23 SET 2026 · This morning on Aired Out, Claudia Harnisch joined me LIVE from North Carolina.
At just 25 years old, Claudia has already lived several very different chapters. She joined the Marine Corps at 18, even though she wasn’t originally contracted to be an infantryman. She fought for the opportunity to become one and eventually became the first woman in American history to graduate from the West Coast Advanced Mortarman Infantry School.
Her time in the Marines brought tough experiences, great experiences, and lessons that continue to shape who she is today.
Then came another major transition. She left the Marines and, within about a month, got married, moved to another state, and stepped into an entirely different life.
Today, Claudia is back in school, writing a book about women in the infantry, and continuing her lifelong involvement in combat sports, including Jiu Jitsu.
We talked about joining the Marines at 18, challenging expectations, women in the infantry, resilience, identity, marriage, military life and figuring out who you are when one chapter of your life ends and another begins. A fascinating conversation with a young woman who has already experienced a lot, learned a lot, and has plenty more chapters ahead.