't have a good bedside manner and it was known that she didn't. It's hard to explain. My husband was enlisted so he was just by the time he left, he was a Sergeant. He was one of the lower guys, so I don't know if it was us or the culture, but you get nervous to speak out because of rank. He'd be like, “Don't say anything. We don't know if that will get back. You can't be.” Meagan: Or disrespect them? Aisha: Yeah, because there are some military wives who are assertive. Assertive is a better word. I don't like to use "aggressive" with women. She would just say things like, “You're gaining too much weight.” I'm like, “I'm walking every day. What do you want me to do about this?” Meagan: You're like, “I'm also growing a human.” Aisha: Yeah, I know that I'm gaining a lot. I'm seeing that, but what am I supposed to do about this? I just got stressed about the thought of her being near my vagina. I was kind of scared about it because I was like, I really hope it's not you. We get to the 36-37 week appointment and they do a quick ultrasound. They're like, “You're baby's breech.” I was like, “Oh, great. Cool.” They're like, “You can talk to a doctor and talk about an ECV.” I know ECVs can be controversial. Some people are uneasy about them, but one thing I thought was interesting about my life is that I was a breech baby and my mom had an ECV with me. Meagan: Interesting. Aisha: Right? I was born in 1990, so I grew up hearing the story about them trying to flip me. When I heard people like, “Oh, ECVs are so risky,” I was like, “My mom did it. What's so risky about this?” So we went in and the first provider we met with was like, “I like to put you in the operating room. I like to give you an epidural just in case something happens and we have to slice you open,” not like that, but it felt like that. I was like, Whoa. This is a lot.So we get to the day of the hospital and luckily, I'm so glad it was a younger doctor. I was like, "Are you bringing me back to the operating room?” He was like, “No, I like to make you comfortable. You can watch TV.” He was really sweet. It was an interesting experience. Of course, you are wearing masks but I remember the nurse took my mask off to let me breathe because it was painful. But they were so nice. My husband wished we had taken a video of because he was like, “They were pushing so hard on you and they were shaking.” Meagan: Oh, yeah. Aisha: My baby didn't flip. He's going to be 3 in April and he is very stubborn. He does what he wants and I'm like, This is totally you. We ended up getting COVID right before having a baby. My husband did. I tested positive, but I didn't show any signs. It didn't really affect me a lot. I was just kind of crazy. I remember I cooked Easter dinner and he wouldn't eat it. I'm like, “I cooked Easter dinner for you,” and he was really sick with COVID and I'm still doing things. 11:16 A COVID-positive CesareanAisha: We go to the hospital and we test positive again. They have this stupid COVID protocol where I'm like, “I already went through these 10 days,” but they just treated us like we were coming in throwing up on them. Does that make sense? Meagan: Oh yeah, I saw it as a doula. Yes. I had a client who wasn't even sick. She had no idea and tested positive. We all got kicked out and they acted like she was going to kill them. It was really not good. Aisha: Yeah. It was just weird. Because mine wasn't an emergency, I kept getting pushed back because they had emergency C-sections coming. The biggest thing that sticks out to me in my birth was when it was finally my turn, they came to me and they were like, “You're next, but it's going to take a little bit because we have to extra-clean because the last person was COVID.” I'm like, “Why do you have to extra clean? Shouldn't you always clean an operating room? That doesn't make sense to me.” Meagan: You should always extra clean, yeah. Aisha: Yeah, that's gross. What were your protocols before? I don't understand. Meagan: Interesting. Aisha: We didn't go back until 3:00 or 4:00. I don't know. It was late. You know, you're not eating because they tell you not to eat so I'm starving. The doctor who delivered my baby was super nice. She came in and was like, “Let's have a happy birthday today.” I don't remember anything weird. I've listened to some episodes where they're like, “Oh yeah, they were talking about their vacation.” I don't remember that. Meagan: That was me. Aisha: Oh yeah. I felt like it was really respectful. The anesthesiologist, I wish I would have gotten his name. He was wonderful. He was so sweet and kept telling us what was happening. I was like, “Oh my gosh. You are our personal tour guide for this.” He was really kind. I have a nervous cough. I always have when I get nervous. I just cough. After they took my baby out, I coughed. That's where I get emotional so they took my baby away because they were like, “Oh, COVID positive. You coughed.” I'm like, “I have a nervous cough. I always have my whole life.” They took my husband away so I was there for 30 minutes alone. Sorry, I get so emotional thinking about it. All of those sweet pictures that people have, I didn't get that. Oh my gosh. My son is going to be 3 and it still brings me. Meagan: It's still with you, yeah. Aisha: Whenever I talk, yeah. The C-section itself was fine, but it's just the care that got me. I never know how to explain that to people. No, it's the care. So then we finally were in the recovery room. I'm starving. My husband gave me fruit snacks. We didn't realize I was not supposed to eat, but I was starving. We get to the mother's room at 11:00 at night. The kitchen is closed. I'm like, “I'm starving. When can I eat?” The nurse laughs and says, “When you can walk.” I'm like, “But I'm hungry.” She's like, “You've got to get up and walk first.” I'm like, “But I'm hungry.” What? Yeah, so that was him. That's that part. 14:38 Third pregnancyAisha: Everything else was fine. It was just the care. They lock you in a room when you are COVID-positive. It was just wild. When he was about 11 months old, almost a year old, I got pregnant again. We moved from Texas to Oregon because my husband was getting out of the military and sadly, 10 weeks later, I had a miscarriage. I had already picked out the midwives I was going to use in Oregon. I was like, I'm going to have a home birth because Oregon has really good laws when it comes to home birth and I am going to do this. There were a couple of driving factors to that. One, I did not want to go back to the hospital. I was like, I'm not being treated like that again, because I'm a pretty timid person and I don't know if I'd be strong enough to advocate for myself. The other thing is we had a toddler. My mom lived in Seattle and my husband's parents just moved to Idaho. My dad and my step-mom live in Atlanta, Georgia and I'm like, There's no one to take care of my toddler so we'll just have a home birth. My husband was like, “That sounds kind of weird,” but my husband's mom actually had a home birth with her fifth. It wasn't abnormal for my husband's family, but he was kind of like, “Ew, gross.” We always joked right before I had my first if it was a scheduled C-section, my husband wouldn't be there because he is really queasy when it comes to blood then finally when they were like, “It's a C-section,” my husband was like, “Oh, you've got this.” I was like, “Nope, you're going to be there. Sorry.” I know it was hard for him. I know how he gets. I don't think it was him being weird or anything so I was totally fine with it. I had my miscarriage in April and then I got pregnant later that summer. It was cool– I guess not cool. I thought it was cool when I got pregnant with her daughter. Her due date was the same weekend I had my miscarriage. I was like, Wow. It was interesting. During my miscarriage, my providers were wonderful. My midwife was wonderful. The ER doctor was so great. It was a sad experience, but it was a peaceful experience. I definitely was at peace with it even though it was really sad. I definitely say the driving force with my daughter, there was a lot of panic and anxiety. I would say, I don't know if it's having another child and having a toddler, but I definitely didn't feel as connected to that pregnancy. But again, I have a very active toddler. So one thing though, we didn't find out the gender which was pretty fun. A lot of people thought it was weird and they were like, I like to prepare. I'm like, What do you have to prepare for? I just thought it would be really cool to not find out. I didn't really post about my pregnancy a lot. I think I announced in January and she was born in April. I didn't talk to people about having a home birth because I didn't want to hear it. I didn't want to hear people's opinions about it. I remember I had some friends that I was like, I really don't want to talk to you about it. They would ask, “Oh, how was your doctor's appointment?” I was like, “Oh, it was great.” I didn't say anything else because my midwife would come to me. It was so nice that she came to you and I didn't have to worry about getting out the door and the whole family was involved. It was super nice. 20:02 Planning for a home birthAisha: Oh, I remember I told my dad. I was like, “Yeah, I'm going to do a home birth.” He was like, “I don't know. It sounds kind of sketchy. Are you sure?” I was like, “Yes.” He was like, “Don't you want to go to a real doctor?” I don't think my dad was being rude, but I was like, “Dad, it's not a mountain man. It's a real midwife. It's a licensed business. It's a real person. It's not some woman off the street that I'm like, Come birth my baby. She went to midwifery school.” But no, my midwife was amazing. Her name is Liz and she was just so calming. Her voice was just very soft-spoken it felt like, but I was so worried about having a breech birth. Whenever I brought it up, she'd be like, “We're not talking about that. We're not talking about that.” I was like, “What if this baby is breech?” She's like, “We're not talking about that.” I'm like, “Okay, cool.” So when I was pregnant, like I had shared before, I just listened to The VBAC Link. I just listened to The VBAC Link. That's all I listened to. I worked from home at the time just doing computer work and I would just listen to episodes. I would be sobbing. It was for a lawyer and I'd be doing these things and crying just thinking about all of these amazing things that these women went through and how they were able to bring their babies. One thing that I believe I learned from this podcast, so I failed my gestational diabetes test, my glucose test, but I had heard from an episode that it varies from state to state. I was like, Interesting. But my midwife was like, “You just did it by two points or whatever the thing is, so just watch what you eat. Keep a log and let's talk about it.” So that's what I did. She showed no other concerns. She was like, “Just eat more protein”, then I would log my food and at appointments, we'd go over it and she would go, “Oh, see? This is when your sugar goes high. It's because you ate this. Let's try to eat more of this,” and then I tried to stay as active as I could with my toddler. My husband was in school. He left the military and was in school finishing up his bachelor's degree so we live right next to campus. We lived in a basement apartment and at first, I was like, Why? We rented this basement apartment and I was like, Can I legally have a baby here? I was like, Is this allowed? Do I have to tell my rental company? There were these 5 girls who lived above us and I was like, How am I going to do this? Aren't they going to think this is weird if they hear me? But yeah, I just remember this basement apartment. It was pretty tiny. I would just sit in my living room and envision my birth there and be like, Okay, I can do this. 22:51 Breech workshop with Dr. StuAisha: April comes and my midwife had done a workshop with Dr. Stuart. Meagan: Oh, Fischbein. Aisha: Yeah, like 2 months before I gave birth. Meagan: That's awesome. Aisha: I was like, “Oh, so is this a possibility?” We were on state insurance because my husband is a student. There were a couple of things. They covered my midwife, but we would have to pay for the birth because I was a VBAC but my midwives, they are really great where they accept payment plans because they were like, “We don't believe people should tell you where to give birth. If you just pay us $5 a month, that's fine.” We ended up paying it all off because we were like, “That's fine too.” But she told me, she was like, “Well, because you've never given birth vaginally, you wouldn't be able to.” I'm like, “Oh, that sucks,” which is the same thing they told me in Texas. I was like, People breech birth babies all the time.I was like, “Can I transfer hospitals?” They were like, “No, no one will probably take you because you've never given birth vaginally.” I was like, “Okay, that's weird. Whatever.” I was like, “Oh, dang.” My baby was due at the end of April and on April 5th, I started getting contractions. With my son, I never had contractions. I never went into labor. I never had Braxton Hicks. I didn't know how any of that felt so I was like, Oh, this is new. What is going on?Oh, I did have a doula. In Oregon, when you are on state insurance, they do cover a doula so that was really nice. Meagan: Yeah, that's really awesome. Aisha: Yeah. The doula that I had runs the doula program, but I contacted her directly because I was just looking through Facebook groups and she was like, “No, I'll take you on.” She was actually training to become a birthing assistant with my midwife so it was pretty fun. She worked really well with them. 24:57 Labor beginsAisha: Okay, so on April 5th, I start getting contractions. They just tell me to rest. I remember I had a really bad headache so I was like, Oh, maybe I'm dehydrated and maybe that's why this was happening. So I was drinking lots of water and coconut water and trying to eat protein. That night, I remember we were watching Ted Lasso and I was trying to hone in and focus while having contractions. I don't remember anything else. All I remember is Ted Lasso. Then that night at 2:00 AM, my husband ended up calling the midwife because they were picking up. She came and he made this observation when she got there, they slowed down. She checked on me and she was like, “It looks like you're just having false practice labor,” whatever you want to call it. “Just rest up.” I was like, “Okay.”So the next morning, I wake up at about 7:00 AM. Through the night, while I go through contractions and my husband was timing them, I'm moaning through them. I took this course. Sorry, I'm jumping around. I took this course called Pain-free Birth so I just was trying to practice what she had taught in it. I was breathing through riding the wave and all of that. My husband would moan along with me during contractions while he was sleeping and I was like, “You're not helping me.” He was like, “Oh, sorry. I didn't realize what I was doing.” Okay, so then I wake up at 7:00 AM and I take a shower. I just remember I was like, I'm going to curl my hair, but then I was like, I can't do that. It's so interesting how in tune our bodies are and almost how in tune our family is because that week, my toddler slept in until 10:00 AM every day. That day, he slept in until 10:00. Meagan: That's amazing. Aisha: He knew something was going on, right? That morning, I remember I ate. I listened to some Taylor Swift music and just swayed around my kitchen. I turned on Anastasia the movie and laid on my couch and went through my contractions. I labored a lot alone which is what I wanted. I didn't want people at my birth. I didn't want a mom or any relative and I think my mom would be great during a birth, but knowing me, I think if I wasn't progressing, I think I would panic and from what I've learned, your body can shut down and not do it because I would feel the stress like, No one is comfortable. I'm doing this to people. I wanted to labor alone if that makes sense. Meagan: Yeah, it does. You didn't want to be the host of your birth. Aisha: Yeah, and I feel like that's what I would have been. I would have been like, “Does everyone have drinks? Does everyone have snacks? Is everyone comfortable? What does everyone want to watch on TV?” I know me and I was like, I don't want that. So at about 10:00 AM, my husband and my toddler come out of bed. I put on the Peanuts movie for my toddler and I'm just kneeling on my couch which was really sweet. Every time I went through a contraction, my husband was timing them and they were still pretty inconsistent. That morning, I was texting with my doula and keeping her up to date with stuff. My toddler would come over and rub my back or bring me toys and I thought that was really sweet. My husband had a 12:00 class and was like, “Should I go?” I was like, “Do what you want, but probably not.” It was really funny because he was actually watching a video for his class. Have you ever seen– I always forget this actor's name– have you ever seen the show Lost? You know the evil guy, the cult evil guy? Meagan: Yes. I don't know the name. Aisha: He was narrating this video, this video on Marie Curie. Meagan: Curie? The X-ray lady? Aisha: Yes. Meagan: That's so funny because my daughter did the wax. She was Marie Curie for her wax museum for her 2nd grade. Aisha: Yeah, so my husband is watching this video and it's that guy narrating it. It's about her. I'm going through my contractions, focusing, and asking him questions about it. I was like, “What did she do? How did that happen?” I had the Peanuts movie. I had that going on in the background. Yeah. So finally, I'm like, “I'm going to go lay down.” My husband was like, “Okay. I'm going to be there.” I go lie down and all of a sudden, I start getting hot flashes and get really cold. I'm like, “What is happening?” My doula finally called me. She heard me and she was like, “You are in transition.” We didn't realize how far this was happening. I was like, “Maybe we're not communicating,” but we were telling them about the contractions. We were keeping them up to date. I got back in the shower and she was like, “I'll be right there, but you should probably call your midwife.” My husband was trying to figure out my phone. Something happened with my phone and he was like, “I can't open it. I can't open it.” I'm in the shower and he calls the midwives and the one that is not my midwife, the other one who I had met with before and I liked her too, she picked up and listened. She was like, “Okay, we'll send Liz right over. It sounds like something is happening.” I'm in the shower. It just was so funny. I remember being like, I can't do this. I can't do this. I can do this. No, I can't. Yes, I can. Then my husband was trying to talk to me. I keep referencing a lot of pop culture things. Meagan: I love it. Aisha: Do you know that TikTok sound? It's from a movie with Will Ferrell where he's like, “Shut up. Don't talk right now. I'm so scared right now–”Meagan: I don't know if I've seen that. Aisha: Yeah, it must have been trending then, but that was running through my mind. I was like, Shut up. I'm so freaking scared right now. Will Ferrell was going through my mind. Then my husband is just standing at the bathroom door and he's like, “I don't know what to do.” Then I'm like, “I feel like I have to poop. That's what I feel like right now.”31:25 Pushing out an unexpectedly breech babyaisha: I go over to the bathroom and go over to the toilet. I am like, “I can't sit down. What's happening?” I got scared and then all of a sudden, it must have been my water breaking because there was a pop and stuff went everywhere. Like I said, my husband is very sensitive to things so he was like, “Should I come in there and hold you up?” I was like, “No, because I don't need you gagging in my ear because it stinks in here. Please stay right there.” Finally, I don't know the times. I've been told they showed up pretty fast, but you know when it's all happening. You lose the concept of time. My doula shows up. She says that my husband, his name is Logan, was standing there with a towel. He was ready to come in and catch a baby. She said he looked almost like a butler. He was just standing there. She comes in and rubs my back and I was like, “Heidi, I'm so stupid. This is so stupid. Why am I doing this?” Then comes my midwife with all of her stuff. You know what? It is so crazy. That morning, I don't know if this is with all home births, but with my midwife, I had to buy certain things. I had to buy towels and hydrogen peroxide. I had to buy all of the stuff. It had come literally that morning. I wasn't due for 3 weeks. They take me into my bedroom and all of a sudden, I hear them ripping things open, just moving stuff and ripping things open. I'm just over the bed and moaning. One of my biggest regrets is not having a birth photographer because they are all fuzzy and terrible pictures. Then they said I was pushing, but I don't remember pushing at all. I just remember riding those contractions. Then at one point, they asked me. I think it was my doula. She was like, “Aisha, do you want to feel your baby? Do you want to put your hands down and feel your baby?” I said, “Absolutely not. No, I do not,” which I'm kind of glad about because I probably would have felt a foot or something and that would have scared me. I'm leaning over my bed and then like I said, my midwife is a very conservative, meek person, very soft-toned. All of a sudden, I heard her say, “Aisha, I don't want you to panic, but your baby is coming out ass-first.” I was like, “Oh, that's different.” She said afterward when we were talking, she said she saw it and she just leaned back and went, “Hmm.” She took a picture of it and then my husband's perspective was funny because he said he comes and he sees feet and he was like, “What is happening? Why is my baby coming out this way?” She tells me to get on my hands and knees. She gets firm because I don't know what is happening. I get on my hands and my knees beside my bed. She tells me to push and I'm like, “I don't know what you're talking about. I have not been pushing this entire time,” but I must have pushed. Then I heard a splat and I was like, Is that my baby? It was my placenta. It felt out of me.Meagan: What? So baby was born, you turn over, and then the placenta? Or wait– Aisha: Yeah, so I'm on my hands and knees. The baby is born. I hear a splat and I get on my knees. I get up, lean back, look down, and there is a placenta. Meagan: Okay, I was like, Whoa, wait. That can't… My mind was backward because I was like, Well, your husband saw the feet so I'm assuming baby's out.Aisha: Yeah, sorry. The baby was out. Yeah, but I thought it was my baby falling out of me but I'm kind of glad my placenta came out like that because I was more scared to birth my placenta than my actual baby. 35:29 Reviving babyAisha: I turn around and she's pretty limp. My midwife explained that it's pretty common for breech babies to come out not breathing. She was talking to Heidi and she was like, “Get the–” what's it called? An ambu bag? Meagan: For oxygen and stuff? Yeah. Aisha: She's directing Heidi where it is. Right before I had her, we didn't talk about names, but I had a strong impression it was a girl so I approached my husband. I was like, “Hey, I have these three names.” Her name is Margaret. I was like, “Margaret Sage, Margaret Alexis, or Margaret Alexandria. You pick.” He was like, “Margaret Sage.” I was like, “Okay cool. Let's do it.” We don't even know what we're having. Anyway, so she was limp, limp and not breathing. I just look at her and I go, “Oh, it's a boy.” My doula goes, “No, Aisha, it's a girl.” I'm like, “No, it's a boy.” I'm so dazed and then Liz was like, “Aisha, I need your help.” She had been doing mouth-to-mouth. She was like, “I need your help, Aisha. Talk to your baby. Help me with your baby.” So I just start stroking her and holding her head up. Later, Liz said that I don't know if she said this to say this, but I was one of the best assistants that she had. She was shocked because I recently gave birth. She said she recently had a father and he kind of panicked. She said it was kind of cool. I didn't know what was happening. Meagan: Your intuition kicked in. Aisha: Yes. I'm just like, “Hi, hi, hi. Hi, baby.” I'm just holding her head and then they got her breathing and gave her to me. There is a picture of me. You know those candid shots that you see where it's ugly but beautiful? That's what it is. It's ugly, but beautiful. I'm crying and holding her. Blood is everywhere, but I love that picture so much because it represents something that I did. Oh, I skipped this part, but when she was coming out breech, I was like, Those midwives in Texas can suck it. I'm doing this. I was told I can't and I did. That's crazy, then they just put me in my bed and then by protocol, you have to call EMS and EMS came pretty quickly. They came. I remember they asked me, “Oh, do you want to be transferred?” I was like, “No.” They were like, “Baby looks good.” Then they asked my husband, “What's the baby's name?” My husband was like, “I don't know.” I missed this. He had been running around doing things. When my midwife got there, we had street parking so she just parked in the middle of the street and asked my husband to go park her car. Keep in mind that I still have my toddler. I think he napped that day which is crazy. That's wild. Oh my gosh. My baby was born at 12-something. My son woke up at 10:00 and he napped. He woke up to a baby. That's crazy. I never connected that but he was awake for a very small amount. Yeah, that's it. They hung around for a bit and then they left and that was that. Meagan: All was well. Aisha: Yeah, it was crazy. I can see the shock when I share it to people, but it's probably one of the best things I have ever done, the coolest thing. I feel like I'm a pretty average person. When I was filling out my bio, I was like, I'm a stay-at-home mom and I watch a lot of TV. Yeah, then I did it. I had a breech birth. I guess I missed this thing. They weren't tracking that she was breech. They think that maybe she flipped during labor. It's not like I went in planning to have a breech birth. It just happened. Meagan: She obviously wasn't aware when she was like, “Oh, I'm taking a picture of this. This is crazy.” Aisha: Yeah, they actually used the picture of Margot coming out of me. I think I shared it with you guys. She shared it. They actually share it for advertisement. She was like, “Can I use this?” I was like, “Yeah, that's fine.” Meagan: Yeah, I mean, it's amazing. Let me see what picture. I haven't even seen your picture yet. Oh yeah, this is an awesome picture. Aisha: Yeah. Meagan: Yes. Aisha: It's kind of crazy. Meagan: This will be posted on our social media so if you want to go see this really awesome picture, I definitely suggest it. One leg is still inside. Aisha: I think both of them, right? Meagan: One is out and then it looks like one is maybe coming out soon. Aisha: Maybe. Yeah, when I was trying to look for it last night, my husband was like, “I have lots of pictures. They are gross.” I was like, “I know which one I am looking for, you weirdo.” Meagan: Yes, I love it. Thank you for sharing it with us. 40:53 Vaginal breech birth is possibleMeagan: Breech birth is possible. Rebecca Dekker over at Evidence-Based Birth did an episode actually just recently looking at this. It says January 2024 so just recently. We'll make sure to add the link in there. It was with Sara Ailshire I think is how you say her name. They talk about breech birth and it's a long transcript and it's a great podcast so I would highly suggest it. They talked about how the study that was published in 2022 that included the studies from a 10-year period of 2010-2020 and they found that perinatal death rates were 0.6% in planned vaginal breech groups and 0.14% in planned Cesarean breech groups which is kind of crazy to think. It's pretty low. When we talk about death, that's a serious thing to talk about. Those are pretty low. They did find that Cesarean favored the rates, but there was not anywhere near as high as the breech trial. We just know that breech is starting to dissolve, these options. The providers in Texas were like, “No, we don't do this.” I mean, ECVs aren't even offered in a lot of places. Aisha: Oh wow. Meagan: Especially for VBAC. So for this instance, if you were a Cesarean going for a VBAC and having a breech baby to flip, a lot of providers are like, “No, that's not okay.” We actually have a blog about that too showing that's not necessarily true. You have options and we need more providers doing Stu's training like yours going out and learning. I love how coincidental your training was to your birth. Really, really, really cool. Aisha: Yeah, it was crazy. It's interesting that you say that. Now we live in Nebraska because my husband is in graduate school. Nebraska has some pretty weird laws about home birth. They are the ones, I don't know the wording, but you can't have a doctor or a midwife there. You have to have an undergrad– I don't know how to explain it. I wonder if we had a third baby, what do I do? Do I have to tell a provider that I had a breech home birth after Cesarean? Obviously, my kids like to be breech. What do I do? Meagan: There's something about your body that has breech babies. Aisha: And I'm not asking you, that's just something that I think about a lot. I'm not comfortable being in a state that doesn't support what I want when obviously I went through something. I'm obviously not going to do something that harms my child, but I feel like my mental health is important too. I think with my son's birth, it just always makes me sad to think about. It's really hard because right after I had Margot, I met two other women who are onto their second and they have had C-sections and they are like, “I'm just going to do it again. I'm just going to have a C-section. My doctor said that we can attempt but I might not progress.” I just want to shake them like, “You can. Don't listen to that doctor!” But then I feel like it's also important to respect a woman for how she wants to birth. If you want to have a C-section, that's totally fine. I definitely see the benefits in both especially when you have young children. The women who I met who were like, I'm just going to have another repeat C-section, they are not around family. That's hard to plan out. Meagan: It's hard. I think that's one of the things that we want to do at The VBAC Link is give all of the information so when a provider is like, “You could, but it probably wouldn't really happen so we can just go do it easily and schedule it and have a C-section.” We just want you to know actually what the evidence says and that it's actually not true. Here is an option over here. Whether you pick it or not, we here at The VBAC Link support you 150,000% percent, but in the end, we really just want you to know what your options are and not just be told something that's really not true. Aisha: Yeah, whenever I meet women who have had C-sections and they are pregnant again, I always tell them, “The VBAC Link. Do you listen to podcasts? You need to listen to this one. It will help you so much.” I think we don't realize. I was talking about this with my husband recently. We don't realize that you can pick your provider. You don't have to go with somebody that you don't like. Here I was with my son and this midwife– and they just recently changed their base name but it was called Fort Hood, Texas. In the Fort Hood, Texas Spouse Facebook group, people were like, “This provider is terrible. I don't like her.” You could just look up her name and see all of these negative things. You never saw a positive and you just feel like you are stuck with this person like, Oh, she's been doing this for 20-something years. She must know what she is doing. Meagan: I love that you pointed that out. Dr. Fox and I talked about this on an episode. I think it was on our podcast, not his, where we talked about how we have the option to choose but then we also have to respect their option to choose because if they don't feel comfortable supporting this type of birth, that's okay. That's their prerogative then it's up to us to stay or to go and to find if that's the right provider because we can fight for what we want, but we can't make someone change their mind so that's why you are doing your research and looking up those reviews, talking to your people in your community, really having an open discussion with your provider. Most of the time, your provider is going to give you pretty quickly if you are giving open-ended questions. You're going to get the, Oh, that didn't jive with me. That didn't resonate with me, pretty early on. Then even then, even if you have a later situation where you have a provider who was supposedly supportive the whole time and they are changing their tune, again, like she said, you have the ability to choose. You do not have to stay with that person. You do not. You can leave, which is hard. That is very daunting. Aisha: It is. I feel like we are a people-pleasing culture. Meagan: We are. Aisha: We really are and we want to trust our medical professionals because they went to school. They know. I watch Grey's Anatomy. I'm not a doctor. When they tell me my blood pressure, I'm like, Okay, cool. I don't know what that means, but you told me it's good. You want to trust them, especially with something so intimate about being near your private parts and having such a spiritual experience of having a baby. I don't want those people in my birthing space. Yeah. It's not something that I want. Meagan: And a lot of the time, they're not going to want to be in yours either, right? That's what is so important. If we are feeling that way, they might be feeling that way. It's important to read those. I felt that way and I don't like contention. I mean, sometimes you might disagree with that because sometimes on the podcast, we can get sassy but I don't like it and that's how I didn't want to tell him I wanted to leave. I didn't tell him that I didn't like what he was saying or how I was feeling and I stayed then I had a repeat Cesarean instead of fighting for myself and standing up for myself. I stayed. 49:39 Adding to the supportive provider listMeagan: It's not the biggest regret of my life because I feel like that birth specifically is truly what brought me here today in my doula career and in this career, but at the same time, it really wasn't what I wanted and I do believe that I probably would have had a different experience if I would have followed my intuition and gone somewhere else even at 36 weeks. It was the very end. Don't ever hesitate to change once, twice, or even in labor. Do whatever you need to do. Oh my gosh, know that breech is possible. Breech is 100% possible vaginally. Aisha: It is. Meagan: And if you are listening right now and you are like, Yeah, it is because I had a breech birth too, or whatever and you had a breech-supportive provider, will you please email us at info@thevbaclink.com? We want to add these providers to the list. I'm trying to narrow this list down into specific things like vaginal birth after multiple Cesareans, ECVs, and breech birth because we have so many people looking. We have so many people looking and I know they are out there. They exist, but I am just one person here in Utah so we all need your help. If you have providers in and out of the hospital who will support breech, please email us at info@thevbaclink.com so we can add to the list along with Aisha's providers. ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Meagan's bio, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link.Our Sponsors:* Check out Dr. Mom Butt Balm: drmombuttbalm.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of America's Hope, we kick off Military Appreciation Week. Dave Grossman, a retired lieutenant colonel, former Army Ranger, and psychology professor at West Point, discusses the foreign and domestic threats that America faces. Then, John Arroyo, a retired Army captain, shares his dramatic story of surviving being shot and severely wounded during a mass shooting on Fort Hood military base in Texas. He explains how he maintains his hope for America. ⭕️Watch in-depth videos based on Truth & Tradition at Epoch TV

Joining me today is Army Retired CW3 Jaime Hernandez. Jaime was born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico and graduated from Ponce High School in 1989.  He attended Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico pursuing a degree in Accounting.  He enlisted in the Army as an 11B and went to basic training at Fort Benning, GA in 2002.  His first assignment was to B Company, 2/35 Infantry at Schofield Barracks, HI, and deployed to Afghanistan in 2004.  In 2008, he reclassified to MOS 88N Transportation and went to Fort Eustis, VA for training.  After being promoted to E-7, he again deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.  During that deployment, Jaime applied and was accepted into the Warrant Officer program.  He graduated from the Warrant Officer course in 2013 and was next assigned to the 4th ID at Fort Carson, CO.  He was next assigned to Camp Casey, South Korea in 2016 followed by an assignment to Fort Hood, TX.   He completed a Bachelor's degree in Transportation and Logistics management from American Military University in 2018, and then deployed to the Arabic peninsula in 2019.  Jaime was promoted to CW3 and was assigned to his final duty station back at Fort Eustis.  He retired in 2022.

"To those stationed in Fort Hood, watch for those graveyards the next time you're in the field. Perhaps you'll have an encounter of your own."   If you have a real ghost story or supernatural event to report, please write into our show or call 1-855-853-4802! If you like the show, please help keep us on the air and support the show by becoming a Premium Subscriber.  Subscribe here: http://www.ghostpodcast.com/?page_id=118 or at or at http://www.patreon.com/realghoststories Watch more at: http://www.realghoststoriesonline.com/ Follow Tony: Instagram: HTTP://www.instagram.com/tonybrueski TikToc: https://www.tiktok.com/@tonybrueski Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.brueski  

You've got to listen until the end for this one! In this episode of the Female Veterans Podcast, I chat with Dawn, a former United States Army soldier with a decade of service under her belt. From her military upbringing to navigating the trials of bootcamp while injured, Dawn shares her harrowing journey through the ranks, shedding light on the challenges faced by female veterans. From difficulties in AIT to being stationed at the infamous Ft. Hood as her first duty station, Dawn is open and candid about the difficulties she faced while serving in the military, like watching people be killed and how she has overcame them. Key Points: 1. Dawn's upbringing in a military family laid the foundation for her own service in the Army. Military family, army upbringing, military tradition 2. Surviving Bootcamp: Despite facing injury, Dawn persevered through bootcamp, sharing the gritty reality of her experience. Bootcamp survival, overcoming injury, military training 3. Nightmare in AIT and Iraq: Dawn opens up about the challenges she encountered during her time in Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and the coping mechanisms she adopted in Iraq to maintain her sanity. AIT struggles, Iraq deployment, coping mechanisms 4. Facing Reality: We delve into the issues female veterans confront, including the truth behind the rumors surrounding Fort Hood, echoed by tragic stories like those of Vanessa Guillen and Denisha Montgomery. Female veterans' issues, Fort Hood rumors, tragic stories. 5. Leadership and Experience: Dawn reflects on the impact of bad leadership and the transformative experience she found at her final duty station, realizing the military dream she'd long pursued. Leadership impact, duty station experience, military dream. 6. Balancing Act: From getting married and divorced while serving to navigating single motherhood during deployment, Dawn discusses the unique challenges faced by women in the military. Military marriage, single motherhood, deployment challenges. 7. Deployments: Dawn shares her experiences working at a detention center in Iraq post-9/11, shedding light on the complexities of serving in a volatile environment. Overseas deployment, detention center duty, post-9/11 service 8. Transitioning Out: With her military career behind her, Dawn discusses her decision to transition out and the factors that influenced this choice. Military transition, career end, life after service. 9. Future Plans and Advice: Finally, Dawn offers insight into her future plans and imparts valuable advice for female veterans navigating their own journeys. Future aspirations, veteran advice, life after military Join us as we embark on Dawn's remarkable journey from the trenches of bootcamp to the triumphs of civilian life, offering inspiration and guidance to female veterans everywhere. Call To Action: Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Female Veterans Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more empowering stories and insights from women who've served the country in the armed forces. Follow on Instagram @thefemaleveteranspodcast. You can now listen on CHW Streaming Radio. Download from your app store. Go to www.thefemaleveteranspodcast.com to be added to the mailing list for the new newsletter.

Don Davis is an Army veteran, former Calvary soldier, and current stablemaster for the horse detachment of the 1st Calvary in Fort Cavazos, better known as Fort Hood, Texas.  He and I were introduced by my great friend Scott Robison while I was down there doing a clinic for Camp Cowboy.  That introduction led to my having the honor of helping the last farrier soldiers in the U.S. Army.  Don has a great story to tell and you're going to have a good time learning about the man that runs the last horse detachment in the U. S. Army that uses soldiers to keep the horses shod.   We are cleared for takeoff. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

What options and rates do Christian Health Ministries offer?CHM is not health insurance, but medical cost-sharing, and nonprofit, enabling us to keep member costs down. CHM shares 100% of eligible medical bills, over $10 billion since its founding in 1981. Here are some of the plan costs to start (for individuals):Bronze, $92 per unit, per month Silver, $138 per unit, per monthGold, $240 per unit, per monthSenior Share, $115 per unit, per monthHow is being a member of Christian Healthcare Ministries more flexible than most health insurance plans?CHM members are not limited to a provider network. They can go to any doctor or hospital if the treatment is eligible according to CHM guidelines. This gives members more flexibility and control over their healthcare than typical health insurance plans.Where does CHM's ministry concept originate?CHM draws its concepts from the New Testament, where the Book of Acts says that all the believers pooled their resources together and shared what they had. So, CHM practically does that nowadays with medical costs. The spiritual component of what they do is vital to CHM, as they also pray for each other and send cards and emails of encouragement. It is an excellent example of the body of Christ serving one another.Where can people get more information?chministries.org/faithfiOn Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I've been through over a decade of financial abuse, so I'm starting off having to reestablish with a low income. Are there any investment opportunities with a smaller amount that I can receive returns on, keeping some and then reinvesting the other? Also, do you have any other ideas for someone with a low income?I'm considering retiring to get my money out of the company I work for now, but I don't know how much the government will take because I'm not 65 yet. Is there a cut-off where they don't take anything?When I was stationed in Fort Polk and Fort Hood and bought houses, we had insurance that covered me if something happened to me, and the house would be paid for. I can't find those insurance policies anymore. Do you know of a resource that can help me track those down?Resources Mentioned:Christian Healthcare MinistriesNational Association of Insurance CommissionersRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

On this episode of America's Hope, we'll hear the remarkable story of retired U.S. Army Capt. John Arroyo Jr., a former Green Beret who was gunned down by a fellow soldier at Fort Hood, Texas—and who miraculously survived this near-fatal shooting. Learn how this former soldier's life, though struck by tragedy, was transformed through the power of forgiving his attacker. ⭕️Watch in-depth videos based on Truth & Tradition at Epoch TV

This week the docs review the true crime documentary, “I AM VANESSA GUILLEN”. The doc is a 2022 Netflix original directed by Christy Wegener that recounts the horrific story of a young U.S. soldier who was brutally murdered at Fort Hood military base by another soldier. As well as guiding the audience through the brutal commission of the crime, the documentary also follows Vanessa's family - who are determined to reveal the truth of their daughter's experience of assault by taking their case all the way to Congress. Join us on Saturday March 30th at 4pm PST for a livestream on YouTube with From Beneath the Hollywood Sign podcast! Military Murder Podcast Fort Hood Independent Review You can find all of our resources on our website: https://www.la-not-so-confidential.com/  L.A. Not So Confidential is proud to be part of the Crawlspace Media Network. http://crawlspace-media.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Specialist Ivan Lopez was a mediocre soldier at Fort Hood without any violent tendencies…so when he showed up to work with a gun, no one expected what happened next.  3 soldiers lost their lives. Let's remember those soldiers today: SGT Timothy Owens, SFC Daniel Ferguson, and SSG Lazaney-Rodriguez. Join Margot as she discusses the 2014 Fort Hood shooting.  ——- Ways to support your favorite podcast: Join My Patreon Family! Subscribe to Military Murder Premium on Apple Podcast! Rate/Review the Show! Tell a Friend about Military Murder —— Military Murder is a military true crime podcast that focuses on murders committed by military members, veterans, and sometimes their family members.  ---- Follow on social: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mamamargot  TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@militarymargot  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/militarymurderpodcast  Discussion Group: https://facebook.com/groups/militarytruecrime  Email: militarymurderpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More very creepy stories from Reddit. We've got haunted mines, Men in Black, strange happenings on a military base, and more! I Saw Something in a Decommissioned Mine There's a man I run into sometimes, and then I lose time. Today, he came to my door “The Only Thing I Knew How to Do Was Kill People”: Inside the Rash of Unexplained Deaths at Fort Hood by May Jeong When I Was In the Army - A True Story From Fort Hood TX TRIGGER WARNINGS AVAILABLE AT BOTTOM OF SHOW NOTES. MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. Leave me a voice mail! ‪(323) 546-8764‬ Ad Free version available on Patreon LinkTree for all of my social media, YouTube, Patreon etc. You can send your stories to: scareyoutosleep@gmail.com Music by Epidemic Sound and Co.AG TW: suicide, mention of SA (but only as question about a person missing time, no definites or descriptors), mention of miscarriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More very creepy stories from Reddit. We've got haunted mines, Men in Black, strange happenings on a military base, and more! I Saw Something in a Decommissioned Mine There's a man I run into sometimes, and then I lose time. Today, he came to my door “The Only Thing I Knew How to Do Was Kill People”: Inside the Rash of Unexplained Deaths at Fort Hood by May Jeong When I Was In the Army - A True Story From Fort Hood TX TRIGGER WARNINGS AVAILABLE AT BOTTOM OF SHOW NOTES. MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. Leave me a voice mail! ‪(323) 546-8764‬ Ad Free version available on Patreon LinkTree for all of my social media, YouTube, Patreon etc. You can send your stories to: scareyoutosleep@gmail.com Music by Epidemic Sound and Co.AG TW: suicide, mention of SA (but only as question about a person missing time, no definites or descriptors), mention of miscarriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's estimated that more than 31 million Americans have PTSD but we still don't have a great grasp on how to support and treat those struggling with this. Today we're going to explore anesthesia's role in patient care with guest host Angela Mund, DNP, CRNA and Major Randy Cornelius, DNP, MBA, CRNA. They'll draw on their personal experience to highlight the unique considerations necessary when administering anesthesia to PTSD patients, from personalized anesthetic plans to the vital utilization of drugs like ketamine and dexmedetomidine. With their guidance, we peel back the layers of empathy and precision required to create a safe and supportive perioperative environment for these patients.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: How treating someone from the Fort Hood shooting made him aware of PTSD and the difficulty at the time providing medication for it. What to do and what not to do with treating an individual with PTSD. The different medications and treatments have been most effective. Understanding the pathophysiology behind PTSD. The criteria for being diagnosed with PTSD.   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/   Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

Original Air Date: November 11, 2009It is the deadliest mass shooting on a military base in U.S. history. Listen to the interview with the Fort Hood hero who took down the gunman. Oprah also speaks with chimpanzee attack victim Charla Nash in her first interview. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods  You can also watch Oprah's Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN   

Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Joseph Alger and Shanti Guy, Director of Military outreach, and works with Catholic Chaplains throughout the world. He is sounding the alarm about a demonic symbol on the base at the Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Texas as the Mascot of the 1st Calvary's III Corps. This is a demonic travesty at an American Military Base, and should be removed for multiple reasons. Sound the alarm!