The Waiting Warriors Podcast Michelle Bowler

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 families face.
The conversation covers the importance of budgeting, how to effectively manage finances despite the unpredictable military life, and introduces Go VA's digital platform, The Edge, designed to empower military couples through free, comprehensive financial education.
From assessing money personalities to setting financial goals and utilizing neutral tools for budgeting and planning, this episode provides invaluable insights and practical advice for military spouses seeking financial stability and growth.
Check out THE EDGE: https://mygova.com/
Get more Waiting Warriors content and resources: https://www.instagram.com/thewaitingwarriors/
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Financial Empowerment for Military Spouses
01:41 Meet the Expert: Lizanne Lightfoot, The Seasoned Spouse
03:18 The Unique Financial Challenges of Military Life
07:31 Practical Tips for Budgeting and Financial Planning For Military Spouses
13:23 Leveraging Tools for Financial Education and Empowerment During Deployments and PCSing
27:03 Setting Financial Goals and Building a Strong Partnership as a Military Couple
36:46 Conclusion: Empowerment For Military Couples Through Education

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 finding joy and purpose during such times. The conversation covers practical advice, the importance of preparation, utilizing resources like the Deployment Readiness Coordinators (DRC), and fostering community connections.
Additionally, they touch on mindset and perspective as key to thriving during deployment, rather than merely surviving.
*Thank you to this episode's sponsor: National University! Check out their military spouse scholarship and how they can help you get your degree with flexible schedules and classes adaptable to the military spouse lifestyle! https://glnk.io/p987m/thewaitingwarriors
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast - A Podcast For Military Spouses, Fiances, and Girlfriends
00:39 Welcome to The Waiting Warriors Podcast
01:28 Thriving During Your First Deployment
02:32 Understanding the Concept of Thriving As A Military Spouse
05:47 Experiences from a First Deployment
07:03 The Importance of Staying Engaged and Active In The Military Community
09:46 The Power of Mindset and Intentionality
11:45 The Value of Community and Support For Military Spouses
14:05 The Role of Preparation and Empowerment For A Successful Deployment
25:50 The Impact of Mindset on Thriving
29:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
30:02 Sponsor Message: National University

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 actionable advice on building resilience, leveraging opportunities like remote work, and remaining proactive to ensure that careers are not solely dictated by military life. Amanda also discusses her personal experiences, underscoring the importance of mindset, openness with superiors, flexibility, and planning ahead to ensure career progress.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Waiting Warriors Podcast
00:39 Guest Introduction: Amanda Scott
01:01 Understanding the Impact of TDYs on Military Spouses
01:26 Amanda's Career Journey and the Role of RTX
02:10 The Challenges of Maintaining a Career Amidst TDYs
04:17 Defining 'Career' and 'Maintaining' in the Context of Military Life
05:07 Amanda's Personal Experience with Career Progression and Military Impact
11:43 Strategies for Maintaining a Career During TDYs
17:31 Examples of Workplace Accommodations for Military Spouses
20:23 Workplace Accommodations for Military Spouses
20:53 Understanding FMLA and Its Benefits
22:33 The Importance of Having a Plan
25:16 Advocacy and Communication in the Workplace
30:24 Overcoming Challenges and Thriving in Your Career
36:12 Connecting with Resources for Career-Minded Military Spouses
37:47 Amanda's Key To Thriving

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 that come along with deployments, reintegration, and shifting family dynamics. They delve into the importance of networking and connections, their experiences as military spouses, and how seeking compassion rather than understanding can lead to more supportive communities. Tiffany encourages listeners to find meaningful connections away from the internet and shares her experiences in various supportive spaces, like spouses' clubs. Additionally, a discussion on misconceptions related to rank and the need to embrace vulnerability within the military community is shared. 
Connect with Tiffany: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-joe-kelley-427a16210/
https://www.facebook.com/tifferjoe 
 
Get more Waiting Warrrios Content: 
https://www.facebook.com/thewaitingwarriors
https://www.instagram.com/thewaitingwarriors/ 
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to The Waiting Warriors Podcast
00:40 Guest Introduction: Tiffany Kelly
01:04 The Reality of Military Life: Admitting the Hardships
02:00 Tiffany's Personal Journey and Challenges
04:50 The Importance of Open Communication and Support
06:11 The Struggles of Being a Military Spouse
08:55 The Misconception of 'Knowing What You Signed Up For'
15:56 The Need for Compassion and Understanding
18:43 The Impact of Military Life on Family
22:00 Advice for Voicing Concerns and Struggles
24:43 The Power of Human Connection Over Online Interactions
26:20 Finding Resources and Support Within Your Community
26:58 The Impact of Online Criticism and the Importance of Real-Life Interactions
28:13 The Importance of In-Person Communication and Compassion
29:57 The Struggles of Military Spouses and the Need for Understanding
34:24 The Challenges of Reintegration After Deployment
36:46 The Role of Senior Spouses in Advocacy and Support
40:57 The Importance of Getting Out and Connecting with Others
46:29 The Power of Compassion and Connection in the Military Spouse Community
48:19 Conclusion: Thriving as a Military Spouse Through Connection and Compassion

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 get comfortable with the quiet.
The conversation delves into topics of developing communication and dealing with challenges. The Podcast discusses striving for balance, keeping open channels of communication, maintaining healthy family dynamics, and being kind to yourself during this often-difficult military lifestyle.
 
Connect with Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethwmarion/
https://libyworks.podia.com/ 
Connect with The Waiting Warriors: https://www.instagram.com/thewaitingwarriors/ 
 
 
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:50 Welcome to the Waiting Warriors Podcast
01:48 Interview with Liz: Balancing Personal and Professional Goals
02:08 The Challenges of Being a Military Spouse
04:50 Liz's Journey as a Military Spouse and Business Owner
06:53 Tactical Advice for Balancing Work and Life
12:23 The Importance of Reframing and Redefining Success
14:34 Dealing with Unexpected Challenges
16:25 The Power of Gratitude and Open Communication
19:26 Striving for a Happy and Peaceful Retirement
22:32 Us Versus the Problem: A Mindset for Conflict Resolution
24:08 Embracing the Hardships
24:22 Making the Most of Difficult Situations
24:43 Experiences in 29 Palms
26:17 Setting and Managing Professional Goals
28:46 Balancing Work and Personal Life
30:05 Facing Loneliness and Embracing Stillness
31:19 Managing Professional Life During Deployment
34:08 Maintaining Boundaries and Building Resilience
37:25 Balancing Travel and Family Life
41:16 Key to Thriving: Embracing Individual Days
43:10 Connecting with Liz
43:39 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message
 

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 strong relationship during deployments, and building resilience. Explore the new book, Military Culture Shift, for insights on effectively navigating the evolving military spouse culture. Tune in for practical advice to adapt to change and build a stronger and more resilient military family and spouse life.
00:00 Introduction: The Challenges of Military Family Reintegration
00:29 Interview with Cori Weathers: Expert Insights on Military Family Reintegration
01:21 The Waiting Warriors Podcast: A Platform for Military Spouses
02:19 Guest Introduction: Cori Weathers, Military Spouse and Mental Health Clinician
03:06 Cori's Personal Journey and Career Evolution
05:11 The Importance of Connection and Understanding in Military Spouse Life
07:24 Reintegration Challenges: Feeling Broken and Alone
13:41 The Process of Change and Growth During Deployment
17:30 Reintegration Strategies: Building a New Normal
25:20 Understanding the Importance of Shared Values in Relationships
26:21 The Power of Shared Experiences and Playfulness in Reconnection
27:32 The Struggles of Reintegration and the Role of Shared Vulnerability
28:39 Exploring Non-traditional Date Night Ideas
32:12 The Importance of Vulnerability and Confidence in a Marriage
36:46 Introducing 'Military Culture Shift': A Book for Understanding Military Life
42:53 The Importance of Positive Leadership and Care in the Military Community
45:02 The Impact of Congressional Funding on Military Families
46:49 Closing Thoughts: Spreading Goodness and Light
 
Get Corie's Book "Military Culture Shift" (*affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3vV4UXA.
Get Corie's Book "Sacred Spaces" (*Affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3UebMtA 
 
Connect and get more Waiting Warriors Content on www.Instagram.com/TheWaitingWarriors  or TheWaitingWarriors.com