The Silenced Voices of MST
Rachelle Smith
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Top 10 The Silenced Voices of MST Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Silenced Voices of MST episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Silenced Voices of MST for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Silenced Voices of MST episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
What Happens When MEN Finally Speak Up About Assault? - Part 1
The Silenced Voices of MST
02/25/25 • 27 min
In this episode, Brian shares his journey from Marine Corps infantryman to survivor of sexual trauma and PTSD. He opens up about the life-changing incident that led to his struggles with mental health, the isolation he faced after speaking up, and the hurdles in finding help. Brian’s courage to share his story brings to light the often overlooked experiences of male survivors.
Trigger warning (12:11 - 24:39): SA, drug use, alcohol use, reporting process, STD testing, domestic violence, CSA, dealing with law enforcement, weapons, MEB process, isolation, harassment, bullying
Resources:
- Brian’s Website: 8Bmedia.com
- Read the full Show Notes blog post here: Surviving Assault Secrets: The Stunning Repercussions For Men That Speak Up
- Need help processing this episode or want to talk? Join us at The Advocates of MST Facebook group for support.
- If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then 1
Chapters:
- 00:00 From Musician to Marine
- 08:01 Surviving Assault in the Military
- 13:24 Harassment and Bullying Begins At Duty Station
- 15:15 Busted by the San Diego Police
- 16:59 The Medical Evaluation Board Process
- 19:21 Challenges in Finding Help And Discharge
A Playground for Predators: MSTy’s Story (Part 2)
The Silenced Voices of MST
04/08/25 • 26 min
In this conversation, MSTy explains the complexities of Military Sexual Trauma (MST), exploring her personal experiences with coping, education, and healing, the creation of a mapping initiative to document and share survivor stories, and the importance of raising awareness and accountability within the military community. MSTy shares her journey of healing, the challenges faced in navigating life after military service, and the significance of creating a platform for survivors to share their stories and experience.
For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices Blog Post| If Victims Were Afraid Then, Predators Should Worry Now (MSTy’s Story | Part 2) We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma or mental health struggles. The blog gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's contents, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps.
- Want to talk through your experience? Or support someone else in theirs?
- Join our private Facebook group: The Advocates of MST https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadvocatesofmst
Don’t forget. This conversation matters. MSTy showed immense courage by telling her story. Please help us make sure her voice travels further: Leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts helps elevate the visibility of the show for more survivors suffering in isolation and pain. A simple review can change another person’s life forever. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to MSTy's Map Initiative02:53 MSTy's Personal Reflections on Trauma and Healing06:09 Navigating Life After Military Service08:47 The Impact of MST and the Need for Awareness12:09 Creating the MST Map: A Collective Effort14:59 The Power of Sharing Stories and Data17:58 Challenges in Raising Awareness21:01 The Importance of Accountability and Support
Trigger Warning Timestamps
12:54 - Mention of Vanessa Guillén 13:06 - Mentions of dissociation/mental health struggle 13:22 - Compensation and Pay Exam 13:45 - Mentions of Complex PTSD/mental health struggle15:10 - Explanation of MST Map Website 15:31 - All types of SA named 15:50 - Mention of MST victims of recruiters 16:22 - Marine Corps recruiter predator news article 16:41 - Army ROTC LT COL predator news article discussed 17:16 - 17: 45 - Unreported cases of MST 17:49 - 18:29 - Markers displayed on the map of incidents 20:02 - 22:08 Trolls invalidating of MST on social media 22:24 - 22:36 - Feelings of shame, isolation, and paranoia 23:11 - 24:47 - Describes how MST occurs around the world and in different situations illustrated by map markers can identify perpetrators and patterns over time
Although this podcast is a great resource, it does not replace care from a medical professional. If you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to: Call the Veterans Crisis Line — 988, then press 1 or go to the nearest emergency room.
How Plant Medicine Turned My PTSD into Post Traumatic Growth
The Silenced Voices of MST
07/20/24 • 56 min
1620 Pablo is well-versed in alternate methods of medication. Pablo shares his experience using plant medicine, specifically cannabis and CBD, to deal with mental health obstacles and physical injuries.
1620 Pablo also emphasizes the need for better care and support for veterans within the VA system. while sharing his journey with cannabis and advocacy in the state of Florida. He discusses his involvement in fighting against restrictive hemp bills and the importance of small businesses in the industry. 1620 Pablo explains the difference between THC and CBD and the various benefits of different cannabinoids.
Additionally, he highlights the issue of military sexual trauma (MST) and the need for support and resources for survivors. 1620 Pablo emphasizes the importance of post-traumatic growth and the collective effort needed to address mental health issues and reduce suicide rates among veterans and the wider community.
MST Task Force Puerto Rico: https://www.benefits.va.gov/sanjuan/
The Centre: https://www.thecentrespb.com/
Battle Buds: https://www.battlebudsusa.com/
Mike Minardi: https://minardilaw.com/
Tu Canna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amnQPWPXVQw
Chillum: https://chillumdispensary.com/
Share your story at here. If you prefer to remain anonymous, visit our website for more information on how to share your story confidentially.
No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice.
If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 911 or any of the following resources:
Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1
NAMI - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Your generosity helps us cover hosting costs, improve production quality, and bring you even more stories of hope and resilience. (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?campaign_id=JQJNN32TP3K2L)
The Compelling MST Stories You Need to Know About
The Silenced Voices of MST
06/28/24 • 14 min
We share four news stories we need to keep an eye on related to military sexual trauma (MST). She highlights the toxic nature of the military and how MST is a symptom of a larger problem. The first story focuses on the Campaign for PCS Safety, which aims to protect gender diverse and people of color service members from MST. The second story discusses the court martial of Major General Stewart for alleged acts of sexual violence. The third story involves a soldier charged with child sexual assault and abuse. The fourth story covers the arrest of a retired brigadier general for alleged child sex crimes. The episode concludes with a reminder to come forward as a survivor and the announcement of upcoming guests and resources.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Top 5 MST News Stories
01:10 MST as a Symptom of a Toxic Military Culture
04:49 Court Martial of Major General Stewart: Holding High-Ranking Officials Accountable
08:36 Soldier Charged with Child Sexual Assault: Highlighting the Diversity of Perpetrators
11:44 Arrest of Retired General for Child Sex Crimes: The Need for Accountability
15:19 Supporting Survivors and Advocating for Change
Article 2: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-phillip-stewart-court-martial-jury-candidates/
What Happens When A Small Flame Meets Gasoline?
The Silenced Voices of MST
06/12/24 • 4 min
Join Rachelle Smith as she relaunches The Silenced Voices of MST podcast with an explosive new direction. In this episode, she unveils exciting changes, including a new name, new logo, and the launch of a supportive Facebook group. Rachelle shares her personal journey, including surviving a serious car accident, and outlines the community's bold new path. It's time to stand up, speak out, and make our voices weapons in the fight against military sexual trauma (MST).
Timestamps:
- 00:01 - Introduction: Our Voices are Weapons
- Rachelle Smith introduces the podcast and emphasizes the power of collective voices in the fight against MST.
- 00:24 - Major Updates: New Look and New Direction
- Announcement of the podcast’s new name, logo, and episode covers.
- 00:45 - Launching the Advocates of MST Facebook Group
- Introduction of the new Facebook group, its purpose, and its inclusive nature.
- 01:20 - Creating a Movement: The Advocates of MST
- Comparison to Beyonce’s Beehive and the importance of a united community.
- 01:59 - Personal Update: Surviving a Serious Car Accident
- Rachelle shares her recent life-threatening experience and the impact on her outlook.
- 03:00 - Writing Workshop Announcement
- Details about an upcoming writing workshop to help MST survivors express and release their trauma.
- 03:39 - Community Growth and Future Plans
- Gratitude for community support, hints at future developments, and the introduction of new items in the shop.
Resources and Links:
Visit our website: [silencedvoicesmst.com](http://silencedvoicesmst.com)
Join our Facebook group: The Advocates of MST
Subscribe to our podcast on [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-silenced-voices-of-mst/id1727135896), [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/6h7VsfQskSFqYvFDUz9lap?si=ca98322275574791), or your favorite platform.
Call to Action:
Are you tired of being silenced? Share your story with us and be part of the change. Email us at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). If you prefer to remain anonymous, visit our website for more information on how to share your story confidentially.
Use the hashtag #WeAreWatching and let the world know that we will not be silenced.
Spread this episode far and wide. Together, we are unstoppable!
Closing Remarks: Thank you for your unwavering support. Stay safe, be kind, and remember that our voices are weapons in the fight against MST. Until next time, keep sharing your stories and join our fight to end military sexual trauma for good.
A Motivated Mommy Teaches Kids About PTSD
The Silenced Voices of MST
04/23/24 • 90 min
Vianca Vazquez shares her experience in the Marine Corps and the challenges she faced, including injuries and inadequate medical care. She also discusses her experience of MST and highlights the impact of these experiences on the loss of her dream to serve in the military.
Vianca and Rachelle discuss the challenges of navigating cultural expectations as first-generation immigrants. Vianca's struggle with mental health and her journey to seek help and healing can provide hope to listeners. Vianca shares her experience of writing children's books to open up conversations about mental health and provide support for others.
She aims to bridge the communication gap and provide resources for children to understand mental health. The episode concludes with discussing her long-term goal of supporting survivors and funding for the future.
Takeaways
Inadequate medical care and dismissive attitudes towards injuries can have long-lasting physical and emotional consequences for service members.
MST is a significant issue that often goes unreported due to fear, shame, and a lack of support.
The lack of awareness and reporting options for MST within the military can leave survivors feeling silenced and unsupported.
Experiences of trauma and mistreatment can have a profound impact on a person's sense of identity and can lead to the loss of dreams and aspirations.
Creating educational books can help bridge the communication gap and provide resources for children to understand mental health.
Vianca's website: https://www.mottobunnie.com/
Book collection: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AVianca+Vazquez&s=relevancerank&text=Vianca+Vazquez&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motto-moves-by-motto-bunnie/id1658947537?i=1000618825472
Vet Center Lookup: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=vet_center
No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice. If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 911 or any of the following resources:
Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988
Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1
NAMI - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Donate: Your generosity helps us cover hosting costs, improve production quality, and bring you even more stories of hope and resilience.
Credits:
- Intro/Outro by Rich Culbreath
- Sound Engineer: Chris T
Shay Breaks Her Silence As A General's Daughter
The Silenced Voices of MST
01/13/24 • 69 min
Shay shares her powerful story, from surprising her Air Force family by joining the Army to overcoming the challenges of military sexual assault. In this episode, she reveals valuable information from Secretary of the VA Denis R. McDonough that can aid listeners and their loved ones in navigating VA claims.
Military Sexual Trauma Operations Center San Juan, Puerto Rico:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/sanjuan/
Les "The VA Wizard": https://www.facebook.com/thevawizardclaimsagent/
Survey: https://forms.gle/V3dk289RXmbdMaRh7
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode.
No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice.
If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 911 or any of the following resources.
Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988
Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1
NAMI - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Fundraiser:
We rely on the support of our amazing listeners to keep running. Your generosity helps us cover hosting costs, improve production quality, and bring you even more stories of hope and resilience.
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?campaign_id=JQJNN32TP3K2
Next week's interview is our host sharing her experience during her hospitalization at the VA Center in Houston, with her roommate at the facility there to share what she witnessed and experienced as well.
Connect:
- Facebook facebook.com/SilencedVoicesStoriesofMST
- Instagram instagram.com/silencedvoices.mst
- LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/silencedvoices-storiesofmst
- TikTok tiktok.com/@silencedvoicesmst
- Email us at [email protected] if you want to learn more about how to participate in upcoming episodes of the podcast.
Credits:
- Intro/Outro by Rich Culbreath - https://www.facebook.com/Lyricist4Lyfe
- Podcast Mentor Benter Oluoch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benter-oluoch-ba944a179/
- Marketing Advisor Rex Seaton - https://www.instagram.com/rexseaton
Erin Breaks Her Silence As A Navy Commander
The Silenced Voices of MST
12/09/23 • 93 min
Today, we sit down with Navy Commander Erin Elliot, a courageous woman who shares her harrowing experience of sexual assault by a former boyfriend, shedding light on the complexities of reporting assault and the varying support systems she encountered.
Commander Elliot opens up about her traumatic experience of being sexually assaulted after a seemingly ordinary brunch with a former boyfriend and a friend. She shares the challenges, nuances, and emotional toll of each decision, providing valuable insights into the military's response to such incidents.
Commander Elliot contrasts the support she received from different commanders. While one provided unwavering support and empathy, another displayed the complete opposite, highlighting the inconsistency in how the military handles sexual assault cases.
Commander Elliot faced additional stressors such as the loss of a parent, rigorous training, and assuming command responsibilities. Her ability to navigate these challenges serves as a testament to her strength and determination.
Commander Elliot has transformed her experience into a platform for change. She actively engages with Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy groups, military and civilian leaders, and various organizations to raise awareness about the issue. Her testimony before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel in 2019 underscores her commitment to driving systemic change.
Her advocacy work focuses on creating a more supportive environment for survivors, fostering accountability, and challenging existing norms surrounding sexual assault within the armed forces.
Commander Elliot testifying :
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4789779/navy-lieutenant-commander-shares-personal-rape-story
Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/pkKEv2EgTYJPDm9G8
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone you think it would impact.
To leave Commander Elliot a note of thanks or encouragement, please visit: https://silencedvoicesmst.com/salute-to-survivors
Winners of Starbucks Gift Cards!
Jessie Chen, Asher Skylark, and Charlyne Styles thank you for particpating!
No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice.
If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 911 or any of the following resources.
Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988
Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1
NAMI - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264),
Intro and Outro by Rich Culbreath - https://www.facebook.com/Lyricist4Lyfe
Podcast Mentor Benter Oluoch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benter-oluoch-ba944a179/
Marketing Advisor Rex Seaton - https://www.instagram.com/rexseaton
Holiday Episode
The Silenced Voices of MST
11/25/23 • 10 min
In this special holiday episode of "Silenced Voices | Stories of MST," host Rachelle Smith brings you heartwarming holiday cheer intertwined with groundbreaking news in the realm of military justice. President Biden has signed an Executive Order, marking a historic moment with bipartisan military justice reforms that significantly enhance how the military handles sexual assault cases. Rachelle unwraps the key points of this monumental development, highlighting the transformation of the military justice system, protection for victims, and the tireless efforts to address gender-based violence. The episode reflects on progress made over the past two years, acknowledging the Independent Review Commission's recommendations and detailing the advancements made by the Department of Defense. As we unwrap the holiday magic, the episode also explores the commitment to support survivors and build a military community rooted in dignity and respect.
Executive Order: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/02/2023-16570/2023-amendments-to-the-manual-for-courts-martial-united-states
No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice.
If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 911 or any of the following resources.
Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988
Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1
NAMI - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264),
Intro and Outro by Rich Culbreath - https://www.facebook.com/Lyricist4Lyfe
Podcast Mentor Benter Oluoch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benter-oluoch-ba944a179/
Marketing Advisor Rex Seaton - https://www.instagram.com/rexseaton
Please do not forget to fill out the episode surveys (so you can win 1 of 3 $25 Starbucks gift cards) located at:
Episode 2: https://forms.gle/8XtdkmuhmQZQ1UYX7
Episode 3: https://forms.gle/g9V1EF58oiVtUraV9
Episode 4: https://forms.gle/ehdHSokfjzAuHNSA7
Spotlight: The Next 22 Minutes Will Make You Think
The Silenced Voices of MST
04/22/25 • 24 min
It's not just silence — it’s all we have left of those who were never heard.
- Of those who wore the uniform and continued nursing invisible injuries.
- Of those who were told to move on before they were ever allowed to speak.
- Of those we’ve lost to invisible battles.
This is for them. 22 minutes. No commentary. No music. Just space — for grief, for memory, for resolve to take better care of our current and future veterans.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Sexual Assault Awareness Month
00:29 The Impact of Military Sexual Trauma
24:14 Closing Reflections and Community Support Resources:
Need help processing or want to share your story? Join our supportive community on Facebook:The Advocates of MST
☎️ SA Support for the DoD Community, contact the DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline
☎️ If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1 \
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Silenced Voices of MST have?
The Silenced Voices of MST currently has 36 episodes available.
What topics does The Silenced Voices of MST cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Podcasts and Education.
What is the most popular episode on The Silenced Voices of MST?
The episode title 'Kim's Startling Past Pitfalls Light An Uplifting Path For Survivors' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Silenced Voices of MST?
The average episode length on The Silenced Voices of MST is 49 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Silenced Voices of MST released?
Episodes of The Silenced Voices of MST are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Silenced Voices of MST?
The first episode of The Silenced Voices of MST was released on Nov 10, 2023.
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