Live the Life Podcast with Toni Mattson
How can I feel closer to God? How can I feel inspired, encouraged, and fulfilled? How do I create more space in my day to live a life that really matters? A life with purpose and meaning? How do I create my peace and protect it? How can I grow personally and spiritually?
If these questions roam in your beautiful brain, then you’ve come to the right place.
Live the Life is a practical, roll-up-your sleeves, workshop-style podcast for women who yearn to live a more meaningful life. Each weekly episode is packed with how-to, step-by-step strategies to create the life you’re dying to live.
Empowering women to rediscover their passion, redefine what matters, and recapture time to live a life of purpose is MY passion.
I’m a Midwest gal, a speaker, writer, encourager, a peace-claimer, change-maker, and lover of all things God, family, horses and hope. I’m a founder of Trinity Equestrian Center - Wisconsin’s Leader in Equine Assisted Therapy, specializing in veterans with PTSD.
For two decades, I’ve traveled the US and Canada appearing as a panelist, guest, and key-note speaker on radio, TV and Podcast programs. I’ve spoken at colleges, seminaries, churches, at international conferences, and business development workshops. I’ve testified four times before the WI State Senate and Committee on Veteran Affairs on behalf of veterans with PTSD.
I encourage women to fearlessly ask the provocative question – "What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life on?" And then I go about helping them answer and achieve it. No matter your season in life, what you do, or what you hope to do – I want this podcast to be for you!
We’ll cover topics like: faith, growth, peace, life, death, clarity, simplicity, health, purpose, Veterans, and oh my gosh — so much more! We’ll dive deep into things that bring value to our lives, help us focus and flourish, and set us up to live the life God created us for. And every last episode of the month is Q&A Day, where I invite you to send in their burning questions. I’m so excited you’re on this ride with me! So Mount Up ~ Put your heels into ‘er… this is the “Live the Life” Podcast!
Live the Life Podcast with Toni Mattson
Brave Beyond Service | Part 4: She Served. She Sacrificed. Why Is That Still Not Enough?
For every woman who’s ever been underestimated—this one’s for you.
She wore the uniform.
She stepped up. She showed up. She served.
So why—after all that—is she still questioned?
Still overlooked? Still mistaken for “the spouse”?
Why is her story minimized while her sacrifice goes unseen?
This episode was built from the voices of women like you—through surveys, stories, and sacred conversations. If you’ve ever felt invisible, dismissed, or underestimated because you’re a woman veteran… this episode will feel like a deep breath.
In this episode, Toni explores:
- What happens when the world can’t see past the stereotype?
- Why female veterans often have to fight to be taken seriously—after they served
- Real stories of strength, silence, and what it means to be seen
- The legacy of women warriors—including Toni’s WWII Army nurse mother
- How healing can begin when we stop waiting to be recognized—and start owning our story
Try This Today:
- Own your service. Say it out loud. Claim it in your bio. Wear it like it counts—because it does.
- Reconnect with your people. Reach out to one sister you served with—remind her she’s not alone.
- Write down one moment you’re proud of. Not for anyone else—just to remind yourself what you’re made of.
Resources for the Road
- Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) – Advocacy and peer connection
- VA Women Veterans Program Managers – Find one at your local VA
- National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) – Support with discrimination or denied care
- Toni Mattson – Reach out at tonimattson.com or email toni@tonimattson.com
- Unlikely Recruits – Toni’s book sharing real stories of healing, purpose, and strength after service
This isn’t about proving your worth.
It’s about remembering it.
You are strong.
You are enough.
And your story is still being written.