Ruck Up Buttercup

Supporting Military Families Through Dogs on Deployment: An Interview with Alyssa Johnson In this episode of RUP Buttercup, hosts chat with Alyssa Johnson, founder of Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit organization supporting military families by providing resources and fostering programs for their pets. Alyssa shares her personal military experience as a Marine Corps pilot, her journey in creating the organization following the challenges she faced with her dog JD, and the range of services Dogs on Deployment offers, including boarding, financial assistance for PCS moves, and veterinary care. They discuss the unique struggles military families face with their pets during deployments and relocations, and how the community can support this mission. The conversation highlights the importance of community, volunteering, and how supporters can get involved to help military families and their pets. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 Alyssa's Military Background 01:30 Challenges of Military Life with Pets 03:05 The Birth of Dogs on Deployment 05:49 Personal Stories and Struggles 10:18 Expanding the Mission 18:36 Financial Assistance and Support Programs 24:56 Difficult Decision: Euthanizing a Beloved Pet 25:58 Emergency Vet Visit: A Life-Threatening Diagnosis 27:11 The Financial Burden of Pet Healthcare 29:00 Cherished Memories and Final Moments 33:51 Supporting Military Families with Pets 36:22 How to Support Dogs on Deployment 39:29 Volunteering and Community Involvement 46:36 The Importance of Philanthropy and Volunteering Reach out to chat: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org Reach Out to Dogs on Deployment: info@dogsondeployment.org (4) Fahttps://www.facebook.com/DogsonDeploymentcebook

Supporting Geo-Batching Military Families: Introducing Family and Flight with Chelsea In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, the hosts interview Chelsea, the founder of the nonprofit organization Family and Flight. Chelsea discusses the mission of her organization, which aims to provide emotional and financial support to military families who are geo-batching—living in different states due to service commitments. She shares her personal experience of being a geo-batching spouse and the challenges that come with it, emphasizing the importance of intentional communication and therapy. The episode also highlights upcoming initiatives, such as their first virtual 5K fundraiser, and discusses the need for volunteers and corporate sponsors to support their mission. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:27 Chelsea's Story and the Birth of Family and Flight 02:30 Challenges of Geo Batching 03:56 Personal Experiences and Decisions 07:55 Communication and Support Strategies 28:10 Navigating Deployment Communication 28:49 Supporting Your Spouse Through Deployment 29:22 Understanding the Challenges of Military Life 30:41 Introducing Our Nonprofit Journey 31:25 Fundraising and Volunteer Opportunities 32:40 Corporate Sponsorships and Future Plans 33:30 Application Process and Support Details 38:02 Resource Page and Additional Support 41:33 The Importance of Community and Connection 52:18 Final Advice for Military Spouses Reach out to chat: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org Reach Out to Family in Flight: familyinflight@gmail.com Facebook

Embrace the Adventure: Military Life and Traveling In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, the discussion centers around travel and adventure opportunities that come with military life. Hosts Ashley and Laura share their experiences and tips on making the most of living in various locations due to frequent relocations. They emphasize embracing new duty stations and exploring local attractions rather than feeling stuck. They highlight affordable travel options, offer resources for military families like the Armed Forces Vacation Club and Vet Tix, and discuss the perks of having a travel agent. They also touch on the importance of creating memories with family and friends, supporting local businesses, and making the best of any situation by adopting a resilient mindset. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to share their favorite local spots. 00:00 Welcome to Ruck Up Buttercup! 00:26 Embracing Military Life Through Travel 02:02 Affordable Adventures for Military Families 02:49 Utilizing Military Perks for Travel 04:34 Exploring Local Gems and Hidden Treasures 08:59 Making the Most of Your Duty Station 11:59 Discovering Local Favorites and Activities 18:19 Navigating Texas and Beyond 26:09 Family-Friendly Brewery Events 26:56 The Appeal of Open Spaces at Breweries 29:03 Traveling and Utilizing Travel Agents 32:08 Affordable Travel Options 32:54 Making Memories Despite Military Life 38:17 Encouraging Family Visits and Exploring Locally 40:31 Exploring the US and National Parks 43:30 Making the Most of Military Moves 52:07 Final Thoughts on Travel and Exploration Reach out to chat: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

USO Insights and Military Spouse Support: A Conversation with Nicole Vogel In this episode of 'Ruckup Buttercup,' Ashley welcomes Nicole Vogel, the Senior Program Manager for the USO and a military spouse. Nicole shares her 16-year journey with the USO, starting from her initial experience at Ramstein, Germany. They discuss various USO programs designed to support military families and spouses, including Coffee Connections, USO Reading Program, virtual events, and more. Nicole emphasizes the importance of community and connection for military spouses and provides valuable insights into how the USO has evolved to meet the needs of service members and their families. The episode highlights the transformative impact of USO programs on the lives of military families and offers practical tips for military spouses seeking support and connection. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:36 Meet Our Special Guest: Nicole Vogel from USO 00:53 Nicole's Journey with USO 02:56 Ashley and Nicole's Shared Experiences with USO 04:14 USO's Global Presence and Support 05:41 The History of USO 07:20 USO's Evolving Role and Programs 08:25 Coffee Connections: Building Community 15:32 Virtual Programs and Support During COVID 18:53 Emotional Impact of USO Programs 22:08 Personal Stories and Experiences 23:59 Volunteering and Community Connection 26:23 USO Programs and Services 27:12 Gaming and Virtual Connections 31:29 Importance of Connection and Support 32:48 Final Thoughts and Encouragement https://www.uso.org/ Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagra m.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Standing Silently Strong: Embracing the Military Spouse Journey with Ariana In this heartfelt episode of RUP Buttercup, hosts welcome guest Ariana to discuss the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of military life. They delve into the concept of 'standing silently strong,' a term that embodies the quiet resilience of military spouses. Ariana shares her 10-year journey with her Air Force husband, including their stations in Colorado, Italy, and Germany. The conversation highlights the importance of community, the benefits of staying positive amidst challenges, and the significance of open communication in marital and social relationships. Through personal stories and practical advice, this episode aims to inspire military spouses to embrace their unique lifestyle and find strength and positivity in their experiences. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:05 Ariana's Military Journey 01:28 Life Overseas: Italy and Germany 04:04 Standing Silently Strong: The Concept 05:50 Challenges of Military Spouse Life 23:49 The Importance of Communication 29:04 Building Community and Support Networks 34:30 The Power of Military Friendships 35:12 Overcoming Challenges During Deployments 35:31 Community Support in Times of Crisis 35:59 The Unique Bond of Military Families 36:55 Navigating Military Life and Social Media 39:14 The Importance of Positive Representation 41:51 Balancing Personal Identity and Military Life 43:57 The Role of Social Media in Military Communities 46:22 Advice for Military Spouses 01:08:30 The Resilience of Military Kids 01:10:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Balancing the Seven Dimensions of Wellness In this episode of 'Ruck Up Buttercup,' hosts Ashley, Sabrina and Lara discuss the importance of the seven dimensions of wellness: mental, physical, social, financial, spiritual, environmental, and vocational. They explore how these aspects interconnect and affect overall health and well-being. The conversation highlights personal experiences and practical tips for maintaining balance in each dimension, emphasizing the significance of gratitude, time management, and personalized wellness routines. 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Wellness Dimensions 01:18 The Importance of Mental Health 02:25 Coping Strategies for Mental Health Challenges 09:46 Physical Wellness: Beyond the Gym 13:54 Nutrition and Healthy Eating Habits 22:29 Financial Wellness and Budgeting Tips 36:38 Social Wellness: The Importance of Connection 38:07 Finding Balance in Social Interactions 39:58 Navigating Social Challenges with Family 44:57 Spiritual and Environmental Wellness 51:04 Vocational Wellness: Balancing Work and Life 01:01:34 Managing Health and Wellness as a Military Spouse 01:06:26 Conclusion: Personalized Wellness Strategies SUMMARY In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, hosts Ashley, Sabrina and Lara discuss the seven dimensions of wellness: mental, physical, social, financial, spiritual, environmental, and vocational. They share personal experiences and tips on how to improve each aspect of wellness, particularly from the perspective of military spouses. The conversation covers the impact of mental health on overall wellness, the importance of physical activity, smart financial habits, social interaction, gratitude for spiritual well-being, creating a balanced environment, and effective vocational management. The hosts emphasize the interconnectedness of these wellness dimensions and offer practical advice for integrating healthy habits into daily life.

Navigating Military Life: Insights from a Spouse and Children's Author In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, hosts Ashley and Caila are joined by guest Valerie, a military spouse and children's book author. Valerie shares her 14-year journey across various military branches, from the Army Reserves to the Coast Guard, and the unique experiences each has brought. She discusses the challenges and adventures of frequent relocations and her concerns about life post-retirement. The episode highlights Valerie's newly published children's book, a personalized love letter to military children, and its meaningful impact on both children and their parents. Valerie, also a contributor to Homefront Heroes Ministries, emphasizes the importance of community support among military spouses and offers advice for navigating the complexities of military life. The episode concludes with a teaser about an upcoming giveaway of Valerie's book on the podcast's social media pages. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:38 Valerie's Military Spouse Journey 01:35 Embracing the Military Lifestyle 02:26 Challenges and Adaptations 03:33 Celebrating Military Children 04:22 Valerie's Children's Book 07:19 Personal Stories and Experiences 10:04 Creating Resources for Military Families 14:26 Supporting Each Other 19:51 Valerie's Writing Journey 24:00 Community and Connection 36:31 Final Thoughts and Farewell Find Valerie's Information Here: https://www.valeriemcnulty.com/ Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Navigating Social Media and OPSEC as a Military Spouse In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, hosts Ashley and Sabrina delve into the complexities of using social media as a military spouse. They discuss the importance of Operational Security (OPSEC) and Personal Security (PERSEC) and the potential risks of oversharing online. The conversation covers the dynamics within military spouse Facebook groups, the implications of anonymous posting, and the necessity for careful communication, especially during deployments. They highlight the evolution of social media over the years and its impact on military families, emphasizing the need for respect and understanding in online interactions. Additionally, they touch on the challenges military spouses face in maintaining careers and balancing family responsibilities. The episode concludes with a call for more kindness and constructive dialogue within the military community. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 00:13 Navigating Social Media as a Military Spouse 01:03 The Reality of Spouse Facebook Groups 02:32 Anonymous Posts and Admin Responsibilities 03:35 Rank Dynamics and Social Media 06:40 The Importance of OPSEC and PERSEC 18:02 Deployment Briefs and FRG Meetings 24:45 Social Media Etiquette and Safety Tips 29:23 The Impact of Social Media on Relationships 35:33 Political Neutrality and Respectful Discourse 39:29 The Keyboard Warriors and Online Bullying 40:23 Connecting Through Facebook Groups 42:17 The Challenges of Military Spouses 45:51 The Importance of Community Support 48:11 Navigating Social Media Responsibly 57:34 The Role of Social Media in Modern Life 59:19 The Impact of TikTok and Other Platforms 01:05:33 The Future of Social Media and Community 01:14:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Protecting Military Families' Moving Entitlements: The PPM Petition In this episode, Isabel from LOGSA Mil Moves discusses the origins and goals of her organization, highlighting the veteran background of its founders and their focus on providing better moving services for military families. The conversation delves into the adjustments and evolving services LOGSA has offered, including the significant shift to personally procured moves (PPM). Isabel explains the implications of the Global Household Goods Contract, particularly how the recent changes threaten the PPM entitlements, potentially causing significant financial strains for military families. The episode emphasizes the importance of signing a petition to safeguard these entitlements, ensuring families retain the choice and financial support necessary for relocations. The conversation concludes with practical advice on how listeners can support the petition and highlights the broader impact on military families. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:17 The Origin Story of Logsa Mill Moves 01:34 Launching and Expanding Logsa Mill Moves 03:07 Challenges and Innovations in Military Moving 06:40 Training and Quality Control in Moving Services 11:49 New Global Household Goods Contract Impact 15:49 Concerns and Criticisms of the New Contract 26:22 Comparing Moving Costs: Fort Campbell to JBLM 26:46 Challenges with Homesafe and TMO 28:33 Personal Moving Experiences and Issues 30:22 The Importance of PPM Options 31:09 Educating Families on Moving Scams 31:48 Government vs. Private Moves 36:58 The Impact of Housing and School Choices 43:42 Advocating for Military Families' Rights 45:02 The Consequences of Single-Source Contracts 52:10 Call to Action: Sign the Petition Reach LOGSA Mil Moves here: Website: https://www.logsamilmoves.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/logsamilmoves Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logsamilmoves Petition: Petition · Military Families Forced to New PCS Contract Amid Diminishing Self Move Rates - United States · Change.org Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagra m.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Empowering Military Spouses with Remote Work Opportunities In this episode of the podcast, the hosts welcome Kate, the Community Programs Manager at Instant Teams, an eight-year-old company founded by military spouses to provide remote work opportunities for fellow military spouses. Kate discusses how Instant Teams assists military spouses in finding a variety of remote jobs from entry-level to executive positions, focusing on skill-based hiring to account for resume gaps common to the military lifestyle. The podcast also covers the resources provided by Instant Teams, including free professional courses and a community app for continuous learning and networking. Additionally, the discussion delves into tips for military spouses on job applications and leveraging their unique skills, as well as advice on maintaining a sense of community and continuous learning throughout their journey. 00:00 Welcome to Season Five! 00:10 Meet Our Special Guest: Kate from Instant Teams 00:34 The Mission of Instant Teams 01:26 Challenges and Solutions for Military Spouses 02:12 How Instant Teams Works 02:41 Skill-Based Hiring Explained 08:16 Community and Support at Fort Liberty 14:09 Tips for Military Spouses Seeking Jobs 18:10 The Importance of Continuous Learning 24:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 31:30 Closing Remarks Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagra m.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Embracing Change: New Beginnings, Resilience, and Navigating Military Life In this episode of 'Ruck Up Buttercup', the hosts celebrate the beginning of their fifth season and introduce Kayla as their new co-host. They discuss the complexities of military life, including upcoming PCS moves, setting realistic goals, and finding positivity amid challenges. The conversation touches on embracing the unexpected, the importance of community, and balancing personal aspirations with the demands of military commitments. The episode also highlights the significance of sharing experiences and staying resilient through the ups and downs of military life. 00:00 Welcome to Season Five! 00:12 Introducing Kayla: Our New Co-Host 00:43 Exciting Plans for the New Season 01:29 Navigating Military Life Challenges 02:08 Moving to Arizona: A New Adventure 09:38 Funny and Embarrassing Moments 15:47 The Reality of Military Spouse Life 32:21 Setting Goals and Intentions for 2025 35:47 Embracing Self-Love and Living in the Moment 36:11 Navigating Goals in Uncertain Times 36:38 Challenges of Setting Goals in Military Life 38:35 The Impact of Military Life on Personal Plans 42:06 The Reality of Military Marriages 43:44 Adapting to Life's Unexpected Turns 44:45 Finding Balance and Letting Go of Control 49:02 The Importance of Communication and Flexibility 57:00 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Setting Intentions 01:06:55 The Value of Community and Shared Experiences 01:09:59 Conclusion and Call to Action Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Finale Reflections and New Beginnings: Season Wrap-Up In this heartfelt final episode of the season, the hosts of the Ruck Up Buttercup podcast reflect on their successful four-year journey. They discuss the growth they've experienced, the consistency achieved this year, and exciting plans for next year, including potentially moving to weekly episodes with an expanded team. They emphasize the importance of their social media community and share their excitement about new team member Kayla Holm joining next season. The hosts explore various resources and organizations that support military spouses, sharing their own personal and professional growth experiences. The essence of community, continuous learning, and support is highlighted throughout the episode as essential for military life. They encourage listeners to engage with the podcast and their social media, share their challenges, and celebrate their achievements together. Would you like to join the show please reach out to us!! Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Budget-Friendly Holiday Tips for Military Families In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, the hosts discuss their holiday plans, including traveling to visit family, wrapping presents early, and managing holiday activities while living in different locations. They share personal stories and tips on how to keep the holiday season affordable, such as using discount apps, taking advantage of sales, utilizing military discounts, and creating homemade gifts. The hosts also talk about the importance of making holiday memories through experiences rather than just focusing on gifts, offering practical advice to help military families celebrate the season without financial strain. Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

In this episode, we are joined by Caila Holm, a well-known Military Family Advocate from TikTok. Caila shares her extensive 11-year journey as a military spouse and her career dedicated to supporting military families through various roles, including work with Army Community Services, the American Red Cross, and as a social worker. Caila discusses the challenges military families face, especially younger spouses who often seek basic information about military resources on social media platforms like TikTok. Her passion for helping others led her to create 'Military Family Advocate,' an initiative to provide accessible resources and guidance for military spouses online. Sabrina, Ashley, and Caila go on to discuss all of their favorite resources available to military families across the nation. Resources Mentioned: Sesame Street for Military: https://sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org/ Cohen Clinic: https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/ MSAN: https://www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org/ Operation Gratitude: https://www.operationgratitude.com/ Operation Baby: https://www.operationbaby.org/ InstaTeams: https://instantteams.com/ United Through Reading: https://unitedthroughreading.org/ Military YMCA: https://www.ymca.org/what-we-do/social-responsibility/military-outreach Pillar Digital Retreat: https://pillardeploymentretreat.com/ Find Caila here: https://www.instagram.com/milfamadvocate/ https://www.tiktok.com/@milfamadvocate Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Honoring Heroes: Wreaths Across America and the Military Community In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, hosts Ashley and Lara welcome Jeff Pierce from Wreaths Across America to discuss their extensive mission to honor veterans and support military families. Key topics include the emotional and logistical impact of wreath-laying ceremonies, community involvement, and various initiatives like Wreaths Across America Radio, educational programs, and support resources for military families. The episode also highlights significant collaborations, storytelling, and the importance of remembering both male and female veterans, with a special mention of the Military Women's Memorial. The hosts and guests share personal stories and encourage participation in events, underscoring the essence of community and patriotism. Links Mentioned: Home - Military Women's Memorial (womensmemorial.org) Wreaths Across America Radio - Wreaths Across America Educational Resources - Wreaths Across America Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Thriving Through Deployment: Insights and Support for Military Families This engaging episode explores strategies and support systems for military families navigating the complexities of deployment. Hosts Ashley and her co-host provide a comprehensive four-step guide for preparing, managing, maintaining communication, and reintegrating post-deployment. They emphasize the importance of practical measures like power of attorney and financial planning, as well as setting boundaries and building support networks. The episode also highlights 'Deployed Love,' an organization offering holiday photo sessions and resources to support military families. Listeners are encouraged to share these resources and adapt to the unique challenges of military life. Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Navigating Military Life with Brittany: TikTok, Transitions, and Triumphs In this episode, our hosts welcome Brittany, a well-known face in the military community on TikTok. Brittany shares her journey through various military postings, the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life, and the unique struggles military families face. She also discusses her educational path towards becoming a mental health counselor to support military veterans. The conversation covers the complexities of maintaining a career as a military spouse, the importance of community, and the resilience needed to navigate unexpected changes. Brittany's humorous and relatable take on these topics provides valuable insights and support for military families everywhere. 00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Brittany 00:27 Brittany's Military Journey 01:53 Challenges of Military Life 02:33 Transitioning Out of the Military 04:44 Brittany's New Path: Mental Health Counseling 06:32 Institutional Betrayal in the Military 09:04 Personal Stories of Military Struggles 18:01 The Importance of Community and Support 19:25 Navigating Military Bureaucracy 21:10 Financial Challenges in the Military 29:20 The Reality of Military Moves 32:33 Challenges of Finding Military Housing 32:50 Financial Struggles and Hidden Costs 33:40 Unpredictable PCS Orders 34:46 Emotional Rollercoaster of Military Life 35:10 Personal Military Backgrounds 38:04 Job Instability for Military Spouses 38:46 Navigating Job Applications as a Military Spouse 44:54 Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities 46:38 Support and Advocacy for Military Spouses 50:21 Unique Military Experiences and Perspectives 01:00:49 Concluding Thoughts and Advice Find Brittney Here: https://linktr.ee/alittlebrittney Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Balancing Life and Military: Summer, Parenting, and Community Insights In this episode of 'Ruck Up Buttercup', the hosts provide life updates and discuss the multifaceted challenges of military family life. They talk about parenting over the summer, setting boundaries, and the emotional strain of having a spouse away on duty. With candid insights into healthcare decisions involving VA insurance and TRICARE, homeschooling with different state regulations, and forming supportive friendships, the hosts offer a thoughtful discussion on maintaining balance amidst the unique trials of military life. Tune in for an honest and relatable conversation about managing family, friendships, and household dynamics during the summer. Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Rediscovering Confidence and Style Post-Motherhood with Heather Mitchell In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, hosts Ashley and Sabrina are joined by Heather Mitchell, a style therapist and body love yoga coach. They explore the journey of embracing personal style and body shapes after motherhood, transitioning from their twenties' fashion to a mom-centered wardrobe. Heather shares valuable insights on understanding body shapes, color analysis, and choosing the right outfits to dress confidently. The discussion also covers the importance of body positivity, finding the right bras, and using workbooks to create a cohesive wardrobe that reflects one's personality. This episode is designed to inspire listeners, especially those frequently relocating like military spouses, to dress for the life they want and build self-confidence. Find all of Heather's Links and info here: Website: https://www.epicloungebyhrm.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Epicloungebyhrm Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicloungebyhrm/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsheatherraemitchell Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/EPICLoungeByHRM/ Heather has been so generous as to offer a discount code for her workbooks and services Code for 20% off Workbook Discount Code: RUCKUPWB 1:1 services code: RUCKUPService Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Military Life In this episode of 'Ruck up Buttercup,' hosts Sabrina Ashley and Lara discuss imposter syndrome openly, focusing on its prevalence among women and their personal experiences. They highlight the societal pressures and the challenges of balancing multiple roles as military spouses, entrepreneurs, and mothers. The conversation delves into the struggles specific to military life, such as rapid deployments and the unique resilience military spouses develop. The hosts also discuss how social media comparisons and societal expectations contribute to insecurities and offer advice on embracing one's path and achievements. They emphasize the importance of support networks and the strength in knowing that everyone feels inadequate at times. The episode concludes with encouragement, reminding listeners they're not alone in their struggles. Find us: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Contact us: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Exploring Reading and Book Clubs with Author Riva Frye In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, hosts Sabrina Johannes and Ashley Brown discuss their favorite topic—books! They are joined by Riva Frye, a military spouse, veteran, and author of 'If Love Could Kill'. The episode highlights Riva's journey to becoming an author and announces her book as the August pick for their book club. The conversation delves into various book genres, including thrillers and dark romances, and touches on the impact of BookTok. Listeners are encouraged to join the book club and enjoy engaging discussions about books Find us here: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Community, Support, and the Spirit of Volunteering: Insights from Deployed Love In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, we explore the heartwarming world of 'Deployed Love' with guests Ashley Brown and Ashley Mercado. As military spouses and coordinators for the organization, they share their personal journeys and discuss the vital role of community and support for military families. The Ashleys provide insights into the significance of events like the Holiday Mini Sessions, which offer emotional support during deployments. They emphasize the power of volunteering in building strong, supportive networks and explain how Deployed Love helps families utilize resources and create lasting connections at various military installations. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:27 Meet Ashley Mercado 01:55 Challenges of Military Life 05:30 Importance of Sports and Extracurriculars 10:19 Deployed Love: Building Community 16:33 Holiday Minis and Community Events 25:14 The Role of Coordinators and Volunteers 32:01 Adapting and Growing with Deployed Love 46:43 Reflecting on Military Life and Volunteering 47:43 The Importance of Community and Support 49:34 Challenges and Changes in Military Deployments 51:59 Navigating OPSEC and Media Challenges 55:47 Building Strong Bonds Through Deployed Love 01:01:46 Encouraging Volunteerism and Community Involvement 01:09:09 Flexible and Creative Volunteering Opportunities 01:23:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Find us: www.deployedlove.org Website ashleybrown@deployedlove.org Ashley Brown ashleymercado@deployedlove.org Ashley Mercado Sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org Sabrina Johannes

Ruck Up Buttercup: Intimacy, Communication, and Reintegration in Military Marriages In this episode of the Ruck Up Buttercup podcast, hosts Sabrina and Ashley delve into the intricacies of maintaining intimacy and relationships, particularly among military families. Joined by Dolly, an expert with 15 years of experience in the sex industry, the discussion covers the significance of sexual health and relationships, empowering women, and using tools like sex toys to enhance intimacy. The episode emphasizes the importance of communication both during deployments and upon reintegration, offering practical advice on maintaining connection through technology, care packages, and scheduled date nights. The conversation also touches on overcoming stigmas related to sex toys, the importance of lubrication, and the physical and mental benefits of maintaining a healthy sex life. Finally, the hosts and Dolly highlight the challenges and strategies for successful reintegration after long deployments, stressing the need for patience, understanding, and open communication. 00:00 Introduction and Content Warning 01:00 Guest Introduction: Dolly's Journey 04:11 Maintaining Connection During Deployment 05:28 Effective Communication and Intimacy 07:00 Creative Date Ideas and Care Packages 19:26 Addressing Stigma Around Toys 31:47 Navigating Phone Vibrations and Metal Chairs 33:22 The Butterfly Effect and Best Sellers 33:41 Twilight Mood: A Versatile Toy 34:11 Importance of Clitoral Stimulation 34:34 Military Life and Moving Challenges 36:00 Storing and Cleaning Toys 36:37 Enhancement Products and Libido 37:48 Pelvic Floor Health and Kegel Exercises 39:41 The Role of Lubricants 42:09 Communication and Intimacy 52:23 Reintegration After Deployment 01:00:40 Therapy and Communication Strategies 01:03:09 Conclusion and Resources Find Dolly Goff here: Find Us here: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Tiktok: @Ruckupbuttercup Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Building Community in the Last Frontier: Jillian Bloom's Rove Co. In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, the hosts welcome Jillian Bloom, founder of Rove Community (Rove Co.), to discuss the importance of community building, especially for military families in remote locations like Alaska. Jillian shares her journey of moving to Alaska, the challenges she faced, and the eventual creation of Rove Co. to support others through outdoor activities and social meetups. The conversation covers the significance of integrating local and military communities, the benefits of outdoor gatherings, and the steps Jillian took to grow her organization. Listeners will find inspiration in Jillian's perseverance and dedication to creating a supportive environment for both locals and military families alike. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:33 Jillian's Military Life and Move to Alaska 02:18 Challenges of Living in Alaska 06:02 Birth of Rove Community 09:41 Building a Supportive Community 21:35 Expanding Rove Community 23:23 Community Meetups and Social Hours 24:36 Overcoming Nervousness in New Activities 27:12 Membership and Overnight Trips 28:07 Educational Background and Ambassador Program 29:16 Expanding to Other Military Bases 32:43 Entrepreneurship and Portability 38:41 Advice for Military Spouses 42:52 Conclusion and Future Plans Find Jillian and Rove Community here: www.rovecooutdoors.com Find us: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

In this episode of "Ruck Up Buttercup," guest host Janeen McChesney from the Veteran Wives Survival Guide discusses the unique journey of becoming a military spouse. She emphasizes the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate military life effectively. The conversation then transitions to the distinct challenges and experiences of shifting from being an active-duty military spouse to a veteran spouse. Janeen shares practical advice and personal stories to help listeners understand and cope with this significant life change, providing valuable insights and support for military families. Find Janeen here: https://theveteranswifesurvivalguide.com/?fbclid=IwAR0LlWnZeNXv1k6j1ToW33jrZGMgFxG8Zmug9XU-VqG2SEpJEi9yFRtk6sM Find us here: Www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercupPodcast

Season 4 Episode 11 Grace Bex. On this week's episode of Ruck Up Buttercup we Grace Bex of Gracefully Fit LLC. An amazing trainer currently in the Fort Liberty region who works with mothers and military spouses to find their confidence in fitness. She gives us some amazing tips on how to build up your fitness brick by brick to reach your goals. We all know that military life likes to throw us curve balls whenever they can, and often that ends up having us push our goals, and routines on the back burner to keep up with the chaos. But we hope after listening to this episode you will realize you aren't alone, and you are also TOTALLY capable of staying consistent regardless of the things going on around you. To learn more about what Grace offers check out her information here: https://begracefullyfit.com/ To reach us: www.deployedlove.org/podcast www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Now on Youtube and Tiktok too just look up Ruck Up Buttercup. Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Season 4 Episode 10 Motherhood On this week's episode of Ruck Up Buttercup we are having a girl chat about our experiences in Motherhood. From babies, to preteen; from hilarious stories to tales of woe. Motherhood is the adventure of a lifetime. From the moment you realize you are pregnant and life is about to change, all the way through your kids being adults you will think about your kids non-stop. Don't worry mama, even on the hard days you aren't alone!! Find us Here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast

Season 4 Episode 9 Military Spouse Advocacy Network. On this week's episode of Ruck Up Buttercup we speak with Verenice Castillo the Founder and CEO of Military Spouse Advocacy Network. She tells us her story of coming from a different country to having to adjust to being a US Military Spouse. She, like all of us, felt out of place, and pretty isolated, but realized that doesn't have to be the case. She founded MSAN in order to create a space where spouses could support each other by mentoring each other through different situations. They now have 3 important aspects of their non-profit. 1. Mentorship- With trained, and certified mentors available 24/7 no matter if you are new to the military, going through your first deployment, struggling through a transition, or even a veteran spouse there is someone there for you to talk to. 2. Leadership Training- Not everyone wants to be a volunteer but EVERYONE is a leader in their own way. With this well sought after training available to a group of spouses each year, more amazing opportunities will open up to those who seek them. 3. The Hub- Think social media but better. A secure platform with only military spouses who want to support each other. For more information about MSAN: https://www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org/ To reach us: www.deployedlove.org/podcast www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Now on Youtube and Tiktok too just look up Ruck Up Buttercup. Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Season 4 Episode 8 Fisher House Foundation On this week's episode of Ruck Up Buttercup we had the opportunity to speak with Mary Considine, the Chief of Staff for the Fisher House Foundation. She has been with this amazing organization for 20 years and has seen them grow from only a handful of houses to being on their journey to building the 100th house hopefully later this year. Fisher House Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 that provides a home away from home for military families when they are having a medical situation. Located next to hospitals and Va's nationwide, they provide a free place to allow families to visit, and support each other during times of medical need. They also provide support to Gold Star families during that process. On top of their many houses, they also have other programs that help pay for flights, as well as hotels as the need may arise. As well as some really great scholarships for students as well as spouses to help support the future of families in the military community. If you find yourself with a little free time and are interested in serving others in the military community there are many volunteer opportunities you can look into at a Fisher House near you. We're available to answer any questions listeners may have, and of course, tons of info is available at our website: www.fisherhouse.org Here are some quick links for show notes: Fisher House locations (for volunteering opportunities, too): https://fisherhouse.org/programs/houses/current-houses/ Hard copy directory of all house locations: https://site.production.v3.fisherhouse.org/site/media/210733/fh_directory-_january_2024.pdf Video about how to stay at a Fisher House: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTX-YwzBNc0&t=19s Virtual tour of a Fisher House: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9MzEef3rUc Interview with Jessica Lynch about her family staying at Fisher House: https://youtu.be/FDbAwz_uueQ?feature=shared Hero Miles program: https://fisherhouse.org/programs/hero-miles/ Hotels for Heros program: https://fisherhouse.org/programs/hotel-for-heroes/ Scholarships: https://fisherhouse.org/programs/scholarship-programs/ We didn't get this on-air, but here's the Scholarship Search Engine I mentioned: https://search.militaryscholar.org/ At, last but not least, the donate link: https://connect.fisherhouse.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=1 Find Ruck Up Buttercup here: www.deployedlove.org/podcast www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Tiktok: Ruck Up Buttercup Podcast Email for more information or to be on the show: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

On this week's episode of Ruck Up Buttercup we had Lauren Lomsdale from The Work From Home Milspo on the show. She told us all about the different things she offers through her website and programs. And we discuss how military spouses can get involved with working from home. Being able to work from home is an opportunity that not everyone has but as a military spouse is a career that actually fits pretty well with our frequently moving lifestyle. We talk some benefits, and challenges of working from home. To read more about The Work from Home Milspo be sure to check out Lauren's Website here: https://thewfhmilspo.com/about/ Find us Here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast

On this week's episode of Ruck Up Buttercup we are having a girl chat about what it means to slow down and honor the season of life you are in currently. Military life can be so hectic and there is always that “what's next” mentality. But sometimes you really need to slow down, put your feet up and enjoy what you are doing now!! Find us Here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast

Season 4 Episode 5 United Through Reading On this week's episode we are spot lighting a well known resource in the military community. United Through Reading; Vice President of Marketing and Communications. She spent this time with us explaining the amazing program of United Through Reading, where your service members can record themselves reading to you or your kids and then you are able to access the recordings during deployments. We talk about really creative and outstanding ways to use this resource to keep the connection with your military members as well as family members when you are stationed far away. For more information check out United Through Reading here: https://unitedthroughreading.org/ Find us: Website:www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Season 4 Episode 4 The Organized Military Life On this week's episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, we have the lovely Jana Arevalo from The Organized Military Life. She has grown a beautiful community for military families to find support, tips, and ideas on how to keep their military life organized. From blog articles about specific topics like PCS, and Decluttering, to Monthly calendars with Decluttering challenges Jana has some amazing resources you just need to hear about. She joined us today to give us some insight into how to find an organization system that will fit into your life. Military life really makes this part of life challenging. We move from house to house regularly and trying to make your things fit into different houses is not easy. Enjoy this episode and some great insight into making things easier. Find Jana for more information: https://theorganizedmilitarylife.com/ Find us: www.deployedlove.org/podcast www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email the show: SabrinaJohannes@deployedlove.org

This week on Ruck Up Buttercup we had the lovely Tara Brown as a guest to give her perspective on living overseas with kids. We talk about school, living with different cultures, experiences your kids will have, as well as Travel Travel Travel. We hope that if you are considering moving overseas this will give you a better idea of what to expect, and answer any questions you may have. You are surrounded by awesome military families who will have lots of stories and suggestions. Join our Facebook Group Deployed Love-Hearts Connected and you can grow your community across the world. Find us here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Website: www.deployedlove.org Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

In this episode we are talking about a subject that is really hard to approach. We know that our military members need to have good mental health in order to most effectively complete the mission. However, the military also comes with many different types of trauma. From basic training to deployments each person experiences things that will affect how they portrait the world going forward. Unfortunately for a lot of military members they are going to suffer from PTSD, Anxiety, or Depression. We are hopeful that mental health will continue to become a more talked about topic as you will hear from our guest Lara Brown-Akerstrom today that sadly it's not always approached as it should. We all know the all to daunting statistic of 20 veterans per day die by suicide as a result of lack of treatment or failed treatment for mental disorders. (Mental Health First Aid) We hope by speaking on the issue, it will bring more awareness and hopefully reach the concerned ears of the right person. As military spouses this isn't a statistic to us, this is our spouses, and our friends they are talking about. Suffering in silence and waging a war inside their heads that we can't see. Reach out to your military family, keep in contact, know the signs and suggest resources. Because although you may feel annoying and persistent, there is something to be said for simply having people acknowledge your struggle. Resources: Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/veterans-military/ Cohen Clinic: https://centerstone.org/cohen-military-family-clinic/ Military One Source: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ Brandon Act: https://thebrandonact.org/ Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ Wreaths Across America: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ Fischer House: https://fisherhouse.org/ Gold Star Families: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/casualty-assistance/survivor-support/honoring-gold-star-families/ Contact us: Email: Sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast

So you hear our voices every episode, today we are answering questions about ourselves to let you get to know us better. From New Years goals to honest insight into how hard in your 30s it can be to endure a PCS and trying to make new friends!! We are so grateful for you all being part of the show over the last 3 years and we would love to get to know even more of you. If you would like to come on the show and tell us about your military story please let us know!! Reach out to us here: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: SabrinaJohannes@deployedlove.org

On this week's episode Sabrina and Ashley talk about how you can use technology as well as other great things to keep relationships strong when you aren't near each other. Building and keeping relationships in your life that are important to you while living the Military Life can often be challenging, but are worth the time and effort. You love these people and though you aren't just down the street, allowing yourself to schedule time to chat, play a game, visit, and connect will make all the difference when you do leave this season of life. Reach us: Ruck Up Buttercup: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deploydlove.org

On this episode we were joined by Hannah, she was so amazing to come on to our show and bring awareness to some minorities in the military community. Her family has experienced this first hand. As Jewish Members of the military community there are often hurdles and struggles that the average military member may not encounter. Hannah brought to light some of those challenges and how her and her spouse are doing great things to simply bring awareness to the issues. They simply want to see people who are part of the minorities in the military having their physical needs (including food) being met, but also that there is enough of a level of respect to simply ensure their family will grow up in a space they can feel safe. We are more than most communities a Melting Pot of Traditions. We need to be much more aware of how we can be inclusive, and learn amazing things from one another. For those of you looking to learn more Hannah has provided an amazing resource her family uses, as well as we have included her TikTok link so you can see the amazing videos her family creates Resources Mentioned: PJ Library: https://pjlibrary.org/communities/jwb-jewish-chaplains-council/51194 Aleph Institute: https://alephmilitary.org Kosher Troops: https://koshertroops.com JWB Jewish Chaplains Council: https://jcca.org/what-we-do/jwb/ Hannah's Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejewishmilspouse Find Ruck Up Buttercup Here: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup www.deployedlove.org/podcast Reach out to us: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

On this week's episode we are joined with guest Gracie Burgess of Grace of a Military Child. She is the host of an amazing podcast that supports military families but telling the stories of military kids across the world. Her stories and program help to connect military kids with like minded people as well as allow them to hear other stories. This brings this beautiful sense of community to them. Not all military families are stationed at installations. Especially guards, and reserve units, however they still are activated and deployed. Those families feel disconnected and disadvantaged when very real life events happen. Gracie so lovely tells her experience of the time her father was injured while deployed. Her heartbreaking story of how this affected her life being a military kid is one you should hear. We all hope that we will never have to be the one receiving a call like this, but unfortunately it happens. Ashley and Gracie chat about amazing resources to know about, it is better to be prepared than be grasping for strings if that time does come. Resources Mentioned: Military Advocacy Programs through schools: We don't have a specific link for this as it will depend on your location. But this is amazing if your school has this function your kids will really enjoy connecting with other military kids in their community. Fisher House: https://fisherhouse.org/ Reach out to Gracie: Grace of a Military Child and Life Email: gburg20@gmail.com Reach out to us: www.deployedlove.org/podcast www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: SabrinaJohannes@deployedlove.org

This week's episode is a chill girl chat with Sabrina Johannes and Ashley Brown. Get your coffee and cozy up for this positive and uplifting episode. We sat down to talk about how to find your strength in waiting for separations to end. Deployments can be so hard on both spouses, and oftentimes during the holiday's it will leave you in a really sad mood. We suggest some really great ways to make that time feel a little bit better. Just remember that this season might be hard but it is still part of your life, don't just skip everything and wait. Find what brings you joy, make strong friendships, and learn more about yourself as you are forced to be more independent. We are about to start a brand new season, can you believe it has been 3 years already. We are looking for you, we need amazing military spouses who want to come on and chat with us about their military story. We love to hear your experiences and help other spouses realize that we are all in this together. Please reach out to us: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org Find us on Social Media: Facebook- www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram- www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast

We have been wanting to do an episode to include our dual military spouses for so many years, and it has been so hard to find a guest for this episode. We know just how busy those spouses are. This episode we were really lucky to have a dear friend of Sabrina's on the show. Lynnette Plevris has lived the dual military life, and ultimately chose to give up her military career to benefit her family all around. She has shared her experiences from both perspectives, and the challenges she has encountered. This is an amazing listen to give you some perspective into what it is like for your military member as well as any friends you know who are both active duty. The challenges are there for certain. Find Ruck Up Buttercup here: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast www.deployedlove.org/podcast Email us: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Today's Episode we are joined by the amazing Sharita Knobloch from Mission: Milspouse. She is the executive director and has been with their organization for 10 years now. She is such an outstanding person within the military community and it was a complete honor to have the opportunity to chat with her. Ruck Up Buttercup is sponsored and supported by Deployed Love which was founded by our co-host Sabrina Johannes and is now ran by executive director Ashley Brown. Both organizations are ran by outstanding people within the military community who volunteer their time year round to make sure that our community remains supported in all seasons. We discussed this episode specifically how volunteering not only benefits the military community but also the volunteer. From training, experience, skills, but also building a tribe, and finding a place to fit in when we move so often. Both organizations would be more than happy to have you wherever you might fit best!! Mission: Milspouse can be found: www.missionmilspouse.org Contact Sharita to get involved: sharita@missionmilspouse.org Deployed Love can be found: www.deployedlove.org Contact Ashley to get involved: ashleybrown@deployedlove.org

Season 3 Episode 17 Finances On this week's episode we had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Courtney of Heroes Financial Coaching. She works regularly with Military and First Responders to help them get out of debt and budget their money to help them find financial stability. We all know that military members and families don't make massive amounts of money. There are also always unplanned expenses with moves, and rental housing that are just really hard to budget for. Never mind the fact that money just doesn't seem to go as far as expenses around the world seem to continue to rise over and over. We discuss how we save money shopping, budget our money to account for every dollar, and best ways to save your money so it continues to grow. We hope this episode brings you so much information that helps you guys to get through the expensive times. If you want to reach out to Courtney you can find her here: www.heroesfinancialcoaching.com Other resources mentioned during this episode: Every Dollar App https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ramseyplus/everydollar Allybank (www.ally.com) Armed Forces Vacation Club www.afvclub.com Find us: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: SabrinaJohannes@deployedlove.org

This week's episode we talk about how it feels to go from military girlfriend to spouse. We talk about our weddings, the changes you endure, and the joys of being a military spouse. We talk about stigmas like “military relationships don't last” and “you married him for the money”. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and spend some time with us as we chat about this much discussed military topic. Find Us Here: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast www.deployedlove.org/podcast Email us: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Welcome to this week's episode. Sabrina Johannes and Ashley Brown have special guest Heidi Dindial. Heidi is a former Volunteer with Deployed Love. She is also a veteran and now veteran spouse. She has joined us to share her recent experience with the process of outprocessing and moving into retirement from the military. She has hands-on experience and knowledge and some fantastic tips for how to best proceed during the process. We also discussed some really fantastic resources that we have knowledge of for helping during the transition. They will all be listed below. However, there are so many other ones out there that you could work with. Most military associated communities have one's local to your region. Some of the resources we mentioned: Instateams: https://www.instateam.net/ Hiring our Heroes:https://www.hiringourheroes.org/ Blue Star Families: https://bluestarfam.org/ Skill Bridge: https://skillbridge.osd.mil/ VA Benefits: www.va.gov Act Now Education: https://actnoweducation.org/ Find Heidi Dindial here: heididindial@gmail.com Find Ruck Up Buttercup here: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Or email us: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

Welcome to this week's episode. We have such an honest and interesting episode for you today. We have the amazing guest Kimberly Gold come on to chat with us about Positive Mindset and Habits. Kimberly is an amazing advocate for the community as well as supporting the military spouse. You will hear us start this episode out talking about her passion to help military spouses get jobs and really decrease the unemployment rate for military spouses. We also really dig into our goals, and habits we are working on. And we are honest with the challenges we hit in order to stay positive people. Some of the resources we mentioned: Instateams: https://www.instateam.net/ The High Five Habit: https://www.amazon.de/High-Habit-Control-Simple-English-ebook/dp/B099JBXNQK The Three Second Rule: https://www.melrobbins.com/5secondrule Hiring our Heroes:https://www.hiringourheroes.org/ Blue Star Families: https://bluestarfam.org/ Find Kimberly Gold here: kimberlyisgold@gmail.com Find Ruck Up Buttercup here: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Or email us: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org

This week we are talking about Travel with Amber Korban from Amber Korban Travel Co. She has some great tips on how to plan your dream trip, or even a road trip home. We are here to encourage you to go see things, get out and explore your duty stations. As military spouses we tend to get stuck in the routine of spending our leave going back to see family where we grew up. This is great but if you feel like you are doing this simply because you feel guilty from moving away, you don't have to always do that. Save your leave time for family vacations, and encourage your family to meet you on trips that will be enjoyable to everyone. Amber also tells about all the amazing places that you can go that offer Military Discount to help you keep your trips even more affordable. She is always available to help you book your next trip, if you have more questions you can reach her at amberkorban@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093165814105 Website: www.amberkorbantravelco.com Find out more about Ruck Up Buttercup Podcast www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org Find out more about Deployed Love www.deployedlove.org

Welcome to the Military If you are reading this we here at Ruck Up Buttercup Sabrina Johannes and Ashley Brown hope that you have found us from a dear friend or a group on Facebook. We hope that if you are new to the military family that you soon find your tribe and are able to connect. We are both strong advocates that the sooner you put yourself out there the easier it will be. Being the new spouse in the unit, or even just having to learn the way of the military for the first time is hard. There are going to be times where you feel like you have landed on an alien planet. We were all there once. We all had to learn the ranks, the acronyms, and how to use the amazing resources available to us as military spouses. We genuinely hope that the discussion you are listening to this week on our podcast with Kami Sutton feels like a warm hug. We want to express our feelings and show that we have all been there. We want to really help you make the adjustment in the best way possible. If you listen to this episode and you feel like you are still lost in the sauce please feel free to reach out. We are just other military spouses and we want nothing more than to help. As a Girl Chat episode we don't have a lot of resources to quote but we hope you will come by our page on Facebook or Instagram and say Hi. We are working really hard to grow a community with our listeners and have over the last 3 years really put out soul out into the world to connect and hopefully help you all. You can find us at: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.faceook.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast

Season 3 Episode 11 Welcome back to one of our ever loved Girl Chats!! Sabrina and Ashley discuss this week, Hobbies. Finding something to keep you happy, busy, and find your identity is very important as a military spouse. We discuss some of our favorite hobbies, and why we love them. If you are a book lover you are going to love this episode as we are both avid book readers and dive deep into what we have been reading this year!! We do discuss a few great resources too though. Operation we are here: https://www.operationwearehere.com/getconnected.html 12 Million Plus : https://www.twelvemillionplus.com/ As always you can find us on Facebook and Instagram: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast And Deployed Love: www.deployedlove.org

Season 3 Episode 10 Today we are joined by Carolyn Wilson. Carolyn is a veteran spouse, she was with her spouse through his entire army career, and through his transition of retiring. Throughout her long time within the military family she has experienced first hand many different situations that will come up. She took her experiences and chose to write a wonderful book called: The Trials and Tribulations of the Military Spouse. She talks in this book about everything from falling in love, to surviving the storms. She wrote the books in hopes of being a beacon in the dark for spouses still going through life and feeling like they are alone. She hopes that her stories will bring some lovely spouses some solace in the fact that they will come out on the other side and be better for it. If you are interested in purchasing this book, it is available on most platforms. Here is a link to it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Carolyn-Wilson/dp/0965506460 Carolyn has also started a publishing company and is available to help you with any publishing needs you may have she can be reached via her website: https://www.facebook.com/dreamfaithpublishing/ For any interest in the podcast including sponsorships please reach out to Sabrina Johannes our Co-host and Producer at sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org For information about Deployed Love: www.deployedlove.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/deployedloveorg

On this Episode of Ruck Up Buttercup Podcast we had special guest Marie Mendez Reed on the show. Marie is the Founder of Moving with the Military as well as the non-profit Inspire Up. She is a military spouse of nearly 20 years and has so much great wisdom that she has obtained with her time as part of the military family. Her expertise lies heavily in helping military families find ways to affordably and easily make their new houses they find themselves in during PCS moves feel more like home. Moving with the Military is an amazing show that lives to give military families their voice in the world to tell their story. With the amazing perk of being a home renovation show as well. This feel good show is amazing so make sure to check them out. Inspire Up is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to serving our military and first responder families while also standing in the gap for underserved communities. They are the founders of Giving Tuesday Military which takes the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and with amazing advocates across the world takes the day to do Random Acts of Kindness in their communities!! Reach out for more information on how to get involved. Reach Marie these ways: Moving with the Military: https://www.movingwiththemilitary.tv/ Inspire Up: https://inspireupfoundation.org/ Reach us: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast And streaming on all your favorite podcast listening locations. As well as now available on Wreaths Across America Radio on Friday's at 11 pm and Sundays at 1 pm Eastern You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app search the word Wreath.