Vickie is an author, speaker, and advocate for those striving to live a full and meaningful life, even when the odds feel stacked against them. With over 25 years of experience at National Defence—both in uniform and as a consultant—along with four military deployments and an entrepreneurial journey, she brings a unique perspective on perseverance …

This episode features 3 guests, and they were all members of the SkyHawks for the 2024 season. The Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team, the SkyHawks, is Canada's only military parachute demonstration team. The team consists of both permanent members and temporary members from the Regular and Reserve Forces. They act as ambassadors for the Canadian…

Captain Caitie Clapp was born in Ottawa but moved all over Canada growing up with her military parents. She attended the Royal Military College of Canada, graduating in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry & Psychology and while awaiting pilot training, she also completed a master’s degree in Microbiology. After receiving her pilot wings in 2…

Audrée Dufresne is an Athletic Therapist and a reservist in the CAF. She is also the head coach for the @athenaprogram. This online training program is the first of its kind for female veterans in Canada and it is completely subsidized by Veterans Affairs Canada and The Quebec Veterans Foundation. In this episode, we talk about Audrée’s athletic ba…

Chief Warrant Officer Lisa Kachanoski has served in the Canadian Army Reserve for 25 years and this past fall she made history by becoming the first female appointed to Regimental Sergeant Major in the 5th (B.C.) Field Regiment’s 140-year history. She has numerous international deployments to places like Bosnia, Jordan, and Latvia, and she has also…

Renee joined the Intelligence branch of the New Zealand Army before transferring to Military Police and finishing at the top of her class. She then completed the mentally and physically demanding assessment and subsequent course to become a Conduct After Capture Instructor. In this episode, we dive into her career and explore key themes like confid…

Although she earned her civilian pilot's license at a young age, Captain Erin Edwards started her military journey as a Naval Warfare Officer in the Canadian Naval Reserve. Later, she transitioned to the Regular Force, where she realized her dream of becoming a CH-146 Griffon pilot, ultimately being selected as a member of 427 Special Operations Av…

First Sergeant (Retired) Tiffany Myrick-Woodley served 20 years in the United States Army’s Military Police Corps. She completed two combat tours to Afghanistan 2004-05 and 2011-12 and two tours to Korea in 2003 and 2018. She played an essential role in the gender integration of the Army’s Combat Arms occupations where she served as a member of Cul…

A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada in Engineering, Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan was commissioned into the Canadian Military Engineers in 1990. Since then, she commanded two Combat Engineer Regiments, Royal Military College Saint-Jean and the 2nd Canadian Division, where she led more than 10,000 soldiers and spearheaded crisis …

WO1 Jen Davidson started her career as a Medic in the US Army Reserve, but soon transferred to become a 37F, Psychological Operations Specialist. She started skydiving in college and quickly became addicted. She spent over 13 years on the US Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights. She has been on the podium many times at various World Championship…

Captain Megan Kilbride is a Training Development Officer with the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Prior to joining the Canadian Armed Forces, Meg was a school teacher in Nova Scotia. She initially enrolled as a Medical Technician prior to taking her commission through the Special Commissioning Program.…

U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Marissa Chierichella visited West Point on a school field trip when she was 10 years old. From that moment on, she knew she wanted to attend the United States Military Academy and join the U.S. Army. She went on to have a pretty awesome career serving as a Military Police Officer and as a Human Intelligence Officer in U…

In 1982, a young single mother, Jerilyn Towers, went missing after an evening spent at a local bar. When police started to question a man named James (Jimmy) Hicks who was thought to be involved, another missing woman's case came to light... and the crimes wouldn't stop then or there.By Caitie & Kate

OCdt Janice Oh s a student at the Royal Military College of Canada, a member of their Combat Weapons Team, and a CISM Basketball player. She recently completed an exchange semester at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado, and during that time completed her freefall jump course. The future is bright for this young woman! ------------------- Merch: ⁠…

In October 1990, Pittsfield, Massachusetts was a small, quiet town where everyone knew everyone, neighbors didn't lock their doors, and kids were free to bike and walk everywhere no matter the time of day. Within hours, that all changed with the disappearance of 12 year old Jimmy Bernardo. The weeks following the disappearance were heartbreaking, a…

Afton David was born into a military family in Valcartier, Québec. She grew up in typical “army brat” fashion, moving from base to base throughout her younger years. Throughout high school, she played Rugby and wrestled, which carried over to her post-secondary career as a varsity Rugby player at the University of Ottawa. She played provincial Rugb…

In the 1930s, a man named Joe Ball ruled Elmendorf, Texas. "Joe's Place" was a hoppin' spot- not just becuase beautiful women served beer and liquor, but because there was a giant alligator pit in the back where visitors were entertained by cruel alligator shows. Over the course of a decade, patrons noticed many attractive female employees coming a…

Liz McConaghy was the longest-serving female crewman on the Royal Air Force Chinook Fleet spanning a 17-year career flying on the aircraft. Originally from a small town in Co. Down Northern Ireland she attended RAF Cranwell on her 19th birthday to begin her exciting career thereafter on Chinook Helicopters. She was the youngest aircrew to deploy to…

Major Sidney Jaques is an Adjutant General Officer in the US Army. She attended the University of Scranton on an ROTC scholarship, where she played basketball and received a degree in communications. She has attended Airborne School and served at the 82nd Airborne Regiment, and she has also attended Ranger School and served at the 75th Ranger Regim…

The early 1900s in Missouri ("Missour-a", as Kate says) was a weird time. But nothing was quite as weird as Bertha Gifford. Between 1906 and 1928, Bertha portrayed herself as a helpful nurse, when in fact, she was poisoning her patients- including at least 17 men, women and children. Nobody was safe from her "tonics", but despite her best efforts, …

On May 13, 2008, Brandon Swanson was celebrating the end of his spring semester with friends at parties in various small towns in rural Minnesota. Shortly after leaving a house party around midnight on May 14th, Brandon's car became stuck in a ditch, and he called his parents for help. What happened over the next several hours is confusing and has …

This podcast features mini-interviews with 5 different women in 3 different countries who are currently deployed with the Canadian Armed Forces. During this episode, you will gain insight into their roles on deployment and back home, as well as what their day-to-day life is like while deployed. Petty Officer 1st Class Frances Bartoch - Senior Human…

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Shelley Peters is a trailblazer for women and the Black community. In 1982, she became the first Black woman to serve in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Shelley joined the RCAF in 1986 as a Military Police Officer, retiring in 2012 as the highest-ranking black woman. From April to October 2002, Lieutenant-Colonel Pet…

Amy Forsythe began her career as an enlisted military journalist in the U.S. Marine Corps and she currently serves as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Her career has included five combat deployments and several other overseas assignments. For more about Amy and how to purchase a copy of this book please visit www.heroesliveheroesl…

Mandi Thomas is a US Army veteran. She was trained as an interrogator, and also attended language school to learn Russian. After leaving the Army, Mandi spent 12 years as a stay-at-home mom. She attended school, started personal training, and then moved on to become a firefighter. She is a fierce mental health advocate and hopes to one day work ful…

Stephanie is a former active duty, now reserve officer in the United States Marine Corps. She is an Amphibious Assault Officer and she has a very long list of accomplishments. She wrestled in high school but began boxing at the United States Naval Academy. At the academy, she was also a member of the Glee Club and Captain of the Track and Field Tea…

Major Melissa Marshall joined the Canadian Army as an Artillery Officer after attending University in 2007. Throughout that time, she has completed qualifications such as Forward Observation Officer and has held various positions including Battery Commander. in 2013, she deployed on Operation ATTENTION in Kabul, Afghanistan as the Task Force adjuta…

In 1988 and 1989, a maniac was hunting at-risk women in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Leaving a trail of horror in his wake, at the end of the spree, 9 women were dead, and 2 more were missing. Did this killer get caught? Stop on his own? Get imprisoned? Or move to Portugal and start his murdering spree all over?…

In August 1978, Olive and Burle Bramhall were settling in for the evening in their home near Seattle when their lives were cut short by a senseless act of violence. Nearly as bad as the crime itself is the complete and utter failure of the system meant to help and protect the mentally ill.By Caitie & Kate

In March of 1960, Frances, Mildred and Lillian wanted a break from the hustle and bustle of Chicago housewife life, and slipped away for a gals weekend near the Illinois State Park of Starved Rock. Within moments of arriving at their hotel, the women disappeared, never to be seen alive again. This is another case of an investigation that was less t…

On January 29, 2010, Tanya Nikitina was just leaving her job as a preschool teacher, when shots were fired, and her life was cut short. Her ex mother-in-law was arrested for the murder, and the strange explanations for the killing have evolved over the years.By Caitie & Kate

June 12, 1977 was a dark day at Camp Scott in Mayes County, Oklahoma. That night, while nestled safely in their tent on the first night of sleepaway Girl Scout camp, Lori Farmer, Michelle Guse, and Doris Milner were brutally assaulted and murdered. While the case has been closed- just in the last year- many questions still remain.…

This week, we take a cross-country roadtrip from New Orleans to Chicago and then to Washington D.C., following Joseph Dunbar Medley, a man with a penchant for red headed women. After escaping prison in Michigan in November of 1944, Joseph Medley goes on a three month long killing and robbing spree, leaving three young women dead.…

Major Lesley Quinlan is the Director of the Canada Army Run. In addition to being an Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, she is also an accomplished triathlete. In 2019, she was named the CAF Female Athlete of the Year. She won Individual silver and mixed team gold at the CISM World Military Games in triathlon in China that year, and two golds ba…

Between February 1926, and June, 1927, cities across North America were rocked by despicable slayings of mostly middle-aged land-ladies. In addition to being strangled, these women were sexually assaulted, and in some cases, mutilated. While he alluded police for over a year, Earle Nelson would finally get taken down by our wonderful neighbors to t…

This week, Caitie brings us a less obscure case, but one that has fascinated her for years. Belle Gunness was the OG Black Widow, having killed around 45 men, women and children in Illinois and Indiana. When you hear about her schemes, you will want to hop in your car and travel to the murder farm for the chance to uncover a watch, a package of dis…

In Part 2 of the Servant Girl Annihilator, Kate discusses the brutal murders of the final 5 victims. The mystery of whether they are all connected remains to this day, but the killings between New Years Eve 1884 and Christmas Eve 1885 will never be forgotten in Austin, Texas. Sources: The Midnight Assassin, by Skip Hollandsworth Chilling Historical…

Lisa Jaster is a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve. She was one of the first women to complete Ranger School. She has a BS in Civil Engineering from West Point, and an MS in Civil Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. She has been stationed in Korea, and has deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq with the US Army. Lisa a…

In 1884 and 1885, Austin, Texas was rocked by a series of brutal slayings - most involving an axe - and all on young servant girls. In Episode 1, we focus on the murders of Mollie Smith, Eliza Shelly, and Irene Cross, all murdered at the hands of a deranged, barefooted creep in the middle of the night. Sources: The Midnight Assassin, by Skip Hollan…

In part 2, Caitie focuses on a brutal attack in the middle of the day, which ultimately leads to the arrest of Don Miller. But, if you thought his arrest would be the last part of this saga, you would be very wrong! Source: KILLING WOMEN: The True Story of Serial Killer Don Miller's Reign of TerrorBy Caitie and Kate

This week, Caitie brings us part one of a two part episode, where we head to Michigan to discuss the despicable life of Don Miller. In episode 1, we will discuss his four murder victims, Martha Sue Young, Marita Choquette, Wendy Bush, and Kristine Guske Stuart. Source: KILLING WOMEN: The True Story of Serial Killer Don Miller's Reign of Terror by R…

The Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team, the SkyHawks, is Canada's only military parachute demonstration team. The team consists of both permanent members and temporary members from the Regular and Reserve Forces. They act as ambassadors for the Canadian Forces at special events, airshows and events. They are easily recognizable because their para…

In November 1957, the city of Lincoln Nebraska became a target for a weeks long spree killing, which would ultimately leave 11 people dead, and a young couple on the run through Nebraska and eventually Wyoming.By Caitie and Kate

Caitie brings us another oldie this week, when we travel to Illinois in 1949. Joan Coward and her fiancé, Arthur Marino, were out on a late June evening, celebrating Joan's 17th Birthday. What happened next would be disputed, but it ends with Joan dead, and Arthur severely injured.By Caitie and Kate

In the early morning hours of September 8, 1981, a Sheriff's Deputy near Mount Vernon, South Dakota, received a phone call from a frantic man stating his entire family had been killed. With a quick arrest came a sense of ease in the community. However, it would not last long. Sources: South Dakota's Mathis Murders: Horror in the Heartland, by Noel …

This week, we head to Wisconsin for a devastating case involving the truly unbelievable murder of an entire family. When a family of 5 disappears from a rural town in western Wisconsin, the remaining member of the family, 15-year-old Bruce, is the only one left to help police piece together the puzzle of what could have happened. With the discovery…

In January of 1970, West Virginia University Freshmen, Mared and Karen, went to a movie with friends, and after hitching a ride back to campus, were never seen again. This case brings you everything you look for in true crime: false confessions, repulsive suspects, and a questionable conviction.By Caitie and Kate

On Good Friday 1936, two upholsterers entered the 4th floor apartment of up and coming crime writer, Nancy Titterton. What they discovered was a crime scene that Nancy herself could not have fathomed. The real surprise in this case however, is how forensics - even back in 1936 - was able to nail the killer!…

This episode is a reading from the book "Fifteen Days" by Christie Blatchford. Captain Nichola Kathleen Sarah Goddard, MSM (May 2, 1980 – May 17, 2006) was the first female Canadian combat soldier killed in combat, and the 16th Canadian soldier killed in Canadian operations in Afghanistan. Nichola’s death in 2006 hit Canada hard. A “daughter of Can…

This week, Kate brings us to Northern Idaho and a series of unsolved murders and disappearances that occurred between 1979 and 1982 and are all mysteriously connected to a single suspect who has eluded authorities to this day.By Caitie and Kate