When it comes to providing information to the public or introducing a brand, a radio interview is one of the best mediums to use. That is why Citi of Books Publishing cooperated with People of Distinction CBS Radio’s host, Benji Cole, for the inspiring and amazing stories behind every author’s work to be heard.
People of Distinction is a platform for professional and even enthusiast authors to engage in a genuine discussion and learn on inspirations, themes, and narratives from blossoming authors.
This program is hosted by Benji Cole, son of Al Cole, and is the ideal platform for authors who want to widen their readership. Benji Cole is an awesome Los Angeles actor and filmmaker who conducts interviews with guest authors. Take part in the CBS Radio Interview and become a notable guest on one of the most renowned radio shows in the country.
This extensively broadcast talk show has already conducted interviews with 2,000 of the most remarkable people in America over the past few years, including NBC producer Ken Corday and former CBS Morning News anchor Bill Kurtis. Authors who land a spot on this radio interview program will undoubtedly reach millions of listeners who could end up being book customers courtesy of CBS’ prominence and extensive national reach.
The author of the book “Unwelcome: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, Sexual Assault, and Rape in the Canadian Forces” Captain Dawn Ottman, was interviewed by Benji Cole of CBS Radio. They talked about the in-depth nature of the book’s theme and inspiration during the interview. Ottman has spent decades dealing with PTSD. Her efforts to receive veteran’s benefits set an important precedent. Not without hope and encouragement, Ottman knows that women in the military continue to face horrific abuse. She speaks out to share her story and provide guidance and support for all women soldiers.
Captain Dawn Ottman has worked for Motorola as a spacecraft engineer, EMC Corporation developing software, and started her own company, CanDew Scientific, for patent testing. She has served in several organizations that encourage women working in technology and engineering jobs.
Ottman has written numerous papers and articles on chemistry, technology, and natural energy. She is the author of Rebecca, White Medicine Woman about her great-grandmother’s heroic life and death. Currently, Ottman is working on a master’s degree in Theological Studies. She is the proud mother of a loving daughter. She lives in South Dakota with her husband.
When Captain Dawn Ottman signed up to serve her country, she expected danger on the battlefield—not from her brothers-in-arms. “Unwelcome” isn’t your average military memoir. It’s raw, gut-wrenching, and heartbreakingly honest. Ottman takes us from her tough-as-nails childhood in Toronto’s Regent Park to the rigid, male-dominated halls of the Royal Military College. Her story is one of breaking barriers—until the very system she served betrayed her. Through every promotion and every insult, Ottman fought not just for respect, but for survival.
Reading her story feels like marching beside her. You can almost feel the weight of her uniform, the sting of being called “Dragon Lady,” and the pride of outsmarting men who doubted her. But beneath that pride runs a current of pain—the kind that comes when courage is met with cruelty. When she was assaulted by a fellow officer and ignored by her superiors, Ottman’s battle became one not of service, but of survival. She fled to the U.S., carrying invisible wounds that no medal could ever mend.
Yet, “Unwelcome: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, Sexual Assault, and Rape in the Canadian Forces” isn’t a story about defeat—it’s about defiance. Ottman’s honesty tears through the silence surrounding sexual misconduct in the military. She doesn’t write to shame; she writes to shed light. Her voice trembles with anger, yes, but also with hope. She fought for years to have her PTSD recognized by Veterans Affairs Canada—and when she finally won, she used her victory to help others. That’s when this book transforms from memoir to manifesto.
Ottman’s bravery reminds us that real soldiers don’t just fight wars abroad—they fight for justice at home. Her words challenge us to stop turning away from uncomfortable truths and to start listening to the women who’ve been silenced for too long. Unwelcome might be the title of her book, but Captain Dawn Ottman proves she belongs exactly where she stands—strong, unbroken, and unafraid to speak.
Listen to the full interview below.
