U.S. Army recruiter Staff Sgt. Candice Saxon had been working from home for about a week last year due to the coronavirus pandemic when inspiration struck.
Saxon, who is based in Yakima, Washington, had been considering how she could tell the Army’s story to the younger generation since face-to-face discussions and recruiting efforts were put on hold due to COVID-19.
“I texted Sierra, ‘Hey, I want to start a podcast,’” Saxon told Connecting Vets.
Sierra Starks, social media manager for the Seattle Army Recruiting Battalion, responded almost immediately with a one-word answer -- yes.
The women brainstormed ideas about what the podcast should focus on and soon came up with “Words We Live By: The Mantras That Motivate Us.” But before the podcast could really establish itself, George Floyd’s death changed the national conversation last summer to racism and the podcast switched its focus.
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“We wanted to talk about things that were important at the time,” explained Saxon.
The podcast’s third episode featured Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston, who discussed race and racism.
“When people heard that episode, they left feeling heard,” added Saxon.
The podcast turned its focus to sexual assault and harassment in the Army during another episode that centered on Spc. Vanessa Guillen, who disappeared from Fort Hood in April of 2020. Her body was found two months later in June.
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Saxon and Starks recently began recording interviews for season 2, which will cover the seven Army values -- loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.
Saxon interviewed Medal of Honor recipient former Army Sgt. Kyle White for the new season.
“Medal of Honor recipients embody personal courage and Kyle White has an amazing story,” Starks said.
The podcast has taken Saxon and Starks on a journey of transparency, openness and vulnerability.
“There is girl power energy and that is my favorite part,” Starks said.
Season 2 debuts on March 5 and will be found on most podcasting platforms. You can listen to Season 1 on Spotify here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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