BREAKING DRESS REGS PODCAST
The title, “Breaking Dress Regs,” isn’t about military dress and deportment regulations; it’s an invitation to put your hands in your pockets, and lean against the wall, while creating a space where vulnerability is embraced.
In each episode, we delve into the worlds of military, law enforcement, and bring in subject matter experts, sharing stories of authentic experiences, resiliency, and the untold tales of valour.
The tone? As relaxed as chatting with a buddy at a pub over a cold one, because sometimes the toughest topics deserve the most comfortable setting.
“Breaking Dress Regs” goes beyond the stories. It’s about breaking the stigma around mental health, normalizing discussions on PTSD, and talking about the taboo topics often seen as ‘off limits’ such as areas leadership may need improvement while focusing on what you can control.
As a host, I bring a unique perspective to discussions about leadership and overcoming the odds, emphasizing the importance of creating a relaxed and safe environment for guests to share what’s truly on their minds.
So, grab a drink, cheers and tap your surface, and welcome to Breaking Dress Regs – where we navigate serious topics with a healthy heap of insubordinate banter.”
Giselle Drew Walsh is a passionate advocate for Veterans and Front-line workers mental health, PTSD awareness, and initiatives. Giselle saw firsthand how devastating PTSD can be for a veteran, and their family to navigate, especially when there are limited resources. This spurred Giselle to start speaking about PTSD and a resilient mindset, organize events for charities who support veterans, start her podcast “Breaking Dress Regs”, and eventually led her to the decision to enter the pageant system to reach a broader audience with her advocacy.
In becoming Mrs. Canada Universe ‘24/’25, Giselle has dedicated herself to using her platform to highlight the rich history of Canada’s military, and the sacrifice of its soldiers. Taking a completely different approach on the traditional, and typically expected, National Costume for Canada, Giselle has designed and is creating a National Costume to represent Canada’s veterans and its military, with many veterans from across Canada joining her in handcrafting poppies. This National Costume is one that truly represents and pays respect to Canada’s veterans and their sacrifices.
Giselle is the first, trade-qualified, Canadian veteran to win a Canadian national pageant title and the first Canadian veteran in the Mrs. Universe system. Women employed in combat trades make up less than 3% of the military population. Having been trained as an Infantry soldier her entire career, she demonstrates how women can indeed challenge themselves, be strong, but also be vulnerable and embrace their feminine qualities.
WORK & VOLUNTEER
- Retired military
- Board member/Secretary of Valour in the Presence of the Enemy NPO
- Host of Breaking Dress Regs podcast
- Event Coordinator for Combined Forces NPO (Mission: Afghanistan museum exhibit & Fallen Heroes: Their journey home documentary)
- Public Speaker
- Volunteer medical aid in Rwanda, 2011
AWARDS / NOMINATIONS / COMMENDATIONS
- Minister of Veterans Affairs commendation
- Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal
- Brigade Sergeant Major Coin
- CD (Canadian Forces Decoration service medal) for 12 years service
- 2024 Global Recognition Award
- 2024 Women of Inspiration Award Nominee
- Mrs Edmonton Globe 2023/2024
- Mrs. Canada Universe 2024/2025
Instagram – @mrs_canada_universe & @breakingdressregs
www.linkedin.com/in/
Facebook – Giselle Aliesje & Breaking Dress Regs