This episode starts light—antibiotics, diet culture, and a very questionable Fen-Phen story—but quickly turns into something much deeper.

Kerri is joined by her mom, Barbara Pomarolli, who shares her extraordinary experience serving as a Red Cross worker on a Navy hospital ship during the Vietnam War. At just 24, she was one of only two women selected for the role.

From caring for wounded soldiers and writing their final letters home, to navigating life in an active war zone, Barbara’s story is equal parts heartbreaking, inspiring, and unforgettable—with a few unexpected moments of humor along the way.

http://kerripom.com/

https://tatcha.com/

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro + near-death stories & antibiotics nostalgia
01:30 – Diet culture throwbacks (SlimFast, Dexatrim)
02:30 – KERRI’s Fen-Phen story + LA pressure
03:30 – Cancer scare update & “celebrating being alive”

04:20 – Introducing Barbara Pomeroli
05:00 – Chosen for Vietnam (Red Cross)
07:00 – Decision to go + family reactions

09:30 – Arrival in Vietnam + first impressions
12:30 – Life on the USS Repose

15:00 – Role on the ship + helping patients
17:00 – Writing letters for wounded soldiers
19:00 – Death, loss & final letters

20:30 – Burn unit realities + emotional toll
22:00 – Comforting soldiers + human connection

24:00 – Daily life + entertainment shows
26:30 – Faith & church on the ship

29:00 – Returning home during anti-war protests
31:00 – Long-term health effects

33:00 – Legacy, veterans & reflection

34:30 – “We Don’t Hate It” (skincare segment)
36:00 – Wrap-up & where to follow