Finding Your Spine
In a time when courage feels increasingly rare, Finding Your Spine challenges the status quo. Hosted by Dr. Chase Spears, this weekly podcast explores how Christians—and even secular conservatives—can stand firm in their values amid the pressures of cancel culture. With insightful commentary and bold conversations, Dr. Spears examines the tradeoff many make between conscience and comfort, reminding listeners that true freedom requires the spine to defend it. Tune in each week for thought-provoking discussions that inspire moral courage in an age of compromise.
Finding Your Spine
Navy Public Affairs Officer Speaks Out
Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Navy Commander Theresa Carpenter—30-year public affairs veteran, Stories of Service podcast host, and advocate for military justice reform. Ten days post-retirement, she shares her journey from aviation electrician to PAO, disillusionment with leadership’s “say-do gap,” the Brett Crozier case, Bowe Bergdahl narrative control, and why she spoke out despite backlash. They explore ethical tensions in military communication, DEI’s impact on cohesion, and advice for active-duty PAOs afraid to speak.
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:38 - Theresa’s Navy Career
00:04:57 - Brett Crozier Case
00:07:44 - Bowe Bergdahl Narrative
00:11:23 - Pentagon Press Pool
00:13:22 - Becoming a PAO
00:17:18 - Rumsfeld Armor Moment
00:19:59 - Bergdahl Viral Piece
00:23:15 - Betrayal & Trust
00:29:54 - Meeting on Social Media
00:36:46 - Life on Ships
00:44:49 - Retirement Reflections
00:56:54 - Advice to PAOs
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