Karen Unrue ~ Blue Jellyfish Syndrome and living with a Mental Illness
- S4E75
- 1:14:59
- February 19th 2025
Donna welcomes Karen Unrue, a British advocate and former combat medic, to discuss her journey through complex PTSD and the importance of thriving despite trauma. Karen shares her inspiring story of overcoming an abusive marriage, her experience in the military, and how she transitioned into mental health advocacy. Together, they explore the nuances of trauma, the significance of trauma-informed therapy, and the journey of healing. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with hope and resilience!
https://www.instagram.com/afteralice24/
https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Jellyfish-Syndrome-maintain-illness/dp/0620757817
Beyond The Frontline
Beyond the Frontline is a podcast focused on one of the most critical and overlooked missions in military life: the transition from the Frontline to the Homefront. Hosted by retired Air Force nurse and seasoned transition mentor Donna Hoffmeyer, this show offers real conversations, practical guidance, and expert insights for service members, Veterans, and their families as they navigate life beyond uniform.
With over two decades of military service including roles in nursing, flight medicine, education, and policy. Donna brings firsthand knowledge and deep compassion to every episode. She holds a master’s degree in Sport Science, is co-author of Warrior to Patriot Citizen, and runs REBel LLC, a company dedicated to Veteran mentorship, consulting, and publishing.
Through interviews and shared experiences, Beyond the Frontline dives into the emotional, logistical, and cultural aspects of transition, from preparing early to finding purpose after service. Donna also draws from her blog Taking Off The Armor, offering thoughtful commentary on the challenges and growth that come before, during, and after military retirement.
If you're ready to turn experience into empowerment and uncertainty into a plan, this podcast is your next step.
Subscribe to Beyond the Frontline—where preparation meets purpose.
Donna is a 21-year retired Air Force nurse; with a career that spanned from nursing, flight nursing, education, training, readiness, and policy. Donna has a master’s degree in Sport Science and has co-authored her first book, Warrior to Patriot Citizen; focusing on ensuring service members are prepared for transition well before transition occurs. She also has her own blog, Taking Off The Armor, focused on all issues before, during and after transition and after retirement, as well as, a multifaceted business, REBel LLC, focused on veteran transition mentorship, consulting, and publishing her own work.