Episodes
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Empowering Military Spouses with Financial Education: Comprehensive Guide for Deployments and PCSing
Empowering Military Spouses with Financial Education: A Comprehensive Guide This episode of the Waiting Warriors Podcast features Michelle Bowler and guest Lizanne Lightfoot, the seasoned spouse and representative of Go VA, discussing the unique financial challenges and opportunities military...
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How To Navigate Deployment: A Guide for New Military Spouses
In this episode of The Waiting Warriors Podcast, host Michelle Bowler speaks with guest Madison Greene about navigating the challenges of being a new military spouse facing a loved one's deployment for the first time. These military spouses explore feelings of being overwhelmed and give advice on...
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How To Have A Successful Career As A Military Spouse During A Hectic TDY or Deployment
In this podcast episode from Waiting Warriors, host Michelle Bowler engages in an insightful discussion with guest Amanda Scott, a military spouse, on the challenges and possibilities of maintaining one's career amidst the unpredictable and hectic TDY schedule. Michelle and Amanda offer…
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The Honest Reality Of Military Spouse Life
In this episode of The Waiting Warriors Podcast, host Michelle Bowler interviews Tiffany Kelly, a military spouse of 23 years with vast experience in juggling career, parenting, and the ins and outs of military life. The conversation revolves around the need to openly communicate the challenges...
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Work / Life Balance As A Military Spouse with Liz Marion
n this episode of The Waiting Warriors Podcast with host Michelle Bowler, special guest Liz talks about effectively managing personal and professional goals while being a military spouse during deployment and training seasons. Liz shares tips to establish boundaries, set and achieve goals, and…
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Conquering Reintegration: Expert and Experienced Advice with Corie Weathers
Join host Michelle Bowler in this podcast episode as she interviews Cori Weathers, a military spouse, who provides firsthand knowledge and clinical perspective on the complexities and emotions tied to a military family's or couple's reintegration phase. Discover coping strategies, maintaining a...
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Battling Loss Together: Lessons Learned And Things That Helped After A Stillbirth (part 2 of 2)
James' Episode: Navigating Grief and Lessons Learned (Part 2) In this heartfelt episode titled 'Battling Loss Together: Lessons Learned And Things That Helped After A Stillbirth ', Austin and Michelle Bowler open up about coping with their grief after a tragic loss. They candidly discuss what…
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Losing James: A Military Couple's Stillborn Story (part 1 of 2)
In 'Losing James: A Military Couple's Stillborn Story', Austin and Michelle Bowler open up about their deeply personal experience of stillbirth. As a military couple, they also discuss the unique challenges they faced, from deployment to navigating the grieving process while apart from each…
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You're Completely Normal: The Truth of Military Spouse Life with Shannon Leyko
In this episode, two military spouses Michelle Bowler and Shannon Leyko, talk about the importance of embracing individual normality and not conforming to societal standards in one's personal journey, especially in the military community. A crucial topic is discussed where the speaker shares a...
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How to Navigate the Chaotic Uncertainties of Life as a Military Spouse with Michaela Rosales
Join this interview with Michelle Bowler as she delves into the fascinating world of military spouses and the uncertainty that often colors their lives. In this episode, she hosts an enriching conversation with military spouse and life coach, Michaela Rosales. Together, these military spouses...
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Adoption in the Military: Breaking Misconceptions with Rachel
Join Michelle as she talks to Rachel, a military spouse, about her journey and experiences with adoption in the military. They dive into the misconceptions surrounding adoption, the emotional challenges faced by military families, and the importance of ethical practices in the adoption process....
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How Military Spouses Can Thrive During Solo Holidays- A Pillar chat with Army Wife Becky Hoy
In this noteworthy episode of the Waiting Warriors podcast, host Michelle Bowler engages in a sincere conversation with Becky Hoy, an esteemed host of the Pillar Deployment Retreat. Together, they share their stories, tips, and thoughts about managing and leaning on one's unique experiences…
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Should Military Spouses Embrace the Adversity? Compare the Difference Between Clean and Dirty Pain
Maria Strange, a seasoned military spouse and life coach, shares her wisdom with host Army wife Michelle Bowler. They discuss the differences between 'Clean' and 'Dirty' pain, revealing ways to handle military spouse life's challenges. It's an eye-opening talk with personal military spouse…
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Learning to Make Friends During Deployment While Feeling Shy or Nervous with Military Spouse Layne
Embark on the emotional rollercoaster of making friends and building a rock-solid support system during deployment as an introverted military spouse. This candid interview sheds light on navigating social anxieties and creating lasting connections while your partner is deployed. Gain insights and...
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Why It's Important to Break Military Spouse Stereotypes and Build a Community with Brittany Lanza
Together, Michelle and Brittany dive deep into the incredible diversity within the military spouse community. They explore how each individual has their own unique journey to share, and the importance of lifting one another up to foster a sense of unity and understanding. Don't miss this…
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Forge Your Unique Path: How to Discover Your Role as a Military Spouse
Join us as we embark on a heartfelt and humorous conversation with Erica, a military spouse navigating the challenging waters of deployments, PCS moves, and the quest to find her unique purpose. We explore the power of laughter, daily exercise, and personal projects as keys to thriving in the…
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How To Connect with Yourself: The Key to Thriving Military Marriages with Military Spouse Becca Brown
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of military spouses and the unique challenges they face. Join us for an insightful conversation with Michelle Bowler and Becca Brown as we explore the secrets to thriving military marriages. Discover how self-connection and self-validation play a…
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Heartfelt Insights on Navigating Military Life as a New Spouse with Air Force Spouse Sarah
In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Sarah shares her personal journey as a military spouse, offering invaluable insights and emotional reflections. From initially meeting her now-active-duty husband in college to experiencing the whirlwind of military life, Sarah discusses the challenges…
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Enhancing Military Spouse Wellbeing: The Vital Role of Support and Community with Paulette Fryar
Discover the profound importance of finding community and support for military spouses in this heartfelt interview. Gain valuable insights and hear personal stories from military spouses who understand the unique challenges of military life. In this conversation, we explore the impact of…
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107 OCONUS Assignments: How To Change Struggles To Growth For Your Military Family with Anna Larson
Are you heading into an overseas assignment as a military family? Or maybe you've already been moved by the military and you are wondering what the heck you've gotten into? This episode is for you! Hear Anna Larson's story, the many places the military moved her family, and how they were able to...
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106 How To Better Understand Male Military Spouses with David Carrera (Navy Spouse)
Hear from navy and male spouse, David Carrera, about some of the challenges male military spouses face and how female military spouses can help them feel more apart of the community. For the transcript of this episode visit TheWaitingWarriors.com/blog For your RED Friday shirt go to :...
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105. Enneagram for Military Spouses: How to use it during a deployment
How can knowing yourself better as a military spouse, military fiance or military girlfriend help you during a deployment or military separation? That's the big question I asked Lisa Winbolt a military spouse Enneagram Coach today and guys, you need to hear her answer! Not only is self awareness...
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104. How military spouses can hold onto hope when affected by suicide with Kristen Christy
Military spouse Kristen Christy shares her touching story of losing her first husband to suicide and how that effected her and her family. Kristen's story is filled will darkness, but also and bright and powerful amount of hope for all in the military community. Follow Kristen on Twitter:...
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103. Practicing Resilience During A Deployment In A Pandemic with Air Force Wife Charlotte
A deployment is challenging enough, but a deployment during a pandemic presented many unique challenges for Charlotte and her family. She describes how she models reality and resilience to her children so they can work through their own personal life challenges. "I don't think that we need to...
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102. Rallying Support And Showing Love After Loss with Law Enforcement Wife Jenn
Jenn always felt the strength of "blue family", but it wasn't until her husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that she saw the depth of those ties. She shares with us how the law enforcement community showed up in both big and small ways to support her husband and their family through…
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101. Honoring Those Who Have Given Their Lives For Freedom with Gold Star Mother Debbie
In recognition of Memorial Day, Debbie shares the story of her son, Marc Lee, who willingly gave his life for others while serving as a Navy Seal. She explains the life she has chosen to live because of his example of love and service, and offers ways to honor and serve those who have sacrificed...
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100. How To Improve Your Personal Life By Getting Outside with Army National Guard Wife Amy
Amy has made it her mission to explore the benefits of being outside every single day. She explains the direct influence she has seen it have on her own family and in her personal life. "I have seen just countless benefits: mental health, physical health, relationships, creativity, grittiness,...
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99. Military Kids Don't Get Ruined By Military Life with Marine Wife Jolynn
We wrap our our Month of the Military Child series with Jolynn Lee, a returning guest on the podcast. She addresses the common concern of "Is military life going to mess up my kids?" Spoiler, it won't. "No, it's not going to be like this forever. No, I'm not screwing my kid up forever. It's just…
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98. Seeing This Unique Lifestyle As A Positive with Military Wives Abi and Daena
Abi and Daena, co founders of Legacy Kids Magazine, share both their personal experiences as moms and professional expertise in mental health and counseling in regard to all of the incredibly positive ways that military life can affect our military kids. "Parents play a huge role in helping the...
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97. But Will They Be Ok? with Army Wife Stephanie
Stephanie shares how the way she approaches her own life as a military spouse has affected her children's outlook on their experiences as a military family. "I cannot change the fact that [my husband] is doing what he does. I can change my reaction and how we choose to face it." -Stephanie Howell...
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96. Giving Them A Strong Family with Army Wife Amy
We start our Month of the Military Child series with Amy Harding, mother of 7 and military spouse of over 20 years. She shares her experiences of developing strong family rituals and bonds and how that has helped her children handle the constant changes of military life. "When you make a…
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95. Learning How To Stay Organized While Remaining Flexible During Your PCS with Army Wife Liz
Liz likes to be organized, but has learned over several PCS moves that life doesn't always go according to plan. She shares her experiences and tips for how to plan for the unexpected. "A lot of it is out of our control, but it's our response to those things that kind of shape our attitude and…
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94. 4 Ways To Help Your Military Kids Transition During A PCS Move with Michelle
PCS season can be stressful, emotional, and downright difficult, and if you have kids it can be even more so. Michelle shares four tips that she has personally used to help her own kids deal with the craziness of moving. "Negative emotion isn't something we need to keep from happening, but we can...
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93. How To Make Your DITY Move Simple with Army Wife Mallory
After 13 moves in 13 years, Mallory is the DITY queen. She shares why she chooses to DITY each time, as well as tips on how to stay organized and simplify the move process. "My goal is to make [DITY moves] less overwhelming. So I'm not saying that you're not going to be overwhelmed...moving is…
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92. Ways To Calm And Conquer Your PCS Fears with Army Wife Megan
As an army veteran herself and now a military spouse, Megan has loads of experience with PCSing. Listen as she shares detailed ways to keep track of current regulations, keep control of your move, and get through your PCS with as little stress as possible. "What I tell people to not be stressed...
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91. How To Define Wellness For Yourself with Military Spouse Evie
As an experienced army wife and as the executive director of InDependent (a non-profit passionate about military spouse wellness), Evie has come to understand that wellness is not a one-size-fits-all situation. She shares her tips on finding what wellness can look like in your own life, and how…
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90. One Easy Way to Keep Your Marriage From Suffering with Michelle
It's just Michelle today as we dive into ways to keep your marriage thriving and happy. As military spouses and first responder spouse we need to focus on making choices and being intentional with how we interact and love our spouses. Michelle also gives specific ideas on how to stay connected...
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89. How To Pivot When Your Expectations No Longer Serve You with Army Wife Shea
Shea is no stranger to the unexpected changes and challenges that life as a military spouse can bring. She shares her stories of learning to see the roadblocks that are getting in the way of her goals and finding detours around them. "Life is written in pencil and we get to rewrite our...
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88. Learning How To Speak Up and Reach Out with National Guard Wife Katie
Katie shares her experiences of learning to communicate her needs and ask for help- both in her marriage and with her friends and family- as she navigated her early years as a military spouse. "I had to learn that if I'm feeling something I need to say it, even if I'm scared of what the reaction...
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87. Supporting Your Kids And Creating A Community During Deployment with Reserve National Guard Wife Ashley
"I created my own community. I was like, if we don't have one I'm going to create one for us and create one for other families...I essentially created something that didn't exist for me." -Ashley Weinert @countingourheroeshome As the spouse of a Reserve National Guard, Ashley's experience as a...
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86. How To Be A Thriving Military Spouse Who Prioritizes Being Healthy with Navy Wife Elizabeth
"Every day, if you're trying to do better than the last, then that's progress and that's what we want to achieve to make yourself happier." -Elizabeth Shaw @elizaeshaw Elizabeth shares how she learned to carve out time as a military spouse and a working mom for herself, and how focusing on…
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85. The Importance Of Not Putting Yourself Last with Navy Wife Flossie
"As a military spouse we let our mental barriers stop us so much because we're beaten down, we're exhausted, we put ourselves last- and I was tired of putting myself last." -Flossie Hall @flossie_hall As an entrepreneur, military spouse, and mom of 4 Flossie has a lot of experience with the...
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84. How To Navigate Infertility As A Military Spouse with Army Wife Aleida
"Don't give up. There's always a reason and a purpose for what you're going through. We may not see it, we may never see it, we may never know, but just keep pushing through." -Aleida Aleida shares the struggle she had with getting pregnant, especially during regular moves with the military. She...
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82. The Struggle Of Dealing With Constant Change In The Military with Navy Wife Joanna
"Just enjoy the changes, embrace it...Even though it feels like it's going to be forever, it's really not." -Joanna @jomygosh1 Joanna shares the realistic truth of working through hard changes as a military spouse. She explains her process of going from grieving change to embracing it....
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83. 20 Lessons Learned in 2020 with Austin and Michelle
"A bonus lesson learned, is really taking ownership of the life that we do have- regardless of what's going on around us- and making the most of it." -Austin Bowler @thewaitingwarrior Your host, Michelle, and her Army Chaplain husband Austin share what this crazy year has taught them in their own...
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81. Finding The Balance Between Independence And Interdependence As A Military Spouse with Army Wife Julia
"First adjusting to depending on someone else and then to adjust back [to independence] when the Army takes them...just being able to pick up and say "I remember how to do these things. These are muscles that haven't gone away, I just haven't used them in a while." -Julia @spouseserve The...
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80. The Power Of A Positive Mindset in Military Life with Army Wife Vanessa
"Whatever you give your energy to- whether it's positive or negative- you put it out it's going to come back to you." -Vanessa @vanessasholisticliving Vanessa explains how she changed her life by focusing on a positive mindfulness, and how that changed affected her life in almost every way. She...
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79. Navigating The Hard Emotions Of Military Life with Veteran and Air Force Wife Christina
"Just because we sign up for something doesn't mean it's not hard. It just means we're going through it regardless and it's going to be hard the whole time, but we're going to get through it anyway." -Christina @themilitaryyogi Christina is no stranger to the feelings of resentment, anger, and...
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78. Making The Best Of Wherever You Are with Army Wife Yvonne
"Don't ever wish away one year or two years or whatever of your life, because you're not going to get that back." -Yvonne Coombes @eevee_coombes Yvonne shares her experiences of finding the good in every circumstance, no matter where you are. She describes her experience at a less-than-desirable...
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77. Living A Purpose-Filled Life In The Military with Coast Guard Wife Jessica
"Anything you can do to impact someone else's day or life, that matters." -Jessica Manfre @jess_manfre Jessica shares with us her passion for service, and the benefits gained by both those being served and those doing the service. She gives small, easy ways that we can serve those in our military...