The Red White and Boo

Before you know it, the calendar flips to November, your to-do list triples overnight, and suddenly you’re stress-breathing in the corner to the tune of Jingle Bells . If the holidays have a way of sneaking up on you (and taking your sanity with them) you’re in good company. In this archived episode, we’re revisiting one of our most relatable conversations: How to Stay Sane During the Holiday Seas...

In this episode Maura chats with Jenny Valderas, Senior Director of Family Support Services at Operation Homefront , a non-profit that’s proudly supported America’s military families since 2002. Jenny explains how Operation Homefront offers relief and recurring support programs aimed at preventing short-term challenges from turning into long-term hardships. She also highlights their Military Child...

In this episode of Red, White & Boo , Nicki speaks with Dr. Kristi Cabiao , founder of Mission Alpha Advocacy , about the grassroots movement led by volunteers who share one powerful connection, they all love someone with autism. Dr. Cabiao explains how Mission Alpha Advocacy began and how this passionate team is standing up for military families by challenging gaps in the TRICARE system. They...

In this heartfelt archived episode, we revisit an inspiring conversation with two incredible military spouses, Karen and Stacy , who shared their powerful stories of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and resilience. Their honesty, strength, and hope resonated deeply with our listeners last year and their stories remain just as impactful today. Since this episode first aired, Stacy has continued...

In this episode, we’re revisiting one of our most relatable and heartfelt episodes that was inspired by the popular blog post, I’m Tired of Being a Military Spouse from The Military Mom Collective . This archived episode still hits home today as we talk openly about the exhaustion that can come with military life. The constant changes, emotional load, and the feeling of always needing to be “resil...

In this inspiring episode, hosts Nicki and Maura sit down with Dr. Monica , a powerhouse advocate and educator dedicated to supporting military families through every stage of service and transition. Dr. Monica shares her insights on how military parents can help their kids navigate the big emotions that come with deployment and separation, and she opens up about her work through the Resilient Mil...

Mo and Jenn are back for another heartfelt and meaningful conversation! You may remember them from our first “Love, Mom” episode , where they shared the ups and downs of being military moms. This time, they’re catching us up on a big year for their families: both of their sons [who proudly serve in the military] got married! Mo and Jenn open up about what it’s like to be both moms of service membe...

Do you remember how you felt walking into your six-week postpartum checkup? Maybe you were tired, overwhelmed, or even lost. Maybe you felt all three and a million more.  In this episode, we’re sharing a powerful audio clip from our Monarch: From Cocoon to Crown virtual summit featuring Courtney Daly Boyer, M.Ed., M.S. — relationship and sexuality expert and author of Not Tonight, Honey: Why Women...

In this episode of the Red, White & Boo Podcast , we’re celebrating fresh releases and new stories ! Join us as we sit down with three incredible self-published authors: Jennifer Nestor, Heather Tabers, and Samantha Sliney to talk about the journey from idea to publication, the challenges and joys of self-publishing, and the excitement of launching a brand-new book. Whether you’re an aspiring...

Ever feel overwhelmed by all the decisions you have to make to secure your family’s future? Life insurance doesn’t have to be one of them . In this episode, our friends J.J. Montanaro and Staci Holt sit down for a casual and approachable conversation about the ins and outs of life insurance. Together, they unpack what life insurance really means, why it matters, and how it can protect your family...

Social media is full of military spouse voices, but not all of them are the same. Inspired by #MilMC Contributor, Katie Nunnally’s article I Need an Advocate (Not an Influencer ). Many of us follow accounts for the laughs, the relatable PCS stories, or just because we see “military spouse” in someone’s bio. But when those same accounts begin calling themselves advocates, the line between community...

After a full summer break with our families, Maura, Nicki, and Taylor are thrilled to be back in your ears! In this episode, we catch up on summer adventures, dive into the chaos and excitement of back-to-school season, and share what we’re looking forward to as we close out the year. Grab your favorite drink and join us for laughs, stories, and a little bit of real talk as Red, White & Boo of...

Change is constant in military life and with every PCS, our friendships and support systems often get left behind. But what if you could build relationships that last, no matter where you go? In this special archive episode, veteran, Army spouse, and podcaster Kasie Purvis ( Gather the Scattered Podcast ) shares her 5 Steps to Building a House of Friendship, a framework for finding your people and...

In this special archive episode, we’re revisiting a standout presentation from Monarch: From Cocoon to Crown , our virtual summit hosted in May 2025. Army spouse, author, and leadership coach Stacey Morgan shares heartfelt, practical advice for one of the toughest challenges in military life, friendship transitions. From the grief of leaving your village behind to the intentional effort required t...

We’re back from summer break and slowly gearing up for an exciting new season of The Red White and Boo Podcast ! While we prep brand-new episodes for you, we’re revisiting one of our most helpful conversations from the archives, just in time for back-to-school season. In this encore episode, educators and #MilMCContributors Ellen and Erin sit down to unpack the whirlwind of the new school year. Th...

In this heartfelt Mother's Day episode, we’re handing the mic over once again to the inspiring Jenn , Mo , Gincy , and Christina -- contributors behind the Love, Mom group from The Military Mom Collective . These incredible women offer an honest and uplifting conversation tailored for military moms, mothers of service members, and anyone navigating the complexities of motherhood through seaso...

In this heartfelt and powerful episode, we’re joined by the incredible Quiana Eastland , a passionate voice for emotional wellness, connection, and calm, especially within the unique challenges of military life. Quiana opens up about what it means to choose yourself when the world around you feels chaotic, and how that choice can transform everything. We explore the importance of building an emoti...

April is the Month of the Military Child , and we’re celebrating by spotlighting an incredible story of a military kid who has grown into a passionate, purpose-driven adult. In this episode, we’re joined by Madison from Charlie Madison Originals , who shares what it was like growing up in a military family—and how that experience shaped her values, fueled her creativity, and inspired her work in a...

" Volunteering is professional work experience and should be recognized as such. " In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of volunteering and how it serves as valuable professional work experience—especially for military moms navigating the unique challenges of military life. Volunteering not only enriches your community but also helps you gain transferable skills, build netwo...

In this inspiring episode of The Red, White, and Boo Podcast by The Military Mom Collective , special guest Camille Crutcher shares valuable insights on navigating the challenges of job searching as a military spouse. "Job hunting can be a tough, demoralizing process for anyone, but for military spouses who are constantly moving every 2-3 years, without a reliable support system, and with lim...

"In the military community, service members and veterans are more likely to engage in disordered eating patterns than civilians." In this special episode of Red White and Boo , our host Taylor Hester sits down with Leah Stiles , a retired Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist from the Navy, to discuss her mission of breaking the stigma around eating disorders within the military. Af...

Happy Galentine’s Day ! In this special episode of Red, White, & Boo , we’re raising a glass to the incredible friendships that sustain us through the ups and downs of military life. From the friends who keep us laughing to the ones who show up when we need them most, we’re celebrating the many roles our military besties play. We’re also diving into two of our blog posts from Military Mom Coll...

In this episode, we’re honored to welcome back Taylor Hester, the founder of Taylor Hester Fitness and a leading advocate for healthier lifestyles within the military community. Taylor shares her passion as a size inclusive, anti-diet culture strength coach by promoting strength, resilience, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a military spouse, service member, veteran, or someone who supports...

In this episode, we take a look into the roller coaster journey of military life through the lens of the blog Sometimes You Thrive, And Sometimes You Survive by #MilMC Contributor Nicole Cowan . For military spouses, life is a constant balancing act—thriving at some duty stations and merely surviving at others. The unique challenges of frequent moves, long separations, and adapting to new environm...

In this first episode of 2025, we dive into the concept of social wellness through the lens of the thought-provoking blog Social Wellness from an Introverted Extravert by our wonderful Military Mom Collective Contributor Monique Smith .   "Interacting with diverse groups of people exposes us to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. This can lead to personal growth, learning, and increased...