Empowered with Kelsey Desantis

Karen Hunter is a firearms instructor, magazine contributor, and 2A advocate.  Karen talks concealed carry, first-time gun ownership, firearms in the home with children, and much more! 

April Nicol joined Empowered this week to discuss first time firearms purchases, importance of training, and tons of other great topics! April is a nurse, 2A advocate, and avid shooter!  Empowered with Kelsey & Jason, a Protectors Series. 

Callie shares about her mission with Home Front K9 as a Service Dog Trainer and Full Spectrum Warrior.Along with her involvement with Full Spectrum Warrior, a place to train and educate yourself in every tactical aspect from physical mobility to self defense and firearms training. Callie spent 11 Years as a Firefighter and is a USAF Veteran. Listen in as she talks about building resiliency and the purpose driven work she is involved with now!

Leslie VanDerau joined Empowered to talk about her non-profit Heroes Outdoor Therapy (H.O.T), her time in the U.S. Marines, the stigma of mental health associated with veterans, building bonds, and a ton of other topics.  About Leslie:  Leslie served in the Marine Corps Reserve, as a Combat Engineer from 2003-2009 with a deployment to Iraq for OIF II in 2004. Leslie founded Heroes Outdoor Therapy (H.O.T).Through H.O.T, Leslie is able to pass along the passion that saved her, to other Veterans, in a similar situation. Leslie wants Heroes Outdoor Therapy to be that vessel that will transport them outside, both figuratively and literally, and much like herself, help Veterans find therapy in the outdoors.01:12  Leslie’s service in the U.S. Marine Corp01:57  Women serving post 9/1103:19  Heroes Outdoor Therapy 05:14  Reaching out for help06:51  Stigma08:14  How did Kelsey & Leslie meet?09:02  Building a bond11:28  Outdoor therapy15:53  Starting a non-profit17:48  What is an outdoor therapy event?23:14  How can you support H.O.T? About Empowered: EMPOWERED with the goal of shining a light on “empowered” women in the veteran/military, emergency responder, and law enforcement communities. Hosts: Kelsey De Santis is a Marine Corps Veteran, serving as a Military Police K9 officer and Martial Arts Instructor. Kelsey has an undergrad degree in entrepreneurship and a master’s degree in communication. Kelsey believes in bringing amazing women together to share their stories and empower others to step into their own greatness.Dr. Jason Piccolo is a 25+ year LEO, U.S. Army Veteran (OIF 05/06), and dad to an amazing empowered young girl. Jason’s goal is to learn from amazing women guests in the “Protector” spectrum.

Dr. Sarah Spradlin joined Kelsey DeSantis  and Jason Piccolo in Episode #3 of the Empowered series to discuss Emotional Intelligence.  Dr. Spradlin is a leading expert in the study of emotional intelligence as it relates to talent acquisition and succession management planning, transformational leadership & organizational resilience.

Kelsey De Santis and I have a great discussion with Katheryn Basso of KADRI Clothing.  We touch on a ton of topics…from the transition from Marine to Business, patience, difference between wome’s tactical pants and men’s (so much I did not know!).  KADRI, Adventure-tactical clothing for women, by women.About: Katheryn is a United States Marine Corps veteran and owner/co-founder of KADRI Clothing, an apparel company whose core mission is to support the trailblazing women in the adventure-tactical communities. Katheryn’s background and interests provide a unique perspective into the needs of her customers, ensuring each product has proper fit, practical function and durable design.During her time in the Marine Corps, Katheryn served as a Public Affairs Officer and Foreign Area Officer, specializing in East Asia culture and strategic policy. Her diverse skillset combines communication, civil affairs and foreign relations with tactical skills.  Proficient at navigating the complex civil-military terrain of foreign policy, she has advised and advocated for military and civilian leaders from multiple partner nations. In addition to running KADRI Clothing, Katheryn is the co-owner/instructor of Team Torn, a tactical training company based in Nevada. She currently trains and prepares civilians and government personnel in firearms instruction, conflict avoidance and personal security strategies.

Meg Peters joined me tonight to discuss jumping into the political arena. Kelsey De Santis joined me as my special co-host. Meg Peters served her country here and abroad.  Meg is now taking the next step, running for office.  Meg is running for office in Russel County Commission District 5 in Alabama, not that far outside of Fort Benning, Georgia.  Find out more about Meg here: https://www.facebook.com/megpeters2020/