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This week, I sit down with Ted Blickwedel, a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, combat veteran, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who risked everything to expose critical issues within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system.

Ted’s journey began at the VA VET Center in Warwick, RI, where he provided mental health care to fellow veterans from 2009 to 2018.

In 2017, he witnessed how harmful clinical productivity policies were jeopardizing the well-being of counselors and the quality of care for veterans. When his concerns were repeatedly dismissed by supervisors, Ted decided to speak out, initiating a whistleblowing campaign that came at a tremendous personal cost.

His efforts led to a federal investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which substantiated his claims and ultimately sparked legislative reforms signed into law.

In this episode, we dive deep into:
• Why Ted chose to expose these issues despite the risks.
• The legal, financial, and health challenges he faced as a whistleblower.
• The impact of his advocacy on veterans, counselors, and VA leadership nationwide.
• His book, Broken Promises, which chronicles the injustices and retaliation he endured while fighting for change.

Ted’s story, featured on NBC, NPR, and the Military Times, is a powerful testament to courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Tune in to hear how one man’s unwavering commitment to veterans reshaped a broken system.

http://www.vabreakingpromises.com/

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
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Can U.S. military members truly exercise their First Amendment rights? What are the limits on free speech within the armed forces, and why do these boundaries exist? While everyone agrees on the importance of protecting operational security, how do we also encourage innovation and support those willing to step forward with bold ideas to solve complex challenges?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chase Spears, a former U.S. Army public affairs officer who recently completed his Ph.D. dissertation on the diminishing First Amendment protections for service members. We explore how this erosion came to be, the impact on military culture, and what Dr. Spears envisions as possible steps to strengthen both free speech and the effectiveness of our armed forces.

Dr. Chase Spears retired in 2023 as a Major (Promotable) after a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Army, where he served in various critical roles, including Brigade Communication Director, Company Commander, and Public Affairs Training Advisor. His passion for civil-military relations and communication ethics has led to widespread publication in respected outlets such as The American Mind, Real Clear Defense, The Washington Post, and The Baltimore Sun. His insights also appear in academic book chapters for Army University Press and Routledge.

Dr. Spears holds a Ph.D. in leadership communication from Kansas State University, where he focused his research on military norms, culture, and political influences. In 2024, he founded a coaching practice dedicated to helping leaders cultivate courage and lead with conviction.

Find Dr. Spears on X, LinkedIn, Substack, and YouTube at @drchasespears.

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

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“You take every job assuming it’s a good one. Yet, at any point, your intuition might signal that something has changed—whether it’s the organization, or you. Either way, only you can take charge of fixing your work and your life.” - Kate Goggin

In this episode, we sit down with Kate Goggin, author of 10 Little Rules When Good Jobs Go Bad. Through her experiences, Kate has distilled powerful insights for anyone who feels stuck, frustrated, or unfulfilled in their career. This isn’t your typical career advice; it’s an honest, deep dive into how to recognize when a job has stopped working for you—and, more importantly, what to do about it.

Kate’s book resonates with those who have found themselves in challenging roles, helping them to understand what they truly want from work and life. Join us as we unpack her ten transformative rules, each shaped by hard-won lessons that will empower you to regain control of your career and make meaningful changes.

Kathleen (Kate) Goggin is a former federal spokesperson and certified technical writer with extensive experience consulting for clients in both private and public sectors. She has advised federal agencies including the U.S. State Department, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration.

A member of the Center for Plain Language and the Society for Technical Communication, Kate holds a degree in Communications Consulting from George Mason University. Her book, 10 Little Rules When Good Jobs Go Bad: Learn, Grow, and Reclaim Your Power at Work and in Life, is a guide for anyone ready to find fulfillment and balance in their professional life.

Whether you’re questioning your career path or just feeling unmotivated, this episode offers practical advice on recognizing and overcoming those challenges. Kate’s insights will help you identify when it’s time to make a change—and how to do it thoughtfully. Tune in to discover how to reclaim your power at work and, ultimately, build a career that aligns with your life goals.

Find Kate’s book -

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