Did Kerri’s Mom Go to Vietnam to Meet Boys?

This episode starts light—antibiotics, diet culture, and a very questionable Fen-Phen story—but quickly turns into something much deeper.Kerri is joined by her mom, Barbara Pomarolli, who shares her extraordinary experience serving as a Red Cross worker on a Navy hospital ship during the Vietnam War. At just 24, she was one of only two women selected for the role.From caring for wounded soldiers and writing their final letters home, to navigating life in an active war zone, Barbara’s story is equal parts heartbreaking, inspiring, and unforgettable—with a few unexpected moments of humor along the way.http://kerripom.com/https://tatcha.com/⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro + near-death stories & antibiotics nostalgia 01:30 – Diet culture throwbacks (SlimFast, Dexatrim) 02:30 – KERRI’s Fen-Phen story + LA pressure 03:30 – Cancer scare update & “celebrating being alive”04:20 – Introducing Barbara Pomeroli 05:00 – Chosen for Vietnam (Red Cross) 07:00 – Decision to go + family reactions09:30 – Arrival in Vietnam + first impressions 12:30 – Life on the USS Repose15:00 – Role on the ship + helping patients 17:00 – Writing letters for wounded soldiers 19:00 – Death, loss & final letters20:30 – Burn unit realities + emotional toll 22:00 – Comforting soldiers + human connection24:00 – Daily life + entertainment shows 26:30 – Faith & church on the ship29:00 – Returning home during anti-war protests 31:00 – Long-term health effects33:00 – Legacy, veterans & reflection34:30 – “We Don’t Hate It” (skincare segment) 36:00 – Wrap-up & where to follow