Episode 23

full
Published on:

20th Nov 2024

Faith, Family, and Fortitude: Dr. Iesiah Harris's Balancing Act -23

In this captivating episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Dakota and Kim sit down with Dr. Iesiah "Esha" Harris to navigate her incredible journey through the military. Moving from a challenging upbringing in Brownsville to becoming a nurse and obtaining a PhD, Dr. Harris highlights the demanding yet rewarding path she followed. Experience the highs and lows of her military career, including the unexpected kindness at Langley Air Force Base and her intense deployment to Afghanistan. Dr. Harris also discusses the struggle of finding her identity outside the military and provides invaluable advice for women in the armed forces. Whether you're a veteran or a civilian, this episode is packed with insightful lessons on resilience, leadership, and self-discovery.

Dr. Iesiah "Esha" Harris is a passionate advocate for veterans and a visionary leader who served in the United States Air Force for 26 years. Growing up in the Brownsville Housing Projects of NYC, Dr. Harris dreamed of becoming a nurse. The Air Force offered her a path to achieve that dream and more, fostering her resilience, determination, and a drive for excellence that she carries with her today. Visit the website: www.caringsoulsforveterans.org and look out for Operation Rewire: Resilience Retreat for RNs.

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: 

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project


You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Dog Tag Diaries

About the Podcast

Dog Tag Diaries
Sharing True Stories from Women in the Military
Dog Tag Diaries provides a platform for military women to tell their stories and speak their truths. We are not only raising awareness about military trauma, and mental health but fostering a supportive community where women can find strength and inspiration in each other's stories. It's an informative way to reduce stigma and promote healing through open dialogue and exploration of therapeutic modalities. Our goal is to increase connections among women to offer empowerment, encouragement, and a sense of belonging as we each navigate the unique challenges and experiences faced by women in the military.
Each week we’ll invite a woman who has served in the military to share her experience and how it has impacted her, or we will bring in a guest who can speak about the healing abilities of specific therapeutic methods. This is a podcast you don’t want to miss.

About your hosts

kimberly Liszka

Profile picture for kimberly Liszka
Kim served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army.

Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries.

Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats.

Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

Dakota Olson-Harris

Profile picture for Dakota Olson-Harris
Dakota is currently serving in the Army National Guard and has been for the past 15 years. She enlisted as a tank mechanic then earned her commission as a Combat Engineer Officer. She has two deployments, Iraq and United Arab Emirates.

On the civilian side Dakota works as a counselor providing readjustment counseling for Veterans, current service members, and their families.

Dakota is a wife and a bonus mom to four kiddos. They have recently added to their family with a baby girl, totaling five kids. They also have two dogs, Paco and Elsa.

Her family loves to go on adventures whether it's walks, hiking, camping, or just going on a road trip to visit family.