Bringing the Smoke with JANICE TURNER

Welcome to my blog! Please grab a cup of coffee, find your cozy spot, and join us at Bring The Smoke, a vibrant forum where the boundaries of discourse melt away and authentic connections blossom.

This is a place where individuals from all walks of life converge, united by a shared desire to share, listen, and be heard. Whether you're in the mood to laugh, to vent, or to explore the realms of literature and life experiences, Bring The Smoke welcomes you with open arms. 

Whether you're here to delve into thought-provoking discussions or simply to find a space where your voice can be heard, Bring The Smoke provides a nurturing environment where authenticity is celebrated and vulnerabilities are embraced. it's a place where the smoke of our shared humanity rises, igniting a fire of connection that warms the hearts and minds of all who partake in its vibrant discourse.

So, grab that cup of coffee, settle in, and join us at Bring The Smoke, where conversations come alive, and the richness of the human experience is celebrated in all its glory.

Bring the Smoke on Sexual Assault

Welcome to Bring the Smoke, where we confront the hard truths head-on. Today, we're tackling a topic that's all too often swept under the rug-sexual assault.

The numbers are disturbing. In the military, over 8,500 reports of sexual assault were filed in 2023, but many more go unreported. Why? Because speaking out can mean career suicide, social isolation, or worse. In my book, "The Dark Side of Serving," I expose the harsh realities, like how some drill sergeants abused their positions to pressure young women into "favors." It's a dark side that many don't want to acknowledge, but too many of us have lived it.

And the crisis extends far beyond the military. 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men in the U.S. will be raped at some point in their lives. Over 80% of women have experienced sexual harassment or assault. This is a national epidemic hiding in plain sight.

But this platform isn't about staying quiet. It's about reclaiming power, healing out loud, and giving survivors a space to speak without shame.

On August 2, 2025, I invite you to join me and Coach Tamara Vanderpoll for a special "Apocalypse Edition" of "Grieve Out Loud, Dam It." event on The Mourning Cafe. Together, we'll confront the emotional aftermath of trauma, assault, and the deafening silence that too often surrounds these issues.

The end of pretending is the beginning of truth. So get ready, because it's time to stop whispering and truly bring the smoke.