Bonus Episode • Equipment Scams • Buyer & Seller Best Practices

Ever encounter a “too-good-to-be-true” listing for marching band gear online? In this bonus episode, host Nicole Younger sits down with band educators Christine Ream (@guardcloset), Erica Owens (@urkuh_spins), and Rose Crow (@r0secr0w) to unpack firsthand accounts of attempted equipment fraud. They discuss the red-flag warning signs, share real victim experiences, and lay out practical steps every program can take to protect booster funds and ensure secure transactions. Whether you need used rifles, sabers, flags, or uniforms, learn how to spot scam listings, choose secure payment methods, and explore trustworthy alternatives so your students never miss a beat.

HOST & GUESTS

• Host: Nicole Younger — @o2bnpjs
• Guest: Christine Ream — @guardcloset
• Guest: Erica Owens — @urkuh_spins
• Guest: Rose Crow — @r0secr0w

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• Scam Red Flags: How missing profile photos, refusal to use PayPal Goods & Services, and requests for Cash App signaled fraud.
• Community Response: Christine explains how Facebook-group admins removed the scammer, why vigilant moderation matters, and how to safeguard performers’ images.
• Real Victim Story: A band booster’s Apple Pay loss underscores the importance of protected payment channels.
• Tech Block Quick Tips:
– Blending brass on uneven turf surfaces
– Teaching tempo consistency without a metronome
– Drill-set pointers for complex field formations
• Water We Doing?!: Panel calls out:
– Lack of size inclusivity in off-the-rack dancewear
– Overuse of props and resulting class disparities in program budgets
– Neglecting Memorial Day observances by some groups
– Underfilled DCI corps tryouts (over 1,000 open spots in 2025)
• Gush & Go:
– Erica & Rose’s successful youth program recruitment at a community vendor fair
– Rose’s upcoming Community Spin event welcoming all ages to flag work
– Christine’s 25-year legacy helping schools nationwide with guard and band equipment

“If a seller refuses to use PayPal Goods & Services and insists on Cash App, walk away—your boosters’ money is at risk.” — Rose CrowQUICK LINKS

• Guard Closet → https://guardcloset.com
• Peak Group Travel → https://peakgrouptravel.com
• Be Our Next Guest → https://forms.gle/7GcpYZLfY8Uo54pp9
• Host Questionnaire → https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QHSqoUpMbUqhrCa5rNK8zRFgVB4BROjZBCQ4m6yd4aQ
• Follow Us:
– Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/onawaterbreak
– TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@onawaterbreak
– Link in Bio → https://linktree.com/onawaterbreak

SPONSORS

• Peak Group Travel – Ensuring your next competition trip is worry-free.
• Guard Closet – Trusted source for new and consignment guard and band equipment.

FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE

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HASHTAGS

#OnAWaterBreak #MarchingBand #EquipmentScams #ColorGuard #DrumCorps #BuyerBeware #GuardCloset #PeakGroupTravel #MarchingArts #Podcast #SafetyFirst #CommunityEvents #MarchingLife