Life of a Military Wife

From Cold War watchtowers in West Germany to crafting epic interspecies sci-fi battles, U.S. Air Force veteran Raymond Feliciano joins us for an unforgettable interview you won’t want to miss! A proud Cold War-era Air Force and Air National Guard retiree, Raymond shares gripping stories from his military service alongside his inspiring journey as a sci-fi author. He wrote the thrilling Dolphin Wars trilogy (All’s Fair, Peacemaker, and Bloodfeud), a series inspired by his love of the genre and real military experiences. Plus, he runs King Dolphin TV, his popular YouTube channel that’s become a virtual coffee...

Military spouses — let's flip the script!
In this fun panel chat, Erika, Maria, and I share the things we genuinely LOVE about military life: unbreakable friendships that feel like family, wild global adventures, massive personal growth, and that deep pride in supporting our service members.
We get so caught up in the hard stuff (moves, deployments, uncertainty) that we forget to celebrate — and pass on — the amazing parts. Whether you're a military wife needing a reminder of the good, or just someone who loves real stories about resilience, community, adventure, and finding joy in the journey (hello, non-military friend...

Discover how to financially prepare for incredible family vacations that create lasting memories—without breaking the bank! Welcome back retired Brigadier General Michael Meese, a leading expert in military personal finance and president of Armed Forces Mutual, for practical, actionable tips on smart budgeting, travel rewards, saving strategies, and planning affordable getaways. Tailored especially for military families facing unique challenges like deployments and relocations, but perfect for anyone wanting quality family travel on a budget. From holiday trips to dream vacations, Gen. Meese shares real-world insights to help you enjoy epic adventures stress-free. Tune in for game-changing advice on family va...

The intensity skyrockets in Part 2 as I continue with @mrs.dadmanwalking55 and @DadmanWalking55 to uncover what unfolded after that fateful mission—picking up right where we left off with Forrest Brininstool's harrowing ordeal. We delve into the chaos of being shot down, the injuries he sustained, the grueling realities of survival and evasion in enemy territory, his time as a prisoner of war, and the fates of his crewmates and friends. Through my in-depth research, we reveal the raw courage, hardships, and eventual path to freedom and homecoming that defined his unbreakable spirit. This riveting conclusion brings the full epic of...

I'm thrilled to collaborate with YouTubers @mrs.dadmanwalking55 and @DadmanWalking55 as we dive deep into the WWII experiences of their ancestor, Forrest Brininstool, who served as top turret gunner and flight engineer on the famed B-24 Liberator "Wham! Bam! Thank You Ma'am." Since the family had few personal stories, I spent weeks researching to paint a vivid picture of his journey—from enlistment and rigorous training at various U.S. bases, to bonding with his crewmates, mastering the skills of aerial gunnery and engineering, and the day-to-day realities of life in the Eighth Air Force. We explore what it was tr...

Military marriage isn't all dress blues and homecoming hugs—it's real work, especially with deployments, PCS moves, and the daily grind. Join Maria, Erika, and me for a lively panel where we share our best-kept secrets to keeping military marriages rock-solid: long-distance date ideas that actually feel romantic (even over spotty WiFi), how listening and communication cut through the chaos, ways to support each other through the tough stuff, and the little rituals that turn "surviving" into "thriving." Packed with laughs, honest stories, and practical tips from spouses who’ve been there, this episode is your go-to guide for building a st...

Imagine sitting down with a 90-year-old female veteran who's lived through WWII as a child, watched her family serve on the front lines, joined the military herself inspired by their courage, and then navigated life as a military spouse—all with a twinkle in her eye. In this week's heartfelt episode, Carolyn takes us on a captivating journey through her incredible life, from wartime childhood memories that shaped her to the triumphs and trials of military service and family life. It's a fun, no-holds-barred conversation packed with wisdom from a true trailblazer, perfect for military spouses seeking inspiration, WWII history bu...

Ever dreamed of serving your country and chasing Olympic gold? In this week's fun I sit down with a good friend to geek out about the U.S. Army's World Class Athlete Program (WCAP)—the incredible initiative that lets top-tier active-duty soldiers train full-time and compete for Team USA in the Olympics. We spotlight the six Army athletes heading to the Milan Winter Olympics 2026, breaking down who they are, their sports (from bobsled to biathlon), their journeys balancing boot camp with world-class training, and why this program is a game-changer for military morale and national pride. Whether you're a military sp...

Military spouse life doesn’t end when the uniform comes off—and the stresses, transitions, and isolation can linger for years. I sit down with Jackie and Cathy, co-founders of Restored Heart Collective and wives of U.S. military veterans, to talk about the beautiful work they’re doing to change that. Their organization creates intentional retreats exclusively for spouses of veterans—spaces to connect deeply with other women who truly understand, rebuild community, and walk away with practical tools and emotional support for everything from lingering deployment trauma to the quiet loneliness of post-military life. We laugh about the “aha” momen...

Kick off 2026 with a fresh burst of energy in this fun, real-talk panel with military spouses Erika and Maria, where we spill our best secrets for planning, organization, and motivation to crush the new year. From setting realistic goals and simple productivity hacks that keep life on track (even when everything else isn't), we share relatable stories and tips that make big changes feel doable. Whether you're a military spouse juggling duty stations and family, a busy parent chasing balance, or just someone ready to ditch the overwhelm and get motivated for 2026, this episode is packed with universal advice that's...

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Life of a Military Wife! Today, we're thrilled to have George, a former U.S. Army veteran who's no stranger to our channel. You might remember him from his previous appearance where he shared his raw experiences in the military and the tough road to medical retirement. George served from 2012 to 2019 as a 15P Aviation Operations Specialist and briefly as a 31D in the Criminal Investigation Division. He completed two overseas tours: one in Korea from 2013 to 2014 with the 2ID 3-2 GSAB, and another in Afghanistan in 2015 with the 101st GSAB in Kandahar...

Navigating the emotional rollercoaster of miscarriage, infertility, and adoption is tough for anyone, but add in military life's unique challenges—like deployments, PCS moves, and healthcare hurdles—and it can feel even more isolating. In this week’s heartfelt episode I sit down with fellow military spouse Leah to share our personal stories, the raw feelings that come with these experiences, and the practical steps we took to find hope and healing. From building support networks in new duty stations to advocating for better resources, we discuss how to turn grief into growth and celebrate the journeys that lead to family...

Join us for a lively live stream book club diving into Jane Austen’s charming classic Persuasion—this time with a military spouse twist! We’re exploring how Austen weaves in naval officers and their families, bringing to life the real emotions, separations, long waits, and quiet resilience that military spouses know all too well, even 200 years later. From Captain Wentworth’s eight-year absence to Anne Elliot’s steadfast heart, we’ll chat about the moments that hit close to home, laugh over Austen’s sharp wit, and celebrate why this underrated gem is the perfect cozy read. Whether you’re a die-hard Au...

As the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, pour yourself something sparkling and cozy up for my favorite episode of the year: the 2025 Book Wrap-Up! I didn’t quite hit my 100-book goal (life, picky taste, and a few DNFs got in the way), but the ones I finished? Absolute gold. This year I’m doing something new: breaking everything into clear categories (military life & memoirs, faith & personal growth, cozy mysteries, romance that actually made me cry, and a few wild-card favorites) so you can easily find the exact vibe you’re hunting for on your 2026 TBR. Fro...

Moving coast-to-coast with kids while the military writes the orders? Yeah, we’ve all been there—and in this week’s panel, Maria, Erika, and I are spilling every single trick that actually worked for us. From surviving 3-day DITY drives with toddlers to turning a cross-country PCS into the ultimate family road-trip adventure, we cover the real-life hacks: hotel stops that feel like vacation, how to keep school on track mid-move, and the secret to staying sane when the moving truck is late… again. Whether your next set of orders is taking you from Washington to Florida, California to Virginia...

Ever wondered why the U.S. military spends Christmas Eve tracking Santa with fighter jets and radar? In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the 70-year-old NORAD Santa Tracker tradition that millions of families now count on, then sharing the simple, no-stress ways I’ve learned—as a military spouse—to turn any duty station into “home for the holidays.” From quick traditions that survive deployments and PCS moves to easy ways to give back locally and make the season feel meaningful (even when everything else feels chaotic), this is your cozy, practical guide to holiday joy, military or not. Perfect for...

Grab your coziest blanket and a giant mug of hot chocolate, because Army veteran and fellow military spouse Modesty just sat down with me for the most fun, feel-good episode of the season! We countdown our personal top 5 favorite Christmas movies (some total classics, some totally unexpected picks) and spill exactly why we love them, why we hit play every single December no matter where the Army has us stationed, and how a few of them sneak in little military-family heart-tugs without even trying. It’s basically two Christmas-movie besties giggling, debating, and maybe tearing up a little over the fi...

Ever wondered what it REALLY takes to pack up your entire life, fly across an ocean with kids in tow, and start fresh in a country where you don’t even speak the language? In this week’s panel, Maria, Erika, and I pull back the curtain on overseas military moves—no sugarcoating. We’re talking the little mindset shifts that turn “overwhelmed” into “we’ve got this.” Whether you just got orders to Italy, Japan, Germany, or Korea—or you’re dreaming of one day living abroad—this episode is your cheat sheet from spouses who’ve done it multiple times. Hit play a...

In this week’s episode, I sit down with retired Brigadier General Mike and his wife Ramona for a candid, heartfelt conversation about their 32-year Army journey. From multiple combat deployments to countless PCS moves and raising a family across continents, they openly share how they navigated the challenges of separations, kept their marriage strong, and made smart financial choices that let them truly enjoy the ride instead of just enduring it. Mike’s unique perspective—from leading soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia to teaching the next generation of officers at West Point—blends with Ramona’s real-life insights as the spo...

Pull up a chair—today’s episode is a no-BS, living-room chat with two Army vets, Brooks and George, about the real Veterans Day. Before the uniform, it was different; after 7 years each (including deployments and, for George, a medical retirement), it’s something way deeper. We trade stories of how service flipped their perspective and get practical on what actually helps vets feel seen—think small gestures, community shout-outs, and ditching the “thank you for your service” script for real talk. Whether you’re military-connected or just curious, this is your invite to eavesdrop on two guys who’ve lived it. Drop i...

Imagine your grandpa quietly fixing phone lines in the freezing Korean hills while artillery shells whistle overhead—then coming home with a Bronze Star he never brags about. That’s Korean War veteran Lon Que Adams. In this episode, Que pulls us onto the front lines: the buddies who became brothers,  and the simple “I just wanted to serve” that sent a small-town kid halfway around the world. His heartfelt stories and hard-won wisdom remind every one of us—military family or not—why we can never let these voices fade. Hit play right now and meet the hero next door.

Buckle up for a globe-trotting adventure with military spouses Maria, Erika, and me on Life of a Military Wife! In this lively panel, we’re spilling the tea on traveling the world as a military family—whether it’s snagging Space-A flights, navigating commercial airlines, or hitting the road for epic family road trips. From clever packing hacks to unforgettable stories of exploring new cultures, we’re sharing tips, tricks, and real-life moments that make military travel a wild, rewarding ride. Whether you’re a military family dreaming of your next PCS adventure or just love a good travel tale, tune in fo...

Ever wonder how a simple card can brighten the holidays for someone far from home? Join Laura from the Holiday Card Challenge, a non-profit she launched after years of her family sending personal cards to service members and veterans—now it's exploded into a nationwide movement with folks from coast to coast pitching in to deliver cheer. We dive into how it all began, the heartwarming growth of the organization, and practical ways you can get involved, whether by sending cards, rallying your community, or nominating active-duty troops or vets who need that boost. It's real talk about spreading holiday jo...

Holidays can be bittersweet when your service member is deployed or you're oceans away from your roots, but they don't have to be—join Navy spouse Amanda for an inspiring chat on turning those moments into cherished memories, even from afar. Whether you're prepping for festive fun in a foreign country or holding down the fort solo, we’re unpacking practical tips, go-to resources from organizations that have your back, and heartwarming stories of building new traditions that feel like home. From virtual family feasts to local expat events, this episode is your roadmap to holiday joy, no matter the dist...

Utah Senator Heidi Balderree joins us for an inspiring chat about her tireless work to uplift veterans and military families! From last year’s game-changing legislation supporting military spouses and veterans to her current push for credentialing that bridges military experience to civilian careers, she’s making a real difference. With a family rooted in military service, Heidi shares why she’s driven to serve the military community and how she teams up with legislators who are military veterans in the Utah House of Representatives to pass impactful bills. Her hope? To see these efforts spread nationwide so every military family...

Welcoming a spouse home after deployment is a joy, but it comes with real challenges—joined by Erica and Maria, seasoned military spouses, for our heartfelt panel on making reintegration meaningful and effective. From navigating the struggles of PTSD to adapting to new family schedules and dynamics that shifted while they were away, this episode dives into practical tips and honest stories to help spouses reconnect with purpose. Whether it’s finding ways to ease back into family life or supporting each other through the tough moments, these insights are relatable and real. Tune in on for a warm, down-to-earth guid...

Dreaming of a college degree or new career skills without the price tag? Military benefits can make it happen! Diving into how service members and their families can score free education and certifications. From decoding the GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill to navigating tuition assistance and beyond, we break down the ins and outs to help you or your dependents get the most out of these hard-earned perks. Whether you’re eyeing a degree, a trade certificate, or new career skills, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-world insights to make your educational dreams a reality. Tune in...

Join a heartfelt interview with an infantryman who deployed to Afghanistan, working side-by-side with the Afghan military and police to forge deep connections with the Afghan people. From intense missions to moments of shared humanity, he shares raw stories of what he learned about their culture and how those experiences shaped his growth. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the heart of service, resilience, and cross-cultural bonds, perfect for military spouses, veterans, or anyone moved by stories of courage and understanding. Tune in today to hear a soldier’s journey that transcends borders—real, raw, and ready to inspire! (List...

Dive into a dynamic panel discussion with military spouses Erika and Maria, exploring the unique challenges of deployments and separations across different military branches. From short-term absences to year-long deployments, with kids of varying ages in tow, this episode unpacks how these experiences differ by branch, duration, and family stage. Sharing candid stories and hard-won wisdom, the panel reflects on managing households, parenting through uncertainty, and the most effective strategies that kept families strong. Whether navigating an Army TDY, a Navy deployment, or juggling toddlers to teens, these perspectives offer practical tips and heartfelt support for military spouses, parents, or...

Dive into a vibrant conversation with YouTube content creator La Reina Creole, exploring her grandfather’s gripping World War II military journey and unlocking the secrets of researching family military records through family history resources. From unearthing her grandfather’s service details to sharing her own experiences contributing to military R&D, this episode blends heartfelt storytelling with practical tips for tracing veteran legacies. Packed with laughter, inspiration, and a passion for preserving military stories, it’s a must-listen for military spouses, veterans, history buffs, or anyone eager to connect with their family’s past. Tune in today to celebrate these en...

Step into history with an engaging interview featuring a Navy veteran who lived through two defining moments: the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade of 1962 and the chaos of 9/11 as a delivery driver in Lower Manhattan. From serving on a Navy ship during the Cold War’s tensest standoff, navigating the brink of nuclear conflict , to witnessing the tragedy and resilience of New York City on that fateful September day, his stories are a powerful blend of courage, duty, and survival. This episode dives deep into the personal toll and triumphs of these historic events, offering raw insights for military spouses, veterans, hi...

Join a heartfelt conversation with Beth Runckle, a military spouse who shares the real talk on navigating the stresses and struggles of educating military kids, with a deep dive into homeschooling. Drawing from her experience homeschooling her two children through the ups and downs of military life—think PCS moves and deployments—Beth offers candid insights and practical advice to help parents choose the best educational path. From tackling curriculum challenges to balancing family life on the move, this episode is a goldmine of wisdom for military spouses, parents, or anyone exploring homeschooling in a high-mobility world. Tune in for Beth...