Boots 2 Books

On this episode, Larissa Lauer returns to talk about her experiences as a woman serving in the military, while raising a young child and pursuing her education. Larissa shares the challenges of leaving her son for basic training and an overseas deployment, along with the gender barriers she has faced in field artillery. She also explains how supportive leaders have shaped her views on leadership,...

On this episode, Larissa Lauer is in studio to share her journey of graduating from Lansing Community College, to continuing her education at Michigan State University, all while serving in the Army National Guard. After 10 years in field artillery, she is now exploring ROTC and the possibility of becoming an officer, drawing on her experience as an enlisted soldier to better understand leadership...

On his episode, the B2B team discuss the challenges veterans and military-connected students may face when using VA education benefits, especially during the first weeks of a semester. The hosts explore how dropping or changing classes, missing important deadlines, and general misunderstanding the VA process can lead to delays, reduced housing payments, or unexpected debts. Their conversation high...

On this episode, psychology professor and Marine Corps veteran Dr. Mark Kelland is in studio to discuss the unique challenges veterans may encounter when transitioning into higher education. He emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships, accessible support, and creating classroom environments where veterans feel comfortable seeking help and connecting with others. The conversation also e...

On this episode, the B2B team discuss their recent Vet Net Ally seminar, a training program that helps faculty and staff better support veteran and military-connected students, as they transition to college. The episode explores how the training builds awareness of veterans’ unique experiences, communication styles, and challenges while providing practical strategies for creating a welcoming, supp...

On this episode, the B2B team sits down with Jim Owens, a mental health counselor at Lansing Community College and host of Headroom , to discuss the importance of community, connection, and support for students. Together, they explore common misconceptions about mental health and highlight how reaching out for help can build resilience and improve well-being. Related Podcast: Headroom with Jim Owe...

The B2B team is joined in studio by guest Travis Clark, to explore his transition from military service to college. He discusses the value of persistence, learning from setbacks, and making the most of the college experience both inside and outside the classroom. The B2B team also highlights the importance of academic advising and encourages veterans and military-connected students to pursue their...

On this episode, the B2B team returns to the topic of choosing an educational or career path, while still following your passions. They discuss the unique experiences of veterans and military-connected students, as they transition to college, emphasizing the value of purpose when seeking fulfillment. It's a thoughtful conversation about finding purpose, avoiding burnout, and building a future that...

The B2B team discusses the challenges of choosing a college major, especially for veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life. They share personal experiences about dealing with uncertainty and finding a path that feels meaningful. The conversation encourages self-reflection, reminds listeners that it's okay to change directions, and highlights the importance of patience while di...

This episode highlights the important role community colleges play in supporting veterans and military-affiliated students as they transition into higher education. The B2B team sits down with Patrick Forystek, Director of the Michigan State University Center for Veterans and Military Affiliated Students, to discuss how community colleges create a strong sense of belonging and offer personalized s...

On this episode, the B2B team explore money management for military members in a clear and helpful way. Covering key topics like pay schedules, travel cards, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), the conversation highlights the unique challenges of managing finances under military regulations, while also addressing the potential pitfalls of predatory lending practices targeting service m...

The B2B team dives into military jargon, exploring terms and concepts they encounter that may perplex civilians. This episode aims to bridge the gap between military and civilian perspectives, and foster understanding through communication. Host Rebecca Allen draws from her experience with the Army, to explain essential terminology and get her co-host Dustin Abrego briefed, ready for duty, and Osc...

On this episode, the B2B team are joined in studio by Erika Espinza, Transfer Advisor Coordinator for Envision Green, a program that supports students transitioning from Lansing Community College to Michigan State University. With an emphasis on early engagement, the program aims to clarify common misconceptions about transfer eligibility, and spotlight how students can connect with advisors even...

On this episode, the B2B team return to finish their conversation about the often difficult transition from military to civilian life. Through heartfelt stories from guests Roy Fernandez and Dillon Bowling, both reflect on the psychological challenges they faced as veterans of reintegration. After having been tuned to a rigid military structure and mindset, many veterans struggle to adapt to the m...

On this episode, the B2B team are joined in the studio by Roy Fernandez and Dillon Bowling, both veterans and students navigating their academic paths at LCC. They share their unique experiences as veterans, who have not only transitioned back to civilian life, but also transitioned into higher education. As they attest to, many veterans feel unprepared for life after service, highlighting the imp...

On this episode, the B2B team dive into higher education terminology, particularly focusing on jargon that may be confusing or clouded by the institutional "fog of war." They dissect key differences in terms such as 'president', 'dean', and 'provost', providing context for their origin in use, as well as clarity on their everyday purpose within academic institutions. The discussion aims to demysti...

The B2B team welcome Justin Coates into the studio to talk about the Veterans Adventure League, an initiative that fosters camaraderie among veterans through Dungeons & Dragons. Exploring the importance of mental health support and community engagement, they discuss how shared experiences can alleviate social isolation. The episode highlights the benefits of connecting veterans with one anothe...

This podcast episode features Andrew Cosgrove, the director of the Center for Veteran Family Support at Lansing Community College (LCC). He shares his insights on the vital role of education in facilitating the transition from military service to civilian life. Andrew emphasizes that while military experience is valuable, it is often insufficient on its own for securing desirable employment; a rel...

Join hosts, Dustin Abrego and Rebecca Allen, as they welcome Bill Krieger into the studio to discuss the Veterans Archives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recording and archiving the histories of veterans. Every veteran has a unique story that deserves to be told, regardless of the nature of their service, and sharing one’s story is not merely an act of remembrance but a vital process of he...

On this episode of B2B, Dustin welcomes new co-host Rebecca Allen to the show for a conversation exploring the barriers veterans may encounter when considering higher education. As the VA Coordinator and School Certifying Official for LCC, Rebecca aids students in navigating the various educational benefits and support afforded to veterans and their families. Additionally, they discuss the critica...

This podcast episode explores the transformative journey from military service to academic pursuits, emphasizing the experiences of veterans and military-connected students. Our guest, Courtney Kemp, shares his personal narrative of transitioning from a 21-year military career to higher education, highlighting the challenges and triumphs inherent in this significant life change. He discusses the n...

This episode of B2B Boots to Books focuses on the GI Bill comparison tool, an essential resource for veterans and military-connected students navigating their education options. Hosts Dustin Abrego and Kyle Jakob provide a detailed walkthrough of how to effectively use this tool to compare different schools, understand tuition costs, and maximize benefits. They emphasize the importance of being in...

This episode of B2B Boots to Books focuses on essential success hacks for veterans and military-connected students navigating their academic journeys. Hosts Dustin Abrego and Kyle Jakob emphasize the importance of establishing effective study habits and creating a conducive study environment. They discuss various study methods tailored to different subjects, highlighting the significance of breaki...

This episode of B2B focuses on the essential steps for military-connected individuals to transition smoothly into college. Dustin Abrego flies solo on this B2B, outlining four key steps to get started: applying to the college, determining placement levels, seeking academic advising, and understanding financial aid options. Along the way, Dustin offers valuable insights into navigating the complexi...

This episode of B2B focuses on essential factors veterans and military-connected students should consider when selecting a school. Dustin Abrego and Kyle Jakob emphasize the importance of community and support services, such as veteran resource centers, in fostering a sense of belonging on campus. The hosts discuss various types of institutions, including public, private, and for-profit schools, a...