Tactical Treasures Podcast

Hosted by Tracy Flanagan

Careers Society CultureInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn YouTube

Episodes

205

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Have an item or piece of advice that changed your life? “Tactical Treasures” shares the stories of Veterans, Military spouses, Military family members, and patriotic Military supporters that have been impacted by a specific item, lesson, or recommendation in their life. Tracy Flanagan, Co-founder and Senior Vice President of JDog Brands, interviews voices in the Veteran-space to search for inconspicuous objects and moments that they turned into tactical treasures for their Military career, business, or life!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 14, 2026Episode 20833 min

Tactical Treasures: Dr. Michael Woody

In this episode, host Tracy "Mrs. JDog" sits down with Army Veteran, Founder of Three Six Zero Leadership, Susquehanna University Business Management Professor, and author of 5 Levels of High Performance Teams , Dr. Michael Woody, for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Dr. Woody shares the story behind his book and building elite teams, opens up about his inspiring journey to earning his PhD and transitioning into academia, and reveals a deeply moving, very special reflection during his Tactical Treasures segment. Whether you are looking to elevate your team's performance, step into your own leadership potential, or draw inspiration from a true veteran story, this episode delivers actionable wisdom and heartfelt insights you won't want to miss.

October 7, 2026Episode 20730 min

Tactical Treasures: Cassandra Kidd

In this episode, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with Cassie Kidd, the 2026 Armed Forces Insurance Space Force Spouse of the Year, for an open and inspiring conversation about navigating the unique realities of military life. Cassie pulls back the curtain on her journey to share how she is working to reshape military spouse culture into a space grounded in genuine connection rather than toxic comparison, and proactive support over judgment. Beyond her community advocacy, she reveals her personal "tactical treasure"—a heart-centered, practical life lesson she intentionally models for her children to foster resilience, empathy, and authenticity amidst constant transition. Whether you are a service family or looking for ways to build deeper community, Cassie’s story offers an empowering reminder that our greatest strength lies in showing up for one another.

September 30, 2026Episode 20631 min

Tactical Treasures: Shelby Bateman

In this upcoming episode of the Tactical Treasures Podcast, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with Shelby Bateman, the 2026 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, as she shares her inspiring journey as a passionate advocate dedicated to building connection, confidence, and community for military families. Shelby discusses her impactful work as an Ambassador for the Stronghold Food Pantry in Beaufort, SC, and gives viewers and listeners an inside look into the Marine Corps' L.I.N.K.S. (Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills) program—a vital resource designed to help military spouses, service members, and families navigate the unique customs, deployment challenges, and everyday resources of military life. Don't miss this empowering conversation packed with practical wisdom and the tactical "treasure" that keeps Shelby grounded through it all.

September 23, 2026Episode 20530 min

Tactical Treasures: Meg Graves

In this powerful episode, we sit down with 2026 AFI Navy Spouse of the Year Meg Graves as she shares her inspiring journey of resilience, advocacy, and hope. Meg opens up about navigating a life-altering diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer, while simultaneously raising three children, including two who are neurodivergent. She reveals how the military's Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) served as a critical lifeline—not only in securing tailored educational support for her children, but also in coordinating her own ongoing post-cancer medical care through frequent military moves. Honoring her role as a national voice for military families, Meg discusses how she has transformed her personal encounters with medical trauma and neurodiversity into a driving platform for systemic change, ensuring no military family has to walk the complex paths of special education and healthcare alone.

September 16, 2026Episode 20428 min

Tactical Treasures: Nicole Gebhardt

In this deeply moving and unforgettable episode, we sit down with Nicole Gebhardt—the 2026 Armed Forces Insurance National Guard Spouse of the Year, four-time best-selling author, keynote speaker, and transformational coach. Nicole opens her heart to share her raw journey through sexual abuse, addiction, and the devastating loss of her infant son, detailing how she pulled herself out of the darkest valleys to turn her pain into a purposeful mission of advocacy and hope. With profound vulnerability, she breaks down the path to navigating complex grief, shedding victimhood, and reclaiming self-worth—offering listeners actionable insight into how women can step out of trauma and rebuild their lives. Get ready for an emotionally charged conversation that will leave you inspired to face your own battles, embrace your inner strength, and step boldly into your power.

September 9, 2026Episode 20331 min

Tactical Treasures: Vimbo Watson

In this upcoming episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” is joined by the incredible Vimbo Watson, M.Ed.—K-12 Leadership and Administration expert, 2025/2026 AFI Washington Navy Yard Spouse of the Year, Creator of “Build A Better Tribe” and a powerhouse advocate for wellness in her local military community. Driven by her mission to help organizations "Build a Better Tribe," Vimbo partners directly with organizations, schools, and businesses to deliver engaging workshops, seminars, and wellness events designed to cultivate resilience, holistic well-being, and a thriving workplace culture. Tune in as she shares her inspiring story, actionable tactical wisdom, and the meaningful treasure that has shaped her path as a community leader.

September 2, 2026Episode 20233 min

Tactical Treasures: Anna Redmond

In this episode, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with Anna Redmond, Founder and CEO of physical security company Braav, to explore how she is bringing a sacred military tradition into the modern era as the creator of AllCoin. A free platform designed specifically for military, law enforcement, and first responder communities, AllCoin leverages blockchain technology to digitize, verify, and permanently preserve personal challenge coin collections. Tune in as Anna shares the mission behind this innovative platform, the rich history and camaraderie tied to challenge coins, and what it has meant to her as a civilian to be welcomed into this community to help protect the deeply personal stories and legacies behind every coin.

August 26, 2026Episode 20124 min

Tactical Treasures: Jay "Packy" Dempsey

In this powerful episode of Tactical Treasures, Army and Law Enforcement Veteran, author, and instructor Jay "Packy" Dempsey takes us back to a harrowing night on patrol near Selma, Alabama, where a routine call erupted into a fight for his life in what he calls the fastest four seconds. Packy candidly shares the brutal physical and mental aftermath of that life-altering shooting, his hidden battle with PTSD, and how hitting rock bottom ultimately led him to surrender his life to his Christian faith—transforming trauma into a lifelong mission of tactical instruction, redemption, and purpose.

August 19, 2026Episode 20036 min

TACTICAL TREASURES 200TH EPISODE - Julie Austin

Celebrate a massive milestone with us on our 200th episode as Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) Julie Austin—serial entrepreneur, co-host of the Dog Tags to Ownership Podcast , Pitmaster of NO Lightweights BBQ , and owner of Austin Sandcastles real estate rentals! In this landmark conversation, Julie opens up about her 20-year military career and her goal to retire as a Battalion Commander, while sharing how she empowers service members to transform their battlefield leadership, resilience, and problem-solving skills into thriving business empires. Plus, she gives us an exclusive look into the vision behind her podcast and her exciting new venture, Forces Brand USA —a premier online marketplace dedicated to connecting conscious shoppers with military-founded businesses.

August 12, 2026Episode 19934 min

Tactical Treasures: Dr. Gordon Sumner, PhD, Army Colonel (Ret)

In this inspiring episode of Tactical Treasures, Tracy “Mrs. JDog” sits down with Dr. Gordon Sumner, Army Colonel (Ret.) , a combat veteran whose 28-year military career is just one chapter in a lifelong commitment to service. Beyond his decorated time in uniform, Dr. Sumner serves as an Army Reserve Ambassador, delivers powerful keynote presentations across the country, and continues to drive leadership innovation as the founder of Sumner Consulting. From his former tenure as President & CEO of Veterans Moving Forward—where he spearheaded efforts to provide life-changing service dogs to veterans in need—to his insights on resilience, mission-driven leadership, and transitioning military experience into civilian impact, Colonel Sumner delivers an unforgettable masterclass in purpose and dedication.