This month on Orange Gum, in honor of Month of the Military Child, we’re spotlighting the tough stuff, the good stuff, and everything in between.
We’re joined by our guy Dustin Hughes (basically a superhero spouse, dad, and defender in boots) who shares how military families are shaped by resilience, adventure, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you grew up on base or just want to understand this community a little better, this one’s all about the strength of military kids and the families who raise them.

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Is your friend group basically one long networking event? In this episode, we’re asking ourselves, why do we always default to work talk? Are we out of hobbies, or just stuck in the grind? Join us as we call it out and shake things up. Let’s figure out how to break free from the office chatter and start having real, fun, actual conversations. Let’s talk about anything!

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We explore what it means to be present and supportive, both for ourselves and the people around us, particularly when things are uncertain. A lot of us are feeling down right now, so we wanted to have some real talk about how hope isn't just something that happens to us. It's something we actively build through our actions, small acts of kindness, and by choosing to connect with others.

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When the world feels heavy, how do we keep going? In this episode, we unpack the emotional toll of current events, explore why some news hits harder, think through how to balance staying informed without burning out, and look for ways to find resilience even in uncertain times. Listen now for real talk, practical coping strategies, and a reminder that as always, you’re not alone. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

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In this episode, we’re turning the lens inward to explore the transformative power of reflection. Together, we’ll chat about the lessons and wins from 2024, using them to fuel clarity and growth for 2025. Discover the key questions to ask yourself for those “aha” moments as we talk through ideas such as keep/start/stop framework to simplify our next steps. It’s all about celebrating resilience, embracing wisdom, and stepping into the new year with purpose. Add this episode to your repertoire to help design 2025 as the year we align our intentions with meaningful action.

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Join us as we kick off 2025 by focusing on setting meaningful intentions for the year ahead. We explore why intentions, not rigid resolutions, lead to sustainable growth and reduced stress. With candid conversations about women’s health, including perimenopause and its common symptoms, we aim to normalize the conversation and provide our pro tips on prioritizing wellness, from gut health to hormonal balance. This episode isn’t just for women – it’s for anyone who wants to support the women in their lives or better understand wellness. Start your year with knowledge, compassion, and a focus on how we can thrive in 2025 together!

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After a year packed with big moments and unforgettable twists, we’re wrapping it up OG-style with a focus on a few of our favorite things! (Yes, we know you sang it. We did too!) This episode is serving up all the goodness, gratitude and good vibes as we reflect on what things make our lives easier, things we adore, and why we’re hyped for what’s next. Your end-of-year playlist deserves a little extra Orange Gum flavor, and this episode is the perfect companion for all your holiday events. Hit play, soak up the magic of the season, and let’s close out 2024 the right way!

Just Smile by LiQWYD | https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd/

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Why does life so often feel out of sync with how we think it’s supposed to look? In this episode, we challenge the idea of a one-size-fits-all “Emerald City” and embrace our inner gems of joy, hope, authenticity, transformation, and positivity. We reflect on how to define happiness on our own path, love ourselves in the process, and exercise caution in assuming what’s good for us is good for others.

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In Connection Over Perfection, we explore the pressures of creating a picture-perfect holiday season and how it often leads to unnecessary stress and strained relationships. Rather than chasing perfection, we focus on why perfection is an impossible standard and how making genuine connections a priority. Tune in as we share our pro tips for enjoying a more relaxed and meaningful holiday season, centered on quality time and authenticity over flawless details.

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We jumped right into navigating polarizing conversations without sacrificing our relationships. We’ll explore practical tips for handling those tricky discussions around hot topics (yes, including election talk!), and how to know when to engage or take a step back. From setting gentle boundaries to finding common ground, we shared ideas for staying connected, along with strategies for keeping conversations respectful and light-hearted. By the end, you’ll feel ready to handle the chaos while keeping your connections strong and your values intact.

Just Smile by LiQWYD | https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd/

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