Dr. Chris Edwards is a researcher, advocate, consultant, and strength and conditioning coach who has dedicated her career to supporting the human in uniform. Splitting her time between Canada and the United Kingdom, Chris has worked with military members and Veterans from conventional and Special Operations units, NATO, NASA, the RCMP, and first-responder organizations around the world.

Her work focuses on injury prevention, physical performance, chronic pain, and the unique healthcare needs of women serving in military and emergency response roles. Chris is also a leading voice in research on female reproductive health, exploring how the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause influence injury risk, fitness, and operational performance.

Alongside her research and consulting, Chris serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Military, Veteran, and Family Health and as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Special Operations Medicine. Through her work, she is helping advance our understanding of how to better protect, support, and prepare those who serve.

In this conversation, we learn more about Chris's career, the experiences that have shaped her work, and her mission to improve health and performance for military members and other mission-critical professionals. Outside of work, you'll find her training her Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepherd.

https://drchrismedwards.com

Instagram: @drchrismedwards

Instagram: @shootlikeagirlpodcast

Contact: shootlikeagirlpodcast@gmail.com

ME1 Alaina Whitaker is a Maritime Enforcement Specialist in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is also a K9 Handler, working with her explosive detection K9 Ultra to protect New York City, as well as working at special events throughout the country.

The U.S. Coast Guard K9 unit consists of 18 highly trained, specialized explosive detection dog teams assigned to Maritime Security Response Teams (MSRTs) and maritime safety teams, focusing on maritime homeland security. These canine teams are capable of vertical delivery, deploying via helicopter hoist onto vessels. They detect explosives, participate in counterterrorism missions, and train frequently at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland to maintain proficiency.

Key details about the U.S. Coast Guard K9 program include:

• Specialization: Dogs are trained specifically for explosive detection to support maritime security.
• Deployment Capabilities: These elite units can deploy from helicopters to vessels for high-risk boardings and operations.
• Units and Locations: 18 handler/dog teams are stationed across the country, including MSRT East and West, as well as Maritime Safety and Security Team Houston.
• Training and Certification: Dogs undergo rigorous training at Joint Base San Antonio Lackland. They also participate in joint training with air stations and cutters.
• Mission Focus: Following 9/11, the focus shifted to explosive detection, protecting against CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive) threats.

The teams often work in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners and are, for example, used to secure major events like the Super Bowl.

Instagram: @k9_ultra_uscg

Instagram: @shootlikeagirlpodcast

shootlikeagirlpodast.com

Contact: shootlikeagirlpodcast@gmail.com

Staff Sergeant Julianne Jackson grew up in Mississippi and attended Mississippi State University before deciding to take a very different path—enlisting in the U.S. Army. She is an 11B Infantryman. She’s served with the 82nd Airborne, successfully completed Ranger School, and now works as a Ranger Instructor with the 6th Ranger Training Battalion, helping train the next generation of leaders.

Outside of her role as an instructor, Julianne also volunteers at the reptile house, where she helps care for and work with various snakes and alligators.

This episode dives into her journey, her mindset, and what it really takes to succeed in some of the Army’s most demanding environments.

Instagram: ⁠@shootlikeagirlpodcast

Contact: shootlikeagirlpodcast@gmail.com