Before you know it, the calendar flips to November, your to-do list triples overnight, and suddenly you’re stress-breathing in the corner to the tune of Jingle Bells. If the holidays have a way of sneaking up on you (and taking your sanity with them) you’re in good company.

In this archived episode, we’re revisiting one of our most relatable conversations: How to Stay Sane During the Holiday Season with #MilMCContributor Kailyn.

From managing expectations, to keeping your calendar from combusting, to letting go of the mythical “perfect” holiday, Kailyn brings the kind of practical, grounded advice we all need this time of year.

Whether you’re navigating deployments, travel plans, visiting family, hosting family (we see you), or just trying to remember where you hid the gift receipts, this episode is the reset your nervous system has been waiting for.

✨ Listen in and exhale… you don’t have to do the holidays alone.
🎧 Tune in now and read Kailyn’s full post here:
https://militarymomcollective.com/parenthood/military-moms/how-to-stay-sane-during-the-holiday-season/

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In this episode Maura chats with Jenny Valderas, Senior Director of Family Support Services at Operation Homefront, a non-profit that’s proudly supported America’s military families since 2002.

Jenny explains how Operation Homefront offers relief and recurring support programs aimed at preventing short-term challenges from turning into long-term hardships. She also highlights their Military Child of the Year® program recognizing the resilience, leadership, and service of military‐connected children and explains how this fits into the broader mission of service, honor, and community for military families.

From emergency assistance and back-to-school initiatives to transitional housing and youth recognition programs, this is a must-listen conversation for any military parent, spouse, or advocate who cares about the strength and future of our community.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!

📌 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Review!

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us! We invite you to share your own experiences as a military spouse and/or mom, either in the comments or through our social media channels.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor - USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

Providing protection for your family. Peace of mind for you.

Their term coverage includes unique features specifically designed to help protect military families.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram - @theredwhiteandboo
• Email: podcast@militarymomcollective.com

In this episode of Red, White & Boo, Nicki speaks with Dr. Kristi Cabiao, founder of Mission Alpha Advocacy, about the grassroots movement led by volunteers who share one powerful connection, they all love someone with autism.

Dr. Cabiao explains how Mission Alpha Advocacy began and how this passionate team is standing up for military families by challenging gaps in the TRICARE system. They discuss the Autism Care Demonstration, access to ABA therapy, and the complex relationship between the Defense Health Agency (DHA) (which creates the policies) and the TRICARE contractors (responsible for carrying them out).

This candid conversation sheds light on what it means to turn frustration into advocacy and how one dedicated group is working to make sure every family gets the care they need and deserve.

💡 Related reads from Military Mom Collective:
👉 What Autism Is by Identifying What It Isn’t
👉 5 Ways to Teach Your Children to Be Inclusive

Support the show

Thank you for listening!

📌 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Review!

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us! We invite you to share your own experiences as a military spouse and/or mom, either in the comments or through our social media channels.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor - USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

Providing protection for your family. Peace of mind for you.

Their term coverage includes unique features specifically designed to help protect military families.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram - @theredwhiteandboo
• Email: podcast@militarymomcollective.com

In this heartfelt archived episode, we revisit an inspiring conversation with two incredible military spouses, Karen and Stacy, who shared their powerful stories of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and resilience.

Their honesty, strength, and hope resonated deeply with our listeners last year and their stories remain just as impactful today.

Since this episode first aired, Stacy has continued her journey with unimaginable strength and grace, facing several more challenges along the way. We invite you to listen to this conversation again and then follow her story on Instagram to see how her courage continues to inspire so many.

🎗️ As We Recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We want to remind everyone of the importance of regular self-exams and early detection.

Here’s how to perform a self-exam:

• Look: Stand in front of a mirror and check for any visible changes.
• Feel: Use your fingers to gently feel for lumps or changes in texture (while lying down or in the shower).
• Be Aware: Know your body and report any unusual changes to your healthcare provider.

Early detection saves lives. 💗

• Follow Stacy Bilodeau on Instagram to continue following her story and journey of strength.
• Follow Karen Gutierrez on Instagram to support and connect with her ongoing journey. [Shop Sailor and Sons]

Support the show

Thank you for listening!

📌 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Review!

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us! We invite you to share your own experiences as a military spouse and/or mom, either in the comments or through our social media channels.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor - USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

Providing protection for your family. Peace of mind for you.

Their term coverage includes unique features specifically designed to help protect military families.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram - @theredwhiteandboo
• Email: podcast@militarymomcollective.com

In this episode, we’re revisiting one of our most relatable and heartfelt episodes that was inspired by the popular blog post, I’m Tired of Being a Military Spouse
from The Military Mom Collective.

This archived episode still hits home today as we talk openly about the exhaustion that can come with military life. The constant changes, emotional load, and the feeling of always needing to be “resilient.” It’s honest, real, and a reminder that even the strongest among us get tired sometimes.

"But today I was just tired of it, so I threw myself a pity-party for one. Tomorrow, though; tomorrow I’ll do what I do best: start cancelling reservations, suck it up, and move on. Here’s to tomorrow."

Support the show

Thank you for listening!

📌 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Review!

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us! We invite you to share your own experiences as a military spouse and/or mom, either in the comments or through our social media channels.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor - USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

Providing protection for your family. Peace of mind for you.

Their term coverage includes unique features specifically designed to help protect military families.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram - @theredwhiteandboo
• Email: podcast@militarymomcollective.com

In this inspiring episode, hosts Nicki and Maura sit down with Dr. Monica, a powerhouse advocate and educator dedicated to supporting military families through every stage of service and transition.

Dr. Monica shares her insights on how military parents can help their kids navigate the big emotions that come with deployment and separation, and she opens up about her work through the Resilient Military Family Academy, which equips families with the tools to build strength and connection despite the challenges of military life.

The conversation also dives into the realities of being the “default parent,” how to reclaim self-care before and after motherhood, and the importance of talking about the “quiet barriers” military spouses face. These are topics that are often left unspoken in the community.

Plus, Dr. Monica gives us a peek into her favorite book recommendations and her love for the Danish concept of Hygge, offering practical ways to bring warmth, peace, and balance into military family life.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!

📌 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Review!

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us! We invite you to share your own experiences as a military spouse and/or mom, either in the comments or through our social media channels.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor - USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

Providing protection for your family. Peace of mind for you.

Their term coverage includes unique features specifically designed to help protect military families.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram - @theredwhiteandboo
• Email: podcast@militarymomcollective.com

Mo and Jenn are back for another heartfelt and meaningful conversation! You may remember them from our first “Love, Mom” episode, where they shared the ups and downs of being military moms.

This time, they’re catching us up on a big year for their families: both of their sons [who proudly serve in the military] got married! Mo and Jenn open up about what it’s like to be both moms of service members and a mother of the groom. They share their experiences stepping into the role of mother-in-laws, learning how to meet their new daughters-in-law where they are, and finding the balance between love, guidance, and “staying in their lane.”

This episode is full of laughter, a few tears, and plenty of wisdom. Whether you’re a military mom, a mother-in-law, or just navigating family changes, you’ll relate to the joys, challenges, and humor of this new chapter.

Don’t miss this special episode full of love, laughter, and learning to gracefully expand your family.

Learn more about the "Love, Mom" group and join the community by visiting their Facebook Group, HERE.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!

📌 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Review!

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us! We invite you to share your own experiences as a military spouse and/or mom, either in the comments or through our social media channels.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor - USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

Providing protection for your family. Peace of mind for you.

Their term coverage includes unique features specifically designed to help protect military families.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram - @theredwhiteandboo
• Email: podcast@militarymomcollective.com

Do you remember how you felt walking into your six-week postpartum checkup? Maybe you were tired, overwhelmed, or even lost. Maybe you felt all three and a million more.

In this episode, we’re sharing a powerful audio clip from our Monarch: From Cocoon to Crown virtual summit featuring Courtney Daly Boyer, M.Ed., M.S.— relationship and sexuality expert and author of Not Tonight, Honey: Why Women Actually Don't Want Sex and What We Can Do About It.

Courtney presents a raw and honest way to approach pleasure postpartum, whether you’re in the early stages with diapers and bottles everywhere, or years beyond, juggling carpools and rediscovering yourself. With her signature blend of expertise and relatability, she shares why prioritizing pleasure matters and how women can begin to reclaim it in everyday life.

Courtney Boyer is a relationship and sexuality expert, certified life coach, and author. She knows firsthand what it’s like to chase "Supermom" status, overachieve, and push herself to the limit, only to realize that accomplishment doesn’t equal fulfillment. Her work is deeply personal, helping women reclaim their pleasure, confidence, and self-worth. Courtney has been featured in Parent’s, CNBC, The Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, The Independent, and Yahoo!. She and her active-duty Army husband of 20+ years have three children and embrace the adventure of OCONUS life.

Are you ready to prioritize your pleasure? Courtney’s insights will give you both validation and practical tools to begin that journey.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!

📌 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Review!

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us! We invite you to share your own experiences as a military spouse and/or mom, either in the comments or through our social media channels.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor - USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

Providing protection for your family. Peace of mind for you.

Their term coverage includes unique features specifically designed to help protect military families.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram - @theredwhiteandboo
• Email: podcast@militarymomcollective.com