Episode 38

full
Published on:

19th Mar 2025

A Triumph Over Constant Change with Army Veteran and American Ninja Warrior Coach Fab -38

Join us in an inspiring episode featuring Felicia Flake, aka Coach Fab, a woman whose life journey describes resilience and transformation. From a childhood marked by constant change to making life-altering decisions, she shares her incredible experiences as an army veteran and American Ninja Warrior contestant. Discover the complexities of becoming a Purple Heart recipient and hear about the unique challenges and triumphs she faced as a woman in the military. Coach Fab's personal growth from failing military fitness tests to becoming a leading fitness coach is nothing short of motivational. If you’re considering a path in the military or seeking inspiration in your fitness journey, this episode will leave you empowered and enlightened.

Felicia Flake is a fitness expert, U.S. Combat Veteran, and two-time American Ninja Warrior who embodies resilience and strength. After serving five years in the Army and earning a Purple Heart for her bravery in Iraq, she found healing in fitness and now helps others achieve their health goals. Felicia’s journey took a heartbreaking turn when her daughter, Male'ah Believe Perry, passed away just nine hours after birth, but she channels her pain into purpose, inspiring others to find their own strength.

Now based in Slidell, Louisiana, Felicia owns a fitness studio with her husband, Max, where she designs individualized workouts to help clients navigate busy lives while staying active. With her unstoppable motivation and personal approach, she ensures everyone she trains is set up for success. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build strength, or transform your mindset, Felicia will push you toward your goals—one sweat session at a time.

Connect with Felicia:

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Kim Liska 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!

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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.

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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

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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

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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.