Ruck Up Buttercup

Finale Reflections and New Beginnings: Season Wrap-Up In this heartfelt final episode of the season, the hosts of the Ruck Up Buttercup podcast reflect on their successful four-year journey. They discuss the growth they've experienced, the consistency achieved this year, and exciting plans for next year, including potentially moving to weekly episodes with an expanded team. They emphasize the importance of their social media community and share their excitement about new team member Kayla Holm joining next season. The hosts explore various resources and organizations that support military spouses, sharing their own personal and professional growth experiences. The essence of community, continuous learning, and support is highlighted throughout the episode as essential for military life. They encourage listeners to engage with the podcast and their social media, share their challenges, and celebrate their achievements together. Would you like to join the show please reach out to us!! Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Budget-Friendly Holiday Tips for Military Families In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, the hosts discuss their holiday plans, including traveling to visit family, wrapping presents early, and managing holiday activities while living in different locations. They share personal stories and tips on how to keep the holiday season affordable, such as using discount apps, taking advantage of sales, utilizing military discounts, and creating homemade gifts. The hosts also talk about the importance of making holiday memories through experiences rather than just focusing on gifts, offering practical advice to help military families celebrate the season without financial strain. Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

In this episode, we are joined by Caila Holm, a well-known Military Family Advocate from TikTok. Caila shares her extensive 11-year journey as a military spouse and her career dedicated to supporting military families through various roles, including work with Army Community Services, the American Red Cross, and as a social worker. Caila discusses the challenges military families face, especially younger spouses who often seek basic information about military resources on social media platforms like TikTok. Her passion for helping others led her to create 'Military Family Advocate,' an initiative to provide accessible resources and guidance for military spouses online. Sabrina, Ashley, and Caila go on to discuss all of their favorite resources available to military families across the nation. Resources Mentioned: Sesame Street for Military: https://sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org/ Cohen Clinic: https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/ MSAN: https://www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org/ Operation Gratitude: https://www.operationgratitude.com/ Operation Baby: https://www.operationbaby.org/ InstaTeams: https://instantteams.com/ United Through Reading: https://unitedthroughreading.org/ Military YMCA: https://www.ymca.org/what-we-do/social-responsibility/military-outreach Pillar Digital Retreat: https://pillardeploymentretreat.com/ Find Caila here: https://www.instagram.com/milfamadvocate/ https://www.tiktok.com/@milfamadvocate Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Honoring Heroes: Wreaths Across America and the Military Community In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, hosts Ashley and Lara welcome Jeff Pierce from Wreaths Across America to discuss their extensive mission to honor veterans and support military families. Key topics include the emotional and logistical impact of wreath-laying ceremonies, community involvement, and various initiatives like Wreaths Across America Radio, educational programs, and support resources for military families. The episode also highlights significant collaborations, storytelling, and the importance of remembering both male and female veterans, with a special mention of the Military Women’s Memorial. The hosts and guests share personal stories and encourage participation in events, underscoring the essence of community and patriotism. Links Mentioned: Home - Military Women's Memorial (womensmemorial.org) Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Educational Resources - Wreaths Across America Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Thriving Through Deployment: Insights and Support for Military Families This engaging episode explores strategies and support systems for military families navigating the complexities of deployment. Hosts Ashley and her co-host provide a comprehensive four-step guide for preparing, managing, maintaining communication, and reintegrating post-deployment. They emphasize the importance of practical measures like power of attorney and financial planning, as well as setting boundaries and building support networks. The episode also highlights 'Deployed Love,' an organization offering holiday photo sessions and resources to support military families. Listeners are encouraged to share these resources and adapt to the unique challenges of military life. Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Navigating Military Life with Brittany: TikTok, Transitions, and Triumphs In this episode, our hosts welcome Brittany, a well-known face in the military community on TikTok. Brittany shares her journey through various military postings, the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life, and the unique struggles military families face. She also discusses her educational path towards becoming a mental health counselor to support military veterans. The conversation covers the complexities of maintaining a career as a military spouse, the importance of community, and the resilience needed to navigate unexpected changes. Brittany's humorous and relatable take on these topics provides valuable insights and support for military families everywhere. 00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Brittany 00:27 Brittany's Military Journey 01:53 Challenges of Military Life 02:33 Transitioning Out of the Military 04:44 Brittany's New Path: Mental Health Counseling 06:32 Institutional Betrayal in the Military 09:04 Personal Stories of Military Struggles 18:01 The Importance of Community and Support 19:25 Navigating Military Bureaucracy 21:10 Financial Challenges in the Military 29:20 The Reality of Military Moves 32:33 Challenges of Finding Military Housing 32:50 Financial Struggles and Hidden Costs 33:40 Unpredictable PCS Orders 34:46 Emotional Rollercoaster of Military Life 35:10 Personal Military Backgrounds 38:04 Job Instability for Military Spouses 38:46 Navigating Job Applications as a Military Spouse 44:54 Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities 46:38 Support and Advocacy for Military Spouses 50:21 Unique Military Experiences and Perspectives 01:00:49 Concluding Thoughts and Advice Find Brittney Here: https://linktr.ee/alittlebrittney Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Balancing Life and Military: Summer, Parenting, and Community Insights In this episode of 'Ruck Up Buttercup', the hosts provide life updates and discuss the multifaceted challenges of military family life. They talk about parenting over the summer, setting boundaries, and the emotional strain of having a spouse away on duty. With candid insights into healthcare decisions involving VA insurance and TRICARE, homeschooling with different state regulations, and forming supportive friendships, the hosts offer a thoughtful discussion on maintaining balance amidst the unique trials of military life. Tune in for an honest and relatable conversation about managing family, friendships, and household dynamics during the summer. Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Rediscovering Confidence and Style Post-Motherhood with Heather Mitchell In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, hosts Ashley and Sabrina are joined by Heather Mitchell, a style therapist and body love yoga coach. They explore the journey of embracing personal style and body shapes after motherhood, transitioning from their twenties' fashion to a mom-centered wardrobe. Heather shares valuable insights on understanding body shapes, color analysis, and choosing the right outfits to dress confidently. The discussion also covers the importance of body positivity, finding the right bras, and using workbooks to create a cohesive wardrobe that reflects one's personality. This episode is designed to inspire listeners, especially those frequently relocating like military spouses, to dress for the life they want and build self-confidence. Find all of Heather’s Links and info here: Website: https://www.epicloungebyhrm.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Epicloungebyhrm Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicloungebyhrm/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsheatherraemitchell Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/EPICLoungeByHRM/ Heather has been so generous as to offer a discount code for her workbooks and services Code for 20% off Workbook Discount Code: RUCKUPWB 1:1 services code: RUCKUPService Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Military Life In this episode of 'Ruck up Buttercup,' hosts Sabrina Ashley and Lara discuss imposter syndrome openly, focusing on its prevalence among women and their personal experiences. They highlight the societal pressures and the challenges of balancing multiple roles as military spouses, entrepreneurs, and mothers. The conversation delves into the struggles specific to military life, such as rapid deployments and the unique resilience military spouses develop. The hosts also discuss how social media comparisons and societal expectations contribute to insecurities and offer advice on embracing one's path and achievements. They emphasize the importance of support networks and the strength in knowing that everyone feels inadequate at times. The episode concludes with encouragement, reminding listeners they're not alone in their struggles. Find us: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Contact us: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Exploring Reading and Book Clubs with Author Riva Frye In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, hosts Sabrina Johannes and Ashley Brown discuss their favorite topic—books! They are joined by Riva Frye, a military spouse, veteran, and author of 'If Love Could Kill'. The episode highlights Riva's journey to becoming an author and announces her book as the August pick for their book club. The conversation delves into various book genres, including thrillers and dark romances, and touches on the impact of BookTok. Listeners are encouraged to join the book club and enjoy engaging discussions about books Find us here: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org